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In this episode of The Tree Church Bible Study, Stacey Crawford, Pastor Matthew Johnson, and Chris Reed study 1 John 2:1–6. John tenderly calls his readers "dear children" and tells them his goal is that they will not sin. He also reminds them that when they do, Jesus is their advocate.You'll hear the group unpack what it means for Jesus to plead our case before the Father. Chris explains expiation and propitiation, and they talk about why the Father's heart has always been redemption. In verses 3–6, they discuss obedience as the evidence of a real relationship with God. They also talk about how obedience helps us discover how complete His love is.The Tree Church Bible Study podcast (TCBS) is created for the purpose of helping the Tree grow deeper in our understanding of the Scriptures. Join the conversation as we take an in depth look at different books of the Bible.Access Show Notes and Extra Resources Herehttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1I0BVa0W8Trr5pV-uJ3WFeh5ssasnT7XvTtAaCgaWgHA/edit?usp=sharing Join the TCBS Community and Ongoing Discussion about Scripture Herehttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1I0BVa0W8Trr5pV-uJ3WFeh5ssasnT7XvTtAaCgaWgHA/edit?tab=t.lbh7swje2g8z Watch on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/2MAZTrNtS-4

What does it mean to walk in the light? In our latest Tree Church Bible Study, Pastor Stacey, Pastor Jonathan, and Pastor Chris dive deep into 1 John 1:5-7, unpacking what it truly means that God is light and there is no darkness in Him at all.The conversation gets real as they explore how walking in fellowship with God requires honesty about sin in our lives. Confession is not about shame or condemnation. It is about bringing what is hidden into the light where healing and freedom can actually begin.The safest place for the sinner is in the light. If you have been carrying something in the dark, this episode is for you. Watch or listen now and be reminded that Jesus meets us with compassion, not condemnation, every single time we come to Him.Access Show Notes and Extra Resources Here@t/d/1I0BVa0W8Trr5pV-uJ3WFeh5ssasnT7XvTtAaCgaWgHA/editJoin the TCBS Community and Ongoing Discussion about Scripture Here@t/d/1I0BVa0W8Trr5pV-uJ3WFeh5ssasnT7XvTtAaCgaWgHA/editWatch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/TOzk83zcXIk

What does it mean that Jesus was fully God and fully man? In 1 John 1:1-4, the apostle John opens with a bold declaration rooted in eyewitness testimony. He heard Jesus, saw Him, and touched Him. This was no legend or spiritual theory. The Word of life stepped into history and made Himself known. Pastor Stacey welcomes Pastor Chris and first-time guest Pastor Jonathan as they explore what John calls us into: koinonia, true fellowship with one another and with the Father through Christ. This community is built on shared faith in who Jesus really is, and it demands honesty, openness, and showing up for one another. As Pastor Jonathan reminded us, God did not leave us without a picture of who He is. He came down, took on flesh, and still managed to blow our minds. Access Show Notes and Extra Resources Here @t/d/1I0BVa0W8Trr5pV-uJ3WFeh5ssasnT7XvTtAaCgaWgHA/edit Join the TCBS Community and Ongoing Discussion about Scripture Here @t/d/1I0BVa0W8Trr5pV-uJ3WFeh5ssasnT7XvTtAaCgaWgHA/edit Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/soySlcPoCMk

What does right theology have to do with how you actually live? More than you might think. In our latest Tree Church Bible Study, Stacey and Chris dive into the world of 1 John, unpacking why the author wrote this powerful letter and what it means for us today. 1 John was written to a community wrestling with division, false teaching, and questions about who Jesus truly is. The author's message is clear: correct understanding of Christ as fully God and fully man is not just a theological exercise. It transforms how we live, love, and follow him. Whether you are new to studying Scripture or have been in church your whole life, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. Theology is not just facts that put you in a club. It is meant to change you from the inside out. Join the conversation, check out the show notes for resources, and grow alongside us this season. Access Show Notes and Extra Resources Here Join the TCBS Community and Ongoing Discussion about Scripture Here

