Key Chapters of the Bible

God calls all of us to trust Him and step out in faith. Today we read the account of when Saul was chosen to be king. We’ll build upon the principles yesterday (regarding Saul’s reluctance) and see that his reluctance was really about a lack of faith and trust in the Lord. Join us! 

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    What were the circumstances from 1st Samuel 9 that led to the events of 1st Samuel 10? 
2.    What did Samuel do to Saul in verse 1? What did this signify? 
3.    In verses 2-7, what were the signs that Saul would see? What were these signs intended to confirm? Did they happen?
4.    After these signs occurred, what did the Lord do to Saul’s heart in verse 9? 
5.    How does Saul answer his uncle in verse 14? What does this indicate about Saul’s spiritual condition? How do we understand verses 14 & 9 in light of each other? 
6.    What did the people do at Mizpah in 1st Samuel 7? How does that help us understand this gathering here in verse 17?
7.    After Saul was selected in verse 21, where was Saul in verse 22? What does this show us about his character? 
8.    How would you characterize Saul’s response to his malcontents in verse 27? Was that the right response? Why? 
9.    When you read this account about Saul, would you say that he was surrendered to the God and God’s will for his life? Why or why not? 
10.    How was Saul’s fear a sin? How should Saul have responded towards the Lord’s plan for him? 

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

Life has a way of not going exactly has we planned. Today we'll look at 1st Samuel 9 and see that a simple search for some farm animals brought Saul to a divine appointment, and it ended up completely changing his life. Join us!

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    In verse 1, what tribe was Saul from? What tribe did the Lord say would produce the kings back in Genesis 49:10?
2.    What was Saul’s father like, according to verses 1 & 2? How might this have influenced the people to want Saul to be their king?
3.    In verses 3 to 17, how did the Lord prepare the details for Saul to meet Samuel?
4.    According to verses 15 and 16, what would Samuel be expecting from this encounter?
5.    What can we learn about Saul’s perspective on this whole situation from verse 21? How was Saul getting in the way of hearing what the Lord had to say through Samuel?
6.    In terms of application, how did the Lord use Saul’s difficulties to bring him to this divine appointment?

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

There are times when the world seems to have all the glitz & glamor and we can be tempted to follow their ways. Today we’ll see that this attitude motivated the Israelites to seek a king. Although the Lord gave them their request, it was not without stern warning. 

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    The podcast opens with the social context of this chapter. How might the Philistine’s success have tempted the Israelites to copy the ways of the nations? 
2.    How old was Samuel at this point? What was his plan for the succession of authority after him? How was that working out? 
3.    In verse 5, what did the people want? How did Samuel initially view this demand in verse 6? 
4.    What did the Lord say about the people’s demand in verses 7 & 8? How might the people’s low view of their covenant with God help us understand why the Lord says these things?
5.    In verses 10 to 17, what dangers did Samuel warn the people about? Why would a king have this impact on the nation?
6.    What would the Lord’s response be to them in verse 18? How does their low view of their covenant with God help us understand why He would not listen to them? 
7.    In verse 20, why did the people want a king? What does this reflect about their view of God? 
8.    The podcast points out that Samuel is most well-known for the things he did in his old age. How does this give us hope that we’re never too old to be part of God’s work in this world? 
9.    The podcast speculated that Samuel’s circuit ministry in 1st Samuel 7 may have kept Samuel away from his family for long stretches. Why would this be a problem? How would this violate God’s instructions about the role of parents in Deuteronomy 6? 
10.    Why is it tempting to look at the world’s goods and to think that their success comes from their wisdom and their ways? 
11.    What dangers can you see in this passage about people forcing something to get what they want, but it not be God’s highest ideal for their life? 
12.    Finally, who should be our true king and how should we relate to Him? 

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

Sometimes people try to manufacture good luck through some kind of “rabbit’s foot” thinking. It might be through an actual item or perhaps some ritual or deed. Today we’ll see that when the Israelites treated God like a “rabbit’s foot”, it didn’t go so well. Join us! 

