How to Study the Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

• (Bonus) Unbreakable: Stephanie's Pink Ribbon Story

  In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we’re bringing you a special conversation from one of our LifeAudio partners. Host Monica Schmelter sits down with Stephanie, a breast cancer survivor whose journey from diagnosis to healing is a raw and beautiful testament to faith, resilience, and God’s sustaining grace. Stephanie shares what it was like to hear the words, “You have cancer,” and opens up about the emotional and physical battles she faced through treatment. From her biggest fears—like telling her mom and daughter—to discovering unexpected strength through Christ, her story is filled with honesty, hope, and encouragement. Whether you're walking through your own health challenge or supporting someone who is, this episode will remind you of the power of faith, the value of community, and the importance of not putting yourself last. 🎁 Bonus Freebie: Don’t miss today’s giveaway—5 Ways to Take Better Care of Yourself. A simple but powerful resource to help you stay grounded, healthy, and rooted in truth. You can find "Hope For The Journey" On your favorite podcast app or at Lifeaudio.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• 3 Common but Subtle Roots of Dehumanization

  In this episode of the Summer Q&A Series, Nicole responds to a powerful and timely question:“What happens when we dehumanize others, and what might we be avoiding in ourselves when we do it?” Rooted in Scripture and shaped by years of teaching and discipleship, Nicole explores how dehumanization—both subtle and overt—can reveal deeper emotional and spiritual struggles, particularly among women. Through biblical reflection and honest personal insights, she identifies three key areas often lurking beneath this behavior: fear, anger, and pride. Listeners will walk away challenged and encouraged to reexamine how they view others—and how they might bring hidden heart issues before God for healing and transformation. Main Takeaways Dehumanization is subtle but dangerous: We often strip others of their God-given dignity by grouping them into labels, roles, or categories. Words carry weight: Name-calling and group labels are not just emotional reactions—they violate the biblical truth that every person bears the image of God. Why we dehumanize: It's often an avoidance tactic for deeper emotional realities. Three Common Roots Behind Dehumanization in Women: Fear – Of being wrong, hurt, rejected, or vulnerable Anger – Especially unspoken or culturally suppressed anger Pride – The insidious belief that we know best, or can determine what's fair or right outside of God The Bible’s Response: God calls us back to humility, self-examination, and compassion. Transformation starts with asking God to search our hearts (Psalm 139). Bible Verse References Genesis 1:27 – “God created mankind in His own image…” Psalm 139:13–14 – “You knit me together in my mother’s womb…” Jeremiah 2:13 – God describes forsaking Him as abandoning living water Jeremiah 17:9 – “The heart is deceitful above all things…” Psalm 139:23–24 – “Search me, God, and know my heart…” Calls to Action (CTAs) Subscribe to How to Study the Bible to follow the rest of the Summer Q&A Series. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more people discover the show. Visit nicoleunice.com for Bible studies, teaching tools, and Nicole’s books. Invite a friend to listen and reflect on this episode together—great for small groups or mentoring relationships. Join the conversation on Instagram @NicoleUnice or use #HowToStudyTheBible. 🔗 Relevant Links & Resources NicoleUnice.com – Teaching resources, devotionals, and books BibleStudyTools.com – Scripture reference and Bible tools Recommended Reflection: Write out a prayer of surrender using Psalm 139. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• Where to Start When You Want to Read the Entire Bible

  In this episode of the Summer Q&A Series, Nicole tackles one of the most common (and courageous!) questions: “I’ve never read the Bible cover to cover—where should I start?” She breaks down practical, grace-filled strategies for reading the Bible in a way that actually works, offering insights for both new and seasoned believers. From choosing the right translation to dealing with confusing or difficult passages, Nicole empowers listeners to start reading with confidence and purpose. Whether you’ve felt overwhelmed, confused, or discouraged by Scripture in the past, this episode will give you a clear and doable way forward. 🧠 Main Takeaways You’re Not Alone: Many faithful Christians have never read the whole Bible—and it’s never too late to start. Don’t Start at Genesis (at least not right away): Many fall off around Leviticus. Instead, begin with: Luke – A detailed and compassionate account of Jesus’s life Acts – The story of the early church Romans – A powerful explanation of the gospel Then continue through the New Testament before tackling the Old Testament Use a Study Bible: Even a basic study Bible can provide helpful context, intros, and notes for difficult passages. Mark Your Progress: Write in your Bible, underline verses, and make notes—it can become a spiritual journal and legacy. Don’t Get Stuck in the Weeds: Your first time reading is a flyover—aim for big-picture understanding, not perfection. Psalms & Proverbs: Consider mixing in chapters of Psalms or Proverbs for encouragement and wisdom along the way. Read With a Plan (or Not): Try chronological Bibles, one-year plans, or even 90-day “boot camps”—but always choose what fits you. Give Yourself Grace: Falling behind is normal. Focus on steady progress, not perfect performance. 📜 Bible Verse References Luke 1:1–4 – Introduction to the Gospel account Acts 1:1–3 – Continuation of Luke’s writing, the story of the early church Romans 1–16 – Understanding theology and Christian living Psalm 139:13 – “You knit me together in my mother’s womb…” Want More? Start Here: Subscribe to How to Study the Bible to follow the full Summer Q&A Series. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps others find the show. Visit nicoleunice.com for Bible study tools and Nicole’s books. Download a reading plan or grab a study Bible to get started today. Share this episode with someone beginning their Bible reading journey. Links & Resources NicoleUnice.com – Bible study resources, books, and teaching BibleStudyTools.com – Read and search Scripture online Recommended Bible Translation for Beginners: New Living Translation (NLT) Nicole’s Book: Brave Enough (includes Scripture promises for encouragement) Explore past episodes for deep dives into Romans, James, and more. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• What Do I Do When I Can't Hear God's Voice?

