Bible Book Club - Susan Merrill & Heather Rubio

Latest Episodes:

Ruth 2: Advent Bonus - Love Dec 08, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to the Ruth Advent series! We hope that this amazing story will make Advent come alive for you in a new way. We recommend you play Ruth 2 Episode 2 first to listen to the chapter and discussion before listening to this Advent Bonus episode.
This is the second of four bonus episodes from the Book of Ruth that correspond to the birth of Christ a thousand years before his arrival. The Advent focus in this story is love,
and yes, there is romantic love in the Book of Ruth, but this love goes beyond romance, it is a kind of love called hesed.Both Ruth and Boaz will demonstrate hesed, but it is God's hesed that steals the show.
Join us on a journey back in time to the little town of Bethlehem where the hesed of God is a seed planted 1000 years before the birth of Christ.

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This episode is part of our ongoing Bible Book Club series, starting with Genesis and journeying all the way through the Bible. Thanks for listening!

Ruth 2: Ruth Steps Out & Boaz Steps Up Dec 04, 2023

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In chapter 2 of the Book of Ruth, Ruth meets Boaz. The chapter is loaded with five scenes–all conversations between the three main characters, Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz.

Naomi and Ruth are settled in Bethlehem, but their situation is not good. They need to provide for themselves, but Naomi seems unable to help. Ruth must take matters into her own hands despite the fact that she is the unwelcome Moabite in the little Israelite town of Bethlehem. Ruth steps out in faith and providentially lands in Boaz's field, where Ruth meets Boaz for the first time.

Boaz steps up and provides for Ruth and Naomi. Conversations happen, and Boaz is intrigued. Ruth is very different from him. He is rich, she is poor. He is a native, she is a foreigner. He is older, she is younger. Yet despite their differences, Boaz sees something more important in Ruth. He sees a genuine faith in God. It attracts his attention, and suddenly, we are in a tale as old as time, with a few twists!

Ruth Advent Bonus Episodes:

The Book of Ruth is creatively a Christmas Story because the solution to the Israelite's problem, the need for a king, is announced at the end of the Book of Ruth. So, for season 8, the 4 episodes of Ruth will each have a bonus Advent episode that drops on Fridays. There is much meaning to the song O Little Town of Bethlehem and it starts here in the Book of Ruth!

Thank you for being a part of the club.
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Ruth 1: Advent Bonus - Hope Dec 01, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to the Ruth Advent series! We hope that this amazing story will make Advent come alive for you in a new way. We recommend you play Ruth 1 Episode 1 first to listen to the chapter and discussion before listening to this Advent Bonus episode.
This is the first of four bonus episodes from the Book of Ruth that correspond to the birth of Christ a thousand years before his arrival. The Advent focus in this story is hope, something Naomi desperately needs. The story takes place in that same O Little Town of Bethlehem, where unbeknownst to anyone, the dark streets shined with the everlasting light, and the hopes and fears of all the years were going to be met through a faithful couple, not Joseph and Mary, but another couple Boaz and Ruth.

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Ruth 1: Sweet Naomi's Bitter Return Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

The story in Ruth begins with Naomi and her family relocating to Moab from Bethlehem due to a famine in Israel, which is ironic given that Bethlehem means "house of bread." Naomi's husband, Elimelek, meaning "my God is king," reflects a connection to the final verse of Judges, stating that in those days, Israel had no king.
Tragedy befalls Naomi, whose name means sweet, in Moab as her husband and sons die, both having married Moabite women in violation of God's laws for Israel. The marriages, lasted ten years without producing children. Naomi, left in personal famine, a childless widow, learns of the end of the famine in Israel and decides to return, marking a turning point.
Naomi returns to Israel, empty and bitter. She encourages her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, to seek a new beginning with their Moabite families. However, Ruth, displaying unwavering loyalty, chooses to stay with Naomi. This pivotal decision underscores Ruth's unwavering devotion to Naomi and her newfound faith in the God of Israel. Orpah returns to Moab, while Ruth makes a covenant-like pledge to Naomi and the God of Israel.

The narrative unfolds in Bethlehem, where Naomi's bitterness lingers. Despite being embraced by God and Israel, Ruth remains identified as "Ruth the Moabite," highlighting her foreign status. The story sets the stage for God's providential intervention in the lives of Naomi and Ruth.
Ruth Advent Bonus Episodes:

The Book of Ruth is creatively a Christmas Story because the solution to the Israelite's problem, the need for a king, is announced at the end of the Book of Ruth. So, for season 8, the 4 episodes of Ruth will each have a bonus Advent episode. There is much meaning to the song O Little Town of Bethlehem and it starts here in the Book of Ruth!

Thank you for being a part of the club.
Show Notes

Contact Bible Book Club!

Judges 20-21: When Everyone Did as They Saw Fit Nov 20, 2023

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In Judges 19-21, we witness a series of horrifying events that epitomize the moral decay in Israel during those dark days. The story unfolds as a street-level view of a nation where everyone does as they see fit.

The Levite, who had shown a complete lack of compassion for his concubine, takes a gruesome turn. Upon returning home, he cuts her into twelve pieces and sends them throughout Israel, provoking outrage and a call for action.

The Israelites' initial shock and motivation to address the atrocity led to three battles and devastating losses. They eventually secure victory over the tribe of Benjamin, but the cost is incredibly high.

