Red Letter Basics

06/01/2026

How my personal Bible study time sometimes feels... 🦍

We’ve all opened Scripture and felt instantly overwhelmed by the sheer depth of history and theology. It is easy to feel like you're still trying to figure out how to spark a fire while everyone else is launching rockets.

The secret to overcoming that struggle comes down to two things: knowing where to start and knowing the right questions to ask. Instead of getting stuck in Leviticus or lost in Revelation, the best place to build healthy study habits is actually in the Gospels. As historical narratives, these four books make it easy to slow down, read carefully, and learn how to ask the text the right questions.
You don’t need a seminary degree to master the practical basics of feeding yourself from God's Word.

That’s why we created Red Letter Basics. This resource simplifies complex study methods into a step-by-step tool, building your confidence by starting you directly with the words of Jesus.

👉 Get your copy today: https://www.redletterbasics.com/book

05/31/2026

Are the phrases we use in church actually biblical, or are we accidentally teaching heresy? In this episode, we tackle the "Red Card vs. Green Card" challenge to dissect common Christian clichés. We dive deep into the nuances of the Sinner's Prayer, the definition of saving faith, and the controversial idea of "forgiving yourself." Join us as we distinguish between "bad theology" and dangerous heresy to ensure our faith is firmly rooted in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Which of these phrases have you heard most often in church? Let us know in the comments!

Watch Episode two of this mini series — IS IT HERESY? | #02 |

https://youtu.be/C5O7p4DGTjE

Thanks again to Matthew Tingblad and Nicholas Alsop, who serve at Sightline as well as on our Theological Team. We always appreciate your insight!

Curious what Red Letter Basics stands for? Read our full statement of faith:
https://www.redletterbasics.com/statement-of-faith

Are the phrases we use in church actually biblical, or are we accidentally teaching heresy? In this episode, we tackle the "Red Card vs. Green Card" challeng...

05/28/2026

Have you ever felt so discouraged that you couldn't see what God was doing?
On the road to Emmaus, Jesus actually gives a gentle rebuke to two disciples. He doesn't correct them for being sad and discouraged that the Messiah had been crucified; rather, He rebukes them for not believing the Scriptures. Jesus is showing them how to see Him even when they cannot physically see Him, which is incredibly important for us when we are discouraged in times of distress.

A major part of the mission we are set on is to become strong in our ability to understand the truth of God's Word. In this text, we see Jesus use the revelation of God's Word to show us how the death and resurrection was always the plan.

Want to learn how to read the Bible in a way that reveals Jesus? Tap the related video link on this Short to watch the full breakdown!

Free Bible Study Training:
Learn to study the scriptures for yourself using our exact method:
👉 https://www.redletterbasics.com/training

Support the ministry:
redletterbasics.com

Subscribe if you want to keep learning how to follow Jesus better!

05/26/2026

Did you know that the reality of the resurrection often first reaches people through the testimony of what Jesus has done in someone else's life?

Jesus actually used the testimony of the women at the tomb to bring the initial testimony to His resurrection, right after the two angels there told them, "He is alive." As believers today, we have a purpose to run and tell someone in our lives that Jesus is risen. And we should be doing this even if it's not Easter!

Want to learn how to craft and share your own story? Tap the related video link on this Short to watch the full breakdown and get our guide on sharing your testimony!

Free Bible Study Training:
Learn to study the scriptures for yourself using our exact method:
👉 https://www.redletterbasics.com/training

Support the ministry:
redletterbasics.com

Follow if you want to keep learning how to follow Jesus better!

05/24/2026

The resurrected Jesus encountered his disciples in three ways. Accounted for in Luke 24 we see one of those ways through his encounter with the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus. Jesus encounters them through showing them how all of scripture points to him and explains that he must suffer on the cross and be resurrected.

Full Video:
https://youtu.be/7KwnN2fwtkk?si=RA8BdfuMnuSKGs6y

05/24/2026

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the absolute center of our faith. But when we look closely at the immediate aftermath of the resurrection morning, we don't see the disciples living on mission. Instead, we see chaos, discouragement, fear, and deep skepticism. Even though Jesus clearly told His disciples He would be killed and rise three days later, they lost sight of their purpose.

