Bible Love: A Scripture Podcast

Today we're joined by the Rev. Allison Sandlin Liles. Allison is Priest-in-Charge of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Hurst, Texas (Alan’s neighbor!), and editor of Grow Christians (a community of Christians practicing faith at home).

Before we pick up with Joshua next week, we wanted to take some time out to talk about how we incorporate Scripture and faith with families, how we immerse ourselves in the Story, and how the Biblical story encourages our work toward justice.

Questions for reflection this week:
- How can we incorporate Scripture into our daily lives with our families?
- How do we grow by studying all of Scripture, not just bits and pieces?

Links mentioned in today's episode:
- The Rev. Allison Sandlin Liles (https://www.ssechurst.org/ministers-and-leaders/)
- Grow Christians (https://www.growchristians.org/)
- The Good Book Club (https://www.goodbookclub.org/)
- The Path Family Storybook (https://www.forwardmovement.org/Products/2430/the-...)
- The Jesus Storybook Bible (https://www.sallylloyd-jones.com/books/jesus-story...)
- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt8M5fw3DImMNZKC...)


The show music is "Silver Lining" by Brent Wood, licensed under Soundstripe

Today we are joined by the Rev. Katie Nakamura Rengers, the Presiding Bishop's Staff Officer for Church Planting! We talk about succession planning, leading for a future we may not get to see, and how we follow God even when we don't know where we're going.

Questions for reflection this week:
- How can we plan now for a future we may not see?
- How can we share leadership to help others grow?

Links mentioned in today's episode:
- The Episcopal Church church planting initiatives (https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/new-episcopal-communities/)
- The Abbey, Birmingham (http://theabbeybham.com)
- Deuteronomy commentary- Herein Is Love, Vol. 5 (https://www.amazon.com/Herein-Love-Vol-5-Deuteronomy/dp/193690845X)
- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt8M5fw3DImMNZKCHgBRNw)

The show music is "Silver Lining" by Brent Wood, licensed under Soundstripe

Today we talk about blessings and curses, returning to relationship, and choosing life.

Questions for reflection this week:
- How do I make time and space in my life for repentance and return?
- How do I keep the Word close to me?
- How can I choose life every day?

Links mentioned in today's episode:
- The Bible App (https://youversion.com/the-bible-app/)
- Dwell audio Bible (https://dwellapp.io)
- Forward Movement's Day-by-Day (https://prayer.forwardmovement.org/)
- Morning at the Office podcast (https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/FDMV8366345804)
- Deuteronomy commentary- Herein Is Love, Vol. 5 (https://www.amazon.com/Herein-Love-Vol-5-Deuteronomy/dp/193690845X)
- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt8M5fw3DImMNZKCHgBRNw) The show music is


"Silver Lining" by Brent Wood, licensed under Soundstripe

Today we're joined by the Rev. Ian Lasch, and we talk about Deuteronomic Code! We talk about our penchant for idolatry, God's desire for holiness, and how all of this is set up to help orient us toward generosity for God and our neighbors.

Questions for reflection this week:
- What are the habits that I can establish that will make me more grateful?
- How will I trust gods abundance?
- How can I use my sabbath freedom to help remove burdens from others?

Links mentioned in today's episode:
- Ian's parish: St. Francis of the Islands Episcopal Church (https://www.stfrancisislands.org/home.html)
- Ian's podcast: All Things Rite and Musical (http://www.riteandmusical.org/)
- Deuteronomy commentary- Herein Is Love, Vol. 5 (https://www.amazon.com/Herein-Love-Vol-5-Deuteronomy/dp/193690845X)
- Liturgies from Below (https://www.abingdonpress.com/product/9781791007355/)
- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt8M5fw3DImMNZKCHgBRNw)


The show music is "Silver Lining" by Brent Wood, licensed under Soundstripe

Today we're talking about God's love! Moses reminds the Israelites that they (and we) are all a part of the covenant, regardless of time and space. And we're also reminded of our penchant for idolatry, and how we love because God first loved us.

Questions for reflection this week:
- What does it mean to know that we are chosen by God?
- Why do we too often fall into idolatry?
- How do we keep scripture close to our heart?

Links mentioned in today's episode:
- St. Paul's, Pendleton (https://www.holytrinityclemson.org/about-us/historic-st-pauls-church/)
- Deuteronomy commentary- Herein Is Love, Vol. 5 (https://www.amazon.com/Herein-Love-Vol-5-Deuteronomy/dp/193690845X)
- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt8M5fw3DImMNZKCHgBRNw)


The show music is "Silver Lining" by Brent Wood, licensed under Soundstripe

Today we're joined by the Rev. Furman Buchanan, rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Greenville, S.C. We talk about our need to remember our story, God's unfailing love for us, and how our ministry is always pointing beyond anything we might be able to see.

Questions for reflection this week:
- How do we remember what God has done for us?
- How do we respond to God's call to make a place for the foreigner?
- What does it look like for our ministry - our work - to be about something we may never get to enjoy?

