Starting Place with Elizabeth Woodson

Latest Episodes:

Forgetting the Cost of the Gospel Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re exploring one of the most pervasive ways we forget the gospel. Specifically, we forget the cost, which is surrender. We often sing about surrender, but if we're honest, we tend to surrender some rather than all. But abundant life only comes through surrendering our lives fully to Jesus.
Main Takeaways:

We are being formed. The culture is shaping us to prioritize ease and comfort, being driven by what feels good rather than what God says is God.
We all have a master. Whether we realize it or not, we are all controlled or surrendered to something or someone. The question is whether or not it is Christ.
Following Jesus means recognizing areas we haven’t fully surrendered and taking intentional steps to align our lives with His way.

Reflection Question:
What in your life do you need to surrender to God?
Recommended Resources:
Leverage: Life Without Regret by Jon Tyson (Sermon)
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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Shame & Insecurity Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we explore how insecurity and shame reveal our tendency to forget the gospel. Looking at the story of Mary Magdalene, we see how the power of Christ transforms our past, freeing us from shame and equipping us to walk boldly in our new identity. If you’ve ever struggled with feelings of unworthiness or fear that your past defines you, this episode will remind you of the truth: you are made new in Christ.
Main Takeaways:

Shame keeps us stuck, making us believe we don’t belong or deserve God’s love.
The gospel reminds us that our identity isn’t in our past but in what Christ has done.
Like Mary Magdalene, we can walk in courage and live in the freedom of the gospel.

Reflection Question:
What past experience or insecurity makes you feel stuck in shame? How can you bring it before God and walk in the freedom of His grace?
Recommended Resources:
The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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The Trap of Spiritual Boredom Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

We explore how boredom in the mundane moments of life can lead to spiritual forgetfulness. When our daily routines feel repetitive, we may struggle to see their significance in God's greater plan. But what if every moment—no matter how ordinary—was an opportunity to dwell with God and live on mission? We’ll discuss how the gospel reframes our perspective, helping us embrace faithfulness in the small things.
Main Takeaways:

Boredom can deceive us into believing our work doesn’t have value, because we have been trained to look for immediate results.
The gospel is not just about what we are saved from—it’s about what we are saved to, transforming the ordinary into moments sacred moments lived with and for God.
To overcome spiritual boredom, we must be intentional about our witness, remembering our Savior, and guarding our God-given assignment.

Reflection Question:
What has God entrusted to your care, and what could He do through you if you were faithful with your assignment?
Recommended Resources:

Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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Why I Wrote Live Free Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we are featuring an interview Elizabeth did on the Culture Matters podcast with Adam Hawkins and Tymarcus Ragland, sharing about the heart behind her new study, Live Free. Elizabeth discusses how Paul's message remains relevant today, addressing the timeless challenges of being right with God and experiencing true freedom from sin.
Recommended Resources:
Learn more about Elizabeth’s new Galatians study, Live Free, at Lifeway.com/LiveFree!
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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Living By Sight, Not By Faith Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we explore how gospel forgetfulness can show up in our faith. While we often say we live by faith and not by sight, in reality, we can struggle to trust God when we lack control or certainty. We discuss the common reasons we resist stepping out in faith—our desire for control, fear of failure, and the cost of obedience. Using biblical examples like Abraham and Peter, we see both the challenges of walking in faith and the grace available when we falter.
Main Takeaways:

Living by faith means trusting God even when we lack full understanding or assurance.
A desire for control can lead us to take matters into our own hands rather than waiting on God.
Fear—whether fear of failure, others' opinions, or the cost of obedience—often keeps us from stepping out in faith.
Biblical figures like Abraham and Peter remind us that faith is a journey, and God’s grace is present even when we struggle.

Recommended Resources:
This series is inspired by my new Galatians study, Live Free—pre-order now at Lifeway.com/LiveFree!
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
Follow Us:
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Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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Legalism & Abusing Grace Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we explore how legalism and an abuse of grace can hinder our faithfulness to God. The gospel is not just for salvation—it shapes our daily lives. Learn how to recognize and overcome these tendencies.
Main Takeaways:

Legalism turns faith into a performance checklist, making us believe God’s favor depends on our actions.
Abusing grace leads to complacency, excusing sin instead of growing in holiness.
True faith balances obedience and grace, relying on Christ’s work rather than our own efforts.

