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Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Gospel Saturday and we’ll read Acts 9-10. I’ll have some comments after we’ve read. Then there’s an on this date in church history. Also I have a giant praise for our prayer time today. I’m calling today’s episode “The Righteous Roman.“ 

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Craig Zdanowicz on Unsplash

Comments on Acts 10

In Acts 10, we are introduced to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, an officer in the Roman army. This was not a typical Roman, though. He was a devout believer in the God of the Jews, even though, being a Gentile, the average Jew would have very little to do with him. As a matter of fact, most Jews would have a strong dislike for, or even hate him. After all, Rome was an occupying force in Israel, and most of them treated the Jews with disdain.

But Cornelius was what the Jews of the time called a God-fearer, a Gentile who loved the God of Israel, but who did not become Jewish in how they lived their lives, or in circumcision. Jews came to respect them, but they could not fully embrace them because they were Gentiles, and had not become Jewish converts.

We know that God loved and heard Cornelius’ prayers, because God gave him a vision of an angel while he was in prayer, with a message telling him to send some men to Joppa to bring Peter to speak to him.

And the next day, while Peter was praying God spoke to him in a vision. Peter was shown a large sheet filled with all kinds of animals, some which Peter would consider kosher and some that were not. God told Peter to kill and eat some of them. And then, in typical Peter fashion, he said, “No, Lord! I have never eaten anything that wasn’t kosher!” God told him, “What I have made clean you must not call unclean.” This happened three times, and then the sheet with the animals was taken back up to heaven.

Peter had a limited view of God, and what it was to be godly. And now God was going to shake Peter up to change his thinking. He can do the same for us. Listen to what Charles Spurgeon said about this: “Shake yourself up a little, my brother. If you are too precise may the Lord set you on fire, and consume your bonds of red tape! If you have become so improperly proper that you cannot commit a proper impropriety, then pray God to help you be less proper, for there are many who will never be saved by your instrumentality while you study propriety.”

Isn’t it interesting that at this point in Peter’s life, God had used him mightily for His (God’s) kingdom. Remember Peter’s first sermon? About three thousand souls believed and were saved. And every day, souls were added to the church because of how God was using him. But Peter was still Peter. God uses us despite our own personalities, idiosyncrasies and imperfections. If we are willing to follow, He is willing to use us.

So this vision was shown to Peter three times. Reminds me of the three times Peter denied Jesus on the night He was betrayed. I believe God repeated this three times so that Peter would get the idea that God was serious, and to make him see that God was not just talking about food. 

And while Peter was thinking about this, the men sent by Cornelius showed up looking for him. And the Holy Spirit told him to go to them, doubting nothing, because they were sent by Him.

By then, Peter seems to have gotten the larger message that what God declares clean, Peter should not call unclean. He invited these Gentiles into his home, which is something no Jew would have done. Remember, Peter is now a Christian, but he is also a Jew. And God, on this day, had enlarged Peter’s heart to embrace the Gentiles.

The next day, Peter went with these men to the home of Cornelius, who was waiting and prepared to meet him. He had even invited guests to hear what Peter had to say. When Peter arrived, Cornelius fell at his feet and begins to worship him, but Peter stopped him and lifted him up, saying, “Stand up. I’m a man just like you.”

You see. Peter gets it. We are all the same in the eyes of God.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

And what did Peter do? Her preached a salvation message to Cornelius and his household, and while he was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on them, and they were saved. And Peter said, “Let’s have a baptism!”

I accepted the Lord in a relatively small Southern Baptist church on a Sunday morning, and I was baptized that same night. I like that. Many churches today don’t do that. They wait until they have a group of people before having a baptismal service, but I think there’s something to be said for baptizing sooner rather than later. I don’t see it as being crucial to salvation, but baptism is something that we are told to do. It’s a sign of the decision that a person has made that they now belong to the Lord. In my opinion, following the command quickly is a good way for the new believer to understand that it is important to obey God right away, not when it’s convenient. It sets a precedent for them. But maybe that’s just me.

What a powerful message this chapter has for us today, beloved. We as a culture are more divided than I have ever experienced in my nearly 68 years of life. We are politically divided, racially divided, economically divided. It doesn’t have to be this way. This is not of God. This is of the enemy. People need the Lord today as much as they ever have. We need to do what Peter did. We need to tell how Jesus came to seek and save the lost. 

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 9 CEB; Ch. 10 NKJV

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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 – 0:00God uses us despite our own personalities, idiosyncrasies and imperfections.

INTRO S12E297 – 0:133-2-1. Hey there, how are you? Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible. 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 Gospel Saturday and we’ll read Acts nine and ten. I’ll have some comments for you, and On This Date in Church History. Then we’ve got a giant praise for our prayer time, today. I’m calling today’s episode, “The Righteous Roman”. Today’s show notes page is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e297, if you’d like to make a comment. And my email address is st***@*************ia.com. Let’s get started.

ACTS 9 (CEB) – 0:55Acts, chapter nine. (1) Meanwhile, Saul was still spewing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest, (2) seeking letters to the synagogues in Damascus. If he found persons who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, these letters would authorize him to take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. (3) During the journey, as he approached Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven encircled him. (4) He fell to the ground and heard a voice asking him, “Saul, Saul, why are you harassing me?”

(5) Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?”

“I am Jesus, whom you are harassing,” came the reply. (6) “Now get up and enter the city. You will be told what you must do.”

(7) Those traveling with him stood there speechless; they heard the voice but saw no one. (8) After they picked Saul up from the ground, he opened his eyes but he couldn’t see. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. (9) For three days he was blind and neither ate nor drank anything.

(10) In Damascus there was a certain disciple named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, “Ananias!”

He answered, “Yes, Lord.”

(11) The Lord instructed him, “Go to Judas’ house on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying. (12) In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias enter and put his hands on him to restore his sight.”

(13) Ananias countered, “Lord, I have heard many reports about this man. People say he has done horrible things to your holy people in Jerusalem. (14) He’s here with authority from the chief priests to arrest everyone who calls on your name.”

(15) The Lord replied, “Go! This man is the agent I have chosen to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. (16) I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

(17) Ananias went to the house. He placed his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord sent me—Jesus, who appeared to you on the way as you were coming here. He sent me so that you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (18) Instantly, flakes fell from Saul’s eyes and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. (19) After eating, he regained his strength.

He stayed with the disciples in Damascus for several days. (20) Right away, he began to preach about Jesus in the synagogues. “He is God’s Son,” he declared.

(21) Everyone who heard him was baffled. They questioned each other, “Isn’t he the one who was wreaking havoc among those in Jerusalem who called on this name? Hadn’t he come here to take those same people as prisoners to the chief priests?”

(22) But Saul grew stronger and stronger. He confused the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.

(23) After this had gone on for some time, the Jews hatched a plot to kill Saul. (24) However, he found out about their scheme. They were keeping watch at the city gates around the clock so they could assassinate him. (25) But his disciples took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the city wall.

(26) When Saul arrived in Jerusalem,...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Prophecy Friday and we’ll read the book of Habakkuk. I’m calling today’s episode “The Conversation.”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Greg Rakozy on Unsplash

Comments on Habakkuk

There is a lot of conjecture on just who this prophet Habakkuk was. The fact is, we don’t have much information about him. The Jewish Rabbis have their ideas. Roman Catholicism has theirs, based on one of the books of the Apocrypha. 

What we do know is that this is a book of Habakkuk’s statements to God in the name of the people, and God’s statements to the people through Habakkuk. That is the textbook definition of what a prophet is. 

One sentence in the book should have certainly stood out to you if you have studied Martin Luther and the Reformation at all. Did you hear it? It was chapter two, verse four. Here it is again: “But the one who is right with God will live by faith.” Or it might be more familiar to you from the King James Version: “but the just shall live by faith.”

You might not have known that this was from the book of Habakuk. You might have thought that it was from Romans 1:16-17. Here it is, again from the King James Version: “16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

There in Romans, Paul was quoting Habakkuk. And the phrase, “The just shall live by faith” is the verse that caused Martin Luther to begin questioning the Roman Catholic church’s practices. It’s an important piece of church history that I recommend you study if you’re not familiar with it.

The first two chapters were a sort of conversation between Habakkuk and God. And then in chapter three we read a prayer of the prophet. In the translation we read today, this is verse 2:

2 Lord, I know how famous you are. I have great respect for you because of your mighty acts. Do them again for us. Make them known in our time. When you are angry, please have mercy on us.

But listen to it from the NASB: 2Lord, I have heard the report about You and I fear. O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years, In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy.

In this verse, Habakkuk is asking God for something that you’ve heard me ask for during our prayer times together. He is asking God for a revival. He is asking God to do what He has done in the past. To bring people to Himself. Beloved, most of the problems we see in the world around us are because people have turned their backs to Him. They have shut Him out. Imagine how things would be different if people served Him instead of shunned Him?

