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Podcast Introduction

This is Monday we will read from the Law. Our reading will be Deuteronomy 26-28.  I’m calling today’s episode “Now Where Did I Put My Keys?”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Andreas Wagner on Unsplash

Comments on Deuteronomy 26-28

The children of Israel are about to enter into the Promised Land, but God has a message for them through Moses. Over and over again in these chapters we read the word “obey”, or a variation on that command. And in chapter 27, they are instructed that the first thing they are to do when they cross the Jordan river into the Promised Land is set up a monument of stones on which they are to write the entire body of the law, and build an altar upon which they are to also write the law and make burnt offerings.

God knew how forgetful the people were. The monument was placed there as a reminder of their crossing over the Jordan River into the land promised to them. The Law was written as a reminder. The altar was a reminder. Every time they looked at the monument or the alter, they would remember this day, and how God delivered them, how he fulfilled His promise, and what was required of them to continue to receive His blessings.

God knows how forgetful people are. Over and over and over again He reminds His people of the importance of obedience. He reminds them of the promises of blessings when we obey, and the curses promised if we do not.

Of course, God knew before the foundation of the world that men and women would never be able to obey the Law. He was not surprised when Adam and Eve sinned. He was not surprised when no one was able to obey the Law. 

So why did God even give the Law if no one would be able to uphold it? As Paul said in Romans 7:7, “…I would not have known sin except through the law…”. The Law was given so that we would know what sin is.

And before God even began the creation of the Universe, He had a plan to save us. Jesus was always in the plan. As we read in John chapter one, “1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Jesus is the Word. He was in the beginning. He is the one way that my transgressions, my sins (and yours) can be forgiven. The Law was given to show our need. Jesus came to fulfill the need. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Beloved, we are no different than the people who crossed over the Jordan River. We are forgetful. That’s why He gave us the Bible. That’s why it’s important to be faithful and purposeful about attending church. That’s why we are encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing. 

We don’t do these things to earn salvation, but to remember to stay close to God. We cannot earn salvation. Salvation is a gift given to us when we invite Jesus into our lives as our Savior and our Lord. He gives this gift because of grace…undeserved favor. 

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 26 NCV; Ch. 27 NIV; Ch. 28 NLT

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STEVE WEBB – 0:00Jesus was always in the plan.

INTRO S123348 – 0:10Now listen close because I’m only going to tell you once, unlike yesterday. Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, And podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. I don’t know why I said it yesterday twice. I need a rest. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. Today’s Monday, and we’ll read from the Law. Our reading will be Deuteronomy 26 through 28. I’m calling today’s episode, “Now Where Did I Put My Keys”. The show notes page is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e348. My email address is st***@*************ia.com. Let’s begin.

DEUTERONOMY 26 (NCV) – 0:50Deuteronomy, chapter 26. (1) When you go into the land the Lord your God is giving you as your own, to take it over and live in it, (2) you must take some of the first harvest of crops that grow from the land the Lord your God is giving you. Put the food in a basket and go to the place where the Lord your God will choose to be worshiped. (3) Say to the priest on duty at that time, “Today I declare before the Lord your God that I have come into the land the Lord promised our ancestors that he would give us.” (4) The priest will take your basket and set it down in front of the altar of the Lord your God. (5) Then you shall announce before the Lord your God: “My father was a wandering Aramean. He went down to Egypt with only a few people, but they became a great, powerful, and large nation there. (6) But the Egyptians were cruel to us, making us suffer and work very hard. (7) So we prayed to the Lord, the God of our ancestors, and he heard us. When he saw our trouble, hard work, and suffering, (8) the Lord brought us out of Egypt with his great power and strength, using great terrors, signs, and miracles. (9) Then he brought us to this place and gave us this fertile land. (10) Now I bring part of the first harvest from this land that you, Lord, have given me.” Place the basket before the Lord your God and bow down before him. (11) Then you and the Levites and foreigners among you should rejoice, because the Lord your God has given good things to you and your family.

(12) Bring a tenth of all your harvest the third year (the year to give a tenth of your harvest). Give it to the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows so that they may eat in your towns and be full. (13) Then say to the Lord your God, “I have taken out of my house the part of my harvest that belongs to God, and I have given it to the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows. I have done everything you commanded me; I have not broken your commands, and I have not forgotten any of them. (14) I have not eaten any of the holy part while I was in sorrow. I have not removed any of it while I was unclean, and I have not offered it for dead people. I have obeyed you, the Lord my God, and have done everything you commanded me. (15) So look down from heaven, your holy home. Bless your people Israel and bless the land you have given us, which you promised to our ancestors—a fertile land.”

(16) Today the Lord your God commands you to obey all these rules and laws; be careful to obey them with your whole being. (17) Today you have said that the Lord is your God, and you have promised to do what he wants you to do—to keep his rules, commands, and laws. You have said you will obey him. (18) And today the Lord has said that you are his very own people, as he has promised you. But you must obey his commands. (19) He will make you greater than all the other nations he made. He will give you praise, fame, and honor, and you will be a holy people to the Lord your God, as he has said.

DEUTERONOMY 27 (NIV) – 3:43Deuteronomy, chapter 27. (1) Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people: “Keep all these commandments that I give you today. (2) When you have crossed the Jordan into the land the Lord your God is giving you, set up some large stones and coat them with plaster. (3) Write on them all the words of this law when you have crossed over to enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you. (4) And when you have crossed the Jordan, set up these stones on Mount Ebal, as I command you today, and coat them with plaster. (5) Build there an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. Do not use any iron tool on them. (6) Build the altar of the Lord your God with fieldstones and offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God. (7) Sacrifice fellowship offerings there, eating them and rejoicing in the presence of the Lord your God. (8) And you shall write very clearly all the words of this law on these stones you have set up.”

(9) Then Moses and the Levitical priests said to all Israel, “Be silent, Israel, and listen! You have now become the people of the Lord your God. (10) Obey the Lord your God and follow his commands and decrees that I give you today.”

(11) On the same day Moses commanded the people:

(12) When you have crossed the Jordan, these tribes shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph and Benjamin. (13) And these tribes shall stand on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan and Naphtali.

(14) The Levites shall recite to all the people of Israel in a loud voice:

(15) “Cursed is anyone who makes an idol—a thing detestable to the Lord, the work of skilled hands—and sets it up in secret.”Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

(16) “Cursed is anyone who dishonors their father or mother.”Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

(17) “Cursed is anyone who moves their neighbor’s boundary stone.”Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

(18) “Cursed is anyone who leads the blind astray on the road.”Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

(19) “Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.”Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

(20) “Cursed is anyone who sleeps with his father’s wife, for he dishonors his father’s bed.”Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is  Epistles Sunday James 4-5. I’m calling today’s episode “Golden Nuggets.” 

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Michael Förtsch on Unsplash

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Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 1 GW

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Transcript

Podcast Introduction

This is Gospel Saturday and we’ll read Acts 21-22. I’m calling today’s episode “What To Do.”  

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Gioele Fazzeri on Unsplash

Comments on Acts 21-22

Thoughts on Acts 21

In today’s reading, we get a bit of a travelogue of part of Paul’s journey, and the part that I would like to bring to your attention is when they arrived in Caesarea. 

