Read the Bible in a Year

Abraham's Ultimate Test of Faith

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we explore the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, focusing on the test God presents to Abraham and the profound implications of his obedience. We also unpack the symbolism of the ram's provision and the subsequent death of Sarah, highlighting themes of faith, sacrifice, and divine providence.

Chapters

00:00 The Test of Abraham

03:03 God Provides the Lamb

04:08 Sarah's Death and Burial

05:18 Faith and Divine Provision

Abraham's Treaty and Trees

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we follow Abraham's journey after Isaac's birth, highlighting his treaty with Abimelech and the symbolic act of planting trees in the desert. We explore how Abraham navigates present realities while holding onto future promises, demonstrating that life is often about resolving conflicts and planning for the long term, rather than constant supernatural intervention.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Abimelech

01:47 Resolving the Well Conflict

02:28 Planting Trees and Settling

03:39 Living in Tension

Isaac's Laughter, Ishmael's Cry

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we explore the biblical story of Isaac's birth and the subsequent exile of Ishmael and Hagar, highlighting the complex emotions and divine intervention within this narrative. We also discuss how God's promises extend to all, even in situations of perceived abandonment and hardship.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Isaac's Birth

00:46 Ishmael's Exile and God's Promise

02:02 Hagar and Ishmael in the Wilderness

03:36 God's Providence Amidst Hardship

Abraham's Fearful Repetition in Gerar

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we unpack Abraham's repeated deception about Sarah being his sister and Abimelech's surprising integrity, contrasting Abraham's fear-driven actions with the 'godless' king's honorable conduct. We also consider how fear can lead us to revert to old, unhelpful patterns, challenging listeners to examine their own default responses to anxiety.

Chapters

00:00 Abraham's Deception Revisited

00:41 God Intervenes in Abimelech's Dream

01:54 Abimelech's Integrity and Abraham's Fear

03:36 Study Companion Offer

Sodom and Gomorrah: Lot's Story

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we explore the biblical narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah, focusing on Lot's questionable decisions and the shocking events that led to the cities' destruction. We also uncover the true nature of Sodom's sin and draw lessons from Lot's wife's fate, emphasizing the importance of letting go of the past to move forward.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sodom and Lot

02:14 Hospitality and Lot's Horrifying Offer

04:26 Angels Reveal Destruction

05:32 Lot's Hesitation and Escape

07:36 The Destruction and Lot's Wife

10:05 Sodom's True Sin and Letting Go

Abraham Negotiates for Sodom and Gomorrah

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:36:38 GMT

In this episode, we explore the biblical account of Abraham's audacious negotiation with God over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah, highlighting how Abraham challenges God's plan and advocates for justice and mercy. We also discuss how this narrative reveals God's character as open to engagement and accountability, contrasting with the capricious deities of the ancient world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Abraham's Story

00:32 God's Decision to Destroy Sodom

03:39 Abraham's Bold Intercession

06:21 Lessons from Abraham's Negotiation

Hospitality and the Impossible Promise

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:34:10 GMT

In this episode, we explore the ancient code of hospitality through the story of Abraham and three mysterious visitors, one of whom reveals himself to be God. We learn about Sarah's disbelief and God's powerful question, 'Is anything too hard for the Lord?', and reflect on how this applies to challenges in our own lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Study Guide

00:23 Abraham's Unexpected Guests

04:10 Sarah's Disbelief and God's Question

06:29 The Meaning of God's Question

Abraham's 13 Years of Silence and an Impossible Promise

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we explore the 13 years of silence from God in Abram's life, leading to a new covenant that redefines his identity and the physical sign of circumcision. We also discuss why Abraham laughs at the seemingly impossible promise of a son through Sarah and God's unwavering commitment to His divine plan.

https://study-companion.kit.com/0a352e0e64 Click link to download your free, weekly PDF Study Companion - stuff you won't find in Sunday school — real scholarship, surprising history, and sermons from voices outside your usual orbit.

Chapters

00:00 13 Years of Silence

01:35 God's Covenant and Name Change

06:52 The Meaning of Circumcision

10:05 Sarah's Impossible Son

15:53 Abraham's Act of Faith

18:54 Commitment Beyond Understanding

Sarai, Abram, Hagar, and the God Who Sees

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we explore the biblical story of Sarai, Abram, and Hagar, focusing on Sarai's desperation to bear a child and the cultural context of surrogacy in the ancient Near East. We also examine Hagar's flight into the wilderness, her encounter with God, and how she gives God the name Eloroi, "The God Who Sees."

https://study-companion.kit.com/0a352e0e64 - Click link to download your free, weekly PDF Study Companion - stuff you won't find in Sunday school — real scholarship, surprising history, and sermons from voices outside your usual orbit.