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. NIRV

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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 – 0:00Paul was quoting Habakkuk.

INTRO S12E269 – 0:09It’s 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. Today’s Prophecy Friday, and we’re going to read the book of Habakkuk. I’ll have some comments for you. We’ll have an On This Date in Church History segment, and we’ll have a time of prayer. The show notes page for today’s episode is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e296. My email address is st***@*************ia.com. Let’s begin.

HABAKKUK 1 (NIRV) – 0:44Habakkuk, chapter one.

(1) This is a vision the prophet Habakkuk received fromthe Lord. Here is what Habakkuk said.

(2) Lord, how long do I have to call out for help?Why won’t you listen to me?How long must I keep telling youthat things are terrible?Why don’t you save us?(3) Why do you make me watch whilepeople treat others so unfairly?Why do you put up with the wrong thingsthey are doing?I have to look at death.People are harming others.They are arguing and fighting all the time.(4) The law can’t do what it’s supposed to do.Fairness never comes out on top.Sinful people surround thosewho do what is right.So people are never treated fairly.

(5) The Lord replies,“Look at the nations. Watch them.Be totally amazed at what you see.I am going to do something in your daysthat you would never believe.You would not believe iteven if someone told you about it.(6) I am going to send the armies of Babylonia to attack you.They are very mean. They move quickly.They sweep across the whole earth.They take over placesthat do not belong to them.(7) They terrify others.They do not recognize any laws but their own.That is how proud they are.(8) Their horses are faster than leopards.They are meaner than wolves in the dark.Their horsemen charge straight into battle.They ride in from far away.They come down like an eaglediving for its food.(9) All of them are ready to destroy others.Their huge armies advance like a wind out of the desert.They gather prisoners like sand.(10) They laugh at kingsand make fun of rulers.They laugh at all of the citiesthat have high walls around them.They build dirt ramps against the wallsand capture the cities.(11) They sweep past like the wind.Then they go on their way.They are guilty.They worship their own strength.”

(12) Lord, haven’t you existed forever?You are my holy God.So we won’t die, will we?Lord, you have appointed the Babyloniansto punish your people.My Rock, you have chosen them to judge us.(13) Your eyes are too pure to look at what is evil.You can’t put up with the wrong things people do.So why do you put upwith those who can’t be trusted?The evil Babylonians swallow upthose who are more godly than themselves.So why are you silent?(14) You have made men as if they were the only fish in the sea.They are like sea creatures that don’t have a ruler.(15) The evil Babylonians pull all of them up with hooks.They catch them in their nets.They gather them up.So they celebrate.They are glad.(16) They offer sacrifices to their nets.They burn incense to them.Their nets allow them to live in great comfort.They enjoy the finest food.(17) Are you going to let themkeep on emptying their nets?Will they go on destroying nationswithout showing them any mercy?

HABAKKUK 2 (NIRV) – 3:37Habakkuk, chapter two.

(1) I will go up to the lookout tower.I’ll station myself on the city wall.I’ll wait to see how the Lord will reply to me.Then I’ll try to figure out how to answer him.

(2) The Lord replies,“Write down the message I’m showing you in a vision.Write it clearly on the tablets you use.Then a messenger can read itand run to announce it.(3) The message I give youwaits for the time I have appointed.It speaks about what is going to happen.And all of it will come true.It might take a while.But wait for it.You can be sure it will come.It will happen when I want it to.

(4) “The Babylonians are very proud.What they want is not good.“But the one who is right with Godwill live by faith.

(5) “Wine makes the Babylonians do foolish things.They are proud. They never rest.Like the grave, they are always hungry for more.Like death, they are never satisfied.They gather all of the nations to themselves.They take their people away as prisoners.

(6) “Won’t those people laugh at the Babylonians? Won’t they make fun of them? They will say to them,

“‘How terrible it will be for youwho pile up stolen goods!You get rich by cheating others.How long will that go on?’(7) Those you owe money to will suddenly rise up.You charge them too much interest.So they will wake upand make you tremble with fear.Then they will take awayeverything you have.(8) You have robbed many nations.So the nations that are left will rob you.You have spilled man’s blood.You have destroyed lands and citiesand everyone in them.

(9) “How terrible it will be for the Babylonians!They build up their kingdom with moneythey gained by cheating others.They have tried to make the kingdomas secure as possible.After all, they did not want to be destroyed.(10) They have planned to wipe out many nations.But they have brought shame on their own kingdom.So they must pay with their own lives.(11) The stones in the walls of their homes will cry out.And the wooden beams will echo that cry.

(12) “How terrible it will be for the Babylonians!They build cities by spilling the blood of others.They establish towns by committing crimes.(13) I am the Lord who rules over all.Human effort is no better than wood that feeds a fire.So the nations wear themselves out for nothing.(14) The oceans are full of water.In the same way, the earth will be filledwith the knowledge of my glory.

(15) “How terrible it will be for the Babylonians!They give drinks to their neighbors.They pour the drinks from wineskinsuntil their neighbors are drunk.They want to look at their naked bodies.(16) But the Babylonians will be filledwith shame instead of glory.So now it is their turn to drinkand be stripped of their clothes.The cup of anger in my powerful right handis going to punish them.They will be covered with shame instead of glory.(17) The harm they have done to Lebanonwill bring them down.Because they have killed so many animals,animals will terrify them.They have spilled man’s blood.They have destroyed lands and citiesand everyone in them.

(18) “If someone carves a statue of a god, what is it worth?What value is there in a godthat teaches lies?The one who trusts in another godworships his own creation.He makes statues of gods that can’t speak.(19) How terrible it will be for the Babylonians!They say to a wooden god, ‘Come to life!’They say to a stone god, ‘Wake up!...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Poetry Thursday and we are going to begin the book of Ecclesiastes with the reading of chapters 1 and 2. I’ll have a short introduction before reading the chapters, then some comments after we’’re through. Then there’s an on this date in church history. I’m calling today’s episode “Catch the Wind.”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Herbert Goetsch on Unsplash

Comments on Ecclesiastes 1-2

Introduction to Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon, the same King Solomon who wrote the book of Proverbs. Like Proverbs, Ecclesiastes is classified as a book of wisdom. But you will very quickly see that Solomon’s approach is much different here. I don’t want to give away too much right now, but I do want to say that it is important to stick with this book right up to the end. Don’t bail early, and don’t draw conclusions early. This is a book that requires patience on the part of the reader. 

Thoughts on Ecclesiastes 1-2

So what do you think? Solomon sounds jaded and world-weary, doesn’t he? Almost makes you want to just give up, right? Well, don’t bail on him just yet. There is a reason that Ecclesiastes is in the Bible, but it takes a little while to discover it. It’s not a long book. There are only 12 chapters.

For those who may not know, Solomon was the son of King David. That’s the David of the David and Goliath story. After David slew Goliath, he grew up to become King of Israel. Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, became King after David died in his old age. When he became King, he asked God not for military might or great wealth, but wisdom in order to rule Israel well. God was pleased with this prayer, and he not only made Solomon the wisest man that had ever lived, but also the richest, with every other gift that could be desired.

As he writes this book, he is well along in years, and he has seen it all, and with all of his wisdom and all of his wealth and possessions, he has found that life is empty. Money, fame and power have not brought him happiness. Beautiful homes, good wine, the ability to have anything that his heart desired have only made him angry and sad. The thought of working his entire life to achieve these things, only to have to leave it all behind for someone else who didn’t work for them, is almost more than he can bear.

And so he sums it up by saying that it is all useless. Something tells me that Solomon would probably not be invited as guest speaker to many places.

Well, as I said. Hang around to see how this progresses. And please, don’t let Solomon depress you. God is still on the throne, He loves you, and Jesus is still the Savior of mens’ souls.

Today’s Bible Translation

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

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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 – 0:00Well, that’s almost more than he can bear.

INTRO S12E295 – 0:09Coming 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. Today is Poetry Thursday, and we’re going to begin the book of Ecclesiastes with the reading of chapters one and two. Before we begin the book, I’ll have a short introduction for you, and then after we read the chapters, I’ve got some comments. I’m calling today’s episode, “Catch the Wind”. The show notes page for today is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e295. My email address is st***@*************ia.com. Let’s begin.

INTRO TO ECCLESIASTES – 0:48Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon, the same King Solomon who wrote the book of Proverbs, and like Proverbs, Ecclesiastes is classified as a book of poetry. Sometimes it’s called a book of wisdom. But you’ll very quickly see that Solomon’s approach is much different here. I don’t want to give away too much right now. But I do want to say that it’s important to stick with this book right up to the end. Don’t bail early and don’t draw conclusions early. This is a book that requires patience on the part of the reader.

ECCLESIASTES 1 (ERV) – 1:22Ecclesiastes, chapter one.

(1) These are the words from the Teacher, a son of David and king of Jerusalem.

(2) Everything is so meaningless. The Teacher says that it is all a waste of time! (3) Do people really gain anything from all the hard work they do in this life?

