This episode explores the rich narratives of First and Second Kings, highlighting the lives of key figures like David, Solomon, Elijah, and Elisha. It emphasizes that what God wants most with humankind is a relationship, one which at this point in the Biblical story is only ever realized by individuals like King David and the prophets Elijah and Elisha, but which, in time and by God's grace, will be enjoyed by every human in all time. The band plays on until God has brought this to pass, and the hope of God's salvation continuing across generations.

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel bridge the era of judges and the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. These narratives not only depict the rise and fall of Saul and David but also reflect the struggles of a people seeking identity and stability after years of turmoil. Their significance extends beyond mere historical events; 1 and 2 Samuel invite us to reflect on what it means to listen to God and follow His guidance. Join Justin and Jewelle as they explore how even the most flawed Biblical heroes can teach us about faith, redemption, and what it means to listen to God. 

In this episode on Judges and Ruth, Justin and Jewelle explore how the Biblical writers are gradually becoming aware that God works in the world in many varied and complicated ways. In Judges, we see God rewarding holiness and punishing wrongdoing, but we also see God partnering with flawed people, striving to rack up little wins even in the midst of big failures, and conspiring to help good people to whom bad things happen. At one point, God clearly has nothing to do with something the characters in the story think God has everything to do with. By the end, Israel has failed in its attempt to govern itself through judges, setting up the story of monarchy. But there's no easy triumphalism: Israel needs a king to keep going, but only because they've shown they don't want God himself to be their king.

Justin Crisp and Jewelle Bickel explore the depths of Deuteronomy and Joshua, examining biblical history, theology, and moral questions surrounding divine revelation, the conquest of Canaan, and how justly to organize a whole civilization. Together they try to discern what the divine author, the Holy Spirit, is telling us through the conflicting, confusing (and maybe even confused!) testimonies of the human authors of these Biblical books. This episode offers a nuanced look at Scripture, the idea of divine retribution and punishment, social justice in ancient Israel, and what God thinks of war, violence, and human struggle.

In this episode, Justin Crisp and Jewelle Bickel explore the rich narratives and theological themes of the Book of Numbers, including its realistic account of human nature, the contradiction between God's love and God's justice, the nature of God, and the surprising ways God reveals Himself beyond the people and practices of His covenant with Israel. Discover insights into biblical leadership, human doubt, and God's providence in unexpected places and people.

In this episode, Justin and Jewelle explore the conclusion of Exodus and the whole book of Leviticus, focusing on the Golden Calf episode, God's loving determination to keep his covenant with Israel in spite of their wrongdoing, the nature of idolatry, the significance of sacrifice, and how we must distinguish between what's universal and contingent, applicable and inapplicable, in the Scriptures. Exodus and Leviticus say God and humanity have a common goal—for humanity to behold the glory of the Lord in God's personal company—and that the complex sacrificial system of Leviticus is a way God provides for humanity to clean up its act (literally!) so that goal can be reached. God's love and God's justice are a difficult circle to square when people like us and a world like this are concerned. Sacrifice and atonement are the solution—one that points us, in the fullness of time, to what God accomplishes for us in Jesus Christ.

In this episode, Justin and Jewelle explore Exodus 13–31, discussing the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, the significance of the Ten Plagues, the Passover, the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, the establishment of the priesthood, and the construction of the Tabernacle. They delve into themes like the relationship between God's mercy and God's justice, the hardening of Pharaoh's heart (and hearts more generally), the importance of the covenant, and the intricate details of the laws given to the Israelites, emphasizing God's care for both the grand narrative and the minutiae of life.

In this episode, Justin Crisp and Jewelle Bickel explore the narratives from Genesis 43 to Exodus 12, focusing on the stories of Joseph and Moses. Whereas the book of Genesis begins with Cain betraying Abel, it ends with Joseph forgiving his brothers, and then launches into the narrative of Exodus, whose protagonist feels unqualified to play the role God's asked him to play. Inspired by these rich stories, Justin and Jewelle discuss the themes of reconciliation, redemption, divine calling, and the nature of God. Their conversation also delves into the moral implications of Psalm 14, underlining the power of God's being and the objective nature of morality.

In this episode, Justin and Jewelle explore Genesis chapters 22 to 42, discussing the themes of sacrifice, deceit, and God's faithfulness. They delve into the story of Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac, the prosperity of Isaac and Jacob, and the complex relationships within Jacob's family, including his deceitful dealings with his father-in-law, Laban. Weaving together a close reading of the psychodrama of Abraham's family, the philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard, and the history of religions, Justin and Jewelle emphasize the importance of trusting in God's character and promises—and in His overriding, merciful purpose for each one of us and our world.

Summary

In this episode, Justin Crisp and Jewelle Bickel launch their yearlong read through the Bible by exploring the first chapters of Genesis. They focus on the creation stories, the fall of humanity, the story of the flood, and God's covenants with Noah and Abram. They emphasize the way Genesis highlights the personal nature of God, the complexities of human relationships, and the overarching theme of God's faithfulness despite unrelenting human failures.