Chapters

00:00 10 Years of Waiting

00:36 Sarai's Desperation and Abram's Compliance

02:17 Cultural Context of Surrogacy

04:02 Conflict and Hagar's Flight

08:48 Hagar Encounters The God Who Sees

13:22 Reflecting on Who We See

Abram's Faith and God's Unilateral Covenant

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we explore Abram's raw honesty with God about his childlessness and God's powerful response, revealing the nature of faith through the countless stars. We also uncover the profound meaning of the covenant ceremony, where God unilaterally binds Himself to His promise, taking full responsibility for its fulfillment.

Chapters

00:00 Abram's Fear and Honesty

00:01 God's Promise of Descendants

03:52 Abram's Belief and Righteousness

05:40 The Covenant Ceremony

11:26 God Walks Through Alone

15:39 Faith and God's Unfailing Promise https://study-companion.kit.com/0a352e0e64 - Click link to download your free, weekly PDF Study Companion - stuff you won't find in Sunday school — real scholarship, surprising history, and sermons from voices outside your usual orbit.

Abram the Warrior: Faith, Fight, and Release

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we explore the surprising biblical account of Abram as a military chieftain, discussing the battles worth fighting for family and justice. We also examine the crucial lesson of releasing the spoils of victory and acknowledging God's provision.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Abram the Warrior

00:40 A Coalition War and Lot's Capture

03:24 Abram's Private Militia and Night Raid

06:45 Melchizedek and Abram's Tithes

10:09 King of Sodom's Offer and Abram's Refusal

13:54 Fighting Battles and Releasing Victories

Lot's Appearance vs. Abram's Trust

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:49:57 GMT

In this episode, we explore the biblical story of Abram and Lot, highlighting their contrasting approaches to decision-making. We discuss how Lot chose based on immediate appearances, while Abram demonstrated trust in a larger promise, and draw parallels to how we make choices in our own lives.

Chapters

00:00 Return to Canaan

01:53 The Conflict and Lot's Choice

06:35 Abram's Promise vs. Lot's Appearance

11:58 Applying the Lesson

https://study-companion.kit.com/0a352e0e64 - Click to sign up for your free, weekly PDF Study Companion - stuff you won't find in Sunday school — real scholarship, surprising history, and sermons from voices outside your usual orbit.

Genesis 12: When Abraham Lies and God Keeps the Promise

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 22:10:03 GMT

In Genesis 12, the father of faith completely unravels.

A famine hits the promised land. Abram panics. On the way to Egypt, he tells Sarai to lie and say she’s his sister. She’s taken into Pharaoh’s house. Abram profits. Pharaoh becomes the moral voice.

And God keeps the promise anyway.

This episode explores:

Why Abraham’s lie made cultural sense — and moral disaster
What really happened when Sarai entered Pharaoh’s house
Why the pagan king sounds more righteous than God’s chosen man
What this story reveals about fear, compromise, and self-preservation
Grace before repentance
A promise that doesn’t depend on performance

Genesis 12 refuses to sanitize its heroes. Abraham is afraid. Sarai is vulnerable. Pharaoh calls out the lie. And God intervenes — not because Abram deserves it, but because God is faithful.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your failure disqualifies you from God’s calling, this story answers that question with uncomfortable honesty.

God doesn’t abandon Abram. He rescues him.

Louie Zamperini, Billy Graham, and Abraham’s Call: Learning to Leave (Genesis 12)

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 22:03:59 GMT

In 1943, Louie Zamperini survived a plane crash, 47 days adrift at sea, and brutal Japanese POW camps. But he couldn’t survive his own rage—until a 1949 Billy Graham crusade changed everything.

Years later, Louie forgave the man who tortured him.

Genesis 12 begins with a different kind of survival story. God tells Abraham: “Leave your country… and go to the land I will show you.”

In this episode, we explore:

Louie Zamperini’s radical forgiveness
Billy Graham and the turning point of surrender
Abraham leaving Ur at 75 years old
What it means to leave your old identity
Why faith feels like falling without a map

Forgiveness is leaving. Faith is leaving. Transformation always requires release.