Practice The Word

Practice The Word

Practice the Word is a Christ-centered podcast for people who are ready to stop sitting on the sidelines of faith and start living the Word of God in everyday life. Hosted by believers who love Jesus, serve people, and understand the real-world trials of business, family, ministry, hardship, and obedience, this show is for anyone who feels called to step out of the boat and walk with Christ more deeply. Each episode encourages listeners to read Scripture for themselves, trust the Holy Spirit, serve others with sincerity, and become doers of the Word — not hearers only. Through biblical conversations, personal stories, interviews with Christian leaders, and practical encouragement, Practice the Word exists to point people back to Jesus, remind them that every day is a gift from the Lord, and challenge them to live fully surrendered to Him. Whether you are new to faith, returning to God, wrestling through a difficult season, or ready to go deeper, this podcast is an invitation to get off the fence, open the Bible, and practice the Word.

Episodes

  1. Aug 21

    1st Peter Intro: Living Hope in a Hostile World

    What does it mean to live with hope when the world around you feels hostile to your faith? In this episode of Practice the Word, we begin our study of 1 Peter and lay the foundation for one of the New Testament’s most powerful messages about suffering, identity, holiness, and perseverance. Peter knew what it meant to fail under pressure. He denied Jesus three times—but Jesus restored him. Decades later, that same Peter wrote to Christians experiencing rejection, discrimination, and growing persecution, teaching them not how to avoid suffering, but how to suffer well without losing hope. We explore who Peter was, who received his letter, and why he calls believers “elect exiles.” Though scattered throughout a culture that did not share their faith, these Christians were chosen by God and reminded that their ultimate citizenship was in heaven. We also unpack the powerful language of 1 Peter 1:1–2: chosen according to the foreknowledge of the Father, sanctified by the Spirit, called to obedience to Jesus Christ, and sprinkled with His blood. That language connects Peter’s message to the covenant established in Exodus and the New Covenant made possible through Jesus. In this episode: • Who was the Apostle Peter?• Peter’s transformation from failure to faithful leader• Why was 1 Peter written to suffering Christians• What it means to be “chosen but scattered”• Living as an exile in a culture opposed to your faith• How Christians can suffer without losing hope• Why our hope rests on the resurrection—not circumstances• The biblical meaning of holiness• The connection between Exodus 24 and 1 Peter 1• Gentile believers and the promises of God• The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in 1 Peter 1:1–2• Why knowing your identity changes how you live Peter’s message remains incredibly relevant: You may be rejected by the world, but you are chosen by God. The question isn’t simply, “How can I avoid suffering?” Instead, Peter challenges us to ask: How do I suffer well? Open your Bible, grab your notebook, and join us as we begin Living Hope in a Hostile World. 📖 Scriptures discussed: 1 Peter 1:1–2, John 1:42, John 21, Exodus 24:8, Ephesians 3:6, Leviticus, and 2 Corinthians. Subscribe to Practice the Word and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to stand firm in their faith. 00:00 – Welcome to Practice the Word00:20 – Introducing 1 Peter: Living Hope in a Hostile World01:02 – Opening Prayer01:57 – Welcome Back, Alison03:28 – Chosen but Scattered04:21 – How to Study the Context of Scripture04:40 – Who Was the Apostle Peter?05:27 – Peter the Fisherman and His Home in Capernaum06:40 – The Importance of Close Christian Relationships08:27 – Peter’s Witness and Restoration09:14 – From Failure to Faithfulness Under Pressure11:25 – Peter’s Mission Beyond Israel12:24 – Peter’s Message to Gentile Christians14:03 – From Fighting Peter to Surrendered Peter15:04 – Babylon, Rome, and Opposition to God16:29 – Who Received Peter’s Letter?17:24 – Strangers, Exiles, and Citizens of Heaven18:12 – How to Suffer Without Losing Hope19:56 – Living Hope Is Not Based on Circumstances20:33 – “Be Holy, for I Am Holy”21:59 – The Question Peter Asks About Suffering22:59 – How Do We Suffer Well?23:26 – Remembering Who You Are in Christ24:22 – 1 Peter 1:1–225:10 – What Does “Sprinkled With His Blood” Mean?26:10 – Chosen by God, Rejected by the World27:05 – Exodus 24 and the Blood of the Covenant28:00 – The New Covenant and Our Identity29:47 – Ephesians 3:6 and Belonging in Christ31:20 – Connecting the Covenants32:07 – God’s Foreknowledge, Choice, and Suffering33:33 – Faith, Obedience, and the Heart34:18 – Closing Encouragement

