Bible for Newbies

Russ Michaels
  • 5.0 (40)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Semiweekly

This podcast is for you if you're new to reading the Bible or if you've been reading for a while and you want to go deeper. The goal is to help untangle the confusing stuff so your Bible reading feels rewarding and life-giving, not frustrating or overwhelming. One of Jesus' disciples, Peter, wrote that the scriptures are like light shining in a dark place. Reading the Bible is like flipping your headlights to high beam when you're driving on a dark country road. Suddenly, things get clearer, you can see the road ahead and avoid the ditches. So come take a ride with me and let's turn on the light.

  1. 2d ago

    How to Use Notes, Footnotes, and Cross-References in Your Study Bible

    Russ walks through a practical example from Matthew 6 to show how study Bible tools can deepen personal Bible reading. He focuses on the Lord’s Prayer, using notes, footnotes, and cross references to unpack prayer, temptation, and translation details. Inside the episode: In this episode, Russ explains how notes, footnotes, and cross references each serve a different purpose in a study Bible.He uses Matthew 6:9 to show how a study Bible note frames the Lord’s Prayer as a model for prayer, not just a memorized passage.Russ breaks the prayer into categories: adoration, God’s kingdom and will, daily needs, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil.He distinguishes footnotes from commentary notes, showing how footnotes often give alternate translations or clarify difficult wording.He uses a footnote on “daily bread” to demonstrate how translation choices can reveal meaning and why he reads footnotes carefully.Russ explains cross references as a way to trace themes across Scripture, comparing Matthew 6:13 with John 17:15, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, and James 1:13.He highlights John 17 as Jesus’ prayer for believers, connecting the Lord’s Prayer to Christ’s intercession.He uses 2 Thessalonians 3:3 to emphasize God’s faithfulness to strengthen and guard believers from evil.He uses James 1:13 to stress that temptation does not come from God and should not be blamed on Him.Russ closes by discussing a footnote about the doxology, explaining why some newer translations omit it while older manuscripts and traditional versions include it in the notes.

    How to Use Notes, Footnotes, and Cross-References in Your Study Bible

  2. 3d ago

    What's Hiding in Your Study Bible?

    Russ gives a practical walkthrough of the study helps found in a print Bible, using his Harper Study Bible as the example. This episode shows how much useful material is often sitting in the front and back of a Bible that many readers never open.This solo episode focuses on educational guidance. Russ explains the purpose of the front matter, study notes, concordance, and maps, then previews a follow-up episode on cross-references. Inside the episode: Why Russ returned to print Bibles and paper journals after being challenged to revisit older spiritual practicesWhat makes a study Bible different from a regular Bible, and why these helps existFront matter, including the title page, copyright details, preface, table of contents, abbreviations, pronunciation guides, and alphabetical book listingWhy the RSV was revised from the King James tradition and how translation choices affect clarityHow book introductions help readers understand authorship, purpose, and outline before reading a biblical bookHow the index to annotations helps readers find commentary on themes like blood, covenant, and faithHow a concordance works, using “shepherd” and Psalm 23:1 as an exampleHow Bible maps help readers visualize Exodus, the patriarchs, the 12 tribes, David and Solomon, divided Israel and Judah, exile routes, Jesus’ time, Paul’s missionary journeys, and the Roman EmpireWhy listeners should explore the tools in their own study BibleA preview of the next episode on cross-references

    What's Hiding in Your Study Bible?

  3. Oct 7

    The Psalms Aren’t Only in the Psalms

    This bonus episode wraps up the Psalms series by showing that psalm-like poetry appears all over Scripture, not just in the book of Psalms. Russ traces examples from Exodus, 2 Samuel, Jonah, Luke, Revelation, and the lesser-known Psalm 151 to show how biblical worship and song span the whole Bible.He also explains why Psalm 151 is fascinating, why it appears in some ancient traditions but not most modern Bibles, and what its existence suggests about the wider world of ancient Jewish worship texts. Inside the episode: Russ revisits the core idea that a psalm is a kind of poetry meant to be sung, not just a section title in the Bible.In Exodus 15, Moses and Israel sing after crossing the Red Sea, celebrating God’s rescue from Pharaoh’s army.In 2 Samuel 22, David sings a deliverance song that appears again almost word for word as Psalm 18.Russ highlights the small but meaningful opening difference between 2 Samuel 22 and Psalm 18, where Psalm 18 begins, “I love you, O Lord, my strength.”Jonah 2 is presented as a psalm-like prayer from the belly of the fish, full of poetic imagery, distress, and thanksgiving.Russ points out that Jonah’s prayer ends with the declaration, “Salvation belongs to the Lord.”In Luke 1, Mary’s Magnificat is introduced as a psalm of praise, centered on God’s mercy, reversal, and faithfulness to Israel.Russ notes that Luke chapters 1 and 2 are filled with song and poetry, showing that psalmody continues into the New Testament.Revelation is described as ending the Bible with repeated bursts of worship that echo the themes and structure of the Psalms.Psalm 151 is introduced as a real ancient psalm found in some traditions, especially the Septuagint and certain Orthodox Bibles, though not in most modern Protestant or Jewish collections.Russ explains that Psalm 151 also appears in the Dead Sea Scrolls and in Syriac, suggesting it has deeper historical roots than many readers realize.The episode closes by stressing that ancient Jewish people preserved more psalms than the 150 included in the standard biblical book of Psalms.

