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Bible for Newbies

Bible for Newbies

Written by: Russ Michaels
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About this listen

This podcast is for you if you're new to reading the Bible or if you've been reading for a while and you want to go deeper. The goal is to help untangle the confusing stuff so your Bible reading feels rewarding and life-giving, not frustrating or overwhelming. One of Jesus' disciples, Peter, wrote that the scriptures are like light shining in a dark place. Reading the Bible is like flipping your headlights to high beam when you're driving on a dark country road. Suddenly, things get clearer, you can see the road ahead and avoid the ditches. So come take a ride with me and let's turn on the light.Copyright 2026 Russ Michaels Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Philosophy Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • Isaiah 63–66 — Resisting Rescue: Why Isaiah Ends with a Warning
    Jan 7 2026

    In this final episode of the Isaiah series on Bible for Newbies, Russ Michaels reflects on the profound messages of the last chapters of Isaiah. He emphasizes the importance of understanding God's judgment not as revenge but as a means of setting things right. The episode explores themes of rescue, redemption, and the consequences of resisting God's call. Russ shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the urgency of cutting sin out of one's life and embracing God's rescue mission. The episode concludes with an invitation to listeners to embrace the life God offers and a preview of new directions for future episodes.

    Inside the episode:

    1. The Book of Isaiah ends with a warning, emphasizing the consequences of resisting God's rescue.
    2. God's judgment is about setting things right, not revenge.
    3. Isaiah 63 depicts God as a warrior, highlighting the seriousness of judgment.
    4. Isaiah 64 includes a plea for God's mercy and recognition of human imperfection.
    5. Isaiah 65 presents a vision of new heavens and a new earth, echoing Revelation.
    6. Isaiah 66 emphasizes humility and the gathering of nations to witness God's glory.
    7. Personal anecdotes illustrate the importance of cutting sin out of one's life.
    8. Jesus' teachings in Mark 9 are connected to Isaiah's warnings about sin.
    9. The episode invites listeners to embrace God's rescue and the life He offers.
    10. Future episodes will explore new directions, continuing the journey of faith.

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    29 mins
  • Isaiah 57–62: The God Who Steps In
    Jan 5 2026

    In this episode of Bible for Newbies, Russ Michaels delves into Isaiah chapters 57 through 62, exploring the theme of God's unwavering commitment to rescue His people. Despite human failure and sin, God steps in as the ultimate rescuer, a theme that resonates throughout these chapters. Russ shares personal insights and encourages listeners to read these chapters slowly and in different translations to fully grasp the depth of God's intervention and love.

    Inside the episode:

    1. God's people couldn't rescue themselves, so Yahweh stepped in.
    2. Isaiah 57-62 is about God's faithfulness, not human failure.
    3. Sin creates a barrier, but God is committed to rescuing.
    4. Context is crucial in understanding scripture.
    5. Different translations can offer new insights.
    6. God's hand is not too short to save.
    7. Sin distorts our perception, not God's presence.
    8. God intervenes when humans fail.
    9. Isaiah 59 shows God running towards sinners, not away.
    10. The rescuer didn't just promise to come, He showed up.

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    19 mins
  • Bible Reading Plans for the New Year (Without the Guilt)
    Dec 31 2025

    In this episode of Bible for Newbies, Russ Michaels discusses the importance of choosing a Bible reading plan that fits your life and the posture you bring to Bible reading. He reminisces about New Year's Eve 1999 and the Y2K scare, drawing parallels to the expectations we have for Bible reading plans. Russ highlights three trusted platforms for Bible reading plans: YouVersion, Bible Gateway, and the Bible Project, each offering unique features and plans. He emphasizes that Bible reading is about encountering God, not just absorbing information, and encourages listeners to approach it with grace and consistency rather than guilt.

    Inside the episode:

    1. The Bible Project offers guided journeys through the Bible.
    2. Bible reading is about encountering God, not just information.
    3. Consistency in Bible reading is more important than perfection.
    4. Grace, not guilt, should motivate spiritual practices.
    5. Transformation through Bible reading happens over time.

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    29 mins
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