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Stories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry4-12 Our Cheerful FeetJonah ran away from God's call; Peter was told that he would be led where he did not wish to go. We have plans for ourselves, but if God calls, will we go? And when we do, will it be with cheerful feet?   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2024-06-2518 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry4-11 Benighted BeginningsThe Bible's most famous day is the Day of the Lord, but like all Jewish days, it begins in darkness and moves toward light.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2024-06-1120 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry4-10 The Stolen BlessingJacob deceived his father and stole his brother's blessing, but it's a bit more complicated than it looks: Isaac may have been complicit.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2024-05-2823 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry4-9 The Other SonWe have all heard about the prodigal son; he and his father teach us much about the natures of God and humanity. But what about the other son? His insights are just as valuable.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2024-05-1421 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry4-8 Works of FaithThe apostle James said it best: How can you show me faith without works? Yet I will show you faith by my works.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2024-04-3020 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry4-7 The Gift of LeviticusLeviticus outlined specific rules so that people didn't have to question where they stood with God. This certainty, however, was only one of its gifts, as the book prepared the way for an even greater blessing.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2024-04-1619 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry4-6 Opposite PilgrimsPilgrims travel across the world to arrive at a holy site. Christians, though, are opposite pilgrims who, being themselves holy temples filled with God's spirit, go out into the world.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2024-04-0216 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry4-5 Great in His TimeNoah was described as a great man in his time, but was he great in all times? He did not argue on behalf of others the way that Abraham or Moses did. As for us, we should strive to be like those who are great for all time.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2024-03-1919 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry4-4 Mirabilia (Not) RequiredThe afterlife reversed the fortunes of a purple-rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. For the former, it was not his wealth that sent him hell-bound, but his stubborn refusal to believe in God. Do we tend to do the same?   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2024-03-0518 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry4-3 If I were an Olive TreeIf I were a tree in Gethsemane, what would I have witnessed? The sleeping disciples, the praying master, the kiss of Judas, and more.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2024-02-2027 minStories of SymmetryStories of SymmetryBonus: To the ReaderPractical Advice for a Better World is available February 9, 2024, but what's the book about? Ben answers this by reading the first few pages. Get your copy from BenLeBoutillier.com/books/Practical_Advice. 2024-02-0805 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry4-2 The Admission of CainThere is a personal responsibility to rise above one's sinful nature. Adam and Eve, in the garden, did not. Cain, however, eventually did and thus was granted God's protection.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2024-02-0618 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry4-1 Order from ChaosThe Hebrew and Babylonian creation stories are similar in many ways; nevertheless, the tale in Genesis is altogether different in its understanding of humankind and the God who created it.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2024-01-2321 minStories of SymmetryStories of SymmetryAnnouncing Season 4Host Ben LeBoot announces that Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, January 23rd.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2024-01-0200 minStories of SymmetryStories of SymmetryChristmas Bonus: EbenezerThe lyrics "here I raise my Ebenezer", the famous Ebenezer Scrooge . . . what is this word "Ebenezer", and how does it relate to Christmas?   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2023-12-1910 minStories of SymmetryStories of SymmetryBonus: Martialism with JeffPastor and 7th-dan martial artist Jeff Lindsay helps us wrestle with self-defense, loving one's neighbors, and walking in the footsteps of Jesus.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2023-10-2442 minStories of SymmetryStories of SymmetryBonus: AtonementYom Kippur is the Day of Atonement—the day on which all sins are removed. So why don't Christians celebrate this exceptional occurrence?   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2023-09-2508 minStories of SymmetryStories of SymmetryAnnouncing @BenLeBootHost Ben LeBoot announces his new website (BenLeBoot.com), Instagram (@BenLeBoot), and hashtag (#BenLeBoot). 2023-07-0500 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry3-12 As for Me and MineJoshua gave the Israelites this ultimatum: Serve the Lord, but if doing so is evil in your eyes, then choose your alternative. Every person faces that same decision, but how to decide, and what are the stakes?   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2023-04-1823 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry3-11 Living StonesCalling all masons, builders, ledgemen, and stone-enthusiasts. Let's talk about how to choose a cornerstone and why God's temple is made of living people rather than earthen blocks.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2023-04-0421 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry3-10 The Standard of StigmataWhat do a Mercury astronaut and a thirteenth-century friar have in common? Answer: marks. If we ask about the marks of Christ, we should also ask about the marks of his followers. What are stigmata, and do they point to something more than the scars of the resurrected Jesus?   