Reasoning Through the Bible

Glenn Smith and Steve Allem

Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible study podcast dedicated to teaching Scripture from chapter one, verse one, with careful attention to historical context, theology, and faithful application.Each episode offers in-depth, expository teaching rooted in the authority of the biblical text and the shared foundations of the historic Christian faith. While taught from an evangelical perspective, this podcast warmly welcomes all Christians seeking deeper engagement with God’s Word.Designed for listeners who desire serious Bible study rather than topical devotionals, Reasoning Through the Bible explores entire books of Scripture in an orderly and thoughtful manner—examining authorship, setting, theological themes, and the meaning of each passage within the whole of Scripture.Whether you are studying the Bible personally, teaching in the Church, or simply longing to grow in understanding and faith, this podcast aims to encourage careful listening to God’s Word through faithful, verse-by-verse exposition.

  1. 20h ago

    Does God Still Have a Future for Israel? — End Times Discussion

    In this special Reasoning Through the Bible discussion, we step away from the normal verse-by-verse format for an informal conversation on eschatology and end-times systems. This session compares views such as premillennialism, amillennialism, covenant theology, preterism, and postmillennialism, while asking a central question: Does God still have a future plan for Israel? The discussion focuses on the sequence found in the Old Testament prophets: Israel’s sin, God’s judgment, the nations gathering against Jerusalem, Israel crying out to the Lord, and God restoring His people. We examine passages and themes from Ezekiel, Zechariah, Joel, Daniel, Romans 11, Acts 1, and Revelation 20, showing why we believe the biblical pattern points to a future restoration of Israel and a future kingdom ruled by Christ. A major emphasis in this episode is that there is only one way of salvation. Israel is not saved apart from Christ. Gentiles are not saved apart from Christ. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone. At the same time, God’s national promises to Israel, the Abrahamic covenant, and the future kingdom should not be erased or replaced by the church. Topics in this episode include: eschatology and end timespremillennialismamillennialismcovenant theologypreterismpostmillennialismIsrael and the churchAbrahamic covenantRomans 11 and IsraelEzekiel 36 and restorationZechariah and the pierced MessiahRevelation 20 and the millenniumJesus reigning from Jerusalemone salvation through ChristReasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application. Support the show Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners.  You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible  May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

    33 min
  2. Choose Whom You Will Serve — Joshua 24 (Session 18)

    1d ago

    Choose Whom You Will Serve — Joshua 24 (Session 18)

    In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 24, Reasoning Through the Bible reaches the final chapter of the book of Joshua. Joshua gathers Israel at Shechem, a place filled with covenant history, remembrance, and spiritual significance. From Abraham to Jacob, from the renewal of the covenant to the burial of Joseph’s bones, Shechem served as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness to His people. This session explores why Joshua retells Israel’s history, why remembering God’s works matters, and how gratitude strengthens faith. Joshua reminds the people that God brought Abraham out from idol worship, delivered Israel from Egypt, gave them land they did not labor for, and placed them in cities they did not build. The proper response is not pride, but worship, humility, and service. A major theme in this episode is Joshua’s famous challenge: “Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve.” Joshua does not present faith as passive or vague. He calls Israel to make a clear decision, put away foreign gods, and serve the Lord in sincerity and truth. His personal declaration, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” becomes one of the strongest examples of faithful leadership in Scripture. The study also addresses why Israel still had idols in their midst, why old patterns can cling to God’s people, how spiritual compromise begins, why strong leadership matters, and how Joshua’s generation remained faithful while godly leadership remained in place. Topics in this episode include:  Joshua 24 study  choose whom you will serve  as for me and my house  serve the Lord  put away idols  Shechem in the Bible  remembering God’s faithfulness  gratitude in the Christian life  faithful leadership  Joseph’s bones  resurrection hope  finishing the book of Joshua Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application.  Questions from this session: Is there a benefit of physical reminders of what God has done for us? What good things has God done for us? Can we half-heartedly follow God?Whom will you follow? Support the show Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners.  You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible  May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

    30 min
  3. Stay Faithful to the End - Joshua 23 (Session 17)

    2d ago

    Stay Faithful to the End - Joshua 23 (Session 17)

    In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 23, Reasoning Through the Bible looks at Joshua’s farewell address to the leaders of Israel. Joshua is old, advanced in years, and near the end of his life. His final message is not about himself, but about the faithfulness of God and the need for Israel to remain faithful after he is gone. This session explores why Joshua reminded the people that the Lord had fought for them, why there was still work to do even after Israel had rest, and why the remaining nations were still a danger. Joshua warns Israel not to turn aside to the right or left, not to cling to pagan nations, and not to worship other gods. A major theme in this episode is finishing faithfully. Joshua remained true to the Lord to the end of his life, and his final words challenge believers today to leave behind a clear testimony of faith. The session also applies Joshua’s warning to the Christian life by showing how believers can stop fighting sin, grow tired spiritually, and allow the world, the flesh, and the devil to remain too close. Topics in this episode include:  Joshua 23 study  Joshua’s farewell address  faithful to the end  final words to the next generation  God fights for His people  unfinished obedience  fighting sin after salvation  do not turn to the right or left  love the Lord your God  blessings and warnings  God’s discipline and judgment Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application. Questions from this session: How can we pass along our beliefs to our children?Why would Israel stop fighting before they finished? What would you want to pass along when you die? How do we reconcile God’s justice and love? How can I stay faithful to the end?Support the show Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners.  You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible  May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

