Bible Book Club

Esther Overview + 1: How Divine Providence Moved Queen Vashti to Defiance

What can you do when life feels out of control and God seems silent?  Today, our world can feel chaotic and unpredictable, but Esther 1 reminds us God can use even the messiest of situations to carry out his divine plan. In this episode, we step into the lavish Persian empire and see how political drama, royal pride, and unexpected courage become the raw material God uses to protect His people.  Themes of this episode:  The cost of courage. Queen Vashti stood her ground in an impossible situation. Sometimes obedience requires courage that comes with real consequences, and the challenge is trusting God enough to choose what’s right, no matter the cost.  Hard seasons can be preparation for your purpose. When you’re in a situation you never saw coming—the job loss, the closed door, the disappointing outcome—trust that God is arranging and preparing everything for your good. Your place in God’s story matters. You may feel ordinary or overlooked, but God is working through your life in ways that are far bigger than you know. Your part in His story is more significant than you could ever imagine. Show notes: Genealogy of Jesus [https://www.biblebookclubpodcast.com/shownotes/genealogy-of-jesus/] The Persian Palace [https://biblereadingarcheology.com/2018/09/20/shushan-the-citedal/] Feasts and Festivals in the Bible [https://www.biblebookclubpodcast.com/shownotes/feasts-and-festivals-in-the-bible/] We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1617094/open_sms] Contact Bible Book Club DONATE [https://store.biblebookclubpodcast.com/products/donation-to-bible-book-club] Buy merch [https://store.biblebookclubpodcast.com/] Like, comment, or message us through Bible Book Club's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biblebookclubpodcast/] Like or comment on Susan's Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SusanMerrill/] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susanmerrill/] Leave us an Apple review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bible-book-club/id1552916982] Contact us through our website form [https://share.hsforms.com/1ftTCEh84Qfe4YT9oKmM7qQ96lq] Thanks for listening and happy podcasting!

Listener Questions

Do some stories or laws in the Bible have you stumped? In this special Q&A episode, we tackle your hardest biblical questions from why innocent people face consequences for others' sins to how Jesus' genealogy proves his Davidic lineage through both Mary and Joseph.  We explore controversial Old Testament laws about rape and marriage, unpack the cultural context behind family punishment in ancient Israel, and reveal why Satan appears less frequently in Old Testament books compared to the New Testament. You'll discover surprising answers about Joseph's Egyptian wife, the evil spirit that tormented King Saul, and how to study scripture like a theologian. Podcast themes: * Context transforms understanding. When we understand the cultural and historical context of difficult biblical passages, God's justice and protection come into clearer focus. So when stories seem harsh or unfair, look at them as an invitation to dive deeper and seek the true nature of God who is just, patient, and intentional from Genesis to Revelation.  * God's plan leaves no room for doubt. The dual genealogies of Jesus in Matthew and Luke aren't contradictions. They're confirmation. One traces Joseph's legal lineage, the other Mary's biological line, both converging at King David to prove Jesus fulfills messianic prophecy completely. * Satan's influence has always existed, even when unnamed. Just because "Satan" isn't mentioned by name frequently in the Old Testament doesn't mean spiritual warfare wasn't happening. The adversary operated throughout biblical history, sometimes through direct attack when God withdrew His protection. Show notes: Genealogy of Jesus [https://www.biblebookclubpodcast.com/shownotes/genealogy-of-jesus/] We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1617094/open_sms] Contact Bible Book Club DONATE [https://store.biblebookclubpodcast.com/products/donation-to-bible-book-club] Buy merch [https://store.biblebookclubpodcast.com/] Like, comment, or message us through Bible Book Club's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biblebookclubpodcast/] Like or comment on Susan's Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SusanMerrill/] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susanmerrill/] Leave us an Apple review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bible-book-club/id1552916982] Contact us through our website form [https://share.hsforms.com/1ftTCEh84Qfe4YT9oKmM7qQ96lq] Thanks for listening and happy podcasting!

