How to Study the Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

Today I’m taking us into Mark 1, because sometimes life gets a little off-kilter—and when it does, I really believe we need to return to the basics and refocus on who Jesus is. Mark is the shortest and most action-packed Gospel, and it’s such a powerful place to start (or start again), especially if you’re feeling spiritually disoriented or overwhelmed by all the competing voices around you.
In this first chapter, we watch the story move fast: prophecy fulfilled, John the Baptist preparing the way, Jesus baptized, Jesus tested in the wilderness, and then Jesus stepping into ministry—calling ordinary disciples and bringing wholeness everywhere He goes. And by the end of the chapter, we land on this stunning moment where a man with leprosy asks, “If you are willing…” and Jesus responds, “I am willing.” That’s the heartbeat of this episode: Jesus is willing to cleanse, heal, forgive, and restore. The question I want to leave us with is: Am I willing to come to Him?
What We Will Cover in Our Study of Mark 1 -
A clear overview of Mark 1 and how quickly it introduces Jesus’ identity, authority, and mission.

Understand why Mark opens with Old Testament prophecy and what that signals about Jesus as Messiah.

See the purpose of repentance as a heart-level “turning” that prepares the way for Jesus in our lives.

Notice the pattern: affirmation → wilderness → ministry (Jesus is declared beloved, then tested, then sent).

Learn what discipleship looks like in Mark: ordinary people called to follow Jesus up close.

Recognize Jesus’ authority in real-life categories: spiritual oppression, sickness, fear, and isolation.

Catch the significance of Jesus touching the leper: compassion over ceremonial distance; holiness moving toward suffering.

Walk away with a personal invitation: Jesus is willing—will I bring my need to Him?

Resources mentioned:
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This is a "best of" episode, which I’m calling this episode “The Potential for Joy.” I know that might sound like an unexpected title for a passage about foot washing—but stay with me, because Jesus gives us a picture here that can genuinely reshape the way we think about joy and peace. We’re sitting in the tension of the Last Supper: Jesus knows the cross is coming, He knows Judas will betray Him, and He also knows all authority has been given to Him. And then—this is the shocking part—He gets up, wraps a towel around His waist, and washes His disciples’ feet. Even Judas’.
What Jesus is showing us is that true spiritual power doesn’t flex—it serves. And joy isn’t just something we chase through circumstances; it’s something that grows out of love, security in Christ, and humble obedience. I’ll also give you a simple challenge for the week: spend time in Scripture (or worship) daily, and then share one thing you received with someone else. I really believe you’ll feel your joy rise—not because life got easier, but because your mind is being renewed by what’s true.
What We Cover:
See what real power looks like in the Kingdom of God: Jesus uses His authority to serve, not to elevate Himself.

Understand the spiritual meaning behind foot washing: it’s not just hospitality—it’s a living metaphor for Jesus cleansing, loving, and forming His followers.

Notice what changed Peter’s response: following Jesus means letting Him love you in the places you’d rather hide or control.

Be confronted by Jesus washing Judas’ feet: love and humility aren’t based on what someone “deserves.”

Reframe joy as a deeper reality, not a mood: joy grows from security in Christ + humility + obedience, even when life is hard.

Learn why renewing your mind matters: transformation happens as we intentionally fill our minds with God’s Word and truth.

Get a practical one-week challenge: read Scripture (or listen to worship) daily and share one verse or takeaway with someone—text it, say it, post it, anything.

What Does It Mean for Me?
If you want to experience life with Jesus, you have to let him love you. You have to let him care for you. You have to let him see you for who you really are, which is a person who does need to be cleansed, right? And Jesus is saying to them, like, hey, you don't need to do this over and over again. It's not like a baptism over and over again. You already know me, you're clean and you're in me, but this is an act of me caring for you. This is an ongoing, this is what ongoing relationship looks like with me. What I'm doing for you, I am asking you do to for others.
THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES:
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Today we’re wrapping up our One Word 2026 series with the final two invitations: enthusiastic and trusting. I wanted this whole month to feel unhurried—like space to look back on 2025 with gratitude, and then ask God, “How do You want to grow me in 2026?” And here’s what I’ve realized: enthusiasm isn’t something we manufacture by willpower. Real, lasting enthusiasm comes from being filled with God—and I love that the word itself traces back to that idea. If you’ve felt tired, distracted, discouraged, or even a little apathetic, I’m inviting you to consider what it would look like to be ardently alive, fueled by the Spirit. Then we talk about trust—because so many of us are carrying unknowns, losses, or things we can’t control. Trust is choosing to rely on God’s character when the outcome isn’t clear. We’ll look at Zacchaeus (Luke 19), the centurion (Matthew 8), and we’ll end with a reminder that God’s holiness means He is truly worthy of our trust.
What We Cover:
Discover what “enthusiastic” originally meant—not just high energy, but being “in God” and Spirit-filled.

