Understanding the Galatians: History, Culture, and Paul’s Urgent Message

In this episode, we explore the background of the Book of Galatians and why Paul wrote such a passionate and pointed letter to this particular group. Before jumping into the text itself, we take a closer look at who the Galatians were, their unique cultural identity, and the spiritual crisis that prompted Paul’s response. The historical, political, and theological context of this letter reveals why Galatians stands out among Paul’s writings and why its message still resonates today.

Top Topics Covered:

1. Who Were the Galatians?

The Galatians were descendants of Celtic tribes originally from Gaul—modern-day France—who migrated through Europe and eventually settled in what is now central Turkey. Fierce warriors by reputation, these tribes were eventually absorbed into the Roman Empire but retained much of their cultural identity. Understanding their roots in rebellion, warrior spirit, and eventual assimilation helps explain their temperament and the urgency behind Paul’s words.

2. Why Did Paul Write to Them?

Paul was responding to a theological crisis: Gentile believers in Galatia were being pressured by Jewish Christians—or perhaps even non-Christian Jews—to adopt full Jewish customs, including circumcision, in order to be accepted as true followers of Christ. Paul writes with intensity, skipping his usual greetings, because he is alarmed by how quickly the Galatians are turning away from the gospel of grace and embracing a law-based system.

3. When Was the Letter Written and To Whom?

Scholars debate whether Paul wrote to Southern or Northern Galatia, which influences the dating of the letter—either around 49 AD (making it possibly Paul’s earliest letter) or later in the mid-50s. Regardless of timing, the issues at hand were the same: whether faith in Christ alone is enough, or if salvation requires adherence to the Jewish law.

4. The Core Message: Grace Over Law

Paul emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works or ritual observance. His concern is not just theological—it’s pastoral. He sees his spiritual children in danger of trading freedom in Christ for another form of slavery. His message is both a warning and a plea: don’t reduce the gospel to a checklist. God wants transformation of the heart, not just outward compliance.

Key Takeaways:

This episode is a powerful reminder that spiritual freedom and identity in Christ are not about following a rulebook, but about living in relationship with God. The Galatians were tempted to replace grace with structure, looking for reassurance in rituals. Paul’s letter pushes back with clarity: the gospel is sufficient, and our transformation comes from the inside out—not by returning to the law but by living in the Spirit.

The relevance today is striking. Just like the Galatians, many still wrestle with the temptation to define faith by performance instead of grace. Paul’s passionate tone reminds us that adding anything to the gospel subtracts from its power. Whether dealing with doubt, legalism, or a desire for spiritual certainty, the message of Galatians challenges us to embrace the freedom Christ offers—not as another set of rules to follow, but as an invitation to live as beloved sons and daughters of God.

Tune in as we begin the journey into Galatians—a short but powerful letter that still speaks truth to hearts seeking God in a complex and demanding world.

Download blank templates, schedules here:

https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8

Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows

Jill’s Links

The Bible Changes You: Exegesis vs. Eisegesis and the Way We Read Scripture

In this episode, we’re unpacking one of the most essential practices in Christian life: how we read and interpret the Bible. At the heart of this conversation are two critical approaches—exegesis and eisegesis. Understanding the difference between them can shape how we experience Scripture, how we grow in faith, and how we relate to God's word. This episode offers a practical, thoughtful exploration of why the Bible must be read to discover God—not simply to confirm what we already believe.

Top Topics:

What Are We Really Looking for in Scripture?

We often come to the Bible with a personal agenda—seeking comfort, validation, or answers about ourselves. But the deeper question should be: What does this passage tell us about God? When we shift our focus from ourselves to Him, we begin to understand the transformative power of Scripture.

Exegesis vs. Eisegesis—Why It Matters

Exegesis means drawing meaning out of the text as it was originally intended. It involves understanding the historical context, the author's purpose, the genre, and how the passage fits within the broader story of the Bible. Eisegesis, on the other hand, happens when we read our own assumptions, desires, or cultural perspectives into the text. It often starts with what we want to believe and finds verses to support it. Understanding the difference helps preserve the integrity of God’s Word.

