Hope in God’s Word

Ep 24, Fruit of the Spirit - Joy

In this episode Gill and Liz continue their Fruit of the Spirit series, exploring biblical joy—how it differs from happiness, how it is rooted in God and produced by the Holy Spirit, and how it can persist through suffering.
They trace joy through Old and New Testament language and stories, share personal testimonies of finding joy in hardship, and offer practical encouragement to cultivate joy by abiding in God, worship, Scripture, and hope in Christ.

Ep 23 - The Fruit of the Spirit - Love

Hosts Gill and Liz explore the Fruit of the Spirit, focusing on love—agape, God’s unconditional and sacrificial love. They explain how God’s love empowers us through the Holy Spirit, reshapes our identity, and overflows into practical acts of compassion and forgiveness.
The episode encourages abiding in Christ, studying Scripture, seeking wisdom for difficult relationships, and trusting God’s steadfast love as the source for loving others.

Ep 22 - The Fruit of the Spirit, Abide and Bloom

Hosts Gill and Liz explore Galatians 5:22–23, using vine and gardening imagery to explain how the Holy Spirit produces spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. They discuss practical ways to abide in Christ through Scripture, prayer, worship and community, and emphasize freedom from legalism.
The episode offers hope for dark seasons: the Spirit waters and nourishes believers, pruning and growing fruit over time as we choose to walk by the Spirit rather than the flesh.

Ep 21, Fruit of the Spirit - background to Galatians

Hosts Gill and Liz return with personal updates and thanksgiving after a challenging Christmas, then introduce the new season exploring the Fruit of the Spirit.
They set the scene in Galatians, explaining Paul’s warning against returning to legalism and showing how freedom in Christ and adoption as God’s children produce true spiritual fruit.
Next episode will dive into the Fruit of the Spirit and life by the Spirit; follow Hope in God’s Word on social media for updates and to leave questions.

Ep20 - Questions and Answers session 2

In this episode Gill and Liz answer listener questions about beginning a faith journey and studying the Bible. They recommend starting with the Gospels, share practical study methods (invite the Holy Spirit, use study resources, join a church group), and explain how Scripture brings hope and purpose.
They also discuss recognising upbringing bias in interpretation, relate to biblical characters in current seasons, and recommend favourite Christian reads. The episode closes with encouragement to stay connected and a note about a holiday break before a new study in January.

Ep 19 - Questions and Answers Session 1

Gill and Liz answer listener questions about coping with chronic illness and fatigue, discovering worth in Christ rather than ministry activity, and practical ways to stay rooted in God.
They share favourite worship songs, meaningful Bible verses, and simple advice for starting to read Scripture, encouraging listeners to rest in God's grace and presence.

Ep 18 - The Hopeful End of the story of Ruth, Boaz and Naomi

Gill and Liz wrap up their study of Ruth, reflecting on Boaz’s redeeming actions, Naomi’s restoration, and the birth of Obed — the child who renews a family line that leads to King David and ultimately Jesus Christ. They explore themes of redemption, God’s providence, unexpected blessing, and how messy pasts are woven into God’s greater plan.
This episode offers an encouraging summary of the book’s hope: ordinary people, foreign outsiders, and broken situations can be redeemed and used in God’s unfolding purpose.

Ep 17 - Boaz, Barley, and God's Abundant Provision - Ruth ch 3 & ch 4

Hosts Gill and Liz continue their study of Ruth (chapters 3–4), exploring Boaz’s honour, his generous provision of barley, the kinsman-redeemer custom at the city gate, and the symbolic sandal ceremony that seals the legal redemption.
They draw practical lessons about waiting on God, overflowing generosity, and trusting God’s timing—encouraging listeners that seasons of lack can turn to abundant blessing when we remain faithful.

Ep 16 - Threshing Floor Hope, Ruth Chapter 3 session 1

This episode explores Ruth Chapter 3: Naomi’s wise plan, Ruth’s humble obedience at the threshing floor, and Boaz’s honorable response as the kinsman-redeemer.
Hosts Gill and Liz draw out the cultural context and the deeper theme of redemption—how the story points to God’s protection, provision, and the hope found in Christ.

Ep 15, Ruth, Refuge, and Redeeming Hope, Ruth chapter 2 session 2

Gill and Liz unpack Ruth chapter 2, exploring Boaz’s kindness, the imagery of finding refuge under God’s wings and the kinsman-redeemer theme that points to Jesus.
 
They reflect on speaking blessings over others, finding satisfaction and daily peace in God’s provision, and invite listeners to send questions as they continue into chapter 3 next week.