Welcome to “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.” To view the resources connected with this episode, visit https://johnhiltoniii.com/findingchrist. Please like and comment on this episode and subscribe @scripturecentralofficial so you can more easily see the rest of the videos and resources in this course. Whether you're using this course for personal enrichment or to help with "Come, Follow Me," we hope it will be valuable in your studies.

Journey into some of the most tender and powerful stories of faith in this moving episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines with Lynne Hilton Wilson. Focusing on the Book of Ruth and the opening chapters of 1 Samuel, Lynne explores the lives of extraordinary covenant women whose loyalty, sacrifice, and trust in God changed the course of Israel’s history. At the heart of the episode is Ruth—a Moabite widow whose devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi stands as one of the most beautiful expressions of covenant loyalty in scripture. Lynne unpacks Ruth’s courageous choice to leave everything behind, her humble faith as she gleans in the fields, and her eventual redemption through Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer. Together, their story becomes a powerful symbol of belonging, divine providence, and the inclusive reach of God’s covenant. The episode also turns to Hannah, a woman of deep sorrow and even deeper faith. Through her heartfelt prayers and unwavering devotion, Hannah becomes the mother of Samuel, one of Israel’s greatest prophets. Lynne explores Hannah’s covenant with God, her willingness to consecrate her long-awaited son, and the spiritual foundation she provides for Samuel’s prophetic calling. With insight and compassion, Lynne weaves these stories together to highlight how women—often overlooked—play central roles in God’s unfolding plan. This episode offers a rich, inspiring look at faith, family, redemption, and the quiet strength of covenant discipleship.

We’ve considered Christ as the Way to the gifts of God’s Spirit and God’s life. In this and the coming episodes, we turn our attention to Christ as the Truth offsetting darkness. Without intervention, without light, darkness reigns. It is the natural state of things. God offsets the natural state of things. The common tendency is blend in with the crowd. Most of us are uncomfortable with attention. Most of us would rather go somewhat unnoticed. If you can blend in, less may be expected of you. Safety is thought to be found in numbers blending in with the crowd which gives rise to a silent accord of low expectations, an unconscious consensus of mediocrity. The Lord promised that if we care for the poor and provide help for those in need, “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning…” If you follow the Lord, you will be a light shining in the darkness. Your light will shine, which will be Him, His light, and whether you choose it or want it, you will be a city set on a hill.

Welcome to “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.” To view the resources connected with this episode, visit https://johnhiltoniii.com/findingchrist. Please like and comment on this episode and subscribe @scripturecentralofficial so you can more easily see the rest of the videos and resources in this course. Whether you're using this course for personal enrichment or to help with "Come, Follow Me," we hope it will be valuable in your studies.

Step into one of the most dramatic and complex books of the Old Testament in this powerful episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines with Lynne Hilton Wilson. Exploring the Book of Judges, Lynne shines a spotlight on the remarkable—and often misunderstood—women who shaped Israel’s turbulent journey between conquest and kingship. This episode highlights the extraordinary story of Deborah, a prophetess and the only female judge in the biblical record, whose leadership, wisdom, and faith guided Israel to victory. Lynne unpacks what Deborah’s role reveals about women, authority, and covenant relationships with God in ancient Israel. The discussion then turns to one of the most famous—and tragic—stories in scripture: Samson and Delilah. Was Delilah simply a villain, or is there more beneath the surface? Lynne examines the cultural, political, and personal dynamics at play, offering fresh insights into this complex narrative. With her signature depth and clarity, Lynne invites viewers to reconsider familiar stories and discover how women in the Book of Judges navigated power, faith, and survival in a chaotic world. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the role of women in scripture and the deeper meanings behind these unforgettable biblical accounts. Thank you for joining us at Scripture Central! We hope that you have enjoyed this content.

