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. Remove the Sin, Restore the Power — Joshua 7–8 (Session 10)

    2d ago

    Remove the Sin, Restore the Power — Joshua 7–8 (Session 10)

    In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 7:13–8:35, Reasoning Through the Bible continues the account of Achan’s hidden sin and Israel’s defeat at Ai. After Israel lost power because sin was hidden in the camp, God commands Joshua to deal with the sin publicly and remove what had been placed under the ban. This session shows that sin is never merely private, because it can affect families, churches, ministries, and the people around us. The study follows the process by which Achan is exposed, his confession that he saw, coveted, and took the forbidden things, and the serious judgment that followed. The episode also explains the pattern of sin seen throughout Scripture: seeing, desiring, taking, and hiding. Achan’s failure becomes a warning that hidden sin must be brought into the light before God’s people can move forward in His power. Joshua 8 then shows what happens after the sin is removed. Israel returns to Ai, God restores victory, and Joshua leads the people back to worship and the Word of God. The chapter closes with an altar of uncut stones, sacrifice, and the public reading of the law before all Israel. The message is clear: after sin is dealt with, God’s people must return to worship, obedience, and Scripture. Topics in this episode include: Joshua 7 and 8 studyAchan’s sin exposedpublic confrontation of sinsin affects othersIsrael’s victory at Airestored spiritual powerthe altar of uncut stonesworship after victoryreading the law of Mosesreturning to God’s WordReasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application. Questions in this session:   When there is sin in our midst, do we deal with it publicly or privately? What is the process for how to deal with sin in the congregation? Is it OK to build large impressive religious buildings? What does Joshua do to remind Israel of God’s commands?  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

    21 min
  2. When a Small Sin Becomes a Big Defeat — Joshua 7:1-12 (Session 9)

    3d ago

    When a Small Sin Becomes a Big Defeat — Joshua 7:1-12 (Session 9)

    In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 7, Reasoning Through the Bible examines Israel’s unexpected defeat at Ai after the great victory at Jericho. One man, Achan, secretly took what God had placed under the ban, and that hidden sin affected the entire nation. The chapter reminds believers that God sees what people try to hide and that secret sin can rob God’s people of spiritual power. This session explores Achan’s sin, Israel’s defeat, Joshua’s desperate prayer, God’s response, and the sobering reality of God’s wrath against sin. The study also explains why the defeat at Ai was not caused by a lack of confidence. Israel expected an easy victory, but hidden sin had weakened them before the battle ever began. A major theme in this episode is that God does not overlook sin among His people. Hidden sin may seem small, but it does not stay small. Like leaven, it spreads and brings damage. Joshua 7 becomes a warning to believers and churches today: if God’s people want His power against the world and the flesh, they must deal honestly and radically with sin. Topics in this episode include: Joshua 7 studyAchan’s sinIsrael’s defeat at Aihidden sin in the campGod’s wrath against sinsecret sin and spiritual powerwhy Israel lost after Jerichoconfession and repentancethe danger of small sinsthe church’s power against the world and fleshReasoning 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 do we reconcile God’s wrath and His love? How much does God know? Is the modern church empowered? Why or why not?How does God react to our disobedience? What happens to people in God’s will when they 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

    21 min
  3. When the Walls Fall — Joshua 6 (Session 8)

    4d ago

    When the Walls Fall — Joshua 6 (Session 8)

    In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 6, Reasoning Through the Bible walks through the fall of Jericho and one of the most memorable victories in the Old Testament. God gives Joshua an unusual battle plan: march around the city, carry the Ark of the Covenant, blow the trumpets, remain silent until the appointed time, and then shout. From a human standpoint, this did not look like military strategy. But that is the point. When the walls fall, God gets the glory. This session explores why Jericho was shut up in fear, what it means that God said, “I have given Jericho into your hand,” and why Israel had to conquer by faith rather than by human strength. The discussion also connects Jericho to the Christian life by showing how believers face worldly strongholds and overcome them through faith, the Word of God, and the blood of Christ. The episode also addresses Rahab’s rescue, the command not to take the things under the ban, the difficult question of God’s judgment on Jericho, archaeological details that fit the biblical account, and the fulfillment of Joshua’s curse on anyone who rebuilt the city. Joshua 6 reminds believers that God keeps His promises, judges evil, saves those who trust Him, and brings down strongholds in His own way. Topics in this episode include:  Joshua 6 study  fall of Jericho  walls of Jericho  God’s battle plan  Ark of the Covenant  faith and obedience  Rahab’s rescue  worldly strongholds  God’s judgment on Canaan  archaeological evidence for Jericho  God keeps His promises Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application. Questions in this session:   Is it difficult to follow God’s commands?Can God’s word overcome the world? What is it like to fight against God? What should I take up to help me against the world?  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

