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.

Does the Catholic Church have any actual authority, and where does this authority come from? The Church has existed for over two millennia and encompasses over a billion members worldwide. However, does this longevity and size imply that God founded it and granted it divine authority? Scripture scholar Fr. Pablo Gadenz joins Jeff Cavins on The Bible Timeline Show to examine the biblical evidence for the authority bestowed upon the Church by Jesus Christ. The two explain the nature of this authority and why it is an indispensable characteristic of the one true Church.

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.

Do you ever feel imprisoned by sin? Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites underwent captivity on multiple occasions, enduring a 70-year exile. In an insightful conversation, Fr. John Riccardo joins Jeff Cavins to delve into this period of Exile as depicted in the Bible Timeline. Beyond merely exploring historical events, they draw parallels to contemporary experiences of feeling imprisoned or alienated. Fr. Riccardo argues that individuals today face something even more insidious than exile—being held captive by the power of sin. Fr. Riccardo and Jeff dissect the root causes underlying this spiritual captivity and offer pathways toward liberation from sin's grasp. If you’re ready to feel confident and at peace with your finances, visit CatholicMoneyAcademy.com/jeff to start your free trial. https://catholicmoneyacademy.com/jeff Fr. John Riccardo is a missionary and ACTS XXIX Executive Director. He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1996. In 2019, after 23 years in parish ministry, he founded Acts XXIX to proclaim the gospel in an attractive and compelling way and to equip clergy and lay leaders for the age in which God has chosen us to live. Fr. John is a graduate of the University of Michigan, the Gregorian University, and the Pope John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family. You can learn more about the Rescue Project at https://www.actsxxix.org/.

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.

For many people, the word "idolatry" calls to mind images of a golden calf or an Egyptian sphynx. Is the sin of idolatry still relevant in our world today? Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. joins Jeff Cavins in discussing the issue of idolatry, both in the time of the prophet Hosea and in the modern world. Together they explore the unique story of the prophet Hosea and the message that he brought to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Through this Old Testament story, Jeff and Fr. Gregory reveal the significance of idolatry in the world today and how best to battle it. From Pennsylvania, Fr. Gregory graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He previously served as the Assistant Director of Campus Outreach for the Thomistic Institute in Washington, DC, and associate pastor of St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church in Louisville, KY where he also taught at Bellarmine University. He currently serves as an adjunct professor of dogmatic theology at the Dominican House of Studies and an Assistant Director of the Thomistic Institute. He is host of the Godsplaining podcast, a contributor on the Pints with Aquinas show, and a co-host of the Catholic Classics podcast. Fr. Gregory is the author of Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly (Our Sunday Visitor, 2022) and co-author with Matt Fradd of Marian Consecration With Aquinas: A Nine Day Path for Growing Closer to the Mother of God (TAN Books, 2020).

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.

Is the priesthood really important? Delving into the history of the Old Testament priesthood, we see many times when priests failed. Even in contemporary times, Catholic priests are not without fault. However, the Sacrament of Holy Orders continues to play an essential role in the Church. In a conversation with Jeff Cavins, Fr. Mike Selenski sheds light on the essence of the priesthood. He articulates his profound joy in his vocation and expounds on his deep love for his faith and the mission of evangelization.

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.

Did you know that understanding the Passover can help you gain a better understanding of the Last Supper and the Mass? There is so much from Scripture, even the Old Testament, that can help Christians understand their faith better. Jeff Cavins is joined by Dr. Edward Sri to take a deep dive into the Passover. They explain the historical landscape and the events leading up to the Passover event. From here, they reveal the significance of what Jesus did at the Last Supper and what still happens today in the Mass.