For Better, For Verse

Justin Crisp
  • 5.0 (6)
  • CHRISTIANITY

Justin and Jewelle are a theologian and a philosopher, and they're reading the Bible from cover-to-cover together in one year. Oh—and they're married! Each week they discuss the twists and turns of the next chapter of the Biblical story and how it speaks to their lives today. Join them for their personal search for the God of Jesus Christ in the story of this wild and wonderful book.

  1. The One About Leviticus

    3D AGO

    The One About Leviticus

    In this episode, Justin and Jewelle explore the conclusion of Exodus and the whole book of Leviticus, focusing on the Golden Calf episode, God's loving determination to keep his covenant with Israel in spite of their wrongdoing, the nature of idolatry, the significance of sacrifice, and how we must distinguish between what's universal and contingent, applicable and inapplicable, in the Scriptures. Exodus and Leviticus say God and humanity have a common goal—for humanity to behold the glory of the Lord in God's personal company—and that the complex sacrificial system of Leviticus is a way God provides for humanity to clean up its act (literally!) so that goal can be reached. God's love and God's justice are a difficult circle to square when people like us and a world like this are concerned. Sacrifice and atonement are the solution—one that points us, in the fullness of time, to what God accomplishes for us in Jesus Christ.

    33 min
  2. Rules, Rules, and More Rules

    FEB 3

    Rules, Rules, and More Rules

    In this episode, Justin and Jewelle explore Exodus 13–31, discussing the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, the significance of the Ten Plagues, the Passover, the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, the establishment of the priesthood, and the construction of the Tabernacle. They delve into themes like the relationship between God's mercy and God's justice, the hardening of Pharaoh's heart (and hearts more generally), the importance of the covenant, and the intricate details of the laws given to the Israelites, emphasizing God's care for both the grand narrative and the minutiae of life.

    33 min
  3. God Is Who God Is

    JAN 26

    God Is Who God Is

    In this episode, Justin Crisp and Jewelle Bickel explore the narratives from Genesis 43 to Exodus 12, focusing on the stories of Joseph and Moses. Whereas the book of Genesis begins with Cain betraying Abel, it ends with Joseph forgiving his brothers, and then launches into the narrative of Exodus, whose protagonist feels unqualified to play the role God's asked him to play. Inspired by these rich stories, Justin and Jewelle discuss the themes of reconciliation, redemption, divine calling, and the nature of God. Their conversation also delves into the moral implications of Psalm 14, underlining the power of God's being and the objective nature of morality.

    30 min
  4. This God Is Not Angry

    JAN 15

    This God Is Not Angry

    In this episode, Justin and Jewelle explore Genesis chapters 22 to 42, discussing the themes of sacrifice, deceit, and God's faithfulness. They delve into the story of Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac, the prosperity of Isaac and Jacob, and the complex relationships within Jacob's family, including his deceitful dealings with his father-in-law, Laban. Weaving together a close reading of the psychodrama of Abraham's family, the philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard, and the history of religions, Justin and Jewelle emphasize the importance of trusting in God's character and promises—and in His overriding, merciful purpose for each one of us and our world.

    34 min
  5. Is the Bible About Us?

    JAN 8

    Is the Bible About Us?

    Summary In this episode, Justin Crisp and Jewelle Bickel launch their yearlong read through the Bible by exploring the first chapters of Genesis. They focus on the creation stories, the fall of humanity, the story of the flood, and God's covenants with Noah and Abram. They emphasize the way Genesis highlights the personal nature of God, the complexities of human relationships, and the overarching theme of God's faithfulness despite unrelenting human failures.

    24 min

  6. JAN 2

    The Finale

    In this episode, Justin Crisp and Jewelle Bickel explore the final chapters of the Gospel of Luke, discussing the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. They delve into the significance of the Last Supper, the agony in the garden, the betrayal by Judas, the trials before various authorities, and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The conversation highlights the theological implications of these events and their relevance to our faith, particularly the understanding of Jesus as the "suffering servant." Jesus' death and resurrection harness acts of great evil and turn them into the means by which God forgave and saved the world. Yet Jesus' earliest followers can't get their heads around the idea of a God who works in this way—at least, not until the very last moment. They were called to witness these events and be changed, and so are we.

    34 min

  7. 12/19/2025

    Every End is a Beginning

    In this episode, Justin Crisp and Jewelle Bickel explore the significant events surrounding Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the prophetic implications of his actions, and the reactions of the religious and political leaders of his day. They discuss the cleansing of the temple, the parable of the wicked tenants, and Jesus’ teachings on authority before launching into a rich discussion of the “end times,” or last things. Jesus says everything will come to an end—from the temple in Jerusalem to the world itself—but through the unexpected redemption he is about to accomplish, every end is a beginning.

    26 min
  8. The Hardest Parables

    12/03/2025

    The Hardest Parables

    In this episode, Justin Crisp and Jewelle Bickel delve into several parables from the Gospel of Luke, exploring themes of ethics, wealth, and the nature of God's kingdom. They discuss the complexities of the parable of the dishonest manager, the contrasting fates of the rich man and Lazarus, and the transformative encounter of Zacchaeus with Jesus. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding how Jesus taught as much as what Jesus taught, as well as the urgency of recognizing the kingdom of God in our lives.

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Justin and Jewelle are a theologian and a philosopher, and they're reading the Bible from cover-to-cover together in one year. Oh—and they're married! Each week they discuss the twists and turns of the next chapter of the Biblical story and how it speaks to their lives today. Join them for their personal search for the God of Jesus Christ in the story of this wild and wonderful book.

Information

  • Creator
    Justin Crisp
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Justin Crisp