They stayed at the home of Philip the evangelist. He, by the way, is the same one who baptized the  the eunuch in chapter eight of Acts. We’re told that Philip had four unmarried daughters who were what we might call today “P.K.s” or “preacher’s kids”, and they also proclaimed God’s message. How blessed Philip was, that his kids loved the Lord as much as he did. 

In addition to raising his kids to know and serve God, he was evidently an effective messenger of the Gospel because there was a thriving community of believers in Caesarea. We know this because when Agabus prophesied and delivered the message from the Holy Spirit that Paul would be bound hand and feet in Jerusalem, a group of them begged Paul not to go.

And this is what I think we should consider today. These good and loving people, who cared so much for Paul that they begged him not to go where he would be harmed, were asking him to turn away from what God had called him to do. Did you notice that?

Their motives were good, in that they did not want to see their friend and in some ways, their pastor, come to harm. And their pleadings were effective enough that they broke Paul’s heart. He agonized with them, and maybe was even a bit tempted to heed their cries. 

However, his reply to them revealed an even higher and better motive. “I am ready not only to be tied up in Jerusalem but even to die there for the sake of the Lord Jesus.” His aim was to follow God’s leading. The Holy Spirit’s message to Paul through Agabus was not to dissuade Paul from continuing on, but to prepare Paul for what lay ahead. God wanted Paul and the other believers to know that when he was bound and delivered to the Gentiles, it was all part of His plan. 

And their response was what I hope ours is when we face difficult times, “May the Lord’s will be done.” There really is no better way to live than this. May the Lord’s will be done. 

Thoughts on Acts 22

One of the aspects of God and Christianity that some non believers have a really hard time reconciling is forgiveness, especially that of particularly heinous crimes. And on one level, I understand the difficulty. 

Today, we read of Paul’s confession to the Lord that he had been responsible for the arrest of believers, and even held the cloaks of those who stoned Stephen to death. But in spite of those terrible crimes, Jesus forgave Paul and even made him one of the linchpins of the church. 

We cannot explain completely the depth of God’s love for us, or His enormous capacity for forgiveness, but we do have ample evidence of its reality. If not in Paul, then in each one of us. None of us is deserving of the gift of grace that God offers, but offer it He does. If we will accept it, He takes the pieces of our broken lives and creates something so much more that we could have ever thought possible. I’m sure it never entered Paul’s mind that he would play the role that he has in human and church history. I wonder what God will do with your life.

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 21-22 GNT

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STEVE WEBB – 0:00We do have plenty of evidence for the reality of that forgiveness.

INTRO S12E339 – 0:11Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible. And podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year and this is Gospel Saturday. We’ll read Acts 21 and 22. I’m calling today’s episode “What To Do”. Before we begin, if you’ve not yet sent that email with your thoughts on whether you think I should keep the Lifespring Family Audio Bible going in some form after this season is over at the end of the month, or if you have another idea for a podcast that you’d like me to do, how about pausing the show right here to do that. I want to hear from you even if you’ve never written to me before. Send that email to st**************@***il.com and in the subject line put “THE NEXT STEP”, very important “THE NEXT STEP”. The show notes page for today’s episode is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e339. Let’s get started.

ACTS 21 (GNT) – 1:09Acts, chapter 21. (1) We said good-bye to them and left. After sailing straight across, we came to Cos; the next day we reached Rhodes, and from there we went on to Patara. (2) There we found a ship that was going to Phoenicia, so we went aboard and sailed away. (3) We came to where we could see Cyprus, and then sailed south of it on to Syria. We went ashore at Tyre, where the ship was going to unload its cargo. (4) There we found some believers and stayed with them a week. By the power of the Spirit they told Paul not to go to Jerusalem. (5) But when our time with them was over, we left and went on our way. All of them, together with their wives and children, went with us out of the city to the beach, where we all knelt and prayed. (6) Then we said good-bye to one another, and we went on board the ship while they went back home.

(7) We continued our voyage, sailing from Tyre to Ptolemais, where we greeted the believers and stayed with them for a day. (8) On the following day we left and arrived in Caesarea. There we stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven men who had been chosen as helpers in Jerusalem. (9) He had four unmarried daughters who proclaimed God’s message. (10) We had been there for several days when a prophet named Agabus arrived from Judea. (11) He came to us, took Paul’s belt, tied up his own feet and hands with it, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: The owner of this belt will be tied up in this way by the Jews in Jerusalem, and they will hand him over to the Gentiles.”

(12) When we heard this, we and the others there begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. (13) But he answered, “What are you doing, crying like this and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be tied up in Jerusalem but even to die there for the sake of the Lord Jesus.”

(14) We could not convince him, so we gave up and said, “May the Lord’s will be done.”

(15) After spending some time there, we got our things ready and left for Jerusalem. (16) Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us and took us to the house of the man we were going to stay with—Mnason, from Cyprus, who had been a believer since the early days.

(17) When we arrived in Jerusalem, the believers welcomed us warmly. (18) The next day Paul went with us to see James; and all the church elders were present. (19) Paul greeted them and gave a complete report of everything that God had done among the Gentiles through his work. (20) After hearing him, they all praised God. Then they said, “Brother Paul, you can see how many thousands of Jews have become believers, and how devoted they all are to the Law. (21) They have been told that you have been teaching all the Jews who live in Gentile countries to abandon the Law of Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or follow the Jewish customs. (22) They are sure to hear that you have arrived. What should be done, then? (23) This is what we want you to do. There are four men here who have taken a vow. (24) Go along with them and join them in the ceremony of purification and pay their expenses; then they will be able to shave their heads. In this way everyone will know that there is no truth in any of the things that they have been told about you, but that you yourself live in accordance with the Law of Moses. (25) But as for the Gentiles who have become believers, we have sent them a letter telling them we decided that they must not eat any food that has been offered to idols, or any blood, or any animal that has been strangled, and that they must keep themselves from sexual immorality.”

(26) So Paul took the men and the next day performed the ceremony of purification with them. Then he went into the Temple and gave notice of how many days it would be until the end of the period of purification, when a sacrifice would be offered for each one of them.

(27) But just when the seven days were about to come to an end, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul in the Temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and grabbed Paul. (28) “People of Israel!” they shouted. “Help! This is the man who goes everywhere teaching everyone against the people of Israel, the Law of Moses, and this Temple. And now he has even brought some Gentiles into the Temple and defiled this holy place!” ( (29) They said this because they had seen Trophimus from Ephesus with Paul in the city, and they thought that Paul had taken him into the Temple.)

(30) Confusion spread through the whole city, and the people all ran together, grabbed Paul, and dragged him out of the Temple. At once the Temple doors were closed. (31) The mob was trying to kill Paul, when a report was sent up to the commander of the Roman troops that all of Jerusalem was rioting. (32) At once the commander took some officers and soldiers and rushed down to the crowd. When the people saw him with the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. (33) The commander went over to Paul, arrested him, and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked, “Who is this man, and what has he done?...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

This is Prophecy Friday and today we’ll begin the last book of the Bible, the book of Revelation. Chapters 1-6. I’m calling today’s episode “It Begins.”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Harry Shelton on Unsplash

Comments on Revelation 1-6

Introduction to Revelation

The book of Revelation is the only book in the Bible that promises a blessing for those who read it and who hear and heed it. Listen to the first three verses of chapter 1 from the ESV: “1The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 ]Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.”