Nehemiah 12-13: Remember Me, My God

What can you do when everything you’ve worked so hard to rebuild starts to crumble?  In this final episode of Nehemiah, we step into the unforgettable parade of praise around Jerusalem’s newly dedicated wall, where two massive choirs circle the city in worship. Then we witness the cycle of hope and failure repeat. After 12 years of faithful work—walls rebuilt, worship restored, covenant renewed—Nehemiah returns to Persia. In his absence, Jerusalem falls apart. The temple is defiled by Tobiah the Ammonite, the Levites have abandoned their posts, the Sabbath is desecrated, and forbidden marriages threaten the community's faith.  This story and the cycle of repeated hope then failure points forward to the only One who can break this cycle: Jesus, the mediator of the New Covenant. Themes of this podcast: * Guard what God has entrusted to you by paying attention to subtle compromises that can quietly erode your faith, relationships, or habits. * Rebuild rhythms of worship and rest when life feels crowded, distracted, or spiritually thin. * Choose faithfulness even when others do not, trusting that your obedience is seen, remembered, and honored by God. We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1617094/open_sms] Contact Bible Book Club DONATE [https://store.biblebookclubpodcast.com/products/donation-to-bible-book-club] Buy merch [https://store.biblebookclubpodcast.com/] Like, comment, or message us through Bible Book Club's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biblebookclubpodcast/] Like or comment on Susan's Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SusanMerrill/] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susanmerrill/] Leave us an Apple review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bible-book-club/id1552916982] Contact us through our website form [https://share.hsforms.com/1ftTCEh84Qfe4YT9oKmM7qQ96lq] Thanks for listening and happy podcasting!

Nehemiah 10-11: God Is Committed. What About Us?

What does it really look like to commit your whole life to God, not just your words?  In this episode, we walk through Nehemiah’s renewed covenant, Israel's community-wide commitment to family, faith, and finances, and the bold repopulation plan for Jerusalem. We'll discover how these chapters reveal God’s unwavering faithfulness to his people and point to the deeper promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ. We'll also look at how our lives today mirror the Israelites and what it looks like to live as God’s set apart people. Podcast themes:  * Commitment requires more than intention. The Israelites didn't just say they would follow God. They signed their names, made specific commitments, and reordered their lives around their covenant. So ask yourself: Where am I relying on good intentions instead of real follow-through?  * Obedience often involves sacrifice. Some Israelite families moved into a broken, unattractive Jerusalem simply because God chose them to. Our obedience today often looks the same. God may call us to forgive, serve, move toward community, or let go of something we'd rather keep. The question is whether we trust him enough to say yes. * Everyone has a place and purpose in God’s story. Nehemiah’s detailed lists show that every person matters and has a role in God’s plan. Whether you feel front-and-center or behind-the-scenes, your obedience contributes to God’s work in the world. No one is invisible in the kingdom of God. We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1617094/open_sms] Contact Bible Book Club DONATE [https://store.biblebookclubpodcast.com/products/donation-to-bible-book-club] Buy merch [https://store.biblebookclubpodcast.com/] Like, comment, or message us through Bible Book Club's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biblebookclubpodcast/] Like or comment on Susan's Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SusanMerrill/] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susanmerrill/] Leave us an Apple review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bible-book-club/id1552916982] Contact us through our website form [https://share.hsforms.com/1ftTCEh84Qfe4YT9oKmM7qQ96lq] Thanks for listening and happy podcasting!

Nehemiah Chapter 9: Lessons on Confession and Renewal

Why do we need God's Law to truly repent?  We can't turn away from something if we don't know it's wrong. God's Law helps us understand right from wrong so we can recognize our sin, repent, and renew our relationship with Him.  The Israelites in Nehemiah 9 finally get this when God's Law highlights the uncomfortable truth...they're no different than their ancestors. Their response is beautiful. Join us as we dive into one of the most powerful prayers in Scripture and walk with the Israelites through their incredible day of repentance. With this masterclass in confession, the Levites show us how to renew our relationship with God using the ACTS model of prayer.  Themes of this podcast:  * Why wearing scratchy sackcloth matters (and what it means for us today) * How repentance creates a pathway to relationship with God * God's covenant renewals throughout Scripture all point to Jesus Nehemiah 9 is the last recorded covenant renewal before 400 years of silence. Then Jesus shows up with a New Covenant that He writes on our hearts. Show Notes: ACTS Model [https://www.biblebookclubpodcast.com/shownotes/acts-prayer-guide/] We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1617094/open_sms] Contact Bible Book Club DONATE [https://store.biblebookclubpodcast.com/products/donation-to-bible-book-club] Buy merch [https://store.biblebookclubpodcast.com/] Like, comment, or message us through Bible Book Club's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/biblebookclubpodcast/] Like or comment on Susan's Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SusanMerrill/] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susanmerrill/] Leave us an Apple review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bible-book-club/id1552916982] Contact us through our website form [https://share.hsforms.com/1ftTCEh84Qfe4YT9oKmM7qQ96lq] Thanks for listening and happy podcasting!