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Equip The NextFaith, Love, and Finding Hope | Ep. 94Persecution and confusion often go hand-in-hand for new believers. The church at Thessalonica faced both in abundance - a powerful mob had already driven Paul from their city, and now misunderstandings about death and Christ's return threatened their hope. Through Paul's tender yet authoritative response in 1st Thessalonians, we discover timeless truths about grief, hope, and Christian community. The apostle addresses their theological confusion with practical wisdom, assuring them that departed believers are merely "asleep" and present with the Lord. His military imagery of the "breastplate of faith and love" and the "helmet of hope" provides both c...2025-07-3014 minEquip The NextBeyond Cultural Norms: The Revolutionary Call to Holiness in a Permissive World | Ep. 93Have you ever wondered how ancient wisdom might transform your daily life? In Episode 93 of Equip the Next, we journey through 1st Thessalonians to discover timeless principles that remain revolutionary even today.The backdrop of severe persecution sets the stage for understanding Paul's powerful message to the Thessalonian believers. We explore chapters 3 and 4, where Paul addresses two critical aspects of Christian living - holiness and purposeful work. Rather than plucking verses out of context, we dive into the fascinating cultural backdrop of Greco-Roman society, where sexual permissiveness was the norm. Against this backdrop, Paul's call to sexual...2025-07-2311 minEquip The NextPersecution Doesn't Kill Faith—It Refines It | Ep. 92Ever wondered how brand-new Christians could withstand intense persecution? The story of the Thessalonian church provides a remarkable answer that still resonates today.The Thessalonian believers were essentially spiritual infants when Paul and Silas were forced to flee their city under the cover of darkness. An angry mob had formed against these missionaries, dragging a believer named Jason before city authorities and accusing them of "turning the world upside down." Yet despite being abandoned by their spiritual mentors and facing continued hostility, these new believers didn't just survive—they thrived in their faith.What made th...2025-07-1612 minEquip The NextBeyond Proverbs 31: Expanding Our Ministry's Reach | Ep. 91Change is coming to the Woman 31 Podcast! After three years of ministry and 91 episodes, we're unveiling a new name that better aligns with our mission of equipping believers through comprehensive Bible teaching.The decision didn't come lightly. Though "Woman 31" holds special meaning (my husband once encouraged me by saying "you're a Proverbs 31 woman" after I had shelved the name), we've recognized a disconnect between our name and our ministry's scope. We don't exclusively focus on Proverbs 31 – we've studied women throughout scripture, explored the New Testament, and recently completed a series on effective Bible study methods. Our teaching en...2025-07-1111 minEquip The NextWhen They Were All in One Accord: Women's Vital Role in Kingdom Work | Ep. 90The veil between ancient times and today's world falls away as we journey into episode 90 of the Woman 31 podcast, exploring the transformative role of women in the Greco-Roman world and early Christianity. Have you ever wondered why Jesus speaking to a Samaritan woman at a well was so revolutionary? Historical context illuminates scripture in remarkable ways, revealing how radical the gospel message truly was. Through careful examination of the biblical text, we discover a fascinating shift beginning at Pentecost—where believers gathered "all in one accord"—that transformed rigid gender divisions into a new kingdom paradigm.T...2025-07-0913 minEquip The NextBeyond Separation: Jesus Saw Her Worth | Ep. 89Have you ever wondered why Jesus talking to the woman at the well was such a big deal? Or why Mary sitting at Jesus' feet caused such a stir? The cultural context changes everything.In Episode 89 of the Woman 31 Podcast, we dive deep into the revolutionary ministry of Jesus toward women. Against a backdrop where women were segregated, likely illiterate, and forbidden from religious education, Christ's interactions with women weren't just kind—they were radical. When Mary sat at Jesus' feet to learn while Martha served, she broke cultural taboos. When a woman with an issue of bl...2025-07-0209 minEquip The NextThe Shifting Status of Women from Old to New Testament | Ep. 88Have you ever wondered what life was truly like for women in biblical times? The shifting status of women from the Old Testament to the New Testament world reveals fascinating and sometimes troubling changes in how half of humanity was viewed and treated.While exploring the Hellenistic world of the New Testament, we discover a society that increasingly isolated women, categorizing them