Shows
Talk ScriptureRecap & Reflect: Faith that Endures | James 5Episode Summary:In this episode of Talk Scripture, we’re revisiting what we covered in Chapter 5 of James. We’ll go over the main points, share a few reflections, and talk about how it all applies to our lives. A simple chance to pause and reflect together.Connect:Thanks for taking the time to listen to Talk Scripture. Hit subscribe, I would love for you to join me in this journey to pursue who God is and how we fit into His story! If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it w...2025-03-0708 min
Talk ScriptureRekindle the Flame | James 5:19-20Episode Summary:In this episode, James challenges us to live an active, transformative faith that impacts not only our own lives but also those around us. He urges us to boldly love and restore believers who are drifting from the truth, reminding us that the church plays a vital role in encouraging one another toward perseverance and faith. Our goal is to rekindle the flames of others, spurring each other on in good works and faith until Christ returns.Scripture:"My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings hi...2025-03-0606 min
Talk ScriptureHands Up: The Fight for Your Faith | James 5:13-18Episode Summary:In this episode, we explore James' encouragement to respond to suffering with patience, prayer, and praise, acknowledging that life is often hard but God remains faithful. We are reminded to bring our struggles to God through prayer, seek healing in community, and align our hearts with His will, understanding that both prayer and praise are acts of surrender and victory. Scripture:"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let...2025-03-0510 min
Talk ScriptureWhy Is God Waiting? | James 5:7-12Episode Summary:In this episode, we talk about how God sees every pain and injustice, and in His perfect timing, He will make things right. Waiting isn’t easy, but His delay is mercy, giving more people time to turn to Him. So while we wait, we trust Him, stand strong together, and keep shining His light in a dark world.Scripture:"Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and...2025-03-0408 min
Talk ScriptureThe Money Trap | James 5:1-6Episode Summary:In this episode, we explore James’ stark warning about wealth and where we place our trust. Though directed at corrupt landowners, his real audience is us—the church. He reminds us that money can harden hearts, fuel injustice, and ultimately deceive us with a false sense of security. But God is just—He sees oppression, hears the cries of the mistreated, and will have the final word. The challenge for us? To surrender our wealth to God, trust in Him over riches, and live for what truly lasts.Scripture: ''Come now, you ric...2025-03-0309 min
Talk ScriptureRecap & Reflect: Faith that Surrenders | James 4Episode Summary:In this episode of Talk Scripture, we’re revisiting what we covered in Chapter 4 of James. We’ll go over the main points, share a few reflections, and talk about how it all applies to our lives. A simple chance to pause and reflect together.Connect:Thanks for taking the time to listen to Talk Scripture. Hit subscribe, I would love for you to join me in this journey to pursue who God is and how we fit into His story! If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a frie...2025-02-2810 min
Talk ScriptureGod's Plan, Not Mine | James 4:13-17Episode Summary:In this episode, we’re talking about the illusion of control—how we make plans, chase goals, and map out our lives without always stopping to acknowledge God. James reminds us that life is short, like a mist that vanishes, and real wisdom comes from surrendering our steps to Him. But he doesn’t stop there—he also challenges us with a hard truth: sin isn’t just about the wrong we do, but also the right we fail to do.Scripture:"Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into...2025-02-2707 min
Talk ScriptureWords That Wound, Rules We Make | James 4:11-12Episode Summary:In this episode, we explore the destructive power of evil speech and the temptation to create our own rules, elevating ourselves through judgment. James warns against words that tear others down with pride, gossip, and slander, and highlights how adding our own standards to God's law leads to self-righteousness. Ultimately, our words reveal our hearts, and we're called to speak with love, correction, and grace for God's glory.Scripture:"Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against th...2025-02-2609 min
Talk ScriptureDrawing Near to God | James 4:6-10Episode Summary:In this episode, the parallels between the prodigal son's journey and James' message are explored, highlighting the human tendency to stray from God and chase worldly desires. It emphasizes that true reconciliation comes through humble repentance, submitting to God, resisting the devil, and drawing near to Him, ultimately experiencing His abundant grace and restoration.Scripture:"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he wil...2025-02-2509 min
Talk ScriptureFriend of the World, Enemy of God | James 4:1-5Episode Summary:In this episode, we explore how internal struggles like jealousy, selfish ambition, and worldly desires create distance between us and God, leading to spiritual adultery. We discuss how our prayers can become empty when driven by wrong motives, and the importance of returning to God—our first love—seeking His heart rather than the fleeting things of this world. Through His grace, it's never too late to come back home.Scripture: "What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? Y...2025-02-2410 min
