Lifespring! Media All Shows

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Poetry Thursday. Ecclesiastes 7-8. I’m calling today’s episode “Trust.”

Comments on Ecclesiastes 7-8

I think that what we can take from Solomon’s teaching here in Ecclesiastes is that wisdom, money, power and everything else that man strives for does not bring happiness or understanding or peace. Solomon had it all. But at the end of his life he realized that what God does is far beyond man’s understanding. 

Notice that not once has he a...

What does Colossians 1:11 mean? Paul talks about being strengthened with God’s power and glorious might—but what he says that power is for might surprise us.

In this episode of Verses We Missed, we explore why God’s power doesn’t always look like immediate healing, deliverance, or victory. Sometimes the race keeps going, the prayer remains unanswered, and we can’t see the wall. What does God’s strength look like then? Browse more episodes at Recent Episodes.

When You Can’t See the Wall

Colossians 1:11 (ESV)

Colossians 1:11 (ESV)
“being s...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Psalms Wednesday. We’ll read chapters 131-133. I’m calling today’s episode “No Room For Pride.”

Comments on Psalm 131

Psalm 131 is David’s song in which he declares that pride has no place in his heart.

For someone with as many accomplishments as David had, it can be very difficult not to harbor pride or arrogance. We know from Scripture that David had at least one bout with pride, when he got into trouble with Bathsheba. T...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is History Tuesday. We’ll read Ezra chapters 1-5. I’m calling today’s episode “Unlikely Allies.”

Comments on Ezra 1-5

Introduction to Ezra

The previous book, 2 Chronicles ended with the fall of Jerusalem. All the articles from the temple removed by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, and the temple itself was set ablaze. The walls of the city were torn down. The people were taken into what would be a 70 year captivity, as was prophesied by the prophet Jer...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Monday so we’ll read from the Law. We’re still in Deuteronomy, the last book we’ll read from the Law, and our chapters tomorrow will be 13-15. I do have an on this date in church history for you. I’m calling today’s episode “What’s In It For You?”  

Comments on Deuteronomy 15

Have you ever heard someone make a statement like, “You should give, without any expectation of receiving anything in return”? In general, I agree with that sta...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Epistles Sunday, and our reading is 1 Peter 4-5. I’m calling today’s episode “Perspective.”  

Comments on 1 Peter 5

In today’s comments I’d like to address chapter 5, verses 1 through 6.

Peter tells the older members to be shepherds to God’s flock from a sincere desire and not for money, and do so by providing a good example, not by lording it over them. And then he tells the younger folks that they should be willing to submit to the older peopl...

Transcript

Distinguished Producer

Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Paul of Seattle.

Podcast Introduction

Today is Gospel Saturday and we’ll read Acts 13-14. I’m calling today’s episode “How To React To Rejection.”

Comments on Acts 13

We see the beginning of Paul’s first missionary journey in chapter 13. It’s important to note that Paul and Barnabas did not begin this journey based on their own ideas. They were called by the Holy Spirit to this work. And then, the church at A...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Prophecy Friday. Haggai. I’m calling today’s episode “The Desire of All Nations.”

Comments on Haggai

There were twelve Minor Prophets. The first nine prophesied before Judah was taken to Babylon in captivity, or pre-exile. Haggai is the first of the remaining three Minor Prophets who came after the seventy year exile.

Cyrus King of Persia allowed the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem in 538 B.C., after seventy years of captivity. Two years later, in 536 B.C., co...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is  Poetry Thursday. Ecclesiastes 5-6. I’m calling today’s episode “Your Life Has Meaning”   

Comments on Ecclesiastes 5-6

Solomon begins chapter 5 with good advice. When coming to the house of God, it’s better to listen than to run your head (as my dad would say). Actually, that’s good advice in most situations, don’t you think? You can’t learn much when you’re talking. But when coming before the Lord, listening will always be more beneficial than speaki...

What does Psalm 20:7 mean when it says to trust in the name of the LORD? Discover what Pharaoh’s chariots, Yahweh’s name, and the Exodus teach us about where we place our trust.

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Psalms Wednesday. We’ll read chapters 128-130. I do have an on this date in church history for you. I’m calling today’s episode “It’s More Than Happy.”  

Comments on Psalm 128

Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!

Psalm 128:1 ESV

I don’t think we’ve ever really talked much about what it is to be blessed. “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!” What doe...

Transcript Podcast Introduction Today is History Tuesday and we’ll red 2 Chronicles 33-36, which will complete the book. I’m calling today’s episode “The Forgiven King.” Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Jeremy Perkins on Unsplash Comments on 2 Chronicles 33 Manasseh was a very evil king who ruled for fifty-five years. This tells us that just because something lasts a long time does not mean that God’s blessing is on it.  The chapter very clearly outlines the sins of Manasseh, and the judgement that he and the nation suffered because of their sins.  I want to focus for a brief moment on what happen...