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    Who were the Israelites battling in verse 1? How did their battle go in verse 2? How is that different from their previous battles that we’ve looked at over the past several months?
2.    What did the people decide to do in verse 3? What did this disrespect God and seek to use Him as a means for good luck? 
3.    How did the Philistines react in verses 6 & 7? What happened in verse 10? 
4.    What was taken in verse 11 and who was killed? What did this indicate regarding the Lord? 
5.    How did Eli react to this news in verse 18? 
6.    When Phinehas’ wife was dying, she named her newborn son “Ichabod”. In verse 22, what does that name mean? Why do you think she gave her son this name?
7.    As you reflect on this chapter, what principles can you see about making sure we’re not getting ahead of God? 
8.    Likewise, what principles can you see about the dangers of trying to manipulate God through some kind of religious act that He is not a part of? 
9.    What are some principles about the danger of trying to manufacture the sense that God is “with us” blessing what we’re doing, when that may not be true?
10.    How should the people’s covenant with God changed how they related to Him? How does your covenant with God impact how you relate to Him today?

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

What kind of heart is God’s servant supposed to have? Today as we study 1st Samuel 3, we’ll read about God’s call of Samuel and we’ll look at how Samuel responds. Join us! 

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    What did we learn yesterday in our study of 1st Samuel 2, about Eli and his sons? How do you think that contributed to the spiritual condition of Israel during this time?
2.    What was Samuel doing in verses 2 & 3? Why was he doing that? 
3.    Who spoke to Samuel in verse 4? Was this an audible voice? Why didn’t Samuel recognize it?
4.    What does Samuel say to the Lord in verse 9? What does this indicate about his attitude towards God?
5.    In verses 11-14, what does the Lord tell Samuel He is going to do? Who was this judgment upon? Why? 
6.    How did Eli respond to this message when Samuel told him in verse 18? How would you have responded if this was God’s message to you?
7.    In verses 19 to 20, how did Samuel continue to serve the Lord? What did this confirm?
8.    As we reflect upon Samuel’s faith, how does his example show us the heart and actions we are to have before the Lord? Where does this come from? How can we grow in these? 

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

One of the most common accusations against Christians is that they’re “hypocrites”. While this accusation is often not justified, sometimes it is. Today we will look at 1st Samuel 2, which is a study in contrasts. We’ll see the contrasts between a godly woman, hypocritical leaders, and a godly young man. Join us for another practical study in God’s Word.

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    In our study, yesterday, of 1st Samuel 1, what did Hannah pray? What did she do with Samuel when the Lord answered her prayer?
2.    Verses 1 to 11 contains one of the longest prayers from a woman in the entire Bible. It’s a beautiful prayer. As you read over this prayer, how does Hannah’s prayer life and the content of her prayers compare to yours?
3.    In verse 1, what is Hannah’s view of the Lord? Why does she exalt Him?
4.    In verses 2 - 4, what does Hannah exult about the Lord?
5.    What are the doctrines of God that Hannah praises God for in verses 6 to 10? Are there places where you can you follow her example and bring rich doctrine into your prayers? Which ones? Are any of these doctrines difficult for you to even pray? If so, why? 
6.    In a bit of spiritual whiplash, now we look at the example of Eli’s sons Hophni and Phinehas. How are they described in verse 12? How do their actions in this chapter confirm this description of them?
7.    What would they do in verses 13 to 16? How is this a violation of the sacredness that was necessary for the sacrifices in the book of Leviticus?
8.    What is the Lord’s view of their actions in verse 17?
9.    How did they respond to Eli’s admonishments in verses 22 - 25? How should they have responded to him? 
10.    In verse 29, what did the Lord say to Eli about his own values when it comes to things of the Lord? How is it possible to put our children before the Lord today? How can we guard against this possibility?
11.    How would you describe this hypocrisy of Eli and his sons? What were its roots? How should it have been rooted out?
12.    What was the Lord’s judgment upon them in verses 31 to 34? 
13.    In verse 35, who will God raise up instead? In verses 18 and 26, how was Samuel different from these men?
14.    This chapter gives us a powerful example of contrasts. What were the contrasts between Hannah and Eli’s sons and Samuel? As you think about your own life, is there any area of hypocrisy that needs to be rooted out? Are there any steps you can take to be more like Hannah and Samuel?