The “John” mentioned in verse 1 is the Apostle John. John, the one who Jesus loved. John, the brother of James…Jesus called James and John Boanerges, “sons of thunder.” John, the disciple who was at the foot of the cross with Mary, the mother of Jesus when Jesus was crucified, and into whose care Jesus placed his mother on that day. John, the writer of the Gospel of John, the three epistles bearing his name, and the book of Revelation.

Thoughts on Revelation 1

John is either shown a vision of Heaven, or he is taken there. We can’t really tell from his description.

And when he is there, a voice tells him to write down what he sees. When he turns to see who was speaking to him, he sees someone who looked like a son of man. He didn’t know who it was, and no wonder. John says, “He was dressed in a long robe with a gold strip of cloth around his chest. 14The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow. His eyes were like a blazing fire. 15His feet were like bronze metal glowing in a furnace. His voice sounded like rushing waters. 16He held seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth came a sharp sword that had two edges. His face was like the sun shining in all of its brightness.”

What would you do if you saw someone or something like that? Probably what John did. He fainted. 

But this awe inspiring person puts his right hand on John and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18I am the Living One. I was dead. But look! I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys to Death and Hell.”

It was Jesus! And he told John not to be afraid. Despite His appearance, despite the fact that He holds the keys to Death and Hell, He tells John not to be afraid.

If we are in Christ Jesus, if we are His, we have no cause for fear. We don’t need to fear what is in the past, we don’t need to fear what is in the present, we don’t need to fear what is in the future. We are His. We are in Him, and He is in us. And greater is He that is in us than he that is the world. 

Do not be afraid. 

Thoughts on Revelation 2 and 3

The Lord told John to write to the seven churches which were spoken of in the first chapter as the seven golden lampstands. What does a lampstand do? It brings light into darkness, and the church is meant to bring light into a dark world.

As we read here in chapters 2 and 3, each of the seven churches is singled out by Jesus, and He has a message for each. Of the seven, only two receive commendations with no negative comments. Those two are the Philadelphian church and the church at Smyrna. 

Jesus says He knows that the church at Smyrna is suffering and is poor. “But,” he tells them, “you are rich!” 

How could they be rich if they are poor and suffering? Because they are faithful. 

This sort of puts the lie to those who say that God wants you to be materially rich, doesn’t it? It puts the lie to those that say that God will bring prosperity to your church if you are pleasing Him, doesn’t it?

The Philadelphian church is similar to the church at Smyrna, in that Jesus says, “I know that you don’t have much strength.” Then He says, “But you have obeyed my word. You have not said no to me.”

Several years ago I read a book by Henry Blackaby that changed my life. It’s actually a Bible study called Experiencing God. And the thing that changed my life was this. Blackaby said that one of the things that we can do to please God is to decide *in advance* to say “Yes” to whatever God asks of you. Don’t wait until He asks. Trust that He is loving and faithful and able to manage your life infinitely better than you can. Then decide that whatever He asks you to do will be for His glory and will be the right thing to do. 

The Philadelphian church might not have had much strength, but they never said no to God.

The remaining five churches all had serious problems, but each were given a “those who overcome” promise, and a warning of “Those who have ears should listen to what the Holy Spirit says to the churches.”

Until Jesus returns it is never too late to turn back to Him, but we must listen and hear.

Thoughts on Revelation 4 and 5

So what picture did you have in your mind’s eye of God the Father? Did it look at all what John described? Listen again: At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.

God the Father is spirit. He doesn’t have a material body, so John couldn’t describe him as looking like a man. Somehow, he looked as if he gleamed like precious stones. Jasper is a stone that can several different colors. Some are red, some are yellow, some are green, and rarely they are blue. Some are opaque, some are translucent, some are transparent. Rubys can be red, orange yellow, green blue or violet. Some are deeply colored, some are more pale. Emeralds range from yellow-green to blue-green, and they too vary in the intensity of color.

The point is that God must be, of course, incredible to look at. Someone that I can’t really even begin to imagine!

And John describes the worship that takes place around the throne. Now, I’ve been in some astonishingly uplifting and joyous worship services, and the worship that John described around the throne is something that I am looking forward to seeing and participating in.

Thoughts on Revelation 6

The first seal. A person riding a white horse. He wears a crown, and he goes out conquering and to conquer. Some think that the white represents purity, and the rider is Jesus. But in reality, this is not Jesus, but the Antichrist. When you look at the results of this rider’s rule, that becomes clear.

The next three seals bring judgment on the earth. The second seal brings a rider on a red horse. Red is the color of blood, and the rider brings war. The third seal brings a rider on a black horse, signifying famine. And the forth seal brings a rider on a pale horse, which is death. War and famine and death come to the earth in short order, one after the other.

The fifth seal shows the martyrs at the feet of Jesus, asking Him when their deaths will be avenged.

The sixth seal brings terror to the earth, starting with an earthquake. All men, everywhere hide themselves, trying to escape the wrath of the Lamb.

Friends, this time is coming. Jesus said that no one knows the day or the hour. He said that only the Father knows that time. But he did tell us the signs to look for. And as I look around, the signs are here now like never before. 

One of the signs was that it would be as it was in the days of Noah. What was it like then? People were doing as they saw right. They were without God. When you throw God out, there are no more standards. Everyone chooses for themselves what is right. Doesn’t that sound familiar? I could go on and on.

This time of judgment is coming to the earth as surely as the sun rises in the morning. And even if it isn’t tomorrow or next year or in the next thousand years, each of us will face our own individual judgment. Will that day be a day of fear, or will it be a day of rejoicing? As long as you are able to draw a breath, it’s up to you what that day will be like. If you reject Jesus, there will be terror. If you accept Him, it will be a glorious day.

What will it be for you?

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 1-3 NIRV, Ch. 4-5 NIV, Ch. 6 NASB

Support

This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising=censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and send it to me here: SUPPORT.

Transcript

Download .txt file.

STEVE WEBB – 0:00This is not Jesus, but the Antichrist.

INTRO S12E338 – 0:10This is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible coming to you from Riverside, California. Podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. This is Prophecy Friday and today we’ll begin the last book of the Bible, the book of Revelation. We’ll read chapters 1 through 6. Before beginning the reading, I’m going to give you a brief introduction to the book of Revelation. I’m calling today’s episode, “It Begins”. The show notes page for today is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e338. My email address is st***@*************ia.com. Sorta. We’ll talk about that later. But for now, let’s get started.

INTRO TO REVELATION – 0:54The book of Revelation is the only book in the Bible that promises a blessing for those who read it out loud, and who hear and heed it. Listen to the first three verses of chapter 1 from the English Standard Version,

(1) The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant Joh

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Poetry Thursday, and we’ll begin reading the Song of Solomon with Chapters 1 and 2. Before beginning the reading, I’ll have an introduction to the book for you. I’m calling today’s episode “The Couple.”  

