The Jeff Cavins Show (Your Catholic Bible Study Podcast)

How do we live in these times? We are called to something so contrary to what the culture offers. In this episode, Jeff expounds on what makes the call of Christ so contrary. He explains how we need to “wake up!” Snippet from the Show Let your words and deeds cry out “I have encountered the Lord!” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Is criticism a good thing? If so, how can we receive it well? In this episode, Jeff Cavins shares personal advice and quotations from Scripture to help you receive criticism well. Snippet from the Show If you want understanding and you want to acquire wisdom, you must be open to criticism. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do bumper stickers say a lot about a person? Bumper stickers on your car could say a lot about what you believe and what is important to you. In this episode, Jeff ponders, “If people in the 1st century would have had stickers on their donkeys, what would some of those have said?” Snippet from the Show Be doers of the Word and not just hearers. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Have you ever experienced going from a high in your life to a low? Many of us have, and today, Jeff shares the story of Elijah to give us important reminders for when we experience such moments in our own lives. Snippet from the Show Hearts change when the good news of the Gospel is shared with them. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Is it a sin to get a tattoo? In today’s episode, Jeff responds to this very common and sometimes controversial question. Jeff offers Scriptural references, Church teaching, and great points to ponder concerning the topic of tattoos. Snippet from the Show Tattoo your heart with the love of Christ. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Curious to know how Jeff takes notes? Continuing his discussion on the art of learning, Jeff shares his method of taking notes and what he has learned about note taking over the years. Snippet from the Show Doing anything of value takes time. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Are we losing the ability to learn and think deeply? Jeff explores this question and points out the incredible need for people to think, learn, and read more deeply. Jeff also offers an idea to help your family and community think more deeply. Snippet from the Show We need deep thinking, deep reading, and deep meditation to come to know the things of God. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What does it mean for the Church to be united "on earth as it is in Heaven?" In this episode, Jeff and guest Fr. Josh Johnson respond to this question and dive into a conversation centered around race and discipleship. Snippet from the Show If we have the blessing to be proximate to Jesus in the Eucharist, how can we not be inspired to invite everyone we know to meet Him as well? Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do you want to know how to become rich? It seems as though most people have an innate desire to seek material wealth. However, in today’s episode, Jeff shares how to find true wealth that lasts. Snippet from the Show Give, be generous, and enjoy the love of God. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Is truth something that we each get to decide for ourselves? In this episode, Jeff explains the difference between valuing the individual and the radical individualism that is so prevalent in our world today. Snippet from the Show The individual matters and has inestimable value. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do you struggle with worry? Life is full of reasons to worry and opportunities to lose our peace. In this episode, Jeff speaks with author Melissa Overmyer to talk about her new book and the recipe to combat worry. Snippet from the Show God is all powerful and nothing is beyond his ability to heal and transform and renew. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do you struggle with knowledge hoarding? There is so much information to consume but so often that knowledge is rarely put into action. Jeff offers three steps to help you take the knowledge you have and put it into action. Snippet from the Show Knowledge is not meant to gather dust. It is meant to be put into action. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

As the Activated Disciple series comes to a close, Jeff recaps our journey over the last couple of weeks and offers us some next steps in our personal discipleship with the Lord. Snippet from the Show Imitation is the foundation of discipleship. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What does it mean to be covered in the dust of your rabbi? In this episode, Jeff explains this historic phrase and reveals how as activated disciples, we must conform our lives to Christ. We are called to participate in the life of Christ. Snippet from the Show An activated disciple must conform their life to the life of Christ. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

How do we proclaim the Gospel to others? Jeff shares the seven points of the Gospel that every evangelist should know, common excuses we make up for not sharing the Gospel, and the simple way we can double our parish size in just five years. Snippet from the Show Evangelization always begins with proclaiming how the Lord changed your own life. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

If Jesus asked you to follow him today, would tomorrow be any different than yesterday? Jeff discusses some the disciplines of a disciple and reveals their importance in the life of a follower of Christ. Snippet from the Show If you want to know what Jesus prayed about, look at what he did. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

How does someone come into the Church? Jeff outlines the process of a person coming into the Church and how you can be a part of that process. He also discusses what it means to put on Christ and be a part of the Body of Christ. Snippet from the Show “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:27 Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Who chooses whom? In this third part of the Activated Disciple series, Jeff Cavins explains how God chose us first and how we are called to respond. Snippet from the Show The vocation of every Christian is to imitate God. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