  2. Aug 18

    Don’t Just Read the Bible—Live It | The Final Lesson From James

    In the final episode of our study through the Book of James, we reach James 5:19–20—and discover that James doesn’t end his letter with condemnation. He ends it with restoration. When someone wanders from the truth, what should Christians do? James calls believers to pursue them with truth and love. It’s a reflection of Jesus leaving the 99 to seek the one and His mission to seek and save the lost. Throughout this episode, we look back at the practical wisdom James has given us about prayer, perseverance, speech, suffering, forgiveness, faith, works, obedience, and living as true doers of God’s Word. We also discuss an extraordinary story of forgiveness, the relationship between the teachings of James and Paul on faith and works, and why genuine faith should produce visible fruit in our lives. James contains 108 verses and nearly 50 commands. Again and again, he calls believers to action. The Word enters our ears, changes our hearts, transforms our speech, guides our relationships, directs our decisions, strengthens our endurance, and ultimately shapes our lives. As we finish this series, the challenge isn’t simply to know more about the Bible. It’s to become more like Christ. Don’t simply finish the Book of James. Live it. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Practice the Word00:31 Stay in the Fight00:45 A Mother’s Bold Prayer03:07 The Power of Fervent Prayer03:35 Burn the Boat: No Plan B04:18 The Final Lesson From James04:42 James 5:19–20 — Restore the Wanderer05:44 Leaving the 99 for the One07:00 Are You Actually Practicing the Word?07:20 Restore With Truth and Love08:44 The New Testament Proverbs?09:34 James Calls Christians to Action09:57 108 Verses and Nearly 50 Commands10:49 How the Word Changes Your Life11:18 The Great Commission and James11:47 Facts About the Book of James13:09 Obey Without Hesitation14:04 The Illustrations of James14:57 Christians and Retaliation15:20 An Extraordinary Story of Forgiveness17:17 How Forgiveness Leads to Restoration18:22 Did Martin Luther Think James Contradicted Paul?18:55 James vs. Paul on Faith and Works20:38 Final Thoughts on the Book of James20:54 Closing Prayer22:15 A Testimony From Two Young Listeners22:50 The Final Doer’s Challenge23:52 Closing

  3. Aug 14

    What James 5 Really Teaches About Healing & Faith

    In this episode of Practice the Word, we continue through James 5 and explore one of the strongest teachings on prayer, perseverance, healing, confession, and faith in the New Testament. James reminds believers that suffering does not mean God has abandoned us. Job is remembered not simply because he suffered, but because he endured and remained faithful. Romans 5 echoes the same truth: suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope. Then James turns directly to prayer. What should you do when you’re suffering? Pray.When you’re joyful? Praise.When you’re sick? Call the elders and pray.When you’ve sinned? Confess and seek restoration. The conversation takes a deeper look at James 5:13–18, including the biblical practice of anointing with oil, praying for the sick, confessing sins to one another, and James’ declaration that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” We also hear a powerful personal testimony of prayer during a medical emergency and discuss an important question: What happens to our faith when the outcome of our prayers isn’t what we hoped for? Finally, James points us toward Elijah—a man who prayed and saw the rain stop, then prayed again and saw it return. His example reminds us that extraordinary prayer is not reserved for extraordinary people. God hears ordinary believers who trust Him and faithfully seek Him. Prayer isn’t simply informing God about what is happening. Prayer is part of our obedience, our perseverance, and our relationship with Him. Chapters 00:00 Persevering While You Wait on God01:41 “Are You Yet Holding On?”02:20 Remaining Faithful Through Suffering03:02 Job’s Endurance, Not Just His Suffering04:14 How Suffering Produces Perseverance05:32 Let Your Yes Be Yes — James 5:1206:50 Jesus’ Teaching on Oaths and Integrity08:10 From Doubting Brother to Devoted Disciple09:01 James 5:13–18 — The Power of Prayer10:22 Prayer, Healing and Calling the Elders13:08 Is James Giving Us a Plan for the Sick?14:16 Prayer as an Act of Obedience16:30 Why Does James Mention Anointing With Oil?17:36 Confession, Healing and Accountability18:33 A Powerful Testimony of Prayer and Healing22:02 What If Healing Doesn’t Happen?22:56 Prayer Is Always Part of the Response24:23 Confessing Our Sins to One Another26:44 Elijah and the Prayer of an Ordinary Believer27:37 Prayer, Persistence and James the Just

