Ten Minute Bible Talks Devotional Bible Study BONUS: 2024 Wrap Up and What's Next in 2025
Dec 28, 2024
Annalyn Fraser, a talented newsletter writer, shares her insights on a transformative year rooted in the Old Testament’s wisdom literature. The discussion highlights the significance of biblical narratives for modern identity and purpose. Fraser and the hosts reflect on home improvement as a metaphor for relational growth and emphasize the communal aspect of faith through small groups. They also tackle the humorous debate on reading C.S. Lewis's 'Chronicles of Narnia' and connect Old and New Testament themes, paving the way for a fresh exploration of scripture.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Exploring Biblical Narratives and Identity
02:03 • 4min
Home Improvement and Relational Growth
05:47 • 4min
Revitalizing Faith and Metamodernism
09:55 • 4min
Exploring the Chronicles of Narnia: Publication vs. Chronological Order
13:47 • 2min
Connecting Old and New Testaments
15:53 • 6min
The Impact of History on Identity
21:44 • 14min
Jubilee
Margaret Walker
The Jubilee is not a book but a concept found in Leviticus 25, describing a year of release and restoration for the Israelites. Every 50 years, debts were canceled, slaves were freed, and land was returned to its original owners. It symbolized God's justice, mercy, and restoration. The Jubilee year served as a reminder of God's covenant with his people and his commitment to their well-being. The concept of Jubilee has resonated throughout history, inspiring movements for social justice and economic equality.
1 and 2 Samuel
Ralph David Gehrke
The Books of Samuel recount the establishment of the Israelite monarchy, beginning with the anointing of Saul as king and continuing through the reigns of David and Solomon. They detail the rise and fall of kings, the development of the Israelite nation, and the establishment of the Davidic dynasty. The books emphasize the importance of God's choice of leaders and the consequences of disobedience. The stories of David and Saul illustrate the complexities of leadership and the challenges of maintaining faith. The books' narrative provides a foundational understanding of the Israelite monarchy and its significance in biblical history.
1 and 2 Kings
August H. Konkel
The Books of Kings continue the narrative of the Israelite monarchy, covering the reigns of Solomon and subsequent kings of both the northern and southern kingdoms. They detail the division of the kingdom, the rise and fall of various kings, and the eventual exile of both kingdoms. The books emphasize the importance of obedience to God's law and the consequences of idolatry. The stories of various kings illustrate the challenges of leadership and the dangers of power. The books' narrative provides a comprehensive account of the Israelite monarchy and its ultimate demise.
Leviticus
Noth, Martin
Leviticus details the laws and regulations given to the Israelites through Moses, focusing on ritual purity, sacrifices, and priestly duties. It outlines the procedures for various offerings and the consequences of violating God's commands. The book emphasizes the importance of holiness and the separation of the sacred from the profane. Leviticus provides insights into the Israelite religious system and its significance in their relationship with God. The book's laws and regulations offer a glimpse into the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel.
Nehemiah
Gene A. Getz
The Book of Nehemiah continues the story of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon, focusing on the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. Nehemiah's leadership and determination in the face of opposition highlight the importance of perseverance and faith. The book emphasizes the significance of community and the restoration of God's people. Nehemiah's commitment to justice and his efforts to protect the vulnerable demonstrate the importance of social responsibility. The book's narrative provides a powerful example of faith, leadership, and the restoration of a community.
The Expectation Gap
The Expectation Gap
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Steve Cuss
Judges
Traditionally attributed to Samuel
The book of Judges covers approximately 330 years of Israel’s history, detailing a tragic cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. After Joshua's death, the Israelites failed to drive out the Canaanites and adopted their corrupt practices, leading to a repeated pattern of idolatry, foreign oppression, and God's deliverance through judges. The book highlights six major judges—Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson—whose leadership and moral integrity decline over time. The final chapters describe the moral and social chaos in Israel, emphasizing the need for a centralized monarchy and setting the stage for the books of Samuel and the establishment of kingship in Israel.
Isaiah
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Isaiah
The Book of Isaiah is a major prophetic book in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It's attributed to the prophet Isaiah, who lived in Judah during the 8th century BCE. The book contains a collection of oracles, poems, and prophecies addressing various aspects of Judah's history and the future. Key themes include God's judgment on Israel's sins, the promise of a future messiah, and the restoration of God's people. Isaiah's powerful imagery and evocative language have had a profound impact on religious thought and literature for centuries.
Psalms
King Solomon
Ethan the Ezrahite
Sons of Korah
Moses
Heman
Asaph
Anonymous
King David
The Book of Psalms is a diverse collection of prayers, poems, and hymns that span many centuries of Israel’s history. It includes works by various authors such as King David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Moses, and King Solomon, among others. The book is divided into five sections or books, each concluding with a doxology. The psalms cover a wide range of themes including God and His creation, war, worship, wisdom, sin, evil, judgment, justice, and the coming of the Messiah. They were integral to the ritual life of the Temple and have had a profound impact on both Jewish and Christian worship traditions.
Joshua
Georg Ebers
This historical novel by Georg Ebers is set in ancient Israel and follows the story of Joshua, who succeeds Moses. The narrative explores the period of the Exodus and the experiences of Hosea, a commander in Pharaoh's army who is also a Hebrew, as he returns home from war and navigates the complexities of his dual identity and the historical events unfolding around him.
The Chronicles of Narnia
C.S. Lewis
Song of Solomon
A. C. Crist
The Song of Solomon is a lyric poem that extols the virtues of love between a husband and his wife. It presents marriage as God's design, emphasizing care, commitment, and delight within the marital relationship. The book is divided into three main sections: courtship, the wedding, and the maturing marriage. It also contains themes of physical and spiritual love, and some interpretations see it as an allegory for Christ's love for the Church[1][4][5].
Ecclesiastes
The Preacher
Unknown, traditionally attributed to King Solomon
Ecclesiastes is a philosophical and theological reflection on human existence and the meaning of life. It is presented through the voice of Qohelet (the Preacher), who questions the doctrine of retributive justice and observes that human endeavors are often futile and temporary. The book emphasizes the inevitability of death, the limitations of human wisdom, and the dangers of materialism and hedonism. It concludes by advising readers to fear God and keep His commandments as the foundation of true happiness and purpose[2][3][4].
Proverbs 30
Sayings of Agur
Agur, son of Jakeh
Proverbs 30 includes sayings of Agur, son of Jakeh, which cover various themes such as humility before God, the truth of God's word, contentment, humility, and warnings against greed, mocking parents, and arrogance. The chapter also highlights the wisdom and majesty of God's creations and advises against foolishness and strife[3][4].
Joyful Outsiders
6 Ways to Follow Jesus in a Disorienting Culture
Patrick Miller
Keith Simon
You made it through The Writings! Join the TMBTeam as they discuss their biggest takeaways from a year in The Writings and unpack what TMBT is studying in 2025. Thanks for an awesome year, and we'll see you in 2025!
Read the Bible with us in 2025! This year, we’re exploring the Historical Books—Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings. Download your reading plan now.
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