When you imagine what a disciple should look like, what do you see? In this second part of the Activated Disciple series, Jeff Cavins discusses the importance of imitating Christ in order to be a disciple. Snippet from the Show God does not ask us to change and then abandon us. He remains with us. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Are you a fan or a follower? In this first part of the Activated Disciple retreat, Jeff discusses the difference between being a fan of Jesus and being a follower of Jesus. What does it mean to be a follower and how do we get there? Snippet from the Show Fans don’t change the world, but followers do. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Are you looking for faith opportunities for the young people in your life? Jeff sits down with the leaders of an incredible faith opportunity called Damascus, a Catholic camp for youth. Tune in to hear all about the story, mission, and experience of Damascus. Snippet from the Show “This is the first time I heard God speak to me.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do you want to experience true transformation this Lent? Jeff shares an exciting way for you to get the most of your Lent this year, experience real change, and become the disciple God is calling you to be. Snippet from the Show "The shape of your day is reflected by the love for your life. What would it like for Christ to shape your day?" Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What is the leaven of the Pharisees? Diving into Scripture, Jeff shows how Jesus Christ came for all people and that even now we must avoid the Pharisaic view and bring Christ to all people. Snippet from the Show If everyone in the Church lived and worshiped like you, would the Church grow in the next year? Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What does it mean to live the good life? Jeff Cavins describes what it really means to live the good life and gives twelve aspects of living it. He also identifies the barriers we might face in our pursuit of the good life. Snippet from the Show A key to living the good life is to daily do the will of God. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

In 1982, Mother Teresa of Calcutta delivered a powerful commencement address at St. Thomas Aquinas College. Today, I share with you her simple yet profound words to those young people. No matter what you're going through in life right now, Mother Teresa's timeless words will surely move your heart and remind you that you are beloved. Snippet from the Show "Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid to love. Even when suffering comes, humiliation comes, pain comes, success comes, joy comes. Remember, you are precious to Him. He loves you."- St. Teresa of Calcutta Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Jeff gives an overview of the four types of core wounds. He explains the lies that we believe, how they impact our relationships and behaviors, and concludes with a few simple steps we can take to start the healing process. Disclaimer: Jeff Cavins is not a psychologist, but shares these observations on suffering based on his time serving and helping people during his years as a pastor. These are general observations on the symptoms of suffering and basic recommendations for ways to begin healing. Snippet from the Show When suffering from a core wound, the most important first step is identifying it. Then, you can invite God to help you start the healing process. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

God helps us to grow into the fruitful branches he needs us to be by having us endure different spiritual seasons. Just like each season is essential to the growth of a fruitful grape vine, each spiritual season plays an essential part in helping us as disciples better follow Christ. Jeff offers some comforting perspective on this and encourages us to embrace the seasons we're in, even if it is one of pruning and cleansing. _Show Snippet _ "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit," John 15: 1-2 Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

People encounter Christ by encountering him through the words and deeds of Christians. Jeff shares how we can be an essential part of the "grapevine" through which others can be touched by God and encouraged to enter into a relationship with Christ. Snippet from the Show We want to be part of the grapevine helping people hear about the Lord, especially by bringing them to the Eucharist. We do this by touching people through our words and actions. Snippet from the Show Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Jeff takes us into the new year by sharing a beautiful prayer from St. Ephraim, which highlights how reading the Word of God is like drinking from a fountain and having our thirst quenched. He also shares his conversation with the hosts of Ascension's new podcast launching in 2022, La Biblia en un Año, which brings the Bible in a Year experience to the Hispanic community. Snippet from the Show "For your word, Lord, has many shades of meaning just as those who study it have many different points of view. The Lord has colored his word with many hues so that each person who studies it can see in it what he loves. He has hidden many treasures in his word so that each of us is enriched as we meditate on it."- St. Ephraim Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Jeff shares two gifts and three stocking stuffers from Jesus in this Christmas special. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Statues can make a big difference in helping keep our Faith present in our daily lives, especially for kids as they grow up. But, sometimes religious statues make people uncomfortable. Jeff describes how statues are not idols, but rather tools to remind us of our salvation and the virtues we need to cultivate to attain it. Snippet from the Show Religious statues point to the Incarnate Word, Jesus Christ. A statue of Jesus points to salvation. We do not worship the statue, but rather use it as a tool to inspire our prayer and growth in virtue. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

We all have many choices to make in these times, whether at work or at home. We need wisdom in our life to make the right decisions. Jeff explains the differences between knowledge, wisdom, and understanding and why acting on principle rather than preference is how to align our decisions with God's will. He then concludes with four steps to help you make the right decisions. Snippet from the Show When we apply knowledge to make the right decisions, we act wisely. When we ask God and act according to his Word, our decisions bear good fruit in our lives and benefit others. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