  4. Aug 11

    Will Your Faith Endure? | James 5

    Will your faith endure when following Jesus gets difficult? In this episode of Practice the Word, we conclude our study of the Book of James with James Chapter 5—a powerful challenge to live with genuine faith that doesn’t merely begin well, but finishes well. James closes his letter by confronting some of the biggest tests of the Christian life: our relationship with wealth, how we respond to suffering, our willingness to wait on God, and whether we will remain faithful until Christ returns. We examine James’ warning to wealthy oppressors and the dangers of hoarding, exploitation, and self-indulgence. The issue isn’t simply having possessions—it’s what happens when our possessions begin to possess us. Then James turns directly to suffering believers with a very different command: be patient. Using the farmer waiting for the harvest, the perseverance of Job, the prophets, and Elijah, James reminds us that spiritual growth takes time. Waiting develops faith, character, integrity, and dependence on God. We also hear a powerful testimony of Christian perseverance under persecution and consider a difficult question: Can we still recognize the goodness of God when following Him costs us something? Throughout James, we’ve been challenged to be doers of the Word: to endure trials, reject favoritism, control our tongues, live wisely, resist pride, submit to God, and put genuine faith into action. Now James leaves us with one final question: Will our faith endure? 📖 Scripture: James 5:1–20 00:00 War in the Heart, Fire in the Soul00:57 Opening Prayer02:08 Meet Allison03:11 Faith That Endures Until the End03:38 James Is a Mirror, Not a Checklist05:32 The Challenge of the Book of James06:43 Will Your Faith Endure?07:10 A Powerful Story of Christian Persecution13:29 Thanking God Even in Persecution14:13 Elijah Was a Person Like Us14:53 Perseverance and the Return of Christ16:00 Why the Old Testament Still Matters in James16:55 From Judgment to Restoration17:52 James 5:1–6 — A Warning to the Rich18:53 Is James Condemning Wealth?19:41 Hoarding, Exploitation & Self-Indulgence20:49 What Scripture Says About Withholding Wages21:56 Where Your Treasure Is, Your Heart Will Be22:51 The Love of Money23:12 James 5:7–11 — Be Patient Until Christ Returns24:06 God's Answer to Suffering: Be Patient25:15 God Never Wastes the Waiting25:34 Why James Uses the Farmer27:30 Is God Saying No—or Preparing You?28:35 The Early and Latter Rains If this study encourages or challenges you, share it with someone who is walking through a season of waiting or testing, and subscribe for more episodes of Practice the Word. #James5 #BibleStudy #BookOfJames #ChristianFaith #Faith #Jesus #ChristianLiving #BibleTeaching

  5. Aug 7

    What does godly wisdom actually look like in real life?

    In Episode 6 of Practice the Word, we continue our study through James, moving from James 3 into James 4 and examining the difference between earthly wisdom and wisdom from above. James makes the contrast clear: earthly wisdom produces envy, selfish ambition, conflict, and disorder. Heavenly wisdom produces purity, peace, gentleness, mercy, sincerity, and good fruit. But James doesn’t stop with identifying the problem. He takes us deeper into the desires behind our conflicts, the danger of pride, what it means to be a friend of the world, and why humility and repentance are essential to drawing near to God. We also explore what James means when he says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you,” and why making plans without acknowledging God’s will can reveal something deeper about our hearts. This week’s challenge is practical: identify one conflict, one desire, and one area of pride in your life. Instead of asking, “How can I win?” ask, “How can Jesus be seen in the way I respond?” Open Scripture. Follow Jesus. Practice the Word. Subscribe for more Bible study and practical conversations about becoming a doer of the Word, and share this episode with someone who could use the encouragement. 00:00 – Welcome to Practice the Word00:20 – Episode 6: James 3–401:14 – Heavenly Wisdom vs. Earthly Wisdom02:07 – Biblical Wisdom Produces Visible Character04:29 – Envy, Selfish Ambition & Earthly Wisdom06:15 – Unforgiveness and Letting Go09:21 – The Problem With Selfishness11:56 – What Wisdom From Heaven Looks Like15:20 – The Holy Spirit and a Transformed Life17:56 – James 4: Where Conflict Really Begins20:16 – Anger, Conflict & the Battle Within22:50 – Friendship With the World vs. God24:46 – God Opposes the Proud29:09 – Submit to God & Resist the Devil30:25 – Repentance, Humility & Drawing Near to God32:07 – Slander, Judgment & How We Speak About Others34:03 – Don’t Boast About Tomorrow37:32 – When Our Plans Become an Idol40:11 – Faith That Becomes Visible43:16 – Knowing the Good but Failing to Do It44:25 – This Week’s Challenge: Choose Wisdom From Above46:53 – Closing Prayer47:52 – Outro #PracticeTheWord #BibleStudy #BookOfJames #James3 #James4 #ChristianLiving #BiblicalWisdom #FaithInAction #FollowJesus #ChristianPodcast