Transcript Podcast Introduction Today is Monday so we’ll read from the Law. Deuteronomy 10-12  I have a special, by request On This Date In Church History for you, and an audio comment from a friend, in response to a prayer request. I’m calling today’s episode “What’s It Take?”   Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Uta Scholl on Unsplash Comments on Deuteronomy 10 12“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with a...

Transcript Podcast Introduction Today is Epistles Sunday. 1 Peter 1-3. I’m calling today’s episode “Not My Will.”  Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash Comments on 1 Peter 1 and 2 In chapter 1,  Peter called the people to holy living. He told them not to slip back into their old ways of living to satisfy their own desires. “…their own desires…” And then in chapter 2 when talking to slaves he said that they should submit to their masters with all respect. Not just when the master is kind, but when he is cruel. And then dropping down again a few verses, Peter says...

Transcript Podcast Introduction Today is  Saturday Acts 11-12. I’m calling today’s episode “Thunder.” Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash Comments on Acts 12 In verse one of chapter 12 we read that King Herod had arrested some of the Christians in order to persecute them. And in verse two we read that Herod had James, the brother of John put to death with the sword.  That’s all that is said about James. The narrative moves quickly to the imprisonment of Peter, and how the Angel came to release him in the middle of the night before he was schedule...

Transcript Podcast Introduction Today is  Prophecy Friday. We are in the Minor Prophets, and Zephaniah is next in line  I do have an on this date in church history for you. I’m calling today’s episode “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow.”   Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Willian Justen de Vasconcellos on Unsplash Comments on Zephaniah Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria. It is first mentioned all the way back in Genesis, chapter 10, and then it is not mentioned again until the book of Jonah.  Nineveh was large, both in area and population. Because of its geographic location on the Tigris river, it wa...

Transcript Podcast Introduction Today is Poetry Thursday and we’ll read Ecclesiastes 3-4. I have an on this date in church history for you. I’m calling today’s episode “Two Are Better Than One.” Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Quaritsch Photography on Unsplash Comments on Ecclesiastes 4 These chapters, while not entirely inspiring, seem to be a little less hopeless sounding than the first two, don’t you think?  There’s a lot here to think about, but in our limited time, I’d like to focus for just a moment on chapter four. Halfway through the chapter, Solomon talked about the man who works...

What does John 1:5 mean? In one of the most beloved passages in Scripture, John reminds us that "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." No matter how dark our world or our circumstances become, the light of Jesus Christ has never stopped shining. In this episode of Verses We Missed, we explore John 1:1–5 and discover why John introduces the theme of darkness so early in his Gospel. Along the way, we'll see how Jesus is the eternal Word, the Creator, the source of life, and the Light that darkness can never overcome. Browse more ep...

Transcript Podcast Introduction Today is Psalms Wednesday. We’ll read chapters 125-127. I’m calling today’s episode “Who Is Building Your House?” Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Foreground: Callum Hill | Background: Barthelemy de Mazenod | Both from Unsplash Comments on Psalm 127 It is believed that Solomon had the building of the temple in mind when he wrote “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Of course, this thought can be applied to building a family or pretty much any other endeavor. If God is not in it, there will be no lasting value.  With that in mind, it is...

Transcript Podcast Introduction Today is  History Tuesday. Our reading is 2 Chronicles 29-32. I’m calling today’s episode “Changes.” Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Jesper Aggergaard on Unsplash Comments on 2 Chronicles 29-32 Hezekiah was a remarkable king, wasn’t he?  His father was Ahaz, who reigned before him, and he was one of the most evil kings of Judah. If you’ve been listening along, no doubt you remember him and the heinous things he did, including sacrificing his own children. That Hezekiah was such a good king is certainly noteworthy. As chapter 29, verse 2 says, “He did what was right in the eyes of the L...

Transcript Podcast Introduction Being  Monday, we’ll read from the Law. Deuteronomy 7-9. I’m calling today’s episode “Remember.” Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Evgeni Tcherkasski on Unsplash Comments on Deuteronomy 7-9 As we often read here in Deuteronomy and other places in the Old Testament, God tells the people what He will do, and then He reminds them…many times. And He tells them what He did, and then He reminds them what He did, many times.  Why does He do that? Why does God repeat Himself so much? Because they forget. Over and over again, they forget. And when it isn’t...

