Welcome back! Today, we dive into an essential topic—how understanding the Bible, especially regarding women, can transform our confidence in Christ.

I’m revisiting two powerful interviews with Gordon Ferguson, author of The Bible and Women, and Jeanie Shaw, author of The View from Paul’s Window. Gordon and Jeanie offer insights on interpreting Scripture accurately to understand God’s heart for us.

Key Takeaways:
• The Imago Dei: Gordon Ferguson talks about how we are made in God’s image and the responsibility we have to represent Him accurately. In all that I do, am I representing God well? Gordon also highlights that men and women together reflect God’s image more fully than we do individually. How we relate to each other matters, as shown by the New Testament’s repeated call to “love one another.”
• Biblical Interpretation: Jeanie Shaw sheds light on interpreting Paul’s teachings about women. Misunderstandings arise from cultural biases or a lack of context, but when we apply principles like exegesis and hermeneutics, we gain clarity about God’s heart for us. To learn more about these tools for Bible interpretation, check out Episode 42.
• The Bible as a Whole: The Bible points to God’s love and redemption. Paul’s writings reflect this, and if our interpretations don’t align with that, we’re missing the point. We must always read Scripture through the lens of Christ—His teachings and His example—to gain a clearer picture of God’s will for our lives.
• Living Boldly in Christ: As we approach Christmas, we’re reminded that Jesus, the perfect representation of God, shows us how to live with humility and boldness. Boldness doesn’t mean superiority—it means stepping into our identity as servants of God.

Practical Steps:
1. Seek to understand God’s will through Scripture.
2. Serve others with humility, even in small ways, like helping a neighbor or offering a kind word.
3. Let go of misunderstandings, fear, and self-doubt, knowing you are fully loved and equipped by God.

Listen to these related episodes:
- Episode 26: The Full Interview with Gordon Ferguson
- Episode 42: Interpreting the Bible correctly - Introduction to Exegesis & Hermeneutics
- Episode 45: The Full Interview with Jeanie Shaw


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In this episode, we reflect on the profound truth that just as the Bible is a collection of many books and stories, it tells one overarching story of God’s plan to restore and redeem His people. Similarly, our lives are part of a bigger story—a grand narrative that God is weaving, even if we often can’t see it while living day-to-day.

Life’s setbacks, unexpected events, and redirections can throw us off course and make us lose sight of the bigger picture. But what if these moments are not interruptions but part of God’s divine plan for something better? How do we discern when to press forward and when to surrender?

In this episode, I revisit my conversation with Bible scholar Courtney Bailey, who shares insights into the overarching narrative of the Bible and how we can connect it to our own lives.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• How God’s overarching story in the Bible connects to your personal journey.
• Insights from Bible scholar Courtney Bailey about the grand narrative of Scripture.
• How to navigate life’s unexpected twists and find peace in surrendering to God’s redirection.
• Why Christmas reminds us of God’s promise of restoration and ultimate happy ending.
• A practical year-end challenge to help you reflect on God’s work in your life in 2024.

Key Takeaways:
• The Big Picture: Just as the Bible is one cohesive story of God redeeming and restoring His people, our lives are part of His greater narrative.
• Garden Moments: We all face choices that reflect Adam and Eve’s temptation or Jesus’ surrender in Gethsemane. Trusting God leads to peace and purpose.
• The Hope of Restoration: Revelation 22 reminds us that the story ends with perfect harmony—a restored relationship with God where we reign with Him forever.

Reflection Challenge for 2024:
1. Write down one significant event, challenge, or blessing from each month this year.
2. Look for recurring patterns or themes.
3. Reflect on God’s faithfulness—how have you seen Him at work?

Share your discoveries with us in the Curious for Christ community:
• Facebook group: bit.ly/curiousforchristcommunity
• Email: hello@alexandraalvarezcoaching.com

Special Mention:
Want to explore more of Courtney Bailey’s teaching? Check out his latest series on the story of Abraham on YouTube or his Website.

Join the Journey:
As we close out 2024 and look to 2025, let’s remember that God is still writing our stories, and He’s not finished yet. Trust Him, seek His wisdom, and anchor your life on His unshakeable foundation.

Connect with me:
• Let's connect and learn about Spiritual Growth Coaching


If this episode resonates with you, make sure to listen to these similar episodes:

#5. Understand the Bible and Trust God's plan for your life. Discussion with Bible Scholar Courtney Bailey
#52. Is God Holding Back on Me?


May you find peace in His presence this season and beyond. See you next time on Curious for Christ!

