Hi, this is Jill from the Northwoods. I just wanted to give you an announcement that I talked about before that I have the podcast, which we've been in Timothy, and I have the YouTube channel, which is in Mark. I started that at the beginning of the year. Because of the complexity of having the two podcasts and having them at the same time, what I've decided to do is relaunch this podcast. I am going to publish all of Matthew and Mark is up to chapter 11 in the YouTube channel, and then we're going to keep going. We're going to go from there, and then we'll just keep going with Mark 12, 13. And so essentially what this is doing is we're starting this podcast over in the Bible. It became a lot for me to do two podcasts on the Bible during the same week. But not only that, I feel like my tools are better than they used to be. My website is up and running, and I have a lot better grasp on what this podcast is and where we're at. So I think we're going to get a better experience with having the same feed coming from YouTube channel and the podcast. So I'm sorry for those of you who've been following along. You're welcome to email me at jill@startwithsmallsteps if you have been, and we can certainly talk about it. But like I said, between being better at it, having better tools now, having my website up and running, and the time involved in having two podcasts on different chapters in the Bible became too much. So I apologize, like I said, if you've been following along. This will allow me to bring back the podcast Small Steps with God because it just became too much. But I want to give us more tools of studying the Bible than just going through the Bible too. And not only that, I had some plans for doing live sessions, possibly on YouTube, after the end of every book. And then I started pondering, well, are we going to do it for both Timothy and Mark? Or are we just going to do it for the one? And this will allow me to focus all tools, community building, everything like that on one order, one podcast every day, the same podcast every day. So I appreciate you listening. Thanks so much. Have a great day. great day.

Romans 15 - Harmony in the Church

In this episode, we dive into Romans 15, where the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of unity within the Christian community. Whether Jew or Gentile, Paul teaches that we are all called to live in harmony, bearing with each other's weaknesses and building each other up in love.

Bearing with the Weak: Paul urges believers to be patient with each other’s failings and not to seek self-satisfaction. This teaching reminds us of the importance of humility and avoiding judgment, even when we are tempted to look down on others.

Unity in Christ: Paul stresses the need for unity, reminding the church that both Jews and Gentiles are welcomed into God’s family. This is not about uniformity in opinion but about being one in Jesus Christ.

Paul’s Mission to the Gentiles: Though a Pharisee, Paul was called to minister to the Gentiles. His work exemplifies how God’s plans often take us in unexpected directions, and how Paul adapted his message to build up new believers.

Support for the Church in Jerusalem: Paul discusses the need to help the struggling church in Jerusalem, showcasing the importance of mutual support within the body of Christ.

Takeaway: Unity and humility are key to building a strong church. Paul’s message in Romans 15 encourages us to bear with each other's weaknesses and to live in harmony, glorifying God together as one body in Christ.

https://thebibleinsmallsteps.com/romans-15-harmony-in-the-church/

Download blank templates, schedules here:
https://schmern2.notion.site/schmern2/The-Bible-in-Small-Steps-b99ab90118b3433bab73c488ef44d4d1

Logos RAMPS Workflow
https://flshare.net/p86nc4

Jill’s Links

https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill

https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI

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

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at jill@smallstepswithgod.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.”

Romans 15 - Harmony in the Church

In this episode, we dive into Romans 15, where the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of unity within the Christian community. Whether Jew or Gentile, Paul teaches that we are all called to live in harmony, bearing with each other’s weaknesses and building each other up in love.

Bearing with the Weak: Paul urges believers to be patient with each other’s failings and not to seek self-satisfaction. This teaching reminds us of the importance of humility and avoiding judgment, even when we are tempted to look down on others.

Unity in Christ: Paul stresses the need for unity, reminding the church that both Jews and Gentiles are welcomed into God’s family. This is not about uniformity in opinion but about being one in Jesus Christ.

Paul’s Mission to the Gentiles: Though a Pharisee, Paul was called to minister to the Gentiles. His work exemplifies how God’s plans often take us in unexpected directions, and how Paul adapted his message to build up new believers.

Support for the Church in Jerusalem: Paul discusses the need to help the struggling church in Jerusalem, showcasing the importance of mutual support within the body of Christ.