Reflection Question:
"As you reflect on today’s episode, ask yourself: In what areas of my life do I tend to lean toward legalism or abusing grace? How can I align my heart more closely with the truth of the gospel?"
Next Steps:

Check out my LIVE Free study on Galatians—explore how the gospel transforms daily life.
Talk with a trusted friend or mentor about struggles with legalism or grace.
Pray for wisdom to live in the balance of truth and grace.

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast.
Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
Follow Us:
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Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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What is The Gospel? Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Starting Place! Today, we’re kicking off a mini-series on why you still need the gospel—even if you've been a Christian for years.
It’s easy to become overly familiar with Christianity, knowing all the right things to say but forgetting the basics. The gospel isn’t just the starting point of our faith—it’s the foundation we always need.
Main Topics Covered:
✔️ What the gospel really is: not just about forgiveness, but fellowship with God
✔️ Why we slip into earning God’s favor instead of trusting His grace
✔️ How the entire Bible tells the gospel story—from creation to restoration
Recommended Resources:
This series is inspired by my new Galatians study, Live Free—pre-order now at Lifeway.com/LiveFree!
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
Follow Us:
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Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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Overcoming Obstacles to Spiritual Growth Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

We’re kicking off a new season of Starting Place! In this episode, I’m sharing life updates, including my new book coming in 2026, my upcoming Bible study on Galatians (Live Free), and starting a new doctoral program.
I’m also reflecting on the year ahead—big goals, little goals, and what holds us back. Fear, self-sufficiency, and sin can sabotage our faithfulness to God, but prayer realigns our hearts, reminds us of God’s power, and reconnects us to our purpose.
Key Takeaways:
🔥 Fear makes us forget God’s faithfulness—prayer helps us remember.
🔥 Self-sufficiency tricks us into thinking we don’t need God’s power.
🔥 Sin is more than immorality—it’s idolatry that distracts us from glorifying God.
Reflection Question:
How have fear, self-sufficiency, or sin impacted your spiritual growth?
Share your thoughts with a friend, because we always learn more in community.
Recommended Resources
Live Free Galatians Bible Study
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
Follow Us:
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Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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The Gospels, Jesus' Birth, & Redeeming Brokenness (Re-air) Dec 25, 2024

Show notes

Elizabeth Woodson reviews the Old Testament story and jumps into the New Testament, seeing how the story of Jesus' birth brings us hope that God can use and even redeem the messy areas of our lives.
Questions Covered in This Episode:

What is the story of the Old Testament?
What happens between the Old Testament and the New Testament?
How does the book of Matthew begin?
What are the three main sections of the New Testament?
What are the gospels?
What is one thing we can focus on and learn from the genealogy on Jesus?
What do we learn from the story of the birth of Jesus?
How does the complicated nature of Jesus' birth point us to the gospel?

Reflection Question:
Think of a situation or person you think is too broken for God to redeem. What would it look like to embody hope in this situation? Specifically hope that the same God who used broken people to bring Jesus into the world, can redeem a broken or imperfect situation for his good.
Continue Learning:

Read Matthew 1 & Luke 1-2
Jesus’ Troubled Family History by Nancy Guthrie
Gospel Coalition articles on the Birth of Christ

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Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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The Intertestamental Period & Waiting On God with Kat Armstrong (Re-air) Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Kat Armstrong to finish up the journey through the Old Testament by talking about The Intertestamental Period and the themes of waiting on God.
Questions Covered in This Episode:

What happens during The Intertestamental Period? Why is this a significant time in the life of Israel?
What makes waiting difficult for us?
What does The Intertestamental Period teach us about what it means to wait on God?
What does it look like for you to wait on God in your own life?
How does The Intertestamental Period and the theme of waiting on God point us toward the gospel?

Helpful Definitions:

The Intertestamental Period: A 400-year period of silence between the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Guest Bio:
Kat Armstrong loves encouraging curious Christians to explore Bible stories and has also recently released a 6-Study Series called The Storyline Bible Series that will guide you through your study of the Bible. She is the co-founder of the Polished Network, an organization emboldening women in their faith and work. Kat is the author of No More Holding Back and The In-Between Place. She received her master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and is pursuing a doctorate of ministry in New Testament context at Northern Seminary.
Reflection Question:
What would it look like for you to be faithful in your waiting season?
Continue Learning:
If you want to learn more about the entire story of the Bible check out Elizabeth’s new study, From Beginning To Forever.