Clear Creek Resources - A Podcast of Clear Creek Community Church

In this episode, 517 Campus Worship Leader Courtney Ricketts is joined by 528 Campus Worship Leader Aric Harding and Egret Bay Campus Worship Leader Tanner Smith as they reflect on Isaiah 55 and the invitation to let God's word soften our hearts toward repentance, surrender, and dependence on him. Through Scripture, prayer, and worship, they consider the ways our hearts can grow hardened toward God — and how he calls us back, over and over, to trust him with the things we've been holding onto.

In this episode, 528 Campus Worship Leader Aric Harding is joined by Egret Bay Campus Worship Leader Tanner Smith and 517 Campus Worship Leader Courtney Ricketts as they reflect on Ephesians 2:8-10 and the truth that you are God's workmanship, created for good works he prepared specifically for you. Through Scripture, prayer, and worship, they explore what it looks like to believe that God sees you and has a place for you in his story — whether that feels like a daily reality or something you're still learning to trust.

In this episode, Egret Bay Campus Worship Leader Tanner Smith, 528 Campus Worship Leader Aric Harding, and 517 Campus Worship Leader Courtney Ricketts reflect on Psalm 139 and invite listeners to rest in the truth that God sees, knows, and remains near. Through Scripture, prayer, and worship, they consider both the comfort and conviction of being fully known by God, while reminding us of His grace and compassion through Jesus.

In this episode, 528 Campus Worship Leader Aric Harding and 517 Campus Worship Leader Courtney Ricketts reflect on Psalm 36 and invite listeners to slow down and take refuge in God. Through Scripture, prayer, and worship, they consider how distraction and noise can pull us away from his presence, while reminding us that God’s steadfast love remains constant through it all.

In the final episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss not only the end of Revelation, but the culmination of the entire story of God's Word. How does every one of God's purposes and promises conclude with this cosmic, beautiful, picture? How has Jesus always been the only and necessary answer? How can we respond? 

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the scrolls, trumpets, witnesses, and beasts of Revelation. While at first glance, it all appears complicated and confusing, this imagery has deep roots in the Old Testament, and provides simple, compelling message for the church today. 

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester begin the book of Revelation. A letter that is sometimes ignored, sometimes minutely studied, and often misunderstood. What can be learned from the opening of this letter and what is its surprisingly simple message?

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the conclusion of Romans and what it means for the church today. What should our faith look like in the world we live in and how do we figure out what part we play in God's plan? 

In this episode of The Story of Scriptire, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss what disciples and theologians throughout the history of the church consider the most important passages written by the apostle Paul. How do these passages fit within God’s story of redemption a for the Christians of the first century and how are they relevant today?

We have read through much of the Story of the Scripture, we have read Stephen, Paul, and Peter's summaries of the Story of Scripture, and in Romans, we get to study the apostle Paul's theology of the Story of Scripture. In this letter to the church in Rome, Paul calls the Jewish and Gentile Christians to unity, faith, and obedience to Jesus. In the first few chapters, he reminds his Jewish brothers of what all of humanity was called to in Genesis 1, what we all lost in Genesis 3, and how Jesus fully and finally redeems all who receive him in faith. 

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the final chapters we have of Paul's story. Paul stands against the Jewish leaders who oppose his faith in Jesus, stands against the Roman rulers of the world, and even must confront the unseen powers in the world through a storm, shipwreck, and snakebite. Throughout every obstacle, Paul remains faithful to his Lord and his mission.

In this episode of the Bible Reading Podcast, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss Acts 16-21.  Paul continues on his second and third missionary journeys. He faces suffering and opposition, but also amazing openness to the gospel. Despite repeated warnings, Paul heads to Jerusalem. He knows what awaits, but is willing to be all and give all for the gospel.

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, the new church is growing exponentially, but also faces difficult questions about this newly formed people of God. Do the newly included Gentile disciples need to follow the laws of the Torah? Should the Jewish disciples of Jesus and the Gentile disciples of Jesus interact? Eat together? Are they the same status? God has always planned to bring salvation to the whole world, and the early church must wrestle with what this new reality means for their traditions and faith.

The apostle Peter is transformed from hiding and denying knowing the name of Jesus to bolding proclaiming salvation in the name of Jesus, "unable to top speaking about what [he has] seen and heard." Stephen explains to the Jewish leadership how the Story of Scripture has all led to Jesus and becomes the first Christian martyr. We are introduced to a young zealot named Paul, who "breathes" threats and murder against the followers of Jesus. It is the explosive, beginning of the church; no one is left unchanged by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 

In this episode, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the final chapters of Hebrews and the opening chapters of the book of Acts. How does the author of Hebrews call the new church to live in light of all they have been given in Christ? The beginning of Acts gives a glimpse of exactly the power and perseverance Hebrews has in mind.