  6. Aug 4

    Faith Without Works Is Dead: What Your Words Reveal About Your Heart | James 2–3

    What does genuine faith actually look like? In Episode 5 of Practice the Word, we continue through James 2 and move into James 3 to examine two powerful tests of our faith: what we do and what we say. James makes a challenging statement: “Faith without deeds is dead.” But does that mean our works save us? We unpack the relationship between faith, obedience, and works—and why genuine faith becomes visible through the way we live. We look at Abraham and Rahab, two very different people whose actions demonstrated what they believed. Their stories remind us that grace reaches everyone and that obedience doesn’t create faith—it reveals it. Then James turns from our actions to our words. A tiny rudder can steer a massive ship. A single spark can ignite a forest. And something as small as the tongue can shape relationships, families, churches, and lives. What does your speech reveal about your heart? This episode challenges us to examine gossip, anger, criticism, encouragement, and the words we use when we’re under pressure. We also discuss the responsibility of teachers, why those who teach Scripture are judged more strictly, and why believers must carefully weigh what they hear and teach. This week’s Doer Challenge: choose one act of obedience you’ve been delaying and do it. Then spend seven days intentionally examining your words. Let your hands demonstrate your faith. Let your mouth reveal a heart being transformed by Jesus. 00:00 Welcome to Practice the Word00:20 Episode 5: Faith, Works & the Tongue02:12 Can Faith Exist Without Evidence?03:14 Show Me Your Faith by Your Deeds05:14 Works Don’t Save—They Demonstrate Faith07:55 Even the Demons Believe08:52 Believing in Jesus vs. Having Faith in Jesus10:55 Do We Truly Fear and Revere God?14:29 Information vs. Transformation15:37 Faith and Works Are Partners16:29 Abraham: Faith Made Visible Through Obedience19:20 Faith Alone Saves, but Saving Faith Never Remains Alone20:38 Rahab: Grace Rewrites the Future24:01 Faith Without Works Is Dead26:18 James 3: What Does Your Tongue Reveal?27:03 Why Teachers Are Judged More Strictly29:29 The Responsibility of Teaching Scripture31:44 Your Tongue Can Steer Your Life33:20 One Spark Can Burn Down a Forest34:24 No Human Can Tame the Tongue36:57 Gossip, Slander & Controlling Our Words38:42 The Holy Spirit and the Tongue40:00 How Do Christians Mature in Their Speech?41:05 Can Fresh and Salt Water Come From the Same Spring?43:42 What Comes Out When You’re Under Pressure?46:07 The Doer Challenge: Make Your Faith Visible48:08 Final Questions & Prayer #PracticeTheWord #BibleStudy #BookOfJames #FaithAndWorks #TameTheTongue #ChristianLiving #FaithInAction #BibleTeaching #ChristianPodcast #Jesus

  7. Jul 31

    What does living faith actually look like?

