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Transcript Podcast Introduction In our reading today we’ll read Leviticus 1-3. Before starting the reading, I’ll give you a brief introduction to Leviticus, and after the reading I’ll have some comments. I’m calling today’s episode “Three of Five." Comments on Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Markus Spiske on Unsplash Today's Bible Translation Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 1-2 ESV; Ch. 3 LEB Support Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here. When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude. Transcript Download .txt Steve Webb 0:00Why does God require sacrifices? Steve Webb 0:10This is the Lifespring family Audio Bible coming to you from Riverside, California, podcasting since 2004. I'm your OG God casters Steve Webb. This is a daily podcast and we're reading through the entire Bible in a year

Transcript Podcast Introduction In our reading today we’ll read Ephesians 1-3. After the reading I’ll have some comments. I’m calling today’s episode “United.” Comments on Ephesians 2 I don’t know about your upbringing, how your parents and extended family and others around you treated you, but I’ve been around long enough to know that when a child is taught from his earliest years that he is really something special, that child begins to believe that he really is above everyone else. He believes that he is better, that he is entitled. Over the years I have met and gotten to know a few people who were famous, who had adoring fans all around the world. Some of these people began to believe that they were as special as their fans thought they were. (By the way, for those of you who have listened to my podcasts for years, don’t even try to guess who I might be talking about. The artists that I’ve had on my shows are dear friends of mine and each of them are wonderful human beings.) You have probab

Transcript Podcast Introduction In our reading today we’ll read Luke 11-12. After the reading I’ll have some comments. I’m calling today’s episode “No Vacancy.” Comments on Luke 11 24  “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25 And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. 26Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.”Luke 11: 24-26 ESV "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person". Jesus is showing that demons can come and go from people. They look for people to inhabit. But take note, when a person gives their life to Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live in them. In John 14:15-17 Jesus said,  “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, (Or Advocate, or Coun

Transcript Podcast Introduction In our reading today we will complete our catch-up chapters, caused by my little unscheduled stay in the hospital a couple weeks ago. We’ll read Lamentations 3-5 and Ezekiel 1-6. The title of this episode is "Visions." Comments on Ezekiel 1 Regarding the visions that Ezekiel saw in chapter one, I have to say that it is hard to envision what he describes. Don't you think? I can only imagine that he must have been terrified. The storm, the four beings (which some commentators say are angels) with the four faces and wings and hands and legs, and eyes. Nothing like these beings had ever before been seen by a human, that we know.  We have seen all sorts of strange creatures, thanks to Hollywood special effects. But Ezekiel had absolutely no frame of reference.  And then the wheels within wheels. It's sort of a wonder that Ezekiel was able to put any of this into words, but then again, he was given the words to write by the Holy Spirit. But still, imagine how dumbfo

Transcript Podcast Introduction Our reading today is Proverbs 4. I’m calling today’s episode “It’s Worth It." Comments on Proverbs 4 The father is now teaching not just his son, but his children. This lesson is intended for all of his offspring. Would that every parent had this wisdom to impart these lessons to every one of their children. But sadly, it seems as if wisdom is in very short supply, and has been for at least the last three or four generations. And yes, I include mine. The lessons in this chapter, if well taught and well learned, would go very far in preventing the kind of near insanity that we see around the world today.  Want an example? How about this: Trading freedom for "safety" is anything but wise. I think Solomon would  even call it foolish. Here in America, the land of the free and the home of the brave, our forefathers knew that freedom was infinitely better than safety. But somewhere along the way, we forgot to pass that lesson on.  In verse 5, Solomon wrote