    The Psalms Aren’t Only in the Psalms

  4. Oct 5

    The Psalms as a Book: The Story Behind the Songs

    This episode wraps up a Psalms series by showing how the book of Psalms is not a random collection of 150 songs, but an intentionally arranged whole with a clear movement and story. Russ uses David Crowder concept albums as a creative lens to explain how the Psalter moves from wisdom and kingship through crisis and then into sustained praise. Inside the episode: Russ frames the book of Psalms like a concept album, especially comparing it to David Crowder’s albums A Collision, B Collision, and American Prodigal.He explains that Psalms is not just a loose collection of songs, but an intentionally arranged book often called the Psalter.He highlights Psalms 1 and 2 as the introduction to the whole collection.Psalm 1 emphasizes wisdom through listening to God’s instruction, or Torah.Psalm 2 emphasizes wisdom through following God’s anointed king, the Messiah, or Christ.He points out the five-book structure of Psalms and the doxologies that mark the end of each book.Psalm 89 is presented as a turning point where David’s kingdom appears to fail, raising the question of God’s promises.Book 4 shifts the focus to the truth that Yahweh is king, even when human kings and kingdoms fall.Book 5 closes with Psalms 146 through 150, a crescendo of praise that feels like a symphony.Russ closes by emphasizing that Psalms teaches believers how to bring every emotion to God, ending with praise.

    The Psalms as a Book: The Story Behind the Songs

  5. Sep 30

    Imprecatory Psalms: What Do I Do With My Anger?

    This episode looks at one of the Bible’s most unsettling prayers, Psalm 137, and why it matters for anyone who has ever felt deep betrayal, rage, or the urge to get even. Russ walks through the psalm’s historical background, explains what imprecatory psalms are, and shows how Romans 12 and Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 reshape how anger and forgiveness work together.In this episode, Russ explores how Scripture gives language for grief and rage without sanitizing it, and why bringing anger to God is different from taking revenge into your own hands. The episode ends with a reading challenge and a practical invitation to pray honestly about someone who has hurt you. Key topicsRuss opens with the kind of anger that comes from betrayal, slander, abuse, or harm done to someone you love.He introduces imprecatory psalmsas prayers that ask God to judge an enemy, noting that these prayers can sound shocking.The backstory for Psalm 137 is the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, including the ruined temple and the exile of the Jewish people.Psalm 137 moves from sorrow beside the rivers of Babylon to rage at Edom and Babylon, ending with one of the Bible’s most disturbing lines.Russ explains that imprecatory language usually appears inside lament psalms where people bring real grievance, pain, and anger to God.He argues that the Bible does not edit out ugly emotions, and that the Psalms give believers words for joy, grief, fear, doubt, thanksgiving, and rage.Romans 12 is used to show that vengeance belongs to God, not to the believer, and that Christians are called to bless enemies rather than repay evil.Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 raise the standard further: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.Russ distinguishes between emotions, prayers, and actions—anger can be prayed honestly, but the final posture toward the enemy must move toward forgiveness and love.The episode closes with a practical challenge to read Psalm 35 and take honest anger to God without sanitizing it.

    Imprecatory Psalms: What Do I Do With My Anger?

  6. Sep 28

    Drawing Near: A Pilgrimage Psalms Follow-Up

    Russ shares how a devotional reading unexpectedly echoed his recent episode on pilgrimage psalms and became a personal reminder about the value of God’s presence. This short solo reflection connects Psalm language with Hebrews 10 and invites listeners to move from self-reliance to waiting on the Lord. In this episode, Russ explains how his devotional, The Daily Light, lined up with his recent teaching on pilgrimage psalms and the Songs of Ascent.He reads a devotional selection built from Psalms and Hebrews 10, centered on the idea that “it is good for me to draw near to God.”Russ notes how the repeated theme of God’s presence made it clear to him that the Lord was getting his attention.He shares a personal conviction that he had drifted back into “cowboy up” self-reliance instead of waiting on God.The episode emphasizes that, because of Jesus, believers can approach God with boldness and no shame.Russ stresses that coming to God does not excuse sin, but it does mean forgiveness and cleansing are available through Christ.He reflects on prayer as partnership with God, not a vending machine for getting what we want.He describes practical ways he experiences God’s presence: in his prayer chair, in the car, in worship music, and at church.The core takeaway is that being in God’s presence strengthens, comforts, and fills believers with joy.

