For Better, For Verse

The Band Plays On

This episode explores the rich narratives of First and Second Kings, highlighting the lives of key figures like David, Solomon, Elijah, and Elisha. It emphasizes that what God wants most with humankind is a relationship, one which at this point in the Biblical story is only ever realized by individuals like King David and the prophets Elijah and Elisha, but which, in time and by God's grace, will be enjoyed by every human in all time. The band plays on until God has brought this to pass, and the hope of God's salvation continuing across generations.

God's Heroes?

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel bridge the era of judges and the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. These narratives not only depict the rise and fall of Saul and David but also reflect the struggles of a people seeking identity and stability after years of turmoil. Their significance extends beyond mere historical events; 1 and 2 Samuel invite us to reflect on what it means to listen to God and follow His guidance. Join Justin and Jewelle as they explore how even the most flawed Biblical heroes can teach us about faith, redemption, and what it means to listen to God.

Power, Projections, and Providence

In this episode on Judges and Ruth, Justin and Jewelle explore how the Biblical writers are gradually becoming aware that God works in the world in many varied and complicated ways. In Judges, we see God rewarding holiness and punishing wrongdoing, but we also see God partnering with flawed people, striving to rack up little wins even in the midst of big failures, and conspiring to help good people to whom bad things happen. At one point, God clearly has nothing to do with something the characters in the story think God has everything to do with. By the end, Israel has failed in its attempt to govern itself through judges, setting up the story of monarchy. But there's no easy triumphalism: Israel needs a king to keep going, but only because they've shown they don't want God himself to be their king.

Did We Hear That Right?

Justin Crisp and Jewelle Bickel explore the depths of Deuteronomy and Joshua, examining biblical history, theology, and moral questions surrounding divine revelation, the conquest of Canaan, and how justly to organize a whole civilization. Together they try to discern what the divine author, the Holy Spirit, is telling us through the conflicting, confusing (and maybe even confused!) testimonies of the human authors of these Biblical books. This episode offers a nuanced look at Scripture, the idea of divine retribution and punishment, social justice in ancient Israel, and what God thinks of war, violence, and human struggle.

Moses, We Have a Problem

In this episode, Justin Crisp and Jewelle Bickel explore the rich narratives and theological themes of the Book of Numbers, including its realistic account of human nature, the contradiction between God's love and God's justice, the nature of God, and the surprising ways God reveals Himself beyond the people and practices of His covenant with Israel. Discover insights into biblical leadership, human doubt, and God's providence in unexpected places and people.