The Bible Timeline Show (with Jeff Cavins)

What does it mean to belong in the Catholic Church? Perhaps, you have heard the Catholic Church referred to as a family or as a community. That sounds nice, but what does it actually mean for the identity of the Church and her members? Jeff Cavins and Dr. Scott Sollom dive into the idea of Church as relational, as family. They discuss the different ways in which it is essential that the faithful see themselves as a family in relationship with God and each other.

When should you stand firm in your morals and beliefs, even in the face of opposition? Many aspects of Christianity counter prevailing culture, often leading to persecution or discomfort. But how far should we go to uphold truth and morality? In this discussion, Fr. Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins delve into this question, drawing insights from accounts found in 1 and 2 Maccabees. They explore strategies for navigating persecution and stress the importance of defending what is good and true. If you would like to learn more or help support the construction of the Duluth Newman Center visit www.bulldogCatholic.org/donate. Duluth Newman exists so that God may be loved and glorified and His people may be saved and sanctified. We do this by offering students the opportunity to get involved in Bible studies, have access to the Sacraments daily, and enter a community of deep fellowship. Over the last 20 years, bulldogCatholic has grown beyond the borders of Duluth through Fr. Mike's collaboration with Ascension on projects like The Bible in a Year Podcast and his Ascension Presents videos. Our goal is to do our best to make sure each person who is involved with bulldogCatholic feels Seen, Known, and Loved.

The Babylonian Exile was a dark time for the Israelites. Jeff Cavins chose the color for this time period in the Bible Timeline because of the "blues" that the Jews were experiencing in exile, distant from God's presence in the Holy Temple. In this episode, Fr. Joseph Taphorn joins Jeff Cavins to explore the various ways in which modern Catholics may find themselves or their loved ones in a state of spiritual exile. Whether grappling with addiction, seeking deliverance and healing, or confronting the challenges of children straying from the Faith, Fr. Taphorn and Jeff Cavins offer timeless insights and practical guidance to help us navigate these trials and reclaim our role as ambassadors of Christ. Fr. Joseph Taphorn was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Omaha in 1997. After serving as a parish priest, he went on to study canon law at the Gregorian University in Rome and served in various leadership roles in the curia of the Archdiocese of Omaha for 15 years. Fr. Taphorn founded the St. John Paul II Newman Center in Omaha and served there for several years before accepting the invitation to serve as rector of The Saint Paul Seminary in St. Paul, MN in 2019. Fr. Joseph Taphorn was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Omaha in 1997. After serving as a parish priest, he went on for further studies in canon law at the Gregorian University in Rome and served in various leadership roles in the curia of the Archdiocese of Omaha for 15 years. Fr. Taphorn founded the St. John Paul II Newman Center in Omaha and served there for several years before accepting the invitation to serve as rector of The Saint Paul Seminary in St. Paul, MN in 2019.

What is so important about the Song of Songs? The Old Testament book Song of Songs may seem like mere love poetry to some, but it holds profound theological insights. In this enlightening discussion, Fr. John Burns joins Jeff Cavins to uncover the profound meanings and importance of the Song of Songs. Fr. Burns reveals the deep truths it conveys about God's love for humanity. Through their dialogue, you'll recognize the Song of Songs as a crucial component of Scripture deserving close attention and contemplation.

Life can be very challenging. The trials and tribulations we encounter on a daily basis can often feel overwhelming, even insurmountable. Throughout the Bible, we find stories of individuals grappling with the hardships of existence, ranging from mild inconveniences to profound crises. Amidst these narratives, some find solace and strength in their relationship with God, while others falter and turn away. In this episode, Melissa Overmyer joins Jeff Cavins to discuss the Israelites wandering in the desert for forty years. Together, they unravel the circumstances that precipitated this prolonged wandering and explore the varied responses of the Israelite community. Melissa and Jeff draw parallels between the ancient desert wanderings and the modern-day "deserts" many of us traverse. Drawing from her personal experiences, Melissa recounts moments of profound adversity in her own life. She candidly shares her journey through these trying times, emphasizing her faith's pivotal role in navigating the landscapes of despair and uncertainty. She shares invaluable insights into the transformative power of faith amidst life's most arduous trials.

Are you familiar with the story of Abraham and Isaac? For many, this story is difficult to understand. How can a good and benevolent God ask a father to sacrifice his only son? In an illuminating discussion, Jeff Cavins and Dr. Margaret Turek delve into this famous Scripture narrative. Together, they unravel the layers of meaning within the story of Abraham and Isaac, shedding light on how it unveils the depths of God's love and wisdom. Dr. Margaret Turek is originally from the Midwest. She earned a B.A. at the University of San Francisco where she studied in the St. Ignatius Institute, an M.A. at the Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology, and a Doctor of Sacred Theology degree at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. Prior to her graduate studies, she received spiritual formation as a Carmelite for six years. Dr. Turek's scholarly interests include Trinitarian theology, Soteriology, and the re-integration of Dogmatic Theology and Spirituality. Before joining the faculty at STPSU in 2001, she was a tenured Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at the University of Dallas. She also teaches in the Deacon Formation Program for the Archdiocese of San Francisco and the Diocese of Oakland.

