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Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind
Hosted by Steve Webb · EN
Read through the Bible in one year with the OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is a rewind series of the award winning daily podcast in which Steve reads a section of the Bible and then shares thoughts on the day’s reading.
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S2E082-Job 23-24: The Majesty of God
Jan 2, 202500:12:45Tap to summarizeTranscript Today’s Bible Translation Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 23 CEB; Ch. 24 NET Podcast Introduction This is Poetry Thursday. Our reading will be Job chapters 23 and 24. I’m calling this episode, “The Majesty of God.” And it’s December 22nd, so we’re down to the last three Christmas questions. We’ll do another one of my questions for James. Of course, our Christmas expert, James Cooper of whychristmas.com has an answer for me. Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Daniele Levis Pelusi on Unsplash Comments on Job 23 Two short chapters in which our brother Job continues to answer his friends…or should I say “accusers”. Our brother Job says he would like to make his case in God’s presence. He says, “Would He argue with me from His position of power? No, I know that He would listen to me.” Even though Job feels that God has brought his sorrows on him unjustly, he still trusts that God would listen and give him a fair audience. And then he says that surely God knows that he has been a good man, and that the trials that he has been through a refining him as gold. But even though he trusts God, he is afraid of Him, because of who God is. I believe this is a healthy fear. I think sometimes we take God for granted, beloved. We have gotten so used to His grace that we forget about His awesome, infinite power. It is good to be reminded that God is not to be trifled with. Adam Clarke says this in his commentary:Nothing can humble a pious mind so much as Scriptural apprehensions of the majesty of God. It is easy to contemplate his goodness, loving-kindness, and mercy; in all these we have an interest, and from them we expect the greatest good: but to consider his holiness and justice, the infinite righteousness of his nature, under the conviction that we have sinned, and broken the laws prescribed by his sovereign Majesty, and to feel ourselves brought as into the presence of his judgment-seat, – who can bear the thought? If cherubim and seraphim veil their faces before his throne, and the holiest soul exclaims, “I loathe myself when God I see, And into nothing fall;” what must a sinner feel, whose conscience is not yet purged from dead works and who feels the wrath of God abiding on him? And how without such a mediator and sacrifice as Jesus Christ is, can any human spirit come into the presence of its Judge? Those who can approach him without terror, know little of his justice and nothing of their sin. When we approach him in prayer, or in any ordinance, should we not feel more reverence than we generally do? Something to think about. Support This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising=censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and send it to me here: SUPPORT. Transcript Download .txt file. Job 23-24: The Majesty of God (LSFAB S13E082) [TEASER – 0:00]We’ve gotten so used to his grace that we forget about his awesome infinite power. [INTRO S13E082 – 0:13]Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, and podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily podcast where you and I are reading through the entire Bible in a year. Thank you for being with me. The website is lifespringmedia.com. And this is Poetry Thursday. Our reading will be Job chapters 23 and 24, and I’m calling the episode, “The Majesty of God.” And it’s December 22, so we’re down to the last three Christmas questions. Today, we’ll do another one of my questions. And of course, our Christmas expert, James Cooper of whychristmas.com, will be answering my question. Now, before we read, let’s pray. [OPENING PRAYER – 0:55]Our Father, as we open your Word today and read more about Job, I pray that you would touch our hearts and our minds and, Lord, teach us, I pray in Jesus’ name, amen. Okay, let’s begin. [JOB 23 (CEB) – 1:09]Job, chapter 23. (1) Job answered: (2) Today my complaint is again bitter;my strength is weighed down because of my groaning.(3) Oh, that I could know how to find him—come to his dwelling place;(4) I would lay out my case before him,fill my mouth with arguments,(5) know the words with which he would answer,understand what he would say to me.(6) Would he contend with me through brute force?No, he would surely listen to me.(7) There those who do the right thing can argue with him;I could escape from my judge forever. (8) Look, I go east; he’s not there,west, and don’t discover him;(9) north in his activity, and I don’t grasp him;he turns south, and I don’t see.(10) Surely he knows my way;when he tests me,I will emerge as gold.(11) My feet have stayed right in his tracks.I have kept his way and not left it,(12) kept the commandments from his lips and not departed,valued the words from his mouth more than my food. (13) He is of one mind; who can reverse it?What he desires, he does.(14) He carries out what is decreed for meand can do many similar things with me.(15) Therefore, I am scared by his presence;I think and become afraid of him.(16) God has weakened my mind;the Almighty has frightened me.(17) Still I’m not annihilated by darkness;he has hidden deep darkness from me. [JOB 24 (NET) – 2:35]Job, chapter 24. (1) “Why are times not appointed by the Almighty?Why do those who know him not see his days?(2) Men move boundary stones;they seize the flock and pasture them.(3) They drive away the orphan’s donkey;they take the widow’s ox as a pledge.(4) They turn the needy from the pathway,and the poor of the land hide themselves together.(5) Like wild donkeys in the desertthey go out to their labor,seeking diligently for food;the wasteland provides food for themand for their children.(6) They reap fodder in the field,and glean in the vineyard of the wicked.(7) They spend the night naked because they lack clothing;they have no covering against the cold.(8) They are soaked by mountain rainsand huddle in the rocks because they lack shelter.(9) The fatherless child is snatched from the breast,the infant of the poor is taken as a pledge.(10) They go about naked, without clothing,and go hungry while they carry the sheaves.(11) They press out the olive oil between the rows of olive trees;they tread the winepresses while they are thirsty.(12) From the city the dying groan,and the wounded cry out for help,but God charges no one with wrongdoing.(13) There are those who rebel against the light;they do not know its waysand they do not stay on its paths.(14) Before daybreak the murderer rises up;he kills the poor and the needy;in the night he is like a thief.(15) And the eye of the adulterer watches for the twilight,thinking, ‘No eye can see me,’and covers his face with a mask.(16) In the dark the robber breaks into houses,but by day they shut themselves in;they do not know the light.(17) For all of them, the morning is to themlike deep darkness;they are friends with the terrors of darkness.(18) “You say, ‘He is foam on the face of the waters;their portion of the land is cursedso that no one goes to their vineyard.(19) The drought as well as the heat carry awaythe melted snow;so the grave takes away those who have sinned.(20) The womb forgets him,the worm feasts on him,no longer will he be remembered.Like a tree, wickedness will be broken down.(21) He preys on the barren and childless woman,and does not treat the widow well.(22) But God drags off the mighty by his power;w...