How Different Traditions Approach Interpretation

Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions all recognize the value of exegesis but apply it differently. The Catholic Church emphasizes interpretation within the magisterium and tradition. The Orthodox Church prioritizes the communal and liturgical reading of Scripture. Protestants often empower individual believers to read and study the Bible with the aid of context, commentaries, and community. Each approach reveals something valuable, but all caution against the dangers of personal interpretations that distort Scripture.

Why ‘Looking for Ourselves’ Can Be Misleading

It’s natural to want to find ourselves in biblical stories. But when we make ourselves the main character, we reduce the Bible to a self-help book with God in a supporting role. Instead, the goal is to look for God first. His mercy, holiness, patience, and faithfulness reveal more about who we are than any self-focused reading ever could.

Takeaways:

Reading the Bible through the lens of exegesis requires humility and a willingness to be shaped by God’s word—not the other way around. When we let the Bible speak on its own terms, we discover who God is and how He relates to His people. That revelation then helps us understand ourselves more truthfully. The Bible isn’t there to reflect our image back to us; it’s there to reflect God’s character and transform ours. By keeping God at the center of our reading, we’re drawn into the bigger story—His story—and find our true place within it.

This episode is an invitation to read the Bible faithfully, thoughtfully, and with the right questions. Not “What does this say about me?” but “What does this tell me about God?” When we get that order right, transformation naturally follows.

Download blank templates, schedules here:

https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8

Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows

Jill’s Links

https://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/

Build a Bible Habit That Actually Sticks

In this episode, I share why so many Bible reading plans fall apart—and offer a practical, grace-filled approach to making your Bible reading more meaningful and sustainable. Whether you’re a first-time reader or a long-time believer feeling stuck, this conversation will help you reframe your relationship with Scripture and build a practice that lasts.
Top Topics:
Why We Quit Bible Reading Plans:
January often starts strong with fresh plans and new motivation, but burnout sets in quickly. I explore the root causes—overly ambitious plans, guilt from missed days, and treating Bible reading like a task instead of a relationship.
Shifting to a Sustainable Practice:
Learn how to turn your Bible time into a space of reflection, presence, and transformation instead of checklist pressure. We talk about the value of curiosity, asking good questions, and giving yourself permission to go slow.
Different Study Methods That Work:
I outline multiple ways to approach Scripture—book studies, topic studies, liturgical readings, chronological Bibles, companion podcasts—and help you find what fits your season of life and personality.
Finding the Right Translation:
We explore the differences between word-for-word, thought-for-thought, and paraphrased Bibles. I also share which ones I personally use and why, along with how to combine them for clarity and depth.
Takeaways:
It’s not about finishing the Bible in a year. It’s about engaging with it in a way that shapes your heart and draws you closer to God. Consistency matters more than volume. Missed days aren’t failures—they’re invitations to return. Find a study rhythm that brings joy and depth, and don’t be afraid to go slow. Whether you’re reading alone, in a group, or listening on a walk, Scripture can meet you right where you are—and change your life one step at a time.

Download blank templates, schedules here:
https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8
Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows
Jill’s Links
https://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod
https://twitter.com/schmern
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com
“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”

Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.

Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/
Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible...

2 Corinthians: Ministry, Pain, and the Power of Reconciliation
In this episode, we explore the profound emotional and spiritual depths of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. Far more than a follow-up to his first letter, this message reads like a vulnerable journal entry from a pastor who has been wounded, but still loves deeply. It captures the messiness of real ministry, the challenge of reconciliation, and the radical power of God working through weakness.

1. The Chaos of Corinth
We begin by setting the scene. Corinth was a booming port city, filled with wealth, corruption, and religious confusion. Paul planted a church there, but it faced enormous cultural challenges. The believers were struggling to separate their new faith from old habits, making ministry in Corinth especially difficult.
2. The Painful Visit and the Missing Letter
Between Paul’s first and second letters, something dramatic occurred. A painful visit ended with public humiliation for Paul. Betrayed and grieved, he left and wrote a severe letter—now lost to time—pleading for repentance and healing.
3. The Emotional Heart of 2 Corinthians
Unlike the instructive tone of 1 Corinthians, the second letter is emotional and poetic. Paul opens up about his suffering, his fears, and the critics who questioned his apostleship. He shares his vulnerability and the toll that real ministry takes on the human spirit.
4. Strength Through Weakness
Paul pushes back against the idea that external success equals divine favor. Instead, he explains that his many hardships are the very places where God’s power shines brightest. Suffering becomes a platform for God’s strength.
5. A Message for Today’s Church
This letter isn’t just ancient history. It speaks powerfully to our current struggles in ministry, leadership, and church life. Reconciliation is messy, but worth it. Weakness isn’t disqualification—it’s the doorway to divine grace.
Takeaways:
Ministry isn’t glamorous. It’s often heartbreaking, emotional, and full of setbacks. Yet through all of it, God calls us to keep loving, keep leading, and keep forgiving. 2 Corinthians encourages us to stop measuring success by worldly standards and instead embrace the power of God working through our brokenness. If you’ve ever felt unqualified, betrayed, or worn out in your faith journey, this episode is for you. You’re not alone—and your weakness may be the very thing God is using for something greater.