Transcript Podcast Introduction In our reading today Psalms 69-71. I’m calling today’s episode “Stand Up.” Comments on Psalm 69 This is a psalm which is especially applicable to today, and will become even more so as we approach the Last Days. David began this psalm asking God to save him, and he writes about how utterly miserable he feels: "I am tired of crying. My throat is hoarse. My eyes are exhausted with waiting for my God." In verse 4 he reveals the reason for his misery: "More numerous than the hairs on my head are those who hate me for no reason. My treacherous enemies, those who would destroy me, are countless. Must I now give back what I didn’t steal in the first place?" Beloved, David is being attacked without cause. Does that sound familiar? You thought cancel culture was a new phenomenon?  Why do they hate him? v7: I am insulted because of you. v9: Because passion for your house has consumed me, the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me! They hated Da

Transcript Podcast Introduction In our reading today 1 Kings 5-9. I’m calling today’s episode “A Diverse Group." Comments on 1 Kings 5-9 King Hiram had been friends with King David for many years. Note that Hiram was not a Jew, but it does appear as if he had become a believer in the one true God…as a result of his long friendship with David. And David arranged for King Hiram to be the supplier of lumber and some of the labor for the temple. It’s interesting to note that the Tabernacle, the temporary dwelling place of God, had been built only by Jewish hands. But the Temple was to be built by Jewish and Gentile hands, which is appropriate because the Temple really is a type, or example of the church, which is made up not of buildings but of individual believers of every ethnic and national background. And also, every believer, whether Jew or Gentile, is the temple of God, as the Holy Spirit dwells in each one of us. (1 Corinthians 6:19). Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Gareth Harper on Unsplash

Transcript Podcast Introduction In our reading today we’ll complete the book of  Exodus by reading chapters 37-40.  I’m calling today’s episode “Jesus In the Tabernacle.” Comments on the Tabernacle As we close the book of Exodus, I think it's important to talk about the significance of the Tabernacle. Given the fact that God gave Moses such intricate detail about how it was to be constructed, we can see how important the Tabernacle was to God and therefore, His people. Why was it so important? It represented the very presence of God. His presence was there in a tangible way. And this was where the Ark of the Covenant was. This was where sacrifices were made for the sins of the people. This is where the priests did their ministries. The Tabernacle was the center of the spiritual life for the children of Israel. It is where they could draw near to God, and at the same time be reminded that He is Holy. But more than that, the Tabernacle was a picture of the coming Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. 

Transcript Podcast Introduction In our reading today we’ll complete the book of Galatians with the reading of chapters 4-6. I’m calling today’s episode “I Choose Freedom.” Comments on Galatians Paul’s biggest concern with the Galatian church was that some believed the teaching of the false teachers who were saying that it was necessary to follow the Mosaic Law. In chapter 5:2-4, Paul answered that teaching very succinctly. "2I, Paul, promise you that Christ won't do you any good if you get circumcised. 3If you do, you must obey the whole Law. 4And if you try to please God by obeying the Law, you have cut yourself off from Christ and his gift of undeserved grace.” Paul was saying that by attempting to follow the Law, they would actually be denying the message of the Gospel, and therefore denying Christ. Attempting to please God by following the Law is the exact opposite of placing your faith in Jesus. In following the Law, or "Legalism", it is impossible to please God, because it is impossible t

Transcript Podcast Introduction In our reading today is  Luke 9-10.  I’m calling today’s episode “You Gotta Be Kidding.” Comments on Luke 9 12Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.”13He replied, “You give them something to eat.”They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” 14(About five thousand men were there.)But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.”15The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. 16Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. 17They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.Luke 9:12-17 NIV The NKJV has a very good translation of vers

Transcript Podcast Introduction In our reading today we will complete the book of Jeremiah with the reading of Jeremiah 47-52.  We will also begin the book of Lamentations with the reading of chapters 1 and 2. I’m calling today’s episode “The Weeping Prophet.” This is a long reading today because of the fact that we are catching up from the missed episodes caused by my unexpected hospital stay. Next Friday’s episode will be a bit long as well, and then we will be caught up and be back to the regular schedule. Thanks for your patience. I’ll read the final chapters from Jeremiah, then I’ll have a brief introduction to Lamentations before reading chapters 1 and two, then I will have some brief comments on the closing chapters of Jeremiah. After this, I’ll have an “On this day in church history” about a very important figure that you should know about. Then we’ll have a brief time of prayer to close the episode. Comments on Jeremiah In the book of Jeremiah, much of what we read was God warning t

