The Bible in a Year Podcast with Scott Purcell

David’s Grace to Saul’s Grandson & Peter Heals a Lame Beggar | Day 157

What does radical grace look like when it meets human brokenness? Today on Day 157, we witness two breathtaking displays of compassion that illustrate the heart of God's Kingdom. In 2 Samuel, King David seeks out anyone left of the household of his former enemy, Saul. Instead of executing potential rivals—the standard practice of the ancient world—David pulls Jonathan's crippled son, Mephibosheth, out of hiding and seats him permanently at the royal dinner table. In the New Testament, we watch the power of the risen King flow directly through His disciples in Acts 3. Standing at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, Peter and John meet a man lame from birth begging for money. Rather than passing him by or tossing him a coin, Peter declares, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee," healing him instantly in the name of Jesus and inviting a stunned crowd to look to the true Author of life. Today’s Scripture: 📖 2 Samuel 9:1–10:19 – David demonstrates chesed (covenant kindness) by restoring all of Saul's land to Mephibosheth and treating him like his own son. In chapter 10, David tries to show kindness to the new king of the Ammonites, but his ambassadors are insulted and humiliated. This sparks a major war, forcing Joab and the army of Israel to fight a two-front battle against the Ammonites and Syrians, ending in a decisive victory for Israel. 📖 Acts 3:1–26 – Peter and John encounter a lame beggar at the Temple gate. Peter commands him to walk in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and the man leaps up, praising God. As a crowd gathers in amazement at Solomon's Portico, Peter delivers a bold sermon, explaining that it was faith in Jesus—whom they delivered up but God raised—that made this man strong, calling them to repent so times of refreshing may come. 📖 Psalm 70:1–5 – An urgent, passionate cry from David for swift deliverance: "Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Make haste to help me, O Lord!" He prays that those who seek his life would be turned back, while asking that all who seek God would rejoice and continually say, "God is great!" RESOURCES & READ-ALONG 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF] 📖 Follow the Text (LEB): https://biblia.com/books/leb/ [https://biblia.com/books/leb/] 🗓️ Download the Full Plan: https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/ [https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/] CONNECT & SUPPORT 📧 Questions? Reach out to Scott: scott@huttobible.com [scott@huttobible.com] 🎁 Partner with our Ministry: https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support [https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support] 📩 Get Ministry Updates: https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe [https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe] CREDITS & LEGAL The Lexham English Bible is used by permission. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software. Music: "Be The Hero" by Pumpupthemind via Free Music Archive (CC BY 4.0). Keywords: 2 Samuel 9, 2 Samuel 10, Acts 3, Psalm 70, Mephibosheth, kindness to Saul's house, Hanun insults David's men, lame man healed, Beautiful Gate, silver and gold have I none, Solomon's portico, times of refreshing, audio bible.

Houses Built by God: The Covenant with David & The Birth of the Church (Day 156)

What happens when we try to build something for God, but He decides to build something for us instead? Today on Day 156, we encounter the bedrock promises that shape the rest of the biblical story. In 2 Samuel, King David looks out at his luxurious cedar palace and decides he wants to build a permanent stone temple for the Ark of God. But through the prophet Nathan, God completely flips the script: He tells David that He will build him a house—an enduring royal dynasty that will culminate in an eternal Kingdom. In the New Testament, we watch that very promise explode into physical reality. As Peter wraps up his thunderous Pentecost sermon in Acts 2, he points directly to David’s tomb, declaring that Jesus is the long-awaited King from David’s line who has conquered death. The crowd is cut to the heart, leading to the baptism of 3,000 people and the breathtaking birth of the first local church. Today’s Scripture: 📖 2 Samuel 7:1–8:18 – David proposes building a temple for God, but the Lord responds with the Davidic Covenant, promising that a descendant of David will sit on the throne forever. Overwhelmed with humility, David prays a beautiful prayer of thanksgiving. Chapter 8 tracks David’s rapid military expansion as the Lord gives him victory wherever he goes, defeating the Philistines, Moabites, Syrians, and Edomites, establishing justice and equity throughout the land. 📖 Acts 2:22–47 – Peter boldly accuses the crowd of crucifying Jesus, but proclaims that God raised Him from the dead, fulfilling David's prophecies in the Psalms. Stricken with conviction, the people ask, "What shall we do?" Peter calls them to repent and be baptized. About 3,000 souls are added that day, launching a vibrant community defined by the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, radical generosity, and daily growth. 📖 Proverbs 14:4–14 – Timeless wisdom on human character and discernment: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." Solomon reminds us that a faithful witness does not lie, that a prudent person looks where they are going, and that a backslider in heart will get filled with his own ways. RESOURCES & READ-ALONG 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF] 📖 Follow the Text (LEB): https://biblia.com/books/leb/ [https://biblia.com/books/leb/] 🗓️ Download the Full Plan: https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/ [https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/] CONNECT & SUPPORT 📧 Questions? Reach out to Scott: scott@huttobible.com [scott@huttobible.com] 🎁 Partner with our Ministry: https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support [https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support] 📩 Get Ministry Updates: https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe [https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe] CREDITS & LEGAL The Lexham English Bible is used by permission. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software. Music: "Be The Hero" by Pumpupthemind via Free Music Archive (CC BY 4.0). Keywords: 2 Samuel 7, 2 Samuel 8, Acts 2, Proverbs 14, Davidic Covenant, Nathan the prophet, line of David, David's victories, Peter's Pentecost sermon, repent and be baptized, 3000 added to their number, fellowship of believers, breaking of bread, audio bible.

