Don't Miss This Study: "FOR A LONG TIME" – Episode Summary

Podcast: Don't Miss This Study
Hosts: Emily Freeman & David Butler (with guest Grace Freeman)
Episode Title: FOR A LONG TIME
Release Date: December 21, 2025

Main Theme

This episode kicks off a year-long, in-depth study of the Old Testament. Emily Freeman, David Butler, and guest Grace Freeman set the stage for the journey, exploring the importance of the Bible, its relevancy across millennia, and why readers should be excited about delving into these scriptures. The hosts aim to inspire listeners to fall in love with the Old Testament by highlighting its stories of God’s enduring nature, the richness of its literature, the value of different Bible translations, and practical ways to engage in meaningful study.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why the Bible? (00:24–01:15, 33:48–38:27)

• The hosts reflect on the immense sacrifice made to preserve and translate the Bible.
• Notable Quote:
  "Why was the Bible worth that sacrifice? It’s because the world is dark and dreary." (Grace, 00:31)
• The Bible offers guidance, hope, and promises—past, present, and yet to be fulfilled.
• They share a powerful story about English Bible martyrs, underscoring the value placed on scripture.
• Notable Quote:
  "What did they know about the Bible that they thought was worth risking their life for?" (Dave, 29:54)

Why the Bible? Selected from King James Bible introduction:

• The Bible removes "clouds of darkness" and guides us (Grace, 33:57–36:04).
• Scripture brings “exceeding cause of comfort,” even in life's darkest moments (Dave, 36:04–36:51).
• "Out of all the things that bring us joy... there’s nothing that brings us more richness in our life than the words preached of this book." (Grace, 36:51)

2. The Long, Living Story of God (01:17–04:33, 04:33–07:29)

• The Old Testament is an ancient record, spanning 4,000 years, 40+ authors, and 66 books.
• God’s presence endures throughout history:
  Quote: “God has been God for a long time.” (Dave, 01:33–04:33)
• The vast variety in narratives—from wars, peace, exile, relationships, miracles, to disappointments—makes the OT relatable and broadens our perspective on God’s interactions.
• Notable Quote:
  "This isn’t God’s first rodeo... As we go through life, we can realize God has been here before and God has won this." (Grace, 04:39–07:29)

3. How to Approach Studying the Old Testament (07:29–10:16, 10:16–11:25)

• The hosts introduce tools like a printable timeline and "tippins" (scripture inserts) to help make study manageable and meaningful.
• Emphasis on understanding context—historical and literary structure—and how the Old Testament can be intimidating but also deeply enriching.
• The Old Testament includes various literary types: history, law, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, apocalyptic visions, each reflecting God’s messages through human voices.
• Quote:
  "AI didn’t write this book. You won’t find any N dashes… it was written by people with a bunch of different personalities writing to different types of people and scenarios." (Dave, 11:25)

4. The Value of Different Translations (13:22–16:27)

• Other translations (ESV, NIV, NLT) are encouraged, especially to help youth and new readers grasp meaning.
• Translators wrestle with word-for-word vs idea-for-idea renderings.
  “At the end of the day, we want people to be reading these stories, the stories about God and his interactions with people.” (Dave, 15:07)
• Even the King James Version, while poetic, can challenge understanding; switching translations can bridge the gap.

5. The Plan for Year-Long Study – What to Look For (16:27–29:54)

a. Names of God

• Names reflect character and role. ‘Jehovah’ (I AM) carries connotations:
  • "I am who I will always be."
  • "I will be what tomorrow demands."
    (Dave, 18:10–19:56)
• These names become anchors for faith in God’s constancy and sufficiency.

b. Promises of God

• Collecting and reflecting on God's promises helps strengthen belief and trust.
• Quote:
  "The story of the Old Testament is a God who is going to say, I know what I’m capable of. I will promise you I will do it. And you can bank on those promises." (Grace, 20:16–22:46)
• They challenge listeners to keep their own list of promises—mirroring President Nelson’s past invitation.

c. Types and Shadows (Christ in the Old Testament)

• The Old Testament overflows with "types and shadows"—foreshadowings, symbols, and impressions of the Savior.
• Quote:
  "When I say Jesus Christ sacrificed for me… but when I can picture this innocent, sweet little lamb… I have a new tenderness towards Jesus.” (Dave, 27:03–27:47)

d. Stories of Deliverance

• Deliverance stories show God as both rescuer and provider for individual needs.
• Quote:
  "There are moments when we face things that we say, I need something and I cannot get it on my own… and that is the moment the deliverer looks at us and says, I will bring you something that you need…" (Grace, 28:11–29:54)

6. Making it Meaningful and Relevant (29:54–31:43)

• The hosts’ tools—a journal for notes on names, symbols, promises, deliverance stories, key truths, and reflection questions—help listeners personalize ancient lessons.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On God's Endurance:
  “You’ve been God for a long time… It reminds me how long God has been God. And that is one of the great values of having this ancient book of scripture.” (Dave, 01:33–04:33)

• On Approachability:
  "This story is no small story… and I just want to think in my life… sometimes I forget that it’s not God’s first rodeo." (Grace, 04:39–07:29)

• On Bible Translations:
  “I want them to understand what is happening in those stories as well… the original Greek manuscripts of the Old Testament were written in common language.” (Dave, 15:44–16:27)

• On Names of God:
  "One way to translate the name Jehovah is ‘I am who I will always be’… Another way: ‘I will be what tomorrow demands.’" (Dave, 18:30–19:56)

• On Stories of Deliverance:
  "I need something and I cannot get it on my own… that is the moment the deliverer looks at us and says, I will bring you something that you need that will be exactly what you are looking for." (Grace, 28:11–29:54)

• On Sacrifice and Value:
  "What did they know about the Bible that they thought was worth risking their life for?" (Dave, 29:54)

• On The Whole Story:
  "When she said, what is your favorite story? His answer was, God’s. And that is going to be what we're going to find in every single page." (Dave, 38:27)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Why the Bible? Sacrifice and Value — [00:24–01:15], [29:54–38:27]
• God’s Presence Through History — [01:17–07:29]
• How to Study: Tools and Context — [07:29–11:25]
• Different Literary Types in the OT — [11:25–13:22]
• Translating and Understanding Scripture — [13:22–16:27]
• Names of God & their Significance — [16:27–19:56]
• God’s Promises — [20:15–22:46]
• Collecting and Applying Promises — [22:46–27:03]
• Types and Shadows (Christ Focus) — [27:03–27:47]
• Stories of Deliverance — [27:47–29:54]
• Practical Study Tools & Resources — [29:54–31:43]
• Introduction to King James Bible Insights — [33:48–38:27]

Conclusion

The hosts leave listeners with encouragement and excitement for the year ahead. Through tools, shared experiences, and an open, welcoming approach, they promise that the Old Testament’s stories, with all their complexity and relevance, will help readers find their own story within God’s ongoing work.
Closing Quote:
"Who he was is who he will always be… buckle up, get excited. We are going to love the study of this book." (Dave, 39:21)

Next Episode Teaser:
Moses, Chapter 1

This summary is designed to orient new listeners, allowing them to access the heart and practical tips of the episode while capturing the spirit, warmth, and focus of the hosts.