alongside other marginalized groups like Gentiles, minors, and those with disabilities. Women vanished from public spaces unless economic necessity required them to work. They were systematically excluded from religious and public life in ways that...2025-06-2508 minEquip The NextBiblical Womanhood: Uncovering the Lives Behind Scripture | Ep. 87Have you ever wondered what daily life was really like for women in biblical times? Beyond the familiar stories, what was the actual experience of being a woman in ancient Israel?In this episode, we take a fascinating detour from our usual book-by-book Bible study to explore the often-overlooked backdrop of women's lives throughout Scripture. Providing essential context for deeper biblical understanding.Correction: in this episode the word Hermeneutics was mispronounced. It was pronounced Hermiletics, which is incorrect (Homiletics is more on the application of preaching and teaching, whereas Hermeneutics applies to the...2025-06-1816 minEquip The NextRoots in Faith: Navigating False Teaching | Ep. 86Faith takes root when watered with truth. In this enlightening exploration of 2 Peter, we unpack the apostle's final written words before his martyrdom—a powerful testament to authentic faith in challenging times.Peter, signing his letter with both his birth name (Simon/Shimon) and the name Jesus gave him (Peter/Petros), establishes his identity as both a Jewish believer and a Christian leader appointed by Christ Himself. The distinction between Peter as "Petros" (small stone) and Christ as "Petra" (large boulder) reveals profound truth about leadership in God's kingdom—we are servants within something much greater than ours...2025-06-1116 minEquip The NextHoly Shepherding: When God's Business Meets Human Leadership | Ep. 85What does it mean to lead faithfully during times of suffering? We're diving deep into 1 Peter 5, exploring Peter's powerful conclusion to his letter about leadership in the face of persecution.Peter's final words carry special weight as they were written when he knew his time was short. Having personally experienced Christ's restoration after his denial, Peter understood both the crushing weight of failure and the transformative power of grace. His threefold commission from Jesus to "feed my sheep" resonates throughout this chapter as he outlines what godly leadership should look like in challenging circumstances.Peter's...2025-06-0411 minEquip The NextAncient Wisdom for Modern Storms | Ep. 84What does it mean to find joy in suffering? When early Christians faced the horrors of Emperor Nero's persecution – being burned at stakes and crucified for their faith – they discovered profound spiritual truths that still speak powerfully today.Continuing our journey through 1 Peter, we explore chapters 3 and 4 to understand how these ancient believers maintained their faith despite unimaginable hardship. The historical context matters deeply here. Unlike many of us who have rights and voices in society, these early Christians had none. Yet their example shines through centuries, offering wisdom for navigating our own storms.Whether you...2025-05-2811 minEquip The NextFaith Under Fire | Ep. 83Ever wonder how the early Christians found hope when they were being hunted down and used as human torches? Welcome to our deep dive into 1 and 2 Peter, where we uncover how one of Jesus' closest followers wrote secret coded messages to encourage believers facing unimaginable persecution under Emperor Nero.This episode transports you between 61 and 64 AD, when Rome burned for six days. Nero, having orchestrated the destruction himself, blamed Christians to deflect responsibility. The result? A horrifying wave of persecution where tarred and burned alive as human lamps in the emperor's gardens. What makes these a...2025-05-2113 minEquip The NextBreaking Free: Grace Over Law | Ep. 82Freedom in Christ comes with both personal responsibility and community obligation. As we conclude our journey through Galatians, Paul's final words challenge us to examine what we're truly investing in spiritually.The contrast couldn't be clearer: those who sow to the flesh will reap corruption, while those who sow to the Spirit will reap eternal life. But what does this spiritual investment actually look like? It's not about religious performance or checking spiritual boxes. Rather, it's about developing a heart-driven relationship with God that flows naturally from love rather than obligation—much like our most valued human re...2025-05-1415 minEquip The NextSpirit vs Flesh: The Battle Within | Ep. 81The battle between flesh and Spirit defines every believer's journey, and nowhere is this conflict more vividly depicted than in Paul's letter to the Galatians. Diving into chapter 5, we explore this spiritual tug-of-war and Paul's urgent warning against returning to legalism after tasting freedom in Christ.Paul's