Talk ScriptureRecap & Reflect: Faith that Speaks | James 3Episode Summary:In this episode of Talk Scripture, we’re revisiting what we covered in James Chapter 3. We’ll go over the main points, share a few reflections, and talk about how it all applies to our lives. A simple chance to pause and reflect together.Connect:Thanks for taking the time to listen to Talk Scripture. Hit subscribe, I would love for you to join me in this journey to pursue who God is and how we fit into His story! If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with...2025-02-2110 min
Talk ScriptureWho Among You | James 3:13-18Episode Summary:In this episode, we're challenged to examine our hearts and ask ourselves: who among us truly embodies the wisdom of Christ? Are we living a life marked by meekness, mercy, and a deep love for God and others, or are we chasing worldly approval? Let's strive for a harvest of peace, not for our own glory, but so the world would know we love Jesus.Scripture: Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bit...2025-02-2007 min
Talk ScriptureInconsistency of Words | James 3:9-12Episode Summary:In this episode, we’re looking at James 3:9-12 and the struggle to keep our words aligned with our faith. Our speech reveals the true state of our hearts, and no amount of willpower can fix the inconsistency—we need God’s transformation. Instead of just recognizing the problem, let’s surrender it to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to refine our hearts so our words reflect Christ.Scripture: ''With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From...2025-02-1906 min
Talk ScriptureThe Danger of Words | James 3:5a-8Episode Summary:In this episode, we dive into the incredible power of words—their ability to build up or tear down. We’ll explore how even the smallest words can leave a lasting impact and why it’s so important to guard our tongues. Scripture: ''How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind o...2025-02-1807 min
Talk ScriptureThe Weight of Words | James 3:1-5aEpisode Summary:In this episode, we explore James’ warning about the power of our tongues—how our words shape lives, influence others, and even impact our minds. Let’s be intentional and prayerful in how we speak. Words matter.Scripture: ''Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits in...2025-02-1709 min
Talk ScriptureRecap & Reflect: Faith that Works | James 2Episode Summary:In this episode of Talk Scripture, we’re revisiting what we covered in Chapter 2 of James. We’ll go over the main points, share a few reflections, and talk about how it all applies to our lives. A simple chance to pause and reflect together.Connect:Thanks for taking the time to listen to Talk Scripture. Hit subscribe, I would love for you to join me in this journey to pursue who God is and how we fit into His story! If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a frie...2025-02-1411 min
Talk ScriptureReal Faith Works Part 2 | James 2:18-26Episode Summary:In this episode, we explore the relationship between faith and works through James’ powerful challenge: real faith isn’t just intellectual—it’s active and transformative. True, saving faith produces works, impacting both our lives and those around us, proving its authenticity through obedience and action.Real Faith WorksScripture:"But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons belie...2025-02-1311 min
Talk ScriptureReal Faith Works Part 1 | James 2:14-17Episode Summary:In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most talked-about parts of James—faith and works. Does James clash with Paul? What is faith without action? Let’s discuss and see how real faith isn’t just what we say—it’s what we do.Scripture:"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed...2025-02-1209 min
Talk ScriptureRooted in Love, Marked by Mercy | James 2:8-13Episode Summary:In this episode, James emphasizes the "royal law"—loving God and loving others—as the foundation of all God's commands. He reminds us that sin, whether big or small, separates us from God and highlights our need for His mercy. Because we have received such abundant grace, our pursuit of holiness should flow from love, and our lives should be marked by extending mercy to others.Scripture: "If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show p...2025-02-1109 min
Talk ScriptureFaith without Favoritism | James 2:1-7Episode Summary:In this episode, we dive into James' bold call against favoritism, challenging us to see people the way God does. True faith doesn’t play favorites—it steps into the mess, meets needs, and values every person as God does.Scripture:James 2 : 1 - 7"My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay...2025-02-1008 min
Talk ScriptureRecap & Reflect: Faith that Matures | James 1Episode Summary:In this episode of Talk Scripture, we’re revisiting what we covered in James Chapter 1. We’ll go over the main points, share a few reflections, and talk about how it all applies to our lives. A simple chance to pause and reflect together.Connect:Thanks for taking the time to listen to Talk Scripture. Hit subscribe, I would love for you to join me in this journey to pursue who God is and how we fit into His story! If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with...2025-02-0712 min