Transcribe →S2E081-Psalms 33-35: Never Stop Praising
Jan 1, 202500:24:35Tap to summarizeTranscript Today’s Bible Translation Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 33 GWT, Ch. 34 NASB, Ch. 35 NLV Associate Producer Timothy LaFontaine Podcast Introduction This is the Psalms Wednesday. Our reading will be chapters 33-35. I’m calling this episode, “Never Stop Praising.” Today I’ll have some introductory remarks for each chapter, and then let each chapter speak for itself, instead of having any commentary afterwards. And it’s December 21st, so we’re down to the last four Christmas questions. I had a few for James, and so we’ll hear them over the next few days. You’re still welcome to send in your questions, and I’ll be happy to include them right up to the Christmas day episode. You can still have your name entered for the drawings. And today is Wednesday, so we will have a time of prayer as well. Design: SWS | Photo: Davide Cantelli on Unsplash Comments on Psalms 33-35 Introduction to Psalm 33 What a joyous psalm this is! It is written to all that have called on the name of Jesus to be saved, because it is written to the righteous. And because of our belief in the saving power of Jesus’ shed blood, righteousness is credited to us. This is a psalm that looks at how good it is to be joyful and praise God in all His goodness and majesty and awesomeness and justice and power. It’s like a wonderfully fresh breath of air on a crisp, clear, sunny blue day from the top of a pristine mountain, where you can see for miles and miles and miles in all directions, all of God’s good creation. This is a psalm of celebration and hallelujahs. Joyfully sing to the Lord, you righteous people! Introduction to Psalm 34 The title of this psalm is “A Psalm of David when he pretended madness before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed.” In 1 Samuel 21:10-22:1 we’re told that David was running from King Saul. He went to Gath, a Philistine city, but found that there was no safe place there. In fact he barely escaped. He went to Adullam and found a cave, and was joined by others. This psalm may have been written and sung in this cave. Probably to make it easier to learn and remember, the psalm was written as an acrostic, with each verse beginning with a different Hebrew letter, except for the letter vav, the sixth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Abimelech was most likely a title given to Philistine rulers. According to 1 Samuel 21:10 this specific ruler was named Achish. In this psalm David teaches us that we can and should praise the Lord even when we are under attack. Even is this cave, David praises the Lord with his mouth. Not only in his heart, but with his mouth, as a way to encourage others to praise the One who delivered them to this safe place. Introduction to Psalm 35 The Psalms can be roughly divided into seven different types. There are psalms of thanksgiving, psalms of lament, psalms of enthronement, psalms of pilgrimage, royal psalms, wisdom psalms and imprecatory psalms. Psalm 35 is an imprecatory psalm. To imprecate is to call down calamity, destruction, and God’s anger and judgement upon someone. This is not the only psalm like this. We’ve already read some of them. The major imprecatory psalms are Psalms 5, 10, 17, 35, 58, 59, 69, 70, 79, 83, 109, 129, 137, and 140. We need to remember what Paul wrote in Romans 12: 19Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. The imprecatory psalms were not written with the mindset of getting purely personal revenge. They were written by men (not all of them were written by David) who knew of God’s justice, sovereignty and protection. The Israelites had been persecuted greatly by enemies such as the Hittites, the Philistines and the Babylonians, who hated not only them, but God Himself. They were ruthless and immoral conquerers whose goal was to destroy God’s chosen people. These imprecatory psalms were written with the idea of vindication for God as well as the people. It is not known when David wrote this psalm, but the language in verse one is much like what David said in 1 Samuel 24:15, so it is possible that he wrote it during the time King Saul was pursuing him. Support This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising=censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and send it to me here: SUPPORT. Transcript Download .txt file. Psalms 33-35: Never Stop Praising (LSFAB S13E081) [TEASER – 0:00]Joyfully sing to the Lord, you righteous people. [INTRO S13E081 – 0:10]It’s the Lifespring Family Audio Bible coming to you from Riverside, California, and podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is a daily podcast and you and I are reading through the entire Bible in a year. I’m so glad you’re along for the ride. The website is lifespringmedia.com. And this is Psalms Wednesday. Today, our reading will be chapters 33 through 35. I’m calling the episode “Never Stop Praising.” Today I’ll have some introductory remarks for each chapter and then let each chapter speak for itself instead of having any commentary afterwards. And it’s December 21, so we’re down to the last four Christmas questions. I had a few questions for James, and so we’ll hear them over the next few days. Of course, you’re still welcome to send in your questions, and I’ll be happy to include them right up to the Christmas Day episode, so you can still have your name entered for the drawings. And being Wednesday, we will have a time of prayer as well. Before we read, let’s pray. [OPENING PRAYER – 1:09]Our gracious heavenly Father, how we love you, and we thank you so much for your Word. We thank you that you are a God that wants us to know you. And that’s why you gave us the Bible. I pray that as we read today, you would open our hearts and our minds and I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen. All right, let’s begin. [INTRO TO PSALM 33 – 1:30]Psalm 33 is such a joyous psalm. It’s written to all that have called on the name of Jesus to be saved because it’s written to the righteous. And because of our belief in the saving power of Jesus’ shed blood, righteousness is credited to us. This is a psalm that looks at how good it is to be joyful and praise God in all His goodness and majesty and awesomeness and justice and power. It’s like a wonderfully fresh breath of air on a crisp, clear, sunny, blue day from the top of a pristine mountain, where you can see for miles and miles and miles in all directions, all of God’s good creation. This is a psalm of celebration and hallelujahs. Joyfully sing to the Lord, you righteous people. [PSALM 33 (GWT) – 2:16]Psalms, chapter 33. (1) Joyfully sing to the Lord, you righteous people.Praising the Lord is proper for decent people.(2) Give thanks with a lyre to the Lord.Make music for him on a ten-stringed harp.(3) Sing a new song to him.Play beautifully and joyfully on stringed instruments. (4) The word of the Lord is correct,and everything he does is trustworthy.(5) The Lord loves righteousness and justice.His mercy fills the earth.(6) The heavens were made by the word of the Lordand all the stars by the breath of his mouth.(7) He gathers the water in the sea like a damand puts the oceans in his storehouses.(8) Let all the earth fear the Lord.Let all who live i...
Transcribe →S2E080-1 Samuel 6-10: How’s That Workin’ Out For Ya?
