Thread

By Dr. David Pocta & Hannah Desouza

Thread is a podcast about finding our place in God’s story. We invite you to follow along with Dr. David Pocta and Hannah DeSouza as they guide us on a journey through the Bible, exploring how the bib... more

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FAQs about Thread:

How many episodes does Thread have?

The podcast currently has 68 episodes available.

Thread episodes:

November 25, 2024Episode 35: Solomon
In the final episode of the podcast series 'God's People Blessed,' we discuss King Solomon's life, his divine wisdom, and his eventual spiritual decline. We'll explore the contradiction between Solomon's great wisdom and his moral failings, highlighting lessons on the importance of integrating wisdom with spirituality.
We will dive into:
Solomon's significant achievements, including building the first temple
His downfall due to marrying foreign women and turning to other gods
The necessity for a mature, evolving spirituality to avoid despair,
Reflections on the lasting lessons of Solomon's life
A brief look forward to the next series on the divided kingdom
Links:
Learn more about Thread
Dr. David Pocta
Hannah DeSouza
...more
38min
November 18, 2024King David
This episode of the Thread podcast, we delve into the complex narrative of King David as depicted in the book of 2 Samuel. The hosts discuss David's rise to power, his moral failings, and his deep spirituality, emphasizing that his relationship with Yahweh was driven not by moral perfection but by grace and covenant. The episode underscores the importance of grace, humility, and the willingness to return to God. We'll also hint at exploring more on Solomon and a frequently misused scripture in the upcoming episode.
Topic's discussed
King David's life shows us what it means to be "a man after God's own heart."
David's infamous affair with Bathsheba
The consequences of his actions
The unique incident with the Ark of the Covenant
Yahweh's unwavering commitment to David despite his human flaws
Links:
Learn more about Thread
Dr. David Pocta
Hannah DeSouza
...more
42min
November 11, 2024 Episode 33: David & Jonathan
In this episode, we dive into the unique and powerful friendship between David and Jonathan. Learn about David's journey from a shepherd boy to a future king anointed by Yahweh, his trials during 15 years in the wilderness, and the key role of spiritual friendship during his challenging times. We also compare and contrast David with King Saul, exploring the heart and spirituality that set David apart as a man after God's own heart. Join us as we uncover deep biblical insights, the significance of inner life, and the development of spiritual leadership.
Topics Discussed
* David’s Inner Life and the Significance of Israel’s Kings.
* The Contrast Between Saul and David as Leaders.
* Defining “Spiritual Anthropology”.
* Balancing Knowledge, Being, and Doing in Spiritual Development.
* David as a Spiritual Leader Despite Moral Imperfections.
* The Story of David and Goliath.
* Saul’s Attempts to Kill David.
* Saul’s Death and David’s Long Wait
Links:
Learn more about Thread
Dr. David Pocta
Hannah DeSouza
...more
45min
November 04, 2024 Episode 32: Saul
Join us in a crucial conversation about spiritual leadership as we focus in on the life of Israel's first king, Saul.
In This episode, we delve into the profound topic of spiritual leadership by examining the life of Saul, the first king of Israel. We also discuss the inherent dangers of elevating kings and leaders, as warned by Yahweh, and how Saul's lack of humility and spirituality led to his downfall. This episode highlights the critical distinction between worldly leadership and spiritual guidance and explores the continuing relevance of these lessons in modern faith communities. Join us as we navigate through 1 Samuel chapters 8-15, understanding Yahweh's intentions, the people's desire for a king, and the spiritual implications of Saul's actions.
Topics Discussed
* Differences between kingship and spiritual leadership
* Yahweh's warnings about kings
* Saul's rise to power
* Community's search for security in strong leaders
* Risks of elevating leaders above others
Links:
Learn more about Thread.
Dr. David Pocta
Hannah DeSouza
...more
43min
October 28, 2024 Episode 31: Hannah & Samuel
We begin our new series, God's People Blessed, on the precipice of a new era for Israel. God's people are about to ask for a new kind of leader. But first, as God has often done in the past, he orchestrates a miraculous birth through a heroine of faith, prayer and devotion.
Join us in this episode of Thread as we unravel the compelling story of Hannah and Samuel. We discuss Hannah's deep faith and unwavering prayerfulness in the face of adversity, explore Samuel's growth from a dedicated young boy under Eli's mentorship to a prominent spiritual leader, and discover the rise of spiritual leaders in Israel and the transformation from a period of spiritual void to faithful devotion.
We also delve into the significance of the Nazirite vow, the corruption of Eli's sons, and the Philistines' struggle with the Ark of God. We reflect on the themes of personal faith, divine calling, and the emergence of Samuel as a new kind of judge and prophet, setting the stage for the future kings of Israel.
Topics Discussed
* Hannah’s Story and Faith
