The Bible Friends

In John 10, Jesus says, “My sheep hear My voice.” But does this passage teach that Christians should expect to hear an audible or personal voice from God?
In this episode, we carefully examine John 10 in its wider context, beginning with the themes of belief and unbelief, sight and blindness, and the growing conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees in John 7–9. We explore how Jesus’ words about hearing His voice point to recognizing who He is, receiving His teaching, following Him in faith, and receiving eternal life—not seeking additional revelation outside of Scripture.
We also discuss Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the contrast between Christ and false shepherds, the connection to Ezekiel 34, and the security believers have in His hands. John 10 is ultimately a beautiful passage about salvation, Christ’s care for His sheep, and the assurance that no one can snatch them away from Him.
Join us as we slow down, zoom out, and read “My sheep hear My voice” faithfully and in context.
📖 Download our free guide for understanding a Bible passage in context:https://tr.ee/sLJVJy1BQ-
 
Aria's John 1:1-5 Bible study video: https://youtu.be/hyCak9ReSPs?si=fewkWV3LNKrcfcKR

What does the Bible teach about the role God has given women? In this episode of The Bible Friends, we open Scripture and discuss the high and holy calling of women within the church, marriage, motherhood, and discipleship.
Beginning in Titus 2, we examine the responsibility of older women to teach and encourage younger women, the importance of loving our husbands and children, and how the way Christian women live can either honor or dishonor the Word of God. We also explore passages from 1 Timothy 2, 1 Peter 3, and Ephesians 5 as we consider women teaching in the church, biblical submission, marriage as a picture of Christ and the church, and the powerful influence women have in their homes and communities.
The world may diminish the roles of wife, mother, homemaker, and faithful disciple—but Scripture presents them as meaningful, influential, and deeply valuable to God. Our desire is not to approach this debated subject with fear or hostility, but with humility, grace, and a willingness to submit every belief to God’s Word.

What does it mean to defend your faith when the world shames, mocks, or questions you? In this episode of The Bible Friends, we study 1 Peter 3:15 in its surrounding context and explore Peter’s instruction to always be ready to give a defense for the hope within us.
Rather than treating this verse as a general encouragement to simply live a joyful life, we look at how Peter was writing to Christians facing opposition, slander, and pressure because of their allegiance to Jesus. We discuss Christian apologetics, standing firm without shrinking back, responding with meekness and fear, and living in a way that reflects Christ even when others treat us unjustly. We also consider how Peter’s own denial and restoration give added weight to his encouragement to remain faithful and unashamed.
Join us as we study Scripture carefully, faithfully, and in context—and consider whether we are truly prepared to explain and defend the hope we have in Christ.

What does it really mean to hear from God? Are our thoughts, feelings, and internal impressions messages from the Holy Spirit—or have we confused our own emotions with God’s voice?
In this episode of The Bible Friends, we share how our understanding of hearing from God changed as we began studying Scripture more carefully. We discuss the pressure to constantly receive a “word from God,” the danger of saying “God told me,” and the freedom that comes from trusting the sufficiency of Scripture.
Looking at passages including Hebrews 1:1–2, 2 Timothy 3:14–17, and Ephesians 2:19–22, we explore how God has revealed Himself through His Son and His written Word. We also talk about biblical wisdom, prayer, God’s providence, the Holy Spirit, and how Christians can encourage one another without attaching God’s authority to personal thoughts or impressions.
This episode is not intended to settle every debate about spiritual gifts. Instead, we hope to begin a thoughtful, gracious conversation about discernment, biblical authority, and whether common teachings about hearing God’s voice are truly supported by Scripture.
Join us as we gather around God’s Word to seek truth together, test every belief against Scripture, and learn to read the Bible faithfully, carefully, and in context.