Dec 31, 202400:42:34Tap to summarizeTranscript Today’s Bible Translation Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 6-8 CEV, Ch. 9-10 NKJV Executive Producer John Podcast Introduction This is the History Tuesday. Our reading is 1 Samuel 6-10. I’m calling todays episode, “How’s That Workin’ Out For Ya?” Design: SWS Comments on 1 Samuel 8 The first section of this commentary was written on September 6, 2020. Six months before this, much of the world began the “fifteen days to slow the spread” of Covid-19. Two months after it was written, the United States would have a presidential election. The second section was written on November 22, 2021. Thoughts on 1 Samuel 8 – September 6, 2020 In this chapter, we see once more that there is nothing new under the sun. God rescued the children of Israel out of Egypt, and God looked out for them, cared for them and supplied their needs. He gave them the Promised Land, enabling them to defeat their enemies. But time and again, they forsook God and began to worship the false gods of heathen nations. Each time He forgave them, and for a time they would follow Him, but in the end, they would forsake Him again. Now in 1 Samuel, they put a different spin on things by saying they no longer wanted a judge, a man chosen by God to whom they would be accountable. No, they wanted a king like the other nations had. But as God told Samuel, “…they are not rejecting you. They are rejecting me.” Think about it. The people had a tremendous amount of freedom. They had land. They could do what they wanted to do, and as long as they followed God’s laws, they would enjoy His blessings. But they fell for the lie that by giving up their freedom, they would have a better life. Samuel warned them. He told them what living under a king would be like. The king would take them into forced labor. He would take their land. He would take their property, conscript their sons into his army, he would tax them, he would take their daughters. But no, they wanted a king. Does any of this sound familiar? Is there a lie floating around now? Free education. Free health care. Social justice. Freedom from systemic racism. Freedom from God. Please, beloved. Bear with me. In just under two months, the United States will make a decision. That decision will be between two very different forms of government. On one hand, we have a government that acknowledges God, and the inalienable rights He has given to every person. On the other hand there is a proposed government that rejected the idea of including God in its platform, and would remove by legislation our God given rights. In exchange they promise the freebies I listed a minute ago. The Democrat party has already demonstrated that they are for limiting free speech and freedom of religion. They deny life to the not-yet-born, and in doing so, they deny the notion that each person is fearfully and wonderfully made by God Himself. The riots and destruction we see in many of our cities is the evidence of what happens when groups of people deny the existence of God. This, and more, is what is in store for America if we choose this “king”. Beloved, I am well aware that the government we have right now is far from perfect. It has its flaws. It is made up people. But the way to fix it is not to utterly reject it for a system that has proven that it fails every time it’s been tried, because, yes, the Democrat party has been taken over by socialists. And we must not fall for the lies we are being told by the media. They are compromised. Not reliable. America is a good country, despite its flaws. Still and all, America is worth saving. God was in the founding of this nation. God has blessed this nation and its people. And I believe that if we will humble ourselves and pray and seek God’s face and turn from our wicked ways, then God will hear from heaven, and He will forgive our sin and He will heal our land. I do not believe that it is too late, beloved. I have hope for America. Let us not choose this new king. November 22, 2021 So beloved, how well has this commentary aged, in your opinion? Are we better off with this new “king”? In my opinion, the more power you give any king or president or prime minister…or government in general, the fewer freedoms you will have. Dennis Prager is a man I respect immensely. One of his teachings is “The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.” https://dennisprager.com/column/the-bigger-the-government-the-smaller-the-citizen/ I think we are seeing the truth of this statement around the world right now, don’t you? Contrast Dennis Prager’s thought with the former governor of my state-California: Arnold Schwarzenegger recently said, “Screw your freedom…” You may have heard that sound bite. But do you know what he said after that? “…because with freedom comes obligations and responsibilities.” People who believe that government should restrict freedoms think that the average citizen are not grown up enough to handle obligations and responsibilities, I guess. So how is that working? Are we better off, now that the governments of the world are wresting more and more control over nearly every aspect of our lives? I’ll let you decide for yourself. My opinion is that we are NOT better off. I still believe that we must do as God said in 2 Chronicles 7:14: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. All of us, no matter where in the world you live, must pray for people to turn back to God. We must look to Him. He is our only hope, beloved. There is no government, no politician of any stripe that can save us. America became a great, and yes, an exceptional nation because it was founded on a devotion to God. John Winthrop was an early Puritan leader who served many terms as governor of Massachusetts. He wrote a sermon in 1630 while aboard the ship that would take him from his home in England to his new home in the New World, in which these ideas were beautifully expressed. I encourage you to read the entire sermon here, but I would like to share a few paragraphs with you: We have hereupon besought Him of favor and blessing. Now if the Lord shall please to hear us, and bring us in peace to the place we desire, then hath He ratified this covenant and sealed our commission, and will expect a strict performance of the articles contained in it; but if we shall neglect the observation of these articles which are the ends we have propounded, and, dissembling with our God, shall fall to embrace this present world and prosecute our carnal intentions, seeking great things for ourselves and our posterity, the Lord will surely break out in wrath against us, and be revenged of such a people, and make us know the price of the breach of such a covenant.Now the only way to avoid this shipwreck, and to provide for our posterity, is to follow the counsel of Micah, to do justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with our God. For this end, we must be knit together, in this work, as one man. We must entertain each other in brotherly affection. We must be willing to abridge ourselves of our superfluities, for the supply of others’ necessities. We must uphold a familiar commerce together in all meekness, gentleness, patience and liberality. We must delight in each other; make others’ conditions our own; rejoice together, mourn together, labor and suffer together, always having before our eyes our commission and community in the work, as members of the same body. So shall we keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. The Lord will be our God, and delight to dwell among us, as His own people, and will command a blessing upon us in all our ways, so that we shall see much more of His wisdom, power, goodne...
Transcribe →S2E079-Genesis 44-47: Which Way?
Dec 30, 202400:36:49Tap to summarizeTranscript Today’s Bible Translation Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 44 ERV, Ch. 45-46 CEV, Ch. 47 NKJV Associate Producer Timothy LaFontaine Podcast Introduction This is the Law Monday. Genesis 44-47 I’m calling todays episode, “Which Way?” And it’s December 19th, so we’ll hear Christmas Question number 19. sent in by Rob Brousseau. Of course, our Christmas expert, James Cooper of whychristmas.com has an answer for him. Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Paulius Dragunas on Unsplash Comments on Genesis 44-47 Let’s recap quickly what has happened in Joseph’s life, in relation to his older brothers. He was the eleventh son of Jacob, but the first son through Rachel, his favorite wife. And Jacob loved Joseph more than his other sons because he was born when Jacob was old. Of course Jacob made no attempt to hide his favoritism toward Joseph, and this caused his brothers to hate him. To make matters worse, when he was a teenager he had dreams in which the family would bow down to him…and he told them about the dreams. And his brothers hated him so much that they sold him into slavery, but they told Jacob that he had been killed by wild animals. Then, through a series of events that saw Joseph become the supervisor of an Egyptian official’s household, then falsely accused of rape by this same official’s wife, thrown into prison, and elevated to the Pharaoh’s second in command because of his God-given ability to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams and devise a plan for Egypt to survive and even prosper through a coming seven year drought, his brothers find themselves bowing down before him, asking to buy food because the drought had caused a famine that spread beyond Egypt, even into Canaan. And Jacob remembered the dreams he had had as a boy when he saw them bow down to him. Joseph’s brothers don’t recognize him, though he recognized them. This is where the story gets interesting. Joseph lets his brothers continue to think that he is an Egyptian and he accused them of being spies. In Genesis 41:38 Pharaoh said, “I don’t think we can find anyone better than Joseph to take this job! God’s Spirit is in him, making him very wise!” Even thought Pharaoh was not a believer in the true God, he was correct in his assessment. The Holy Spirit was in Joseph, and it was the Holy Spirit who led Joseph in his dealings with his brothers when they came to Egypt to buy food. The things that have happened between Joseph and his brothers from the time they first appeared in his presence in Egypt, right up to where we are in chapter 44, have been to bring God’s plan for this family to fruition. Joseph misled his brothers, not to be spiteful or vengeful, but because God was using him to bring them to a place of correction and restoration. The brothers had to face what they had done to Joseph and their father. When the brothers threw Joseph into the pit, he cried out to them, pleading for their help. As commentator Donald Barnhouse said, “A physicist could compute the exact time required for his cries to go twenty-five yards to the eardrums of the brothers. But it took twenty-two years for that cry to go from the eardrums to their hearts.” And here in chapter 44, it looks as if the brothers have finally come to repentance. After the silver cup that Joseph had planted in Benjamin’s sack was discovered by Joseph’s servant, and it appears that he will become