“The Lord Looketh on the Heart”   This lesson presents a tale of two kings… the promising but doomed Saul and the promising and complex David… at this point still a bright and faithful young man. These texts invite us to look beyond our  assumptions and biases and update our view of ourselves and each… Continue Reading

God Will Honor Those Who Honor Him   What does it mean that God will honor us? What does it mean to honor God? This section touches on Samuel in historical context, contributes a thoughtful correction to consider from last episode, and parses out the purpose according to the lesson manual.   Recurring Donation: $5 … Continue Reading

God Will Honor Those Who Honor Him   What does it mean that God will honor us? What does it mean to honor God? This episode explores these questions in the context of the story of Samuel, as well as the important question of how we can balance our needs with those of others.  … Continue Reading

God Will Honor Those Who Honor Him   The story of Samuel teaches important lessons about how we can trust revelation from God, as well as the key message: It is not enough to have titles or authority; we must be worthy of the gifts and responsibilities we possess.   Recurring Donation: $5   $10   $25 … Continue Reading

“All the City … Doth Know That Thou Art a Virtuous Woman”   The little book of Ruth, one of the masterpieces of Biblical literature, teaches profound and challenging principles. Themes include not overlooking those we consider outsiders and the power of steadfast love to restore that which is lost. This portion of the episode… Continue Reading

“All the City … Doth Know That Thou Art a Virtuous Woman”   The little book of Ruth, one of the masterpieces of Biblical literature, teaches profound and challenging principles. Themes include not overlooking those we consider outsiders and the power of steadfast love to restore that which is lost. This portion of the episode… Continue Reading

“All the City … Doth Know That Thou Art a Virtuous Woman”   The brief book of Ruth presents us not only with powerful and assertive female characters, it teaches some of the same messages as Jesus did… that steadfast love and relationships prove more important than cultural categories. Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz all both… Continue Reading

The Reign of the Judges   The book of Judges presents a hodgepodge of redemption and anarchy, all leading up to theme of the need for a king in Israel (kind of a teaser for the King David sequel). This portion of the episode covers: Judges in historical context The problem with God delivering Israel… Continue Reading

The Reign of the Judges   The book of Judges presents a hodgepodge of redemption and anarchy, all leading up to theme of the need for a king in Israel (kind of a teaser for the King David sequel). This portion of the episode covers: Lessons we learn from Judges (cycles of apostasy and return… Continue Reading

The Reign of the Judges Judges is one of the most memorable books of the Bible, but also one of the darkest. We must first grapple with the moral ambiguity of these stories before we can learn from the power and courage of Deborah, the vulnerability and trust of Gideon, and appreciate Samson for the… Continue Reading