Takeaway: Unity and humility are key to building a strong church. Paul’s message in Romans 15 encourages us to bear with each other’s weaknesses and to live in harmony, glorifying God together as one body in Christ.

https://thebibleinsmallsteps.com/romans-15-harmony-in-the-church/

Download blank templates, schedules here:
https://schmern2.notion.site/schmern2/The-Bible-in-Small-Steps-b99ab90118b3433bab73c488ef44d4d1

Logos RAMPS Workflow
https://flshare.net/p86nc4

Jill’s Links

https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodpodcast
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod
https://twitter.com/schmern
Email the podcast at jill@smallstepswithgod.com
By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.
“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.
Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ or https://biblemapper.com/index.html

2 Corinthians 4 - Jars of Clay: Finding Strength in Fragility

In this episode, we look into Paul’s profound metaphor of "jars of clay" from 2 Corinthians 4. We discuss the power of embracing human fragility while carrying the eternal treasure of the gospel. Through Paul’s words, we explore how our weaknesses can become a testimony of God’s strength and how shifting our focus from the temporary to the eternal transforms our perspective on life.

The Meaning of Jars of Clay:
Paul’s metaphor illustrates how fragile humans are, yet emphasizes that God entrusts us with the priceless treasure of the gospel. We discuss how this image challenges societal norms about strength and self-sufficiency.

Light in Darkness:
Drawing on Paul’s theme of the "light of the gospel," we explore how believers are called to shine amid a darkened world. Vulnerabilities, rather than being hidden, become a means to reveal divine power.

Trials as Opportunities:
Using examples from Paul’s life, we highlight how hardships are not defeats but opportunities for God’s glory to shine through.

An Eternal Focus:
The episode concludes with a call to prioritize eternal realities over temporary struggles, offering practical ways to cultivate an eternal perspective in daily life.

Takeaways:
-Your worth isn’t defined by physical or external strength but by the treasure of the gospel within you.
-Hardships are temporary and serve a greater purpose in revealing God’s glory.
-Shifting your focus from visible struggles to eternal promises brings peace and resilience.
-Embrace your vulnerabilities—they allow God's light to shine through.
-Tune in to discover how to navigate life with an eternal perspective and turn your weaknesses into a source of strength.

https://thebibleinsmallsteps.com/2-corinthians-4-jars-of-clay-finding-strength-in-fragility/

Download blank templates, schedules here:
https://schmern2.notion.site/schmern2/The-Bible-in-Small-Steps-b99ab90118b3433bab73c488ef44d4d1

Logos RAMPS Workflow
https://flshare.net/p86nc4

Jill’s Links

https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill

https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI

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

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at jill@smallstepswithgod.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.”

2 Corinthians 3 - The New Covenant

In today’s episode, we unpack the powerful teachings of 2 Corinthians 3 and explore how they apply to our lives. Paul’s reflections on ministry, identity, and the transformative glory of the new covenant offer timeless wisdom for believers. From letting go of external validations to embracing the freedom of the Spirit, this chapter challenges and encourages us to live boldly in Christ.
Join us as we explore what it means to reflect God’s glory and walk in the confidence of His promises.

True Confidence in Ministry
Paul addresses the importance of relying on God’s sufficiency rather than human validation. We discuss how this principle applies to modern life, emphasizing the freedom that comes from knowing our worth is found in Christ alone.

The Letter vs. the Spirit
Paul contrasts the old covenant of the law with the life-giving power of the Spirit. We reflect on the implications of living in grace rather than being burdened by rigid legalism.

Glory That Transforms
Drawing from the story of Moses, we explore how the new covenant brings a permanent and transformative glory. Discover how God’s Spirit works in us to reshape our character and reflect His image.

Removing the Veil
Paul’s metaphor of the veil reminds us of the clarity and freedom that come from turning to Christ. We discuss how this unveiling impacts our understanding of God and empowers us to live with authenticity and boldness.

Hope in the New Covenant
The promises of the new covenant offer eternal hope and assurance. Learn how this hope sustains us through challenges and invites us to focus on God’s faithfulness.

Takeaways
-Sufficiency Comes from God: Let go of the need for external validation and trust that God equips you for your calling.
-Embrace the Spirit’s Freedom: Shift your focus from rigid rules to the transformative power of God’s grace.
-Be Transformed: Seek daily renewal by the Spirit, knowing that God is working to shape you into His image.
-Live Boldly: With the veil removed, step into a life of courage, authenticity, and purpose preparing a glorious future for His people.