Joseph’s slave (remember, the brothers still do not know that this apparently Egyptian ruler is their brother whom they sold into slavery), all of the brothers plead with him to let them stay with Benjamin as slaves, instead of returning home without him. But Judah, one of the brothers, makes an impassioned plea to Joseph from verse 18 to the end of the chapter at verse 34. Of this speech, F.B. Meyer wrote: “In all literature, there is nothing more pathetic than this appeal.” H.C. Leupold wrote, “This is one of the manliest, most straightforward speeches ever delivered by any man. For depth of feeling and sincerity of purpose it stands unexcelled.” Donald Barnhouse called it “the most moving address in all the Word of God.” This desperate plea broke Joseph’s heart. In chapter 45, he made all the Egyptians who were in the room with he and his brothers leave, because he was overcome with emotion. Once they were gone, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers. At first, they were terrified by the realization, but he told them not to worry or blame themselves because it was God’s plan, because God used him to save the lives of people who would have starved from the famine, including their own family. After Joseph’s revelation to his brothers, he sent them back to Canaan to get their father and the entire family to bring them to Egypt so that he could take care of them because the famine was not yet over. And when Jacob heard that Joseph, his most beloved son was still alive, he was overjoyed and said, “Now I can die a happy man.” All of the things that happened to Joseph were for a reason. The hatred of his brothers. Being sold into slavery. Imprisonment for a rape he did not commit. God used it all to preserve the family line from which the Messiah would come. God is sovereign. No matter the decisions or actions of man, God’s plan will always come to completion. Yes, man has free will. He can choose to obey God, or he can choose to disobey. But God will have His way. On this, Spurgeon wrote, “How wonderfully those two things meet in practical harmony – the free will of man and the predestination of God! Man acts just as freely and just as guiltily as if there were no predestination whatever; and God ordains, arranges, supervises, and over-rules, just as accurately as if there were no free will in the universe.” This kind of reminds me of the old saying, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way.” Beloved I would much rather be working *with* God than against Him. Wouldn’t you? James Cooper’s Link About holly. Support This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising=censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and send it to me here: SUPPORT. Transcript Download .txt file. Genesis 44-47: Which Way? (LSFAB S13E079) [TEASER – 0:00]It was God’s plan. [INTRO S13E079 – 0:09]This is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible coming to you from Riverside, California, and podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily podcast where we are reading through the entire Bible in a year. And I’m happy to see you today. The website is lifespringmedia.com. And this is The Law Monday. Today our reading will be Genesis 44 through 47. And I’m calling today’s episode “Which Way?” Today is December 19th, so we’ll hear Christmas question number 19 sent in again by Rob Brousseau. And James Cooper of whychristmas.com will have an answer for Rob. Before we read, let’s pray. [OPENING PRAYER – 0:49]Our heavenly Father, as we read today, first, we thank you for your Word. And second, I ask that you help us to understand and that you would show us how we can apply what we learned today to our lives every day. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen. Okay, let’s begin. [GENESIS 44 (ERV) – 1:06]Genesis 44. (1) Then Joseph gave a command to his servant. He said, “Fill th...
Transcribe →S2E078-1 Corinthians 7-8: No Tripping
Dec 29, 202400:28:09Tap to summarizeTranscript Today’s Bible Translation Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 7-8 GNT Associate Producers Anonymous, Michael Haner Podcast Introduction his is Epistles Sunday. 1 Corinthians 7-8 I’m calling todays episode, “No Tripping.” And it’s December 18th, so we’ll hear Christmas Question number 18 sent in by Rob Brousseau. Our Christmas expert, James Cooper of whychristmas.com has an answer for him. Today is Sunday, so we will have prayer requests and praises. Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Shane Rounce on Unsplash Comments on 1 Corinthians 7-8 Thoughts on 1 Corinthians 7 Let’s quickly look at a couple of different points from today’s reading. These are things that cause some people to wonder what Paul meant, so I hope I can clear them up for you. Let’s first tackle the parts where Paul says he is expressing his opinion. Does that mean that we can discount what he says if we don’t like what we hear? No. Those parts don’t somehow become the uninspired Word of God. If they did, then they would not be included in the Bible. What Paul was saying was that there were no scriptures yet in existence that dealt with the issue, so He wasn’t able to quote any verses to support what he was teaching here. But if you look at how he ended the chapter, he was declaring that he was lead by the Holy Spirit. When he says, “I think that I too have God’s Spirit”, he was not expressing doubt. In the language of the day, he was saying, “I am convinced that I have God’s Spirit.” And since that is true, his teaching on the subject is from God. The next thing that causes some difficulty for many people is where Paul mentions that the unbelieving spouse is made acceptable to God by the believing spouse. Some people mistakenly think that this means that an unbelieving husband or wife gets a free pass to Heaven because they are married to a believing spouse, or the children of a believer get a free pass. Of course that is not true. Each person must accept Christ on their own. There are no coattails upon which you can ride into Heaven. If you look at the passage again, you’ll see that Paul was talking about divorce. He was saying that if the unbeliever agrees to live with the believer, then their marriage will be recognized by God as a holy, valid marriage. They do not need to be divorced. And since their marriage is acceptable to God, then their children are not deemed as illegitimate, as they would be if their parents were unmarried. Paul goes on to say that “God has called you to live in peace”. Of course He doesn’t want lives to be turned upside down by divorce over this. And in staying together, the unbelieving spouse might be convinced of the reality of God’s love by the loving example of the believing spouse, and be brought to the cross of Christ. Thoughts on 1 Corinthians 8 In chapter 8, Paul talks to the Corinthian church about food offered to idols, and whether a believer should eat it. This subject seems sort of strange to us today, but in Greece, where the city of Corinth is, the worship of many different gods and idols was common. And often, certain foods were sacrificed to these idols before it made its way to the marketplace to be sold. So the question for some in the church of Corinth was whether or not this food should be eaten. Some felt that food offered to idols was tainted or unclean. Certainly the Jews who were there avoided it for this very reason. Paul’s teaching on this was surprising to those who thought they should not eat this meat. He said, “Look. Idols are nothing. They aren’t gods. They are just inanimate objects. So eating food offered to them will not separate you from God. He said, “Food…will not improve our relation with God; we shall not lose anything if we do not eat, nor shall we gain anything if we do eat.” But Paul didn’t leave the subject there. There’s more to it than just eating food. Some of the believers in the church in Corinth had previously been idol worshippers. They had participated in offering meat to these false idols. And they felt that this meat was defiled. So, instead of forcing them to violate their consciences, Paul said that believers who would otherwise not have a problem with this meat should not eat it if doing so would cause one of these other brothers or sisters to stumble. Because for these who had been idol worshippers, it was a sin, since it went against their conscience. Personal freedom is a gift of grace. But if your freedom causes someone to violate their conscience, thus causing them to sin, then you too have sinned. It’s all about love, my friend. If I love you, I won’t insist on having my way. James Cooper’s Link On Christmas Colors Support This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising=censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and send it to me here: SUPPORT. Transcript Download .txt file. 1 Corinthians 7-8: No Tripping (LSFAB S13E078) [TEASER – 0:00]That makes life so much better. [INTRO S13E078 – 0:09]Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible and podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily podcast where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. I’m so glad you’ve joined me. The website is lifespringmedia.com. This is Epistle Sunday, and we’ll read 1 Corinthians 7 through 8. I’m calling today’s episode, “No Tripping,” and it’s December 18th, so we’ll hear Christmas question number 18 sent in by Rob Brousseau. And since it’s Sunday, we will have a time of prayer and praise. Before we read, let’s pray. [OPENING PRAYER – O:45]Our Father, we love you so much. And we thank you for your Word. And we pray that you would bless our time together around it. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen. All right, let’s begin. [1 CORINTHIANS 7 (GNT) – 0:561 Corinthians, chapter 7. (1) Now, to deal with the matters you wrote about. A man does well not to marry. (2) But because there is so much immorality, every man should have his own wife, and every woman should have her own husband. (3) A man should fulfill his duty as a husband, and a woman should fulfill her duty as a wife, and each should satisfy the other’s needs. (4) A wife is not the master of her own body, but her husband is; in the same way a husband is not the master of his own body, but his wife is. (5) Do not deny yourselves to each other, unless you first agree to do so for a while in order to spend your time in prayer; but then resume normal marital relations. In this way you will be kept from giving in to Satan’s temptation because of your lack of self-control. (6) I tell you this not as an order, but simply as a permission. (7) Actually I would prefer that all of you were as I am; but each one has a special gift from God, one person this gift, another one that gift. (8) Now, to the unmarried and to the widows I say that it would be better for you to continue to live alone as I do. (9) But if you cannot restrain your desires, go ahead and marry—it is better to marry than to burn with passion. (10) For married people I have a command which is not my own but the Lord’s: a wife must not leave her husband; (11) but if she does, she must remain single or else be reconciled to her husband; and a husband must not divorce his wife. ...
