January Reflections & Corrections - Year 8

Summary of January Reflections & Corrections - Year 8

by Tara-Leigh Cobble

6m•January 31, 2026
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Overview of January Reflections & Corrections - Year 8

Tara‑Leigh Cobble (host of The Bible Recap) records a January bonus episode of “Reflections & Corrections” (R’s and C’s). She reviews key themes from Genesis, Job, and early Exodus, offers pastoral encouragement to Bible readers, issues a few production/clarifying corrections, and explains why she sometimes uses the phrase “God’s adopted children” — including both pastoral sensitivity for earthly adoption and the theological intent behind the spiritual adoption language.

Key reflections (the R’s)

  • Big-picture: The Bible is one unified story about a family chosen by God. Genesis, Job, and Exodus emphasize God’s sovereignty, goodness, and paternal character.
  • What these books teach (high-level takeaways):
    • God revealed as Father and redeemer through family lines (Abraham, Sarah, Jacob/Israel).
    • Biblical insights on life, marriage, and God’s design for work.
    • Humility and the value of “sitting with” someone in suffering rather than trying to fix everything.
    • Practical examples (and warnings) about how family dynamics can be damaged.
  • Encouragement to readers:
    • Reading through the Bible is eternal, worth 15–20 minutes a day.
    • Expect spiritual opposition and distraction — pray for continued desire and focus.
    • God’s narrative will reveal surprising intricacies and faithfulness as you continue.

Corrections & clarifications (the C’s)

  • Format note: This bonus episode is used to correct misspeaks or confusing phrasing from January episodes. Corrections listed apply as of Jan 30; later changes will appear in the February R&C episode.
  • Recording context: Tara acknowledges occasional errors when recording alone at odd hours and asks listeners for grace.

Adoption — earthly and spiritual (main clarification)

  • Sensitivity to earthly adoption:
    • Adoption can be painful or complicated for people who experienced it badly; language matters and can trigger pain.
    • Broken or sinful earthly fathers likewise make the language “God as Father” hard for some.
    • God’s perfect love can redeem distorted images of fatherhood and adoption.
  • Why she uses “God’s adopted children” (two main motives):
    1. Theological precision: Scripture differentiates between all humans as God’s creation/image-bearers and those who are God’s children by adoption. Being God’s child is presented in Scripture as a privileged, initiated relationship (not an automatic status for every human).
    2. To honor biblical valuation of adoption: Spiritual adoption is a redemptive, permanent transfer achieved by Christ’s work and sealed by the Spirit.
  • Scripture cited (recommended to read in show notes):
    • 2 Corinthians 5:17 — new identity in Christ
    • Romans 8:14–16 — Spirit-led persons are sons (adoption language: “Abba, Father”; Spirit’s witness)
    • John 8:44 — illustration that spiritual allegiances distinguish families
  • Pastoral conclusion: Calling believers “adopted children” is intended to be biblically faithful and to elevate the significance of adoption — not to dismiss the dignity of those outside Christ or to harm those with difficult adoption histories. The gospel offers adoption into God’s family through faith.

Practical takeaways and action items

  • Keep reading the Bible: aim for 15–20 minutes/day and persevere despite opposition.
  • Prayer suggestions:
    • Pray for increased desire to read and understand Scripture.
    • Pray against distraction.
    • Pray for Tara (wisdom, stamina, health) and for protection from spiritual opposition to this ministry.
  • Resources: show notes include additional scripture references and resources on adoption and spiritual adoption.
  • Expect monthly R&C bonus episodes to address new reflections and corrections.

Notable quotes & scriptures

  • “The Bible is one unified story. It's the story of a family.” — Tara‑Leigh Cobble
  • Key passages referenced: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:14–16; John 8:44.

Closing

Tara expresses gratitude for the community, asks for prayer, and reiterates the mission of The Bible Recap: to help people read, understand, and encounter God through Scripture. For more, visit thebiblerecap.com.