Welcome back to the Tree Church Bible Study! After a summer break, hosts Pastor Stacy and Pastor Chris open a new season with an introduction to John's epistles: 1, 2, and 3 John. Before exploring the text verse by verse in coming episodes, they build a foundation by discussing authorship, historical context, and how these letters fit into the New Testament. Pastor Chris shares a simple three-part framework for reading scripture well, and the two discuss the Johannine community, the city of Ephesus, and the early theological challenges the church faced, including the rise of Gnosticism. Listeners will come away with helpful context for understanding John's writings and a preview of themes to come.The Tree Church Bible Study podcast (TCBS) is created for the purpose of helping the Tree grow deeper in our understanding of the Scriptures. Join the conversation as we take an in-depth look at different books of the Bible.🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YOjQWaFyy5U📋 Access Show Notes and Extra Resources Here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TAXXWxyrdTkocMeZ8sEtoba_wXDtrbLleZ0RiQwuZPY/edit 💬 Join the TCBS Community and Ongoing Discussion about Scripture Here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TAXXWxyrdTkocMeZ8sEtoba_wXDtrbLleZ0RiQwuZPY/edit

In this final episode of The Tree Church Bible Study's study of the book of Ruth, Pastor Stacey Crawford is joined by Pastor Phil Venrick and Pastor Chris Reed to close out Ruth 4:13-22. The group reads through the birth of Obed, the blessing spoken over Naomi, and the genealogy connecting Boaz and Ruth to King David and ultimately to Jesus.Pastor Chris unpacks why genealogies in Scripture carry theological weight and what it means that the author places Boaz and Ruth in the seventh generation from Perez. The conversation then turns to God's perfect plan and timing, the nature of redemption, and the powerful truth that disobedience does not thwart God's design. Pastor Stacey, Pastor Phil Venrick, and Pastor Chris close with personal reflections on what this story has meant to them and what they hope listeners carry with them. The Tree Church Bible Study podcast (TCBS) is created for the purpose of helping the Tree grow deeper in our understanding of the Scriptures. Join the conversation as we take an in depth look at different books of the Bible.   Access Show Notes and Extra Resources Here  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TAXXWxyrdTkocMeZ8sEtoba_wXDtrbLleZ0RiQwuZPY/edit?usp=sharing Join the TCBS Community and Ongoing Discussion about Scripture Here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TAXXWxyrdTkocMeZ8sEtoba_wXDtrbLleZ0RiQwuZPY/edit?tab=t.lbh7swje2g8z

In this episode of The Tree Church Bible Study, Pastor Stacey Crawford is joined by Pastor Phil Venrick and Pastor Chris Reed for a rich conversation covering Ruth 4:7-12. The group unpacks the unusual sandal custom, Boaz's public declaration before the elders, and the blessing spoken over him and Ruth by the community.The conversation then turns to one of the most meaningful discussions in the series: what does it actually mean for God to bless obedience? Pastor Chris shares a waterfall illustration that reframes blessing not as a transaction but as a posture God always holds toward his people. Pastor Phil and Pastor Stacey add personal stories of tithing and stepping into uncomfortable obedience, and the group reflects on how God remains faithful even through human mess and failure.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CF8ousl0eng The Tree Church Bible Study podcast (TCBS) is created for the purpose of helping the Tree grow deeper in our understanding of the Scriptures. Join the conversation as we take an in depth look at different books of the Bible.   Access Show Notes and Extra Resources Here  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TAXXWxyrdTkocMeZ8sEtoba_wXDtrbLleZ0RiQwuZPY/edit?usp=sharing Join the TCBS Community and Ongoing Discussion about Scripture Here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TAXXWxyrdTkocMeZ8sEtoba_wXDtrbLleZ0RiQwuZPY/edit?tab=t.lbh7swje2g8z