Transcribe →S2E077-Matthew 26-28: Final Orders
Dec 28, 202400:34:20Tap to summarizeTranscript Today’s Bible Translation Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 26-27 ESV; Ch. 28 NET Podcast Introduction This Gospel Saturday, and we will complete the book of Matthew by reading ch 26-28 I’m calling todays episode, “Final Orders.” Comments on Matthew 26-28 Thoughts on Matthew 26 Have you ever made a promise to God? Have you ever been so much in love with Him that you just knew you would always be right in the center of His will? Or let’s dial it back a notch or fifty. Have you ever made a promise to your spouse, your significant other, or even just a friend? And have you ever failed to deliver on that promise? When you break a promise made to a human being, that’s one thing. Ideally you apologize, they forgive you, and you move forward. But when you make a promise to God, that’s big, right? In verse 33, Peter says to Jesus, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Peter was one who often spoke from his heart. I think he really believed what he said, because emotionally, at that moment he could not imagine forsaking Jesus. But guess what. Emotions ebb and flow. And when we speak or make commitments based on emotions, we are going to be making promises we cannot keep, which is what Peter did here. So let’s get back to you and me now. I know I’ve made promises that over time I ended up breaking. Promises to people, and promises to God. How about you? Sometimes the broken promises to people create broken relationships. What about broken promises to God? What happened when Peter broke his promise to never fall away? First, when he realized what he had done, it broke his heart. And later, as we shall see in subsequent chapters, Jesus forgave Peter and Peter went on to become one of the early church’s leaders, as Jesus said he would. So when I break a promise to God, as soon as I realize it, I’m on my knees confessing and asking forgiveness. And just as He saw Peter’s remorse and then forgave him, God sees my broken heart and forgives me. Listen. God is not surprised by our failures. Do you think that Jesus was surprised by Peter’s failure? Of course not. As a matter of fact, as soon as Peter made his promise, Jesus said, “Actually Peter, you not only are going to fall away, but you will deny me three times tonight!” So if Jesus knew that Peter was going to fail then, do you think He knew that Peter was going to break that same promise a few nights earlier, when He said that Peter was blessed because God had revealed to him that Jesus was the Son of the Living God? Of course Jesus knew. If you are busy beating yourself up because you have failed, stop it. God can still use you. You didn’t throw a monkey wrench in God’s plans. He will forgive you if you ask Him, and He will accomplish His plan in your life. I promise. But more that that, He promises. And He never breaks a promise. Thoughts on Matthew 27 Of course, it is never fun to read about the suffering of Jesus. But in a way, we have to love the narrative because without Him going through the agony, we would have to bear our own sins. This is the absolute pinnacle of grace…receiving a gift that we do not deserve. I deserve to die for my own sins, and you for yours. But Jesus says,”No. I died for you. I bore your sins that day. The price is paid. It is finished.” The gift that cost Him everything. My goodness, how can I refuse it? How could I join those Roman soldiers and spit on Him and mock him by refusing His gift? I cannot. With gratitude and with love I humbly receive it, thankful for His infinite love for me, sinful, broken me. My friend, I hope you have met Jesus. I hope that you have received His gift. This terrible death you heard about today was for you, too. If you have not yet accepted His gift to you of salvation, now is the time. You don’t know if you will have tomorrow. All you have is now. Tell Jesus that you accept His gift, that you know that you are a sinner and because of His gift you will turn from sin and turn to Him, believing that He died for you, paying the sacrifice that cleanses you from all your past and future failures. Do it now. But have you ever really caught what Matthew 27 52 and 53 said? Have you given these two verses any thought? Here they are again: 52The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. Ok, so I have to admit that the first images that come to my mind when I read these verses was heavily influenced by our culture’s fascination with zombies and the TV show “Walking Dead”. So sue me. My brain is not 100% spiritual. I admit to being influenced by the media. I am in the world, but I am not of it. Of course, the risen saints were nothing like zombies. We are told very little about them, but I’m quite sure that they looked exactly like they looked when they were alive the first time. Otherwise, what good would it have done for them to go into the holy city and have them appear to many people? So let’s take a closer look at what happened here. Just after Jesus died, scripture says that the curtain of the temple was was torn in two, from top to bottom, and there was a great earthquake. Rocks were split, and the tombs were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs *after his resurrection* they went into the holy city and appeared to many. Notice the timing there. *After* Jesus’ resurrection, they went into the city. So in keeping with prophecy, Jesus was the first to be resurrected, and then these saints. Jesus conquered the grave, not only for himself, but for all who put their trust in him. As I studied this event, I found that there are different opinions about who these people were. Note that these are only opinions, because we aren’t told, but it is interesting to think about. Some think that it was the ancient patriarchs. Others think that they were believers from that time period…those that had seen Jesus but had died before he did. We don’t know. Also, some think that after these saints went into the city and showed themselves they returned to their tombs. Others, that they were resurrected in the same type of body that Jesus did, to die no more, and when Jesus was taken up to heaven, they went with him. That we have such a small amount of information tells us that God wants us to focus on the resurrected Christ. That we are given only this short mention tells us that the resurrection they experienced awaits us as well, that it was not only for Jesus. That death is not the end, but only the beginning of a brand new life. There is indeed life after death. Death is nothing to fear if we have put our trust in him! The Great Commission And what an important charge Jesus left with his disciples, and us. We each share the responsibility to make disciples. The translation there really could be paraphrased, “As you go about your lives, tell others so that they will want to follow me too. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Tell them what I told you, and teach them to obey me. Keep in mind that I am always with you, right up to the end of this age.” So, as you live your life, don’t make it a secret that you are a believer in Jesus. Tell others about Jesus, as the Holy Spirit leads you. In today’s climate, this is a very politically incorrect thing to do, but man’s politics don’t change God’s Word. We have the answer for what ails the world. We should proclaim the truth with boldness. Amen? White Elephant Link From James Cooper Here Support This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising=censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and send it to me here: SUPPORT</stron...
Transcribe →S2E076-Isaiah 51-55: Thirsty?
