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.
May 19, 2024•54 min
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 author...
May 14, 2024•53 min
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...
May 08, 2024•58 min
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 exi...
Apr 29, 2024•56 min
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 confrontin...
Apr 29, 2024•49 min
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 significan...
Apr 15, 2024•51 min
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 ...
Apr 07, 2024•55 min
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...
Mar 24, 2024•54 min
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 ...
Mar 17, 2024•49 min
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 to...
Mar 10, 2024•59 min
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 earn...
Mar 03, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Can faith and science find common ground? For many departing from Christianity, science stands as a primary reason for their disbelief. They argue that Christian beliefs and scientific teachings are inherently incompatible. Join Jeff Cavins and Fr. Robert Spitzer as they tackle this perspective head-on. Together, they navigate the creation narratives, engaging with topics such as the Big Bang Theory and evolution. Drawing upon his expertise in science and theology, Fr. Spitzer illuminates the be...
Feb 25, 2024•1 hr 15 min
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 ...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 5 min
What happened to relationships because of the Fall? What is it that continues to make relationships so difficult? Joined by Ryan O’Hara, speaker, teacher, and missionary, Jeff Cavins walks through the Early World time period and focuses on the effects of Original Sin on relationships. Together, they examine the state of relationship within Scripture and then discuss the challenges that many of us face in our relationships today. Thank you to our sponsor for this episode: MyCatholicDoctor.com, a ...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 24 min
Is the Catholic priesthood in the Bible? What is the difference between the priests in the Old Testament and Catholic priests today? The history of the priesthood is lengthy and can be very complicated, but you can understand it! Jeff Cavins is joined by Dr. John Bergsma to give a thorough narration of the priesthood starting in Genesis and journeying all the way to today. As Jeff Cavins said, "This is one of the best I've heard of someone going through a study of the priesthood." You can watch ...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 21 min
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 fai...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr
Destruction, death of innocents, warfare…all themes that you will find in the pages of the Old Testament. The Bible is not free of pain, suffering, and evil, sometimes making it difficult to read. Why did God allow these things? Was it his will that these things happen? If you are asking these questions, good. Dr. Andrew Swafford joins Jeff Cavins to answer these questions and lead us to a better understanding of why bad things happen in Sacred Scripture. Thank you to our sponsor for this episod...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 18 min
Why is liturgy important, and what is its historical significance? The history of liturgy extends back to the book of Genesis in the Old Testament. In a conversation with Fr. Dempsey Rosales Acosta, Jeff Cavins delves into the significance of liturgy and the concept of sacrifice. They explore how liturgy shapes our relationship with God and trace its origins to the era of the Divided Kingdom. You can watch the episode here: https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-presents/bible-timel...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 14 min
The tale of Christ's life is widely recognized, but have you ever considered it from the perspective of his mother? Although the Blessed Virgin Mary may not occupy a prominent voice in Scripture, she maintains a significant presence beside her Son throughout the New Testament. Delving into the events of Jesus' life, as witnessed by Mary, reveals unique insights. Dr. Scott Powell joins Jeff Cavins as they journey through the Messianic Fulfillment period. Together, they offer a deeper comprehensio...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 20 min
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, ...
Jan 16, 2024•2 hr 34 min
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....
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 5 min
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 dis...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 11 min
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 yo...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 22 min
Esther is a well-known name among Christians, yet her story is often overlooked. Nevertheless, there is profound wisdom in Esther's narrative that illuminates how God employs seemingly unlikely individuals to fulfill his purpose. In this insightful conversation, Jeff Cavins and Deacon Bob Rice delve into the story of Esther, highlighting how her demonstration of prudence and courage remains relevant to us today. Thank you to our sponsor for this episode: Christ Medicus Foundation CURO. Discover ...
Jan 16, 2024•50 min
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/
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 2 min