Clear Creek Resources - A Podcast of Clear Creek Community Church

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the end of a kingdom and the beginning of a new chapter in God's story. The kingdom of Judah has been defeated and exiled, but the book of Ezra begins a new chapter of hope for God's people. 

The great prophet Elisha dies, the king of Judah copies foreign temples and practices child sacrifice, and the land and blessing of Solomon's reign is officially at an end. In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the inevitable fall of and exile of the northern kingdom of Israel, and the beginning of the end for the southern kingdom of Juda...

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Rachel Chester, and Lance Lawson discuss 2 Kings chapters 6 - 12. The promise Elijah delivered to Ahab finally comes to fruition and justice is served. God is patient and merciful, and he is also just and faithful to his promises: both to rescue and to judge. Despite these consequences to their idolatry, however, the kings and the people of...

This week the story of Kings continues with more tension between the leaders of the divided kingdom of Israel and the prophets of God. Join Ted, Rachel, and Lance for a conversation about evil, assassinations, miracles, and she-bears. How does the Exodus story continue to replay throughout the Old Testament, and why is Jezebel the worst?

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the kings and prophets of a now divided Kingdom of Israel. The prophets take center stage as covenant "watchdogs" and one of the most important prophets in Scripture, Elijah, takes on an idolatrous and murderous king and queen.

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Rysoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss Solomon's reign: from a wise king who loves Yahweh, to a another leader who turns from Yahweh. What can we all learn from Solomon, and how does he point to Jesus?   

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the complicated, but ultimately hopeful legacy of King David: the humble, shepherd-king who was imperfect, but ultimately faithful to his Lord. The next chapter of God's story begins with King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, who built the Temple for Yahweh to reside with his people in Jerusalem and...

King David is victorious over his rebellious son, but grieves for all he has lost. After his failures, he is still a victorious king, but he is weakened and weary, and reminded that it has always been and still is Yahweh who is his rock and deliverer. Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester mourn another faithful follower who chooses to go his own way, instead of trusting in God, but rest i...

In this episode, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the rise and fall of King David. The ideal Israelite king is humbled and repentant, but his choices still have consequences.

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss 2 Samuel 6-11. After faithfully waiting on God's promise and timing, David finally becomes king. He will forever be known as the ideal king of Israel: king, priest, loyal, faithful, and humble. But, like all our other heroes, it doesn't last long. Eden realized becomes Eden lost when King David sees a...

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the beginning of King David's reign. Although the anointed one of Yahweh, David still must consolidate power, establish alliances, and battle enemies. In the midst of a very broken world, we finally see the true monarchy of Israel begin. 

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the downfall of Saul, first king of Israel. Why is David marrying a new wife, what is going on with Samuel coming back from the dead, and what could this possibly all have to do with our own faith? 

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the juxtaposed hearts of Saul and David. What makes David a worthy king? Why won't Saul accept his fate? What is really going on between David and Jonathan? These famous stories have an historical context, but are still relevant today.

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the downfall of Saul, Israel's first king. Disobedience, distrust, jealous, and violence define the reign of the king the people chose. But, was it Saul's fault really? Was he that bad? 

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lane Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the Israelites continued struggle with conforming to the nations around them instead of being a blessing to the nations. They treat the ark of the covenant as if it was a magic talisman and reject God as their king. God, in his abundant patience, agrees to give the people the king they desire- tall, ha...

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lane Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the courage and faithful obedience of Ruth, Noami, and Hannah in the books of Ruth and 1 Samuel. Through the seemingly private suffering and faith of these women, God begins a new chapter in his Story of Redemption: a king for his people. 

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, the Israelites go from bad to worse. By the end of the book, the God's chosen people reflect the character and values of their idolatrous, violent neighbors, instead of Yahweh. Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss what we can learn from these tragic narratives and how it connects with the book of Ruth.

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Rysksoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the increasingly disappointing and disturbing history of God's people during the time of the judges. Ted wears pink in solidarity with the women who experience the worst effects of the sin of the Israelites, Rachel admits this is not her favorite book of Scripture, and Lance reminds them of our need...

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss Gideon and Jepthah. These two judges of Israel seem to be faithful leaders, but inevitably lead God's people further into idolatry and violence. In these hard-to-read stories, there is both the depth of human depravity, and the surprising, patient faithfulness of God.

In this episode of the Bible Reading Plan Recap, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester jump into a new part of the Story of Scripture in the book of Judges. God has delivered the descendants of Abraham from slavery, made him his people, promised them blessing, and led them to the promised land. How will the people of God respond?

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the passage of Scripture that is most quoted by Scripture itself: when God reveals his name and character to his people. Who is Yahweh and is he really anything at all like the Jesus of the New Testament? 

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the significance of the detailed descriptions and instructions concerning the Tabernacle and the priesthood. The covenant has been ratified, the dwelling place for God and his priesthood has been commissioned, but the newly created people of God don't even make it 40 days before the fall into the fami...

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted, Lance, and Rachel discuss what it means to be the "treasured possession" of Yahweh. How should we think about the 10 Commandments? Is the law good, bad, or outdated? These well-known passages are far-reaching, not just for courtrooms or as a failed "plan A" of God, but for how we understand our identity and mission as God's people today.

The final, devastating plague that forces Pharoah's hand: the death of every firstborn son in Egypt. The Passover ritual and reality that defines and orients the people of Israel even to this day. God's presence with the Israelites in pillars of cloud and fire. Bread provided from heaven. In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the protecti...

Why did God almost kill Moses on his way to Egypt? What is the significance of a staff and the snake? Was it really Pharaoh's fault, if God was hardening his heart?  In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the well-known epic story of Moses's plea to "Let my people go," Pharaoh's refusal, and the resulting ten plagues on Egypt, along with l...