Dec 27, 202400:35:41Tap to summarizeTranscript Today’s Bible Translation Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 51 NLV; Ch. 52-55 NCV Podcast Introduction This Prophecy Friday. Our reading will be Isaiah 51-55. Yes, just like I did on yesterday’s reading of Job, I did it on Isaiah. Today should be 56-61, according to our schedule, but I did that last week, skipping chapters 51-55. I have to say, I’m never quite sure what day it is because I typically live in two days simultaneously, because I typically record a day in advance. If you are listening to this show on the day it was released, for you, this is Friday…depending on where on the globe you live. But I recorded it on Thursday. So I’m living in Thursday and talking to you on Friday. And every so often, when I know something will be happening in my life at sometime in the future and I know I will not be able to record a show for you, I’ll be living in yet another day. And sometimes I have to record multiple days ahead. And it can really warp the time/space continuum for a bit. You say, Steve, come on. It isn’t that hard. Well, I would challenge you to do it for multiple months, and years at a time. After awhile, it can get to you. Or maybe it’s just me and my old brain. Anyway, I messed up the schedule last week twice. At least I’m not so far gone that I didn’t catch my mistake. That’s a good thing, right? LOL I’m calling todays episode, “Thirsty?.” And it’s December 16th, which means Christmas Question number 16 is up, sent in by Clay Jones. Of course, our Christmas expert, James Cooper of whychristmas.com has an answer for him. Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Pablo Molina on Unsplash Comments on Isaiah 55 Let’s go back to chapter 55, shall we? To whom was this chapter written? Do you remember? Verse one tells us: The Lord says, “All you who are thirsty,… ALL who are thirsty. No one is left out. Every person who is thirsty is invited to come and drink. Doesn’t every person experience thirst? Of course. And God, He of infinite mercy, is the supplier of water that refreshes and gives everlasting life. He says, “Come to me and listen; listen to me so you may live.” Is your faith weak? Do you have doubt? Let me remind you that Romans 10:17 says that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of God.” You need more faith? Then listen to the Word of God. As you listen, your faith grows. And it is faith in Jesus that brings life. “But Steve,” you say. “That seems too easy. I know what I’ve done in my life, and I know that I have not been a good person. How can just believing be enough? Surely I have to do something to pay for the things I’ve done.” Well did you hear what the Lord said in verse 8 of chapter 55? He said, “My thoughts are not like your thoughts. Your ways are not like my ways. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Trying to make sense out of God’s provision is a fool’s errand. All we can do is accept it and be thankful for it. As far as paying for our bad deeds, let’s look again at the first verse. God says, “Those of you who do not have money, come, buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” You can’t buy forgiveness with money or with deeds. If you could, you couldn’t afford it, anyway. Make no mistake, there was a cost, but it was borne by Jesus, because He was the only One who could pay it. And now He offers the forgiveness He bought with His blood, to you. Verse 12 of our chapter says, “So you will go out with joy and be led out in peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees in the fields will clap their hands.” If you are tired of the fighting and strife that is all around us, if the ugliness has worked its way into your heart and your mind, if you want the joy and the peace of God, it can be yours right now, for free, if you’ll just put your faith in this God who loves you and who gave His life for you. Will you do it? Today is the day. Do it now. I believe there is someone listening right now who needs to hear this, and who is struggling with the decision to follow Jesus. Let me just tell you that since I decided over 50 years to ask him to forgive me and be my Lord, I have never once regretted it. Life does not become a bed of roses, but you ability to deal with the difficulties of life is made better because you will not be bearing the load alone. Jesus wants you to offload your burdens onto Him. Does that sound good? Pray with me. Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I have broken your commandments, and fallen short of your standard. Right now I turn from that sin and ask you to come into my life. Jesus, be my Lord, my Savior, my friend and my God. I put my faith in you and you alone, to save my from my sins. Thank you for loving me and calling me. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen. Beloved, if you prayed that prayer, and you meant it, then congratulations. You are forgiven. You are a new creation. And you are now a child of God. This is a new beginning for you. You belong to Jesus, and no one can take you from Him. The Bible says that when one sinner is saved, all Heaven rejoices. There is a party going on in Heaven right now because of your decision. This is why Jesus came to earth all those years ago. And I have a gift for you if you prayed that prayer. It’s free. I want to send you a very special Bible called the New Believer’s Bible. It’s a New Testament that has hundreds of notes in it to help you get a great start in your walk with the Lord. The notes are written by Greg Laurie, and if you will send me an email telling me you prayed that prayer, I’ll mail it to you right away. Tell me where to send it, and it’ll be in the mail. I won’t put you on any sort of list or share your information with anyone. I just want you to have this Bible. No charge, and I’ll pay the postage. Email me at st***@li*************.com and tell me you prayed with me and you would like a copy of the New Believer’s Bible. Links From James Cooper Link One Link Two Support This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising=censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and send it to me here: SUPPORT. Transcript Download .txt file. Isaiah 51-55: Thirsty? (LSFAB S13E076) [GRANDDAUGHTER ONE – 0:00]This is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible. And here’s my grandpa, the OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. [INTRO S13E076 – 0:14]Yesterday you heard grandchild number two. This was grandchild number one, the oldest, and I am coming to you from Riverside, California, and podcasting since 2004, yep, that’s me, grandpa, Steve Webb. This is a daily podcast. And you and I are reading the entire Bible in a year. The website is lifespringmedia.com. And this is Prophecy Friday. Our reading will be Isaiah 51 through 55. And yes, I did, just like ...
Transcribe →S2E075-Job 19-20: My Redeemer
Dec 26, 202400:22:25Tap to summarizeTranscript Today’s Bible Translation Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 19 NASB, Ch. 20 CEB Associate Producer Howie Podcast Introduction This is Poetry Thursday. Our reading will be Job 19-20, which should have been the reading last week, but I actually read what should have been today’s reading, Job 21-22 instead. So by reading 19-20 today, we’ll be back on track. Sorry about that. I’m calling the episode, “My Redeemer.” And it’s December 15th, so we’ll have Christmas Question number 15 today, sent in by Sandra Kim. Of course, our Christmas expert, James Cooper of whychristmas.com has an answer for him. Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Tom Henell on Unsplash Comments on Job 19 The chapter begins with Job responding yet again to his “friends” turned accusers, asking “How long will you torment me and crush me with your words?”. And he continues by recounting how utterly miserable he has become. Even God seems to have turned his back on him, even persecuting him. And yet in verses 23 through 27 we see that indeed, Job’s faith in God remains steadfast! He says,”As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives!” Hallelujah! Let’s take a closer look at the word “redeemer”. The Hebrew word is “goel”. We see the goel in Joshua 20:7-8 and Numbers 35:12-28, where the cities of refuge were established. In these chapters, goel is translated as the “avenger of blood”. It was almost always the nearest family member who was appointed as goel, and it was It was his responsibility to rightly carry out justice when a family member was murdered. But it is important to note that Old Testament justice was similar to our justice system: there is criminal law and civil law. The “avenger of blood” dealt with criminal law. On the civil side, the goel is a “redeemer”. According to G. Campbell Morgan, “The ‘Goel’ stood for another to defend his cause, to avenge wrongs done to him, and so to acquit him of all charges laid against him.” Steve Lawson put it this way: “A redeemer was a vindicator of one unjustly wronged. He was a defender of the oppressed. A champion of the suffering. An advocate of one unjustly accused. If you were ever wronged, a redeemer would come and stand beside you as your champion and advocate.” Job was saying that even though he *felt* that God had abandoned him, even though he *felt* that God was wrongly persecuting him, he *knew* that God was his goel, his closest family member, his redeemer, his vindicator. Job *knew* that in the end, God would make things right. Oh beloved, to have faith like Job! Even in the midst of agony and despair, to know that we do have a Redeemer! “Remember, too, that it was always considered to be the duty of the goel, not merely to redeem by price, but where that failed, to redeem by power… There are two redemptions, — redemption by price and redemption by power, and both of these Christ hath wrought for us; — by price, by his sacrifice upon the cross of Calvary; and by power, by his Divine Spirit coming into our heart, and renewing our soul.” (Charles Spurgeon) Jesus is, even now, advocating for you and for me at the throne of God. He *has* redeemed us with His blood. And when the enemy, the accuser brings charges against us, Jesus is there to say, “No! This one is mine, and I have paid the price for this precious one.” Support This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising=censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and send it to me here: SUPPORT. Transcript Download .txt file. Job 19-20: My Redeemer (LSFAB S13E075) [GRANDDAUGHTER TWO – 0:00]This is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible. And