Identify the real enemy of enthusiasm: indifference and apathy that grows when we’re overwhelmed and disconnected from God’s strength.

Learn how spiritual enthusiasm shows up in real life through Zacchaeus: curiosity, bold response, generosity, and immediate heart-change in Jesus’ presence.

Understand trust as steady reliance on God’s character, not on what you can control, predict, or prove.

Be invited to name your modern “chariots and horses”—the things you’re tempted to rely on for security (money, approval, control, success, relationships, etc.).

See what extraordinary faith looks like in the centurion: trusting Jesus’ authority without needing visible proof.

Walk away with two simple affirmations to practice daily if either word becomes your focus for 2026.

Bible Verses Mentioned:
Romans 12:11

Luke 19

Psalm 20:7

Matthew 8:5–13

Resources Mentioned:
Free One Word 2026 companion/reflection guide: Nicoleunice.com/newyear

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today we’re continuing our One Word 2026 series, and I’m offering you two more invitations to consider for the year ahead: grateful and peaceful. My heart for this series is simple—I want you to listen for what God might be forming in you as you look back on 2025 and step into 2026 with intention. Gratitude can feel “easy” in theory, but it actually takes attention and practice, because it’s so easy to drift into discontent without realizing it. And peace isn’t about having a quiet, trouble-free life—it’s the kind of inner calm Jesus gives that can hold steady even when your soul feels disturbed. We’ll look at Luke 17 (the one healed leper who comes back to give thanks) and Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel (how she leaves God’s presence with peace before her circumstances change), and I’ll invite you to imagine what might happen if you learned to give thanks in every circumstance—and to bring your turbulence to God so He can exchange it for His peace.
What I'll Share:
A clear picture of gratitude as a posture and discipline—not just a personality trait or a fleeting feeling.

A challenge to notice the “opposite spirit” of gratitude (discontent, dissatisfaction, thanklessness) and how easily we slip into it without attention.

A practical invitation to give thanks in every circumstance, including the hard or unwanted parts of life, by asking God how He might be shaping you through them.

A fresh understanding of gratitude as a catalyst for love, creating space in your heart for compassion and care for others.

A biblical framework for peace as “freedom from disturbance”—not merely the absence of fear or trouble.

A way to recognize agitation in your body and soul (tight jaw, tense shoulders, restless energy) and treat it as an invitation to bring your heart to God.

Encouragement from Hannah’s story that peace can be real before answers arrive—because peace comes from God’s presence, not perfect outcomes.

Two simple affirmations you can practice all year if either word becomes your focus for 2026.

Bible Verses Mentioned:
Philippians 1

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Luke 17

John 14:27

1 Samuel 1–2

Resources Mentioned
Free One Word 2026 reflection guide: Nicoleunice.com/newyear/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As we begin a brand-new year, I want to help you slow down and listen for God’s invitation in your life. In this episode, we kick off our One Word 2026 series — a simple, prayerful way to reflect on where you’ve been and discern how God may be inviting you to grow in the year ahead.
I introduce the heart behind choosing a spiritual “one word,” not as a goal to achieve, but as a posture to receive. We explore two of the six words I’ll be offering this month — confidence and diligence — and look at how Scripture invites us to grow, not by relying on our own strength, but by trusting God’s faithfulness over time.
Through biblical stories, key verses, and honest reflection, this episode is about beginning the year grounded, hopeful, and open — confident in who God is, and willing to keep showing up faithfully, even when growth feels slow.
Main Takeaways:
Listeners will walk away with:
A clear understanding of what “One Word 2026” is and how it can guide spiritual growth throughout the year

Why spiritual confidence is rooted in Christ, not self-assurance or performance

How insecurity can hold us back, and how God invites us into a settled, faithful confidence

Why diligence matters in long seasons, especially when progress feels slow or unseen

How perseverance fits into God’s formation process, not as striving, but as faithful presence

Biblical examples of confidence and diligence through the lives of David and Nehemiah

Simple affirmations that can shape daily prayer and intention throughout 2026

Bible Verses Referenced
Philippians 1:3–11

Philippians 1:6

2 Corinthians 3:4–5

1 Samuel 17

1 Samuel 17:37

1 Samuel 17:45

Galatians 6:9

Resources Mentioned:
One Word 2026 Reflection GuideNicoleUnice.com/newyear

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.