We have a very special guest reader today. James Cooper, my co host on the Lifespring! Advent Calendar Podcast, reads the book of Ruth. Ruth is a short book that is a marvelous story of loyalty, devotion and love.

Paul explains how the old covenant required repeated sacrifices (that did not bring permanent forgiveness), but in the new covenant, Jesus’ sacrifice was “once for all”.

Paul compares the Levitical law and priesthood to the New Covenant and Christ’s priesthood of Melchizedek.

Finishing the book of Judges and beginning the New Testament book of Hebrews. We find out the consequences of the murder of the concubine, near the end of Judges, and then the book ends with a surprising solution to a problem created by the carrying out of the consequences. The book of Hebrews begins with…

Some intriguing episodes from Israel’s past, including a story very similar to CSI: Las Vegas (or Miami or New York)!

Samson and Delilah. Do you remember the story as it actually was? Where was Samson’s strength? Are you sure?

Today we have a guest reader. Russ Blanchett helps to make this a “family” Bible by reading the chapters for us today. Thanks, Russ! If you would like to read for us, please shoot me an email at steve ( dot) lifespring (a t ) gmail (d ot ) com. I will let you know…