Faith & Family Bible Podcast with Steve Wood

Special ReAir of Episode 550 – His Commandments Are Not Burdensome: Practical Applications for Families

Re-air of Episode 550 (Originally aired August 21, 2025)

In the final episode of our 1 John series, Steve Wood explores the heart of Christian living through 1 John 5:3: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments—and his commandments are not burdensome.”

Why does the faith so often feel heavy—especially to young people? Drawing on insights from Cardinal Christoph Schönborn and St. Thomas Aquinas, Steve explains why authentic Christian morality must flow from grace, not willpower, pressure, or rule-keeping.

This episode offers practical tools for parents and catechists, including the “Grace Burger” method, the importance of memorizing Ephesians 2:8–10, and how to avoid becoming a “Pharisee parent.” In a time when many young Catholics are walking away, this episode provides hope—and concrete strategies—for passing on a joyful, grace-filled faith.

Visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com for more resources!

Episode 590 - The Storm, the Exorcism, and the Future (Matthew 8)

In this episode of Faith & Family Bible Study, Steve Wood uncovers the powerful connection between two dramatic events in Matthew 8: Jesus stilling the storm and His exorcism of the demoniacs. These accounts are intentionally paired in Matthew, Mark, and Luke to reveal a deeper truth about spiritual warfare and opposition to Christ’s mission.

As storms increase in our personal lives, in the Church, and in the world, this episode reminds us that our true battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual powers—and that Jesus remains fully in control.

For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.

Episode 589 - Two Surprising Encounters with Jesus

In this episode of Faith & Family Bible Study, Steve Wood reflects on two surprising encounters with Jesus in Matthew 8 that deepen our understanding of healing, faith, and salvation.

Jesus touches and cleanses a leper, revealing that His holiness restores what sin and shame have damaged. He then marvels at the faith of a Roman centurion, showing that Gentiles are fully included in God’s covenant plan—there is one salvation in Christ for all.

This episode offers clear, biblical insight into Christ’s healing power and God’s redemptive purpose for all peoples.

For a limited time, receive a free copy of Steve Wood’s new book (with any donation): RescuingYoungCatholics.com

Episode 588 - Preparing for Disclosure Day

Preparing for Disclosure Day examines the growing interest in UFOs, UAPs, government disclosures, and the film Disclosure Day. As these topics move into mainstream conversation, many Christians are asking important questions about spiritual deception, biblical prophecy, and the nature of non-human intelligences.

In Episode 523 of Luke21, Steve Wood explores these topics through the lens of Scripture, drawing connections between Genesis 6, the days of Noah, Revelation 9 and 20, and 2 Thessalonians 2.

If you’re looking to dig deeper into the subjects discussed in this episode, you’ll find the referenced resources at www.BibleforCatholics.com.

Episode 587 - The Root Cause of Faith Failure

Why do so many Catholic young people walk away from the Faith—even after years of religious education? In this episode, Steve Wood uncovers the root cause of faith failure from Matthew 7:21–23: “I never knew you.”

Jesus’ warning isn’t aimed at obvious sinners, but at professing Christians who knew about God yet never truly knew Him. Drawing from Scripture, the Catechism, and insights echoed by Pope Benedict XVI, this episode explains why knowing God is not a notional belief—but a living, transforming relationship.

Essential listening for parents, pastors, and anyone concerned about Catholic faith formation, youth apostasy, and passing on a faith that lasts.

To obtain your free copy of Steve's new book - visit us at www.rescuingyoungcatholics.com.

Episode 586 - Ask, Seek, and Knock

In Matthew 7:7–11, Jesus commands us to ask, seek, and knock—persistently. In this episode, Steve Wood explains what Christians should be asking for above all else: the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Drawing from Luke 11 and Acts 1–2, this episode calls parents to a clear, focused mission: for the next 36 months, pray daily that your children receive the promised power of the Holy Spirit—an essential foundation for lasting faith in today’s culture.

Learn more in Transforming Grace, Steve's new book. Get your free copy at: www.RescuingYoungCatholics.com.

 

Episode 585 - Rescuing Catholic Marriages from Divorce

Why are so many Catholic marriages failing—despite Jesus’ clear teaching on the indissolubility of marriage? In this episode, Steve Wood confronts the roots of marital conflict in original sin and oversized wills, then turns to Jesus’ radical call to lifelong fidelity in Matthew 5 and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

You’ll discover why God says “I hate divorce,” how the New Covenant makes faithful, lifelong marriage possible, and why drawing close to God is the true key to marital harmony. The episode culminates in a powerful connection between marriage and the Eucharist, grounded in John 15—“apart from me you can do nothing.”

A hope-filled, practical episode for rescuing Catholic marriages before it’s too late.

To get a copy of Steve's new book referenced in this episode, visit us at www.rescuingyoungcatholics.com.

 

Episode 584 - Jesus, Divorce, and Lifelong Marriage

A vital episode for Catholics preparing for marriage—and for those helping couples build marriages rooted in divine love.

In this episode of Faith & Family Bible Study, Steve Wood explores Jesus’ clear teaching on divorce and lifelong marriage in the Sermon on the Mount and Matthew 19.

Why did Moses permit divorce, and why does Jesus now call His followers to lifelong fidelity? Steve explains how Christ, the New Moses, reveals that lasting marriage is not achieved by willpower alone—but through hearts transformed by grace and the indwelling love of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).

Special announcement! Steve introduces his new book, Transforming Grace: How to Rescue Young Catholics Drowning in a Secular Culture, available for a limited time at no charge (donation optional for U.S. residents). Learn more at: www.RescuingYoungCatholics.com.

Episode 583 - Blessed Are the Persecuted?

Confused by how Jesus can call persecution a blessing? In this short, thought-provoking episode, Steve Wood explores “Blessed are the persecuted” from the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:10–12) and explains how joy, rejoicing, and gladness can coexist with suffering for Christ.

Drawing from Scripture, Church teaching, and a powerful personal experience, Steve shows why persecution is not an exception to the Christian life—but often part of it—and how the future joy of heaven breaks into the present through the risen Christ living in us.

For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.

 

Episode 582 - Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit: The Pivot of Human Life and History

What does it mean to be poor in spirit—and why is it the pivot of human life and history? In this episode of Faith & Family Bible Study, Steve Wood explains how the Beatitudes describe the inner life of Christ formed in the believer, not a checklist of steps. Focusing on the first Beatitude, Steve traces the root of human suffering to pride in Genesis, connects it to modern moral relativism, marriage struggles, and end-times warnings, and shows why humility before God is essential today. A timely call to dethrone the self and live fully united to Christ.

For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.