Connect with Us:
Thank you for tuning into today’s episode! If you enjoyed this discussion, be sure to subscribe to the podcast for more reflections on faith and spiritual growth. Visit abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com to explore additional resources and insights. Have questions or thoughts? Reach out via email at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com.
Let’s continue walking boldly in the light of God’s glory. See you next time!

https://thebibleinsmallsteps.com/2-corinthians-3-the-new-covenant/

Download blank templates, schedules here:
https://schmern2.notion.site/schmern2/The-Bible-in-Small-Steps-b99ab90118b3433bab73c488ef44d4d1

Logos RAMPS Workflow
https://flshare.net/p86nc4

Jill’s Links

https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill

https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI

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

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at jill@smallstepswithgod.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.”

2 Corinthians 3 - The New Covenant

In today’s episode, we unpack the powerful teachings of 2 Corinthians 3 and explore how they apply to our lives. Paul’s reflections on ministry, identity, and the transformative glory of the new covenant offer timeless wisdom for believers. From letting go of external validations to embracing the freedom of the Spirit, this chapter challenges and encourages us to live boldly in Christ.
Join us as we explore what it means to reflect God’s glory and walk in the confidence of His promises.

True Confidence in Ministry
Paul addresses the importance of relying on God’s sufficiency rather than human validation. We discuss how this principle applies to modern life, emphasizing the freedom that comes from knowing our worth is found in Christ alone.

The Letter vs. the Spirit
Paul contrasts the old covenant of the law with the life-giving power of the Spirit. We reflect on the implications of living in grace rather than being burdened by rigid legalism.

Glory That Transforms
Drawing from the story of Moses, we explore how the new covenant brings a permanent and transformative glory. Discover how God’s Spirit works in us to reshape our character and reflect His image.

Removing the Veil
Paul’s metaphor of the veil reminds us of the clarity and freedom that come from turning to Christ. We discuss how this unveiling impacts our understanding of God and empowers us to live with authenticity and boldness.

Hope in the New Covenant
The promises of the new covenant offer eternal hope and assurance. Learn how this hope sustains us through challenges and invites us to focus on God’s faithfulness.

Takeaways
-Sufficiency Comes from God: Let go of the need for external validation and trust that God equips you for your calling.
-Embrace the Spirit’s Freedom: Shift your focus from rigid rules to the transformative power of God’s grace.
-Be Transformed: Seek daily renewal by the Spirit, knowing that God is working to shape you into His image.
-Live Boldly: With the veil removed, step into a life of courage, authenticity, and purpose preparing a glorious future for His people.

Connect with Us:
Thank you for tuning into today’s episode! If you enjoyed this discussion, be sure to subscribe to the podcast for more reflections on faith and spiritual growth. Visit abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com to explore additional resources and insights. Have questions or thoughts? Reach out via email at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com.
Let’s continue walking boldly in the light of God’s glory. See you next time!

https://thebibleinsmallsteps.com/2-corinthians-3-the-new-covenant/

Download blank templates, schedules here:
https://schmern2.notion.site/schmern2/The-Bible-in-Small-Steps-b99ab90118b3433bab73c488ef44d4d1

Logos RAMPS Workflow
https://flshare.net/p86nc4

Jill’s Links

https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill

https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI

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

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at jill@smallstepswithgod.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.”

2 Corinthians 2 — The Door God Opens
In this chapter, Paul reveals the heart behind his earlier rebuke and shows us how the gospel shapes the way we handle conflict, forgiveness, and calling.
Rather than insisting on discipline alone, Paul urges the church to restore the one who has repented, reminding us that love must always outweigh punishment. Forgiveness is not weakness—it is protection against the enemy and a reflection of Christ’s grace.
Paul also speaks of an open door God placed before him for ministry, even while his heart carried deep concern. From this tension comes one of Scripture’s most powerful images: believers as the fragrance of Christ, spreading the knowledge of Him wherever God leads.
This chapter invites us to consider:
How we respond when reconciliation is costly
Why forgiveness is essential to spiritual health
What it means to walk through the doors God opens
How our lives reveal Christ to the world
Key theme: God leads His people in triumph—even through discomfort—and uses them to make Christ known.

https://thebibleinsmallsteps.com/1-corinthians-2-power-of-forgiveness-and-unity/

Download blank templates, schedules here:
https://schmern2.notion.site/schmern2/The-Bible-in-Small-Steps-b99ab90118b3433bab73c488ef44d4d1

Logos RAMPS Workflow
https://flshare.net/p86nc4

Jill’s Links

https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill

https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI

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

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at jill@smallstepswithgod.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.”