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

There are times in life when God answers our prayers in ways that are slower than we’d like. Today, we’ll look at 1st Samuel 1, and see how Hannah trusted the Lord as she waited for Him to answer her prayers. Join us! 

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    What did the podcast say about the religious stability of the people of 1st Samuel during these opening chapters? What led to this condition? 
2.    In verse 2, Elkanah has two wives. Although this was technically permissible in the Old Testament, what kinds of problems did the podcast explain that these marriages tended to produce? Why?
3.    What is the significance of Shiloh in verse 3? What later happened to Shiloh in Jeremiah 7:12-14? What does this tell us about the spiritual drift that is commonplace among people? 
4.    In verses 4: & 5, what kind of offering did Elkanah present to the Lord? From our studies in Leviticus 3, what were these offerings for? Why were they eating of this offering? 
5.    In verses 5 & 6, what was Hannah’s condition? What caused this? 
6.    Who did Hannah call upon in verse 11? What name did she use? What did this name mean? 
7.    How did Eli treat Hannah in verse 12? What did this reflect about Eli’s (and the nation’s) spiritual alertness? Are there times or ways that we can be oblivious to the work of God’s Spirit that is going on around us?
8.    What happened in verse 20? Why do you think the Lord waited until now to bless Hannah in this way?
9.    What does Hannah do in verse 24? How is this a fulfillment of Votive Offerings from Numbers 15:8-10?
10.    In what ways did Hannah dedicate Samuel to the Lord in verse 24? How is this a picture of what it looks like to dedicate everything to Him? 

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

Sometimes we struggle in our faith, and today in our study of Judges 2, we will see that the people wavered in their faith and struggled in fellowship with God, and suffered the consequences for it. We’ll also see that their struggles lay out key principles for living a life of faith today. Join us for another key study in God’s Word!

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    Who is addressing the people in verse 1? What in verse 1 helps us decode who this is? Why is this important to understand? 
2.    What did the people fail to do in verse 3? What was the Lord’s response for this failure in verse 3? 
3.    How did the people respond in verses 4 & 5? In light of the rest of this chapter, why do you think the people were weeping?
4.    Who died in verse 8? What impact you think this had on the people? Who rose up after him and his generation passed away? 
5.    Who did these people begin to serve in verses 11 & 13? What reasons did the podcast give for why people were tempted to worship these false gods? How is this kind of idolatry still reflected in our world today?
6.    Against the backdrop of everything we have studied so far, why is this so astounding? What judgment did their sin receive in verses 14 & 15?
7.    Who did the Lord begin to raise up in verse 16? How did the people respond to them in verse 17? 
8.    The podcast explained that the Book of Judges covers 300 years and 7 cycles of sin. What were the stages of their cycle from sin to salvation and back to sin?
9.    The podcast explained that this is also a picture of how we can deal with our sin. What are we supposed to do when we see that our relationship with God is struggling?
10.    What does verse 22 say was the reason for God leaving the unbelieving nations in the Promised Land? How would this have clarified the content of their faith?

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

As we continue to walk with the Children of Israel, today we turn to Joshua 6 and the Fall of Jericho. While the events of this chapter are straightforward, the spiritual and practical gems of this chapter are rich and numerous. Join us as we mine out key principles of God’s Word!