(4) People live and people die, but the earth continues forever. (5) The sun rises and the sun goes down, and then it hurries to rise again in the same place.

(6) The wind blows to the south, and the wind blows to the north. The wind blows around and around. Then it turns and blows back to the place it began.

(7) All rivers flow again and again to the same place. They all flow to the sea, but the sea never becomes full.

(8) Words cannot fully explain things, but people continue speaking. Words come again and again to our ears, but our ears don’t become full. And our eyes don’t become full of what we see.

(9) All things continue the way they have been since the beginning. The same things will be done that have always been done. There is nothing new in this life.

(10) Someone might say, “Look, this is new,” but that thing has always been here. It was here before we were.

(11) People don’t remember what happened long ago. In the future, they will not remember what is happening now. And later, other people will not remember what the people before them did.

(12) I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. (13) I decided to study and to use my wisdom to learn about everything that is done in this life. I learned that it is a very hard thing that God has given us to do. (14) I looked at everything done on earth, and I saw that it is all a waste of time. It is like trying to catch the wind. (15) If something is crooked, you cannot say it is straight. And if something is missing, you cannot say it is there.

(16) I said to myself, “I am very wise. I am wiser than all the kings who ruled Jerusalem before me. I know what wisdom and knowledge really are.”

(17) I decided to learn how wisdom and knowledge are better than thinking foolish thoughts. But I learned that trying to become wise is like trying to catch the wind. (18) With much wisdom comes frustration. The one who gains more wisdom also gains more sorrow.

ECCLESIASTES 2 (ERV) – 3:46Ecclesiastes, chapter two.

(1) I said to myself, “I should have fun—I should enjoy everything as much as I can.” But I learned that this is also useless. (2) It is foolish to laugh all the time. Having fun does not do any good.

(3) So I decided to fill my body with wine while I filled my mind with wisdom. I tried this foolishness because I wanted to find a way to be happy. I wanted to see what was good for people to do during their few days of life.

(4) Then I began doing great things. I built houses, and I planted vineyards for myself. (5) I planted gardens, and I made parks. I planted all kinds of fruit trees. (6) I made pools of water for myself, and I used them to water my growing trees. (7) I bought men and women slaves, and there were slaves born in my house. I owned many great things. I had herds of cattle and flocks of sheep. I owned more things than any other person in Jerusalem did.

(8) I also gathered silver and gold for myself. I took treasures from kings and their nations. I had men and women singing for me. I had everything any man could want.

(9) I became very rich and famous. I was greater than anyone who lived in Jerusalem before me. My wisdom was always there to help me. (10) Anything my eyes saw and wanted, I got for myself. My mind was pleased with everything I did. And this happiness was the reward for all my hard work.

(11) But then I looked at everything I had done and the wealth I had gained. I decided it was all a waste of time! It was like trying to catch the wind. There is nothing to gain from anything we do in this life.

(12) Then I decided to think about what it means to be wise or to be foolish or to do crazy things. And I thought about the one who will be the next king. The new king will do the same as the kings before him. (13) I saw that wisdom is better than foolishness in the same way that light is better than darkness. (14) Wise people use their minds like eyes to see where they are going. But for fools, it is as if they are walking in the dark.

I also saw that fools and wise people both end the same way. (15) I thought to myself, “The same thing that happens to a fool will also happen to me. So why have I tried so hard to become wise?” I said to myself, “Being wise is also useless.” (16) Whether people are wise or foolish, they will still die, and no one will remember either one of them forever. In the future, people will forget everything both of them did. So the two really are the same.

(17) This made me hate life. It was depressing to think that everything in this life is useless, like trying to catch the wind.

(18) I began to hate all the hard work I had done, because I saw that the people who live after me would get the things that I worked for. I will not be able to take them with me. (19) Some other person will control everything I worked and studied for. And I don’t know if that person will be wise or foolish. This is also senseless.

(20) So I became sad about all the work I had done. (21) People can work hard using all their wisdom and knowledge and skill. But they will die and other people will get the things they worked for. They did not do the work, but they will get everything. That makes me very sad. It is also not fair and is senseless.

...

Transcript

Associate Producer

Timothy LaFontaine

Podcast Introduction

Today is Psalms Wednesday, and we’ll read chapters 122-124. I’ll have a short introduction before reading each chapter, then some comments after we’ve read all three. Then there’s an on this date in church history. I’m calling today’s episode “Ascents Part 2.”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: John Duncan on Unsplash

Comments on Psalm 124

I have been a lover of birds since I was three years old when my mom gave me a parakeet. When I was in college, my biology professor introduced me to bird watching, or birding. So far I have 82 different species on my life list of birds that I have personally seen. The latest addition was just a couple weeks ago. It was a Bullock’s Oriole taking a drink from the fountain on my front patio, in case you’re interested. If you’re a birder, let me know in the comments on the show notes page. 

So verses 6 and 7 got my attention: 6Praise the Lord, who has not let us be ripped apart by their teeth. 7We have escaped like a bird from the hunter’s net; the net is torn, and we have escaped. 

Charles Spurgeon: “As the bird could not get out of the snare, so the soul cannot escape from temptation; but God can bring it out, and he works the rescue. Hear this, ye that are slaves to drunkenness: God can deliver you. You that have fallen into licentiousness hear it – God can deliver you. Whatever the sin that has birdlimed (trapped) you, that gracious hand which once was nailed to the cross can set you free.” 

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. HCSB

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

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STEVE WEBB – 0:00God can deliver you.

INTRO S12E294 – 0:09This 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 and today’s Psalms Wednesday. We’ll read chapters 122 through 124. I’ll have a short introduction before reading each chapter, then some comments after we’ve read all three. We will have an On This Date in Church History today and I’m calling the episode, “Ascents, Part 2”. The show notes page for today is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e294. My email address is st***@*************ia.com. Let’s begin.

PSALM 122 INTRO – 0:49Psalm 122 is the third of a series of 15 songs entitled A Song of Ascents, and this is one of the four that are attributed to David. These songs were sung by those going up to Jerusalem and the temple at various times of the year for the three feasts of the Jewish calendar: Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. Of this song Charles Spurgeon wrote, “David wrote it for the people to sing at the time of their goings up to the holy feasts at Jerusalem. It comes third in the series and appears to be suitable to be sung when the people had entered the gates and their feet stood within the city.”

PSALM 122 (HSCB) – 1:26Psalms, chapter 122.

(1) I rejoiced with those who said to me,“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”(2) Our feet are standingwithin your gates, Jerusalem —(3) Jerusalem, built as a city should be,solidly joined together,(4) where the tribes, Yahweh’s tribes, go upto give thanks to the name of Yahweh.(This is an ordinance for Israel.)(5) There, thrones for judgment are placed,thrones of the house of David.(6) Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:“May those who love you prosper;(7) may there be peace within your walls,prosperity within your fortresses.”(8) Because of my brothers and friends,I will say, “Peace be with you.”(9) Because of the house of the Lord our God,I will seek your good.

PSALM 123 INTRO – 2:13The Songs of Ascent were probably written by more than one person. According to commentator Adam Clarke, quote, “They have been attributed to David to Solomon to Ezra to Haggai, to Zechariah, and to Malachai without any positive evidence. Martin Luther wrote of Psalm 123, “This Psalm, as you see, is but short and therefore a very fit example to show the force of prayer not to consist in many words, but in fervency of spirit. For great and weighty matters may be comprised in a few words, if they proceed from the spirit in the unspeakable groanings of the heart, especially when our necessity is such as will not suffer any long prayer. Every prayer is long enough if it be fervent and proceed from a heart that understands the necessity of the saints.”

PSALMS 123 (HSCB) – 3:05Psalms, chapter 123.

(1) I lift my eyes to You,the One enthroned in heaven.(2) Like a servant’s eyes on his master’s hand,like a servant girl’s eyes on her mistress’s hand,so our eyes are on the Lord our Goduntil He shows us favor.(3) Show us favor, Lord, show us favor,for we’ve had more than enough contempt.(4) We’ve had more than enoughscorn from the arrogantand contempt from the proud.

PSALMS 124 INTRO – 3:34Psalm 124 is another of the four Songs of Ascent attributed to David. In this one, David gives thanks to God for His help, past and future.

PSALMS 124 (HSCB) – 3:44Psalms, chapter 124.

(1) If the Lord had not been on our side —let Israel say —(2) If the Lord had not been on our sidewhen men attacked us,(3) then they would have swallowed us alivein their burning anger against us.(4) Then the waters would have engulfed us;the torrent would have swept over us;(5) the raging waters would have swept over us.(6) Praise the Lord,who has not let us be ripped apart by their teeth.(7) We have escaped like a bird from the hunter’s net;the net is torn, and we have escaped.(8) Our help is in the name of Yahweh,the Maker of heaven and earth.

