The Bible Story, Piece by Piece

This week marks the end of the 52 week journey as readers will finish the book of Revelation and the entire Bible. Unlike other books of the Bible, this book contains multiple genre elements in it: epistle, prophetic and apocalyptic. Unsurprisingly, we find that this book is the culmination of all the other books, the narrative of scripture, as well as the climax of all biblical themes. Join in on this final episode with Brent and Trent as they discuss how the seed of the woman, seed of the serpent, the dwelling place of God, the messiah-deliverer, and the people of God find their eternal destiny in the book of Revelation. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE For the song"Christ The True and Better" by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

In the second to last week of reading in the New Testament, readers will begin to see the reoccurring Old Testament themes from Exodus, Leviticus, and even events from Kings and Chronicles. As these books lead up to a book of Revelation, their themes begin to preview the last major theme in the Bible: the return of Christ. As churches in the 1st century experienced a rise of persecution and false teaching, these epistles exhort their listeners to live honorable lives as they await the second appearance of the Savior originally promised in Genesis 3:15 to deliver a final death blow to sin. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE For Linworth Baptist's Summer 2022 Sermon on 2 John, click HERE For Linworth Baptist's Summer 2022 Sermon on 3 John, click HERE For Linworth Baptist's Summer 2022 Sermon on Jude, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

After a series of epistles in the New Testament that have a strong emphasis on New Covenant community and New Covenant living, the book of Hebrews detours readers into a book that interprets major themes in the Old Testament: temple, priest, sacrifice, covenant, and many more. In this book, Christ is offered as the ultimate fulfillment of what the Old Testament foreshadowed. As readers navigate this book they will begin to see how the Old Testament illuminates our understanding of the New. This book is followed by James which has some of the strongest language around works and faith. Although James does not argue that good works save the Christian, he argues that the Christian is saved to a life of good works. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE For Linworth Baptist's sermon series in Hebrews, click HERE For Linworth Baptist's sermon series in James, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

After last week's reading about the presence of God today dwelling in the church, readers this week will be unveiled to a dwelling place of God yet to occur: the return of Christ. While this week's reading is a combination of Paul's general, pastoral and personal epistles, one dominant theme in these books is the return of Christ and signs of His eminence. Join Brent and Trent this week as they discuss how these books of the Bible fit into the larger narrative of scripture and apply to the Christian's daily life today. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

As readers continue to study through the Pauline epistles, it is likely that a repetition of themes will seem to appear: a proper defense of the gospel, warning against false teaching and a strong emphasis to love one another. This week, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians all pick up on those themes with their own geographical and historical contexts. In Galatia, Paul challenges the false teaching of works based salvation. In Ephesus, Paul reminds the the church of God's sovereign plan to unite Jews and Gentiles in one body. In Philippians, Paul writes with a hardship-enduring joy of the humility of Christ. In Colossians, Paul speaks of the preeminence of Christ, including his authority over asceticism. Join Brent and Trent in this episode as they discuss some of the New Testament's interpretation of the Old Testament, including the coming (again!) Messiah and dwelling place of God. Fact Verified: Steph Curry was in his Senior year at Davidson when Trent was in 6th grade. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

This week readers will pick up from last week's reading assignment, finishing both Corinthian letters. While the second half of 1 Corinthians spends time addressing some of the challenges going on in Corinth at the time of the writing, in 2 Corinthians Paul addresses a new topic of discussion: the credibility of his ministry. As false teachers crept into Corinth after the time of receiving 1 Corinthians, many in Corinth were subject to false teaching and began to question Paul's integrity as an apostle. In this podcast episode, join Brent and Trent as they discuss the various themes picked up in these two books: spiritual gifts, financial stewardship, the resurrection, and much more. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

As we finish the narrative like accounts in the gospels and Acts, this week readers will begin a new section of biblical literature: the epistles. This section of scripture makes up the letters written to the churches and church leaders documented in the book of Acts. Although Paul had never been to Rome at the time of his writing, Acts 18 provides context to both letters that will be read in the upcoming week. While Romans provides some of the richest biblical theology connecting to the very beginning of the Bible, 1 Corinthians provides a pastoral exhortation to a church that has some issues dividing the church. Listen to Brent and Trent discuss God's plan for Jew/Gentile relationships in the church, how Christians should behave in areas that scripture isn't explicitly clear, and much more. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE For Linworth Baptist Sermon Series on 1 Corinthians, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

