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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How many episodes does Thread have?

The podcast currently has 79 episodes available.

Thread episodes:

April 07, 2025Episode 46: Rebuilding the Wall
In today’s episode, co-hosts Hannah Desouza and Dr. David Pocta continue the God’s People Blessed series, wrapping up the Old Testament with a discussion on rebuilding the wall. They take you through the final chapters of Ezra and Nehemiah, exploring God’s guidance, the people’s obedience, and the incredible restoration journey of God’s chosen people. The episode highlights how, even in the face of opposition, the people of God are called to play their part in God’s greater plan.
Topics Discussed:
The Setting of Ezra & Nehemiah: A historical backdrop of 458 BC, Ezra leading exiles to Jerusalem, and the cultural and spiritual issues faced.
The Purification of the Community: Ezra's controversial decision to remove foreign wives, its scriptural significance, and the deeper narrative of God’s call to holiness.
Nehemiah’s Bold Mission: The heart of Nehemiah, from his emotional response to the condition of Jerusalem, to his leadership in rebuilding the wall despite ridicule and opposition.
The Role of the People in Restoration: How the Jews, despite mockery, come together to complete the wall, demonstrating God's faithfulness through community effort.
The Significance of Genealogy: The emotional weight behind the genealogy list found by Nehemiah, highlighting the sacrifices made by those returning to Jerusalem after exile.
A New Covenant and Hope for Restoration: The renewed covenant the people make in chapter 9, their commitment to God, and the subsequent fall short in Nehemiah 13. Nehemiah’s fierce response and the underlying need for a Messiah to bring about true transformation.
The Already, But Not Yet Paradigm: The ongoing tension between spiritual restoration and the recognition that only God’s Spirit and the new covenant can bring true renewal.
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38min
March 31, 2025Episode 45: Esther
In this episode of Thread Podcast, hosts Hannah DeSouza and Dr. David Pocta dive into the Book of Esther, reflecting on how Esther’s story of courage, faith, and community support applies to their own life experiences. They are joined by special guest Melanie Singh, who provides a deep analysis of Esther's character transformation and her significance as a figure of bravery and spiritual growth, emphasizing themes of faith, agency, and God's providence.
Topics discussed:
Esther’s rise to the queen of Persia.
Her strategic and patient approach to save her people, and the historical and religious context surrounding her story.
Reflections on how the themes of fasting and trusting in God resonate with personal challenges and spiritual journeying.
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45min
March 24, 2025Episode 44: Rebuilding the Temple
On today's episode of the Thread podcast, join your hosts as they explore the return of the Jewish exiles to Judah and the rebuilding of the temple. The episode delves into various passages from Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, highlighting the themes of comfort, restoration, and a future kingdom. Prophets Haggai and Zechariah are introduced as pivotal figures in motivating the Jews to resume construction. The episode concludes by noting the absence of the Shekinah glory in the newly rebuilt temple, suggesting a greater fulfillment to come.
Topics include:
They discuss the human instinct to restore the past and the importance of reimagining the future.
The role of home in spirituality, the significance of the exile and return, and the challenges of resistance and stalled efforts in rebuilding the temple.
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47min
March 17, 2025Episode 43: Exilic Prophets
In this episode of Thread, join your hosts as they delve into the unique roles and messages of the exilic prophets — Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Isaiah. They explore the prophets' responsibilities to provide comfort, interpret current events, and guide Israel through their tumultuous exile. The discussion highlights the need for critical thinking and theological reflection in modern faith communities to navigate today's challenges.
Topics discussed include:
Jeremiah's 'Weeping Prophet' persona and his focus on a new covenant
Ezekiel's symbolic street theater and his visions of a new heart and spirit
Isaiah's messages of comfort, theological reflection, and the hope brought by the 'servant songs.'
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46min
March 10, 2025Episode 42: Life in Exile
Join us as we begin God's People Returned, the last series in our first season, YHWH and the People, with this episode that examines what life was like for the Jewish people in Babylonian exile. Hannah and Dr. David discuss the impact of exile on Jewish faith and identity, emphasizing the transformative change it brought. The insights are drawn from prophetic voices like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, who offered messages of hope and redefined the covenant. The episode concludes with a reflection on how these historical lessons can be applied to contemporary spiritual life, emphasizing the importance of listening to God's voice and adopting a 'both-and' paradigm to navigate changing times.
Topics discussed:
The shift from temple-based to Torah-centered worship.
The emergence of synagogues, and the deepening of monotheistic belief.
The psychological, emotional, and cultural challenges faced by the Jews and the lessons learned about faithfulness and identity.
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44min
February 10, 2025Episode 41: Jerusalem's Fall
In this episode of the Thread Podcast, hosts Hannah DeSouza and Dr. David Pocta explore the spiritual and historical significance of Jerusalem's fall, as detailed in the Book of Lamentations. The discussion covers various key events leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem, the importance of the Battle of Carchemish, and the resulting exile of the Jews to Babylon. They delve deeply into the chapters of Lamentations, analyzing the grief, sorrow, and hope portrayed in the poetic verses. The episode highlights how ancient Israel understood and processed their suffering and God's silence during these moments. It concludes by discussing the lasting impact of these events on Jewish tradition, particularly through Tisha B'Av, and sets the stage for the next series on life in exile.

