The Bible Lab
In the Bible Lab, we develop tools to help you understand and apply God’s Word in the real world. This podcast gives us the chance to take our questions about God and about life ”into the lab” of God’s truth. Join hosts Ryan and Jake for conversations that are relatable, informative, and encouraging.
Listen on:
Episodes
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
Sunday Sep 07, 2025
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Learning To Discern Truth v. Lies
The prophet Jeremiah finds no shortage of reasons to criticize and call out the people of Jerusalem. Their spiritual condition has deteriorated so dramatically that they have turned away from the Living God. Among their many problems is that they have tuned out God's voice by listening to false prophets and lying priests. Those who were tasked with speaking as representatives of God instead taught their own ideas, impressions, and dreams. While prophet and priest alike should have corrected the errors of the royalty and people, they instead encouraged them.
In our day, there are many who claim to speak for God. With so many so-called "apostolic" movements and teachers, as well as a resurgence of Pentecostal theology, Christians need to be more discerning than ever. In this episode, Joel and Jake examine this and other key themes from Jeremiah, including a roadmap to understanding how the book is organized.
Resources
THE BIBLE LAB IS ON YOUTUBE: watch the full episode and find clips to share on the LIFE BRIDGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
ESV Illuminated Scripture journals from Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/bibles/esv-illuminated-scripture-journal-new-testame-tpb/
Mr. Pen highlighers (clutch for personal Bible Study): https://a.co/d/anBO91t
Special thanks to the band Least of These for use of their song "Filthy Man." Find them on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YYhR9jU49pt4cFEUmFHDm?si=zLDXAsjaTrCvqmrn3nVRaQ
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Each week during Season 2 of the podcast, we will break down the previous week's readings, including big events, key themes, rabbit-hole curiosities, and devotional thoughts.
If you want to follow along with our reading plan from cover to cover, you can find it right here. We'll be following the 3x5 reading plan, which covers 3 chapters a day and 5 on Sundays.
Additionally, if you're looking for resources to compliment your study, check out The 3x5 Workbook by David Kalas. This is a great tool to challenge you by providing weekly review quizzes and answers to help your learnings stick.
If you have questions you want covered on the show from your readings, email them ahead of time to biblelab@lifebridgegb.org!
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Monday Aug 25, 2025
God gets the final word:
The final chapters of Isaiah are absolutely MUST READ chapters in the Bible. In chapters 58-59, Isaiah vividly describes the spiritual condition of Israel: "they grope for light" and walk in darkness even during the day! Their sins have made them blind to their dependence on God. Yet the following chapters set the stage for God's dramatic redemptive conclusion not only to Israel's history, but to all history. These last chapters are like the fertile ground from which the ministry and message of Jesus grow forth. Students of Scripture should give them their full attention and study!
In this episode, Ryan and Jake work through some of the thematic elements and big ideas to look for, as well as provide a brief introduction to the book of Jeremiah.
Resources
THE BIBLE LAB IS ON YOUTUBE: watch the full episode and find clips to share on the LIFE BRIDGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
ESV Illuminated Scripture journals from Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/bibles/esv-illuminated-scripture-journal-new-testame-tpb/
Mr. Pen highlighers (clutch for personal Bible Study): https://a.co/d/anBO91t
Special thanks to the band Least of These for use of their song "Filthy Man." Find them on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YYhR9jU49pt4cFEUmFHDm?si=zLDXAsjaTrCvqmrn3nVRaQ
- - - -
Each week during Season 2 of the podcast, we will break down the previous week's readings, including big events, key themes, rabbit-hole curiosities, and devotional thoughts.
If you want to follow along with our reading plan from cover to cover, you can find it right here. We'll be following the 3x5 reading plan, which covers 3 chapters a day and 5 on Sundays.
Additionally, if you're looking for resources to compliment your study, check out The 3x5 Workbook by David Kalas. This is a great tool to challenge you by providing weekly review quizzes and answers to help your learnings stick.
If you have questions you want covered on the show from your readings, email them ahead of time to biblelab@lifebridgegb.org!
Friday Aug 15, 2025
Friday Aug 15, 2025
The Turning Point of Isaiah:
This week, we discover the turning point of Isaiah. The truth is that God's people fell so far away from Him. They chose rebellion, their idols, and their own selfish desires. Despite countless warnings and opportunities to repent, it took a "needed pain" for them to realize their dependence on the Lord their God.
Fortunately, the Lord graciously offers forgiveness, and exile was not intended as the final resting place for Israel. Instead, we read the promises in Isaiah this week that point towards hope, restoration, and redemption of not only Israel, but all of creation!