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Vows on the Move on Unsplash

Comments on Song of Solomon 1-2

Introduction to the Song of Solomon

Whether this book is to be taken literally, spiritually or allegorically has been debated over the years. Because of the nature of the content, some commentators, preachers and teachers have avoided it altogether. But even in Victorian England, Charles Spurgeon preached nearly 60 sermons on it. 

Some believe that this is a book that portrays only the love relationship between God and His people. 

Others believe that it is what it appears to be…a book showing romantic and sensual love between a man and a woman. We see snapshots of their courtship and their marriage.

I tend to believe that this book is intended to show how a loving and pure marriage relationship between a man and a woman is blessed by, and a gift of, the God who created man and woman. And at the same time, I believe that it is intended to show the intensity of how strong God wants our relationship to be with Him. G. Campbell Morgan wrote, “There are those who treat this Book as a song of human love. There are those who consider its only value is that of its mystical suggestiveness. Personally, I believe that both values are here.” 

God created the institution of marriage, and He created the act of physical love, to be shared by a husband and a wife. There is nothing shameful about it within the confines of marriage. It is the enemy who perverts it, as he does with every other thing that God created.

One important thing to note as we read through this book, is that procreation is not mentioned even once. And this should tell us that physical love is not intended solely for that purpose. It is to be enjoyed as a time of bonding and pleasure.

In some translations, this book is called the Song of Solomon. In others it is called the Song of Songs. And still others call it the Latin word for the word “songs”…Canticles. 

Solomon, the son of David, is the writer of the book. According to 1 Kings 4:32 he wrote 1,005 songs. This book is called “Song of Songs” because it is considered the greatest.

While there are other interpretations, my belief is that there are three main players to be found as we read.

First, there is the young maiden, or bride, often called “The Shulamite”. She was from a small farming village called Shunem. Then there is the young man, called “The Beloved”, who is Solomon. Lastly there is the chorus, or “the Daughters of Jerusalem”. A few other characters show up, but are not major players.

Thoughts on Song of Solomon 2

In verse five, the Shulamite says, “Sustain me with cakes of raisins, Refresh me with apples, For I am lovesick.”

Lovesick. Such an interesting word. But for anyone who has been head over heels in love, it’s also accurate. Sickness can cause a variety of symptoms not unlike the initial thrill of “falling in love.” On can feel weak, dizzy, or suffer a loss of appetite, butterflies in the stomach. But while it is definitely no fun to be ill, lovesickness is, for most, one of the great joys of life. 

Of course, scientists have studied the phenomenon of lovesickness, and they have found that there is a chemical called phenethylamine that washes over the brain when we fall in love. When this happens we have a feeling of exhilaration and being on top of the world. We might even lose our appetite. Thankfully, this admittedly wonderful feeling doesn’t last, or I think we would never get any real work done! Of course, there is a big spike in the beginning of a relationship, but it declines after four or five years. Not so amazingly, divorce rates jump during the 4-5 year mark, worldwide. 

However, the people who bail during this time miss something else that happens in the brain. A very special something. Around the four year mark in a relationship, different brain pathways with different chemicals begin to form. And these produce feelings of very deep contentment and even gratitude. One of the chemicals in this process is oxytocin, the chemical that helps create the bonding of mother and infant. 

So there are two phases. The first, thrilling phase is the “attraction” phase. The second, more fulfilled and content phase is the “attachment” phase. 

Now here is what I consider to be one of God’s greatest gifts to married couples. And I think it is a special perk that He gives us for being faithful to our spouses. As a relationship progresses through the attachment phase, the attraction phase switches on again, and many couples experience the thrill of falling in love again many times in their marriage.

The Lovely Lady LeeAnn and I will celebrate 33 years of marriage this coming New Years Eve, and I can happily attest to the accuracy of what I just told you. We are both older than we have ever been, but I have fallen in love with her over and over again during our married life. 

Yes, we have had difficulties along the way, but the commitment to never give up pays enormous dividends. Struggling through, no matter what, is worth it. 

If you’re struggling in your marriage, hang in there. Make it work if at all possible,. If you need counseling, find one who is committed to following Jesus. 

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 1-2 NKJV

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STEVE WEBB – 0:00There’s that number again.

INTRO S12E337 – 0:09Coming to you from Riverside, California, where the most successful film in box office history when adjusted for inflation, “Gone With the Wind” had its world debut in 1939 at the Fox Theater, this is the Lifespring family Audio Bible. And podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. Today is Poetry Thursday, and we’ll begin reading the Song of Solomon with chapters 1 and 2. Before the reading, I’ll have an introduction for you. I’m calling today’s episode, “The Couple”. The show notes page is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e337, if you’d like to make a comment on today’s episode. And my email address – temporarily – is st**************@***il.com. Let’s begin.

INTRO TO SONG OF SOLOMON – 0:59Whether Song of Solomon is meant to be taken literally, spiritually, or allegorically has been debated over the years. Because of the nature of the content, some commentators, preachers and teachers have avoided it altogether. But even in Victorian England, Charles Spurgeon preached 59 sermons on it.

Some believe that this is a book that portrays only the love relationship between God and His people.

Others believe that it is what it appears to be a book showing romantic and sensual love between a man and a woman. We read snapshots of their courtship and their marriage in this book.

I tend to believe that this book is intended to show how a loving and pure marriage relationship between a man and a woman is blessed by, and a gift of, the God who created man and woman. And at the same time, I believe that it’s intended to show the intensity of a strong relationship that God wants to have with us. G. Campbell Morgan wrote, “There are those who treat this book as a song of human love. There are those who consider its only value is that of its mystical suggestiveness.” Personally, I believe that both values are here. So I’m in good company,

God created the institution of marriage, and he created the act of physical love to be shared by a husband and a wife. There’s nothing shameful about it within the confines of marriage. It is the enemy Satan, who perverts it, as he does with every other thing that God created.

One important thing to note, as we read through the book is that procreation is not mentioned even once. And this should tell us that physical love is not intended solely for that purpose. It’s to be enjoyed as a time of bonding and pleasure between a husband and a wife.

In some translations, this book is called The Song of Solomon. In others, it’s called the Song of Songs, and still others call it Canticles, the Latin word for songs.

Solomon, the son of David is the writer of the book, and according to 1 Kings 4:32, he wrote 1005 songs. This book is called Song of Songs because it is considered the greatest.

While there are other interpretations, my belief is that there are three main players to be found as we read.

First there is the young maiden or bride often called the Shulamite. She was from a small farming village called Shunem. And then there’s the young man called the Beloved, who is Solomon. Lastly, there is the chorus or the daughters of Jerusalem. A few other characters show up but they are not major players.

SONG OF SOLOMON 1 (NKJV) – 3:39Song of Solomon, chapter 1.

(1) The song of songs, which is Solomon’s.

The Shulamite(2) Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—For your love is better than wine.(3) Because of the fragrance of your good ointments,Your name is ointment poured forth;Therefore the virgins love you.(4) Draw me away!

The Daughters of JerusalemWe will run after you.

