The Bible Recap — "New Testament Prep (2025)"
Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
Date: September 5, 2025
Episode Overview
In this special prep episode, Tara-Leigh Cobble welcomes both new and returning listeners to the upcoming Bible Recap journey through the New Testament, starting October 1st. She outlines six key steps to set listeners up for success in following the podcast's chronological Bible reading plan. The episode focuses on clarity, encouragement, and the importance of community as listeners prepare to engage deeply with Scripture.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Join the Right Reading Plan
- Tara-Leigh emphasizes the importance of being on the same reading plan:
- Access the exact plan via thebiblerecap.com ('Start' link)
- Options to view digitally or print
- Direct link also in the episode’s show notes
- [00:39]: “There are lots of reading plans out there, so to avoid confusion, we've linked directly to the one we're using on our website, thebiblerecap.com. Just click the Start link.”
2. Listen to Prep Episodes
- All six prep episodes are highly recommended, especially for newcomers
- Takes just over an hour in total
- All six prep episodes linked in the show notes for easy access
- [01:30]: “If you're brand new here...we encourage you to listen to all six prep episodes...it'll only take a little more than an hour to listen to all of them.”
3. Get Oriented with the Old Testament Recap
- Essential for understanding where the New Testament picks up
- Short Old Testament summary episode is provided
- Linked on the website and in the show notes
- Focus more on overall storyline and especially “who God is,” rather than worrying about remembering details
- [02:22]: “Getting a quick summary will probably be helpful regardless. On the other hand, if you're new to all of this...The details aren't as important at this point as getting the general idea...especially as it pertains to who God is.”
4. Make Use of Study Tools and Guides
- TBR offers multiple guides to deepen study and foster community:
- Weekly Discussion Guide: ~10 questions per week, suitable even for pairs
- Daily Study Guide: 5 questions/day, for personal digging into the text
- Daily Journal: 3 repeated prompts, space to record growth and “God shots” (moments of seeing God’s character)
- New copies recommended for each year to track new insights
- Where to find them: TBR store on the website
- [03:41]: “Every year that you read the Bible, you're going to learn more about God and His character. That means your answers and your thoughts are going to evolve as well.”
5. Understanding and Using Show Notes
- Show notes provide:
- Additional resources, articles, and links for deeper study
- Available via most podcast apps, website, or under YouTube videos
- Not endorsements unless noted; simply helpful resources
- Show notes are not transcripts
- Instructions for finding them on various devices and platforms
- [05:08]: “Show notes are not transcripts, they're just extra information and links that pertain to that day's episode...unless we're linking to a TBR partner, we don't use show notes to endorse those outside resources.”
6. Subscribe and Download for Smooth Listening
- Critical to subscribe/follow on your chosen podcast app
- Download episodes in advance (can set to WiFi only) to prevent streaming issues
- Encouraged to do so immediately—unless you’re driving!
- [06:13]: “Once you subscribe, all you have to do is open your app and the episode should be there waiting for you every day.”
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- On reading plans:
- [00:39]: “There are lots of reading plans out there, so to avoid confusion, we've linked directly to the one we're using...”
- On evolving understanding:
- [03:41]: “Every year that you read the Bible, you're going to learn more about God and His character. That means your answers and your thoughts are going to evolve as well.”
- On the most important goal:
- [02:39]: “The details aren't as important at this point as getting the general idea of what's happening, especially as it pertains to who God is. That's the most important thing we're looking for...”
- On community:
- [04:10]: “The discussions are designed to help foster a good group conversation around what we've learned that week, even if that group is just you and one other person.”
- On why TBR exists:
- [07:26]: “The Bible Recap offers tools that equip millions around the world to read, understand, and love the Bible. We want to help people encounter God in a way that transforms their entire lives.”
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:02 — Welcome, episode overview, and start date announcement
- 00:39 — Reading plan instructions
- 01:30 — Importance of prep episodes
- 02:22 — Old Testament Recap episode info
- 03:30 — Tools: Weekly Discussion Guide, Daily Study Guide, and Daily Journal
- 05:08 — What are show notes and how to access them
- 06:13 — Subscribing and ensuring smooth episode delivery
- 07:26 — TBR’s mission and invitation to join
Summary of Prep Steps
(as quickly recapped by Tara-Leigh at episode’s end)
- Visit the website to download/print the New Testament plan.
- Listen to the prep episodes for context and encouragement.
- Catch up with the Old Testament Recap for storyline context.
- Explore TBR's study tools: Journal, Study Guide, and Discussion Guide.
- Get comfortable with show notes for extra resources.
- Subscribe and download episodes in your podcast app.
Closing Tone
Tara-Leigh’s approach is warm, enthusiastic, and practical, emphasizing that the heart of the journey is discovering more about who God is:
- [07:16]: “We can't wait to start this plan with you on October 1st. We're so excited to dig into Scripture with you to see more of who God is and get to know him even better. Because I promise you, he's where the joy is.”
For more details or to get started, listeners are encouraged to visit thebiblerecap.com. Tara-Leigh extends a warm invitation to walk this journey together, reminding everyone the Bible Recap is “here to help people encounter God in a way that transforms their entire lives.”