message to the Galatians is strikingly relevant today. When we attempt to add requirements to salvation—like the Judaizers who insisted on circumcision—we're essentially declaring Christ's sacrifice insufficient. As Paul boldly states, "You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from...2025-05-0713 minEquip The NextFreedom Through Faith | Ep. 80Have you ever felt like your faith has become a checklist of dos and don'ts rather than a relationship with Christ? Episode 80 of the Woman 31 Podcast tackles this fundamental struggle head-on as we continue our journey through Galatians, focusing on chapters 3 and 4 where Paul confronts the dangerous infiltration of works-based religion.At the heart of this episode is a profound contrast that still resonates today: the suffocating bondage of religious legalism versus the liberating freedom of grace through faith. I unpack Paul's passionate rebuke to the Galatians who were being deceived by false teachers insisting that grace...2025-04-3019 minEquip The NextGrace vs. Legalism: Why Paul Came In Blazing to Galatia | Ep. 79Paul's letter to the Galatians arrives like a thunderclap, with none of the gentle tones found in his other epistles. Why such urgency? The gospel itself was at stake.This passionate defense erupted when Paul discovered that false teachers had infiltrated the churches he planted throughout Galatia (modern-day Turkey). These "Judaizers" – Jewish Christians insisting that Gentile believers must follow Jewish customs to truly be saved – weren't merely suggesting supplemental practices. They were fundamentally distorting the gospel message while simultaneously undermining Paul's apostolic authority.This ancient conflict remains startlingly relevant today. Many still struggle between grace and...2025-04-2317 minEquip The NextHoly Spirit Detective: Spotting the Spiritual Charlatans | Ep. 78The overlooked Book of Jude packs a powerful punch against deceptive spiritual leaders who've infiltrated the church. As your host Latoya explains, this tiny letter appears just before Revelation but carries wisdom urgently needed today. Jude warns about "hyper-grace" teachers who have "crept in unnoticed" - charismatic figures who transform God's forgiveness into permission for continued sin without accountability. These spiritual charlatans make grand promises while delivering nothing of true value. Through vivid imagery, Jude exposes false teachers as waterless clouds, hidden reefs, and wandering stars - all dangerously attractive yet spiritually empty.What makes t...2025-04-1614 minEquip The NextHospitality, Hubris, and Holy Living: A Deep Dive into 3 John | Ep. 77Have you ever found yourself caught between those who genuinely walk in love and truth and others whose pride creates division in your church community? The third epistle of John—though brief—delivers a powerful message about Christian character through three distinct personalities who continue to mirror people we encounter today.Despite being the shortest book in the New Testament (according to word count), 3 John presents us with a compelling character study: the hospitable Gaius who walks in truth and serves faithfully, the problematic Diotrephes whose ego and power hunger lead him to reject apostolic authority and expe...2025-04-0912 minEquip The NextTruth & Discernment: Navigating False Teachers | Ep. 76What happens when our desire to be hospitable collides with our responsibility to protect the truth? This provocative question lies at the heart of 2nd John, a powerful punch for modern Christians navigating a world awash with contradicting spiritual messages.Whether you're wrestling with questions about spiritual boundaries, or simply wanting to understand a rarely-discussed biblical book, this episode offers accessible insights that will challenge you to become like the Bereans—studying Scripture for yourself rather than blindly following charismatic personalities. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly devotionals that complement these teachings, and join our community for co...2025-04-0211 minEquip The NextSmall Books, Big Impact: Why 1 John Matters Today | Ep. 75Standing firm against false teaching requires discernment, wisdom, and a deep understanding of foundational truths. The Apostle John pens this powerful letter from Ephesus to believers threatened by Gnostic teachings that separated spiritual reality from physical existence. Though small in size at just five chapters, First John delivers profound theological insights that remain startlingly relevant today.Throughout this rich letter, John weaves three magnificent themes: God is light, God is love, and God is life. When we grasp these core attributes, we naturally understand their opposites—darkness, hate, and spiritual death—represent sinful paths contradicting authentic Christian livi...2025-03-2615 minEquip The NextUseful Again: Finding Your Way Back Home | Ep. 74Have you ever felt like running away from God after making a mistake? The book of Philemon—a tiny, often overlooked letter in the New Testament—contains a revolutionary message about redemption that speaks directly to this universal human experience.Join Latoya on Woman 31 Podcast as she unpacks the powerful story behind Paul's letter to Philemon. This fascinating narrative centers around three individuals: Paul (writing from house arrest in Rome), Philemon (a wealthy Christian slave owner in Colossae), and Onesimus (a runaway slave who found Christ through Paul's ministry). What unfolds is far more than an ancient soci...2025-03-1912 minEquip The NextNavigating Life's Journey with Spiritual Awareness | Ep. 73Discover the liberating truths of Colossians chapter four as we explore how to truly embrace our new selves in Christ. Imagine living without the chains of legalism and false humility, fully aware that you are qualified and loved by Jesus. In this episode, we uncover the essential elements of prayer—commitment, vigilance, and thanksgiving—that empower us to be effective witnesses in our world. As we wrap up our study, you'll be encouraged to let your character radiate love and grace, aligning with your God-given assignments.Our conversation centers on the art of authentic witnessing, offering wisdom on h...2025-03-1209 minEquip The NextEmbracing New Life and Identity in Christ | Ep. 72What if embracing a new self could transform your faith journey and bring you closer to your true identity in Christ? Join us on the Woman 31 Podcast as we unravel the profound teachings of Colossians chapter three, emphasizing the significance of shedding our old selves filled with anger, malice, and negativity. Discover how the Apostle Paul's powerful message urges believers to put aside these destructive tendencies and fully embrace a new life that mirrors our faith in Christ. We address the subtle threats of false teachings and legalism, drawing enlightening parallels to the teachings on the full armor of...2025-03-0513 minEquip The NextUnraveling Colossians: Finding Freedom from Legalism and Tradition | Ep. 71Are the hidden dangers of legalism quietly seeping into your faith journey? Join me, Latoya, on the Woman 31 podcast as we journey through the profound teachings found in Colossians Chapter 2. We'll unravel the intricate poem about Christ's supremacy and explore Paul's powerful message of freedom, scrutinizing how ancient challenges like the adherence to Old Testament laws and angel worship still echo in modern practices such as astrology and idolatry. Together, we'll navigate these spiritual complexities, learning how to root ourselves in truth and avoid the subtle traps that can lead us astray.This episode will guide you...2025-02-2611 minEquip The NextEmbracing Godly Qualifications Through Colossians | Ep. 70What does it truly mean to be qualified by God? Join me, Latoya, on the Woman 31 podcast as we explore this powerful concept through the lens of the book of Colossians. We journey together into the heart of the early church in Colossae, founded by Epaphras, unraveling the profound connections between Colossians and Ephesians. Learn how these letters, rich in encouragement and faith, can guide us in recognizing our divine qualifications and empower us to embrace our spiritual calling without reservation.In our exploration, we focus on the foundational teachings in Colossians 1:11, emphasizing gratitude and the strength...2025-02-1915 minEquip The NextDeepening Your Spiritual Walk Through Scripture | Ep. 69Unlock the profound teachings of Ephesians and transform your spiritual journey by understanding your true identity in Christ. This episode promises to guide you through the wisdom, love, and unity described in this biblical book, as well as the roles of believers. Discover how the metaphor of the full armor of God serves as a powerful tool to equip and protect you in spiritual battles. Additionally, we'll emphasize the importance of recognizing the spiritual blessings already bestowed upon us and the value of engaging with scripture in its entirety to fully grasp these teachings.Prayer is not...2025-02-1214 minEquip The NextOvercoming Adversity with Unyielding Love | Ep. 68Embark on an illuminating journey through Ephesians chapter five, where we unlock the secrets to enriching your spiritual walk with love, light, and wisdom. Discover how setting aside behaviors like fornication and covetousness can bring unity among believers, as we explore Paul's timeless teachings to the early church and their significance in our modern lives. Personal stories highlight the challenges that social media poses to maintaining a loving posture, yet reinforce the necessity of steadfast love even in adversity. Embrace the call to walk as children of light, reflecting the Lord's brilliance in everyday actions, and gain an enlightened...2025-02-0514 minEquip The NextNurturing a Christlike Community with Grace | Ep. 67Unlock the profound wisdom of Ephesians as we unravel the tapestry of unity, humility, and love that binds the body of Christ. Picture a community where every believer, regardless of their role—be it apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher—serves not as a titleholder, but as a divine instrument to equip and edify. We promise you'll leave with a deeper understanding of how to navigate the trials of false doctrines and stand unwavering in your faith. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to explore your spiritual gifts with humility and contribute meaningfully to advancing God's kingdom.Jour...2025-01-2912 minEquip The NextRedefining Identity as Heirs of Faith | Ep. 66Uncover the profound mystery of your spiritual heritage and empower your faith journey with our latest episode of the Woman 31 Podcast. Have you ever wondered what it means to be grafted into God’s family, regardless of your background? Join me, Latoya, as we explore Ephesians chapter three and unravel the astonishing truth that the Gentiles are now fellow heirs in Christ Jesus. This episode promises to transform your understanding, encouraging you to embrace your identity as part of God’s family with boldness and confidence. We’re going beyond the surface to discuss how God's eternal purpose in Christ...2025-01-2208 minEquip The NextWalking in Faith Beyond Legalistic Constraints | Ep. 65What if the key to a more fulfilling life lay not in doing more, but in embracing grace as a profound gift? Join me, Latoya, on the Woman 31 Podcast, as we unravel the essence of grace and peace from the book of Ephesians, particularly focusing on chapter 2. Together, we'll explore how understanding grace as a gift frees us from the relentless cycle of legalism and task-oriented living, enabling us to nurture a more genuine relationship with God. By reflecting on how grace brings us to life in Christ and moves us away from past transgressions, we open up to...2025-01-1509 minEquip The NextEmbracing Grace and Peace Through Ephesians | Ep. 64What if you could start the new year with a profound sense of grace and peace, even after a challenging year? Join us on the Woman 31 Podcast as we embark on a transformative journey through the book of Ephesians, a scripture rich with spiritual blessings that promise to ground our identity in Christ. This episode unfolds the foundational themes of grace and peace as we explore what it truly means to be chosen, adopted, and forgiven in Christ. By understanding Paul's heartfelt message in the book of Ephesians, we encourage you to move beyond merely inserting yourself into the...2025-01-0812 minEquip The NextTransforming Lives with Christ-Centered Study | Ep. 63Discover the transformative power of scripture with the Woman 31 Podcast as we embark on a faith-filled journey this year. We're thrilled to invite you to join our community, where we prioritize understanding Bible passages deeply, beyond the surface-level reading. This episode kicks off with a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated listeners and introduces our new format of weekly Bible studies. As a divinity school student, I've experienced how an exegetical approach can profoundly deepen one's relationship with Christ. Together, we'll explore scriptures guided by godly inspiration, rather than adhering to a traditional sequence.Take the leap...2025-01-0118 minEquip The NextOvercoming Holiday Anxiety with Godly Guidance | Ep. 62Do the holidays ever feel like a double-edged sword, brimming with both joy and hidden emotional challenges? Join us as we shed light on the less-discussed side of Christmas—the mental health struggles many face during this time. Together with my husband, Tony Morris, a seasoned counselor specializing in mental health, we unpack how the festive season can stir feelings of loss, stress, and anxiety within the body of Christ. We emphasize the vital role of good mental health, illustrating how it fosters a sense of control, optimism, and self-acceptance. With Tony's insights, we explore the symptoms of anxiety an...2024-12-2525 minEquip The NextNavigating the New Year with Godly Purpose | Ep.61As the year winds to a close, I invite you to embark on a journey of reflection and renewal with the Woman 31 Podcast. Have you ever considered how aligning your personal, professional, and spiritual goals with godly guidance can transform your life? We'll explore the essence of setting godly goals and why it's crucial to assess your own growth rather than measuring yourself against others. I'll share insights on writing down focused goals and being intentional in strengthening your faith and relationship with God as we approach the new year. Anticipate a surprise Christmas episode as we briefly pause...2024-11-2109 min