The ShulamiteThe king has brought me into his chambers.

The Daughters of JerusalemWe will be glad and rejoice in you.We will remember your love more than wine.

The ShulamiteRightly do they love you.(5) I am dark, but lovely,O daughters of Jerusalem,Like the tents of Kedar,Like the curtains of Solomon....

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Psalms Wednesday, and we’ll read chapters 140-142. I’m calling today’s episode “The Matter of the Heart.”  

Design: Steve Webb

Comments on Psalm 140 and 141

Comments on Psalm 140

There were times in David’s life when he was pursued by men that literally wanted to kill him. He was slandered. He was hunted. This is a Psalm that was written during one of those times. 

Do you ever think of the power of your words when you go to the Lord in prayer? David asked God not only for deliverance from evil men who would do him harm, but he also asked for their destruction. Listen again: “As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them! Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into fire, into miry pits, no more to rise!”

I had a conversation with a man recently who had been the victim of slander. Another person was literally trying to destroy this man’s reputation and business. The attacks got so bad that this man, for whom I have tremendous respect, prayed this Psalm asking God to deal with his attacker. And the response from God was so powerful that he told me he would never pray this way again. He told me that this person’s life was utterly destroyed. He didn’t tell me any details, but based on our relationship I believe him. 

If we are truly being attacked by genuinely evil people, God, our Heavenly Father, has it in His power to come to our rescue. His plan for our life will not be foiled by anyone or anything. If the plans of our enemies would keep us from fulfilling God’s plan, I believe He *will* intervene on our behalf. 

I love the way David closed this Psalm: “I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.”

Comments on Psalm 141

In our translation today, David prayed in verse 4, “Take away my desire to do evil or to join others in doing wrong.” But in the original Hebrew, instead of the word “desire”, David said “heart”. I like how the NASB renders this verse, “Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers…”

I think the distinction between desire and heart is important. At least it is for me. And maybe I’m the only one, but to me, desire resides in the mind. The more we think about the thing, the more we desire it. So if I can just force my mind to think of something else, the desire lessens. I have *some* control over my thoughts. 

Ah, but the heart. It is not easily controlled by the mind, is it? The heart wants what the heart wants, pretty much no matter what the mind thinks. 

So David prays, “Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil…”

Charles Spurgeon wrote, ““The way the heart inclines the life soon tends: evil things desired bring forth wicked things practised. Unless the fountain of life is kept pure the streams of life will soon be polluted.” 

David well knew what trouble his heart could get him into. It was his heart that drew him to Bathsheba, and he never again wanted to get into that kind of situation. 

How often, when tempted to sin, have you just tried to grunt it out…to not sin on your own strength of will? How’d that work for you? If you’re anything like me, lots of times it didn’t work very well. I have to admit that my own efforts, when the sin is right in front of me, are typically all too human. I fail. But David asks God for help in keeping his heart from being drawn to sin in the first place. And of course, that’s something that you and I can do, too. We can pray that same prayer.

It’s always a good idea to ask for help before it is needed, right? If we begin each day with a prayer that includes this request, and make it an ongoing habit throughout the day, I have a sneaking suspicion that the times of facing sin head-on will become fewer and farther apart. 

Lifespring HymnStories

This Is My Father’s World

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 140 ESV; Ch. 141-142 NCV

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Transcript

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STEVE WEBB – 0:00I have some control over my thoughts.

INTRO S12E336 – 0:10Coming to you from Riverside, California, home of The Mission Inn, the destination spot of ten United States presidents, including Richard and Pat Nixon, who were married there, and honeymooners, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible. And podcasting since 2004, I am your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. Today is Psalms Wednesday, and we’ll read chapters 140 through 142. And of course, I’ll have an introduction for you before reading each chapter. I’m calling today’s episode, “The Matter of the Heart”. The show notes page for today’s episode is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e336. And I was made aware today that my regular email is not delivering all email to me. So again, let’s go back to my Gmail address and use that for now, okay. That is st**************@***il.com. Let’s use that instead. All right, let’s get started.

INTRO TO PSALM 140 – 1:11Psalm 140 is entitled “To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.” Now many of David’s Psalms were written when he was in trouble and he called out to God for help. In this Psalm, it seems as if he’s being slandered. Perhaps this was when King Saul was in pursuit of him.

PSALM 140 (ESV) – 1:29Psalms, chapter 140.

(1) Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men;preserve me from violent men,(2) who plan evil things in their heartand stir up wars continually.(3) They make their tongue sharp as a serpent’s,and under their lips is the venom of asps.

(4) Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked;preserve me from violent men,who have planned to trip up my feet.(5) The arrogant have hidden a trap for me,and with cords they have spread a net;beside the way they have set snares for me.

(6) I say to the Lord, You are my God;give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O Lord!(7) O Lord, my Lord, the strength of my salvation,you have covered my head in the day of battle.(8) Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked;do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted!

(9) As for the head of those who surround me,let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!(10) Let burning coals fall upon them!Let them be cast into fire,into miry pits, no more to rise!(11) Let not the slanderer be established in the land;let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!

(12) I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted,and will execute justice for the needy.(13) Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;the upright shall dwell in your presence.

INTRO TO PSALM 141 – 2:54The title of Psalm 141 is simply “A Psalm of David”. David wanted to have a close relationship with God, but he knew that sin would stand in the way of that. He knew his own weakness. So he asked God to help him deal with sin in his own life.

PSALM 141 (NCV) – 3:12Psalms, chapter 141.

(1) Lord, I call to you. Come quickly.Listen to me when I call to you.(2) Let my prayer be like incense placed before you,and my praise like the evening sacrifice.(3) Lord, help me control my tongue;help me be careful about what I say.(4) Take away my desire to do evilor to join others in doing wrong.Don’t let me eat tasty foodwith those who do evil.(5) If a good person punished me, that would be kind.If he corrected me, that would be like perfumed oil on my head.I shouldn’t refuse it.But I pray against those who do evil.(6) Let their leaders be thrown down the cliffs.Then people will know that I have spoken correctly:(7) “The ground is plowed and broken up.In the same way, our bones have been scattered at the grave.”(8) God, I look to you for help.I trust in you, Lord. Don’t let me die.(9) Protect me from the traps they set for meand from the net that evil people have spread.(10) Let the wicked fall into their own nets,but let me pass by safely.

INTRO TO PSALM 142 – 4:18The title of Psalm 142 is “A maskil of David, A prayer when he was in the cave.” A maskil was something to contemplate or was an instruction. Charles Spurgeon wrote of this Psalm, “He calls this prayer ‘Maskil. A Psalm of Instruction’ because of the good lessons he had himself learned in the cave, learned on his knees, and so learned that he desired to teach others.”

PSALM 142 – 4:44Psalms, chapter 142.

(1) I cry out to the Lord;I pray to the Lord for mercy.(2) I pour out my problems to him;I tell him my troubles.(3) When I am afraid,you, Lord, know the way out.In the path where I walk,a trap is hidden for me.(4) Look around me and see.No one cares about me.I have no place of safety;no one cares if I live.(5) Lord, I cry out to you.I say, “You are my protection.You are all I want in this life.”(6) Listen to my cry,because I am helpless.Save me from those who are chasing me,because they are too strong for me.(7) Free me from my prison,and then I will praise your name.Then good people will surround me,because you have taken care of me.