How has God blessed you this year? In today's brief Thanksgiving episode, Jeff invites us to reflect on the greatness and generosity of God the Father and encourages us to live in constant thanksgiving for all the ways he provides for us. Snippet from the Show "God is the Father Almighty, whose fatherhood and power shed light on one another: God reveals his fatherly omnipotence by the way he takes care of our need."- CCC 270 Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Unforgiveness is one of the biggest stumbling blocks in our walk with the Lord. Jeff uses the parable of the unforgiving servant to share with us how unforgiveness hardens our hearts, immobilizes us spiritually, and prevents us from appreciating God’s mercy with our own brokenness. Snippet from the Show There is a relationship between us being forgiven and us forgiving others. If you struggle with unforgiveness, remember what Jesus did for you on the Cross. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Jesus tells us to pray, fast, and give alms in secret because the Father who sees in secret will repay us. Jeff expands on this fascinating teaching and invites us to think about our secret places where we meet God and encounter his love. Snippet from the Show "Your Father who sees in secret will repay you."- Matthew 6:4 Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Are you willing to give every part of your life to Christ? Jeff invites us to reflect on our commitment to Christ and encourages us to not be afraid to be all in for Christ, for when we give everything to him, we experience true happiness. Snippet from the Show "Jesus asks for a total, radical, all in dedication to him. He asks us to give every aspect of our lives to him because he gave every aspect of his life to us." Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

In today's society it can be so tempting to compare ourselves with others and to feel insecure. Jeff offers us various Scripture verses that help us find our confidence in the Lord, and reminds us that the only person we need to compare ourselves with is Jesus Christ. Snippet from the Show Conversion is not about being a better version of yourself, it’s about becoming like Jesus Christ. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Have you ever come across a wise insight in your reading or prayer but had no way of remembering it? Jeff shares with us today a practical tool help us capture powerful insights so that we can can hold on to wisdom and truth, and also pass them down to future generations. Snippet from the Show We have to recover the art of gathering wisdom and passing it down to future generations. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do you ever feel like you’re different from everyone else? Today, Jeff invites us to marvel at the reality that each person is unrepeatable and a unique masterpiece of God’s creativity and love. Snippet from the Show “God has the ability to create billions of people and no two are the same.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Jeff continues walking us through more of Jesus' parables today, and invites us to reflect on the ways Jesus is challenging us to listen more closely to the Word of God, and to let it shape the way we treat others. Snippet from the Show How often do you hear the Word of God without letting it take root in your heart? Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Did you know that Jesus is constantly sharing stories about you through his parables? Today, Jeff walks us through various parables and challenges us find ourselves in those stories and reflect how Jesus is calling us to grow in our relationship with him. Snippet from the Show Who are you in the parables? The prodigal son or daughter, the unforgiving servant, or the good samaritan? The parables are not random stories, they are stories about us. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

It’s good to have faith, but you need to have the work to back it up. Today, Jeff explains why it’s so important to pair our faith with works, giving several examples from the Bible and the Catechism. Snippet from the Show “Entrust yourself to him.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do you find yourself complaining often? In this two-part episode, Jeff shares some passages from the Old Testament about complaining, and relates our frustrations with the frustrations of the Israelites in the wilderness. Snippet from the Show “When people complain and whine, they may be expressing a thirst for God they’re not yet aware of.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do you find yourself complaining often? In this two-part episode, Jeff shares some passages from the Old Testament about complaining, and relates our frustrations with the frustrations of the Israelites in the wilderness. Snippet from the Show “God thirsts that we would thirst for Him.” - St. Augustine Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

When was the last time you asked yourself, “Am I satisfied with God”? Today, Jeff addresses this question, and encourages us to examine our relationship with Christ daily through scripture and doctrine. Snippet from the Show “God thirsts that you would thirst for him.” - St. Augustine Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Are you offended easily? Today, Jeff explains why it’s important to not let our emotions get the best of us, and how being easily offended could interfere with our relationship with God. Snippet from the Show “Unforgiveness and being offended are carefully laid traps of the enemy.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What is it that you're truly longing for? Today, Jeff explains why the things we want can’t be found in material things, and shares some resources on finding the true source of our desires. Snippet from the Show “Our capacity for grandeur and satisfaction is too big to stop with the things of this world.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

So just how dangerous can tarot cards, ouija boards, and astrology really be? Today, Jeff discusses the Christian view of occult powers, and shares passages from the Bible and Catechism explaining their sinful nature. Snippet from the Show “Satan is a liar, and if we go to places outside the kingdom of God, putting our trust in these things, you will get answers, but they’re lies.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

What should you do if you’re invited to a Protestant Bible study? Jeff reminds us of the characteristics of a good Bible study, and also offers us seven things to keep in mind for a Catholic who attends a Protestant Bible study. Snippet from the Show “The goal of Bible study is to gain an understanding of the heart of God and His plan, not to win a theological battle.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!

Do you and your fiance have a plan for your engagement? Today, Jeff shares some advice for engaged couples preparing for marriage, drawing from his own experience with his wife Emily. Snippet from the Show “The Bible is key to engaged couples, because it’s in salvation history that you will learn about the heart of your heavenly Father, and his plan for your life.” Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!