    29 min
  4. Get Right with God Before the Battle — Joshua 5 (Session 7)

    5d ago

    Get Right with God Before the Battle — Joshua 5 (Session 7)

    In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 5, Reasoning Through the Bible examines the chapter that comes just before Jericho. Instead of rushing straight into battle, Israel must first get right with God. The people are circumcised, they celebrate the Passover, the manna stops, and Joshua encounters a mysterious figure with a drawn sword who identifies himself as the commander of the Lord’s army.  This session explores why circumcision mattered as a covenant sign, how it pictured cleansing and separation, and why Israel had neglected it during the wilderness years. The discussion also draws New Testament parallels to the heart, baptism, and the Christian life, showing that people are not saved by outward ritual, but that once God saves, He begins to clean up their lives.  The episode also highlights the Passover as a memorial of God’s redemption, the end of manna once Israel entered the land, and the striking appearance of the man with the drawn sword. Since Joshua worships him and he accepts that worship, the session argues that this is no mere angel, but the pre-incarnate Christ appearing before the battle.  Topics in this episode include:  Joshua 5 study  circumcision in Joshua  getting right with God  Passover in the Promised Land  why the manna stopped  the commander of the Lord’s army  pre-incarnate Christ  cleansing before conquest  preparation before Jericho Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application. Questions in this session: Do we get clean before or after salvation?When we get right with God, how much use is our flesh? Who is the only person who can rightfully accept worship?What are the signs of the covenants in the OT vs the NT? 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
  5. You Can’t Go Back — Joshua 4 (Session 6)

    6d ago

    You Can’t Go Back — Joshua 4 (Session 6)

    In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 4, Reasoning Through the Bible looks at the memorial stones Israel set up after crossing the Jordan River. God commanded one man from each tribe to take a stone from the riverbed so future generations would ask what happened there and be told how the Lord brought His people into the land on dry ground. This chapter is about remembering what God has done and passing that testimony on.  This session explores why God wanted a visible memorial, why teaching children mattered so much in Israel, and how believers today can intentionally preserve and pass on their Christian testimony. The discussion also highlights the priests standing firm in the Jordan, the importance of staying at the task God gives, and the repeated emphasis on Israel having passed over into the land.  A major theme in this episode is that once Israel crossed over, the waters returned. The way back was closed. That becomes a vivid spiritual picture: when God brings a person into His salvation, there is no true going back to the old life. Believers may stumble, but they cannot be at home in the old wilderness the same way anymore.  Topics in this episode include:  Joshua 4 study  memorial stones  teaching children about God  Christian testimony for future generations  priests standing firm  passed over the Jordan  no turning back  salvation symbolism in Joshua  remembering God’s faithfulness Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application. Questions discussed in this session:   Should we remind our children about what God has done for us? What if we want to let our children make up their own mind about God?If God has us in a ministry, when should I stay and when should I go? For the Christian, how are things different after we are saved? Can we trust God to do what He promises?  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
  6. When God Makes a Way — Joshua 3 (Session 5)

    Jun 19

    When God Makes a Way — Joshua 3 (Session 5)