In a devastating conflict, Israel turns against its own in a brutal battle. The horrifying death toll reveals the depths to which the nation has fallen.

With the tribe of Benjamin at risk of extinction, the Israelites devise a disturbing plan to provide wives for the remaining bachelors, including killing the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead. The story concludes with a deep sense of moral decay and a reminder of the Israelites' broken relationship with God and one another.
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Judges 17-19: The Dark Days of Israel Nov 13, 2023

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In Chapters 17-19 of the Book of Judges, we delve into the grim realities of a time when Israel had lost its moral compass. These chapters offer a street-level perspective on the chaotic lives of the people, each person living as they saw fit.

We begin with the story of Micah, a man who attempted to manipulate God's favor through a lost Levite. However, the Levite's stay was short-lived, and he eventually departed, leading to further loss and confusion. The tribe of Dan, equally lost, had also lost their land and seemed to have lost their connection to God.

As the narrative unfolds, we encounter another Levite who makes a horrifying decision. In a desperate attempt to save himself from a gang of rapists, he sacrifices his concubine, a deeply disturbing act that reveals the depths of moral decay and depravity that had engulfed the land during these dark days of Israel.
Thank you for being a part of the club. Take a peek at the show notes below for Hayley's recap!
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12 Judges of Israel Chart

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Judges 15-16: Samson's Cycle of Retaliation and Revenge Nov 06, 2023

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In this gripping episode, we dive into the intense narrative of Judges Chapters 15 and 16, which chronicles the relentless conflict between Samson and the Philistines. This cycle of revenge and retaliation begins with a shocking betrayal by Samson's new father-in-law, who gives his wife to a Philistine groomsman, inciting Samson's fiery response of burning the Philistine crops.

The situation escalates as the Philistines respond with a horrifying act, burning Samson's new wife and father-in-law to death. Samson's vengeance is swift and brutal, leading to further bloodshed. The Philistines, determined to capture Samson, resort to threats against the tribe of Judah for his capture.

Amid these tumultuous events, we witness Samson's incredible feat of single-handedly defeating a thousand Philistines using nothing but a donkey's jawbone. The tension rises as the Philistines plot to ensnare Samson through the cunning Delilah, leading to his ultimate betrayal and capture.

With his eyes gouged out and imprisoned, Samson's faith and strength in God are rekindled in a stunning climax, culminating in a final, heroic act of sacrifice, toppling a Philistine temple on himself and 3,000 Philistines. Join us as we unravel the thrilling and dramatic saga of Samson's quest for revenge and eventual redemption.
Thank you for being a part of the club. Take a peek at the show notes below for Hayley's recap!
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12 Judges of Israel Chart

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Judges 13-14: Samson's Obsession with Self-Gratification Oct 30, 2023

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In this episode, we journey through Judges 13-14 exploring the brief mention of the last three minor judges: Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon. Their stories set the stage marked by the ominous phrase, "again, the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord,” giving way to our meeting of the final judge, Samson; the most famous, and arguably worst, judge of all.

The Angel of the Lord heralds his birth with great promise, raising our expectations for his role in saving Israel. However, right from the start, Samson's insatiable attraction to women, a mark of his greater character flaw, self-gratification, takes center stage. Instead of focusing on his divine mission, he impulsively marries a Philistine woman, much to his parents' dismay.

The narrative unfolds as Samson insists on his own desires, resulting in a dead lion, a contentious wedding, 30 Philistine groomsmen, and mounting tensions with the Philistines, in this enthralling episode.
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12 Judges of Israel Chart

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Judges 10-12: Jephthah the Outcast Judge Oct 23, 2023

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In this podcast episode, we witness the Israelites caught in a familiar cycle of wrongdoing and crying out to God for help. Surprisingly, they appoint Jephthah, an outcast, as their leader. Jephthah's tale takes a sorrowful turn when, lacking knowledge of the covenantal history between God and the Israelites, he makes a rash vow to God. He promises to sacrifice the first living being to greet him upon his return if granted victory over the Ammonites. Tragically, it is his own daughter who emerges after their triumph, and Jephthah feels compelled to fulfill his vow.
Chapter 12 delves into the aftermath of the battle, where brewing envy consumes the Ephraimites. Their discontent ignites when they accuse Jephthah of excluding them from the battle, setting the stage for a turbulent confrontation. Jephthah and the Gileadite men find themselves ironically in conflict with their fellow Israelites, the Ephraimites, resulting in the loss of 42,000 Ephraimite lives at Jephthah's hands. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of Jephthah's leadership, his impulsive decisions, and the profound lessons contained in this gripping narrative.
Thank you for being a part of the club. Take a peek at the show notes below for Hayley's recap!
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12 Judges of Israel Chart

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Judges 8-10: Abimelek’s Ascent: The Son Who Killed to be King Oct 16, 2023

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In this episode, we meet Gideon's illegitimate son, Abimelek. Abimelek's rise to power is full of violence toward strangers and family alike.
Abimelech cut a deal with the people of Shechem to become king. His first task was to assassinate his 70 brothers, except for one. The one who escaped, Jotham, appeared at Mount Gerizim and told a fable about Abimelech, the thornbush.

God avenged the death of Gideon's sons by stirring up dissension between Abimelech and the people. Abimelech killed the people of Shechem, but was himself killed by a stone thrown by a woman.

The chapter then concludes with two short descriptions of the minor judges Tola and Jair.

Thank you for being a part of the club.
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