The books of 1st and 2nd Samuel are filled with familiar names: Saul, David, and Samuel. The books tell the story of Israel's first kings and the struggles they faced to be faithful to God and his call. In our discussion of 1 Samuel, Pastor Jim explores the life of Saul and the emergence of David. We discuss the book's themes and what we can learn from them today. 

In today's episode, we take a closer look at the book of Ruth. Ruth is an easy book to overlook. It's not long, and it doesn't have tales of kings or empires, but the story proves surprisingly critical to the history of Israel and to Jesus himself. We discuss the story, its major themes, and the role of Ruth alongside the books of Judges and 1 & 2 Samuel. 

The book of Judges tells the story of the time between the conquest and the kings. It is a time the book describes as everyone doing what was right in their own eyes. In today's conversation, we take a look at the time period of the judges and the major themes of the book. We also recognize important parallels with our own day and what lessons believers can learn from the book. 

The book of Joshua tells the story of a new generation and a new effort to enter and take the promised land. Joshua, taking the leadership mantle from Moses, lead the people over the Jordan and into battle. In today's episode, we look at the book's major themes and also discuss some of the challenges of the book, including war in the name of God. 

We're continuing our series looking at each book of the Bible. In today's episode, Pastor Jim explores the background and themes of the book of Deuteronomy. Not only does Deuteronomy conclude the Pentateuch, but it also depicts the end of Moses's life and the transition of Israel's leadership. We discuss Moses's life and his call for God's people to remember.

Continuing our series of conversations on the books of the Bible, today, we discuss the fourth book of the Torah, Numbers. The book of Numbers, often associated with the counting of its censuses, offers an important view into the years of the Hebrews' wilderness wanderings. Pastor Jim explores the theme of wilderness, the struggle of the Hebrew people, and the challenging leadership task Moses faced. 

Continuing our series of conversations on the books of the Bible, today, we discuss the third book of the Torah, Leviticus. Many readers struggle to make it through this book of detailed laws and regulations, but Pastor Jim helps explore why the book matters, its critical themes fo the Bible, and how a book of Old Testament regulations can point us to Christ. 

As we continue our series looking at each book of the Bible, we come to the second book of the Torah, Exodus. Its story of Moses and the escape of the Hebrews from Egyptian captivity is central not only to the Biblical text but continues to be a theme in our cultural imagination. Pastor Jim explores the major themes of the book and how they can shape our lives as believers.

We begin our new series of conversations through the Bible by discussing the opening book of Genesis. What are the major themes and key concepts? Pastor Jim explores the Bible's opening and the significance of the God who created all things. 

In today's episode, we wrap up our series looking at the pastoral letters of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. Pastor Jim reflects on the major themes of the letters and the lessons we can take away as followers of Christ and those serving in ministry. We also discuss what comes next for our podcast conversations.