The Year I Read the Bible with Laurie Larsen

Laurie Larsen
  • 5.0 (2)
  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY

Have you ever read the Bible? Straight through without stopping? It takes effort and dedication. That's exactly what I did in the year 2023. But I didn't just read it. I jotted down things that confused me, intrigued me, made me want to learn more. And in 2024 I researched and wrote essays to share what I learned in blogs, videos and a book. And now ... a podcast! Take a listen -- I guarantee you'll learn some life-changing stuff from that dusty book on your shelf!   Thank you for listening!  Want to find out more about your hostess Laurie Larsen or her The Year I Read the Bible project?  Here are links: Laurie’s website: Author Laurie Larsen | heartwarming Christian fiction The Year I Read the Bible blog: The Year I Read the Bible blog | Author Laurie Larsen Interested in the ebook, paperback, hardcover or audiobook? Amazon.com: Laurie Larsen: books, biography, latest update

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 28: Did John the Baptist Know Jesus ... Or Didn't He?

    Send us a text Learn a little more about the unique character of John the Baptist.  God chose him to prepare the way for Jesus on earth, but of course, as all of us are, he was human. And to me, he came across as a little strange.  And a little uncertain.  Especially when he said things about Jesus such as "I didn't know him."  Huh?  He was related to Jesus, and I assume they knew each other growing up. Anyway, listen to my thoughts on the matter and make up your own mind.  Then, I welcome back my lovely guest from last week, Dianne Miley.  She shares some wonderful insight on John to add to our understanding of this challenging Bible character. Here's Dianne's website if you want to learn more about her books. And here's that bonus episode I mention in the interview that tells you all about my fiction work.  I released it on December 30.

    35 min

  2. JAN 6

    Episode 27: What About Baptism?

    Send us a text Welcome back to new Bible study content after our short holiday break!  Here's wishing a super new year for all of us! Laurie digs in deep about the Christian practice of baptism.  Why do we do it?  What's it for?  What does the Bible say about it? Why do various Christian denominations argue about when a person should be baptized?  If a believer dies before being baptized, will they go to heaven? Laurie welcomes a very knowledgeable guest to help her navigate the "waters" of this topic!  Our warm welcome to Dianne Miley!  Dianne is an author of Christian fiction and the founder of the not-for-profit Sanctuary of Unborn Life in Charleston, SC.  She's done so much good in this world, and Laurie's blessed to call her a friend. Check out Dianne's work at these links: Dianne's website Dianne's Amazon author page Sanctuary of Unborn Life

    36 min

  3. 12/30/2025

    BONUS episode: Laurie's fiction

    Send us a text How does someone who had always dreamed of becoming an author, actually push through and get started?  For Laurie, it all came down to a visit to the Margaret Mitchell House in Atlanta, Georgia.  That one random decision changed her life in ways she could never imagine. We're taking a break from the Bible essays this week to share more about Laurie's vast backlist of fiction.  Take a short listen and maybe you'll find a book or two to start off your New Year right! Laurie's website is the best spot to learn anything you want to know about her books.

    11 min

  4. 12/23/2025

    RE-RELEASE for the holiday week: A Clarifying Look at Jesus's Birth

    Send us a text Here's a repeat performance of the episode I previously did with Melissa Henderson (Oct 28) all about those elements that we've come to accept as modern Christians as it relates to the Christmas story -- but that modern Bible researchers are now thinking are NOT necessarily true. It'll make you go "hmmmm" but remember that the true message of Christ's birth is just as meaningful, and just as true, and just as important as ever. Enjoy! And merry Christmas everyone!

    42 min

  5. 12/16/2025

    Episode 26: What’s So Bad About Samaritans?

