Have you ever wondered how the ancient narratives of Sarah and Hagar could influence our understanding of faith, women's struggles, and divine promises?  Our conversation today ventures beyond the surface to examine the cultural dimensions of their time, particularly the poignant decision of Sarah to offer her servant Hagar to Abraham—a choice with resounding effects on the unfolding of biblical history. We navigate through the subtleties of these stories, touching on themes of agency, adaptability, and the surprising ways God's provisions emerge from human imperfections. 

 As we move through the intricacies of Scripture, we encounter the theme of barrenness and God's steadfast commitment as seen in the lives of the Old Testament matriarchs. The transformation from Sarah's skepticism to overwhelming joy mirrors the depth of God's engagement with His people. Hagar's powerful encounter with the divine, resulting in her naming God El-Roi, "the God who sees," reveals an empowering narrative that resonates across generations. These stories showcase the breadth of God's relational dynamics with humanity. 

Topics Discussed: 

Quotes: 

“We've used this image before of a tapestry, and what I see in this story is God perhaps weaving in threads that maybe were not part of the initial design but incorporating them into this pattern that we have become.” –Hannah DeSouza  

“So whenever we see in Hebrew narrative a specific name, it shows respect and honor, and there's a lot of times when someone's referred to and their name is not used – their proper name – and it actually communicates a distance or a contempt or a lack of an emotional connection.” Dr. David Pocta 

“I think God likes to use impossible situations and kind of insert himself to show the miraculous nature of all, the miraculous way in which he works.” –Hannah DeSouza 

Links: 

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow 

In today’s episode, Hannah DeSouza and Dr. David Pocta take listeners on a deep dive into the Suzerain-Vassal Treaty—an ancient document that offers illuminating insights into the covenant between God and Abraham. This episode invites listeners to explore the formation, stipulations, and implications of these ancient covenants and their significance in a biblical context. 

Throughout the episode, Hannah and David explore the concept of covenant and its connections to biblical narratives. The hosts walk listeners through the seven-step formation of the Suzerain-Vassal Treaty and highlight the consequences of covenant violation with a passage from Jeremiah. The episode also dives into the conversation between Abraham and Yahweh in Genesis 15, discussing the minimal rules of the covenant and the faith required from Abraham. Furthermore, they delve into the repeated terms of the covenant throughout Genesis and emphasize the need to trust in God's timing. 

Topics Discussed: 

Quotes:  

“So even though it had these legal implications, it was also very personal, and for a vassal to break covenant would be a huge statement about their character.” – Dr. David Pocta 

“Even the fact that so much of this is spoken over Abraham as he's asleep. I think that's a really powerful image too, that you're not even conscious of what I'm doing, but I will fulfill my role regardless.” –Hannah DeSouza 

“I think it's our responsibility to learn and understand the role that we're in and then we have to decide if we want that relationship.” – Dr. David Pocta 

 Links: 

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow 

In today’s episode, Hannah DeSouza and Dr. David Pocta take listeners on a deep dive into the Suzerain-Vassal Treaty—an ancient document that offers illuminating insights into the covenant between God and Abraham. This episode invites listeners to explore the formation, stipulations, and implications of these ancient covenants and their significance in a biblical context. 

Throughout the episode, Hannah and David explore the concept of covenant and its connections to biblical narratives. The hosts walk listeners through the seven-step formation of the Suzerain-Vassal Treaty and highlight the consequences of covenant violation with a passage from Jeremiah. The episode also dives into the conversation between Abraham and Yahweh in Genesis 15, discussing the minimal rules of the covenant and the faith required from Abraham. Furthermore, they delve into the repeated terms of the covenant throughout Genesis and emphasize the need to trust in God's timing. 

Topics Discussed: 

Quotes:  

“So even though it had these legal implications, it was also very personal, and for a vassal to break covenant would be a huge statement about their character.” – Dr. David Pocta 

“Even the fact that so much of this is spoken over Abraham as he's asleep. I think that's a really powerful image too, that you're not even conscious of what I'm doing, but I will fulfill my role regardless.” –Hannah DeSouza 

“I think it's our responsibility to learn and understand the role that we're in and then we have to decide if we want that relationship.” – Dr. David Pocta 

 Links: 

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow 

This is the first episode of our next Thread Era: God's People Birthed. We'll be looking at the rest of Genesis and zooming in on the lives of Abraham and his descendants, known as the patriarchs, over the next 8 episodes. 

What do God's promises mean and how do they reshape existence itself? Join us for a special episode featuring Dr. Courtney Bailey, an attorney and a self-supporting Bible teacher hailing from Jamaica. Dr. Bailey adds layers of depth to our conversation as we examine the call of Abraham and Sarah. We unpack not just the formation of Israel, but the very reforming of creation, laying the foundation for a transformative spiritual journey. 