Transcript Podcast Introduction Our reading today is Proverbs 1-3. I’m calling today’s episode “ No Leaning Here ” The show notes page for today’s episode is /s12e155 Also, I’m still looking for someone to help with the episode transcripts. If you’d like to participate in the v4v model of donating Time, Talent or Treasure to help support the show, and would like to donate some time, let me know at steve@lifespringmedia.com.   Introduction to Proverbs The book of Proverbs was written by Solomon, King David’s son. Solomon is commonly thought of as the wisest man, and the richest man who ever lived. His wisdom was a gift given to him by God as a result of the prayer he made upon his ascension to the throne at the death of his father, David. Instead of asking for wealth or victory over his enemies, or power, he prayed a simple prayer asking for wisdom to lead God’s people. God was so pleased by Solomon’s prayer that He not only granted him great wisdom, but He gave Solomon the things he could ha

Transcript Podcast Introduction Our reading today is Psalms 63-68. I’m calling today’s episode “I’m With Him.” Because I missed last week’s Psalms episode, we’re reading those three missed chapters as well as the three originally planned for today. I’ll give you an introduction to each chapter, and after we’ve read them all, I’ll have a few comments for you. Comments on Psalm 63 Scholars believe that this was written by David during the time that Absalom was pursuing him. This is a time when David had been betrayed by those he trusted, he feared for his life, and he felt all alone.  And yet, this is a beautiful psalm of devotion and praise.  God, you are MY God! I will have no other. God, YOU are my God!  God, you are my GOD! I much prefer verses 3 and 4 in the KJV, because in 1974, Calvary Chapel’s Maranatha! Singers had a song called Thy Loving Kindness, based on these verses. I can’t read these verses without hearing the song in my head. "Thy loving kindness is better than lif

Transcript Podcast Introduction Our reading today is 1 Kings 1-4. I’m calling today’s episode “Another Pretender To the Throne.” Comments on 1 Kings 1-2 Once again we see a member of David’s family trying to grab the throne.  Adonijah knows that David is near death, and he thinks that by being proactive he can take the throne. He knows that Solomon is the one chosen to succeed David, and once David dies it will be too late because Solomon will immediately become king. Solomon was God's choice to become king. So Adonijah, too clever for his own good, gathers all of his brothers (except Solomon), Joab (the general of the army) and Abiathar (the high priest) and all the other men of Judah to his coronation party. He figures that with all of these men in attendance he’ll have the throne. But the prophet Nathan is a wise man, and he short circuits Adonijah’s plan by letting Bathsheba know what’s going on. There is good evidence that Bathsheba was David’s most loved wife, and she had no problem

Transcript Podcast Introduction Our reading today is Exodus 33-36. I’m calling today’s episode “Alone.” Comments on Exodus 33 Chapter 33 begins where chapter 32 left off, immediately after the people made the golden calf. The Lord is angry, and tells Moses to quickly leave this place. And he tells Moses that He will not go with them, but will send an angel to go with them instead, because, "you are a stiff-necked people, and I might destroy you on the way." There are two things I would like to talk about in this short scene. 1) Do you think God really was considering whether or not to destroy them when He said, "...I might destroy you on the way."? Did He really need to remove Himself from their presence so He wouldn't destroy them in a fit of anger? Would He have wiped them out because they built a golden calf and worshipped it?  I remember when my sons were just young boys. There were times when I would catch one or more of them doing something they knew they shouldn't do. Sometimes I w

