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ABOUT WORDS OF LIFE

Words of Life is a weekly 15-minute podcast from The Salvation Army featuring testimonies, Bible teaching, and conversations about faith. Hosted by Bernie Dake you can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

 
 

CURRENT SERIES

BIBLE STUDY PANEL

Join a panel of believers as they share how Scripture has shaped their lives and deepened their walk with God. We pray this series inspires you to make 2026 the year you dive into God’s Word like never before.

LATEST EPISODE

JANUARY 7th 2026


Why does God allow suffering? In this powerful episode of Words of Life, our panel dives deep into one of the most difficult and frequently asked questions in Christian theology: Why do bad things happen to good people? Drawing from both Scripture and lived experience, our guests explore how God can bring redemption, endurance, and even unexpected beauty out of seasons of pain.

Using foundational passages like Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28, the conversation highlights the biblical promise that while God does not cause evil, He can redeem even the darkest moments. Through the lens of free will, provenient grace, and the nature of love, our panel unpacks why humanity’s ability to choose real good also means the possibility of real suffering.

We also discuss the hard truth Jesus spoke: “In this world you will have trouble.” Yet, believers are invited to choose daily—will suffering drive us toward God or away from Him? With encouraging reminders about God’s presence, His peace, and the importance of remembering His past faithfulness, this episode offers a message of hope for anyone wrestling with pain, doubt, or loss.

Whether you are walking through hardship or supporting someone who is, this honest and grace-filled conversation will comfort, equip, and reorient your heart toward Christ’s promise: He has overcome the world.

 

Bernie Dake, Major Claudia Roseno, Chris Hofer, Caleb Louden, Lt. Colonel Melody Davis

 


Our panel of friends begin the series by talking about what the Word of God means to each of them. We then gain insights into how this collection of writings became the Bible we know today and tackle some difficult questions along the way.

Below are resources mentioned in this series to help you on your own Bible study journey.

https://www.youversion.com/

https://www.thebiblerecap.com/

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/41061-52-weeks-in-the-word

https://bibleproject.com/

https://lectio365.com/

 
 

WORDS OF LIFE ARCHIVE

ARCHIVE
 

WORDS OF LIFE HOST

 

Bernie Dake

Bernie is a lifelong Salvationist and serves as the Territorial Director of Communications for The Salvation Army’s USA Southern Territory.

 

ABOUT WORDS OF LIFE

WORDS OF LIFE is a worldwide program of hope from The Salvation Army. It’s a 15-minute show with inspiring conversation, interviews and testimonies and in-depth Bible studies. The show is available on your favorite podcast store and you may even hear us on your local radio station.