    25 min
  4. No Sin Is Victimless — Joshua 22:17-34 (Session 16)

    3d ago

    No Sin Is Victimless — Joshua 22:17-34 (Session 16)

    In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 22, Reasoning Through the Bible continues the account of the altar built by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh on the east side of the Jordan. When the rest of Israel hears about the altar, they fear that these tribes are turning away from the Lord and repeating the sins of the past. This session looks back at two serious examples: the sin at Peor and Achan’s sin at Ai. Both remind Israel that sin does not remain isolated. One person, one group, or one act of rebellion can bring consequences on the larger body. The discussion also distinguishes between the guilt of sin and the consequences of sin. God truly forgives those who repent, but the consequences of sinful choices may still remain. A major theme in this episode is the danger of spiritual drift. The eastern tribes intended the altar to be a witness for future generations, but their separation from the main body of Israel still created long-term danger. Their concern for their children was right, but the solution showed how easy it is for worship to begin shifting away from God’s revealed pattern. Topics in this episode include: Joshua 22 studysin at PeorAchan’s singuilt and consequences of sinno victimless sinthe remnant in Israelthe witness altarpassing faith to childrenteaching the next generationblood sacrifice and atonementspiritual driftstaying close to God’s peopleReasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application.  Questions from this Session:  What happens when we do not ask God’s guidance?Is a bloodless sacrifice a good thing or not? What happens when we settle away from other believers? Is there a difference in the guilt of sin and the consequences of sin? Support the show Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners.  You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible  May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

    22 min
  5. When Separation Leads to Spiritual Drift - Joshua 22:1-16 (Session 15)

    6d ago

    When Separation Leads to Spiritual Drift - Joshua 22:1-16 (Session 15)

    In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 22, Reasoning Through the Bible looks at the return of the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh after helping the rest of Israel conquer the land. These two-and-a-half tribes had chosen to settle east of the Jordan, but they still kept their promise to Moses and Joshua by helping their brothers fight for the land west of the Jordan. This session begins with a reminder of God’s promise of the land to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the nation of Israel. The discussion traces how the land promise runs through Genesis, Joshua, the Babylonian captivity, the return from exile, the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, and Israel’s return as a modern nation. The land matters because God promised it unconditionally. A major theme in this episode is the importance of serving with God’s people. The eastern tribes did not abandon their brothers. They participated in the work, and Joshua commended them for their faithfulness. The session applies this to the church today, reminding believers that ministry is not only for a few people while everyone else watches. Christians are called to participate in the work of the body. The study also addresses Joshua’s warning to remember the Lord, the danger of settling for less than God’s best, whether material wealth is guaranteed to believers, and the large altar built near the Jordan. Israel’s reaction to that altar shows how seriously they understood the danger of rebellion, while the physical separation of the eastern tribes becomes a warning about how distance from God’s people can eventually lead to drift. Topics in this episode include: Joshua 22 studyIsrael’s land promiseReuben, Gad, and half-tribe of Manassehserving with God’s peoplerest after the workdon’t settle for lessremember the Lordwealth and the Christian lifethe controversial altarphysical separation from believersspiritual driftReasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application. Questions in this session: How important is it for Christians to do ministry work?What about the people who left God’s best? Why do the people need reminding so many times? Can following God’s ways bring great wealth?Are there risks with building large religious structures? What happens when we are separated from other people? Support the show Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners.  You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible  May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

    24 min
  6. Run to the Refuge — Joshua 20–21 (Session 14)

    Jul 2

    Run to the Refuge — Joshua 20–21 (Session 14)

    In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 20–21, Reasoning Through the Bible examines the cities of refuge and the powerful picture they give of God’s justice, mercy, and protection. These cities were set apart for someone who had killed another person unintentionally, giving them a safe place to flee until their case could be heard fairly. This session explores how the cities of refuge point to important biblical principles still reflected in legal systems today, including due process, innocent until proven guilty, fair judgment, and protection from vengeance. The study also explains why these cities were connected to the Levites, who were responsible for knowing and applying God’s law. A major theme in this episode is how the cities of refuge point forward to Jesus Christ. God is our refuge, Jesus is our High Priest, and when our High Priest died, believers were set free from condemnation. The cities were accessible to all, and in the same way, Christ is near and available to all who come to Him by faith. The episode also addresses Joshua 21 and the question of Israel’s land promises. Did Joshua 21 fulfill all the land promises made to Abraham forever, or is there still a future fulfillment for Israel? The discussion looks at the Abrahamic covenant, the meaning of “forever,” the boundaries promised to Abraham, and why God is not finished with Israel. Topics in this episode include: Joshua 20–21 studycities of refugebiblical justiceinnocent until proven guiltymanslaughter and murderJesus as our refugeChrist our High Priestno condemnation in ChristGod gave Israel restIsrael’s land promisesAbrahamic covenantforever means foreverReasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application. Questions in this session:   What are the rules around the cities of refuge?When someone is offered refuge, how can they get it?What is the connection with the high priest? Who can run to refuge in our high priest? What happens to those who do not take refuge?  Support the show Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners.  You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible  May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