    In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 3, Reasoning Through the Bible follows Israel as they prepare to cross the Jordan River and finally enter the Promised Land. This chapter centers on the Ark of the Covenant, God’s holy presence going before His people, and the miracle of the Jordan stopping at flood stage. The message is clear: when God leads, His people must follow, even when the path ahead is unfamiliar and humanly impossible.  This session explains the significance of the Ark of the Covenant, why Israel had to keep its distance, what it meant to consecrate themselves before God acted, and why the priests had to step into the flooded river before the waters stopped. The study highlights a major biblical pattern: God’s promises are trusted by faith, and the fruit often comes when people actually obey and move forward.  The episode also draws out the spiritual symbolism in the chapter. Israel is being led into unknown territory, but God already knows the way. The Ark goes first, the people follow, and the crossing becomes both real history and a vivid reminder that believers today must trust God’s presence when He leads them into unfamiliar assignments, difficult seasons, and situations beyond their own strength.  Topics in this episode include:  Joshua 3 study  crossing the Jordan River  Ark of the Covenant  consecrate yourselves  obedience before the miracle  faith in unknown places  God goes before His people  dry ground in the Jordan  taking the step of faith Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application. Questions dealt with in this session:  What is the ark of the covenant and why is it important? How does this ancient artifact reflect our relationship with God? What is consecration and how does it affect us?Where do I go when I don’t know which way to go? At what point does faith bring forth fruit? 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

    19 min
  7. Rahab’s Faith Saved Her — Joshua 2 Explained (Session 4)

    Jun 18

    Rahab’s Faith Saved Her — Joshua 2 Explained (Session 4)

    In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 2, Reasoning Through the Bible examines one of the most powerful stories in the early part of Joshua: the faith of Rahab. As two spies enter Jericho, they find refuge in the home of a woman who should have been an unlikely ally. Yet Rahab had already heard what God had done for Israel, and she believed that the Lord had truly given the land into their hands.  This session explores why Joshua wisely sent only two spies, why they stayed in Rahab’s house, what Rahab knew about the God of Israel, and how her confession of faith shows remarkable theology for someone outside the covenant people. The discussion also addresses the moral dilemma Rahab faced, why she protected the spies, and how Scripture later honors her faith.  A major theme in this episode is the meaning of the scarlet cord. Rahab and her family would be spared if they stayed inside the house marked by the scarlet sign. This becomes a vivid picture of salvation, pointing back to Passover and forward to the saving blood of Christ. The study emphasizes that Rahab was not saved by her own strength, but by trusting God and staying under the sign He provided.  Topics in this episode include:  Joshua 2 explained  Rahab and the spies  Rahab’s faith  the scarlet cord  salvation in Joshua  Jericho and judgment  wise planning and godly faith  Rahab in Hebrews and Matthew  being under the blood Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application.  Questions in this session:  Why was Jericho important?How should Rahab respond to an ethical dilemma?Can I lie to get myself out of a jam? If I’ve been disobeying God in the past, how should I respond?Why is Rahab’s scarlet cord helpful to me today?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

    29 min
  8. Don’t Settle for Less Than God’s Best — Joshua 1:10–18 (Session 3)

    Jun 17

    Don’t Settle for Less Than God’s Best — Joshua 1:10–18 (Session 3)

    In this verse-by-verse study of Joshua 1:10–18, Reasoning Through the Bible continues through Joshua chapter 1 by focusing on the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. These tribes agreed to help Israel conquer the land, but they chose to settle on the east side of the Jordan rather than fully enter the land God had promised. This session explores why that decision matters and how it pictures the danger of settling for less than God’s best.  This study examines the background from Numbers 32, the promises those tribes made to Moses and Joshua, and the spiritual lesson behind their choice. The discussion shows how believers today can do something similar by stopping short of full obedience, staying on the edges of Christian life, or separating themselves from the fellowship and accountability of God’s people.  A major emphasis in this session is the risk of spiritual drift. When people remain on the edge, separated from the larger body of believers, they often begin to compromise, deviate, and settle into “good enough” spirituality. The episode also offers pastoral encouragement about reaching out to drifting believers with concern, not condemnation, and reminds listeners that God’s repeated promises still stand even when His people forget them.  Topics in this episode include:  Joshua 1 explained  Reuben, Gad, and half-tribe of Manasseh  settling for less than God’s best  danger of spiritual separation  staying with God’s people  drifting and compromise  concern for wandering believers  God’s repeated promises  almost in the land Reasoning 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

    25 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.

You Might Also Like