Download blank templates, schedules here:
https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8

Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows

Jill’s Links
https://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”

Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian...

Why “Share” Completes the RAMPS Bible Study
This episode explores the essential final step in the RAMPS Bible study method—Share. Originally structured as Read, Analyze, Meditate, and Pray, the method served as a powerful tool for personal growth in Scripture. However, the realization soon emerged that something critical was missing: the outward expression of faith.
Scripture is not only meant to transform the heart, but to ripple outward into the world. Without the “Share” step, spiritual insights remain sealed within. With it, Bible study becomes a lived and visible testimony that builds up others and deepens faith.

Why “Share” Was Added to the RAMPS Method
The RAMPS method initially focused on internal transformation. Yet Scripture repeatedly calls believers to share what they’ve received. “Faith comes by hearing,” and hearing requires someone to speak. Sharing completes the spiritual cycle by moving the message outward.
Sharing Strengthens Both the Giver and the Receiver
When biblical truth is expressed out loud or in action, it moves from short-term understanding to long-term conviction. The act of articulating Scripture to others not only encourages them—it cements those truths in the sharer’s own heart as well.
Simple, Everyday Ways to Share God’s Word
Sharing doesn’t require a sermon or a platform. It can take the form of a kind word, a thoughtful message, a Scripture shared in conversation, or a visible act of grace. It’s about honest expressions of faith that fit naturally into daily life.
Scriptural Models of Sharing
The Bible is filled with examples of people who encountered God and immediately shared their experience. The Samaritan woman ran to tell her village. The shepherds proclaimed what they saw. Andrew invited his brother to meet Jesus. These weren’t theological lectures—they were simple, powerful moments of witness.
Takeaways:
Sharing is the outward breath of everything breathed in during time with God. It brings the truth of Scripture into conversations, relationships, and actions. Faith is not meant to remain internal; it is meant to be lived, spoken, and shown.
Adding “Share” to the RAMPS method transforms study into movement. It turns reflection into relationship and converts knowledge into action. The most lasting spiritual change often begins with a small expression of truth spoken, written, or lived out in front of others.
This step completes the circle of spiritual growth and makes space for God’s Word to multiply—one seed at a time.

Download blank templates, schedules here:
https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8

Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows

Jill’s Links
https://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”

Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright ©...

Prayer That Transforms: The “P” in the RAMPS Bible Study Method

In this episode, we explore the role of prayer in the RAMPS Bible study method. After reading, analyzing, and meditating on scripture, prayer becomes the essential step that turns study into relationship. It’s not just about talking to God—prayer is where we respond, wrestle, and open ourselves to be changed by what we’ve learned.
Top Topics Covered:
Prayer as Response, Not Ritual:
Prayer is portrayed in the Bible as a heartfelt response—sometimes a sigh, a cry, or a confession. It emerges naturally from reflection and opens the door to deeper intimacy with God.
Balancing Knowledge with Humility:
While analysis is important, prayer guards us from spiritual pride. It reminds us that knowing something isn’t the same as living it and calls us to ask for help in applying the truth.
Praying Through Scripture:
Practical steps include echoing verses, identifying what stood out, voicing confusion, asking for help, and sitting in stillness. These turn study into a living encounter.
Scripture as Mirror:
Meditation reveals what’s within us; prayer is the moment we give that to God. It’s not just about being convicted but about being changed.
Takeaways:
Prayer is not a side activity—it’s central to understanding and living out the Bible. When we pray through scripture, we invite God to shape our character, guide our thoughts, and soften our hearts. Prayer waters the seeds of truth planted through study, ensuring that they grow into real, lasting change. If you’re studying scripture but not praying, you’re missing the part where the Word becomes alive in your life. Let prayer be the step that turns knowledge into transformation.