Transcript Podcast Introduction Our reading today is Galatians 1-3. I’m calling today’s episode “Ultimate Truth." Comments on Galatians 1 Paul opens the letter by establishing that he is an apostle, chosen not by men, but by Jesus Christ Himself and God the Father. Those are some pretty impressive bona fides, wouldn’t you say? He’s not doing this to impress them, but to answer the charges brought against him by those who made their way into the Galatian church who were questioning his qualifications. After this, Paul expresses his amazement that they have allowed themselves to be sidetracked to a different Gospel (or Good News) such a short time after becoming believers. He says, “7There is no other message that is the Good News, but some people are confusing you. They want to change the Good News about Christ. 8 We told you the true Good News message. So anyone who tells you a different message should be condemned—even if it’s one of us or even an angel from heaven! 9 I said this before. Now I

Transcript Podcast Introduction Our reading today is Luke 7-8. I’m calling today’s episode “Got A Light?” Comments on Luke 8 Jesus speaking: 16“No one lights a lamp and then hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand. Then those who come in can see its light. Jesus is saying here that when you have a light, you let the light shine. Of course, in this chapter Jesus is speaking in parables. In this parable He is saying that when you have the truth of who He is, it is your responsibility to share that truth, you don't hide it. Whenever God gives you the opportunity to share the Good News, He expects you to grab that opportunity. If you saw someone running toward a cliff, you wouldn't just let them go, would you? I read an article today about the president of Gateway Seminary. His name is Jeff Iorg. Since I'm not sure about the pronunciation of his last name, I'll just call him Jeff. He was speaking at a meeting of church leaders, and his message was that eva

Podcast Introduction Steve tells why there were some missed episodes. Transcript Hey there, this is a special edition of the Lifespring family Audio Bible. This is going to be different than all the past shows, literally every show I've ever done ever the almost I don't know, 3000 or so shows that I've ever done on any of the Lifespring family shows. As you probably know, I missed the last couple of shows. And I wanted to let you know why. For those of you that get the Lifespring family newsletter, you already have a little bit of a an indication as to what happened because Kirsty sent a email out this morning to let you know. Thank you, Kirsty for doing that. I appreciate it. So I have had atrial fibrillation for years. For those that don't know, atrial fibrillation is something that happens to the heart, where the heart rate goes, just crazy. In my case, it'll go as low as 45 and up to 190. And it's just all over the place. It doesn't happen often. But when it does, it just wipes me out, I

Podcast Introduction Our reading today is 2 Samuel 20-24, which will complete that book. I’m calling today’s episode “Forgiven and Forgotten." Commentary on 2 Samuel 22 Chapter 22 is David’s wonderful song of praise to God, whom he had served his entire life. As David wrote this, he included the highs and the lows from his life. How God had delivered him from his enemies, and how he was blessed. He gave praise for who God is and how incomparable He is. He acknowledged that God was his source of…everything. Did any particular part stand out to you? The section from verses 21 to 25 certainly did to me. 21You are good to me, Lord, because I do right, and you reward me because I am innocent. 22I do what you want and never turn to do evil. 23I keep your laws in mind and never turn away from your teachings. 24I obey you completely and guard against sin. 25You have been good to me because I do right; you have rewarded me for being innocent by your standards.2 Samuel 21-25 CEV Wait, what? David w

Podcast Introduction Our reading today is Exodus 29-32. Since it’s Monday, you know that this is one of the books of the Law. I’m calling today’s episode “It’s All Him." Comments on Exodus 29-32 Oh my goodness. What a tremendous range our reading covered today. From the anointing of Aaron and his sons as priests, to the instructions for sacrifices, to God’s giving the tablets of the Law, inscribed with his own finger, to the abomination of the golden calf, to Moses’ interceding on behalf of the people. I hardly know where to focus my comments today.  I could talk about how Jesus is represented in establishing the priesthood, in the daily offerings, and in the different elements talked about in chapter 30, which were the altar of incense, the ransom each person was to pay at the census, the bronze basin, the anointing oil and the incense that was used in the tent (or tabernacle). All of these things pointed to Christ in a specific way.  I could talk about how God enables us for the work He calls