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss Hebrews 5-10. Who is Melchizedek? Why is Jesus compared to him? How does Jesus fulfill and expand the sacrifices, priesthood, and covenant of the Old Testament? 

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the climax of the entire biblical story: Jesus, God with us, who humbled himself even unto the cross, but who rose again to reign forever. This beauty and majesty of who Jesus is and what it means begins the next part of the Story in the book of Hebrews. 

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the last teachings of Jesus. What does it look like to be great in the kingdom of God? Do we really want the upside down kingdom of God? How should the teaching and the life of Jesus transform how we see all of Scripture and our own hearts? 

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester continue working through the gospel of Matthew. After teaching about the Kingdom of God, Jesus begins to display what this kingdom look like: the sick are healed, outsiders are welcomed, and his disciples begin to participate in all he is doing. Despite the authority and power of Jesus, he begins to warn of his impending sacrificial death. 

After 9 months studying the Old Testament, this week's episode of the Story of Scripture discusses the Gospel of Matthew. How are these first chapters of the New Testament connected to the people and story of the Old Covenant? What does the beginning of this book communicate about the identity and purposes of Jesus? What is the same, what is really new, and how can we discover the foundational message of Jesus' ministry? 

The remnant of God's people has returned from exile, the new temple is dedicated, and the walls of the city are restored. In this final section of the Old Testament reading, we are reminded to look back with gratitude and worship for all God has done for his people, and look forward with anticipation for the greater fulfillment of his promises to come.

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss Nehemiah's narrative of the remnant of God's people as they seek to find their identity and security without their own king. How will the new temple, the law, and their beloved promised land help or hinder them? How can we learn from their experience so long ago?

The people of the promise are called out of another global empire to the promised place of God, but nothing is quite the same. In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the return from exile, the temple rebuilt, and what that means for us today.

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the end of a kingdom and the beginning of a new chapter in God's story. The kingdom of Judah has been defeated and exiled, but the book of Ezra begins a new chapter of hope for God's people. 

The great prophet Elisha dies, the king of Judah copies foreign temples and practices child sacrifice, and the land and blessing of Solomon's reign is officially at an end. In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the inevitable fall of and exile of the northern kingdom of Israel, and the beginning of the end for the southern kingdom of Judah.

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Rachel Chester, and Lance Lawson discuss 2 Kings chapters 6 - 12. The promise Elijah delivered to Ahab finally comes to fruition and justice is served. God is patient and merciful, and he is also just and faithful to his promises: both to rescue and to judge. Despite these consequences to their idolatry, however, the kings and the people of Israel continue in their stubborn idolatry.

This week the story of Kings continues with more tension between the leaders of the divided kingdom of Israel and the prophets of God. Join Ted, Rachel, and Lance for a conversation about evil, assassinations, miracles, and she-bears. How does the Exodus story continue to replay throughout the Old Testament, and why is Jezebel the worst?

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the kings and prophets of a now divided Kingdom of Israel. The prophets take center stage as covenant "watchdogs" and one of the most important prophets in Scripture, Elijah, takes on an idolatrous and murderous king and queen.

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Rysoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss Solomon's reign: from a wise king who loves Yahweh, to a another leader who turns from Yahweh. What can we all learn from Solomon, and how does he point to Jesus?   

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the complicated, but ultimately hopeful legacy of King David: the humble, shepherd-king who was imperfect, but ultimately faithful to his Lord. The next chapter of God's story begins with King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, who built the Temple for Yahweh to reside with his people in Jerusalem and expanded the kingdom to all that was promised to Abraham. In David we see the pinnacle of a humble king, in Solomon the pinnacle of the kingdom, but cracks begin to show . . . 

King David is victorious over his rebellious son, but grieves for all he has lost. After his failures, he is still a victorious king, but he is weakened and weary, and reminded that it has always been and still is Yahweh who is his rock and deliverer. Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester mourn another faithful follower who chooses to go his own way, instead of trusting in God, but rest in the same hope David proclaims so many years ago: the faithfulness of God and the promise of a better King to come. 

In this episode, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the rise and fall of King David. The ideal Israelite king is humbled and repentant, but his choices still have consequences.

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss 2 Samuel 6-11. After faithfully waiting on God's promise and timing, David finally becomes king. He will forever be known as the ideal king of Israel: king, priest, loyal, faithful, and humble. But, like all our other heroes, it doesn't last long. Eden realized becomes Eden lost when King David sees and takes, returning us back to the Fall of Genesis 3 once again.