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    Jericho was a well-fortified city on a hill. In normal conditions, it was safe and secure. However, what does verse 1 tell us about the state of the city? What does this show us about their perspective of the threat of the Jews?
2.    What did the Lord promise in verse 2? What did the Lord tell Joshua to have the people do in verses 3-5? How did the Lord’s promise in verse 2 make sense of the Lord’s instructions in verses 3-5?
3.    How does verse 8 describe the people’s obedience? What does this show us about the mindset and perspective of the people? How was their obedience different from the mindset and perspective of the previous generation that failed to enter the Promised Land?
4.    What happened when the people marched around the city for 6 days and then seven times on the 7th day? What did they do to the entire city in verse 24? How was this in obedience to the Lord’s instructions in verses 17-19? Why did everything belong to the Lord (in verse 17)?
5.    Who was saved out of Jericho in verses 17 & 22-23? How was her salvation from the fires of Jericho a picture of our salvation from God’s eternal fire of judgment? 
6.    What does Joshua do in verse 26? How was this fulfilled later in 1st Kings 16:34? What principle does this teach us about toying with something that God has cursed?
7.    What does this passage show us about the relationship between faith and obedience? What does it show us about the relationship between our faith in God and our lack of clamoring after this world’s goods? 
8.    Who was in charge throughout this chapter? How was this reality demonstrated throughout this chapter? 
9.    What does this chapter teach us about obeying God, even when obedience seems impossible? 
10.    What does this chapter show us about working together in unity? How did their unity show us how the people were on board with what the Lord was doing? In your own life, in your own church, are there places that you can get more on board with what the Lord is calling your church to be?

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

Today in our study of Joshua 3, we’ll look at how the Children of Israel literally stepped out in faith and watched God do a wonderful miracle of necessity and confirmation. We’ll glean several principles for faith and obedience. Join us in another faith-strengthening study in God’s Word!

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    Where are the Children of Israel in verse 1? Practically speaking, what kinds of things do you think were necessary to move two million people across the Jordan River into the Promised Land? What does verse 15 tell us about the banks of the river? Was this a good time to cross?
2.    The podcast also explained a common challenge when studying the Bible timeline. What was the term used (in the podcast) to describe a perspective that focuses on event priority versus event sequence? How is that different from the linear perspective that we have today?
3.    In verse 5, Joshua tells the people to consecrate themselves to the Lord. From what we’ve talked about in our previous studies (such as Exodus 29 and Leviticus 1), what did consecration entail? Why was this important before the people entered the Promised Land? How might we apply this principle to our own life and consecrate ourselves to the Lord prior to important events in life?
4.    Why do you think the priests were to bring the ark before the people, in verse 6? What did this show the people? 
5.    What were the priests to do with the ark in verse 8? Was this a normal technique for fording a river ahead of millions of people? What would it indicate about the faith and obedience of the priests and the people? When the priests stepped out in faith, what happened to the water in verse 16?  
6.    This miracle demonstrated several key truths to the people. What did it demonstrate about the Lord’s inauguration of Joshua in verse 7? What did it demonstrate about God’s promises to go before them and cleanse the land in verse 10? What would it have communicated to the people who were living in the land?
7.    The podcast mentioned that crossing the Jordan River was not like crossing the Mighty Mississippi River. Roughly, how wide and deep was the Jordan River? What does this show us about the reason for miracles and God’s apparent lack of concern for giving increasingly impressive and dramatic miracles?
8.    In Joshua 4:5, why did the Lord have the people make a memorial? In Joshua 4:24, who was this memorial for? Why do we need these kinds of memorials? How might we apply this principle to our own lives in times where we’ve seen the clear hand of the Lord?
9.    When you reflect on Joshua 3, what are some lessons you’ve learned regarding what it means to trust God, believe His word and take steps in light of it? What relationship is there between taking steps of faith and seeing the Lord’s work in our lives? Is there some place in your life where you need to take a step of faith?

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

Why does God use sinful people? Or more specifically, why does God use really sinful people? Well, in today's study of Joshua 2, we'll look at the faith of Rahab and how God uses her, despite her sin. Join us for another thought-provoking study in the key chapters of God's Word!