COMMENTS – 4:22I’ve been a lover of birds since I was three years old, when my mom gave me a parakeet. When I was in college, my biology professor introduced me to bird watching, or birding. So far, I’ve got 82 different species on my life list of birds that I’ve personally seen. The latest addition was just a couple of weeks ago. It was a Bullock’s Oriole taking a drink from the fountain on my front patio, just in case you’re interested. If you’re a birder let me know in the comments on the show notes page.

So with my interest in birds, verses six and seven got my attention. Here they are again: “Praise the Lord, who has not let us be ripped apart by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the hunter’s net; the net is torn, and we have escaped.”

Listen to what Charles Spurgeon said about this: “As the bird could not get out of the snare, so the soul cannot escape from temptation; but God can bring it out, and he works the rescue. Hear this, ye that are slaves to drunkenness: God can deliver you. You that have fallen into licentiousness hear it – God can deliver you. Whatever the sin that has [trapped] you, that gracious hand which once was nailed to the cross can set you free.”

Let me hear your thoughts. Go to lifespringmedia.com/s12e294. Tomorrow we’ll begin the book of Ecclesiastes. We’ll read the first two chapters.

Boost!

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER SHOUT-OUT – 5:52I want to thank today’s Associate Producer. Timothy LaFontaine came in with his monthly $20 donation. Thank you, Timothy, for helping to make episode 294 possible. God bless you. Beloved, if you’d like to know more about why it’s necessary to support the Lifespring Family Audio Bible go on over to lifespringmedia.com/support.

ON THIS DATE IN CHURCH HISTORY – 6:22On this date in church history, June 22, 1745, David Brainerd, a colonial-era missionary to New England Native Americans, wrote in his journal, “I am often weary of this world, and I want to leave it on that account. But it is more desirable to be drawn rather than driven out of it.” Yes, that’s true. As long as we’re here, the Lord has a reason for us to be here. He has a work for us. So yes, we should be drawn into the world and not driven from it.

CLOSING PRAYER – 6:58Let’s pray. Our Heavenly Father, sometimes we feel as weak and helpless as a bird when we face the troubles of our lives. And then we’re reminded as David was that you are our protector and our shield and our rescuer. You will not let us be ripped apart by the enemy of our soul. So we thank you for that assurance, Lord. I ask, God, that you’d be with the Lifespring family today, and I ask that you bless each one. I pray this in Jesus name, amen.

If you have a prayer request or a praise, go to prayer.lifespringmedia.com.

OUTRO S12E294 – 7:38Well, yesterday’s show had a small problem for the first few hours after it was supposed to be published. And some of you emailed me that you were unable to download it. Well, thank you for letting me know. After I read the first email, I was able to fix the problem within about 60 seconds. So what does that tell you? Yeah, Operator error. Sorry about that.

Comment on today’s show and lifespringmedia.com/s12e294. Email me at st***@*************ia.com. Thanks to Kirsty, Sean of San Pedro and Denise for their generous donation of their time and talent. And, Beloved, thank you for inviting me into your life today. Support the show at lifespringmedia.com/support.

And until tomorrow, may God bless you richly. My name is Steve Webb.

Bye.

Transcribed by https://otter.aiCorrected by Denise

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Transcript

Distinguished Producer

A servant of Christ from somewhere in the North country.

Executive Producer

Sean of San Pedro

Associate Producer

Rob Brink and Kevin Schneider

Podcast Introduction

This is the 300th episode of the 12th season of the Lifespring Family Audio Bible. Today is History Tuesday. Our reading is 2 Chronicles 25-28. I’m calling today’s episode “Legacy.”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Samantha Sophia on Unsplash

Comments on 2 Chronicles 25-28

In these chapters we read of the reigns of Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham, and Ahaz. 

Each of these kings were descendants of David, and as I have said in previous episodes, coming from a believing family does not mean that the next generation will follow God. The opposite is also true. Coming from a non-believing family does not mean the following generation will not follow God. We saw that in these kings, and I’m sure most, if not all of us have seen this in our own families. 

The reason I’m pointing this out is that I believe that many of us, especially those of us that are parents, take it for granted when raising our children in a believing home, that they will follow us in accepting Jesus as their Savior. Beloved, if we do that, we make a terrible mistake. We can never assume that our kids will absorb our faith as their own. There will come a time when they must choose to believe. Just as we chose to believe, they will have to choose. As parents, we have to be very deliberate in showing them in a thousand different ways why believing in Him is the very best thing they could ever do. We have to let them see that our faith is real, that Jesus is the center of our lives, and that He matters. Not just on Sundays, but every day. And we have to talk to them about our faith…and our talk has to match our walk. Our children are our most important missions field. 

Now back to today’s chapters…

As is common to most people, the first two of these kings, Amaziah and Uzziah, had their good points and bad. Their spiritual victories and spiritual failures. Each of us has strengths and weaknesses. It’s the human condition. Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death. Anything less than perfection, anything less than a completely sinless life means that we fall short of the glory of God. That’s why we all need a savior.

There is a common thread that was evident in the chapters we read today with the failures of Amaziah, Uzziah and Ahaz. Each one of them sinned in their own ways, but the common thread was pride. Pride invariably brings destruction, even to people who showed great devotion to God in their early days. Once we begin to believe that our accomplishments come from our own abilities, we are headed for a fall. It can happen to anyone, at any age. I have discovered that my own susceptibility to sin is still alive, even after more than fifty years of being a follower of Jesus. If I take my eyes off of Him, if I begin to rely on my own “goodness”, I quickly find that I cannot walk His path on my own. As the old hymn says, “I need thee every hour.”

To his credit, of the four kings we read about today, only Jotham seems to have had a lifelong record of following God’s direction. Verse 6 of chapter 27 tells us, “Jotham grew powerful because he was determined to live as the Lord his God wanted.” What a legacy.

My legacy will unfortunately not be without a list of failures, but I am determined to keep my eyes on the prize, because I long to hear my Savior say on that day that I finally see Him face to face, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 25 NKJV; Ch. 26-27 GW; Ch. 28 ESV

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Transcript

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STEVE WEBB – 0:00The common thread was pride.

INTRO S12E300 – 0:10Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the 300th Episode of the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, Twelfth Season. 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’s History Tuesday and we’ll read 2 Chronicles 25 through 28. I’ve got an On This Date in Church History for you. I’ve got some people to thank and I’m calling today’s episode, “Legacy”. The show notes page for today’s episode is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e300. Then my email address is st***@*************ia.com. Let’s begin.

2 CHRONICLES 25 (NKJV) – 0:462 Chronicles, chapter 25. (1) Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. (2) And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a loyal heart.

(3) Now it happened, as soon as the kingdom was established for him, that he executed his servants who had murdered his father the king. (4) However he did not execute their children, but did as it is written in the Law in the Book of Moses, where the Lord commanded, saying, “The fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall the children be put to death for their fathers; but a person shall die for his own sin.”

(5) Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together and set over them captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, according to their fathers’ houses, throughout all Judah and Benjamin; and he numbered them from twenty years old and above, and found them to be three hundred thousand choice men, able to go to war, who could handle spear and shield. (6) He also hired one hundred thousand mighty men of valor from Israel for one hundred talents of silver. (7) But a man of God came to him, saying, “O king, do not let the army of Israel go with you, for the Lord is not with Israel—not with any of the children of Ephraim. (8) But if you go, be gone! Be strong in battle! Even so, God shall make you fall before the enemy; for God has power to help and to overthrow.”

(9) Then Amaziah said to the man of God, “But what shall we do about the hundred talents which I have given to the troops of Israel?”And the man of God answered, “The Lord is able to give you much more than this.” (10) So Amaziah discharged the troops that had come to him from Ephraim, to go back home. Therefore their anger was greatly aroused against Judah, and they returned home in great anger.

(11) Then Amaziah strengthened himself, and leading his people, he went to the Valley of Salt and killed ten thousand of the people of Seir. (12) Also the children of Judah took captive ten thousand alive, brought them to the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, so that they all were dashed in pieces.

(13) But as for the soldiers of the army which Amaziah had discharged, so that they would not go with him to battle, they raided the cities of Judah from Samaria to Beth Horon, killed three thousand in them, and took much spoil.

(14) Now it was so, after Amaziah came from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the people of Seir, set them up to be his gods, and bowed down before them and burned incense to them. (15) Therefore the anger of the Lord was aroused against Amaziah, and He sent him a prophet who said to him, “Why have you sought the gods of the people, which could not rescue their own people from your hand?”

(16) So it was, as he talked with him, that the king said to him, “Have we made you the king’s counselor? Cease! Why should you be killed?”

Then the prophet ceased, and said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not heeded my advice.”

(17) Now Amaziah king of Judah asked advice and sent to Joash the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, “Come, let us face one another in battle.”

(18) And Joash king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, “The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son as wife’; and a wild beast that was in Lebanon passed by and trampled the thistle. (19) Indeed you say that you have defeated the Edomites, and your heart is lifted up to boast. Stay at home now; why should you meddle with trouble, that you should fall—you and Judah with you?”