As readers finish through the four gospel accounts of Jesus life, death and resurrection, they are immediately exposed to the historical narrative of the church in Jerusalem. In response to Jesus's concluding command to "make disciples of all nations", through the help of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, the apostles and early church do just that. Join Brent and Trent as they discuss how the cross of Christ impacts the story of the people of God, including the dependence on the Holy Spirit, the inclusion of gentiles, and importance of a word-centered ministry. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE For Linworth Baptist Sermon Series on Acts, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

This week, readers will start and finish the fourth and final gospel - John. This book, written by the beloved disciple John, is filled with unique contributions to the account of Jesus' life that are not found in Matthew, Mark and Luke. After reading a book highlighting the humanity of Christ, Luke, the book of John highlights the deity of Christ. From the book's beginning introduction to Jesus' fellowship in the Trinity before the creation of the world, to his high priestly prayer in John 17, readers will be drawn to a compelling picture of a divine savior that is found among the lowly and needy - us, his disciples. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

As we continue to work through the gospel narratives, this week Brent and Trent discuss Luke's account. As a third party writer, Luke collected writings and oral traditions from first-hand eye witnesses of Jesus as he wrote his two volume gift to his friend Theophilus. Although there are several unique contributions Luke provides to the New Testament, this week readers will see Jesus claim himself as the fulfillment of what God promised in the Old Testament. One specific instance of this claim found in Luke is when Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper, the "new covenant" meal, drawing back to the prophesy of Jeremiah 31. The other, also unique to Luke, is found in chapter 24 as Jesus dialogues with two travelers on their way to Emmaus. Join Brent and Trent in this episode as they discuss Jesus' understanding and fulfillment of the Old Testament in the book of Luke. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE For the Alistair Begg Clip on the Thief on the Cross, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

Unlike the Old Testament with its progressing narrative and overlapping stories, the beginning four books of the New Testament are exclusively the same timeline as they cover the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the long awaited messiah. Unlike the book of Matthew, Mark is written primarily for a Gentile audience, unfamiliar with Jewish law. This fast paced gospel covers the life of Jesus with strong emphases on his ministry to physical needs and teaching on the cost of discipleship. As we journey into the book of Luke, a book written for his friend Theophilus, we begin to see an extended treatment on Jesus' childhood - a feature the other gospels lack. Join Brent and Trent as they discuss the cost of discipleship, the accuracy of New Testament scrolls, and of course, other really random rabbit trails. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

As readers finish the Old Testament, there is a great sense of wonder of who the Messiah will be and when will he appear. The book of Matthew answers that question promptly: Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In this episode, Brent and Trent discuss the unique writing style of the gospels as well as Matthew's unique contribution among to the New Testament. Writing to a Jewish audience, Matthew pieces together Old Testament prophesies about Jesus proving his deity, and affirming the importance of spending a year reading through the entire Bible. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

As we enter into the 40th week of reading the Bible in one year, readers will finish the Old Testament in the books Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Although most of the prophetic books up to this point cover the times leading up to the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, most of these minor prophets are sent to Israel after the return from Babylon. As we read from the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, the Israelites are instructed to build the temple a second time but with the promise that God's glory will be even greater in the second building than the first. Join Brent and Trent as they discuss the final minor prophets' contribution to the big picture of the Bible and its application to our lives today. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

In our second to last week in the Old Testament, readers will read through five different minor prophets. While all of these books have slightly different historical contexts and audiences, they largely overlap during the reign of the Assyrian empire. While some prophets write before their rise, others write about the coming judgment from Babylon as a judgment against Assyria's ungodliness and Israel's waywardness. Listen to this episode of the podcast to hear Brent and Trent discuss the themes of justice, waiting on the Lord, and rejoicing in the Lord when our circumstances trouble us. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

As we finish some of the major prophets in the Old Testament, readers this week will be exposed to the beginning of the 12 minor prophets: Hosea, Joel, and Amos. Like the other prophet books, these are books that account for a particular messenger of God speaking God's Word to God's people in a time of need. In this week, Brent and Trent discuss some of the historical context around these books and how they apply to our life this week. Although these books were written around the times of the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, their themes of God's pursuing love and exhortation to live a life consistent with our profession of faith are timely for 21st century Christians. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