God’s plan for us is not only for us to be cleansed of sin through the blood of Christ, but also to be fruitful, make a difference, and do good by the power and gifts of God. People say, “Life is a journey; enjoy the journey,” but life is also about getting to the end, reunion with God, receiving the gift of God’s Son, God’s Spirit and God’s life by engaging in God’s work and helping others do the same. One of the overarching purposes of life is to become fruitful. To make a difference in the lives of others is not only part of the journey but also part of the destination. It isn’t just about faithfulness, but making a difference. And what is the highest expression of fruitfulness? Feeding the starving masses, finding a cure for cancer, “cheering up the sad and making someone feel glad?” No, as noble as those things are. The highest expression of fruitfulness is to help others close the gap of separation from God by receiving God’s greatest gifts, His Son, His Spirit, and His life.

Is there something you can do that will make everything else better without an opportunity cost? And if so, what is The One Thing? With discipline and sustained effort, you can master one thing over time and maybe learn to do a few things well, but you can’t become a master of many things because of “opportunity cost.” We can only do one thing at a time. Talents, energy, resources, and time are limited. A dollar spent on one thing is a dollar not spent on everything else. An hour of swimming, watching television, or studying scripture is at the expense of everything else that could have been done with that same time and energy. When you say yes to one thing, you say no to everything else. Yes, there is One Thing that can be done not at the expense of everything else, but while doing everything else, that will also enhance, instruct, and make everything else better. To discover that One Thing, we ask another question: What has the Lord said we should always do? The answer to that question will reveal the One Thing.

Welcome to “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.” To view the resources connected with this episode, visit https://johnhiltoniii.com/findingchrist. Please like and comment on this episode and subscribe @scripturecentralofficial so you can more easily see the rest of the videos and resources in this course. Whether you're using this course for personal enrichment or to help with "Come, Follow Me," we hope it will be valuable in your studies.

In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, Dr. Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the powerful women and pivotal covenant moments found in the book of Joshua. As the children of Israel finally cross the Jordan River and enter the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership, we witness the fulfillment of promises made generations earlier. From the miraculous crossing of the Jordan to the dramatic fall of Jericho’s walls, this episode highlights how faith, obedience, and covenant loyalty shaped Israel’s destiny. A special focus is placed on Rahab, one of the most surprising and courageous women in the Old Testament. Though known as Rahab the harlot, her story becomes one of redemption, faith, and divine protection as she risks everything to shelter Israelite spies and align herself with the God of Israel. Dr. Wilson examines Rahab’s remarkable transformation from outsider to covenant participant and discusses her lasting legacy in scripture. Join us as we uncover how women like Rahab played essential roles in God’s unfolding covenant story and what their examples teach us today.

Welcome to “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.” To view the resources connected with this episode, visit https://johnhiltoniii.com/findingchrist. Please like and comment on this episode and subscribe @scripturecentralofficial so you can more easily see the rest of the videos and resources in this course. Whether you're using this course for personal enrichment or to help with "Come, Follow Me," we hope it will be valuable in your studies.

Step into the world of the Old Testament with Lynne Hilton Wilson as she uncovers the powerful, complex, and often overlooked stories of women during one of Israel’s most transformative eras. In this episode, we follow the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land—a moment filled with hope, covenant renewal, and profound social restructuring. But beneath the surface, what did this transition mean for women? From wives and mothers to servants and slaves, Lynne explores how women navigated a shifting religious and cultural landscape, revealing both their resilience and the limitations placed upon them. This episode also takes a thoughtful look at the theological tone of Deuteronomy compared to the earlier Books of Moses. Why does Deuteronomy seem to centralize worship and, in some ways, move away from earlier temple-oriented practices? How might these shifts have impacted women’s roles in covenant life and sacred spaces? With insight and clarity, Lynne highlights how scriptural developments can both elevate and restrict, offering a nuanced perspective on faith, law, and the lived experiences of women in ancient Israel. This is a conversation that will deepen your understanding of scripture—and challenge you to see it in a whole new way.