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2023-03-2123 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry3-9 More on MelchizedekLet's explore Melchizedek: the man, the myth, the legend. He was priest and king, but what else? Mysterious stranger, or familiar friend? This episode tackles what we know, what we don't, and the blurry lines in between. Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2023-03-0728 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry3-8 Melchizedek the Priest-KingThe Judeo-Christian tradition began with Abraham, yet a contemporary of his, King Melchizedek, was priest to the Most-High God. How did someone outside of Abraham's family know the Lord, and what does that mean for us?   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2023-02-2121 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry3-7 The Jerusalem CouncilDo Christian converts need to be circumcised? Because this question so troubled the early church and carried such profound ramifications, the elders were summoned to settle the matter.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2023-02-0725 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry3-6 The Contentious AltarA group of Israelites built a giant altar that the larger whole thought was blasphemous. As the nation stood on the brink of civil war, a small delegation was sent to investigate. What was the outcome?   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2023-01-2420 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry3-5 Don’t Sell Yourself ShortWhat is the profit in gaining the world but losing your soul? And what can you give in exchange for your soul? Let's discuss violins, lentil stew, and nothing at all.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2023-01-1029 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry3-4 The Blood Cries OutAre there contemporary martyrs, who was the first person murdered for God, and what are the dying words of these triumphant witnesses? The innocent cry out for justice, but the blood of Jesus speaks an even better word.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2022-12-2724 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry3-3 Bil’am the SoothsayerWhen we put God in perspective, all else assumes its proper magnitude. Looking through the lens of the Lord, even the fearsome Bil'am seems small. Once regarded as a dreaded sorcerer, in the end he was viewed as a droll soothsayer.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2022-12-1329 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry3-2 If I were a Fig TreeFig trees in the Bible lead tenuous lives; at times they are elevated to the highest esteem, at others they are threatened with the axe.  We consider the proper season for figs and investigate three times that Jesus encountered these trees. Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2022-11-2935 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry3-1 La Sacra BibliaHow are Abraham, Moses, and Jonah related? Was Peter around at the same time as Noah or Mary? Does Paul come before or after Jesus, and when did the Tabernacle become the Temple? In an effort to help place these and many other pieces of the puzzle, this episode overviews the Bible's history, leading characters, and major events.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2022-11-1558 minStories of SymmetryStories of SymmetryAnnouncing Season 3Host Ben LeBoot announces that Season 3 will begin on Tuesday, November 15th.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2022-10-1800 minStories of SymmetryStories of SymmetryBonus: Collegiality with ToddCampus pastor Todd Cutter addresses the university experience and helps us navigate struggles like approaching others, finding vocation, and validating religion. Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2022-07-2643 minStories of SymmetryStories of SymmetryBonus: Reflections with WhitReverend Doctor Whit Malone is retiring after nearly four decades in ministry. He joins us to answer tough questions, reflect upon the Church, share his wisdom, and more. Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2022-05-3141 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry2-12 Let Him Go UpSeason 2 finale: Despite ups and downs, successes and failures, the Bible always ends on a note of hope. We look to John, Moses, Malachi, Cyrus, and others to show us what this means.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2022-03-2226 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry2-11 Harmonic OscillationWhen an Aramean proselyte became distressed about applying his new faith in a pagan society, God's prophet told him the secret to maintaining equilibrium in a wavering world.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2022-03-0828 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry2-10 Duc In AltumAfter Simon's night of unsuccessful fishing, Jesus told him to cast into the deep. Though the command contradicted Simon's experience as a fisherman, he obeyed, and a miracle happened.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2022-02-2224 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry2-9 Blessed are the Strong and WeakHerculean strength or abject weakness? Both can be useful, but neither is preferred. To walk with God, we must be balanced and ready to embrace many incongruities.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2022-02-0824 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry2-8 Excruciatingly NecessaryJob's misfortune, Christ's cross, and God's compassion reveal much about suffering, but do they help us understand why it happens?   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2022-01-2529 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry2-7 Et Lux EratWhen God declared that light should be, it was, and it propagated throughout creation, enlightening the psalmist, the citizens of New Jerusalem, the crowd that sought Jesus, and each God-seeker among us.