The Ark Enters Jerusalem & The Holy Spirit Descends at Pentecost | Day 155

What happens when the unvarnished glory of God moves into our neighborhood? Today on Day 155, we experience two of the most explosive, dynamic manifestations of God's presence in all of human history. In 2 Samuel, King David conquers the fortress of Zion, establishes Jerusalem as his capital, and attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant home. Through a sobering lesson on holiness and a display of uninhibited, radical worship, David leaps and dances before the Lord, securing Jerusalem as the spiritual heart of Israel. In the New Testament, we hit a monumental turning point in human history: Pentecost. The waiting is officially over. With the sound of a rushing wind and tongues of fire, the Holy Spirit fills the Upper Room, permanently shifting the dwelling place of God from a stone temple or a golden Ark directly into the hearts of everyday believers. Today’s Scripture: 📖 2 Samuel 5:6–6:23 – David conquers the stronghold of Zion from the Jebusites, naming it the City of David, and twice defeats the attacking Philistines. In chapter 6, David gathers 30,000 men to bring the Ark of the Covenant up from Baale-judah. When Uzzah touches the Ark to steady it on a new cart, God's anger breaks out, and Uzzah dies, prompting a fearful David to leave it with Obed-edom. Three months later, David successfully brings the Ark into Jerusalem with sacrifices and ecstatic dancing, drawing the bitter scorn of his wife Michal, who is left childless for despising his worship. 📖 Acts 1:23–2:21 – After casting lots to select Matthias to replace Judas, the day of Pentecost arrives. A sound like a mighty rushing wind fills the house, and divided tongues of fire rest on each disciple. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they begin speaking in foreign languages, declaring the mighty works of God to Jews from every nation under heaven. As skeptics mock them as drunk, Peter stands up to deliver a powerful sermon, explaining that this is the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy: God is pouring out His Spirit on all flesh. 📖 Psalm 69:29–36 – David shifts his raw prayer to a song of profound praise, declaring that he will magnify God with thanksgiving. He reminds the people that the Lord hears the needy, calling on heaven, earth, and the seas to praise Him because God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah as an inheritance for those who love His name. RESOURCES & READ-ALONG 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF] 📖 Follow the Text (LEB): https://biblia.com/books/leb/ [https://biblia.com/books/leb/] 🗓️ Download the Full Plan: https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/ [https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/] CONNECT & SUPPORT 📧 Questions? Reach out to Scott: scott@huttobible.com [scott@huttobible.com] 🎁 Partner with our Ministry: https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support [https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support] 📩 Get Ministry Updates: https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe [https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe] CREDITS & LEGAL The Lexham English Bible is used by permission. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software. Music: "Be The Hero" by Pumpupthemind via Free Music Archive (CC BY 4.0).

Ascending Thrones and Heavenly Realms: David United Over Israel & The Ascension of Jesus (Day 154)