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    Joshua 2 opens with the Children of Israel on the Plains of Moab on the Eastern Side of the Jordan River. Why did the podcast suggest that they were there? How might have Joshua’s prior experience as a spy influenced where they were considering entering the Promised Land?
2.    What was the mindset of the spies as they were going into the Promised Land this time? How was it different from their forefathers 40 years earlier? What do you think led to these differences? 
3.    The podcast suggested some possible reasons why the spies went to the home of a prostitute. Do you agree? 
4.    What report did Rahab give the spies regarding the Canaanite’s view of the Israelites? How was this similar to the former generations view of the Canaanites? What does this tell us about how the Lord would have delivered the land into the Israelite’s hands the first time, if they had only trusted the Lord in Numbers 13 & 14? 
5.    How was Rahab’s and the Canaanite’s perspective at odds with the spies of themselves (e.g. them sneaking around)?
6.    When Rahab wanted to join with the Children of Israel, what was she essentially saying regarding her desire to stay in here sinful ways and those of her people? How is this a picture of true repentance? How is her example a picture of faith?
7.    In verse 23, what was the spies report back to Joshua? How was this similar and different from the report of the spies 40 years earlier in Numbers 13 & 14?
8.    According to the podcast, how could God use such a sinful person like Rahab? What does this tell us about any time God uses any of us? How is this a picture of God’s grace? In terms of God’s grace in using us for His work, what should our attitude towards Him?

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

One of the great things about following the Lord is that it’s the way that we walk into the place of God’s blessings. Today we’ll study Joshua 1 and discuss the Lord’s exhortations to Joshua to be strong and courageous and how Joshua’s obedience brought himself and all of the Children of Israel into the place of God’s blessings. Join us!

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    In Joshua 1, the Lord calls Joshua to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land. In general terms, was Joshua a young man at this point? Why was a man of his age leading the Children of Israel into the Promised Land? Why weren’t they in that land already?
2.    Who died in Joshua 1:1? Why is that significant? How do you think Joshua would have felt having to lead the Children of Israel into the Promised Land without Moses? Was Moses their leader all this time, or what it someone else?
3.    What promises does the Lord give to Joshua in verses 3-5? If you were Joshua at this point, what steps might you have taken to be sure you knew and believed God’s promises for you?
4.    What exhortation does the Lord give to Joshua in verse 6? In verse 9, what is similar and what is different about the Lord’s exhortations? 
5.    Why do you think the Lord called Joshua to meditate on His Word, in verse 8? What kinds of things, practically speaking, do you think this entailed? Why is righteous strength and courage impossible without meditating on God’s Word?
6.    Now that the Lord has given Joshua these instructions and exhortations (in verses 6-9), how does faith and obedience factor into what Joshua will do next?
7.    What does Joshua do next in verse 10? What does this signify about his intent to obey whatever the Lord has declared? Do you think it would be easy for an +/- 80 year old man to obey the Lord in this way? What kinds of spiritual perspectives went into his courage and obedience? 
8.    What did the leaders promise to Joshua in verse 16? What was their view of rebels in this passage? What does that indicate? What did they also exhort Joshua to do?
9.    Are there any places in your own life where strength and courage are required? What principles can you glean from the life of Joshua that likewise apply to your situation? 

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

The Lord takes His covenants with profound seriousness. He expects us to as well. Deuteronomy 29 is another clear example of the kind of heart devotion that goes into our walk with God. Join us!

