What if your confidence in Jesus didn’t have to rest on feelings alone — but on real, compelling evidence? In this episode, Kaley Olson and Meredith Brock sit down with Dr. Joel Muddamalle to explore why Christians can trust both the Bible and the historical Jesus with clarity and confidence.

Joel unpacks the surprisingly strong historical, textual, and archaeological evidence surrounding Scripture, the overwhelming support for the resurrection, and why even secular scholars take the Gospels seriously. You’ll walk away not just informed but anchored — reminded that the story of Jesus isn’t fragile, mythical, or wishful thinking. It’s trustworthy. It’s verifiable. And it changes everything.

You’ll learn:

• How the Bible’s accuracy and fulfilled prophecies point to Jesus as a real, historical person.
• Why the Gospels can be trusted — backed by archaeology, thousands of manuscripts, and even secular scholars.
• What makes the resurrection not just a belief but a well-supported historical event.
• How solid evidence can strengthen your faith and give you confidence when questions or doubts arise.

Resources From This Episode:

• Download the free First 5 app: Begin a daily rhythm of studying God’s Word with clear, trustworthy teaching that helps you grow with confidence. Perfect for starting (or restarting!) your Bible study habits this year.
• Follow Dr. Joel Muddamalle: Get accessible, thoughtful theology through his Instagram and free Substack — practical tools to help deepen your understanding of Scripture every week.
• Explore 40 Days Through the New Testament: Knowing the Savior Who Steadies Our Uncertainty:Walk through the New Testament with rich teaching — including contributions from Dr. Joel Muddamalle — designed to strengthen your confidence in who Jesus is and why His story can be trusted.
• Click here to download a transcript of this episode

Want More on This Topic?

• Listen to “Am I Reading My Bible Right?” — a conversation between Dr. Joel Muddamalle and Shae Hill from The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast.

Christmas is the story of Love stepping toward us — yet for many of us, love is still the place where our deepest questions live. Why is it hard to give? Why is it even harder to receive? And what does Advent have to do with it?

In this final Advent episode, Kaley Olson, Wendy Blight, and Ellen Adkins explore what Scripture reveals about the human heart — and why Jesus came to transform it from the inside out. You’ll get a freeing look at why hostility toward God shows up in all of us, how the Holy Spirit enables a new kind of love we could never muster on our own, and a tender invitation to receive the love God is offering right now.

With biblical teaching, honest reflection, and a prayer for anyone longing for a fresh start with God, this episode reminds us: His love isn’t distant or conditional. It’s personal, present … and it’s meant for you.

You’ll learn:

• Why Scripture says our natural hearts resist God — and how Advent reveals Jesus’ plan to transform them.
• What God’s steadfast love looks like throughout the Bible and why we often struggle to receive it.
• How the Holy Spirit enables us to love God and others in ways we cannot on our own.
• A simple prayer and practical steps for beginning or renewing a relationship with Jesus this Christmas.

Resources From This Episode:

• Join us for Advent in the First 5 app!
  Download the free app, and spend five minutes each day studying God’s Word with women around the world.
• Go deeper with our brand-new Advent study guide, More Than a Manger.
  Experience the Christmas story with fresh eyes through rich biblical teaching and meaningful daily reflections.
• Help more women access biblical Truth this season.
  Your generosity fuels everything we do — from free podcasts to devotions to study resources.
  [Give to Proverbs 31 Ministries today.]
• Click here to download a transcript of this episode

Want More on This Topic?

• Listen to “The Secret to Really Loving Your Neighbor” with Jada Edwards on The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast.

Joy sounds simple at Christmastime … until life brings loss, disappointment, or unanswered prayers. In this Advent episode, Wendy Blight joins Kaley Olson and Ellen Adkins to share how Jesus brings joy — not to replace suffering but right in the middle of it. Through Wendy’s honest personal story and a biblical look at joy throughout Scripture, you’ll discover how true joy isn’t rooted in circumstances — it's rooted in the presence of Jesus who meets us, sustains us, and carries us through things we never asked for.

A powerful message for anyone who’s wondering how joy is possible in a season that feels anything but joyful.

You’ll learn:

• Why biblical joy is more than a feeling — it’s something God gifts us through His Spirit.
• How joy grows in seasons of pain, unanswered prayer, or physical and emotional suffering.
• Why lament isn’t the opposite of joy — it's often the doorway to it.
• Practical ways to shift your gaze from your circumstances to Christ.
• What Scripture teaches about a future joy that no loss or sorrow can take away.

Resources From This Episode:

• Join us for Advent in the First 5 app!
  Download the free app, and spend five minutes each day studying God’s Word with women around the world.
• Go deeper with our brand-new Advent study guide, More Than a Manger.
  Experience the Christmas story with fresh eyes through rich biblical teaching and meaningful daily reflections.
• Help more women access biblical Truth this season.
  Your generosity fuels everything we do — from free podcasts to devotions to study resources.
  [Give to Proverbs 31 Ministries today.]
• Click here to download a transcript of this episode

Want More on This Topic?

• Listen to this Therapy & Theology episode titled “How Can I Trust God When I Don’t Understand What He Allows?”