COMMENTS – 5:33I’ve got comments today on Psalms 140 and 141. In 140 there were times in David’s life when he was pursued by men that literally wanted to kill him. He was slandered. He was hunted. And this psalm is one that was written during one of those times.

Do you ever think of the power of your words when you go to the Lord in prayer? David asked God not only for deliverance from evil men who would do him harm, but he also asked for their destruction. Listen again. He said,

...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

This is History Tuesday. and we’ll read Nehemiah 5-9, and  I’m calling today’s episode “Is This Okay?”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Alex Gorbi on Unsplash

Comments on Nehemiah 5

In the New Living Translation, this is how verse 19 reads: “Remember, O my God, all that I have done for these people, and bless me for it.”

When I read “…and bless me for it” I raised my eyebrows just a bit. That seems a bit presumptuous, don’t you think?

But then I thought of the prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:10: “He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.”

God granted Jabez’s request, which tells us that God did not think Jabez’s prayer was out of line. Jabez asked God to give him more, and God did it. Why? We don’t have a lot to go on, except for the verse previous to what we just read. Verse 9 says: “There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful.” So now we know that Jabez was an honorable man.

And so was Nehemiah. This we know because everything we read of him here in the book that bears his name testifies to that fact. He did not take on this task of rebuilding the walls for personal gain. He did it to honor God and to help the people. 

God knows our heart, beloved. You cannot fool Him. And if our heart is pure, if our motivations are right and honorable, we can come to God in confidence and humbly ask Him to bless us. 

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 5-6 NLT; Ch 7-8 NIRV; Ch. 9 NCV

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This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising=censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and send it to me here: SUPPORT.

Transcript

Download .txt file.

STEVE WEBB – 0:00I kind of raised my eyebrows just a bit.

INTRO S12E342 – 0:10Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible. And podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. And today is History Tuesday. We’ll read Nehemiah 5 through 9 and I’m calling today’s episode “Is This Okay?” The show notes page for today’s episode is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e342. And my email address is st***@*************ia.com. Let’s get started.

NEHEMIAH 5 (NLT) – 0:42Nehemiah, chapter 5. (1) About this time some of the men and their wives raised a cry of protest against their fellow Jews. (2) They were saying, “We have such large families. We need more food to survive.”

(3) Others said, “We have mortgaged our fields, vineyards, and homes to get food during the famine.”

(4) And others said, “We have had to borrow money on our fields and vineyards to pay our taxes. (5) We belong to the same family as those who are wealthy, and our children are just like theirs. Yet we must sell our children into slavery just to get enough money to live. We have already sold some of our daughters, and we are helpless to do anything about it, for our fields and vineyards are already mortgaged to others.”

(6) When I heard their complaints, I was very angry. (7) After thinking it over, I spoke out against these nobles and officials. I told them, “You are hurting your own relatives by charging interest when they borrow money!” Then I called a public meeting to deal with the problem.

(8) At the meeting I said to them, “We are doing all we can to redeem our Jewish relatives who have had to sell themselves to pagan foreigners, but you are selling them back into slavery again. How often must we redeem them?” And they had nothing to say in their defense.

(9) Then I pressed further, “What you are doing is not right! Should you not walk in the fear of our God in order to avoid being mocked by enemy nations? (10) I myself, as well as my brothers and my workers, have been lending the people money and grain, but now let us stop this business of charging interest. (11) You must restore their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and homes to them this very day. And repay the interest you charged when you lent them money, grain, new wine, and olive oil.”

(12) They replied, “We will give back everything and demand nothing more from the people. We will do as you say.” Then I called the priests and made the nobles and officials swear to do what they had promised.

(13) I shook out the folds of my robe and said, “If you fail to keep your promise, may God shake you like this from your homes and from your property!”

The whole assembly responded, “Amen,” and they praised the Lord. And the people did as they had promised.

(14) For the entire twelve years that I was governor of Judah—from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of the reign of King Artaxerxes—neither I nor my officials drew on our official food allowance. (15) The former governors, in contrast, had laid heavy burdens on the people, demanding a daily ration of food and wine, besides forty pieces of silver. Even their assistants took advantage of the people. But because I feared God, I did not act that way.

(16) I also devoted myself to working on the wall and refused to acquire any land. And I required all my servants to spend time working on the wall. (17) I asked for nothing, even though I regularly fed 150 Jewish officials at my table, besides all the visitors from other lands! (18) The provisions I paid for each day included one ox, six choice sheep or goats, and a large number of poultry. And every ten days we needed a large supply of all kinds of wine. Yet I refused to claim the governor’s food allowance because the people already carried a heavy burden.

(19) Remember, O my God, all that I have done for these people, and bless me for it.

NEHEMIAH 6 (NLT) – 3:55Nehemiah, chapter 6. (1) Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies found out that I had finished rebuilding the wall and that no gaps remained—though we had not yet set up the doors in the gates. (2) So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono.

But I realized that they were plotting to harm me, (3) so I replied by sending this message to them: “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?”

(4) Four times they sent the same message, and each time I gave the same reply. (5) The fifth time, Sanballat’s servant came with an open letter in his hand, (6) and this is what it said:

“There is a rumor among the surrounding nations, and Geshem tells me it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. According to his reports, you plan to be their king. (7) He also reports that you have appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim about you, ‘Look! There is a king in Judah!’

“You can be very sure that this report will get back to the king, so I suggest that you come and talk it over with me.”

(8) I replied, “There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing.”

(9) They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.

(10) Later I went to visit Shemaiah son of Delaiah and grandson of Mehetabel, who was confined to his home. He said, “Let us meet together inside the Temple of God and bolt the doors shut. Your enemies are coming to kill you tonight.”

(11) But I replied, “Should someone in my position run from danger? Should someone in my position enter the Temple to save his life? No, I won’t do it!” (12) I realized that God had not spoken to him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. (13) They were hoping to intimidate me and make me sin. Then they would be able to accuse and discredit me.

(14) Remember, O my God, all the evil things that Tobiah and Sanballat have done. And remember Noadiah the prophet and all the prophets like her who have tried to intimidate me.

(15) So on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun. (16) When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.

(17) During those fifty-two days, many letters went back and forth between Tobiah and the nobles of Judah. (18) For many in Judah had sworn allegiance to him because his father-in-law was Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan was married to the daughter of Meshullam son of Berekiah. (19) They kept telling me about Tobiah’s good deeds, and then they told him everything I said. And Tobiah kept sending threatening letters to intimidate me.

NEHEMIAH 7 (NIRV) – 6:43Nehemiah, chapter 7. (1) The wall had been rebuilt. I had put up the gates at the main entrances to the city. The people who guarded the gates were appointed to their positions. So were the musicians and the Levites. (2) I put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem. Hananiah helped him. Hananiah was commander of the fort that was by the temple. Hanani was an honest man. He had more respect for God than most people do. (3) I said to Hanani and Hananiah, “Don’t open the gates of Jerusalem until the hottest time of the day. Tell the men who guard the gates to shut them before they go off duty. Make sure they lock them up tight. Also appoint as guards some people who live in Jerusalem. Station some of them at their appointed places. Station others near their own homes.”