Talk ScripturePure Religion | James 1:26-27Episode Summary:In this episode, we dive into what it really means to live out our faith. James challenges us to not just talk the talk, but walk the walk—through our words, our actions, and our love for others. It’s about being intentional and letting our lives reflect God’s heart, showing the world what true faith looks like.Scripture:James 1:26-27"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled b...2025-02-0608 min
Talk ScriptureBe a Doer | James 1:22-25Episode Summary:In this episode, we dive into James' teaching that hearing God's Word is just the starting point. True faith comes when we put what we hear into action—our obedience is evidence of a genuine relationship with Jesus. We'll explore how our actions, not just our intentions or knowledge, reflect the transformative power of Scripture in our lives.Scripture:James 1:22-25"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a ma...2025-02-0508 min
Talk ScriptureListen in Humility | James 1:19-21Episode Summary: In this episode, James challenges us to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger—a mindset that can transform both our relationships and our walk with God. In this episode, we explore what it means to truly listen, not just to others but to Scripture, approaching God’s truth with humility rather than resistance.Scripture:James 1:19-21 "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of G...2025-02-0406 min
Talk ScriptureGood and Perfect | James 1:16-18Episode Summary: In this episode, we examining James' reminder that every good gift comes from God, and how our desires can lead us astray. We explore the Imago Dei, the image of God in all people, and how God's goodness remains unchanged—even in trials and temptations. Trusting in God’s perfect gifts and turning to Him in our struggles is key to growing in faith and reflecting His glory.Scripture:James 1:16-18 "Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down...2025-02-0308 min
Talk ScriptureConfront the Enemy | James 1:13-15Episode Summary:In this episode, we are going on the offense against sin and temptation. Victory over sin starts with recognizing the real enemy—often not just Satan, but our own desires, doubts, and excuses. Real freedom comes when we stop playing games, get honest with God, and let our desire for Him outweigh our desire for sin. God doesn’t want mere progress; He wants to transform us and give us true victory. Whether you’re a believer or not, His way is better, and it’s time to confront the enemy.Scripture:James...2025-01-3108 min
Talk ScriptureBlessed is the Man | James 1:9-12Episode Summary:In this episode, we are looking at trials from the perspectives of the poor and the rich. For the poor, trials remind them to lean into Christ and the hope of eternal life, free from the distractions of worldly possessions. For the rich, trials can be a humbling gift, showing them that money can’t buy peace or fix every problem, and redirecting their focus to what truly matters—eternity with God. James makes it clear: it’s not about being rich or poor, but about your perspective and what you’re pursuing.Scriptur...2025-01-3005 min
Talk ScriptureAsk God | James 1:5-8Episode Summary:In this episode, we are talking about asking God for what we lack. If you’re struggling to understand the purpose of trials or just need wisdom in the middle of life’s mess, James says to ask God—and ask in faith. That doesn’t mean you have to be free of doubts or questions; God already knows your heart and loves you deeply anyway. He’s patient, kind, and full of steadfast love. When we humbly ask for wisdom, faith, or even a renewed mind, He’s ready to respond. God longs to walk with us...2025-01-2906 min
Talk ScripturePurpose in Trials | James 1:2-4Episode Summary:In this episode, we are looking at trials in the life of the believer. Trials are tough, but they have a purpose—they help us grow and make our faith stronger, kind of like how metal gets refined with heat and pressure. They remind us that life isn’t just about staying comfortable or chasing success. When we trust God through hard times, we start to see how He’s working in us, building endurance and showing us His faithfulness in ways we might not have noticed before.Scripture: James 1:2-4"...2025-01-2808 min
Talk ScriptureSkeptic to Martyr | James 1:1Episode Summary:In this episode, we are taking a look at the transformation of James, the brother of Jesus. James’ story is such an amazing example of how encountering the truth of Jesus can completely change your life. He went from doubting who Jesus was to unshakeable faith, even to the point of dying for it. What brought him from skeptic to martyr? And what does that mean for us?Scripture:James 1:1"James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings."...2025-01-2711 min
Talk ScriptureTalk Scripture - The TrailerIntroducing a brand new podcast, Talk Scripture:Hey. This is Zach. I'd like to take a moment and introduce a new podcast, Talk Scripture. This podcast is a verse-by-verse journey through God's word. This isn't about having all the answers or simply checking a box. Rather, it's an intentional moment together, to pursue who God is and where we fit in His story.In Talk Scripture, each episode is short and easy to fit in your daily rhythm- Whether that's a commute to work or school, a quiet moment at home, or anythi...2024-12-2802 min