In our exploration, we dissect God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12, and the implications it has for the chosen nation. Together with Dr. Bailey, we offer a fresh perspective on God's purpose for creation - to bless, and how He fulfills His promise even through the trials. Listen in as we unravel how Abraham's obedience acts as a passport to God's promises and protection, ending with the powerful affirmation - if God is on our side, who can stand against us? 

 Topics Discussed: 

Quotes: 

“So God is willing to give to Abraham what the people at Babel were trying to take, just as he wanted to give to Eve what she was trying to take in the garden.” –Dr. Courtney Bailey 

“Part of what's so fascinating about this is that we see Yahweh's disinterest in a king.  

"We see that early on, right? He doesn't want his people to have kings and yet he says kings will come from you.” –Dr. David Pocta 

 “So, God has found a workaround through Jesus. It's an incredible promise and it's an incredible thread to trace all the way through scripture, from Abraham to Jesus. It really is amazing.” –Dr. Courtney Bailey 

This is the first episode of our next Thread Era: God's People Birthed. We'll be looking at the rest of Genesis and zooming in on the lives of Abraham and his descendants, known as the patriarchs, over the next 8 episodes. 

What do God's promises mean and how do they reshape existence itself? Join us for a special episode featuring Dr. Courtney Bailey, an attorney and a self-supporting Bible teacher hailing from Jamaica. Dr. Bailey adds layers of depth to our conversation as we examine the call of Abraham and Sarah. We unpack not just the formation of Israel, but the very reforming of creation, laying the foundation for a transformative spiritual journey. 

In our exploration, we dissect God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12, and the implications it has for the chosen nation. Together with Dr. Bailey, we offer a fresh perspective on God's purpose for creation - to bless, and how He fulfills His promise even through the trials. Listen in as we unravel how Abraham's obedience acts as a passport to God's promises and protection, ending with the powerful affirmation - if God is on our side, who can stand against us? 

 Topics Discussed: 

Quotes: 

“So God is willing to give to Abraham what the people at Babel were trying to take, just as he wanted to give to Eve what she was trying to take in the garden.” –Dr. Courtney Bailey 

“Part of what's so fascinating about this is that we see Yahweh's disinterest in a king.  

"We see that early on, right? He doesn't want his people to have kings and yet he says kings will come from you.” –Dr. David Pocta 

 “So, God has found a workaround through Jesus. It's an incredible promise and it's an incredible thread to trace all the way through scripture, from Abraham to Jesus. It really is amazing.” –Dr. Courtney Bailey 

Links: 

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow 

Dr. Courtney Bailey 

In today’s episode, Dr. David Pocta and Hannah DeSouza journey through Genesis 10 and 11, dissecting the fascinating stories of Noah's sons' genealogy and the tale of the Tower of Babel. This exploration will deepen your understanding of these biblical narratives. 

David and Hannah examine Genesis 10, unraveling the genealogy of Noah's sons and the profound implications of the different languages spoken in their respective territories. As the focus shifts to Genesis 11, you’ll hear an exploration of the pivotal story of Babel, raising critical questions about human nature. Consider challenges to literal interpretations of the text and trace the history of all creation leading up to the promise of salvation through the nation of Israel. 

Topics Discussed: 

Quotes: 

“This genealogy shows how the history of all creation is moving toward the history of this one people and this one man. For the sake of the one promise.” –Hannah DeSouza 

“We have to accept that there's something bigger going on here than a literal, at face value meaning. What is God trying to tell us?” –Dr. David Pocta  

“It makes sense that if God cares about his glory and kind of has that same passion in a way, that we also would reflect some of that in our own identity, bearing his image.” –Hannah DeSouza 

Links: 

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow 

In today’s episode, Dr. David Pocta and Hannah DeSouza journey through Genesis 10 and 11, dissecting the fascinating stories of Noah's sons' genealogy and the tale of the Tower of Babel. This exploration will deepen your understanding of these biblical narratives. 

David and Hannah examine Genesis 10, unraveling the genealogy of Noah's sons and the profound implications of the different languages spoken in their respective territories. As the focus shifts to Genesis 11, you’ll hear an exploration of the pivotal story of Babel, raising critical questions about human nature. Consider challenges to literal interpretations of the text and trace the history of all creation leading up to the promise of salvation through the nation of Israel. 