(20) But Amaziah would not heed, for it came from God, that He might give them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought the gods of Edom. (21) So Joash king of Israel went out; and he and Amaziah king of Judah faced one another at Beth Shemesh, which belongs to Judah. (22) And Judah was defeated by Israel, and every man fled to his tent. (23) Then Joash the king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, at Beth Shemesh; and he brought him to Jerusalem, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Gate of Ephraim to the Corner Gate—four hundred cubits. (24) And he took all the gold and silver, all the articles that were found in the house of God with Obed-Edom, the treasures of the king’s house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria.

(25) Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, lived fifteen years after the death of Joash the son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel. (26) Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, from first to last, indeed are they not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel? (27) After the time that Amaziah turned away from following the Lord, they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish and killed him there. (28) Then they brought him on horses and buried him with his fathers in the City of Judah.

2 CHRONICLES 26 (GW) – 5:352 Chronicles, chapter 26. (1) All the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was 16 years old,...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is MONDAY, the day we read from the Law. We’ll read Deuteronomy 4-6  I’m calling today’s episode “The Unified One.“

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: James Kern on Unsplash

Comments on Deuteronomy 6

In chapter 6, verses 4 and 5, Moses is telling the children of Israel the great commandment, the one that encompasses all the others. It’s the commandment that Jesus quoted when the Pharisees asked Him which was the greatest of all the commandments. 

4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 

Since Jesus said that this is the greatest commandment, we should understand it as clearly as possible, don’t you think?

We haven’t talked much about the concept of the Trinity on the show. But this verse seems like a good place to spend a few minutes on the subject. Many of you probably have a pretty good grasp on the idea of a triune God, but I know that there are some ls fam members who are fairly new to Christianity, and this is such an important topic that I do want to at least touch on it. This won’t be an in depth word study, but more like a 30,000 foot flyover view.

So you might ask, “What about Jesus and the Holy Spirit? They’re Gods, aren’t they?” No. No they are not. And what I mean by that is that they are not *separate* Gods. 

And this is where the idea of the Trinity comes in. Orthodox Christianity, or traditional Christianity if you prefer, believes that God is a Trinity, that there are three distinct persons who are together, one God. Not three Gods. One God. 

It can be difficult to get your head around, so let’s look at the word that was used in the original language, Hebrew, for the English word “one”. Here in Deuteronomy 6:4, the Hebrew word echad is used. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is echad!” Echad refers to a single item made up of multiple parts, also called a “unified one.” 

Are there other places in the Bible that the word echad is used? Yep. Let’s look at a few.

The first time we see echad is Genesis 1:5: The Young’s Literal translation says: “…and there is an evening, and there is a morning — day one.” It was one day, with two parts: evening and morning. Echad day.

Genesis 2:24: Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Echad flesh

In Exodus 26:6 “6 And you shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains together with the clasps, so that it may be one tabernacle.” Obviously, the Tabernacle was made up of many parts, but here it is called one tabernacle. Echad tabernacle.

Listen to Ezekiel 37:15-17: “15Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 16“As for you, son of man, take a stick for yourself and write on it: ‘For Judah and for the children of Israel, his companions.’ Then take another stick and write on it, ‘For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel, his companions.’ 17Then join them one to another for yourself into one stick, and they will become one in your hand.” Two sticks become echad.

So the idea of three persons in echad God is not foreign to Scripture. 

There is a Hebrew word for a single item made up of one alone: yachid. This word is used in connection to one God exactly zero times in the Old Testament. Nowhere does the Bible say that the one God is a single entity. He is always referred to as echad God.

Here are some examples of yachid from the Bible:

* “He said, “Take now your son, your only [yachid] son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” ” Genesis 22:2

* “Now she was Jephthah’s one and only [yachid] child; besides her he had no son or daughter.” Judges 11:34

* “they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son [yachid]” Zechariah 12:10

So again, verse 4 says, “The Lord our God, the Lord is one!”  In the phrase, “The LORD our God”, the Hebrew word for God here is Elohim. Elohim is a plural word. El is singular, Elohim is plural.  

In Genesis 1:26 we read, “Then God (Elohim) said, “Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…” Let Us. Our image. Our likeness. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit were all present at the creation, as One God. 

At Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit descended from Heaven like a dove, and the Father spoke, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” All three persons of the triune God were present at the baptism: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We have so many verses that teach us that God is One, and in Him are three distinct persons.

There are those who misunderstand or who do not want to understand this concept, but it is important for believers to at least trust that this is true, by faith. 

I hope you have found this to be interesting, if not enlightening. 

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 4 CEB; Ch. 5 NIRV; Ch. 6 NKJV

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 – 0:00The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

INTRO S12E299 – 0:10Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, 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’s Monday, the day we read from the Law. We’ll read Deuteronomy 4 through 6. I’ll have some comments after we read. We’ll have an On This Date in Church History, and we’ll have a time of prayer. I’m calling today’s episode, “The Unified One”. The show notes page for today’s episode is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e299. I welcome your comments. And my email address is st***@*************ia.com. Let’s begin.

DEUTERONOMY 4 (CEB) – 0:52Deuteronomy, chapter 4. (1) Now, Israel, in light of all that, listen to the regulations and the case laws that I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live, enter, and possess the land that the LORD, your ancestors’ God, is giving you. (2) Don’t add anything to the word that I am commanding you, and don’t take anything away from it. Instead, keep the commands of the LORD your God that I am commanding all of you.

(3) You saw with your own eyes what the LORD did concerning the Baal of Peor. The LORD your God destroyed everyone who followed the Baal of Peor, (4) but all of you who stayed true to the LORD your God are alive today. (5) So pay attention! I am teaching all of you the regulations and the case laws exactly as the LORD my God commanded me. You must do these in the land you are entering to possess. (6) Keep them faithfully because that will show your wisdom and insight to the nations who will hear about all these regulations. They will say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and insightful people!” (7) After all, is there any great nation that has gods as close to it as the LORD our God is close to us whenever we call to him? (8) Or does any great nation have regulations and case laws as righteous as all this Instruction that I am setting before you today?

(9) But be on guard and watch yourselves closely so that you don’t forget the things your eyes saw and so they never leave your mind as long as you live. Teach them to your children and your grandchildren. (10) Remember that day when you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when the LORD said to me: “Gather the people to me. I will declare my words to them so that they will learn to fear me every day of their lives on the fertile land, and teach their children to do the same.” (11) Then you all came close and stood at the foot of the mountain. The mountain was blazing with fire up to the sky, with darkness, cloud, and thick smoke! (12) The LORD spoke to you out of the very fire itself. You heard the sound of words, but you didn’t see any form. There was only a voice. (13) The LORD declared his covenant to you, which he commanded you to do—the Ten Commandments—and wrote them on two stone tablets. (14) At that time, the LORD commanded me to teach you all the regulations and the case laws that you must keep in the land that you are entering to possess.

(15) So watch your conduct closely, because you didn’t see any form on the day the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the very fire itself. (16) Don’t ruin everything and make an idol for yourself: a form of any image, any likeness—male or female— (17) or any likeness whatsoever, whether of a land animal, a bird that flies in the sky, (18) an insect that crawls on the earth, or a fish that lives in the sea. (19) Don’t look to the skies, to the sun or the moon or the stars, all the heavenly bodies, and be led astray, worshipping and serving them. The LORD your God has granted these things to all the nations who live under heaven. (20) But the LORD took you and brought you out of that iron furnace, out of Egypt, so that you might be his own treasured people, which is what you are right now.

(21) The LORD was angry with me because of your deeds and swore that I couldn’t cross the Jordan River or enter the wonderful land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance. (22) I will die here in this land. I won’t cross the Jordan River. But you will, and you will take possession of that wonderful land. (23) So all of you, watch yourselves! Don’t forget the covenant that the LORD your God made with you by making an idol or an image of any kind or anything the LORD your God forbids, (24) because the LORD your God is an all-consuming fire. He is a passionate God.

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Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Epistles Sunday. We’ll read James 1-3. I’m calling today’s episode “Does It Show?.“  

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Jamie Street on Unsplash

Comments on James 1-3

Thoughts on James 1 and 2

James was a brother, or more correctly, half-brother of Jesus, though he was not a believer until after the resurrection, but he became known as a pillar of the early church.

After James writes his greeting, he immediately launches into the subject of dealing with difficulties. The Jews, believers in Jesus and otherwise, had been scattered, and under all sorts of persecutions.

James wanted them to know that hard times are meant to grow our faith.

There is no doubt that difficulties arise in every life. James wants us to see that God can and does use those times for our benefit. Don’t let anyone tell you that you must’ve done something wrong if you’re going through the fire.

And then he goes on to say that just hearing the scriptures is not enough. Don’t think that by going to church or reading the Bible, or listening to this podcast for that matter, is enough to make you righteous. You must act on what you hear. The Word has to make a difference in your life. You must take action on what you hear.