here’s my grandpa, the OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. [TEASER – 0:15]I think that’s the best introduction I’ve ever had on the show. That was my second oldest grandchild. She and her older sister were over at the house last couple of days. We did a lot of Christmas baking and cooking. And then her parents were over last night and we fed the family, and I had a whole lot of fun. So Bree told you what show this is and who I am. And I’ll tell you that I’m coming to you from Riverside, California. This is a daily podcast and you and I are reading through the entire Bible in a year. I’m glad you’re here. The website is lifespringmedia.com. And this is Poetry Thursday. We’re going to be reading Job 19 and 20 which should have been the reading for last week, but I actually read what should have been today’s reading Job 21 and 22 instead, so by reading 19 and 20 today, we’ll be back on track. Sorry about the mix-up. I’m calling today’s episode “My Redeemer.” And it’s December 15 so we’ll have Christmas question number 15 sent in by Sandra Kim today. Of course, our Christmas expert James Cooper of whychristmas.com will be answering Sandra in his usual very thorough and informative, and fun way. But before we read, let’s pray. [OPENING PRAYER – 1:26]Our gracious heavenly Father, we thank you so much for your Word. And we thank you for the book of Job which teaches us how we can respond to difficulties that inevitably come into our lives. Teach us today I pray in Jesus’ name, amen. Okay, let’s begin. [JOB 19 (NASB) – 1:43]Job, chapter 19. (1) Then Job responded, (2) “How long will you torment meAnd crush me with words?(3) These ten times you have insulted me;You are not ashamed to wrong me.(4) Even if I have truly erred,My error lodges with me.(5) If indeed you vaunt yourselves against meAnd prove my disgrace to me,(6) Know then that God has wronged meAnd has closed His net around me. (7) “Behold, I cry, ‘Violence!’ but I get no answer;I shout for help, but there is no justice.(8) He has walled up my way so that I cannot pass,And He has put darkness on my paths.(9) He has stripped my honor from meAnd removed the crown from my head.(10) He breaks me down on every side, and I am gone;And He has uprooted my hope like a tree.(11) He has also kindled His anger against meAnd considered me as His enemy.(12) His troops come together,And build up their way against meAnd camp around my tent.(13) “He has removed my brothers far from me,And my acquaintances are completely estranged from me.(14) My relatives have failed,And my intimate friends have forgotten me.(15) Those who live in my house and my maids consider me a stranger.I am a foreigner in their sight.(16) I call to my servant, but he does not answer;I have to implore him with my mouth.(17) My breath is offensive to my wife,And I am loathsome to my own brothers.(18) Even young children despise me;I rise up and they speak against me.(19) All my associates abhor me,And those I love have turned against me.(20) My bone clings to my skin and my flesh,And I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth.(21) Pity me, pity me, O you my friends,For the hand of God has struck me.(22) Why do you persecute me as God does,And are not satisfied with my flesh? (23) “Oh that my words were written!Oh that they were inscribed in a book!(24) That with an iron stylus and leadThey were engraved in the rock forever!(25) As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,And at the last He will take His stand on the earth.(26) Even after my skin is destroyed,Yet from my flesh I shall see God;(27) Whom I myself ...
Transcribe →S2E074-Psalms 30-32: The Grace of God
Dec 25, 202400:26:52Tap to summarizeTranscript Today’s Bible Translation Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 30 NIRV, Ch. 31-32 CEV Podcast Introduction This Psalms Wednesday. Our chapters will be 30-32 I’m calling the episode, “The Grace of God.” I will of course have an introduction for you before reading each chapter. And it’s December 14th, so we’ll have Christmas Question number 14 today, sent in by —-Of course, our Christmas expert, James Cooper of whychristmas.com has an answer for him. And it’s Wednesday, so we will have a short time of prayer. Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Benjamin Voros on Unsplash Comments on Psalms 30-32 One thing we learn from the Psalms is that David didn’t hold back. When he was down, he wrote about it. When he was up, he wrote about that. Of course, we know that David was far from a perfect man, right? Sure, he was the kid who killed Goliath. He became the king of Israel. He wrote these wonderful songs, which became the book of Psalms. But he was also a failure as a father, judging by what happened to his family, he was an adulterer and a murderer. The fact that he had the failings he had, and still was called a man after God’s own heart should give each one of us encouragement, especially in the light of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. In His death, burial and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death. So for those who have asked Him to be their Lord and Savior, we know that God sees us through the lens of grace. So when we stumble, let’s not let circumstances keep us down. Let the fact of God’s grace give us strength to stand up and keep reaching for the prize. James Cooper’s Links Carols More about carols Gifts More about gifts Support This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising=censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and send it to me here: SUPPORT. Transcript Download .txt file. Psalms 30-32: The Grace of God (LSFAB S13E074) [TEASER – 0:00]Keep reaching for the prize. [INTRO S13E074 – 0:09]Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible and podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily podcast where we are reading together through the entire Bible in a year. The website is lifespringmedia.com. I’m glad you’re here. This is Psalms Wednesday, and our chapters will be 30 through 32. I’m calling the episode “The Grace of God.” And I will of course have an introduction for you before reading each chapter. And it’s December 14, so we’ll have Christmas question number 14a, 14b, and 14c sent in by Mike Haner. Of course, our Christmas expert, James Cooper, has answers on all three. And being Wednesday we will have a short time of prayer. But before we read, let’s pray. [OPENING PRAYER – 0:57]Our Father, we thank you so much for our time together around your Word. We thank you for it. We thank you for your Word and for the time together. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen. Okay, let’s begin. [INTRO TO PSALM 30 – 1:11]Psalms, chapter 30. The title of this psalm depending on the translation is “A song, a song at the dedication of the house of David.” Some translations use the word “temple” instead of “house,” so “A song at the dedication of the temple of God.” The King James, the New King James, the Complete Jewish Bible, the Christian Standard Bible, Holman Christian Standard, etc. all say, “the house of God.” And then a couple of the newer translations like the New Living Translation, the Contemporary English Version, and even the older Revised Standard Version use the word “temple.” Well, some scholars believe that this was written by David for the dedication of David’s Palace, which was built before the temple. Others including Charles Spurgeon believe that David wrote it before the temple was ever built. You see, God had told David that he would not be the one to build a temple, but that his son, Solomon, would be the one to build it. So perhaps he wrote this song so that it could be sung at the dedication of the temple. We don’t know for sure. Well, with there being no across-the-board agreement on whether this was for the dedication of David’s palace or the temple, all I can say is it doesn’t really matter for our purposes. The fact is that the psalm doesn’t even mention the house or the temple. Whether it was for the palace or the temple, David wanted everybody’s attention to be on God. This is really a psalm of praise for God or to God. With that said, here’s Psalms chapter 30. [PSALM 30 (NIRV) – 2:47]Psalms, chapter 30. (1) Lord, I will give you honor.You brought me out of deep trouble.You didn’t give my enemies the joy of seeing me die.(2) Lord my God, I called out to you for help.And you healed me.(3) Lord, you brought me up from the place of the dead.You kept me from going down into the pit. (4) Sing the praises of the Lord, you who are faithful to him.Praise him, because his name is holy.(5) His anger lasts for only a moment.But his favor lasts for a person’s whole life.Weeping can stay for the night.But joy comes in the morning. (6) When I felt safe, I said,“I will always be secure.”(7) Lord, when you gave me your help,you made Mount Zion stand firm.But when you took away your help,I was terrified. (8) Lord, I called out to you.I cried to you for mercy.(9) I said, “What good will come if I become silent in death?What good will come if I go down into the grave?Can the dust of my dead body praise you?Can it tell how faithful you are?(10) Lord, hear me. Have mercy on me.Lord, help me.” (11) You turned my loud crying into dancing.You removed my clothes of sadness and dressed me with joy.(12) So my heart will sing your praises. I can’t keep silent.Lord, my God, I will praise you forever. [INTRO TO PSALM 31 – 4:14]Psalm 31. The title is “To the chief musician.” And Charles Spurgeon said of this psalm, “The dedication ‘To the chief musician’ proves that this song of mingled measures and alternate strains of grief and woe, was intended for public singing and thus a deathblow is given to the notion that nothing but praise should be sung.” So David sometimes sang the blues. But isn’t that point that Spurgeon made interesting? How many songs are written for the church today that are not songs of praise? I daresay not many, and perhaps that’s appropriate. But as we’ve seen from our reading of the Psalms thus far, David did not shy away from writing about the troubles in his life. And the fact that so many of the Psalms reflect the difficulties that we sometimes face tells us that God wants us to bring those troubles to him. Like a good loving father, he wants us to trust him, to help us in the midst of difficult times. Now, portions of the psalm are quoted in many other places in the Bible as well. Most notably, the last words Jesus spoke on the cross were from verse 5, “Into your hand, I commit ...