(4) Jerusalem was large. It had a lot of room. But only a few people lived there....

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

This is Monday, so we’ll read from the Law, Deuteronomy 23-25. That’s the reading for the day, but I’m going to call a mulligan on yesterday’s commentary. You know what a mulligan is? It’s a do over. I’ve never done this on the show, but I think this one is important. I’ll tell you why after the reading. So I’m calling today’s episode “Taking A Mulligan.”  

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Steven Shircliff on Unsplash

A Different Episode

Brother Paul of Seattle commented on my remarks on yesterday’s reading, “1 John 4-5: The Prayer We Should Not Pray”, and what he said was important enough that I would like to take some time to respond.Listen to the episode for the comments.

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 23 CEB; Ch. 24 NKJV; Ch. 25 GNT

Support

This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising=censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and send it to me here: SUPPORT.

Transcript

Download .txt file.

STEVE WEBB – 0:00I’m going to do something today I’ve never done on the show.

INTRO S12E341 – 0:11Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible. And podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year, which is almost over. This is Monday. So we’re going to read from the Law. We’ll read Deuteronomy 23 through 25.

Now, that’s the reading for the day, but I’m going to call a mulligan on yesterday’s commentary. You know what a mulligan is, right? It’s a do-over. I’ve never done this on the show. But I think this one is important. I’ll tell you why after the reading. So I’m calling today’s episode, “Taking a Mulligan”. But before we start, I want to thank those of you who have sent a THE NEXT STEP email to me. Each email I’ve gotten has been very thoughtful and helpful. And I appreciate each one of you for doing that. But there are many more of you who have not yet written. And I sure do wish you would. If for nothing else, then for me to see exactly how much or how little interest there is in doing anything with this show in the future or any other show. Yes, I have decided that I can no longer produce the daily show. But if the interest is there, I will happily and willingly continue to podcast. But I need to know you’ll be there to listen, I want to hear from you. Even if you’ve never written in before, send that email to st***@*************ia.com, and in the subject line put “THE NEXT STEP”. And I’ll thank you very much for doing that.

Now, the show notes page for today’s episode is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e341. And as I said, my email address is st***@*************ia.com. And yes, it is working. I’ve gotten some emails in to that address. So it’s working, Well, with all that preamble, I say it’s time to get started. How about you? Here we go.

DEUTERONOMY 23 (CEB) – 2:01Deuteronomy, chapter 23. (1) No man whose testicles are crushed or whose penis is cut off can belong to the LORD’s assembly. (2) No one born of an illegitimate marriage can belong to the LORD’s assembly either. Not even the tenth generation of such children can belong to the LORD’s assembly. (3) Ammonites and Moabites can’t belong to the LORD’s assembly. Not even the tenth generation of such people can belong to the LORD’s assembly, as a rule, (4) because they didn’t help you with food or water on your journey out of Egypt, and because they hired Balaam, Beor’s son, from Pethor of Mesopotamia to curse you. (5) But the LORD your God wasn’t interested in listening to Balaam. The LORD your God turned that curse into a blessing because the LORD your God loves you. (6) So don’t be concerned with their health and well-being as long as you live.

(7) Don’t detest Edomites, because they are your relatives. Don’t detest Egyptians because you were immigrants in their land. (8) Children born to them are permitted to belong to the LORD’s assembly starting with the third generation.

(9) When you are camped in battle against your enemies, guard yourself from every possible evil. (10) If an individual in the camp becomes polluted due to a nighttime emission, he must exit the camp area and not reenter. (11) When the next evening arrives, he must wash with water; and when the sun sets, he can come back to the camp.

(12) The latrines must be outside the camp. You will use them there, outside the camp. (13) Carry a shovel with the rest of your gear; once you have relieved yourself, use it to dig a hole, then refill it, covering your excrement.

(14) Do these things because the LORD your God travels with you, right in the middle of your camp, ready to save you and to hand your enemies over to you. For this reason your camp must be holy. The LORD must not see anything indecent among you, or he will turn away from you.

(15) Don’t return slaves to owners if they’ve escaped and come to you. (16) They can stay with you: in your own community or in any place they select from one of your cities, whatever seems good to them. Don’t oppress them.

(17) No Israelite daughter is allowed to be a consecrated worker. Neither is any Israelite son allowed to be a consecrated worker. (18) Don’t bring a female prostitute’s fee or a male prostitute’s payment to the LORD your God’s temple to pay a solemn promise because both of these things are detestable to the LORD your God.

(19) Don’t charge your fellow Israelites interest—whether on money, provisions, or anything one might loan. (20) You can charge foreigners interest, but not your fellow Israelite. Do this so that the LORD your God blesses you in all your work on the land you are entering to possess.

(21) When you make a promise to the LORD your God, don’t put off making good on it, because the LORD your God will certainly be expecting it from you; delaying would make you guilty. (22) Now if you simply don’t make any promises, you won’t be guilty of anything. (23) But whatever you say, you should be sure to make good on, exactly according to the promise you freely made to the LORD your God because you promised it with your own mouth.

(24) If you go into your neighbor’s vineyard, you can eat as many grapes as you like, until full, but don’t carry any away in a basket. (25) If you go into your neighbor’s grain field, you can pluck ears by hand, but you aren’t allowed to cut off any of your neighbor’s grain with a sickle.

DEUTERONOMY 24 (NKJV) – 5:20Deuteronomy, chapter 24. (1) “When a man takes a wife and marries her, and it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some uncleanness in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house, (2) when she has departed from his house, and goes and becomes another man’s wife, (3) if the latter husband detests her and writes her a certificate of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house, or if the latter husband dies who took her as his wife, (4) then her former husband who divorced her must not take her back to be his wife after she has been defiled; for that is an abomination before the Lord, and you shall not bring sin on the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.

(5) “When a man has taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war or be charged with any business; he shall be free at home one year, and bring happiness to his wife whom he has taken.

(6) “No man shall take the lower or the upper millstone in pledge, for he takes one’s living in pledge.

(7) “If a man is found kidnapping any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and mistreats him or sells him, then that kidnapper shall die; and you shall put away the evil from among you.

(8) “Take heed in an outbreak of leprosy, that you carefully observe and do according to all that the priests, the Levites, shall teach you; just as I commanded them, so you shall be careful to do. (9) Remember what the Lord your God did to Miriam on the way when you came out of Egypt!

(10) “When you lend your brother anything, you shall not go into his house to get his pledge. (11) You shall stand outside, and the man to whom you lend shall bring the pledge out to you. (12) And if the man is poor, you shall not keep his pledge overnight. (13) You shall in any case return the pledge to him again when the sun goes down, that he may sleep in his own garment and bless you; and it shall be righteousness to you before the Lord your God.

(14) “You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether one of your brethren or one of the aliens who is in your land within your gates. (15) Each day you shall give him his wages, and not let the sun go down on it, for he is poor and has set his heart on it; lest he cry out against you to the Lord, and it be sin to you.