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2022-01-1129 minStories of SymmetryStories of SymmetryBonus: The Cry of the DeerThe patron saint of Ireland prayed this prayer for God's protection.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2022-01-0106 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry2-6 The Worth of WisdomSolomon's proverbs are astute, but the vicissitudes of life seem to contradict the sage. The other Wisdom books help us resolve this disaccord.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2021-12-2831 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry2-5 And the Runner SaidHow beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who says to Zion: Your god reigns!   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2021-12-1422 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry2-4 Let It RestGod ordained rest, but obeying the command is tougher than it sounds. When Sabbath is misapplied, it miscarries; when the land is abused, God adjudicates.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2021-11-3028 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry2-3 What‘s in a Name? Part 2Does God have a name; if so, what is it?   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2021-11-1627 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry2-2 What‘s in a Name? Part 1Jesus borrowed it from Joshua, Jacob-Israel had two, Benjamin almost had a different one, and neither Lazarus nor John Proctor had anything else. So what's in a name, and why are they so important in the Biblical narrative?   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2021-11-0228 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry2-1 The Old WaysHow did Jesus resemble Israel's heroes of old, and what does it mean to fulfil the Law and the Prophets?   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2021-10-1928 minStories of SymmetryStories of SymmetryAnnouncing Season 2Host Ben LeBoot announces that Season 2 will begin on Tuesday, October 19th.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2021-09-3000 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry1-12 The Call to the EastSeason 1 finale:  When God calls us to follow, what are we supposed to do? For ideas, let’s look to Peter, Elisha, John Wayne, and a random bystander that Jesus met along the road. Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2021-04-1324 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry1-11 The God of AbrahamWhat better way for God to show love of humanity than by taking a person's name as an epithet?   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2021-03-3025 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry1-10 There’s Action in Sh’maIn one of the most important passages of the Torah, God calls faithful followers to not merely listen, but to act.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2021-03-1622 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry1-9 Rules for KingsLong before the kingship of Israel, God set forth guidelines for future monarchs.  The Omniscient One knew that the precepts would seldom be followed… but that was part of the intention. Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2021-03-0226 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry1-8 The Bones Go HomeJoseph lived a monumental life, but his greatest moment happened on his deathbed when, by faith, he demanded a final resting place in the Promised Land.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2021-02-1622 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry1-7 Breakfast with JesusAfter his thrice-denial of Jesus, Peter tried to abandon his call to lead, but Jesus redeemed and exculpated the disciple during an early morning meal with three probing questions.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2021-02-0225 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry1-6 Caesarea PhilippiIn a pagan city, Jesus asked his disciples an important question.  Peter's bold and unexpected answer impressed Jesus, but was it the correct answer? Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2021-01-1924 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry1-5 Living WaterFrom its first page to its last, the Bible frequently mentions rivers of living water; messianic prophesies are the keys to unlocking these animated aquifers.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2021-01-0519 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry1-4 Unveiling GodThere was once a barrier that separated God from mankind, not only metaphorically, but physically.  Let's look at why it was there and how it was removed.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2020-12-2221 minStories of SymmetryStories of SymmetryChristmas Bonus: Grace from AngerThe best parts of the Christmas story are the ones that get left out, like that time when Joseph got angry at Mary. Turning anger into grace is what Christmas is all about.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2020-12-1717 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry1-3 The Trouble with GardensWhether a parterre of topiaries, an orchard of olives, or a placid paradise, every garden has weeds and choices.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2020-12-0824 minStories of SymmetryStories of SymmetryBonus: The Weal of a Thanksgiving MealA special Thanksgiving bonus to talk about the importance of meals. 2020-11-2511 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry1-2 Talents of the ParableAny parable of Jesus is sure to yield high returns. Those dividends accrue as we discuss the purpose of these literary devices and examine three interpretations of the Parable of the Talents.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2020-11-2419 minStories of SymmetryStories of Symmetry1-1 The Sacrifice of Abraham and IsaacIsaac normally takes backseat during his almost-sacrifice, but not today. Let's look at Isaac's role in this famous tale which foreshadows another well-known sacrifice.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2020-11-1022 minStories of SymmetryStories of SymmetryIntroducing Stories of SymmetryHost Ben LeBoot announces that the series premiere will be Tuesday, November 10th.   Learn more at storiesofsymmetry.com. 2020-10-1200 min