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Dec 24, 202400:36:58Tap to summarizeTranscript Today’s Bible Translation Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch.1-2 NLV; Ch. 3-4 ERV, Ch. 5 CEV Podcast Introduction This History Tuesday. We’ll begin the book of 1 Samuel by reading the first five chapters. And it’s the thirteenth of December, so we’ll have Christmas Question number 13 today, sent in by Lifespring! family member Berean, Brother John in Canada. Of course, our Christmas expert, James Cooper of whychristmas.com has an answer for him. Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Alireza Attari on Unsplash Comments on 1 Samuel Thoughts on 1 Samuel 1 About Samuel’s family. Elkanah, the man who would become Samuel’s father, seems to have been a devout man in a time that many people were far from God. Remember from our time in Judges how many times we were told “There were no kings in the land, and people did whatever they wanted.” Well, Elkanah made regular trips to Shiloh to worship and offer sacrifices. He was a Levite, which is the tribe from which God chose priests. But as Abraham and Jacob had done, he took two wives. This was not God’s ideal plan, and as had happened with these other two men, Elkanah found that this is not the way to a peaceful house. Peninnah was hard on Hannah because Hannah was childless and probably also because she knew that Elkanah loved Hannah more. So Hannah cried to the Lord, asking Him to give her a son. And she made a vow to Him that was just flat out remarkable. She told God that if He would give her a son, she would give him back to Him. How many times do we make promises to God in times of desperation, and then when the crisis passes, we forget our promise? I’m ashamed to admit that I have done this. But bless her heart, Hannah did not. Once Samuel was old enough to be weaned, she took him to Shiloh to fulfill her promise. As a father of three sons and grandfather of four grandchildren (soon to be five!), I can only imagine the grief I would experience if I were to give up one of my children after caring for them for the three years it is thought that Hannah had Samuel in her care. But Hannah remembered her promise, and she loved God enough to trust that He would see to Samuel’s welfare. What devotion and faith this woman had! Thoughts on 1 Samuel 3 and 4 Sometimes I think the so called modern translations go just a bit too far in trying to simplify the language. In chapter 3, verse 3 there’s the phrase “the Holy Box”. In the original Hebrew, it is called “the ark of Elohim”. Elohim one of the Hebrew words that is translated into English as God, and it is the same word used in Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning Elohim created the heaven and the earth.” It is also has another name in the Bible. Hebrews 9:4 tells us the contents of the Ark: “in which there was a gold jar containing the manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.” And so now we know why it is also called the Ark of the Covenant. So can we not just call it the Holy Box? I’d like to share with you what F. B. MEYER wrote in his book, “Great Verses Through the Bible” about Samuel and how God called him that night while he tried to sleep in the temple. “And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel!” See the urgency of God! Four times He came and stood, and called. Mark how He stands at the door to knock. At first He was content to call the lad once by name: but after three unsuccessful attempts to attract him to himself, He uttered the name twice, with strong urgency in the appeal, “Samuel! Samuel! This has been called God’s double knock. There are seven or eight of these double knocks in Scripture: Simon, Simon; Saul Saul; Abraham, Abraham. How may we be sure of a divine call? We may know God’s call when it grows in intensity. If an impression comes into your soul and you are not quite sure of its origin, pray over it; above all, act on it so far as possible, follow in the direction in which it leads—and as you lift up your soul before God, it will wax or wane. If it wanes at all, abandon it. If it waxes follow it, though all hell attempt to stay you. We may test God’s call by the assistance of godly friends. The aged Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child, and gave him good advice as to the manner in which he should respond to it. Our special gifts and the drift of our circumstances will also assuredly concur in one of God’s calls. We may test God’s call by its effect on us. Does it lead to self-denial? Does it induce us to leave the comfortable bed and step into the cold? Does it drive us forth to minister to others? Does it make us more unselfish, loving, tender, modest, humble? Whatever is to the humbling of our pride, and the glory of God, may be truly deemed God’s call. Be quick to respond, and fearlessly deliver the message the Lord has given you. F. B. MEYER: Great Verses Through the Bible Have you felt the call of God on your life? I have. The most memorable one for me was when God called me to begin the Lifespring! podcast. My experience was as real as Samuel’s was, and it effected nearly every aspect of my life. If you have experienced something similar, I would love to hear it. Links from James Cooper On whychristmas.com about the birth of Jesus Also on whychristmas.com about the shepherds From another great source about where Jesus was born. And yet another article about the location of His birth. Support This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising=censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and send it to me here: SUPPORT. Transcript Download .txt file. 1 Samuel 1-5: Here I Am (LSFAB S13E073) [TEASER – 0:00]This is not the way to a peaceful house. [INTRO S13E073 – 0:10]This is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible coming to you from Riverside, California, and podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily podcast and we’re reading through the entire Bible together in one year. I’m glad to have you along. The website is lifespringmedia.com. This is History Tuesday. We’ll begin the book of 1 Samuel by reading the first five chapters, and it’s the 13th of December, so we’ll have Christmas question number 13 today sent in by Lifespring Family Berean, Brother John of Canada. And of course, James Cooper of Why Christmas has an answer for him. You’re really going to want to hear this one. And I’m not going to give it away. But today’s Christmas music goes along hand in hand with the question. See if you can guess which carol I’m going to play as you listen to the question and answer today. Before we read, I think we ought to pray. What about you? Here we go. [OPENING PRAYER – 1:04]Our heavenly Father, Lord, as we get further and further into the Christmas season, we are so thankful for your Word. It reveals who you are to us, and it tells the story of the birth of Jesus. I pray that this year as people pick up their Bibles...
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