(16) “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin.

(17) “You shall not pervert justice due the stranger or the fatherless, nor take a widow’s garment as a pledge. (18) But you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore I command you to do this thing.

(19) “When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. (20) When you beat your olive trees, you shall not go over the boughs again; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. (21) When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not glean it afterward; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow....

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

This is Epistles Sunday 1 John 4-5. I’m calling today’s episode “The Prayer We Should Not Pray.”  

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Ball Park Brand on Unsplash

Comments on 1 John 5

As in chapters 1-3, there are many great truths taught in today’s chapters. But chapter five, verses 16-18 need a closer look, I think.

Let me read it to you again. “If you see another believer committing a sin that doesn’t lead to death, you should pray that God would give that person life. This is true for those who commit sins that don’t lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I’m not telling you to pray about that. 17 Every kind of wrongdoing is sin, yet there are sins that don’t lead to death.

18 We know that those who have been born from God don’t go on sinning. Rather, the Son of God protects them, and the evil one can’t harm them.”

So what is this sin that leads to death, and the sin that does not lead to death?

I read several commentaries, and as is often the case with these difficult passages, there is some disagreement among scholars. But let me give you my understanding of the passage in a somewhat simplified way. Which works since I’m a simple guy.

To give these verses context, in this passage John is talking about prayer. He’s talking about how God hears the prayers of the believer, and how, if we ask according to His will, He will grant our prayers.

But, then John includes this statement that I just read.

So my understanding of what John was saying is this. If we see a Christian brother or sister sinning, we should pray for them, that God would forgive them. A person who is living for Christ, who loves the Lord, will sometimes sin. We all do. But since we *do* love God, the blood of Jesus covers that sin. And the Holy Spirit *will* speak to our heart and we *will* confess that sin to God and ask forgiveness. This is a sin that does not lead to death, because as we read in the last episode, God is faithful and just to forgive us when we confess.

However, a person who rejects God, who has no relationship with Jesus, is already condemned to death. His sin is a sin unto death already. John is, in this passage, telling us that we should not pray that God would forgive them, because for God to do so would be asking Him to circumvent His justice. Scripture says that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin. Believers are covered by that blood, but those who reject Christ are not, so they cannot be forgiven, and we should not ask God to do so.

We can, however pray that they would soften their hearts and come into relationship with God through Jesus so that *all* of their sins will be forgiven.

Does that make sense?

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 4-5 GWT

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Transcript

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Steve Webb 0:00I’m a simple guy.

Steve Webb 0:09Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring family Audio Bible. How are you today? Podcasting since 2004? I’m your OG God caster Steve Webb. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year than today’s epistle Sunday. So we’ll read first John four and five, I’m calling today’s episode, the prayer we should not pray. You know, I’m thinking that since this is Sunday, you’d probably have some time to write an email to me. Yeah, you know, the email I asked you to send me about what you think I should do. As far as podcasting is concerned, once this season is over, you haven’t done it yet. Now’s a good time to do it. And I think I’ve got the email problem fixed. So go ahead and just send your email to Steve and Lifespring media.com. Put the next step in the subject line. I really do need to hear from you. I’m not kidding, I really need to hear from you. Today’s Show Notes Pages at Lifespring media.com/s 12, e 340. And let’s get started.

Steve Webb 1:08First, John, chapter four. Dear friends, don’t believe all people who say that they have the spirit. Instead, test them, see whether the spirit they have is from God, because there are many false prophets in the world. This is how you can recognize God’s Spirit. Every person who declares that Jesus Christ has come as a human has the spirit that is from God. But every person who doesn’t declare that Jesus Christ has come as a human has a spirit that isn’t from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist that you’ve heard is coming. That spirit is already in the world. Do your children you belong to God. So you have won the victory over these people, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. These people belong to the world. That’s why they speak the thoughts of the world, and the world listens to them. We belong to God, the person who knows God listens to us. Whoever doesn’t belong to God doesn’t listen to us. That’s how we can tell the spirit of truth from the spirit of lies. Dear friends, we must love each other because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born from God and knows God. The person who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, because God is love. God has shown us His love by sending His only Son into the world so that we could have life through him. This is love. Not that we have loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the payment for our sins. Dear friends, if this is the way God loved us, we must also love each other. No one has ever seen God. If we love each other God lives in us and his love is perfected in us. We know that we live in him and he lives in us because he has given us His Spirit. We have seen and testify to the fact that the Father sent His Son as the savior of the world. God lives in those who declare that Jesus is the Son of God, and they live in God. We have known and believed that God loves us. God is love. Those who live in God’s love live in God and God lives in them. God’s love is reached its goal in us. So we look ahead with confidence to the Day of Judgment. While we are in this world, we’re exactly like him with regard to love. No fear exists, where his love is rather perfect love gets rid of fear because fear involves punishment. The person who lives in fear doesn’t have perfect love. We love because God loved us first. Whoever says I love God, but hates another believer is a liar. People who don’t love other believers whom they’ve seen, can’t love God whom they have not seen. Christ has given us this commandment. The person who loves God must also love other believers.

Steve Webb 3:56First John chapter five. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah has been born from God. Everyone who loves the Father also loves His children. We know that we love God’s children when we love God by obeying His commandments. To love God means that we obey His commandments. obeying His commandments is a difficult because everyone who has been born from God has won the victory over the world. Our faith is what wins the victory over the world. Who wins the victory over the world? Isn’t it the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This son of God is Jesus Christ, who came by water in blood. He didn’t come with water only, but with water and with blood. The Spirit is the one who verifies this, because the Spirit is the truth. There are three witnesses the spirit, the water and the blood. These three witnesses agree. We accept human testimony. God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony that he has given about his son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony of God in them. Those who don’t believe God have made God a liar. They haven’t believed the testimony that God has given about his son. This is the testimony. God has given us eternal life. And this life is found in his son. The person who has the Son has this life. The person who doesn’t have the Son of God doesn’t have this life. I’ve written this to those who believe in the Son of God, so that they will know that they have eternal life, we are confident that God listens to us. If we ask for anything that has his approval, we know that he listens to our requests. So we know that we already have what we asked him for. If you see another believer committing a sin that doesn’t lead to death, you should pray that God would give that person life. This is true for those who commit sins that don’t lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I’m not telling you to pray about that every kind of wrongdoing is sin. Yet there are sins that don’t lead to death. We know that those who have been born from God, don’t go on sinning, rather, the Son of God protects them, and the evil one can’t harm them. We know that we are from God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we know the real God, we are in the one who is real, His Son, Jesus Christ. This Jesus Christ is the real God and eternal life. Dear children, guard yourselves from false gods.

Steve Webb 6:36Again, just like chapters one through three, there are so many great things that I could talk about in these last two chapters of first, John, but let’s take a look at chapter five, verses six through 18. I think that we need to take a closer look at that. Let me read it to you again. If you see another believer committing a sin that doesn’t lead to death, you should pray that God would give that person life. This is true for those who commit sins that don’t lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I’m not telling you to pray about that every kind of wrongdoing is sin, yet there are sins that don’t lead to death....