Should churches sing songs from false teachers or ministries known for false doctrine? In this episode, we talk about worship, discernment, sound doctrine, and why the source of the songs we sing in church matters.
Worship is not just about emotion, talent, or whether a song sounds beautiful. Biblically, worship is a response to who God is, and the songs we sing shape what we believe about Him. That means churches need to carefully consider not only the lyrics of a worship song, but also the theology, ministry, and teachers behind it.
We discuss why this matters for congregational worship, how music can influence the church, and why Christians should test everything against Scripture. We also talk about concerns surrounding popular worship movements and ministries such as Bethel, Elevation, the New Apostolic Reformation, and teachings that contradict historic orthodox Christianity.
This is not about rejecting all modern worship music, but about encouraging biblical discernment, faithfulness to God’s Word, and a deeper reverence for worship that honors Christ.
May we be people who contend for the truth, love the body of Christ, and worship God in spirit and truth.

Does the Bible actually tell Christians to warn against false teaching? Or should we simply focus on teaching the truth and ignore everything else?
In this episode of The Bible Friends, we open Scripture to explore what the Bible says about biblical discipleship, false teachers, and protecting the church from error. Looking at passages from 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Jude, 2 John, 3 John, and Galatians, we discuss why the apostles repeatedly warned believers about false doctrine and why discernment is an essential part of Christian growth.
Together we examine questions like:• Is calling out false teaching biblical?• Is warning others an act of love?• What does true biblical discipleship look like?• Should Christians expose false doctrine?
Our goal is to encourage believers to read the Bible carefully, faithfully, and in context while growing in discernment and confidence in God's Word.
📖 Scriptures discussed:• 1 Timothy 1• 2 Timothy 2–3• Jude 3–4• 2 John 7–11• 3 John 9–12• Galatians 2
If this conversation encouraged you, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who desires to grow in biblical discernment.
Grace and peace,Aria & Cassie | The Bible Friends

Can Christians become holier simply by trying harder? In this episode of The Bible Friends, we explore what the Bible really teaches about sanctification. Looking at passages from Colossians, James, Galatians, Romans, Thessalonians, and the teachings of Jesus, we discuss the difference between self-made religion and true spiritual growth through the power of the Holy Spirit.
If you've ever struggled with legalism, striving, guilt, or wondering why spiritual growth feels so difficult, this conversation is for you. Discover how God works in His people, why sanctification is ultimately God's work, and how believers are transformed into the image of Christ through faith and dependence on Him.
📖 Scriptures discussed:• Colossians 2:20-23• James 1:2-4• Galatians 5:16-26• 1 Thessalonians 4• Romans 7• Matthew 11:28-30
Link to Aria's video on sanctification: https://youtu.be/6yhZnIBgWr8?si=nPUfMRVSa4IFquOa

Why is remembering God's faithfulness so important for Christians? In this episode of The Bible Friends, we explore how Scripture repeatedly calls God's people to remember His works, His promises, and His character. From the Exodus to the Psalms to the gospel of Jesus Christ, we discuss how looking back at God's faithfulness strengthens our faith, encourages obedience, and gives us hope for the future.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here: https://youtube.com/@thebiblefriendspodcast?si=dq2qMpbt-Cq_xSMH

Why should Christians read the whole Bible? In this episode of The Bible Friends, we discuss how reading through Scripture transformed our understanding of God, helped us recognize false teaching, and strengthened our discernment. We share personal experiences, biblical encouragement, and practical reasons why every believer should spend time in God's Word regularly. Join us as we explore the importance of reading the Bible in context and growing in the knowledge of Christ through His Word.

Have you ever wondered what a Bible dictionary is or how it differs from a regular dictionary, lexicon, or Strong's Concordance? In this episode of The Bible Friends, we discuss one of the most helpful and overlooked Bible study tools available to Christians. We explain what Bible dictionaries are, how to use them to study people, places, and things in Scripture, and why we believe every believer should have one before investing in commentaries. We also share our thoughts on the Tyndale and Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionaries and how these resources can help you better understand God's Word and study the Bible in context.