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.

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Dr. David Pocta

Hannah DeSouza

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

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Dr. David Pocta
Hannah DeSouza

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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Dr. David Pocta
Hannah DeSouza

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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Dr. David Pocta
Hannah DeSouza

In the first episode of the 'God's People Divided' series, hosts Dave and Hannah discuss the spiritual decline of Israel under King Jeroboam. Dr. Dudley Chancey, a specialist in intergenerational faith transmission, joins to highlight how the sins of Jeroboam led Israel astray and the consequences on future generations.

Topic's discussed:

The importance of passing down faith stories
The generational impact of sins
Lessons from the Old Testament
How negative behaviors persisted through the lineage of Israel's kings
The importance of active, daily faith practices in family life

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Dr. David Pocta

Hannah DeSouza

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.

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Dr. David Pocta

Hannah DeSouza

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

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Dr. David Pocta

Hannah DeSouza

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Dr. David Pocta

Hannah DeSouza

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Learn more about Thread.
Dr. David Pocta
Hannah DeSouza

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

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Dr. David Pocta
Hannah DeSouza