Elizabeth Woodson reviews the Old Testament story and jumps into the New Testament, seeing how the story of Jesus' birth brings us hope that God can use and even redeem the messy areas of our lives.

Questions Covered in This Episode:

• What is the story of the Old Testament?
• What happens between the Old Testament and the New Testament?
• How does the book of Matthew begin?
• What are the three main sections of the New Testament?
• What are the gospels?
• What is one thing we can focus on and learn from the genealogy on Jesus?
• What do we learn from the story of the birth of Jesus?
• How does the complicated nature of Jesus' birth point us to the gospel?

Reflection Question:
Think of a situation or person you think is too broken for God to redeem. What would it look like to embody hope in this situation? Specifically hope that the same God who used broken people to bring Jesus into the world, can redeem a broken or imperfect situation for his good.

Continue Learning:

• Read Matthew 1 & Luke 1-2
• Jesus’ Troubled Family History by Nancy Guthrie
• Gospel Coalition articles on the Birth of Christ

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Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Kat Armstrong to finish up the journey through the Old Testament by talking about The Intertestamental Period and the themes of waiting on God. 

Questions Covered in This Episode:

• What happens during The Intertestamental Period? Why is this a significant time in the life of Israel?
• What makes waiting difficult for us?
• What does The Intertestamental Period teach us about what it means to wait on God?
• What does it look like for you to wait on God in your own life?
• How does The Intertestamental Period and the theme of waiting on God point us toward the gospel?

Helpful Definitions:

• The Intertestamental Period: A 400-year period of silence between the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Guest Bio:
Kat Armstrong loves encouraging curious Christians to explore Bible stories and has also recently released a 6-Study Series called The Storyline Bible Series that will guide you through your study of the Bible. She is the co-founder of the Polished Network, an organization emboldening women in their faith and work. Kat is the author of No More Holding Back and The In-Between Place. She received her master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and is pursuing a doctorate of ministry in New Testament context at Northern Seminary. 

Reflection Question:
What would it look like for you to be faithful in your waiting season? 

Continue Learning:
If you want to learn more about the entire story of the Bible check out Elizabeth’s new study, From Beginning To Forever.

• Scripture Passage: Malachi 4:5-6, Jeremiah 29:1-11
• Article: What happened in the Intertestamental Period? 
• Book: The Time Between The Old and New Testament by Henry Halley
• Article: What happened between the Old and New Testament
• Books: Kat Armstrong’s Storyline Series

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Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Mason King to have a conversation about how the prophets called Israel back to repentance but they did not listen, so God eventually responds by enacting judgment upon them by sending them into exile.

Questions Covered in This Episode:

• What is exile and why is this event significant in the life of Israel?
• What hope does God give Israel while they are in exile? What is the significance of this hope being given during a season of suffering/judgment?
• We love talking about hope, but we don’t always like talking about judgment. What are some of the reasons we have a hard time embracing this part of God’s character?
• How has your understanding of these interconnected themes of judgment and hope impacted how you love God and love others?  
• How do The Prophet and the themes of judgment and hope point us toward the gospel? 

Helpful Definitions:

• Exile: Having to leave where you are from to go to another place against your will, knowing you can’t go back and you want to go back.

Guest Bio:
Mason King serves as a pastor at The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas. He also serves as the Executive Director of The Village Church Institute, Groups, and Leadership Development. He is currently completing Ph.D. in Church History from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds a  D.Min. in Executive Leadership from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. A native Texan, Mason and his wife Carly have three kids and two labs. You can find him writing at masonking.org and on Instagram at @MasonKing.

Reflection Question:
How have you seen God use tough love or his judgment to bring you back to a place of faithfulness in your walk with Jesus?

Continue Learning:
If you want to learn more about the entire story of the Bible check out Elizabeth’s new study, From Beginning To Forever.

• Scripture: Jeremiah 29, Jeremiah 31:31-34, 2 Kings 17, Ezra 3, Matthew 1:1
• Video: The Bible Project - Exile
• Online Course: Knowing the Bible: Daniel
• Sermon: Bless the Block - Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile 

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Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Jen Wilkin to talk about The Law. The Law shows us who God is and what he loves, freeing us to live in our divine design as image-bearers.