    In this episode of Practice the Word, we continue through James 2 and confront a challenging truth: biblical faith isn’t merely something we say we believe—it changes how we live, how we speak, and how we treat the people around us. James challenges the church on favoritism, mercy, judgment, obedience, and what it really means to love your neighbor as yourself. We connect his teaching to the Old Testament prophets, the Sermon on the Mount, and the words of Jesus to understand why mercy, justice, and action are inseparable from a transformed life. We also tackle one of the biggest questions in James: If we’re saved by faith, why does James say faith without works is dead? Works don’t purchase salvation. They reveal that saving faith is alive. This episode is an invitation to look in the mirror and ask: Is my faith changing what I do? Is it changing how I speak? Am I showing mercy? Am I loving people without expecting anything in return? And most importantly: Is my faith alive? CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Practice the Word00:20 Continuing Through James Chapter 203:01 God, Wealth & the Poor04:14 Biblical Impartiality and Favoritism05:16 The Royal Law: Love Your Neighbor06:18 What Jesus Taught About the Poor07:02 Love Your Enemies08:15 Judging Others & Examining Yourself08:55 When Churches Reward Insiders09:45 The Prophets, Justice & the Vulnerable12:14 Wealth Doesn’t Determine Human Value13:27 Favoritism Is More Than Bad Manners—It’s Sin14:49 Breaking One Part of the Law15:19 Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment18:04 What Jonah Teaches Us About Mercy19:09 Forgiveness, Repentance & Retaliation20:25 Mercy Doesn’t Eliminate Justice21:15 Jesus on Mercy and Judgment22:29 Religion Without Mercy Is Empty24:10 Micah: Justice, Mercy & Humility25:24 Hosea & Zechariah on Mercy and Obedience26:57 The Mirror, Mouth, Mercy & Partiality Tests29:06 Faith Without Works Is Dead30:18 Does James Contradict Paul?31:03 Can Someone Claim Faith and Still Have Dead Faith?32:17 What Your Hands and Mouth Reveal33:05 Have We Misplaced What We Value?34:17 What Genuine Faith Looks Like35:03 Compassion Must Become Action38:37 The Prophets Wouldn’t Separate Worship From Obedience39:48 Understanding James in Historical Context40:41 Faith, Transformation & Salvation42:49 “Lord, Lord” — What Did Jesus Mean?44:03 Living Faith Produces Fruit45:24 Works Don’t Purchase Salvation46:37 Living Faith Produces Good Works48:16 Using Social Media to Encourage Others51:55 The Danger of Half-Truths53:11 Is “Faith Alone” a Half-Truth?55:28 This Week’s Challenge: Put Faith Into Action57:09 Let Your Faith Do Something58:24 Closing Prayer58:47 Be Doers of the Word THIS WEEK’S CHALLENGE Choose one area where your faith has remained mostly words—maybe forgiveness, generosity, serving, apologizing, encouraging someone, controlling your speech, or making peace. Then take one clear step of obedience. Let your faith do something your mouth cannot take credit for, and let your mouth say something that gives life to someone else. Practice the Word helps everyday believers become everyday doers of the Word through Scripture, stories, and honest conversations about following Jesus with courage, sincerity, and obedience in real life. #PracticeTheWord #James2 #FaithWithoutWorks #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #ChristianFaith #BookOfJames #LivingFaith #JesusChrist #BibleTeaching #ChristianLiving #FaithInAction #Mercy #LoveYourNeighbor #DoersOfTheWord

  8. Jul 28

    What happens when you hear the Word of God—but walk away unchanged?