This week readers will further their familiarity during Israel's exile in Babylon as they will complete two books during this time period. After the siege of Jerusalem and destruction of the temple in the first half of Ezekiel, the prophet sees a vision of a New Temple with water flowing from it as a foreshadow of the flourishing of God's people in the New Covenant age. A more zoomed in look at the time of Babylonian exile takes place in the next book, Daniel. This book documents the rise and falls of successive earthly kingdoms, but a lasting presence of the kingdom of God. Join Brent and Trent this week as they discuss life as exiles on earth, and what it looks like to be faithful to God even in the "small things" in life. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

As readers continue to dive into Ezekiel, a theme continues to reoccur: shepherding. The spiritual overseers of Israel have failed the nation by being self serving instead of selfless. Although Ezekiel has been tasked as a watchman and messenger to the Israel in light of this shortcoming, the Lord reveals in this section of Ezekiel that He Himself will become the shepherd of his own people. Listen to this episode to join Brent and Trent as they discuss this prophecy's contribution to the growing list of descriptions what the Messiah deliverer looks like and its impact on the church's ministry today. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

This week readers begin the last of the major prophets - Ezekiel. This prophet has some overlap with the prophet Jeremiah, sharing the same prophetic messages of coming judgement from Babylon. Similar to the other prophetic books, the early chapters recount Ezekiel's call to ministry as the Lord instructs him to be a messenger of God's Word to the rebellious house of Israel. Join Brent and Trent as they discuss the importance of a Word-based ministry and continued foreshadowing of a new covenant that would eventually be ushered in through the Messiah deliverer promised in Genesis 3. For a basic timeline of the prophets, click HERE For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

As we finish the book of Jeremiah, readers will begin to read portions of Old Testament narrative that sound familiar - the exile of Israel, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the destruction of the temple. Although we know from the previous books of Ezra and Nehemiah that the city and temple later get rebuilt, for now, the Old Testament provides a pause in the narrative to hear Jeremiah lament the destruction of the city of God. Join Brent and Trent in this episode as they discuss waiting for the Lord's restoration and holding onto his promises in times of despair. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

Although Jeremiah is classified as one of the major prophet books in the Old Testament, during this week readers will begin to see it take a more narrative spin. Jeremiah is up against false prophets which leads to confusion in Israel, and his own persecution. Join this week as Brent and Trent discuss how this portion of Jeremiah applies to the Christian and the church today. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

After reading through the book of Isaiah, which largely covered the events leading up to the Assyrian exile, readers now enter into the second major prophet book: Jeremiah. This book's timeframe is slightly later than Isaiah's as it covers the events leading up to the Babylonian exile of Israel and the destruction of the temple. Join Brent and Trent this week as they discuss Israel's consequences for worshiping other Gods in the promised land, and how these early chapters preview a New Covenant where the community of God is filled with genuine worshippers with hearts after the one true God. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

In this week's episode of the Bible story Piece by Piece, Brent and Trent discuss the remaining chapters of the book of Isaiah. This first major prophet spends a majority of the book's closing chapters focusing on the power of God through his Word, salvation accomplished through a servant within Israel, and the vision of the New Heaven's and New Earth. Readers will encounter see that in chapters 52-53, the Messiah deliverer the world has been waiting for since Genesis 3:15 takes an interesting description not seen before - a savior that suffers. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

As readers continue the initial book of the major Prophets, they will see a reoccurrence of similar themes: judgement from guiltiness of sin, God's redemption of Israel from judgement, and God's ultimate redemption from creation's exposure to sin and death. Although this section of Isaiah contains all three of these themes, they come in no clear predictable arrangement. Join Brent and Trent as they discuss this section of Isaiah, including its historical retelling of King Hezekiah, as well as the how the book applies to the Christian life today. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