But the resurrected Jesus did not allow His followers to remain in that state. He showed up and gave them their purpose in three distinct ways:

Testimony: Jesus used the testimony of the women at the tomb and the angels to announce to the others that "He is alive".
Revelation: On the road to Emmaus, Jesus used the revelation of God's Word to show two discouraged disciples how the Scriptures had always pointed to Him.
Encounter: Jesus appeared to His terrified apostles in a locked room, letting them physically touch His wounds and eating in front of them to shatter their fear.

Jesus laid out this exact same framework for us in the Great Commission. We are called to share our testimony, point people to the revelation of scripture, and help others encounter Jesus through the way we live.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the absolute center of our faith. But when we look closely at the immediate aftermath of the resurrection morning, we don...

05/22/2026

literally only 12 hours left to register! We do still have a few slots available in the training class. So if you are thinking about it, you should go ahead and RSVP!!! - Also, if you already have a copy of the book, you do not need to get a new one to act as your ticket of entry. Even if you have one of the old original versions, we will update it! We just need you to RSVP 👍

05/21/2026

Have you ever heard the term "Moralistic Therapeutic Deism" (or MTD)? It sounds like a bunch of big theological words, but it is actually a very common mentality today.

Let's break it down: Deism is the view that God exists, but He is an absent father. People often think of this version of God as a watchmaker who wound up the clock and then just let the world run on its own.

Moralistic deism is the idea that you just use God to make yourself a moral person. Therapeutic deism means you use God to make yourself a better or happier person.

When you put it all together, Moralistic Therapeutic Deism creates a dynamic where, as long as you are moral and happy, God is no longer relevant in your life.

Want to see us put more popular Christian phrases and concepts to the test? Tap the link on this Reel to watch the full "Is It Heresy?" episode!

Free Bible Study Training:
Learn to study the scriptures for yourself using our exact method:
👉 https://www.redletterbasics.com/training

Ft. Matthew Tingblad

Support the ministry:
redletterbasics.com
Subscribe if you want to keep learning how to follow Jesus better!

05/19/2026

"Jesus died so you can have your best life now." Is this statement actually biblical, or is it just bad theology?

In this clip from our "Is It Heresy?" game, we put this common Christian cliché to the test. The truth is, it all depends on how you define your "best life." If you think your best life means having a million dollars, two houses, and zero problems, the answer is a hard no.

However, if you define your best life as being a servant of Christ, doing what He wants you to do, and being willing to sacrifice yourself for Him—then yes!

Want to see us put more popular Christian phrases to the test? Tap the related video link on this Short to watch the full "Is It Heresy?" episode!

Free Bible Study Training:
Learn to study the scriptures for yourself using our exact method:
👉 https://www.redletterbasics.com/training

Support the ministry:
redletterbasics.com

Nicholas Alsop Matthew Tingblad Austin Daniel Woodruff

Subscribe if you want to keep learning how to follow Jesus better!

05/17/2026

Is what you believe actually biblical, or just "bad theology"? In this episode, we play a game called "Is it Heresy?" to put common Christian clichés to the test. From "God won't give you more than you can handle" to the "Live your best life now" mentality, we break down how popular phrases can often lead us toward Moralistic Therapeutic Deism—a view where God is a distant figure who exists only to make us feel good.

Join us as we discuss:

- The danger of biblical "half-truths."
- How to properly interpret Matthew 7:1 ("Judge not").
- Why "human flourishing" is different from the prosperity gospel.
- Defining MTD (Moralistic Therapeutic Deism) and its impact on modern faith.

Thank you to Matthew Tingblad​⁠ and Nicholas Alsop from Josh D. McDowell (Ministry) for serving on our Theological Team and joining us for this short series!

Is what you believe actually biblical, or just "bad theology"? In this episode, we play a game called "Is it Heresy?" to put common Christian clichés to the ...