Then in the next chapter he talks about valuing some people over others, and how that is not what we should do. Each person has value, whether rich or poor, important in the eyes of men or insignificant. In God’s eyes, we are all the same. There are no celebrities in Heaven. 

James 2:14-20 has caused a lot of controversy over the years, but in my mind it is quite clear. The message is this: if you say you love God, but your life doesn’t show it, you are fooling yourself. To expand on that thought, if I love God, I am going to just naturally begin to do things that show the love of God. I don’t do those things to gain God’s favor, and I don’t do them to earn points in Heaven. I do them because He has changed who I am. If I am the same person I have always been, then I have not truly met Jesus, and I am still lost.

The example James gives is that of Abraham. He said he had faith, but until he showed that he was willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac, his faith was incomplete. It was only when he raised the knife to sacrifice his son that God pronounced him complete. And then, as James quoted from the Old Testament, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” And James said that Abraham was called the friend of God.

Now, don’t misunderstand. We are saved by faith alone. There is nothing we can do to earn any part of our salvation. Zero. Nada. Nothing. But unless my faith results in a changed life, it is worthless, because a true faith in God fills us with the Holy Spirit, who brings about the fruit of the spirit that was talked about by Paul in Galatians 5:22 and 23: … love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control…

Fruit just naturally grows on the tree, right? The apple tree doesn’t have to *try* to grow apples, it just does. Same with the fruit of the Spirit. If you have truly become a new person by yielding yourself to Jesus, then these things will become evident in your life. Is there a change in your life? Does it show? 

Thoughts on James 3

James wrote about how powerful the tongue is. He was referring to the actual spoken word, of course. But I think it would be safe here in the 21st century to expand the thought to what we say on the internet. On Facebook, Twitter and any other of the social media. 

Have you ever seen a post or comment on Facebook that ignited a firestorm of nasty responses? Probably so. Did anything good come of it? Probably not. 

Friends, if we are representatives of Jesus, we need to be aware of the words we use, both online and in the real world. People are watching and listening. I would much rather hold my tongue or step away from the keyboard than bring shame to Jesus’ name or break a friendship with someone who needs the Lord. I don’t want what I say online to negate my credibility as a believer or cancel any future discussion with someone that might otherwise ask to know more about how to have a relationship with God.

Scripture says that they will know we are His by the love we have for one another. Let’s be sure that when we are online we leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that we are His.

And if you find that social media elevates your blood pressure whenever you sign on, consider taking a break from it. Or completely close your account. Social media is an addiction for some people, and it can be harmful to your mental and emotional health. I closed my FB, Twitter and Instagram accounts several months ago, and I do not miss them. The first few days were a little strange, not checking my timelines, but now, I don’t miss them at all.

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 1-2 NLT; Ch. 3 CEV

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Transcript

Download .txt file.

Steve Webb 0:00There are no celebrities in heaven

Steve Webb 0:10Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring family Audio Bible 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 in today’s epistle Sunday, we’re going to begin the book of James by reading the first three chapters. I’m calling today’s episode, does it show the show notes page for today’s episode? Is it Lifespring media.com/s 12 e 298. My email address is Steve at Lifespring media.com. Let’s begin.

Steve Webb 0:42James chapter one. This letter is from James a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the 12 tribes, Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings, dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way. Consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world. And they are unstable in everything they do. Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them, they will fade away like a little flower in the field. The hot sun rises and the grass withers, the little flower drops and falls and its beauty fades away. In the same way the rich will fade away with all of their achievements. God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. And remember, when you’re being tempted, do not say God is tempting me. God is never tempted to do wrong and he never tempts anyone else. temptation comes from our own desires which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So don’t be misled. My dear brothers and sisters, whatever is good imperfect is a gift coming down to us from God, our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens, he never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we out of all creation became his prized possession. Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters, you must all be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts for it has the power to save your souls. But don’t just listen to God’s Word, you must do what it says. Otherwise, you’re only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey. It is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself walk away and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. If you claim to be religious, but don’t control your tongue, you’re fooling yourself and your religion is worthless, pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress, and refusing to let the world corrupt you

Steve Webb 4:01James chapter two. My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who was poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, you can stand over there or else sit on the floor. Well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? Listen to me, do your brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the kingdom he promised to those who love Him? But you dishonor the poor? Isn’t it the ritual opposes you and drags you into court? Aren’t they the ones who slandered Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? Yes, indeed....

Transcript

Distinguished Producer

Lifespring Family Berean Brother Paul of Seattle.

Podcast Introduction

Today is Gospel Saturday and Acts 7-8. I’m calling today’s episode “The Message Spreads.”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Lindsey Middleton on Unsplash

Comments on Acts 7-8

Acts 7 

Remember that I told you a few episodes back that we should be bold and strong, and that we should follow the leading of the Holy Spirit when He tells us to speak up?

Well, that’s what Stephen did, and he became the first Christian martyr. 

He spoke the truth. In answering the religious leaders, he told them the entire history of the Jewish people, and he let them know that they were not on God’s side. Their reaction to this was predictable, was it not? In today’s jargon, they were offended. But instead of running off to their “safe space”, they had Stephen taken out and stoned to death.

Listen, being filled with the Holy Spirit is not a guarantee that speaking the truth to those who do not want to hear will not be offended. It’s no guarantee that you will not draw the wrath of people who would harm you.

Jesus told us this. In the gospel of John, chapter 15, verses 18 and 18, He said, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.”

And He also said in Matthew 10:33, “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.”

So, who’s approval do you want?

Acts 8

What happened after Stephen’s execution? The scripture says that “On that day widespread persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem and most believers, except the apostles, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.”

Widespread persecution. Sounds like a mob mentality cropped up, doesn’t it? Hmm. The authorities identified the believers as “the enemy”, and it became acceptable…and even virtuous…to persecute them. Where have I heard of this kind of behavior? 

But where the enemy saw this as a winning strategy, God used it to further the church. “…most believers, except the apostles, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” And then a couple of verses later it says that “The believers who were scattered went from place to place, where they spread the word.” 

They didn’t cower in place. They didn’t shut up. Having seen what happened to Stephen, they knew what could happen. But they spread out and spread the word.

Be encouraged by what the early church did, beloved. Be encouraged and know that what looks like defeat and disaster to the world is far from it in the eyes of Almighty God. Jesus has already won the war. What we are seeing today are the death throes of satan and his demons. 

He knows that his time is running out. He wants to frighten people and keep them from following Jesus. Don’t fall for his lies. Don’t accept the defeat of denying Jesus. Kick the devil in the teeth and remain strong in your faith in Jesus Christ. Because there will come a day when EVERY knee will bow, and EVERY tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, including the master of lies himself.

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 7 NLV; Ch. 8 GW

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Transcript

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STEVE WEBB – 0:00Whose approval do you want?

INTRO S12E290 – 0:09Coming 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 Gospel Saturday. So we’ll read Acts seven and eight. I’ll have some comments after the reading, and Brother Paul of Seattle sent in another question. I’m calling today’s episode, “The Message Spreads”. Today’s show notes page is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e290. And my email address is st***@*************ia.com. Let’s go.

Acts 7 (NLV) – 0:43Acts, chapter seven. (1) The head religious leader asked Stephen, “Are these things true?” (2) Stephen said, “My brothers and fathers, listen to me. The great God showed Himself to our early father Abraham while he lived in the country of Mesopotamia. This was before he moved to the country of Haran. (3) God said to him, ‘Leave your family and this land where you were born. Go to a land that I will show you.’ (4) He went from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. After his father died, he came to this country where you now live. (5) God did not give him any land to own, not even enough to put his feet on. But He promised that the land would be his and his children’s after him. At that time he had no children. (6) This is what God said, ‘Your children’s children will be living in a strange land. They will live there 400 years. They will be made to work without pay and will suffer many hard things. (7) I will say to that nation that it is guilty for holding them and making them work without pay. After that they will go free. They will leave that country and worship Me in this place.’

(8) “He made a promise with Abraham. It was kept by a religious act of becoming a Jew. Abraham had a son, Isaac. On the eighth day Abraham took Isaac and had this religious act done to him. Isaac was the father of Jacob. Jacob was the father of our twelve early fathers.

(9) “The sons of Jacob sold Joseph to people from the country of Egypt because they were jealous of him. But God was with Joseph. (10) He helped him in all his troubles. He gave him wisdom and favor with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. This king made Joseph leader over Egypt and over all the king’s house.

(11) “The time came when there was no food to eat in all the land of Egypt and Canaan. The people suffered much. Our early fathers were not able to get food. (12) Then Jacob heard there was food in Egypt. He sent our early fathers there the first time.

(13) “The second time they went to the country of Egypt, Joseph made himself known to his brothers. The family of Joseph became known to Pharaoh. (14) Joseph asked his father Jacob and all his family to come. There were seventy-five people in the family. (15) Jacob moved down to Egypt and died there. Our early fathers died there also. (16) They were brought back to the city of Shechem where they were buried. Abraham paid money for the grave from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.