    Drawing Near: A Pilgrimage Psalms Follow-Up

  7. Sep 23

    Pilgrimage Psalms: Songs for the Road

    These show notes cover a solo teaching episode with Russ. He explains what a biblical pilgrimage is, why Psalm 84 matters, and how Psalms 120 through 134 form the Song of Ascents. The main takeaway is simple and practical: faith is often a journey, and these psalms give language for the road. Inside the episode: In this episode, Russ opens with a personal story about a life-changing trip to China with Eugene Bach and Cameron Robinson, using it as a picture of how a journey begins long before departure.He defines a pilgrimage as a journey to a sacred place for a spiritual purpose, then connects that idea to ancient Israel traveling to Jerusalem for festivals like Passover and the Feast of Booths.Russ reads Psalm 84 and highlights its longing for God’s house, including the image of “highways” in the heart and the journey through the “valley of weeping.”He explains the phrase “Selah” as a pause to reflect, and points out the repeated theme of growing stronger on the way to God’s presence.Russ introduces Psalms 120 through 134 as the Song of Ascents, a 15-psalm collection traditionally associated with pilgrims going up to Jerusalem.He traces the movement of the collection from conflict and distance in Psalm 120, to trust and protection in Psalm 121, to arrival and gladness in Psalm 122.He notes that the songs are not only about travel, but about life on the journey - including suffering, work, family, forgiveness, waiting, and learning to be still before God.Russ highlights Psalm 132’s focus on God choosing Jerusalem as his dwelling place among his people, while clarifying that this does not mean God is confined to a building.He closes with Psalm 133’s unity and Psalm 134’s blessing, showing the collection’s movement from far away conflict to worship and harmony in Jerusalem.The practical challenge is to read Psalms 120 through 134 in one sitting as preparation for worship.

    Pilgrimage Psalms: Songs for the Road

  8. Sep 21

    Royal Psalms: The King Behind the King

    This episode explains how the royal psalms first made sense in the context of Israel’s kings, then take on fuller meaning when read through Jesus. Russ uses the image of mountains in Bozeman to show how later revelation helps us see what was there all along in Scripture.We discuss Psalm 2, Psalm 72, and Psalm 110 as three key royal psalms, then close with a reading challenge from Psalm 89. Along the way, Russ connects the Hebrew Mashiach, the Greek Christos, Davidic kingship, and Jesus as both King and High Priest. Inside the episode: In this episode, Russ introduces the “mountain behind the mountain” idea using the Bridger Mountains near Bozeman as a picture of how Scripture can have an original meaning and a later, fuller meaning.He explains that royal psalms were written about Israel’s kings, celebrating their rule, praying for them, and remembering God’s promises to David and his descendants.Russ unpacks the word Messiah from the Hebrew Mashiach, meaning “anointed one,” and explains the Old Testament practice of pouring oil over prophets, priests, and kings.He connects the Greek Christos to the word Christ, showing that “Jesus Christ” means Jesus the Messiah, or Jesus the anointed king.Psalm 2 is presented as a royal psalm about the king of Israel, especially the line “You are my son,” which Russ connects to God’s covenant with David.He notes that New Testament writers repeatedly quote Psalm 2 and apply it to Jesus, showing Jesus as the Son of David and God’s anointed one.Psalm 72 is discussed as a portrait of the ideal king, marked by justice, righteousness, concern for the poor, defense of the oppressed, and blessing for the nations.Russ emphasizes that no king in Israel’s history fully matched Psalm 72 until Jesus, who fulfills the vision of a righteous worldwide king.Psalm 110 is highlighted as unique because it describes a king who is also a priest, but not from Aaron’s line, instead “after the order of Melchizedek.”He explains how Psalm 110 becomes crucial in the New Testament, especially in Jesus’ teaching, Peter’s Pentecost sermon, and the book of Hebrews.Russ reads Hebrews 4 to show Jesus as the great high priest who sympathizes with human weakness and invites believers to draw near with confidence to receive mercy and grace.The episode closes by tying the three psalms together: Psalm 2 reveals the King, Psalm 72 shows the kingdom, and Psalm 110 shows the King as Priest.Russ ends with a reading challenge from Psalm 89, inviting listeners to reflect on what happens when God’s promise to David seems to clash with visible history.

    Royal Psalms: The King Behind the King
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About

This podcast is for you if you're new to reading the Bible or if you've been reading for a while and you want to go deeper. The goal is to help untangle the confusing stuff so your Bible reading feels rewarding and life-giving, not frustrating or overwhelming. One of Jesus' disciples, Peter, wrote that the scriptures are like light shining in a dark place. Reading the Bible is like flipping your headlights to high beam when you're driving on a dark country road. Suddenly, things get clearer, you can see the road ahead and avoid the ditches. So come take a ride with me and let's turn on the light.

Information

  • Creator
    Russ Michaels
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    157
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Russ Michaels
  • Show Website
    Bible for Newbies

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