Download blank templates, schedules here:
https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8

Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows

Jill’s Links
https://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”

Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.

Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/

Copyright 2014 Faithlife / Logos Bible Software. Free for non-commercial use by individuals or organizations. May be presented before live audiences; may be posted on...

What Is Christian Meditation Really About?

In this episode, we explore the often misunderstood practice of Christian meditation. While the world associates meditation with emptying the mind and Eastern practices, Christian meditation invites us to fill ourselves with the presence and truth of God. It’s not about detachment but about attentiveness—and it’s deeply rooted in Scripture and tradition.
Top Topics:
What Christian Meditation Is (and Isn’t)
I talk about how Christian meditation differs from popular views shaped by mindfulness apps and Eastern practices. It’s not about emptying the mind, but about filling it with God’s Word and presence.
Scriptural Foundations and Historical Roots
We look at what the Bible really says about meditation. From Psalm 1 to Joshua 1:8, meditation has always been meant as a daily practice of reflection. I also talk about how early Christians embraced this deeply in monastic traditions like Lectio Divina and hesychia.
Three Ways to Meditate Today
I walk through three practical forms of meditation you can start immediately: Scripture meditation, breath prayer, and imaginative gospel meditation. Each one is powerful and approachable—even for beginners.
Modern Challenges and Why It Matters
Our world is noisy, and I share my own struggles with constant distraction. Christian meditation helps me (and can help you) refocus on God’s voice, find peace, and be transformed from within.
Takeaways:
Christian meditation isn’t complicated, and it’s not something that requires hours of your day. Just two minutes can open a door to hearing God’s voice more clearly. It brings the truth of Scripture from your head into your heart, and cultivates empathy, patience, and clarity. Whether you’re overwhelmed, spiritually dry, or simply seeking more connection with God, Christian meditation offers a gentle and powerful path forward.
This practice is about trust and consistency. Don’t worry if your mind wanders. Return again and again. That’s where transformation begins.

Download blank templates, schedules here:
https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8

Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows

Jill’s Links
https://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”

Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.

Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or

How to Analyze the Bible (Without a Seminary Degree)
In this episode, we explore the “Analyze” step in the RAMPS Bible Study method—a practical and approachable way for everyday readers to deeply understand scripture. Many of us have read the Bible, but how many of us have truly analyzed it?
We talk about how to examine the Bible inductively, starting with the text itself and setting aside personal biases. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about slowing down, asking thoughtful questions, and allowing the Bible to reveal its meaning in context.

1. Reading Without Bias
We often come to the Bible with assumptions. This episode encourages readers to pause and read scripture with fresh eyes—observing first, interpreting second.
2. Context Matters
We dive into the importance of historical, cultural, and literary context when analyzing scripture. It’s not just what is said, but who it’s said to and why.
3. Tools That Help (And Don’t Overwhelm)
Bible software, commentaries, and even color-coding can enrich your understanding. But the heart of analysis is your willingness to engage and question.
4. Word Studies and Repetition
We discuss the value of tracing repeated words and themes across chapters and books. Whether it’s “love,” “kingdom,” or “forgiveness,” repetition reveals emphasis.
5. Application to Modern Life
From ancient idol worship to modern brand loyalties, we reflect on how seemingly outdated texts are surprisingly relevant today.
Key Takeaways:
Analyzing the Bible is a form of worship. It doesn’t require credentials—just curiosity, humility, and attention. Whether you’re diagramming verses, comparing translations, or highlighting repeated words, the goal is the same: to understand what God is saying and how that truth speaks to us today. We don’t have to be experts—we just have to be willing to explore the text thoughtfully and faithfully.

Download blank templates, schedules here:
https://schmern2.notion.site/Downloads-Template-Word-and-Excel-Schedule-67439d14449d4c20bfe00efe069f78b8

Logos RAMPS Workflow - RAMPS Bible Study - The Bible in Small Steps in Logos Workflows

Jill’s Links
https://jillfromthenorthwoods.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”

Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

“The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved”.

Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or