(17) “The promise God had given Abraham was about to happen. At this time many more of our people were in the country of Egypt. (18) Then another man became king in Egypt. He was a king who did not know Joseph. (19) He was hard on our people and nation. He worked against our early fathers. He made them put their babies outside so they would die.

(20) “At that time Moses was born. He was beautiful in God’s sight. He was fed in his father’s house for three months. (21) Then he was put outside. Pharaoh’s daughter took him and cared for him as her own son. (22) Moses was taught in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. He became a powerful man in words and in the things he did. (23) When he was forty years old, he thought he should visit his brothers, the Jews. (24) He saw one of the Jews being hurt. Moses helped the Jew and killed the man from Egypt. (25) He thought his people would understand. He thought they knew God would let them go free by his help. But the people did not understand.

(26) “The next day Moses came to some Jews who were fighting. He tried to get them to stop. Moses said to the Jews, ‘Sirs, you are brothers. Why do you hurt each other?’ (27) One was beating his neighbor. He pushed Moses away and said, ‘Who made you a leader over us? Who said you could say who is guilty? (28) Do you want to kill me as you killed the man from Egypt yesterday?’ (29) When Moses heard that, he went as fast as he could to the country of Midian where he was a stranger. While he was there, he became the father of two sons. (30) Forty years passed and Moses was near Mount Sinai where no people live. There he saw an angel in the fire of a burning bush. (31) He was surprised and wondered when he saw it. He went up close to see it better. Then he heard the voice of the Lord speak to him. (32) ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.’ Moses shook! He was so afraid he did not look at the bush.

(33) “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take your shoes off your feet! The place where you are standing is holy ground. (34) I have seen My people suffer in the country of Egypt and I have heard their cries. I have come down to let them go free. So come now, I will send you back to Egypt.’

(35) “The people had put Moses aside. They said, ‘Who made you a leader over us? Who said you are the one to say what is right or wrong?’ But God made this man a leader. Moses was the one who brought them out of the country of Egypt. This was done by the help of the angel who was in the burning bush. (36) This man led them. He did powerful works in Egypt and at the Red Sea. For forty years he led them in the desert.

(37) “Moses said to the Jews, ‘God will give you one who speaks for Him like me from among your brothers.’ (38) This is the man who was with the Jewish nation in the desert. The angel talked to him on Mount Sinai. Moses told it to our early fathers. He also received the living Words of God to give to us.

(39) “Our early fathers would not listen to him. They did not obey him. In their hearts they wanted to go back to the country of Egypt. (40) They said to Aaron,...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Prophecy Friday and we’ll read the book of Nahum. I do have an on this date in church history for you. I’m calling today’s episode “Beyond the Pale.”  

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Erda Estremera on Unsplash

Comments on Nahum 1-3

Nahum means “comforter”. There is comfort for God’s people, to be sure. But for Nineveh, not so much.

Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria, and the book of Nahum was written about a hundred years after God sent Jonah to Nineveh to warn them that unless they repented, God’s judgement would destroy them. You probably remember that Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh to give the warning, because Nineveh was so evil that Jonah didn’t want them to repent. Jonah didn’t think they deserved a chance. But God is love and does not want anyone to perish, so He is patient and pleads with the sinner to turn from their wicked ways. And after Jonah was swallowed by the great fish, *he* repented and did deliver the warning to Nineveh. And Nineveh repented and thus avoided God’s judgement.

But now, just a short hundred years later, they are a truly evil, foul and Godless city. They are a great and powerful city. According to one description I found, it was 60 miles across, with walls a hundred feet high. Many thousands of inhabitants. 

In chapter 3 it was referred to as a city of bloody violence. In reading through the Bible, there are occasional times where we are surprised by how descriptive its language is. But overall, it is quite reserved in its language. Such is this reference to Nineveh. “Bloody violence” doesn’t even begin to describe what went on there. 

The Assyrian rulers were cruel in the extreme. And they were proud of their cruelty. Monuments that they had created to tell of their heinous acts have been found, and are now in museums. Listen to what some of them say:

· “I cut off their heads and formed them into pillars.”

· “Bubo, son of Buba, I flayed in the city of Arbela and I spread his skin upon the city wall.”

· “I flayed all the chief men who had revolted, and I covered the pillar with their skins.”

· “Many within the border of my own land I flayed, and spread their skins upon the walls.”

· “I cut off the limbs of the officers, the royal officers who had rebelled.”

· “3,000 captives I burned with fire.”

· “Their corpses I formed into pillars.”

· “From some I cut off their hands and their fingers, and from other I cut off their noses, their ears, and their fingers, of many I put out their eyes.”

· “I made one pillar of the living, and another of heads, I bound their heads to posts round about the city.”

So yes, Nineveh was an evil, evil city. And there was much, much more that I haven’t even mentioned. They truly were beyond the pale. God gave them a chance, but after a short time of repentance, they reverted back to their old ways.

So getting to the bottom line, Nineveh was completely and utterly destroyed. Some even doubted that ever even truly existed until ruins were discovered in 1840. 

Judah had been taken into captivity by the Assyrians and suffered greatly under them. And now finally, God is going to exact vengeance on them. Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”. That is a comfort for those who have confessed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. But on the other side of that coin, for those who are not His, it is equally true that if God is against you, then who can be for you? God was against Nineveh, and no one could save them.

Nineveh was once a great and mighty city. No one could conceive of its destruction. Everyone thought that such a city would always be great. But they turned to their own way, and they were brought down.

Is there a lesson for us here? I believe there is. We as a nation MUST return to God if we are going to ever see His blessing on us again. If we don’t, our fall is sure. God gave Nahum a vision of the destruction of Nineveh. And God has given us His Word to show what happens to nations and kingdoms who forsake Him. The good news is that when nations and kingdoms repent, He blesses. I do not think it is too late for us. There are still many of us praying for America. Let us not grow weary.

Your thoughts?

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 1-3 GW

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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 – 0:00But God is love and doesn’t want anyone to perish.

INTRO S12E289 – 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’s Prophecy Friday, so we’ll read the book of Nahum. Of course, after the reading, I’ve got some comments and we’ve got an on this date in church history segment for you as well. I’m calling today’s episode, “Beyond the Pale”. The show notes page for today’s at lifespringmedia.com/s12e289. My email address is st***@*************ia.com. Let’s get started.

NAHUM 1 (GWT) – 0:46Nahum, chapter one.

(1) This is a revelation from the Lord about Nineveh. This book contains the vision of Nahum from Elkosh.

(2) God does not tolerate rivals. The Lord takes revenge.The Lord takes revenge and is full of anger.The Lord takes revenge against his enemiesand holds a grudge against his foes.(3) The Lord is patient and has great strength.The Lord will never let the guilty go unpunished.Raging winds and storms mark his path,and clouds are the dust from his feet.(4) He yells at the sea and makes it dry.He dries up all the rivers.Bashan and Carmel wither.The flowers of Lebanon wither.(5) The mountains quake because of him.The hills melt.The earth draws back in his presence.The world and all who live in it draw back as well.(6) Who can stand in the presence of his rage?Who can oppose his burning anger?He pours out his rage like fireand smashes the rocky cliffs.

(7) The Lord is good.He is a fortress in the day of trouble.He knows those who seek shelter in him.(8) He will put an end to Ninevehwith a devastating flood.He will pursue his enemies with darkness.(9) What do you think about the Lord?He is the one who will bring Nineveh to an end.This trouble will never happen again.(10) The people of Nineveh will be like tangled thornsand like people drunk on their own drink.They will be completely burned up like very dry straw.(11) From you, Nineveh, a person who plans evil against the Lord sets out.His advice is wicked.

(12) This is what the Lord says:Though the people of Nineveh are physically fit and many in number,they will be cut down and die.Though I have humbled you, Judah,I will not humble you again.(13) But now I will break Nineveh’s yoke off of youand tear its chains from you.(14) The Lord has given this command about you, Nineveh:You will no longer have descendants to carry on your name.I will remove the wooden and metal idols from the temple of your gods.I will prepare your grave because you are worthless.

(15) There on the mountains are the feet of a messengerwho announces the good news: “All is well!”Celebrate your festivals, Judah! Keep your vows!This wickedness will never pass your way again.It will be completely removed.

NAHUM 2 (GWT) – 3:10Nahum, chapter two.

(1) The one who will scatter you is coming to attack you.Guard your fortress!Keep a lookout on the road!Prepare for battle!Be very courageous!

(2) The Lord will restore Jacob’s glory like Israel’s glory,although enemies have looted itand have destroyed its vines.