Topics discussed include:
Jerusalem's Fall and Historical Context
The Battle of Carchemish and Its Impact
The Book of Lamentations: An Overview
An Exploration of the Themes of Lamentations
The Role of Grief and Lament in Spiritual Life
This Series Conclusion and Sneak Peak of the Upcoming Series
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40min
February 03, 2025Episode 40: Exile
In this episode of the Thread Podcast, co-hosts Hannah Desouza and Dr. David Pocta explore the theme of exile in God’s story, focusing on the exile of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel. Next, they discuss the exile of Judah, which happened in four waves, with the first wave in 605 BCE when Daniel and others were taken to Babylon. Subsequent waves followed rebellions and the eventual fall of Judah, leading to a loss of organized Jewish presence. The exile, they explain, was due to disobedience, idol worship, and a failure to honor God. This theme of exile began with Adam and Eve and represents a longing to return to God’s presence. In exile, God uses these seasons to bring transformation and reformation, stripping away idols like the temple, king, and promised land to restore a right relationship with Him. The episode concludes with the reminder that even in exile, God’s faithfulness remains, and He uses these moments to remind us of what truly matters in our walk with Him.
Topics Discussed:
Reasons behind the exiles of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel.
The Exile of Judah, which happened in four waves.
They theological implications of exile, tying it to themes in the Old and New Testaments.
The relevance of these ancient narratives to modern spiritual practices
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40min
January 27, 2025Episode 39: Judah's Prophets
In today's episode of the Thread podcast, along with special guest Dr. Steve Kinnard, Hannah and Dr. David delve into the prophets of Judah, focusing on their roles, messages, and historical context.
We will
discuss the context and socio-political background of the prophets
explore Micah 6:8, breaking down the call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God
reflect on how these principles should inform modern Christian lives and church communities
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45min
January 20, 2025 Episode 38: Judah's Kings
This week, on the Thread Podcast, Hannah and David explore the inspiring stories of Joash and Josiah, who broke cycles of spiritual decay in their generation. Joash was hidden in the temple by his aunt for six years before being crowned king and starting a period of spiritual reform, especially in restoring the temple. Similarly, Josiah, who began his reign at eight years old, rediscovered the book of the law and led major religious reforms to eradicate idolatry, showing significant humility and commitment to God's commandments.
Topics discussed include:
The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
Humility
Fidelity to God's Word
The critical role of spiritual leadership in guiding communities
The importance of ongoing reform to align with divine principles
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44min
January 13, 2025 Episode 37: Israel's Prophets
In this episode of the Thread podcast, Hannah and David explore the faithful relationship God seeks to establish with humanity, particularly through the roles of prophets in Israel's divided kingdom. The episode features Dr. Renata First, a scholar of the Old Testament, who delves into the work and impact of northern prophets like Elijah during the reign of King Ahab. The conversation extends to the present day, reflecting on the continued need for prophetic voices and their relational role in addressing spiritual and societal issues.
Topics discussed:
The Intervention of Prophets in Opposing Unrighteousness
Performing Wonders
Aiding the Marginalized
Transmitting God's word
Confronting Infidelity
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42min

FAQs about Thread:

How many episodes does Thread have?

The podcast currently has 79 episodes available.

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