Nerd In The Word, Part 1 - Shema

02/26/25 • 41 min

The ABIDE Podcast With Gretchen Stevenson

Welcome to Nerd In The Word, where we dive deep into the Scriptures with enthusiasm and curiosity! I’m here with my good friend Kristin, and today we’re kicking off the first part of a series on the Shema, a foundational passage in Deuteronomy 6. Now, when you hear the word "hear," you might think it’s just about listening. But in the original Hebrew, the word Shema is packed with so much more meaning—it's about actively engaging, understanding, and responding. In today’s episode, we’re going to explore the depth of this powerful word and its call not just to hear, but to hear with intention—a concept that has profound implications for how we live out our faith. So, grab your Bible, get ready to dive in, and let’s nerd out together!

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Thank You!
Gretchen
https://gretchenstevenson.com/

Questions to consider:

1. What does it look like in your daily life to truly "hear" God's voice with a heart that is ready to respond?

2. How does understanding obedience as a response to God's covenant love, rather than "rule following" change your perspective on following His Commands & teachings in Scripture?

3. Jesus said, "If you follow me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). How does this connect with the Shema?

4. What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a more intentional practice of listening to God through His Word and responding with action?

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Questions to consider:

1. What does it look like in your daily life to truly "hear" God's voice with a heart that is ready to respond?

2. How does understanding obedience as a response to God's covenant love, rather than "rule following" change your perspective on following His Commands & teachings in Scripture?

3. Jesus said, "If you follow me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). How does this connect with the Shema?

4. What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a more intentional practice of listening to God through His Word and responding with action?

Previous Episode

Devotion: Greatest Love Story Ever Told

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Welcome to the Abide Podcast—I’m Gretchen Stevenson. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, love is everywhere—cards, chocolates, and grand gestures. But no earthly expression of love compares to the greatest love ever given: God’s love through Jesus Christ. Today, we’re diving into the depths of this unfailing love, exploring the lengths God has gone to pursue, redeem, and call us His own. Whether you feel loved or long for it, this episode is for you. Let’s abide in the truth of His perfect love together.

Next Episode

Nerd In The Word: YHWH

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Welcome to another episode of Nerd in the Word on the ABIDE podcast! I’m Gretchen Stevenson, your host. Today, my good friend and I are continuing our study through the Shema, one of the most foundational verses in Scripture.

This week, we’re taking a deep dive into the Hebrew name YHWH, the covenant name of God that appears right at the start of Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”

From the burning bush encounter with Moses to the poetic prayers of the Psalms, this name reveals God’s eternal presence, faithfulness, and unchanging character. But what does it mean? Why did God choose to reveal Himself this way? And how does understanding this name invite us into a deeper relationship with Him?

Join us as we nerd out on the Hebrew roots, explore where YHWH appears throughout Scripture, and uncover the profound truths behind this holy name. Whether you’re new to studying God’s Word or a seasoned Bible nerd like us, we hope this episode inspires you to know and love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might.

Grab your Bible, and let’s dive in!