Transcript Distinguished Producer Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Paul of Seattle. Podcast Introduction Today is  Epistles Sunday James 4-5. I’m calling today’s episode “Golden Nuggets.”  Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Nadine Shaabana on Unsplash Comments on James 4 Some have said that James is a bit like the book of Proverbs because of the way nuggets of truth are presented. Let’s look at a few of them. James 4:2b – You do not have, because you do not ask. Prayer is a necessary part of the Christian’s life. If we want God to bless us, we must ask. Listen to Charles Spurgeon...

Transcript Podcast Introduction Today is Gospel Saturday and we’ll read Acts 9-10. I’ll have some comments after we’ve read. Then there’s an on this date in church history. Also I have a giant praise for our prayer time today. I’m calling today’s episode “The Righteous Roman.“  Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Craig Zdanowicz on Unsplash Comments on Acts 10 In Acts 10, we are introduced to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, an officer in the Roman army. This was not a typical Roman, though. He was a devout believer in the God of the Jews, even though, being a Gentile, the av...

Transcript Podcast Introduction Today is Prophecy Friday and we’ll read the book of Habakkuk. I’m calling today’s episode “The Conversation.” Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Greg Rakozy on Unsplash Comments on Habakkuk There is a lot of conjecture on just who this prophet Habakkuk was. The fact is, we don’t have much information about him. The Jewish Rabbis have their ideas. Roman Catholicism has theirs, based on one of the books of the Apocrypha.  What we do know is that this is a book of Habakkuk’s statements to God in the name of the people, and God’s statement...

Transcript Podcast Introduction Today is Poetry Thursday and we are going to begin the book of Ecclesiastes with the reading of chapters 1 and 2. I’ll have a short introduction before reading the chapters, then some comments after we’’re through. Then there’s an on this date in church history. I’m calling today’s episode “Catch the Wind.” Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Herbert Goetsch on Unsplash Comments on Ecclesiastes 1-2 Introduction to Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon, the same King Solomon who wrote the book of Proverbs. Like Proverbs, Ecclesiastes is classified as a book of wisdom. But you will very...

Transcript Associate Producer Timothy LaFontaine Podcast Introduction Today is Psalms Wednesday, and we’ll read chapters 122-124. I’ll have a short introduction before reading each chapter, then some comments after we’ve read all three. Then there’s an on this date in church history. I’m calling today’s episode “Ascents Part 2.” Design: Steve Webb | Photo: John Duncan on Unsplash Comments on Psalm 124 I have been a lover of birds since I was three years old when my mom gave me a parakeet. When I was in college, my biology professor introduced me to bird watching, or birding. So far I have 82...

Transcript Distinguished Producer A servant of Christ from somewhere in the North country. Executive Producer Sean of San Pedro Associate Producer Rob Brink and Kevin Schneider Podcast Introduction This is the 300th episode of the 12th season of the Lifespring Family Audio Bible. Today is History Tuesday. Our reading is 2 Chronicles 25-28. I’m calling today’s episode “Legacy.” Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Samantha Sophia on Unsplash Comments on 2 Chronicles 25-28 In these chapters we read of the reigns of Amaziah, Uzziah, Jotham, and Ahaz.  Each of these kings were descendants of David, and as I have said in previous episodes...

Transcript Podcast Introduction Today is MONDAY, the day we read from the Law. We’ll read Deuteronomy 4-6  I’m calling today’s episode “The Unified One.“ Design: Steve Webb | Photo: James Kern on Unsplash Comments on Deuteronomy 6 In chapter 6, verses 4 and 5, Moses is telling the children of Israel the great commandment, the one that encompasses all the others. It’s the commandment that Jesus quoted when the Pharisees asked Him which was the greatest of all the commandments.  4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your sou...

Transcript Podcast Introduction Today is Epistles Sunday. We’ll read James 1-3. I’m calling today’s episode “Does It Show?.“   Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Jamie Street on Unsplash Comments on James 1-3 Thoughts on James 1 and 2 James was a brother, or more correctly, half-brother of Jesus, though he was not a believer until after the resurrection, but he became known as a pillar of the early church. After James writes his greeting, he immediately launches into the subject of dealing with difficulties. The Jews, believers in Jesus and otherwise, had been scattered, and under all sorts of persecutions. James wanted them...

Transcript Distinguished Producer Lifespring Family Berean Brother Paul of Seattle. Podcast Introduction Today is Gospel Saturday and Acts 7-8. I’m calling today’s episode “The Message Spreads.” Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Lindsey Middleton on Unsplash Comments on Acts 7-8 Acts 7  Remember that I told you a few episodes back that we should be bold and strong, and that we should follow the leading of the Holy Spirit when He tells us to speak up? Well, that’s what Stephen did, and he became the first Christian martyr.  He spoke the truth. In answering the religious leaders, he told them the entire hi...