After reading through the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, readers enter into scripture's next genre: prophecy. This prophecy, however, is unlike most common misconceptions of what it means to be 'prophetic'. While the prophets of Israel occasionally predicted the future, most often they reminded Israel of the coming judgement as a result of their disobedience to God's commands. This week, readers will pick back up in the time Old Testament narrative during the time period of 2 Kings 15-19 as they are introduced to the prophet Isaiah. Join Brent and Trent in this episode as they discuss the Lord's judgement on Israel and his promise of salvation through a messiah-deliverer. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

Following an episode with introductory comments to the wisdom literature, Brent and Trent discuss the remaining wisdom books - Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. After commenting on a few well known Proverbs in the last chapters, a majority of this episode is spent discussing the contents and relevance of these later two books. These books not only instructed Israel as they awaited the presence of God to return to Israel in the form of a messiah-redeemer during their time of exile, but also guide our steps today. Similarly, we too await Christ's second return and can glean much from the wisdom these books offer as we discern how to honor God with the time he has given us on the earth - especially as we enjoy things of the earth, including marriage, guided by a proper fear of Him. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

In this episode of the Bible Story, Piece by Piece, we are joined by Dr. Dan Estes who is the Distinguished professor of Old Testament at Cedarville University. Drawing from his many years of academic research and writing, Dr. Estes helpfully instructs what readers can expect of the book of Proverbs and how it applies to our every day life. Interested in buying a copy of Dr. Estes' book The Message of Wisdom? Click HERE For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

In this last week of the book of Psalms, we will focus on a final theme found throughout Israel's hymnbook - thanksgiving. While Psalms of praise often take words to praise God for his attributes, Psalms of thanksgiving praise and thank God for his intervention in our lives. On this episode Brent and Trent read through Psalm 138 and discuss what a life of thankfulness looks as they reflect on past times of God's faithfulness. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

As we continue our journey through the book of Psalms, we focus in on our second to last thematic focus - Psalms of Trust. These Psalms highlight the attributes of God by declaring the trustworthiness of God over resources, others, and ourselves. In this episode Brent and Trent discuss Psalm 121 and the comfort it provides for those to trust in God amidst changing and uncertain circumstances. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

As we have for the past several weeks, we continue the dive into Israel's devotion life through the book of Psalms. This week, Brent and Trent discuss about the importance of Psalms of Lament as they look at Psalm 79. This Psalm not only instructs us on what it looks like to trust God in prayer that stands the gap between pain and promise, but also connects readers to a dark time of Israel's history that we covered in the historical books - the destruction of the Temple during the Reign of Nebuchadnezzar. Listen to this episode to learn more about a emotion in the Christian life that often gets overlooked. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

Perhaps one of the greatest known Psalms is Psalm 51. The emotional anguish and raw transparency serves as a model prayer not only for Christians as they confess significant moments of disobedience, but in all our prayers of confession. Join Brent and Trent in this week's episode as they discuss Psalms of Confession and how Psalm 51 serves as a guide for us in our prayer life. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

In this week of the Bible Story Piece by Piece podcast, Brent and Trent talk about Psalms of praise as they look through Psalm 33 and discuss how scripture instructs us about God's attributes. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

Since the end of the book of Esther, the chronological development of the Bible remains on pause as we enter the wisdom and poetic genres of Scripture. From the very beginning of the Psalms, readers will immediately be exposed to the devotional life of Israel as they wait for the Messiah deliverer. In this episode, Brent and Trent briefly discuss the various themes within the psalms and how Psalm 2, a messianic psalm, applies to the big picture of the Bible and our own lives. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

Since finishing the book of Esther, the storyline of scripture takes a pause as we enter into the Bible's wisdom literature, poetry, prophets. Although the books of Ezra and Nehemiah left us as Isreal re-enters the promised land to build the temple for the second time, the book of Job is the first book to zoom in on the wisdom literature that instructed the people of God. In this episode, Brent and Trent discuss how God corrects Job and his friends' understanding of divine karma, as well as what it looks like to encourage friends during times of suffering. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

As we continue to make our way through the Bible in a year, we now enter into a dark time during the time of Israel's exile in the book of Esther. Last week we saw Esther providentially appointed to be Queen in a pagan land, which leaves readers with a curiosity of what she will do to protect her people from destruction. In this episode, Brent and Trent talk about the faithfulness of Esther and Mordecai, and its application to Christians today and what it looks like to live out our faith in a culture that is opposed to our beliefs. Towards the end of this episode, the book of Job is briefly touched on because it is better understood in its entirety. For now, readers see an innocent man Job question god's goodness while his friends question his innocence. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE For Linworth's 2015 sermon series in Esther, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