(3) The shields of his warriors are painted red.His soldiers have red uniforms.The metal on his chariots flashes fiery red,so do the spears when they are wavedon the day he prepares for battle.(4) Chariots are racing madly through the streets,rushing this way and that in the city squares.They look like torches, like lightning, as they dart about.(5) He remembers his best fighting men.They stumble over themselves as they march.They hurry to Nineveh’s wall.The shield has been set up for the battering ram.(6) The gates of the rivers are opened, and the palace melts away.

(7) The Lord has determined:“It will be stripped.It will be carried away.Its young women will be mourning like dovesas they beat their breasts.”(8) Nineveh was like a pool of water from its first day on.But now its people are fleeing.“Stop! Stop!”But no one turns around.(9) Steal the silver! Steal the gold!There is no end to what is stored here—everything a person could ever want.(10) Nineveh is destroyed, deserted, demolished.Hearts are melting.Knees are knocking.Every stomach becomes upset.Every face turns pale.

(11) Where is the lions’ den,that feeding place for young lions?Where are the lion, the lioness, and the lion cub who moved aboutwith no one to terrify them?(12) The lion tore its prey to pieces to feed its cubs.It strangled the prey for its mates.It used to fill its caves with torn carcassesand its dens with torn flesh.

(13) “I am against you, Nineveh,” declares the Lord of Armies.“I will send your chariots up in smoke,and a sword will kill your young lions.I will remove your prey from the earth,and no one will ever hear the voice of your messengers again.”

NAHUM 3 (GWT) – 5:13Nahum, chapter three.

(1) How horrible it will be for that city of bloody violence!It is completely full of lies and stolen goods—never without victims.(2) The sound of the whip!The sound of rattling wheels!Horses gallop!Chariots bounce along!(3) Horses charge!Swords flash!Spears glitter!Many are killed!Dead bodies pile up!There is no end to the corpses!...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Poetry Thursday. We’ll read Proverbs 31. I do have an on this date in church history for you. I’m calling today’s episode “A Mother’s Advice”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Allen Taylor on Unsplash

Comments on Proverbs 31

This chapter is a mother’s advice to her son. The son is King Lemuel, and I’d like to tell you about him, but scholars don’t know anything about him. There’s a fair amount of conjecture, but no facts. One thing that seems true is that there was no king of Judah or Israel with this name. So instead of spending time on who he was, let’s just talk a little about the content of this chapter.

She warns her son about the dangers of sexual immorality. Good advice. And the advice would be just as good as if it were from a mother to a daughter or a father to either son or daughter. Both men and women invite all kinds of trouble if they are not sexually pure. I know that sounds very old fashioned, but look at the consequences on our culture today brought on by the sexual revolution that began in the 60s, not the least of which is more than 62 1/2 million abortions in America alone since 1973. STDs are rampant. About a quarter of the children in the US live in single-parent homes…the highest rate in the world. I could go on. Beloved, God’s plan for marriage is not to take our fun away, it is to give us a better, happier life. 

Then this wise mother talked to her son about the dangers of alcohol. Nearly everyone has a family member or knows someone whose life was ruined by alcohol. I never met my paternal grandfather. He was killed while driving drunk. My biological father was an alcoholic, as were three of his four brothers, if I’m not mistaken. And I could go on with other stories. Don’t get me wrong. Alcohol can be used responsibly, but a dangerous substance must be used with the realization that it is indeed dangerous. 

She talked about the importance of defending the defenseless. This is certainly important for a king or any person in a position of power, but it’s true for all of us. What are we doing for the defenseless? What is your church doing? Some churches feed the needy. Some have programs for the homeless. Some are active in right to life activities. Individuals can volunteer in soup kitchens, or do prison ministries, or counsel women who are considering abortions. Literally, the sky is the limit. Ask God what He would have *you* do.

And then verses 10 to 31 are probably the verses that Proverbs 31 is best known for: the mother tells her son the value of a woman of character and virtue. In the original Hebrew language, each verse begins with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This may have been done to make it easier to memorize. One commentator called it “An Alphabet of Wifely Excellence.” I like that. Someone else called it “The ABCs of wisdom.” That’s good, too.

I have to say that as I was rereading these verses, I was wondering how to talk about them, because my wife, the the Lovely Lady LeeAnn, comes as close to fulfilling these verses as I can imagine any woman can. I could tell you about our marriage, and how I truly do love her more every day, and how reading this list made me fall even more in love with her as I compared her to the list. I told her about my thoughts, but she only said, “I fall so short. I’m not that woman.” And I thought that you wouldn’t believe me, or you’d think I was just gilding the lily. 

So I’ll just say this. I believe, down to my very core, that I am the most blessed man in the world. LeeAnn *is* a marvelous example of the Proverbs 31 woman. Her mother raised her right, and on top of everything, she loves the Lord with all her heart. I have thanked my mother-in-law numerous times over the years for the woman my wife is. 

So that’s all I’ll say about her. Today, at least. For those who are longtime listeners, you know I’ve talked about her many times over the years. So I’ll probably do so again. 

I’ll finish today by suggesting to those of you who still have your kids at home that you have this kind of talk with them. And write it down, as this wise mother here in Proverbs 31 did. Give them Godly advice as they grow and mature. The culture today gives them all sorts of ungodly advice. It’s up to believing parents to do all they can to minimize the impact of the culture. Help them to see the consequences of following the crowd. The older they get, the more information you can give them. Help them to see that true happiness comes from following God’s plan. Following the crowd will only bring heartache.  

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 31 NLV

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 – 0:00An alphabet of wifely excellence.

INTRO S12E288 – 0:10And here we are again. Hi, this is Steve Webb and this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible. Podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. Today is Poetry Thursday and we’ll complete the book of Proverbs with a reading of chapter 31. After the reading, I’ve got some comments. Then there’ll be an On This Date in Church History segment, and we’ll have a short time of prayer. I’m calling today’s episode, “A Mother’s Advice”. The show notes page for today is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e288. My email address is st***@*************ia.com And with that, I think we should get started.

PROVERBS 31 () – 0:50Proverbs, chapter 31. (1) The words of Lemuel king of Massa, which his mother taught him:

(2) What, my son? What, son who came from within me? What, son of my promises? (3) Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to that which destroys kings. (4) It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink. (5) Or they might drink and forget the law, and go against the rights of all who are suffering. (6) Give strong drink to him who is about to die, and wine to him whose life is full of trouble. (7) Let him drink and forget how poor he is, and remember his trouble no more. (8) Open your mouth for those who cannot speak, and for the rights of those who are left without help. (9) Open your mouth. Be right and fair in what you decide. Stand up for the rights of those who are suffering and in need.

(10) Who can find a good wife? For she is worth far more than rubies that make one rich. (11) The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will never stop getting good things. (12) She does him good and not bad all the days of her life. (13) She looks for wool and flax, and works with willing hands. (14) She is like ships that trade. She brings her food from far away. (15) She rises while it is still night and makes food for all those in her house. She gives work for the young women to do. (16) She gives careful thought to a field and buys it. She plants grape-vines from what she has earned. (17) She makes herself ready with strength, and makes her arms strong. (18) She sees that what she has earned is good. Her lamp does not go out at night. (19) She puts her hands to the wheel to make cloth. (20) She opens her hand to the poor, and holds out her hands to those in need. (21) She is not afraid of the snow for those in her house, for all of them are dressed in red. (22) She makes coverings for herself. Her clothes are linen cloth and purple. (23) Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the leaders of the land. (24) She makes linen clothes and sells them. She brings belts to those who trade. (25) Her clothes are strength and honor. She is full of joy about the future. (26) She opens her mouth with wisdom. The teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (27) She looks well to the ways of those in her house, and does not eat the bread of doing nothing. (28) Her children rise up and honor her. Her husband does also, and he praises her, saying: (29) “Many daughters have done well, but you have done better than all of them.” (30) Pleasing ways lie and beauty comes to nothing, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised. (31) Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

COMMENTS – 3:35Well, beloved, this chapter is a mother’s advice to her son. The son’s name is King Lemuel, and that’s really just about all we know about him. Scholars have a fair amount of conjecture about him. But there are no facts. One thing that seems to be true is that there was no king in either Judah or Israel that had this name. So instead of spending time on who he was, let’s just talk a little bit about the content of the chapter.

This mother warns her son about the dangers of sexual immorality, which is good advice. And the advice would be just as good as if it were from a mother to a daughter or a father to either son or daughter. Both men and women invite all kinds of trouble if they’re not sexually pure. Yeah, I know that sounds old-fashioned, but look at the consequences on our culture today brought on by the sexual revolution that began in my generation, that began in the 60s. I was born in the 50s. The 60s is when the birth control pill came in and then, Katie bar the door, it was all open. During that time, Roe v. Wade became the law of the land. And now we’ve had 10s of millions of abortions in America if not hundreds of millions by now. And STDs are rampant. About a quarter of the children in the US live in a single-parent home if probably even more than that now. And we in the United States have the highest percentage of single-parent homes in the world. Beloved, God’s plan for marriage is not to take our fun away....