Transcript Podcast Introduction Today is Prophecy Friday and we’ll read the book of Nahum. I do have an on this date in church history for you. I’m calling today’s episode “Beyond the Pale.”   Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Erda Estremera on Unsplash Comments on Nahum 1-3 Nahum means “comforter”. There is comfort for God’s people, to be sure. But for Nineveh, not so much. Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria, and the book of Nahum was written about a hundred years after God sent Jonah to Nineveh to warn them that unless they repented, God’s judgement would dest...

Transcript Podcast Introduction Today is Poetry Thursday. We’ll read Proverbs 31. I do have an on this date in church history for you. I’m calling today’s episode “A Mother’s Advice” Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Allen Taylor on Unsplash Comments on Proverbs 31 This chapter is a mother’s advice to her son. The son is King Lemuel, and I’d like to tell you about him, but scholars don’t know anything about him. There’s a fair amount of conjecture, but no facts. One thing that seems true is that there was no king of Judah or Israel with this nam...

Does God determine the length of our lives? Discover the hope and wisdom of Job 14:1–6 and learn why every day is a gift held in God's hands.

Transcript Podcast Introduction Today is Wednesday and we’ll read Psalms 120-121. Before reading each one, I’ll have an introduction, and after the reading I have some comments for you. These are very short chapters, so this will be a short show today. I do have an on this date in church history for you. I’m calling today’s episode “Ascents Part 1.”   Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Pontus Wellgraf on Unsplash Comments on Psalms 120-121 I really like these short little Psalms. Besides being sung on the journey up to Jerusalem, I can easily see these as songs that became popular...

Transcript Executive Producer John Podcast Introduction Today is History Tuesday, and we will read 2 Chronicles 21-24. We’ll read about the murderous queen Athaliah, and how the line of king David was nearly snuffed out. I do have an on this date in church history for you. I’m calling today’s episode “The Evil Queen.” Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Mohammad Metri on Unsplash Comments on 2 Chronicles 21-24 In these chapters, we read about Joash, and how he was saved from the evil Queen Athaliah, who killed every child of King Ahaziah, who was killed by Jehu. Every child but one. Jehosh...

Transcript Podcast Introduction Today is Monday so we’ll read from the Law. We’re still in Deuteronomy, the last book we’ll read from the Law, and our chapters tomorrow will be 13-15. I do have an on this date in church history for you. I’m calling today’s episode “What’s In It For You?”   Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Annie Spratt on Unsplash Comments on Deuteronomy 15 Have you ever heard someone make a statement like, “You should give, without any expectation of receiving anything in return”? In general, I agree with that statement as it relates to our attitude toward p...

Transcript Associate Producer Cindy Gardner Podcast Introduction Today is Epistles Sunday, and we’re going to complete the book of Hebrews  with chapters 11-13. You’ve heard of the Baseball Hall of Fame? Today we’ll read about Old Testament people who are in a sort of Faith Hall of Fame, or Hall of Faith.  I do have an on this date in church history for you. I’m calling today’s episode “What Is Faith?”   Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Aaron Burden on Unsplash Comments on Hebrews 11 Chapter 11 is sometimes called the Faith Hall of Fame, or the Hall of Faith.  Why do yo...

Transcript Distinguished Producer Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Paul of Seattle. Podcast Introduction Today is Gospels Saturday. We’ll read Acts 5-6.  I’ve got an On This Date In Church History, and I’m calling today’s episode “The Choice.” Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Jackson Hirsch on Unsplash Comments on Acts 5 In chapter five, after the apostles had been locked up for preaching about Jesus, and after the angel of the Lord had released them during the night and had told them, “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life”, they went right back to the...

Transcript Executive Producer Roderick. Thank you! Podcast Introduction Today is Prophecy Friday. We’ll read the book of Micah, seven chapters. Today we’re going to skip on this date in church history I’m calling today’s episode “The Greatest Miracle.“ Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Jesus the True Shepherd, Library of Congress LC-DIG-pga-11327, Colorized Comments on Micah This book, although much shorter, is as bit like the book of Isaiah. That book was about “Judah and Jerusalem” and Micah’s prophecy was about “Samaria and Jerusalem”. Micah brings God’s warning about the coming judgment of Israel, and he mourns it.  The sins of I...

Transcript Podcast Introduction Today is Poetry Thursday. We’ll read Proverbs  29-30. We will read more contrasts between the wise and the foolish. Today we’re going to skip on this date in church history I’m calling today’s episode “Naive No More.“ Design: Steve Webb | Photo: James Lee on Unsplash Comments on Proverbs 29 Chapter 29, verse 18 said, “Where there is no understanding of the Word of the Lord, the people do whatever they want to, but happy is he who keeps the law.” The NIV renders it this way: “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one w...