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

Welcome back to Curious for Christ! As we step into the holiday season, I’ll be releasing episodes weekly on Fridays to help you connect more deeply with loved ones—and God.

The holidays can bring both joy and challenges. In today’s episode, we’ll explore how past wounds shape us and how Christ offers healing and transformation, beginning with His ultimate gift: salvation.

Highlights:
• How God provides a safe space to face pain and break cycles of hurt.
• Scripture reflections: Matthew 11:28–30 and 3 John 1:2.
• An inspiring excerpt from my conversation with life coach Olivia Hudson on healing through Christ. To hear the full interview, check out my very first episode, Episode #1!

Reflection:
Are there relationships or wounds you need to bring to God this season? True peace and transformation start with Him.

Connect with Me:
Stop relying on yourself to figure it all out- let’s talk! I am here for you. Book a free Discovery Call and take your next step toward a closer relationship with God.


Thanks for joining me! See you next Friday. Remember: Christ came to heal, restore, and save. Let Him transform your life this season.

Blessings,
Alexandra

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

In this episode of Curious for Christ, we explore one of the most powerful principles of the Christian faith: gratitude. But what does it really mean to live a life of gratitude, and why is it God’s will for us?

Join me as we dive into:
• What gratitude means in all circumstances and how it aligns with God’s will (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
• The dangers of bitterness and how it can jeopardize our relationship with God (Hebrews 12:15)
• Practical ways to embrace gratitude even when life feels challenging
• How gratitude shifts our perspective and helps us experience peace and joy in Christ
• The importance of surrendering hurts and choosing gratitude as a pathway to healing

Whether you’re new to Christ, seeking deeper faith, or looking to grow spiritually, this episode will inspire you to cultivate a heart of gratitude that transforms your life.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
• Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Hebrews 12:15, Psalm 139:23-24
• Spiritual Growth Coaching Program: If you’re seeking to deepen your relationship with Christ, I’d love to support you. Start now and get personalized coaching to grow in your faith. To take the next step, click on the link to schedule your session or email me directly at hello@alexandraalvarezcoaching.com with the subject: "Black Friday Coaching Deal." Get 10 coaching sessions for the price of 8! You can start your coaching anytime in the new year!

Stay Connected:
• Join the Curious for Christ Facebook group to engage with the community and continue the conversation.
• Join My Newsletter for weekly encouragement from me!

Thank you for listening, and remember, God’s will for your life is a heart of gratitude!

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

Today, we answer one of life’s most profound and timeless questions: What-or who-is God? We explore Scripture and personal reflections to uncover God’s nature and how we can relate to Him personally.

Key Scriptures:

• Exodus 3:14 – “I AM WHO I AM” (God’s eternal and self-existent nature).
• 1 John 4:8 – “God is love” (God as the source of love itself).
• Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning, God created” (God as Creator and sustainer of all things).
• John 14:9 – “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (Jesus reveals who God is).
• Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God” (trust in God’s presence).

Call to Action:

This week, take a moment to pray and ask: “God, who are You to me?” Explore His answer through Scripture and reflection.

- Join our Facebook Group
- Schedule a Discovery Call to start your personal spiritual journey grounded in God.


Stay curious and I'll see you next time on Curious for Christ!

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

In this episode of Curious for Christ, I welcome Jennie Goutet, an accomplished author of over 13 historical romance novels, to discuss her journey of faith, creativity, and life in a small town outside Paris. Jennie shares her remarkable story of discovering Christ, her marriage, and how her experiences across the globe shaped her relationship with God.

The conversation delves into Jennie’s writing career, from penning her memoir Stars Upside Down to becoming a full-time novelist. Jennie opens up about how her Christian faith influences the depth of her characters and stories, emphasizing love, goodness, and integrity. She also provides valuable advice for aspiring Christian writers, balancing authenticity and creativity in a world that often challenges faith-based values.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
1. Jennie’s journey to Christ through moments of humility and divine intervention.
2. How a dream of marrying a Frenchman led Jennie to meet her husband on the first day they attended church.
3. The inspiration behind Jennie’s writing and how grief propelled her into storytelling.
4. The influence of author Georgette Heyer in Jennie’s transition to historical romance.
5. How Jennie’s faith shapes her creative process and the values in her novels.
6. Advice for aspiring writers, including the importance of persistence, discipline, and trusting God’s guidance.
7. Jennie’s thoughts on navigating the secular literary world while maintaining integrity.