What does it really mean to be redeemed? In this episode of The Tree Church Bible Study, Pastor Stacey Crawford is joined by Pastor Zach Stephens and Pastor Christopher Reed to study Ruth 4:1-6. The group follows Boaz to the town gate, where he meets the closer family redeemer and navigates the redemption process with wisdom and integrity. When the other redeemer steps back after learning the full cost, Boaz steps forward to redeem both the land and the family. The conversation moves into a rich discussion on what redemption truly means, how Boaz mirrors Christ's willingness to risk everything, and how God's heart to rescue and restore has been the same from the very beginning. This is a warm and meaningful conversation that connects an ancient story to the hope every follower of Jesus carries today.The Tree Church Bible Study podcast (TCBS) is created for the purpose of helping the Tree grow deeper in our understanding of the Scriptures. Join the conversation as we take an in depth look at different books of the Bible. Access Show Notes and Extra Resources Here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TAXXWxyrdTkocMeZ8sEtoba_wXDtrbLleZ0RiQwuZPY/edit?usp=sharing Join the TCBS Community and Ongoing Discussion about Scripture Here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TAXXWxyrdTkocMeZ8sEtoba_wXDtrbLleZ0RiQwuZPY/edit?tab=t.lbh7swje2g8z ▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/udWKgwOBYow

What does it mean to be a person of godly character, and what does that actually look like in everyday life? In this episode of The Tree Church Bible Study, Pastor Stacey Crawford is joined by Pastor Zach Stephens and Pastor Christopher Reed to continue their study of the book of Ruth. Together they walk through Ruth 3:10-18, unpacking how Boaz responds to Ruth with blessing, integrity, and a commitment to doing things the right way. The conversation moves from the threshing floor to a broader reflection on character, temptation, and what it looks like to reflect God's values no matter the situation. This is a warm, grounded conversation that connects an ancient story to the real choices followers of Jesus face today.The Tree Church Bible Study podcast (TCBS) is created for the purpose of helping the Tree grow deeper in our understanding of the Scriptures. Join the conversation as we take an in-depth look at different books of the Bible.📋 Access Show Notes and Extra Resources Here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TAXXWxyrdTkocMeZ8sEtoba_wXDtrbLleZ0RiQwuZPY/edit?usp=sharing 💬 Join the TCBS Community and Ongoing Discussion about Scripture Here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TAXXWxyrdTkocMeZ8sEtoba_wXDtrbLleZ0RiQwuZPY/edit?tab=t.lbh7swje2g8z 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5H5JOlWOqA4

In this episode of The Tree Church Bible Study, Stacy Crawford, Chris Reed, and Anthony Lombardi continue their study of the book of Ruth with one of its most complex and talked-about passages. Ruth 3:1–9 places Ruth and Boaz in a situation that raises real questions about motives, culture, and character. The hosts work through the ambiguity of Naomi's plan, what Ruth's actions would have communicated in that cultural setting, and why Ruth chose to trust Naomi despite the uncertainty. The conversation lands on a theme that runs throughout the entire book: character holds up even in the most precarious situations. If you have been following along in this study, this is an episode you will not want to miss.🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YW-wJlX2NRw The Tree Church Bible Study podcast (TCBS) is created for the purpose of helping the Tree grow deeper in our understanding of the Scriptures. Join the conversation as we take an in depth look at different books of the Bible.   Access Show Notes and Extra Resources Here  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TAXXWxyrdTkocMeZ8sEtoba_wXDtrbLleZ0RiQwuZPY/edit?usp=sharing Join the TCBS Community and Ongoing Discussion about Scripture Here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TAXXWxyrdTkocMeZ8sEtoba_wXDtrbLleZ0RiQwuZPY/edit?tab=t.lbh7swje2g8z

Pastor Stacey Crawford is joined by Pastor Chris Reed and Pastor Anthony Lombardi to continue the Tree Church Bible Study's study of the book of Ruth, picking up in chapter 2, verses 14 through 23.This episode examines Boaz's invitation to share a meal with Ruth and the cultural significance of table fellowship in the ancient world. The pastors discuss what Boaz's treatment of Ruth and his instructions to his workers reveal about his character, and how his generosity reflects God's faithfulness working through people. The conversation also addresses how to receive generosity with a posture of thankfulness rather than entitlement, and introduces the role of the kinsman redeemer - its Old Testament function, its cost, and its connection to the New Testament picture of Jesus.Throughout, the episode returns to the book's central theme: God placing the right people in the right place at the right time.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NPOhMdgZkIE The Tree Church Bible Study podcast (TCBS) is created for the purpose of helping the Tree grow deeper in our understanding of the Scriptures. Join the conversation as we take an in depth look at different books of the Bible.   Access Show Notes and Extra Resources Here  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TAXXWxyrdTkocMeZ8sEtoba_wXDtrbLleZ0RiQwuZPY/edit?usp=sharing Join the TCBS Community and Ongoing Discussion about Scripture Here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TAXXWxyrdTkocMeZ8sEtoba_wXDtrbLleZ0RiQwuZPY/edit?tab=t.lbh7swje2g8z