* Hannah’s Prayer and the Nazarite Vow
* Samuel's Unique Calling and Dedication
* Hannah’s Prayer of Praise
* Corruption in the Priesthood
* Samuel’s Readiness and Obedience
* Yahweh’s First Revelation to Samuel
* Samuel’s Rise as a Prophet of Yahweh
Links:
Learn more about Thread.
Dr. David Pocta
Hannah DeSouza
...more
38min
September 23, 2024Ruth
How does the story of a Moabite widow illuminate the depth of God's story in the Bible? Join us as we embark on a profound exploration of the book of Ruth with our special guest, Sherie Gayle, a PhD candidate in theology and religious studies at Georgetown University. Sherie enriches our discussion with her academic insights, emphasizing the compelling roles and relationships of the women in Ruth.
We scrutinize how the narrative challenges traditional gender roles and the significance of Ruth, an outsider, being the namesake of one of the Bible's books. This episode brings the humanity of the characters to the forefront and explores how their experiences deepen our understanding of faith and God's plan.
Topics Discussed:
Special guest Cherie Gale and her background in theology and religious studies
The Book of Ruth and its significance in highlighting women's roles and relationships
The severe famine that forced an Israelite family to Moab and the ensuing trials faced by Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth
The societal and legal hardships for women without male guardians in ancient times
Naomi's decision to return to Judah and Ruth's unwavering loyalty, including her famous declaration of faith and loyalty to Naomi
Ruth's and Boaz's intimate exchange, cultural and legal implications of their interaction, and the concept of the kinsman redeemer
The tradition of levirate marriage and comparison with the story of Tamar and Judah
Ruth's pivotal role in the lineage of King David and the Messiah, emphasizing her noble character and steadfast faith
Cherie’s insights into the reversal of traditional gender roles and the significance of Ruth, a Moabite woman, being a namesake of one of the Bible’s books
Links:
Dr. David Pocta
Hannah DeSouza
Sherie Gayle
Slideshow
...more
41min
September 23, 202430: Ruth
How does the story of a Moabite widow illuminate the depth of God's story in the Bible? Join us as we embark on a profound exploration of the book of Ruth with our special guest, Sherie Gayle, a PhD candidate in theology and religious studies at Georgetown University. Sherie enriches our discussion with her academic insights, emphasizing the compelling roles and relationships of the women in Ruth.
We scrutinize how the narrative challenges traditional gender roles and the significance of Ruth, an outsider, being the namesake of one of the Bible's books. This episode brings the humanity of the characters to the forefront and explores how their experiences deepen our understanding of faith and God's plan.
Topics Discussed:
Special guest Cherie Gale and her background in theology and religious studies
The Book of Ruth and its significance in highlighting women's roles and relationships
The severe famine that forced an Israelite family to Moab and the ensuing trials faced by Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth
The societal and legal hardships for women without male guardians in ancient times
Naomi's decision to return to Judah and Ruth's unwavering loyalty, including her famous declaration of faith and loyalty to Naomi
Ruth's and Boaz's intimate exchange, cultural and legal implications of their interaction, and the concept of the kinsman redeemer
The tradition of levirate marriage and comparison with the story of Tamar and Judah
Ruth's pivotal role in the lineage of King David and the Messiah, emphasizing her noble character and steadfast faith
Cherie’s insights into the reversal of traditional gender roles and the significance of Ruth, a Moabite woman, being a namesake of one of the Bible’s books
Links:
Dr. David Pocta
Hannah DeSouza
Sherie Gayle
Slideshow
...more
41min
September 16, 2024Judges
Join us in this episode of Thread as we untangle the complexities of the book of Judges in the context of the Old Testament. We'll start by retracing the significant journey from Genesis, where Yahweh made a covenant with Abraham’s descendants, to the formation of Israel. As we highlight Yahweh’s instructions to Israel to drive out the Canaanites, we'll discuss the critical importance of this command and its profound implications on Israel’s future as a beacon to the nations.
Moving forward, we'll scrutinize the first two chapters of Judges that reveal Israel’s failure to completely expel the Canaanites and the resulting moral corruption that ensued. We dissect the cyclical narrative of Israel's disobedience and subsequent rescue by judges like Othniel, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson. Despite Yahweh’s guidance, Israel's moral decay becomes increasingly evident each time a judge dies, spotlighting the significant consequences of partial obedience and the infiltration of idolatrous practices.
Topics Discussed:
The Book of Judges within the broader Old Testament context, tracing the journey from Genesis and Yahweh's covenant with Abraham
Yahweh's instructions to Israel to drive out the Canaanites
The profound implications of Israel's failure to fully comply
