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 us for conversations that are relatable, informative, and encouraging.
Bible Lab S2 Ep.47 How to Rejoice in Hardship (Philippians)
Affliction and Rejoicing Aren't Opposites
Philippians is a letter from a suffering Paul to a suffering church. The Philippian church is in the heart of patriotic Roman culture. Their claim that Jesus is Lord was countercultural and offensive to their neighbors who believed that Caesar was lord.
With that in mind, Paul writes from prison to this faithful church in order to encourage them to be fearless. His command over and over is to "rejoice," because even affliction and suffering can be seen as gifts from God. God's Word to us in Philippians is how-to on rejoicing when things are tough.
In this episode, Joel and Jake pull encouraging truths and key verses from this incredible book as we reflect together on holding on to the Savior who is holding onto us.
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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If you have questions you want covered on the show, email them ahead of time to biblelab@lifebridgegb.org!
19 Feb 2026
Bible Lab S2 Ep.46 Phenomenal Gospel Theology (Galatians and Ephesians)
The Gospel in its Grand Cosmic and Redemptive Significance
Galatians and Ephesians are both remarkable expositions on the beauty and importance of the Gospel of Jesus. While they ultimately have different focuses in mind, each contributes meaningfully to our understanding of what the Gospel means for you and me. In Galatians, the Gospel is the news that all men are justified by faith, and not by works of the law. Paul clearly outlines how the promise of right standing with God through faith was God's gospel announcement to Abraham - long before the giving of the law. Now because of Christ, the law is fulfilled and the promise remains.
Ephesians paints the Gospel as the dramatic unfolding of God's cosmic redemption plan. It is not a shift in the plan, or a dramatic change in course on God's part; it was the eternal agreement of God within Himself to reconcile all things to Himself through Christ. As a result, we ourselves have been reconciled in Him - from death to life, darkness to light, and strangers to sons.
Both letters expound the full glory of Christ's work and ultimately turn to the question of how we should then live. Phenomenal Gospel Theology leads to joyful and grace-filled living.
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!
God writes His best stories in our weakness
As we make our way into Corinthians, we get into some messy territory. Paul's letters to this cosmopolitan church show that they were a church in disarray. Rivalries, wild living, and hedonism were all threatening their unity and their witness to the culture around them. Even though Corinth had been a place where many people came to faith, getting the culture out of them was another issue.
Paul's letters to this church challenge them to embrace the way of Jesus, even if it will make them look foolish to the world. His main point is that going God's way often looks like foolishness to people who don't know God, but the way of the cross is wisdom according to God. As we read these books, they challenge us to examine where we are hanging onto the world's values and to embrace a better way through Jesus, who is the power and wisdom of God. Join Joel and Jake as they survey and discuss these incredible books.
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!
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