Ruth shows up to a stranger's field hoping for leftovers. What she receives is far more than she expected - and far more than she felt she deserved.In this episode of the Tree Church Bible Study, Pastors Stacey Crawford, Matthew Johnson, and Chris Reed study Ruth 2:8-12, exploring how Boaz offers Ruth companionship, protection, and provision - going well beyond what the law required. The pastors share personal stories of God's provision and perfect timing, and close with a compelling look at generosity as a theme that runs through both Ruth's story and the heart of Jesus himself.A grounded, personal conversation about faithfulness, blessing, and what it looks like when someone treats you the way God does. The Tree Church Bible Study podcast (TCBS) is created for the purpose of helping the Tree grow deeper in our understanding of the Scriptures. Join the conversation as we take an in depth look at different books of the Bible.   Access Show Notes and Extra Resources Here  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TAXXWxyrdTkocMeZ8sEtoba_wXDtrbLleZ0RiQwuZPY/edit?usp=sharing Join the TCBS Community and Ongoing Discussion about Scripture Here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TAXXWxyrdTkocMeZ8sEtoba_wXDtrbLleZ0RiQwuZPY/edit?tab=t.lbh7swje2g8z Watch the full episode here: ⁠https://youtu.be/SpqonXU5jek⁠

Ruth is looking for food. Boaz is looking after his workers. And God is quietly orchestrating something neither of them can see yet.In this episode of the Tree Church Bible Study, Pastors Stacey Crawford, Matthew Johnson, and Chris Reed dig into Ruth 2:1-7, introducing Boaz and exploring the Old Testament practice of gleaning. The pastors examine the phrase "as it happened" in verse three - not as a coincidence but as divine providence - and reflect on what it means that God is actively guiding the lives of those who trust him, even when he is not visibly present in the narrative.A rich, grounded conversation about faithfulness, provision, and the quiet but unmistakable hand of God at work in an ordinary day. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/MqL7pY5BGls

Naomi and Ruth arrive in Bethlehem and the town is stirred. But Naomi finds no comfort in her homecoming. She asks to be called Mara - bitter - and names God as the one who has brought her back empty. In this episode of the Tree Church Bible Study, Pastor Stacey Crawford and Pastor Chris Reed study Ruth 1:19-22 and open an extended conversation on the practice of lament. They explore why lament is woven throughout scripture, how Psalm 22 and Jesus's words from the cross give it shape, and why bringing honest grief before God is a mark of faith rather than a failure of it. The episode closes with a look at the barley harvest as a quiet early sign of God's coming provision in the story. The Tree Church Bible Study podcast (TCBS) is created for the purpose of helping the Tree grow deeper in our understanding of the Scriptures. Join the conversation as we take an in depth look at different books of the Bible. Access Show Notes and Extra Resources Here - Learn More Join the TCBS Community and Ongoing Discussion about Scripture Here - Learn More 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZbEhfuCekJ0

The famine in Judah is over. Naomi decides to return home and releases her daughters-in-law to go back to their families and find new husbands. Orpah agrees. Ruth refuses. In this episode of the Tree Church Bible Study, Pastor Stacey Crawford and Pastor Chris Reed study Ruth 1:6-18, unpacking Naomi's honest reckoning with God's discipline, the levirate law and its importance for vulnerable women in the ancient world, and the powerful moment when Ruth clings to Naomi in a vow of total commitment. The discussion explores what God's resistance looks like in a life of disobedience, how shame and guilt can either hinder or help us return to him, and what Ruth's loyalty reveals about the nature of faithful love throughout the rest of the book. The Tree Church Bible Study podcast (TCBS) is created for the purpose of helping the Tree grow deeper in our understanding of the Scriptures. Join the conversation as we take an in depth look at different books of the Bible. Access Show Notes and Extra Resources Here - Link Join the TCBS Community and Ongoing Discussion about Scripture Here - Link Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ORq9i99LJOc