Israel's incomplete obedience and the resulting moral corruption in the first two chapters of Judges
The cyclical pattern of disobedience and rescue by judges like Othniel, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson
The importance of complete obedience and the dangers of partial commitment
Parallels to contemporary spiritual challenges
The essence of idolatry and its impact on Israel
The role of leadership in the Book of Judges, focusing on figures like Deborah and the significance of their moral and spiritual guidance
Yahweh's unwavering faithfulness and compassion despite Israel's repeated failures
The overarching theme of Israel's need for steadfast allegiance to Yahweh
Links:
Dr. David Pocta
Hannah DeSouza
...more
44min
September 16, 202429: Judges
Join us in this episode of Thread as we untangle the complexities of the book of Judges in the context of the Old Testament. We'll start by retracing the significant journey from Genesis, where Yahweh made a covenant with Abraham’s descendants, to the formation of Israel. As we highlight Yahweh’s instructions to Israel to drive out the Canaanites, we'll discuss the critical importance of this command and its profound implications on Israel’s future as a beacon to the nations.
Moving forward, we'll scrutinize the first two chapters of Judges that reveal Israel’s failure to completely expel the Canaanites and the resulting moral corruption that ensued. We dissect the cyclical narrative of Israel's disobedience and subsequent rescue by judges like Othniel, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson. Despite Yahweh’s guidance, Israel's moral decay becomes increasingly evident each time a judge dies, spotlighting the significant consequences of partial obedience and the infiltration of idolatrous practices.
Topics Discussed:
The Book of Judges within the broader Old Testament context, tracing the journey from Genesis and Yahweh's covenant with Abraham
Yahweh's instructions to Israel to drive out the Canaanites
The profound implications of Israel's failure to fully comply
Israel's incomplete obedience and the resulting moral corruption in the first two chapters of Judges
The cyclical pattern of disobedience and rescue by judges like Othniel, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson
The importance of complete obedience and the dangers of partial commitment
Parallels to contemporary spiritual challenges
The essence of idolatry and its impact on Israel
The role of leadership in the Book of Judges, focusing on figures like Deborah and the significance of their moral and spiritual guidance
Yahweh's unwavering faithfulness and compassion despite Israel's repeated failures
The overarching theme of Israel's need for steadfast allegiance to Yahweh
Links:
Dr. David Pocta
Hannah DeSouza
...more
44min
September 09, 2024Joshua
Unlock profound insights on Israel's journey from Moses to Joshua with our special guest, Dr. Michael Burns, as we navigate the crossing of the Jordan River. We dissect Deuteronomy 31:16-19, revealing God's haunting warning to Israel and the significance of the phrase "on that day." By connecting these ancient texts to themes of divine judgment and covenantal faithfulness, our guest Dr. Michael Burns brings a unique perspective grounded in his deep expertise in Christian education and the cultural backgrounds of the New Testament.
Journey through the pivotal moments in the Book of Joshua with us, where we spotlight the crucial transition from Moses to Joshua and the spiritual principles embedded within their stories. From the miraculous crossing of the Jordan to the unconventional victory at Jericho, we draw unexpected parallels to the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing obedience to God even when it defies worldly logic. The cautionary tale of Ai underscores the perils of overconfidence and the unceasing need for reliance on divine guidance.
Topics Discussed:
Introduction of special guest Dr. Michael Burns and his background in Christian education and cultural backgrounds of the New Testament
Examination of Deuteronomy 31:16-19, focusing on God's warning to Israel and the technical use of the phrase "on that day" throughout the Old Testament
The critical transition from Moses to Joshua, highlighting Joshua's role as the new Moses and drawing parallels between their actions
The miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and the spiritual principles emphasized in the story of the Battle of Jericho
The connection between the Battle of Jericho and the Sermon on the Mount, illustrating how obedience to God often defies worldly logic
The cautionary tale of Ai, emphasizing the dangers of overconfidence and the necessity of reliance on divine guidance
Interpreting violent passages in the Old Testament and their impact on Christianity's reputation
The term "harem" and its implications, suggesting a translation of "remove from use" rather than "annihilate"
Jesus' teachings on power and violence, and how these New Testament principles can help navigate Old Testament passages
Preview of the next episode focusing on the Book of Judges

Links:
Dr. David Pocta
Hannah DeSouza
Dr. Michael Burns
Slideshow
...more
49min

FAQs about Thread:

How many episodes does Thread have?

The podcast currently has 68 episodes available.

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