Bible Story Podcast
Jon: You have just listened to the Confession and Commitment story, and this is the discussion episode.
Cassidy: The Israelites were sorry about what they and their ancestors did. They messed up badly and told God about it all and how sad they were.
Aidan: They also praised God, acknowledging how awesome he is, and they committed themselves to the rules that Moses wrote the book of the law.
Jon: Can you imagine losing the most important instructions ever and not being able to read them?
Bradon: No, that sounds like it would end in disaster!
Jon: That is what happened to the Israelites. Today we learn the importance of reading God’s word.
Jon: If you have just listened to the episode titled “Read God’s Word,” gather your friends and join us for the upcoming discussion questions.
Bradon: Today, we learned the importance of reading God’s word and saw the impact that had on the Israelites who returned from Exile. Ezra, the priest and scribe, read the scriptures to all the people, and they responded by worshipping God. Later, through the study of scripture, they learned about the festival of Shelters, which is a lot like summer camp, and they participated in that festival as well.
Bradon: Can you recall a time when you have taken something out of context?
Jon: I think we all can! So often, we don’t get the whole story!
Bradon: Great! Well, in our upcoming episode, I will share a story about context.
Jon: And we will learn that context is important!
Bradon: Today’s lesson was Context is Important and these questions will help you explore that lesson!
Jon: Bradon helped us understand how Nehemiah linked into the larger story of the Bible, and the context that helped us get to that understanding!
Bradon: Hey Jon, Do you ever get distracted?
Jon: You know I get distracted. I think everyone loses their focus regularly. Hey, do you want coffee?
Bradon: Nice try – I am focused. Today we will learn that continuing the work is very important and requires focus.
Jon: You have just listened to the story, Continue the Work, and now you are listening to the discussion episode.
Bradon: Nehemiah’s enemies invited him to meet, threatened him, and even hired others to give him bad advice. They wanted to stop or delay the work of rebuilding the walls. They were unsuccessful, and Nehemiah and the other workers rebuilt the walls in 52 days. No matter what came Nehemiah’s way, he stayed focused on God’s instructions.
Jon: You are listening to the discussion questions for the episode Practice God-like character.
Bradon: Nehemiah is frustrated by the injustice he sees. Many people are starving and in slavery because of the greed and corruption in the town. He speaks boldly and tells his audience to set things right. To return the land to the rightful owner and to give food to those who are hungry. He does this all because he sees this generosity and character from God.
Bradon: Jon, easy question – how do you become the best at something?
Jon: Be the only one in the room doing it!
Bradon: NO! Practice Jon, Practice.
Jon: Ohh, right! Of course! In the following episode, we explore how we can practice God-like character.
Jon: Welcome to the discussion episode for the story “Two Lost Sons.
Bradon: In this episode, we see Jesus telling a story to the crowd. He describes a younger son as a party animal who takes his inheritance early and wastes on wild living. This son returns after leaving home and nearly dying of starvation. He is truly sorry. The older son has worked hard for his father, asking for nothing but has become bitter. Neither son has a close relationship with their father. We asked which son you relate to and encouraged you to be vulnerable with each other and God. It’s key to growing in a relationship with God!
