Washed in the Blood? What Christians Really Mean — Plus Paul’s Courage in Acts 23- August 20, 2026
Podcasts > The Steve Marston Show
Thursday, August 20, 2026
What does it actually mean when Christians say they are “washed in the blood”? And how can we know we’re interpreting difficult passages of Scripture correctly?
On this episode of The Steve Marston Show, Steve begins with a practical look at how to rightly handle the Word of God. After a college Bible study discussion about Jesus’ difficult words in Mark 9—where He speaks of cutting off a hand or foot that causes you to sin—Steve explains why we have to look beyond an isolated verse and allow Scripture to interpret Scripture. Bible study isn’t simply about accumulating facts; it’s about knowing God more deeply and then helping others do the same.
Then it’s the debut of a brand-new feature: “Explain Yourself, Christian!” Christians sometimes use words and phrases that make perfect sense inside the church but can sound downright strange to everyone else. First up: “Are you washed in the blood?” Steve traces the phrase from the Old Testament sacrificial system to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, and explains how Christ’s sacrifice makes sinners right with God—not through our own goodness or righteousness, but through what Jesus accomplished on the cross.
Steve’s son Tyler also joins the show to continue exploring the book of Acts and his 1189 Bible project. This week, they dive into Acts 23, where Paul faces the Sanhedrin, cleverly exposes the division between the Pharisees and Sadducees, survives opposition, and receives encouragement directly from Jesus. At one of Paul’s lowest moments, Christ reminds him that his faithfulness in Jerusalem wasn’t wasted—and that his mission will eventually take him all the way to Rome.
That leads to an important lesson for every Christian: obedience to God is success, even when we don’t immediately see the results. Following Jesus isn’t merely about a one-time conversion experience. It’s a lifelong walk in which Christ continues to lead, transform, sanctify and strengthen His people.
Plus, Steve covers stories you may have missed, delivers the Dad Joke of the Day, and continues this week’s Faith Between Your Ears memory verse, 1 Corinthians 2:9.
And today’s Next Step: begin your journey toward becoming a better student of Scripture—learning to rightly understand God’s Word, apply it to your own life, and help others do the same.
The Steve Marston Show — a daily journey in learning how to live more like Jesus, with biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, conversations, encouragement, and a little fun along the way.