Resources
THE BIBLE LAB IS ON YOUTUBE: watch the full episode and find clips to share on the LIFE BRIDGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
ESV Illuminated Scripture journals from Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/bibles/esv-illuminated-scripture-journal-new-testame-tpb/
Mr. Pen highlighers (clutch for personal Bible Study): https://a.co/d/anBO91t
Special thanks to the band Least of These for use of their song "Filthy Man." Find them on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YYhR9jU49pt4cFEUmFHDm?si=zLDXAsjaTrCvqmrn3nVRaQ
- - - -
Each week during Season 2 of the podcast, we will break down the previous week's readings, including big events, key themes, rabbit-hole curiosities, and devotional thoughts.
If you want to follow along with our reading plan from cover to cover, you can find it right here. We'll be following the 3x5 reading plan, which covers 3 chapters a day and 5 on Sundays.
Additionally, if you're looking for resources to compliment your study, check out The 3x5 Workbook by David Kalas. This is a great tool to challenge you by providing weekly review quizzes and answers to help your learnings stick.
If you have questions you want covered on the show from your readings, email them ahead of time to biblelab@lifebridgegb.org!
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Resources
THE BIBLE LAB IS ON YOUTUBE: watch the full episode and find clips to share on the LIFE BRIDGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
ESV Illuminated Scripture journals from Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/bibles/esv-illuminated-scripture-journal-new-testame-tpb/
Mr. Pen highlighers (clutch for personal Bible Study): https://a.co/d/anBO91t
Special thanks to the band Least of These for use of their song "Filthy Man." Find them on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YYhR9jU49pt4cFEUmFHDm?si=zLDXAsjaTrCvqmrn3nVRaQ
- - - -
Each week during Season 2 of the podcast, we will break down the previous week's readings, including big events, key themes, rabbit-hole curiosities, and devotional thoughts.
If you want to follow along with our reading plan from cover to cover, you can find it right here. We'll be following the 3x5 reading plan, which covers 3 chapters a day and 5 on Sundays.
Additionally, if you're looking for resources to compliment your study, check out The 3x5 Workbook by David Kalas. This is a great tool to challenge you by providing weekly review quizzes and answers to help your learnings stick.
If you have questions you want covered on the show from your readings, email them ahead of time to biblelab@lifebridgegb.org!
Friday Aug 01, 2025
Friday Aug 01, 2025
Poets and Prophets
Another milestone was hit in this week's episode! We turned the corner from the poetic cannon of the Bible into the prophetic canon.
Some key takeaways from this week:
Song of Solomon is a book full of interesting poetic language. In short, it might not be recommended to use Hebrew poetry as a way to interact with your spouse in the 21st century. But here are to clear themes from the book: don't awaken love before it is too soon. Why? The second theme of the book: it is worth it when you wait until the right time. Love and intimacy aren't dirty or demonic within the context of marriage. God designed it to be good!
Isaiah has some clear themes already emerging. Pay attention to the back and forth contrast of judgement prophecies, evil, chaos, and darkness - compared to messianic hope. The truth is that a savior is coming and has already come into a world that desperately needed Him!
Resources
THE BIBLE LAB IS ON YOUTUBE: watch the full episode and find clips to share on the LIFE BRIDGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
ESV Illuminated Scripture journals from Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/bibles/esv-illuminated-scripture-journal-new-testame-tpb/
Mr. Pen highlighers (clutch for personal Bible Study): https://a.co/d/anBO91t
Special thanks to the band Least of These for use of their song "Filthy Man." Find them on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YYhR9jU49pt4cFEUmFHDm?si=zLDXAsjaTrCvqmrn3nVRaQ
- - - -
Each week during Season 2 of the podcast, we will break down the previous week's readings, including big events, key themes, rabbit-hole curiosities, and devotional thoughts.
If you want to follow along with our reading plan from cover to cover, you can find it right here. We'll be following the 3x5 reading plan, which covers 3 chapters a day and 5 on Sundays.
Additionally, if you're looking for resources to compliment your study, check out The 3x5 Workbook by David Kalas. This is a great tool to challenge you by providing weekly review quizzes and answers to help your learnings stick.
If you have questions you want covered on the show from your readings, email them ahead of time to biblelab@lifebridgegb.org!