  In this opening episode of the Summer Q&A Series, Nicole addresses one of the most heartfelt and relatable spiritual struggles: “What do I do when I can’t hear God’s voice?” Drawing from James 1:2–8, Nicole unpacks why God may feel silent in seasons of confusion or pain—and how that silence could actually be an invitation. With compassionate insight and biblical depth, she offers listeners practical wisdom for enduring trials, examining their hearts, and pressing deeper into God’s promises. This is a powerful episode for anyone feeling stuck, discouraged, or distant from God. Main Takeaways You’re Not Alone in the Silence: Even faithful believers experience seasons of unanswered questions or silence from God. James 1 Offers a Roadmap: Troubles are opportunities for growth, not obstacles to joy. When we ask for wisdom, God will give it—but we must ask with faith and undivided loyalty. Mixed Motives Can Muffle God’s Voice: Sometimes our desires are entangled with fear, selfishness, or cultural pressure. Regular self-examination can purify our requests. Endurance Builds Spiritual Maturity: The waiting seasons are formative. Joy, wisdom, and clarity come with time and perseverance. God’s Promises are Steady Anchors: Holding tight to the truths of Scripture can help steady your faith during spiritually dry times. For Further Bible Study: Bible Verse References James 1:2–8 – Consider trials as joy and ask for wisdom with faith Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened…” John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life…” John 16:33 – “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Want More? Subscribe to How to Study the Bible to follow the full Summer Q&A Series! Leave a review to help more listeners discover biblical answers to real-life questions. Visit nicoleunice.com for Bible study tools and Nicole’s books. Get Nicole's book Brave Enough Submit a Question for future Q&A episodes via social @NicoleUnice. BibleStudyTools.com – Verse reference and study help Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• A Practical Guide to Sharing Your Faith Confidently

  In this final episode of the Activated series, Nicole tackles the practical call to speak about your faith. She explores 1 Peter 3:8–16 and Colossians 4:2–6, offering a clear, scripturally grounded approach to sharing “the reason for the hope that you have.” Nicole dives into the fears and hesitations many feel when talking about faith, emphasizing that every story is a miracle, no matter how dramatic or simple it might seem. She also highlights prerequisites for effective witness—like compassion, humility, and living a life that shines hope even in dark times. With tangible insights and relatable encouragement, this episode is a guide to confidently and gently living and sharing your testimony. 🧠 Main Takeaways Every Story Matters: Your testimony is a miracle, whether it’s dramatic or quiet—God can use your story to inspire and invite others. Three Groups to Engage: Those inside the faith Outsiders curious about faith Those opposed to the faith Prerequisites for Witness: Live with humility, compassion, sympathy, and love—these qualities create the context for hope to be visible. Be Ready to Answer: Scripture calls us to always be prepared to share the reason for our hope, with gentleness and respect. Practical Tips: Be watchful and prayerful for open doors. Let your words be gracious and seasoned with salt—speak truthfully, but with a spirit of kindness. Focus on building relationships, not winning arguments. Little Actions Matter: Simple daily choices of kindness, patience, and listening are tiny seeds of hope that others notice. 📜 Bible Verse References 1 Peter 3:8–16 – Living with compassion and readiness to answer about your hopeRead on BibleStudyTools.com Colossians 4:2–6 – Conversations full of grace and wisdomRead on BibleStudyTools.com Matthew 5–7 – Foundations for living in the Kingdom of GodRead on BibleStudyTools.com 📢 Calls to Action (CTAs) Subscribe to How to Study the Bible for more insightful teaching. Leave a review wherever you listen—your feedback helps others find the show. Visit nicoleunice.com for free Bible study tools and resources. Share this episode with a friend who wants to grow in confidence in sharing their faith. Join the conversation on social media using #HowToStudyTheBible and tagging @NicoleUnice. 🔗 Relevant Links & Resources NicoleUnice.com – Bible studies, teaching resources, and tools BibleStudyTools.com – Scripture references and study helps Want to send Nicole a question for a future Listener Questions episode? Email her at [email protected] 📬 Sign up for Nicole’s newsletter to get regular encouragement right in your inbox:https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk 📖 Nicole’s newest book: Not What I Signed Up For→ Get the intro, first chapter, and a free prayer guide at:https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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