After a thoroughly reviewed history of Israel during the times of Kings in the books 1-2 Kings and 1-2 Chronicles, the story of God's people continues into Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. In the same way 2 Chronicles ends with a peculiar hope with the Pagan King Cyrus interested in re-building the temple, Ezra continues the story line as Cyrus commissions the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem to re-build the temple. In this episode, Brent and Trent discuss life returning from exile, and how Ezra's attentiveness to the Scriptures should inform the Christian life today. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

As we have seen throughout the more optimistic retelling of Kings throughout the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles, readers this week will finish the book of 2 Chronicles close with the most pessimistic section of the book: exile and destruction. Despite the faithfulness of various kings throughout Judah, God allows surrounding nations come in and exile the people the God and destroy the temple. First Israel is exiled to Assyria, then Judah is exiled to Babylon. However, in a providential turn of events, the book of 2 Chronicles ends with hope - Cyrus the King of Persia sends the exiled Jews back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Although this story will continue in the following books of Ezra and Nehemiah, readers will encounter a pivotal transition in the big picture of the Bible as they finish 2 Chronicles. Editors Note: Sadly, there was a recording error in this episode. For an unknown reason, only the first 80% of Brent and Trent's conversation was recorded. Because of this error, Trent included a solo prologue and epilogue to help with the flow of the episode and fill in the conversation where there were gaps. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

After the Chronicles re-telling of Israel's life through King David, this week in 2 Chronicles largely covers the reign of Solomon. Readers this week will cover the more optimistic perspective of Solomon and the subsequent kings Rehoboam, Asa, and Jehoshaphat as Israel worships in the promised land with a newly established temple. Join Brent and Trent as they talk about the importance of humility in the life of Israel and the Christian life today. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

Reading 1 Chronicles in a Bible reading plan will feel a bit like having déjà vu as it recounts the events from 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings. Although the first 9 chapters are devoted to various genealogies, this refresher of Israel's history helpfully reminds us of the events leading up to the exiles. Join Brent and Trent as they briefly recap this contribution to the Bible's big picture, and cover some interesting questions regarding the motivation to read the Old Testament, obeying government authority, and King Saul's heart. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

The storyline of Israel continues as the book of 2 Kings narrates the story of the divided kingdom between Israel and Judah. Unfortunately, with the exception of a few godly kings in Judah, most of the kings in Israel and in Judah forget the Lord, leading to God's judgement on the nation: exile. The book concludes with Assyria and Babylon, the worlds powers at that time, capturing the nation and destroying the temple. Join Brent and Trent this episode as they discuss this dark ending and the hope that remains for Israel. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

With the promise of God's covenant through the line of David in 2 Samuel, readers approach the book of 1 Kings with curiosity about the establishment of the temple through his son, Solomon. Although the temple is built, Solomon's reign ends with a disobedience to Yahweh as he worships the gods of his many wives. Worse, his son Rehoboam's disobedience leads to the kingdom of Israel being divided into two kingdoms - a northern kingdom, Israel, and a southern kingdom, Jerusalem. Join Brent and Trent in this episode of the Bible Story, Piece by Piece, as they discuss the implications of a divided kingdom, and its impact on the lineage of God's people and God's dwelling place. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

After the controversial reign of King Saul, Israel looks to David as their newly anointed king. With an impressive military resume, uniquely godly character, and loyal friendships, one might assume that David has a peaceful reign ahead of him - that is, until they read through the events of 2 Samuel. Join Brent and Trent in this episode as they discuss the ups and downs of King David's life, as well as one of the most significant messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, 2 Samuel 7. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

After a dark period in the nation of Israel, Saul is appointed as the nation's first King. Although one might think Israel would naturally follow an appointed leader, their eyes are drawn to an unlikely yet impressive hero - David, the young shepherd boy who defeated Goliath the giant. In this week of The Bible Story, Piece by Piece, Brent and Trent discuss the jealous that buds in Saul's heart, and the ensuing conflict that extends throughout the remainder of 1 Samuel. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