Friday Jul 25, 2025
Friday Jul 25, 2025
Resources
THE BIBLE LAB IS ON YOUTUBE: watch the full episode and find clips to share on the LIFE BRIDGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
ESV Illuminated Scripture journals from Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/bibles/esv-illuminated-scripture-journal-new-testame-tpb/
Mr. Pen highlighers (clutch for personal Bible Study): https://a.co/d/anBO91t
Special thanks to the band Least of These for use of their song "Filthy Man." Find them on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YYhR9jU49pt4cFEUmFHDm?si=zLDXAsjaTrCvqmrn3nVRaQ
- - - -
Each week during Season 2 of the podcast, we will break down the previous week's readings, including big events, key themes, rabbit-hole curiosities, and devotional thoughts.
If you want to follow along with our reading plan from cover to cover, you can find it right here. We'll be following the 3x5 reading plan, which covers 3 chapters a day and 5 on Sundays.
Additionally, if you're looking for resources to compliment your study, check out The 3x5 Workbook by David Kalas. This is a great tool to challenge you by providing weekly review quizzes and answers to help your learnings stick.
If you have questions you want covered on the show from your readings, email them ahead of time to biblelab@lifebridgegb.org!
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
The Way of Wisdom
We all need someone to coach us through our daily decision making and give us advice from time to time. Think of Proverbs that way; like a coach, a mentor, or a wise old friend who's got enough salt in their beard to help you avoid the tough lessons that go along with growing up. Proverbs is a collection of "wise sayings" of King Solomon (with a couple cameos from other wisdom thinkers of the day) given to us by God to help us recognize wisdom and foolishness in our daily choices. Don't underestimate the power of wise living to alleviate the headaches we naturally create for ourselves! In this episode, Joel and Jake explore lessons on listening to lady wisdom.
Resources
How to Read the Proverbs by Tremper Longman III
THE BIBLE LAB IS ON YOUTUBE: watch the full episode and find clips to share on the LIFE BRIDGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Bible Project Summary for the book of Proverbs
ESV Book summary for Proverbs
ESV Illuminated Scripture journals from Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/bibles/esv-illuminated-scripture-journal-new-testame-tpb/
Mr. Pen highlighers (clutch for personal Bible Study): https://a.co/d/anBO91t
Special thanks to the band Least of These for use of their song "Filthy Man." Find them on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YYhR9jU49pt4cFEUmFHDm?si=zLDXAsjaTrCvqmrn3nVRaQ
- - - -
Each week during Season 2 of the podcast, we will break down the previous week's readings, including big events, key themes, rabbit-hole curiosities, and devotional thoughts.
If you want to follow along with our reading plan from cover to cover, you can find it right here. We'll be following the 3x5 reading plan, which covers 3 chapters a day and 5 on Sundays.
Additionally, if you're looking for resources to compliment your study, check out The 3x5 Workbook by David Kalas. This is a great tool to challenge you by providing weekly review quizzes and answers to help your learnings stick.
If you have questions you want covered on the show from your readings, email them ahead of time to biblelab@lifebridgegb.org!
Friday Jul 11, 2025
Friday Jul 11, 2025
On our way up to Zion
The Psalms of Ascent are beautiful worship songs that Jewish pilgrims would traditionally sing on the way up to Jerusalem for their major festivals. Today, they are songs that point us to think about our own journey with Christ on the way to the heavenly city! Join Ryan and Jake for an exploration of book V of the Psalms!
Resources
How to Read and Understand the Psalms by Bruce Waltke
The Psalms as Christian Lament by Bruce Waltke
The Art of Preaching Old Testament Poetry by Steve Mathewson
THE BIBLE LAB IS ON YOUTUBE: watch the full episode and find clips to share on the LIFE BRIDGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Bible Project Summary for the book of Psalms: https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-psalms/
ESV Book summary for Psalms: https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/introduction-to-the-psalms/
ESV Illuminated Scripture journals from Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/bibles/esv-illuminated-scripture-journal-new-testame-tpb/
Mr. Pen highlighers (clutch for personal Bible Study): https://a.co/d/anBO91t
Special thanks to the band Least of These for use of their song "Filthy Man." Find them on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YYhR9jU49pt4cFEUmFHDm?si=zLDXAsjaTrCvqmrn3nVRaQ
- - - -
Each week during Season 2 of the podcast, we will break down the previous week's readings, including big events, key themes, rabbit-hole curiosities, and devotional thoughts.
If you want to follow along with our reading plan from cover to cover, you can find it right here. We'll be following the 3x5 reading plan, which covers 3 chapters a day and 5 on Sundays.
Additionally, if you're looking for resources to compliment your study, check out The 3x5 Workbook by David Kalas. This is a great tool to challenge you by providing weekly review quizzes and answers to help your learnings stick.
If you have questions you want covered on the show from your readings, email them ahead of time to biblelab@lifebridgegb.org!