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the beginning of King David's reign. Although the anointed one of Yahweh, David still must consolidate power, establish alliances, and battle enemies. In the midst of a very broken world, we finally see the true monarchy of Israel begin. 

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the downfall of Saul, first king of Israel. Why is David marrying a new wife, what is going on with Samuel coming back from the dead, and what could this possibly all have to do with our own faith? 

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the juxtaposed hearts of Saul and David. What makes David a worthy king? Why won't Saul accept his fate? What is really going on between David and Jonathan? These famous stories have an historical context, but are still relevant today.

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the downfall of Saul, Israel's first king. Disobedience, distrust, jealous, and violence define the reign of the king the people chose. But, was it Saul's fault really? Was he that bad? 

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lane Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the Israelites continued struggle with conforming to the nations around them instead of being a blessing to the nations. They treat the ark of the covenant as if it was a magic talisman and reject God as their king. God, in his abundant patience, agrees to give the people the king they desire- tall, handsome, and wealthy. Israel's monarchy is established, but it shakily begins through misguided motivations and an uncertain king.

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lane Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the courage and faithful obedience of Ruth, Noami, and Hannah in the books of Ruth and 1 Samuel. Through the seemingly private suffering and faith of these women, God begins a new chapter in his Story of Redemption: a king for his people. 

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, the Israelites go from bad to worse. By the end of the book, the God's chosen people reflect the character and values of their idolatrous, violent neighbors, instead of Yahweh. Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss what we can learn from these tragic narratives and how it connects with the book of Ruth.

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Rysksoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the increasingly disappointing and disturbing history of God's people during the time of the judges. Ted wears pink in solidarity with the women who experience the worst effects of the sin of the Israelites, Rachel admits this is not her favorite book of Scripture, and Lance reminds them of our need for a good King.

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss Gideon and Jepthah. These two judges of Israel seem to be faithful leaders, but inevitably lead God's people further into idolatry and violence. In these hard-to-read stories, there is both the depth of human depravity, and the surprising, patient faithfulness of God.

In this episode of the Bible Reading Plan Recap, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester jump into a new part of the Story of Scripture in the book of Judges. God has delivered the descendants of Abraham from slavery, made him his people, promised them blessing, and led them to the promised land. How will the people of God respond?

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the passage of Scripture that is most quoted by Scripture itself: when God reveals his name and character to his people. Who is Yahweh and is he really anything at all like the Jesus of the New Testament? 

In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the significance of the detailed descriptions and instructions concerning the Tabernacle and the priesthood. The covenant has been ratified, the dwelling place for God and his priesthood has been commissioned, but the newly created people of God don't even make it 40 days before the fall into the familiar pattern of rebellion and rejection of God. So how does God respond?     

In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted, Lance, and Rachel discuss what it means to be the "treasured possession" of Yahweh. How should we think about the 10 Commandments? Is the law good, bad, or outdated? These well-known passages are far-reaching, not just for courtrooms or as a failed "plan A" of God, but for how we understand our identity and mission as God's people today.

The final, devastating plague that forces Pharoah's hand: the death of every firstborn son in Egypt. The Passover ritual and reality that defines and orients the people of Israel even to this day. God's presence with the Israelites in pillars of cloud and fire. Bread provided from heaven. In this episode of The Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the protection, presence, and provision of God in this epic story and how each moment intentionally points to Jesus.

Why did God almost kill Moses on his way to Egypt? What is the significance of a staff and the snake? Was it really Pharaoh's fault, if God was hardening his heart?  In this episode of the Story of Scripture, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the well-known epic story of Moses's plea to "Let my people go," Pharaoh's refusal, and the resulting ten plagues on Egypt, along with lesser known stories along the way.     

The foundation of the Story of Scripture has ended. In this episode of the Bible Reading Recap, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the "pattern" of God's kingdom, the depth of brokenness seen in mankind rebellion, and the promises of God to restore all things. God's has made a covenant with the Israelites, who are flourishing in Egypt at the end of Genesis, but then oppressed and persecuted when we turn the page to Exodus.

Despite the suffering in his life, Jospeh continues to trust in God. He is finally set free. When he is finally reunited with the brothers who rejected and betrayed them, he shows mercy and grace and saves them from death. In this episode of the Bible Reading Podcast, Ted Ryskoski, Lance Lawson, and Rachel Chester discuss the climax of Joseph's story that will take us into the next chapter for God's chosen people.