    In this episode of Practice the Word, we continue through James 1 and begin James 2, exploring one of the central themes of the entire book: Don’t just hear the Word. Do what it says. James compares God’s Word to a mirror. It reveals what’s really there—not who we pretend to be, but who we actually are. The question is what happens after we see the reflection. Do we walk away and forget, or allow what God reveals to change the way we live? We explore what genuine faith looks like in everyday life: controlling our words, caring for vulnerable people, resisting the patterns of the world, and treating others according to their God-given value rather than their status, wealth, influence, or appearance. The conversation also turns to social media, where controlling the tongue has become controlling the thumbs. What do our comments, arguments, and reactions reveal about what’s happening in our hearts? Then we move into James 2 and confront favoritism. Why does James treat partiality so seriously? Because when we assign greater value to someone because of what they have—or what they might be able to do for us—we begin measuring people by the world’s standards instead of God’s. The challenge isn’t simply to know more Scripture. It’s to obey what Scripture reveals. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Practice the Word00:21 You Have a Calling in God’s Kingdom01:11 Books, Testimony & Prison Ministry02:44 Opening Prayer04:25 James 1:22 — Be Doers of the Word05:07 God’s Word Is a Mirror06:24 Hearing the Word but Walking Away Unchanged07:04 Forgetfulness or Self-Deception?08:30 Hearing Requires a Response09:09 The Mirror Shows Who We Really Are10:23 Proverbs and the Danger of Self-Deception11:55 Build Your House on the Rock13:18 Hearing Jesus vs. Obeying Jesus14:44 James 1:26–27 — What Does Genuine Faith Look Like?15:44 Controlling Your Tongue—and Your Thumbs17:57 What Your Words Reveal About Your Heart19:31 Three Practical Tests of Genuine Faith21:31 Does Your Speech Reflect Christ?22:23 What Does It Mean to Rein In Your Tongue?24:18 Public Faith vs. Private Character25:03 Life and Death Are in the Power of the Tongue26:19 Caring for the Vulnerable28:57 Compassion, Discernment & Avoiding Scams31:04 A Story of Serving Children in Foster Care32:04 The Prophets on Justice and Compassion33:28 Loving God Means Loving People35:12 Give Without Seeking Applause36:16 Seeing People the Way God Sees Them36:48 Lessons From Prison Ministry37:50 Engage the World Without Becoming Like It39:53 Why Social Media Arguments Don’t Work40:36 The Ripple Effect of Sin42:13 The First Adam and the Second Adam42:46 The Lasting Power of Our Words43:48 Church Hurt, Self-Examination & Refilling Your Cup44:41 James 2 — Favoritism Forbidden45:05 The Rich Man and the Poor Man46:14 Has the Church Become Too Focused on Money?47:20 The Glory of Christ vs. Human Wealth48:03 Favoritism Inside the Family50:23 The Homeless Man Who Was Actually the Pastor51:24 Favoritism in the Early Church52:23 Judging Someone Before Hearing Their Story52:46 The Glory of Christ vs. the Glitter of People53:41 When Church Becomes Self-Improvement58:01 The Selfish Root of Favoritism58:38 This Week’s Challenge59:11 Who Have You Overlooked?1:00:04 Bless Someone Who Cannot Repay You1:00:27 Put Your Faith Into Action THIS WEEK’S CHALLENGE Read James 1:22 through James 2:13. Read it more than once. Underline it. Pray through it. Then ask God to show you one person you’ve overlooked, judged, avoided, or quietly placed beneath yourself. Do something tangible. Call them. Encourage them. Serve them. Give to them. Invite them in. Extend mercy. And don’t only look for someone who can bless you. Look for someone you can bless who may never be able to repay you. The mirror has done its job when it shows us what needs to change. We become doers when we refuse to walk away unchanged. Practice the Word helps everyday believers become everyday doers of the Word through Scripture, stories, and honest conversations about following Jesus with courage, sincerity, and obedience in real life. #PracticeTheWord #BookOfJames #James1 #James2 #DoersOfTheWord #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #ChristianLiving #FaithInAction #BibleTeaching #JesusChrist #Favoritism #LoveYourNeighbor #ChristianFaith #BiblicalTruth

  9. Jul 24

    What Does It Mean to Be a Doer of God’s Word? | James 1:22 (Part 2)

    What does genuine faith actually look like? In Part 2 of this conversation on James 1:22, Bryan, Veneta, and Brian Jarman continue exploring what it means to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. The discussion moves from Jonah’s reluctant obedience to the importance of prayer, repentance, church community, mentorship, and the work of the Holy Spirit. They also address church hurt, raising children in the faith, spiritual disciplines, and how ordinary believers can begin living out biblical obedience one step at a time. If you’ve struggled with spiritual consistency, church wounds, or simply want to deepen your walk with Christ, this episode offers practical encouragement rooted in Scripture. Chapters 00:00 Introduction00:00:35 Jonah’s Reluctant Obedience00:01:15 Repentance Changes Everything00:02:25 The Sovereignty of God00:03:25 James 1:19–25 in Context00:04:20 Hearing the Word vs. Doing the Word00:05:10 Seeing People the Way Jesus Does00:06:15 Obedience in Business and Daily Life00:08:15 Success vs. Humility00:10:25 Why People Matter More Than Achievement00:11:00 The Power of Mentorship00:12:30 Loving God and Loving Your Neighbor00:13:35 You Don’t Have to Know Everything to Serve God00:15:10 Becoming a Doer One Step at a Time00:16:00 The Mirror of God’s Word00:17:30 The Sermon on the Mount and James 100:19:00 Building Your Life on the Rock00:21:15 Healing from Church Hurt00:24:00 Finding a Healthy Church Community00:25:20 The Holy Spirit Is Your Comforter00:26:00 Encouragement for Single Parents00:29:45 Faith Produces Fruit00:31:30 What If Every Christian Lived James 1:22?00:32:00 Why Prayer Changes Everything00:34:00 A Church That Lives the Gospel00:36:30 Why Repentance Still Matters00:37:40 What Repentance Really Means00:40:20 The Importance of Godly Mentors00:42:15 Men, Prayer & Spiritual Leadership00:43:10 Why Christians Struggle to Pray00:45:00 How to Begin a Prayer Life00:47:15 Growing Through the Holy Spirit00:49:00 Developing Spiritual Discipline00:53:30 Living a Life That Bears Fruit00:55:20 Closing Prayer Being a Christian is more than believing the right things—it’s allowing God’s Word to transform how we live every day. If this conversation encouraged you, subscribe for more Bible-centered conversations that challenge and equip believers to faithfully follow Jesus. #PracticeTheWord #James122 #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #FaithInAction