    33 min
  7. Don’t Stop Before the Work Is Done | Joshua 11–19 (Session 13)

    Jul 1

    Don’t Stop Before the Work Is Done | Joshua 11–19 (Session 13)

    In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 11–19, Reasoning Through the Bible moves through one of the most detailed sections in the book of Joshua. These chapters include long lists of conquered kings, cities, boundaries, tribes, inheritances, and land divisions. At first glance, the details may feel tedious, but they serve an important purpose: they show that Joshua is not religious myth, but real history rooted in real places, real people, and real covenant promises. This session explores why God included so many land details, how Joshua’s conquest shows God’s faithfulness, and why Israel still failed to finish the work completely. The discussion also addresses the hardening of hearts, the Anakim giants, the later problem of Goliath from Gath, and the danger of leaving unfinished obedience behind. The study also highlights Caleb’s remarkable faith at 85 years old. Caleb does not ask for the easiest land. He asks for the hill country where the giants live, because he still trusts the Lord’s promise. The episode also explains why the Levites received no tribal land inheritance, how that helps illuminate Barnabas in Acts 4, why occult practices such as divination are condemned, and how the Bible gives a high and fair view of women through the daughters who receive their inheritance. Topics in this episode include: Joshua 11–19 studyconquest of Canaanland inheritance in Joshuawhy biblical details matterhardening of heartsAnakim and giantsCaleb at 85Levites and inheritanceBalaam and divinationwomen and inheritance in the Biblefinishing God’s assignmentReasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application. Questions in this session: What about God hardening people’s hearts? If God has been faithful in the past, can we trust Him in the future?Is it better to get wealth or closer to the Lord?Can a leader satisfy everyone?  Support the show Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners.  You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible  May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

    30 min
  8. What Happened When the Sun Stood Still? — Joshua 10 (Session 12)

    Jun 30

    What Happened When the Sun Stood Still? — Joshua 10 (Session 12)

    In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 10, Reasoning Through the Bible looks at one of the most dramatic miracles in the book of Joshua: the day God made the sun stand still. After the Gibeonites made peace with Israel, five Amorite kings banded together to attack them. Joshua came to their defense, and the Lord fought for Israel through battle, confusion, hailstones, and a miraculous extension of daylight. This session explores why the kings feared Israel, why opposition often increases when people make peace with God, and why the Lord’s work sometimes requires hard, exhausting effort. At Jericho, God brought the walls down easily. In Joshua 10, Israel marches all night, fights a long battle, and still depends completely on the Lord for victory. The study also addresses the miracle of the sun standing still, God’s control over nature, how Joshua 10 relates to conversations about the Bible and science, and why Christians do not need to be afraid of true science. The chapter closes with the defeat of the five kings, the seriousness of God’s judgment, and the need to deal with sin directly rather than compromise with the world, the flesh, and the devil. Topics in this episode include: Joshua 10 studythe sun standing stillGod fighting for Israelfive kings against Gibeonfaith when enemies gatherGod’s control over natureBible and sciencedealing with sin directlyJesus and the curse of the treetrusting God in hard ministryReasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application. Questions in this session:  How can we trust the Lord and not be afraid? Why would the Lord ask us to work hard?Are science and faith in opposition? When we pray, do we pray with confidence? Can we be worldly and carnal and still be righteous? Learn more about RTTB:  Reasoning Through the Bible – Straightforward with some Critical Thinking Support the show Thank you for listening!!  Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners.  You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible  May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

    28 min
4.6
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible study podcast dedicated to teaching Scripture from chapter one, verse one, with careful attention to historical context, theology, and faithful application.Each episode offers in-depth, expository teaching rooted in the authority of the biblical text and the shared foundations of the historic Christian faith. While taught from an evangelical perspective, this podcast warmly welcomes all Christians seeking deeper engagement with God’s Word.Designed for listeners who desire serious Bible study rather than topical devotionals, Reasoning Through the Bible explores entire books of Scripture in an orderly and thoughtful manner—examining authorship, setting, theological themes, and the meaning of each passage within the whole of Scripture.Whether you are studying the Bible personally, teaching in the Church, or simply longing to grow in understanding and faith, this podcast aims to encourage careful listening to God’s Word through faithful, verse-by-verse exposition.

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