That's right, folks, you read the caption right - three different books of the Bible this week. In the dark times of Judges, hope shines forth in a Moabite women named Ruth who is upheld as the textbook example of faith when Israel's faith and obedience is absent. Although Israel knows that a king will one day descend the line of Judah as their messiah, the book of 1 Samuel introduces readers to the last judge and first prophet, Samuel. What you won't read about in 1 Samuel, however, is how to edit a podcast, as it seems there are some slight audio challenges in this recording - sorry about that! Join Brent and Trent as they walk through this major transition in the Bible's historical narratives in the promised land. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

After a miraculous crossing of the River Jordan in the beginning of Joshua, the book's second half focuses in on their attempt to drive out the Canaanites. Although peace is in Israel for a time, the book of Judges exposes Israel's shortcomings of obedience and its consequences as evil rises throughout the nation and God is slowly forgotten about. Listen to this episode to hear Brent and Trent talk about Israel's future in the land as a reoccurring cycle appears in the beginning chapters of the book of Judges: disobedience, oppression, repentance, deliverance, peace. Linworth Baptist Church Judges Sermon Series (January - April 2020) , click HERE For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

Those continuing to read through the Bible will finish the first major section of Old Testament scripture this week - the Torah. These first five books have documented the creation of the world all the way to Israel's journey into Canaan - a land promised to their forefather Abraham in Genesis 15. On this episode of the Bible Story, Piece by Piece, Brent and Trent give concluding remarks about the the first five books of the Bible, and address some of the ethical questions regarding the conquests in the book of Joshua. Bible Project Article on the Conquests in Joshua: https://bibleproject.com/blog/why-did-god-command-the-invasion-of-canaan-in-the-book-of-joshua/ For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

Are you looking for motivation to keep reading through the Bible? Well, look no further - this week's reading in the book of Deuteronomy covers a host of commands from God, including a section that Jesus himself deemed "the greatest commandment". Join Brent and Trent as they walk through Moses' departing words to Israel in the second giving of the law, and talk about its application for disciple making today. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

This week on the Bible Story, Piece by Piece podcast, Brent and Trent talk about this week's readings in the book of Numbers. Although Israel was freed from slavery in Egypt to eventually inherit God's promised land, this book exposes Israel's true desires and fears. This week, readers will see the choice Israel faced before entering Canaan that we still face today, to trust or reject God, and the blessings that come from trusting in Him, and the curses the come from rejecting. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

It is often reported that 80% of New Year's Resolutions are abandoned within one month... Resolving to read the Bible is no exception, as we enter into one of the more confusing sections of the Old Testament: the Levitical Law. In this episode, however, Brent and Trent discuss Leviticus' and the rest of the Law's contribution to the entire Bible story, and its relevance to our lives today. In less exciting news, the Bible Story's email inbox has been flooding with emails, so we had to give some shout outs to our new sponsors. Q&A Segment: 22:36 For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

You might be thinking to yourself, what is the hardest portion of the Bible to read through? Well, we're glad you asked - and would transparently admit that the answer is most likely the passages we read throughout Exodus and Leviticus. In this episode, Brent and Trent Discuss the second half of Exodus and the beginning of Leviticus, casting a vision of its importance to Israel's ears at the time and its relevance for today. As God's "kingdom of priests", Israel shows their heart's true desires in the wilderness as they question God's goodness and presence as he carefully gives them detailed instruction regarding the tabernacle and other areas of life. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

And just like that, we have already covered an entire book of the Bible! This week, Brent and Trent discuss some themes and observations from the first half of Exodus, as God delivers the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. After miraculous signs and a miraculous deliverance, this section of scripture also begins to cover how God plans to bless his people: through their obedience to the law. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter

What story could possibly contain violence, deception, kidnapping, a really cool looking jacket, and a famine? That's right - the second half of the book of Genesis. After hearing a brief word from our sponsors, join Brent and Trent as they talk about what readers can expect in Genesis 26-50, and how it ties into the big picture of the Bible. For a PDF of the entire reading plan, click HERE Got questions? Email podcast@linworthbaptist.org Cover art by Libby Montgomery Theme music by Max Hunter