The Acts of the Apostles grants us a glimpse into the first stages of Christianity, observing the formation of the Early Church. The scriptural passages recount miracles, significant conversions, and the fervent work of passionate evangelists, unmistakably guided by the movement of the Holy Spirit. As we contemplate the state of the Church today, do we still perceive the evident presence of the Holy Spirit? Are miracles and conversions still part of our collective experience? In a thoughtful discussion, Jeff Cavins and Michael Gormley delve into the parallels and distinctions between the Early Church and the contemporary Catholic Church. Their reflections prompt us to consider the Church's evolution, underscoring the lasting significance of permitting the power of God to manifest through each one of us. Let us, too, be open vessels for the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit within the Church today. You can watch the episode here: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-presents/bible-timeline-show/

The Maccabean Revolt presented the Jewish people with a difficult choice: conform or face persecution. Christians today may feel a similar cultural pressure to compromise their beliefs. In this discussion, Jeff Cavins and Monsignor James Shea examine the heroic resistance of Jews who refused to conform during the Maccabean Revolt. They encourage contemporary Christians to find inspiration from these historical examples as they consider how to stand firm in their faith despite societal pressures. Thank you to our sponsor for this episode: Christ Medicus Foundation CURO. Discover CURO, the Catholic health and wellness alternative. Receive personalized Catholic wellness coaching, spiritual direction, and Christ-centered health sharing options. Be a part of an uplifting community of individuals and families who share Christ's healing love with one another. Wherever you're at in your health and wellness journey, you can learn more or join today at https://cmfcuro.com/. You can also call them at (800) 840-7471. You can watch the episode here: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-presents/bible-timeline-show/

Have you ever undergone a period of exile in your life? In the Old Testament, the people of Israel were taken into exile, with some tribes becoming entirely assimilated into other nations. Is this sense of exile something we can relate to today? Do we occasionally find ourselves lost in the surrounding culture? Sister Alicia Torres joins Jeff Cavins to discuss the Exile time period in the Old Testament and contemporary forms of exile, such as fractured relationships, addiction, and a loss of faith. Thank you to our sponsor for this episode: Christ Medicus Foundation CURO. Discover CURO, the Catholic health and wellness alternative. Receive personalized Catholic wellness coaching, spiritual direction, and Christ-centered health sharing options. Be a part of an uplifting community of individuals and families who share Christ's healing love with one another. Wherever you're at in your health and wellness journey, you can learn more or join today at https://cmfcuro.com/. You can watch the episode here: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-presents/bible-timeline-show/

King Saul, King David, and King Solomon were among the earliest and possibly the most influential monarchs of Israel. What qualities distinguished them as remarkable rulers, and where did they encounter challenges and setbacks? Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio (Dr. Italy) engages with Jeff Cavins in a detailed exploration of the lives of these three kings. They delve into their triumphs and downfalls, giving you a deeper understanding of these historical figures. Join this enlightening conversation to gain a more comprehensive insight into the lives of these three iconic kings. Thank you to our sponsor for this episode: St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry. Further information on St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry’s Discounted Spring 2024 Course for “Mary, Mother of God” can be found here: https://www.stbernards.edu/marycourse/ St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry is a Catholic graduate school reuniting theology, prayer, and sanctity. They offer in-person and online Master’s degrees in theology and Catholic philosophy, as well as certificate programs ranging from catechetical leadership to Catholic bioethics. You can watch the episode here: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-presents/bible-timeline-show/

You may have never been in an actual desert, but perhaps you have experienced an internal desert. Maybe you have gone through intense loneliness or doubted God. These are some of the experiences that the Israelites went through in the actual desert. Join Jeff Cavins and his guest Fr. Boniface Hicks as they discuss the Desert Wanderings. They dive into the failings of Moses, the Israelites’ distrust, and how those experiences are not much different than ours today. What do you do when you find yourself in the desert? Thank you to our sponsor for this episode: Christ Medicus Foundation CURO. Discover CURO, the Catholic health and wellness alternative. Receive personalized Catholic wellness coaching, spiritual direction, and Christ-centered health sharing options. Be a part of an uplifting community of individuals and families who share Christ's healing love with one another. Wherever you're at in your health and wellness journey, you can learn more or join today at https://cmfcuro.com/. You can watch the episode here: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-presents/bible-timeline-show/

Who are the Patriarchs? What do we know about their lives? Jeff Cavins is joined by Biblical scholar, Dr. Mary Healy, to examine the lives of some of the key figures in the Old Testament: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Together, they discuss the trials, failings, and achievements of each man's life. They also weave their stories together to show how God worked through them to bring about his will and eventually the salvation of the world. Thank you to our sponsor for this episode–WalletWin, Catholic financial formation for the whole family. Visit https://walletwin.com to find out more. Since 2017, WalletWin has helped thousands of Catholics eliminate debt, build their savings, morally invest, and increase their generosity through The Catholic Money Academy, a step-by-step program rooted in Catholic principles. If you’re ready to feel confident and at peace with your finances, visit https://catholicmoneyacademy.com/jeff to start your free trial. You can watch the episode here: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-presents/bible-timeline-show/

Welcome to The Bible Timeline Show with Jeff Cavins! On this inaugural episode, Jeff is joined by Fr. Mike Schmitz, priest, speaker, and host of The Bible in a Year. Together, they discuss the reality and impact of God's Word—both in their own lives, and in the lives of those who have walked with them. You can watch the episode here: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-presents/bible-timeline-show/