Links mentioned in today's episode:
- The Rev. Furman Buchanan (http://www.furmanbuchanan.com/)
- St. Peter's, Greenville (http://www.stpetersgreenville.com)
- Deuteronomy commentary- Herein Is Love, Vol. 5 (https://www.amazon.com/Herein-Love-Vol-5-Deuteronomy/dp/193690845X)
- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt8M5fw3DImMNZKCHgBRNw)


The show music is "Silver Lining" by Brent Wood, licensed under Soundstripe

Today we're joined by the Rev. Alexis Carter Thomas! Alexis helps walk us through Deuteronomy, situating the book in the larger narrative, and helping us find our place in the story.

Questions for reflection this week:
- What does it mean to be loyal to God?
- How have we experienced God's loyalty to us?

Links mentioned in today's episode:
- Alexis Carter Thomas (https://www.alexiscarterthomas.com/about)
- Deuteronomy commentary- Herein Is Love, Vol. 5 (https://www.amazon.com/Herein-Love-Vol-5-Deuteronomy/dp/193690845X)
- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt8M5fw3DImMNZKCHgBRNw)

Today we're joined by the Official Episcopal Visitor of Bible Love, the Rt. Rev. Brian Cole. Bishop Cole serves the Diocese of East Tenessee.

Before we pick up with Deuteronomy next week, we wanted to take some time out to talk about how we immerse ourselves in Scripture and connect the unfolding Biblical story with our lives.

Questions for reflection this week:
- How can we better understand scripture by learning with and from others?
- How do you try to incorporate scripture into your daily life?

Links mentioned in today's episode:
- The Rt. Rev. Brian Cole (https://www.dioet.org/the-right-reverend-brian-lee-cole/)
- Being Christian, by Rowan Williams (https://bookshop.org/books/being-christian-baptism-bible-eucharist-prayer/)
- The Bible Challenge (https://www.forwardmovement.org/Products/2114/the-bible-challenge.aspx)
- Lambeth Conference study of 1 Peter (https://www.lambethconference.org/programme/theme-and-biblical-focus/)
- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt8M5fw3DImMNZKCHgBRNw)

Today we talk about changes, trusting God, and how to plan for what comes next.

Questions for reflection this week:
- How do I prepare for changes in my life?
- How can I practice trust in God, even when it is hard to trust?

Links mentioned in today's episode:
- Check out our new website! (https://www.biblelovepodcast.com)
- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt8M5fw3DImMNZKCHgBRNw)

The show music is "Silver Lining" by Brent Wood, licensed under Soundstripe

Today we start the journey into the wilderness! We talk about waiting, listening for God, and how we trust.

Questions for reflection this week:
- How can I redeem the times I'm called to wait?
- How can I trust that I'm hearing from God?

Links mentioned in today's episode:
- Daily Devotions for Individuals and Families (https://www.bcponline.org/DailyOffice/devotion2.html)
- Episcopal Worship to Anchor Your Day (https://www.facebook.com/TECAnchorWorship/)
- Join our Numbers reading plan on the Bible App (https://bible.com/p/43929826/a58f05e8aa5bd0db440a7174abe66bbc)
- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt8M5fw3DImMNZKCHgBRNw)

The show music is "Silver Lining" by Brent Wood, licensed under Soundstripe

Today we're joined by the Rev. Kyle Martindale, rector of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Pearl River, N.Y., and host of the Episcopal Priest Explains podcast. We talk about offerings, being set apart, and getting ready for the journey!

Questions for reflection this week:
- How am I set apart for God?
- What am I willing to offer to God?

Links mentioned in today's episode:
- Episcopal Priest Explains podcast (https://episcopalpriestexplains.buzzsprout.com/)
- St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Pearl River, N.Y. (https://ststephenspearlriver.org/)
- Join our Numbers reading plan on the Bible App (https://bible.com/p/43929826/a58f05e8aa5bd0db440a7174abe66bbc)
- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt8M5fw3DImMNZKCHgBRNw)

Today we're together, IN PERSON! We're recording from the nave at Resurrection, Greenwood, and we talk about brokenness, restoration, community, and blessing.

And Alan shares some exciting news!

Questions for reflection this week:
- What can I offer to God? What am I willing to risk to follow Jesus?
- Do I have a community where I can be open and honest? How can I find that?

Links mentioned in today's episode:
- Join our Numbers reading plan on the Bible App (https://bible.com/p/43598954/f186fc94932d3f2b1274febf6559858a )
- St. Martin-in-the-Fields in Keller, Texas (https://www.stmartininthefields.org/)
- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt8M5fw3DImMNZKCHgBRNw)

Today we're joined by the Rev. Canon Jimmy Hartley, who serves as Canon for Formation (amongst other things) in the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina. We talk about the priesthood, the proper ordering or worship, and finding our role in God's work.

Questions for reflection this week:
- How can I invite folks into the life of Christ?
- What is my role? In what ways has God uniquely equipped me to serve?

