Girls Gone Bible - Judah Smith Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Girls Gone Bible
• Host: Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma
• Guest: Judah Smith
• Episode Title: Judah Smith | Girls Gone Bible
• Release Date: February 14, 2025

Introduction and Welcome [01:47 - 04:29]

Angela and Ari warmly welcome Judah Smith to the Girls Gone Bible podcast, expressing their gratitude for his presence and the impact of his ministry. Angela introduces Judah as a special guest, highlighting his significance to their listeners.

Angela [02:24]: "When I first started my faith, we went to church at home. And I was in my most broken season I had ever been in... You just kept repeating it, and it hit my soul."

Ari shares a heartfelt story about how Judah's preaching profoundly influenced her during a difficult time, emphasizing the simplicity and depth of his message about Jesus.

Ari [02:24]: "I still, to this day, will repeat that... 'It's not my burden to carry. Give it to God.'"

Judah Smith’s Background and Ministry [05:09 - 08:52]

Judah delves into his upbringing, revealing that he and his wife, Chelsea Smith, were born three months apart to best friends, Marilyn and Jenny Smith. His lineage is deeply rooted in ministry, being a seventh-generation preacher.

Judah [05:32]: "My dad was a preacher. His dad was a preacher... I started on stage at 8 years old thinking that this is what we do."

He shares how his early experiences in ministry shaped his calling and passion for preaching, emphasizing his commitment to spreading the love of Jesus.

Judah [05:32]: "Jesus to me is the greatest person in the whole wide world. I honestly mean this like it's not... I just wouldn't."

Personal Faith Journey and Intimacy with Jesus [08:53 - 24:46]

Angela and Ari discuss their contrasting upbringings, with Ari and Angela not coming from generationally strong Christian backgrounds. They explore how Judah’s authentic relationship with Jesus resonates deeply with them.

Judah [19:13]: "I get in this bathtub, and it's like, I feel him again, and he just, like, talks to me... He just keeps showing up in the bathtub."

Judah emphasizes the importance of an authentic and heartfelt connection with Jesus over rigid routines or performance-based faith.

Angela [24:17]: "I fell in love with Jesus because I needed a savior."

Understanding Shame and Forgiveness [34:06 - 39:43]

The conversation shifts to the heavy topics of shame and forgiveness. Judah elucidates the profound theological concept that through Jesus' sacrifice, shame and condemnation are completely removed for believers.

Judah [34:30]: "There is now, therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus... The work of Jesus... It is complete and finished."

Angela and Judah discuss the struggle of reconciling one's past with the newfound forgiveness and identity in Jesus, offering hope and clarity to those burdened by shame.

Angela [40:12]: "Could you just talk about that? So many people don't know how to accept the love of Jesus."

Marriage, Relationships, and Authenticity [52:34 - 60:16]

Judah shares insights into his 25-year marriage with Chelsea, highlighting the importance of vulnerability, communication, and commitment. They discuss the challenges and rewards of maintaining a strong, authentic relationship.

Judah [55:10]: "Marrying someone and living with them, you get to see your good, bad, and ugly. There's no hiding."

Angela and Ari reflect on their own relationships, emphasizing the refining nature of close partnerships and the importance of leaning into vulnerability.

Angela [61:08]: "We've been training partners for our marriage... It's so refining."

Christian Celebrity and Ministry Platforms [45:32 - 48:59]

The hosts and Judah explore the concept of Christian celebrity, debating its impact and how it aligns with authentic ministry. Judah praises Girls Gone Bible for using its platform to spread genuine messages of faith without falling into superficial fame.

Judah [46:00]: "Jesus was a celebrity... He was popular. He was moving souls and hearts."

He encourages the hosts to embrace their influence responsibly, ensuring that their platform remains a vessel for Jesus' love rather than personal acclaim.

Judah [46:00]: "Nobody gave you this platform. God gave you this platform."

Final Thoughts and Encouragement [60:17 - 71:47]

Judah recounts a pivotal moment in his ministry where God instructed him to change his approach to better reach others. He emphasizes the importance of genuine connection over mere numbers in ministry.

Judah [60:39]: "I want everyone to know the Jesus that I know... to come to church, to be in community."

He offers heartfelt encouragement to listeners facing challenges in their personal lives or faith journeys, reinforcing that they are not alone.

Judah [63:05]: "Iron sharpens iron... friction is going to happen, but it can be awesome."

Angela and Ari express their deep appreciation for Judah’s honesty and vulnerability, closing the episode with blessings and affirmations of love.

Angela [71:47]: "May the Lord bless you and keep you... Shalom, shalom. We love you."

Notable Quotes

• Angela [02:24]: "It's not my burden to carry. Give it to God."
• Judah [05:32]: "Jesus to me is the greatest person in the whole wide world."
• Judah [19:13]: "He just keeps showing up in the bathtub."
• Judah [34:30]: "There is now, therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
• Judah [55:10]: "Marrying someone and living with them, you get to see your good, bad, and ugly."
• Judah [46:00]: "Nobody gave you this platform. God gave you this platform."
• Judah [63:05]: "Iron sharpens iron... friction can be awesome."
• Angela [71:47]: "May the Lord bless you and keep you... Shalom, shalom. We love you."

Conclusion

The episode with Judah Smith on Girls Gone Bible offers a profound exploration of faith, forgiveness, and authentic relationships. Judah's candid sharing of his ministry journey, personal struggles, and the transformative power of Jesus provides listeners with inspiration and practical insights. Angela and Ari's genuine interactions with Judah create a space of vulnerability and encouragement, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of faith and relationships.