Topics Discussed: 

Quotes: 

“This genealogy shows how the history of all creation is moving toward the history of this one people and this one man. For the sake of the one promise.” –Hannah DeSouza 

“We have to accept that there's something bigger going on here than a literal, at face value meaning. What is God trying to tell us?” –Dr. David Pocta  

“It makes sense that if God cares about his glory and kind of has that same passion in a way, that we also would reflect some of that in our own identity, bearing his image.” –Hannah DeSouza 

Links: 

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow 

Have you ever thought about Noah's Ark beyond the children's story? Dr. David Pocta and Hannah Desouza are ready to expand your perspective. Together, we pull back the curtain on the theological and spiritual aspects of the Flood narrative, emphasizing the larger context of Genesis. From the initial divine dream of an ideal relationship with creation to mankind's first disobedience, we see the transformative power of humility and confidence in this narrative. 

Throughout today’s episode, David and Hannah unpack the Noah and the Flood narrative, exploring its context, symbolism, and theological implications. Venture beyond traditional interpretations and delve into comparative mythology to contrast Yahweh with the gods of the Gilgamesh epic and highlight His unique qualities of grace, compassion, and relentless patience.   

Today’s discussion sheds new light on God's unyielding commitment to a covenantal relationship with all of creation and provides a fresh perspective on the themes of grief and grace embedded within the story. You’ll also learn more about the spiritual significance of Noah's name, the narrative links to the concepts of baptism and salvation, and the depth of God's love and His ultimate purpose. 

 Topics Discussed: 

Quotes: 

 “You don't really understand the Creator's heart and intent until you see creation created and creation really needs its relationship with the Creator to understand its role in place.” –Dr. David Pocta 

“I hadn't considered actually that idea of them even being removed from the garden as a mercy, as a sign of grace. I think it could be so clearly seen through that lens of punishment or withholding. But yeah, this reframing I think is helpful.” –Hannah DeSouza 

“That's the act of grace, ending this brokenness that we have on this earth to ultimately restore something much bigger in eternity.” –Dr. David Pocta 

Have you ever thought about Noah's Ark beyond the children's story? Dr. David Pocta and Hannah Desouza are ready to expand your perspective. Together, we pull back the curtain on the theological and spiritual aspects of the Flood narrative, emphasizing the larger context of Genesis. From the initial divine dream of an ideal relationship with creation to mankind's first disobedience, we see the transformative power of humility and confidence in this narrative. 

Throughout today’s episode, David and Hannah unpack the Noah and the Flood narrative, exploring its context, symbolism, and theological implications. Venture beyond traditional interpretations and delve into comparative mythology to contrast Yahweh with the gods of the Gilgamesh epic and highlight His unique qualities of grace, compassion, and relentless patience.   

Today’s discussion sheds new light on God's unyielding commitment to a covenantal relationship with all of creation and provides a fresh perspective on the themes of grief and grace embedded within the story. You’ll also learn more about the spiritual significance of Noah's name, the narrative links to the concepts of baptism and salvation, and the depth of God's love and His ultimate purpose. 

 Topics Discussed: 

Quotes: 

 “You don't really understand the Creator's heart and intent until you see creation created and creation really needs its relationship with the Creator to understand its role in place.” –Dr. David Pocta 

“I hadn't considered actually that idea of them even being removed from the garden as a mercy, as a sign of grace. I think it could be so clearly seen through that lens of punishment or withholding. But yeah, this reframing I think is helpful.” –Hannah DeSouza 

“That's the act of grace, ending this brokenness that we have on this earth to ultimately restore something much bigger in eternity.” –Dr. David Pocta 

Links: 

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow 

In this episode, Dr. David Pocta and Hannah DeSouza explore the complex relationship between the Creator and the created, offering insights into the divine intent of God desiring a relationship with us, and the tensions that arise due to our human limitations. Drawing on the metaphor of a potter and his clay, Hannah and David navigate through theological concepts and examine Paul's thoughts in Romans 9 on the diverse creation of mankind.  

The episode also highlights the significance of trusting in the boundaries established by God, and how our unique strengths and limitations contribute to our identity. David and Hannah inspire listeners to question and explore the deeper meanings and interpretations of biblical stories, especially those in Genesis. Today’s show challenges listeners to see beyond traditional interpretations and discover a deeper understanding of their spiritual journey and identity. 

Topics Discussed: 

Quotes: 

“I chose to call this human limitation because we're going to realize that what's happening here is God as the Creator is giving us boundaries and limitations, as the creation or the created.” –Dr. David Pocta 

“I think it's interesting that Eve also seems to misquote the command of God when she adds this additional that they should not even touch the fruit, which was not in the initial prohibition.” –Hannah DeSouza 

“The serpent holds out you will not certainly die. They're thinking physical death, we assume, because they go ahead and eat and then immediately something else happens. That's what deception does.” –Dr. David Pocta 

Links:  

Dr. David Pocta 

Hannah DeSouza 

Slideshow