What happens when God's timing finally aligns with His promises? Today on Day 154, we cross major structural thresholds in both testaments, moving out of chaotic transitions into established, sovereign rule. In 2 Samuel, the messy, bloody chapter of civil war draws to a close. Despite backstabbing assassinations and political betrayal among the military generals, God's long-spoken promise is realized: all twelve tribes gather at Hebron to crown David as the undisputed king over all Israel. In the New Testament, we launch into the book of Acts! Luke picks up where his Gospel left off, tracking the final forty days of the resurrected Jesus. We stand on the Mount of Olives as the King of Glory delivers His final earthly commission to the disciples before ascending into heaven on a cloud, leaving them with a promise of supernatural power and an assignment to take His name to the ends of the earth. Today’s Scripture: 📖 2 Samuel 3:22–5:5 – Joab returns from a raid, learns of Abner’s defection to David, and murders Abner in a gate to avenge his brother Asahel. David publicly laments Abner, cursing Joab’s household. Soon after, two captains assassinate the rival king Ish-bosheth in his bed and bring his head to David, expecting a reward; instead, David executes them for murdering a righteous man. Finally, all the elders of Israel come to Hebron, make a covenant, and anoint David king over the entire nation. 📖 Acts 1:1–22 – Luke addresses Theophilus, detailing Jesus' forty days of post-resurrection appearances. Jesus commands the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, declaring they will be His witnesses "to the end of the earth." Jesus is lifted up into a cloud, and two angels promise He will return the same way. The disciples return to the Upper Room in prayer, where Peter leads the selection of Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot. 📖 Psalm 69:13–28 – David continues his urgent prayer from the mire, asking God to answer out of the abundance of His steadfast love. He laments that insults have broken his heart, leaving him helpless, and prays that God would pour out His indignation upon his merciless accusers who gave him vinegar for his thirst. RESOURCES & READ-ALONG 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF] 📖 Follow the Text (LEB): https://biblia.com/books/leb/ [https://biblia.com/books/leb/] 🗓️ Download the Full Plan: https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/ [https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/] CONNECT & SUPPORT 📧 Questions? Reach out to Scott: scott@huttobible.com [scott@huttobible.com] 🎁 Partner with our Ministry: https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support [https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support] 📩 Get Ministry Updates: https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe [https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe] CREDITS & LEGAL The Lexham English Bible is used by permission. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software. Music: "Be The Hero" by Pumpupthemind via Free Music Archive (CC BY 4.0). Keywords: 2 Samuel 3, 2 Samuel 4, 2 Samuel 5, Acts 1, Psalm 69, Joab kills Abner, Murder of Ish-bosheth, Anointed at Hebron, Book of Acts, Ascension of Jesus, Mount of Olives, Holy Spirit power, Witnesses to the end of the earth, Matthias chosen, audio bible.

Broken Kingdoms and Restored Disciples: The House of David & Peter’s Restoration (Day 153)

How does God pick up the pieces when things are fractured and broken? Today on Day 153, we navigate the messy reality of a divided nation and the beautiful, tender heart of a forgiving Savior. In 2 Samuel, a bitter civil war erupts between the house of David and the house of Saul. We watch political maneuvering, tragic battlefield skirmishes, and changing loyalties as human beings try to orchestrate their own power structures. In magnificent contrast, the Gospel of John concludes on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Having failed and drifted back to their old fishing nets, Peter and the disciples are met by the risen Jesus. Over a warm charcoal fire, Jesus doesn't lecture or condemn Peter for his three denials; instead, He beautifully restores him with three invitations to "Feed my sheep," demonstrating that our failures never have the final say when our King is doing the restoring. Today’s Scripture: 📖 2 Samuel 2:8–3:21 – Saul's general, Abner, sets up Saul's son Ish-bosheth as a rival king over Israel, sparking a long civil war. A deadly tournament at the pool of Gibeon turns into a bloody battle where Joab's fleet-footed brother, Asahel, is relentlessly killed by Abner. As the house of David grows stronger and the house of Saul grows weaker, Abner insults Ish-bosheth, defects from his camp, and makes a pact to turn all of Israel over to David. 📖 John 21:1–25 – Seven disciples go fishing but catch nothing all night. At dawn, Jesus stands on the shore and tells them to cast on the right side, yielding a miraculous catch of 153 fish. Recognizing Jesus, Peter plunges into the water. On shore, Jesus provides a breakfast of bread and fish, then three times asks Peter, "Do you love me?"—perfectly redeeming Peter's three denials and commissioning him to shepherd the Church. 📖 Psalm 69:1–12 – A deeply emotional messianic psalm of David, crying out from the miry depths: "Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck." The psalmist endures insults and alienation for his devotion, declaring that zeal for God's house has consumed him. RESOURCES & READ-ALONG 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYKi8-_5xHGL_nFAZOthHtZhcb4CqW4ZF] 📖 Follow the Text (LEB): https://biblia.com/books/leb/ [https://biblia.com/books/leb/] 🗓️ Download the Full Plan: https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/ [https://www.biblica.com/resources/reading-plans/] CONNECT & SUPPORT 📧 Questions? Reach out to Scott: scott@huttobible.com [scott@huttobible.com] 🎁 Partner with our Ministry: https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support [https://huttobible.churchcenter.com/giving/to/go-pastor-support] 📩 Get Ministry Updates: https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe [https://scott-purcell.epistle.org/subscribe] CREDITS & LEGAL The Lexham English Bible is used by permission. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software. Music: "Be The Hero" by Pumpupthemind via Free Music Archive (CC BY 4.0). Keywords: 2 Samuel 2, 2 Samuel 3, John 21, Psalm 69, Civil war in Israel, Abner and Joab, Pool of Gibeon, Ish-bosheth, Miraculous catch of fish, 153 large fish, Peter restored, Feed my sheep, charcoal fire, daily devotional, audio bible.