Links mentioned in today's episode:
- Join our Numbers reading plan on the Bible App (https://bible.com/p/43598954/f186fc94932d3f2b1274febf6559858a )
- The Hebrew Bible, a translation by Robert Alter (https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393292497)
- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt8M5fw3DImMNZKCHgBRNw)

Today we're joined by our first repeat guest, Dr. Tony Hopkins! Tony helps walk us through Numbers, situating the book in the larger narrative, and helping us find our place in the story. Click here to view Tony's notes on Numbers.

Before we pick up with Numbers next week, we wanted to take some time out to talk about how we connect scripture with our lives.

Questions for reflection this week:
- How does "living on this side of Jesus" impact your life?
- What role can you play in helping repent of, and repair, the broken world?
- What does it mean to see the whole journey, while also being mindful of your particular place?

Links mentioned in today's episode:
- Join our Numbers reading plan on the Bible App (https://bible.com/p/43104592/eea966fff239de3fa82d5aa02948ad50
- Dr. Tony Hopkins, Senior Pastor of First Baptist, Greenwood (https://www.fbcgwd.org/our-staff/)
- Dr. Hopkins notes on Numbers (https://www.edusc.org/uploads/images/numbers-notesbible-love_611.pdf)
- The Priestly Blessing (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priestly_Blessing)
- Alan's sermon from this past week (https://anchor.fm/alanbentrup/episodes/For-God-So-Loved----a-sermon-for-Trinity-Sunday-2021-e11ruui/a-a5npvjc)
- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt8M5fw3DImMNZKCHgBRNw)

Today we're joined by the most special guest, the Rev. Polk Van Zandt! If you recognize that last name, its because he's the father of our very own Mary Balfour!

Before we pick up with Numbers next week, we wanted to take some time out to talk about how we connect scripture with our lives.

Questions for reflection this week:
- How can we better understand scripture by learning with and from others?
- How do you try to incorporate scripture into your daily life?

Links mentioned in today's episode:
- The Rev. Polk Van Zandt (https://www.stgeorgesnashville.org/about/clergy-staff-vestry#TheRevJamesKPolkVanZandt
- Richard Hooker (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Hooker
- Sharon McMahon - @sharonsaysso on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sharonsaysso/)
- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt8M5fw3DImMNZKCHgBRNw)

Today we wrap up our study of Leviticus. looking at the blessings and consequences of our union with, and obedience to, God. We look at how these chapters in Leviticus are reflected in Jesus, Pentecost, and our work of reconciliation.

Questions for reflection this week:
- How do you see the ways that God is always with you, walking with you?
- How does your union (or disunion) with God, and with Jesus, affect your daily life? How do you feel more connected? How do you feel less connected?
- What is something you've learned about Leviticus these past few weeks, and how has that shaped your faith?

Links mentioned in today's episode:
- Holy Imagination, by the Rev. Dr. Judy Fentress-Williams (https://bookshop.org/books/holy-imagination-a-literary-and-theological-introduction-to-the-whole-bible/)
- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt8M5fw3DImMNZKCHgBRNw)

Today we're joined by the Rev. Greg Millikin, Rector of Grace Episcopal Church in New Lenox, Illinois. We talk about God's amazing love for us, our call to love one another, the importance of wrestling with (and taking seriously) scripture, and how sometimes we get a little too focused on the wrong things.

Questions for reflection this week:
- What is it about Leviticus, and these hard texts in particular, that terrifies us?
- How can we wrestle serious with scripture, but through the lens of love? For example, how do we see Lev 18 and 20 with an understanding that chapter 19 ("love your neighbor...") is the fulcrum?
- How can we engage in dialogue around LGBTQ, sexuality, and similar topics, using whatever privilege and authority we have in our contexts?

Links mentioned in today's episode:
- Grace Episcopal Church, New Lenox (https://gracenewlenox.org/)
- Being Called, Being Gay, by the Rev. Greg Millikin (https://www.churchpublishing.org/beingcalledbeinggay)
- Holy Imagination, by the Rev. Dr. Judy Fentress-Williams (https://bookshop.org/books/holy-imagination-a-literary-and-theological-introduction-to-the-whole-bible/)
- Leviticus scene from The West Wing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSXJzybEeJM)
- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt8M5fw3DImMNZKCHgBRNw)

Today we talk about clean and unclean. From foods, to clothes, to bodily discharge, let's talk about how God sets up standards and conditions for us to pursue holiness. And let's remember the goodness of God in the plentiful forgiveness offered to us!

Questions for reflection this week:
- Who are the people in your life with whom you can be open and honest? Think about those relationships, and how you can support each other.
- Think about your food choices this week. How can our eating and drinking be a spiritual practice?

Links mentioned in today's episode:
- Every Moment Holy: New Liturgies for Daily Life (https://www.everymomentholy.com/
- The Old Testament, by Michael Coogan (https://bookshop.org/books/the-old-testament-a-historical-and-literary-introduction-to-the-hebrew-scriptures/9780190608651)
- Exodus and Leviticus for Everyone (https://bookshop.org/books/exodus-and-leviticus-for-everyone/9780664233761)
- How to Read the Bible Book by Book, by Gordon Fee (https://www.zondervan.com/9780310518082/how-to-read-the-bible-book-by-book/)
- Check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt8M5fw3DImMNZKCHgBRNw)