Resources Mentioned:
• Jennie’s blog: A Lady in France (faith articles available).
• Get Jennie's books: https://jenniegoutetbooks.com/
• Join Jennie's Reader Facebook Group

Connect with Jennie Goutet:
• Website: https://www.jenniegoutet.com/
• Sign Up for Jennie's Newsletter
• Follow Jennie on BookBub


Episode Takeaways:
1. God is the ultimate storyteller, and He is the author of each of our lives.
2. God has placed dreams in our hearts, according to His divine plan, and only through Him can we see how our story unfolds. These dreams ultimately draw us closer to Him, as our greatest dream is to know God and have an eternal relationship with Him.
3. God’s plan for our lives often emerges through seasons of grief or hardship.
4. While not explicitly Christian, the qualities we admire in characters and heroes in any story actually stem from the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, loyalty and faithfulness
5. Prayer is an invitation to bring God into every aspect of your life and work.
6. Creative tip: First, create, then edit. These are two distinct processes that require different mindsets.
7. Matthew 12:36 says that everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken - this reminds us that whatever we do, we should do it to honor God.
8. Ultimately, God is our King and our greatest reward, far beyond any success we might gain in this world!


If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Curious for Christ and leave a review to support the podcast!

- Start living a life built on the unshakable foundation of God: Connect with me today!

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

In this episode of Curious for Christ, we explore how seemingly harmless spiritual practices, often rooted in New Age philosophies, can subtly pull us away from a Christ-centered faith. From manifestation techniques to energy healing, we discuss how to discern these influences and realign with God’s truth. Using biblical examples and practical tools, we uncover how to confidently walk in obedience to Christ in a culture filled with mixed messages.

Key Points:
1. What Is New Age?
• The New Age movement blends spiritual ideas like self-enlightenment and universal energy, often contradicting Scripture.
• Examples include astrology, crystals, and visualization techniques.
• Biblical Anchor: “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)
2. Blurred Lines – Harmless or Misleading Practices?
• Manifestation vs. Trusting God’s Will (James 4:2)
• Astrology and Horoscopes vs. God’s Guidance (Leviticus 19:26b)
• Crystals for Healing vs. Trusting God (Psalm 121:2)
3. Biblical Examples of Straying and Realigning with God
• The Golden Calf (Exodus 32): Fear and impatience led to idolatry.
• Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9-24): Misunderstanding God’s power led to repentance.
4. How to Discern New Age from Faith-Based Practices
• Key Questions:
• Does this practice lead me to trust God or myself?
• Does it point to Christ or other sources of power?
• Biblical Anchor: “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
5. Practical Steps to Align with Christ
• Renounce unbiblical practices (1 John 1:9).
• Seek Scripture-based alternatives like biblical meditation (Psalm 119:15).
• Surrender your plans to God’s will (Proverbs 16:9).

Reflection Verse:
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

Join the Conversation:
• Facebook Community: Connect with others for support and accountability.
• Resources Mentioned: Listen to Episode 59 on Sabbath rest for practical guidance.


Stay Connected:
Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with friends. See you next week as we continue to explore faith, truth, and a Christ-centered life.

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

In this episode, I am joined by Joel and Christy Peed who share their remarkable journey in ministry, from their early days in the campus ministry to church planting, and the invaluable lessons they’ve learned along the way. With honesty and wisdom, they discuss the challenges they faced, including burnout, people-pleasing, and the importance of prioritizing a healthy spiritual life. Joel and Christy delve into how they found balance between ministry work, marriage, and family life, emphasizing the need to stay connected with God and follow His guidance.

Some Key Takeaways:
• Understanding Sabbath: the Sabbath’s deeper purpose is to provide a time for rest, delight, and communion with God. Rather than merely a day off, Sabbath is a gift designed to nourish every part of our humanity, drawing us closer to God’s presence.
• Sabbath as Liberation: Sabbath observance helps free us from the “Pharaonic” mindset of productivity and work-centric value. By embracing Sabbath, we resist worldly pressures, find peace in God’s presence, and bring joy to our lives.


Quote to Reflect On:
• “Bible eats first.” – The importance of putting God’s word at the forefront of our day-to-day lives.


Connect with Joel and Christy:
Joel and Christy founded The Eremos Way, a ministry focused on guiding believers toward a life enriched by Sabbath principles and spiritual rest. To learn more about The Eremos Way, their books, and resources on practicing Sabbath rest, visit their website.
You may also find Joel's book A Sabbath Map HERE - for practical guidance to help Christians find rest amidst modern-day restlessness.


Call to Action:
Plan your week ahead and select a time when you will cease work and reflect on Matthew 11:28-30.

- Email me at hello@alexandraalvarezcoaching.com to share your experience with Sabbath!

- Ready to start living a life built on the unshakable foundation of God? Connect with me today!

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.