    What Does It Mean to Be a Doer of God’s Word? | James 1:22 (Part 2)
  10. Jul 21

    Are You Deceiving Yourself? James 1:22 Challenges Every Christian (Part One)

    What does it really mean to be a doer of God’s Word? In the very first episode of Practice the Word, hosts Bryan, Veneta, and Brian Jarman explore one of the most convicting verses in Scripture: James 1:22. Together they discuss why so many people identify as Christians but struggle to live out their faith, how James himself went from doubting Jesus to leading the early church, and what practical obedience looks like for believers today. They also talk about the role of the Holy Spirit, overcoming fear, spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting, sharing your testimony, and why Christianity is meant to be practiced—not simply believed. If you’ve ever wondered why your faith feels stagnant, or you’re looking for practical encouragement to walk more closely with Christ, this conversation is for you. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Practice the Word00:00:26 Why We Started This Podcast00:01:20 Opening Prayer00:02:10 Meet Bryan, Veneta & Bryan Jarman00:02:35 James 1:22 — Be Doers of the Word00:02:50 Barna Research: The Disconnect in Christianity00:03:46 James, the Brother of Jesus00:05:00 Why James’ Story Matters Today00:08:20 From Hearing to Obedience00:10:40 The Danger of Self-Deception00:12:05 Why Christians Struggle to Live Their Faith00:13:40 Fear, Comfort & Spiritual Growth00:16:20 The Importance of Daily Prayer00:17:45 What Does “Be a Doer” Actually Mean?00:20:25 Applying Scripture Beyond Sunday00:22:00 Humility Before God00:23:30 Prayer, Fasting & Spiritual Disciplines00:24:55 The Holy Spirit Is Your Helper00:30:35 Practical Ways to Practice the Word00:32:40 Learning from Abraham, Moses & David00:34:10 Why Your Testimony Matters00:35:40 Prison Ministry & Real Transformation00:38:20 Are You a Doer of the Word or the World?00:42:00 Jacob Slavin’s Powerful Christian Witness00:44:40 Ministering to the Homeless00:50:20 Practical Ways to Become a Doer of the Word00:52:10 Knowledge vs. Obedience00:53:30 God’s Word Is Meant to Transform You If this conversation encouraged you, consider subscribing and sharing this episode with someone who wants to grow deeper in their walk with Christ. #PracticeTheWord #James122 #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #FaithInAction

    Are You Deceiving Yourself? James 1:22 Challenges Every Christian (Part One)

About

Practice the Word is a Christ-centered podcast for people who are ready to stop sitting on the sidelines of faith and start living the Word of God in everyday life. Hosted by believers who love Jesus, serve people, and understand the real-world trials of business, family, ministry, hardship, and obedience, this show is for anyone who feels called to step out of the boat and walk with Christ more deeply. Each episode encourages listeners to read Scripture for themselves, trust the Holy Spirit, serve others with sincerity, and become doers of the Word — not hearers only. Through biblical conversations, personal stories, interviews with Christian leaders, and practical encouragement, Practice the Word exists to point people back to Jesus, remind them that every day is a gift from the Lord, and challenge them to live fully surrendered to Him. Whether you are new to faith, returning to God, wrestling through a difficult season, or ready to go deeper, this podcast is an invitation to get off the fence, open the Bible, and practice the Word.