    Send us a text The Samaritan woman at the well having a conversation with Jesus about living water.  The "Good Samaritan" who helped a Jewish traveler who was beaten and left for dead along the side of the road, as if being good was an exception for a Samaritan.  Several other mentions of Samaritans in the New Testament which don't paint them in a good light ... all lead me to wonder about today's topic. We'll learn about the history of Samaritans -- how they came to be, and why Jews of Jesus's time disrespected them.  Joining me in this enlightening discussion is repeat guest Jacki Brey, founder and CEO of Feed My Peeps, a not-for-profit organization whose motto is Loving GOD, Moving FOOD & Feeding PEEPS!  You first met her in our November 25 episode, Odd Things Jesus Did and I know you'll love hearing her inspirational stories again, including some of her catchphrases: Hot Mess ExpressThe harvest is ripe and the laborers are fewSharing the Gospel with a simple PB&JLoving on the Shake 'n Bake man who was losing his stuff in the middle of Wally World!

    33 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    Episode 25: What About Me?

    Send us a text Here's a question for you:  if you were walking around the region of Galilee in about 30 AD, and this man named Jesus was preaching about a New Way and gaining followers, would you believe?  Or would you be doubtful? I honestly don't know, but I'll tell you one thing ... I'm so glad God put me on earth right now, when we have the benefit of the entire Bible, centuries of books and ministries and missionaries available to read and what about all the video resources we can put our hands on now? I welcome back my guest Leslie Caperton who shares her thoughts on this topic as well as a ton of valuable resources that help her strengthen her faith and her knowledge.  I guarantee you'll find some that you'll like! Bible Study Fellowship Community Bible Studies The Bible Project on YouTube John McArthur's books Gary Hamrick of Cornerstone Chapel The Chosen Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby Right Now Media Drive by Gospels

    37 min

  7. 12/02/2025

    Episode 24: Why the Secrecy?

    Send us a text Have you ever tried to promote a product or service? Did you spread the word far and wide so more and more people are aware of what you’re offering?  When Jesus was walking the earth conducting his ministry, he often performed a miracle, then told people not to say anything to anyone!  Didn't he want the promotion? In this essay Laurie uncovers several reasons why Jesus would do this.  Then Laurie welcomes her guest, Leslie Caperton -- friend, neighbor, devoted Christian and also a Pampered Chef consultant!  The ladies delve into this topic to try to enlighten us all about the reason behind Jesus's secrecy ... and ultimately the beautiful moment when he opened the gate and encouraged people to start sharing! Check out Leslie's Pampered Chef site! I also wanted to link to Psalm 22, the important psalm Leslie referenced as David's many prophecies of the coming Messiah.

    25 min

  8. 11/25/2025

    Episode 23: Odd Things Jesus Did

    Send us a text Is it disrespectful to our perfect Lord Jesus to label some of the miracles he performed as "odd?" Hmmm.  How about those that involved spit?  There are several of them!  Laurie will share them, and also a very intriguing story that involved Jesus writing something mysterious in the dirt, along with several viable theories from Bible commentators regarding what exactly he was writing that caused a unanimous reaction from the Pharisees. Laurie's guest today is the amazing Jacki Brey, founder of the charitable organization, Feed My Peeps.   Jacki is a fearless woman of God who has a unique take on some of Jesus's healing miracles because God has actually used Jacki as his instrument to heal others.  Please don't miss this inspirational and emotional episode!

    37 min
See All (32)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Have you ever read the Bible? Straight through without stopping? It takes effort and dedication. That's exactly what I did in the year 2023. But I didn't just read it. I jotted down things that confused me, intrigued me, made me want to learn more. And in 2024 I researched and wrote essays to share what I learned in blogs, videos and a book. And now ... a podcast! Take a listen -- I guarantee you'll learn some life-changing stuff from that dusty book on your shelf!   Thank you for listening!  Want to find out more about your hostess Laurie Larsen or her The Year I Read the Bible project?  Here are links: Laurie’s website: Author Laurie Larsen | heartwarming Christian fiction The Year I Read the Bible blog: The Year I Read the Bible blog | Author Laurie Larsen Interested in the ebook, paperback, hardcover or audiobook? Amazon.com: Laurie Larsen: books, biography, latest update

Information