Questions Covered in This Episode:

• How is The Law designed not to simply restrict Israel, but to form them as the people of God?
• Why do you think God begins this discussion by reminding Israel of how he delivered them out of Egypt?
• Why do you think Christians say that Christianity is not about rules but about relationship?
• How should we think about the law that we read in the book of Exodus?
• What does it look like for you to find delight in God’s law?
• Why do we want to obey the law?
• How do The Mosaic Covenant and the theme of the law point us toward the gospel?

Helpful Definitions:

• Moralism: You do the right thing in order to win approval, favor, or status.
• Morality: Obeying God’s law because it is right to do so, it brings glory to Him, and it is how you were designed to function.
• Civil Law: How to deal with disputes between citizens. How the moral law is practiced.
• Ceremonial Law: How do we approach God specifically in the worship patterns He has instituted for us. How the moral law is practiced. In our current time; shadows that have been fulfilled in the work of Christ.
• Moral Law: Expression of the heart of God. Shows us who God is and what God loves.

Guest Bio:
Jen Wilkin is an author and Bible teacher from Dallas, Texas. She has organized and led studies for women in home, church, and parachurch contexts. An advocate for Bible literacy, her passion is to see others become articulate and committed followers of Christ, with a clear understanding of why they believe what they believe, grounded in the Word of God. You can follow her on Instagram.

Reflection Question:
How has following in the way of Jesus formed you to love God and love God’s people?

Continue Learning:
If you want to learn more about the entire story of the Bible check out Elizabeth’s new study, From Beginning To Forever.

• Scripture Passage: Exodus 19-20, Matthew 5-7
• Book: Ten Words to Live By - Jen Wilkin
• Book: Journey to Freedom by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson
• Video: Bible Project - Covenants

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Episode Summary:
In this final episode of the season, we reflect on the transformative habits we’ve explored over the past weeks. Discipleship is never neutral—we are always being shaped by our choices, habits, and surroundings. Join us as we close the season with a thoughtful challenge: to evaluate how we’ve grown this year and intentionally align our lives with the way of Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

1. Discipleship requires intentionality—spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident.
2. Our habits and choices either form us into the image of Jesus or conform us to the world.
3. A rule of life can help us structure our days, weeks, and months to live faithfully as disciples.

Challenge:
As you reflect on 2024, ask yourself the following questions. Also, invite your family and friends into the conversation to discern how to live intentionally for Jesus in the coming year.

• How have I been shaped by the way I use my time and resources?
• Where do I see evidence of God’s work in my life?
• What simple habits can I practice consistently in 2025 to grow as a disciple?\

Recommended Resources

1. In Good Time - Jen Pollock Michel
2. The Common Rule - Justin Earley
3. Rule of Life Builder - John Mark Comer

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In this episode of Starting Place, we dive into the spiritual practice of disciplemaking and why it’s central to living as followers of Jesus. Drawing from Matthew 28:19-20, we explore the “discipleship crisis” in today’s Church, discuss key challenges like biblical illiteracy and disembodied discipleship, and offer practical steps for becoming a disciple who makes disciples.

Key Takeaways:

1. Discipleship is meant to happen in the context of relationships, not just through consuming content.
2. Disciplemaking involves content (God’s Word), context (relationships), and consistency (regular, intentional meetings).
3. The Great Commission calls us to multiplication—helping others grow so they can disciple someone else.

Challenge:
Pray and ask God to show you one step you can take toward disciplemaking. Talk about it with a friend or loved one, and consider starting with one person who can grow alongside you in faith.

Recommended Resources

1. The State of Theology Research Study
2. Growing Together by Melissa Kruger
3. Discipleship As Holy Collaboration - Yolanda Solomon
4. Deep Discipleship - JT English

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In today’s episode, we explore why Christians are called to serve and what that looks like in a divided, individualistic culture. We discuss service as an essential discipline that not only glorifies God but seeks the flourishing of humanity. This episode sheds light on how service shapes us, draws us closer to Christ, and reflects God’s love to the world around us


Key Definition:
The spiritual practice of service is a way of life that reflects the helping, caring, and sharing love of God in the world. - Adele Calhoun (Spiritual Disciplines Handbook)

Main Takeaways:

• God designed us to serve to help creation flourish (Genesis 1:26-27) and to point to his glory. (Matthew 5:13-16).
• Service is self-sacrificial and grounded in mercy and compassion, as illustrated by Jesus in the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-35).
• Our motivation for serving comes from how God has served us through Christ. (Romans 12:1)

Weekly Challenge:
Think of one person you interact with regularly (friend/family member/coworker) and ask God to show you one way you can serve them this week. 

