Advertise on podcast: The Tree Church Bible Study

What did John mean when he wrote that the last hour is here? In this episode of The Tree Church Bible Study, Pastor Stacey Crawford, Pastor Chris Reed, and Pastor Mary Johnson walk through 1 John 2:18–19. You’ll hear Pastor Chris explain eschatology, the study of last things, and why the early church believed Jesus’ death and resurrection began the last days. The pastors talk about living ready with purpose instead of fear. Pastor Stacey shares a light bulb moment about what the word antichrist really means. Pastor Chris walks through the Greek text and other passages that speak of those opposed to Christ. Pastor Mary asks an honest question about the people who left John’s churches. That leads to a conversation about false beliefs about Jesus and why faith is never meant to be private. Pastor Chris closes the episode in prayer. 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 Join the TCBS Community and Ongoing Discussion about Scripture Here Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠https://youtu.be/aS-3LxQ957Y⁠

In this episode of The Tree Church Bible Study, Pastor Stacey Crawford, Pastor Mary Johnson, and Pastor Chris Reed walk through 1 John 2:15–17.You’ll hear why the problem is not God’s good creation but what our hearts do with it. Pastor Chris explains how John uses the word “world” in two ways, and he draws on C.S. Lewis to describe evil as good that has been twisted. The pastors walk through the cravings John names in verse 16. They openly share where they struggle, from collecting things to chasing success to protecting their own schedules.The conversation then turns to eternal perspective. This world is fading away, and only God can bear the weight of our desires. Pastor Chris shares how God sustained his family in a lean season, and Pastor Mary closes the episode in prayer. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/x16eA8Gm-qs

In this episode of The Tree Church Bible Study, Stacey Crawford, Pastor Matthew Johnson, and Chris Reed study 1 John 2:7–14. John reminds the church that the command to love one another is both old and new, and that Jesus' light is already shining in the darkness. You'll hear Chris explain agape love, a love that starts with affection and always produces action. Pastor Matthew challenges listeners to love beyond their own tribe and to ask where God has placed their feet. The group also talks about why John treats the failure to love as hate, and why maturity is measured by love, not knowledge. 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 Join the TCBS Community and Ongoing Discussion about Scripture Here Watch on YouTube

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 Here Join the TCBS Community and Ongoing Discussion about Scripture Here Watch on YouTube

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