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In today’s episode of Starting Place, we’re exploring the spiritual practice of rest and Sabbath. We dive into why so many of us struggle to rest, the pressure to stay busy, and how the Bible redefines true rest. Join us as we discuss how living in God’s strength helps us embrace rhythms of rest in today’s fast-paced world.


Main Takeaways:

• Rest is a rhythm meant to help us depend on God, not escape life’s responsibilities.
• True rest involves trusting God’s presence and sovereignty rather than overextending ourselves.
• Sabbath, while not required, helps us order our lives around God and experience His delight in us.

Guest Bio:
Janetta Oni is Creative Arts Director and Worship Leader at The Summit Church in Raleigh/Durham, NC. She holds a master’s in Human Services Counseling with a focus on Christian Ministries, and engages in vital discussions on burnout, racial unity, church leadership, and mental health. Known for blending humor and wisdom, Janetta aims to equip ministers of the Gospel with tools to remain Holy and Healthy.


Weekly Challenge:
Identify one step to begin practicing Sabbath or adding a rhythm of rest to your life. Then, share your goal with someone who can help keep you accountable.


Recommended Resources:

1. Toxic Church
2. Sacred Rhythms

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In today’s episode, we dive into the transformative habit of biblical self-examination. We'll explore how examining our hearts regularly and honestly through the gospel lens helps us live more intentionally as disciples of Jesus. Self-examination is vital in aligning our outward actions with our inner lives, allowing us to be authentic, loving witnesses in our relationships and communities.

Main Takeaways:

• Biblical self-examination helps us align our actions with our inner life, making us more authentic witnesses of Jesus.
• Pride, unforgiveness, and fear of vulnerability are obstacles that hinder our ability to love well in relationships.
• Through regular self-examination, we can identify areas needing healing and extend grace as we’ve received it in Christ.

Weekly Challenge:
Practice intentional self-examination by taking a few minutes in prayer each day to ask God to show you areas needing growth. 

Key Scriptures:

1. Psalm 139:23-24
2. Romans 12:9-13
3. Matthew 7:3-5

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In this episode, we explore the practice of contending for the faith (Jude 1:3) and how to defend the gospel against cultural narratives that pull us away from Jesus. I’m joined by Dr. Sarita Lyons, whose book, Church Girl, focuses on the false narratives in the culture and the church that pull us away from the gospel, especially for Black women. We discuss how to identify these narratives and critique them thoughtfully to strengthen our faith.

Main Takeaways:

• Learn how the culture’s false gospels impact believers and how to address them.
• Gain insight into the unique challenges Black women face in and outside the church.
• Understand how to critique the church in such a way as to build it up. 

Author Bio:
Dr. Sarita Lyons is a wife, mother, speaker, bible teacher, and psychotherapist. She is on staff at Epiphany Fellowship Church in Philadelphia as the Director of Discipleship and Women’s Ministry. Prior to full time ministry, she was in private practice for eight years, where she provided counseling for individuals, families, couples, and groups for a variety of psychological needs.. Dr. Sarita speaks, writes, and advocates about the intersections of faith, mental health, and justice, as well as women's issues in and outside of the church. 

Weekly Challenge:
What cultural narratives are tempting you or your community away from the gospel? 

Recommended Resources:

1. Church Girl - Dr. Sarita Lyons
2. How To Tell The Truth, Preston Perry
3. Reason For God, Tim Keller

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In this episode, Elizabeth explores the spiritual practices of prayer and fasting. She will discuss how prayer is about more than just asking God for things—it's about communion and alignment with His heart. We also delve into fasting as an act of self-denial that awakens our spiritual hunger and dependence on God.

Main Takeaways:

• Prayer: It's about listening, abiding in God's presence, and aligning our desires with His. We discuss two types of prayer: listening prayer and intercessory prayer.
• Fasting: More than abstaining from food, fasting helps us create space for God to fill us with His wisdom and guidance.
• Practical Tips: Start small with fasting, integrate Scripture into your prayers, and practice listening prayer.

Weekly Challenge:
This week, set aside intentional time for prayer or start a fast to deepen your connection with God.


Recommended Resources

1. Discerning The Voice of God, Priscilla Shirer
2. A Hunger For God, John Piper

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

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