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    We’ve been looking at Deuteronomy 27 & 28 which prepared the people to re-covenant with the Lord. Now they’re getting ready. Who is this passage addressed to? What is the setting? How do you think these two factors (the audience & setting) would have shaped how the people would have received this exhortation? 
2.    In your own words, summarize the point of verse 4. Why is this important to understand about the spiritual condition of these recipients? Who had to be the one to give them a heart to know, eyes to see and ears to hear? Later in the Gospels, why did Jesus make similar statements about the people He was addressing?
3.    In verse 10-12, the various members of society (from leaders to children to non-Jews) were called to covenant with the Lord. Is this surprising, considering that their parents already covenanted with the Lord in Exodus 24? What is the underlying principle regarding the necessity of each person to individually enter into a covenant with the Lord? 
4.    The podcast looked over to Deuteronomy 30:19-20 to spell out the people’s side of the covenant. What was instructed in those verses? How does Deuteronomy 13:4 express the idea of holding fast to the Lord? What principles can we glean for our lives today?
5.    Back in our chapter in Deuteronomy 29, verse 18 admonishes them about not having a heart that turns away from the Lord. Why do you think this was necessary to mention? Why is having “a heart that turns away” such a challenge? What are ways that people turn to “other gods” even today?

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

Lots of people want God’s blessings, and for good reason. Yet in today’s study of Deuteronomy 27 & 28, we’ll see that God gave specific promises for blessings and curses to His covenantal people. Yet later on, well-intentioned people took those promises to the Jews and appropriated them for themselves only to find that God was not pleased with their self-motivated false worship. Join us for an important study in God’s Word! 

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    Deuteronomy 28 is a summary of God’s blessings that He will give to His people when they are in covenant with Him. According to verse 2, what was their role in this covenant? What kinds of blessings would God bestow on them in verses 1 to 13? 
2.    How does verse 47 characterize the proper heart attitude that was needed for their covenant with God?
3.    Were these promises for all people, or specifically for those who entered into the Mosaic Covenant with the Lord? How does the fact that this is God’s Covenant with the Jews help us understand why we might still have trials and difficulties in our lives today? 
4.    Looking over verses 16-68, what kinds of things would happen to the people if they did not follow God’s Covenant? If you were making this covenant with the Lord back then, do you think this long list would have helped motivate you to keep your end of the agreement?
5.    Deuteronomy 27 gives specific instructions about how these blessings and curses were to be communicated to the people once they entered the Promised Land. What were they to do in Deuteronomy 27:5? What were they to do with the tribes in 27:12 and 27:13? Which tribe went on which mountain? 
6.    These instructions were later fulfilled in Joshua 8. How did their obedience, in Joshua 8, reflect their heart towards this covenant?
7.    The podcast mentioned that many centuries later, the Samaritans appropriated God’s promises to the Jews for His blessing on His covenantal people; and the Samaritans applied those promises to themselves. According to the podcast, what were they doing? Was it right to appropriate God’s promises to someone else, and make it their own?
8.    The podcast mentioned that the Samaritans sought to be particularly exuberant in their worship. Why do you think they were so ecstatic in their worship? Was this the kind of worship the Lord sought?
9.    This whole issue came up when Jesus was talking with the Samaritan woman in John 4. While it is not specifically mentioned, it’s the basis of their whole conversation about true worship. What did Jesus teach the woman in John 4:22-23? How would this have been at odds with what the Samaritans had been doing?
10.    As we wrap up our study of Deuteronomy 27 & 28, what principles do we see from these passages about trusting and obeying the Lord?
11.    If we’re ever seeing something in our life that seems to reflect the warnings of Deuteronomy 28:16-68, how might these verses help us prayerfully determine if we’re living out of sorts with God? 
12.    Finally, is there any area of your life where you’re not worshipping the Lord in your spirit according to His truth? What are some ways for how you can bring that into submission to the Lord?

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

Our world clamors after spiritual guidance from sources like horoscopes, fortune tellers, even the occult. Today we’ll unpack Deuteronomy 18 which lays out, in clear terms, God’s view on the occult. Plus, it tells us WHO we should be listening to and HOW we can know if it is God speaking through them. Join us for another powerful lesson from the key chapters of God’s Word!

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    The opening verses of Deuteronomy 18 speak about the financial provision of the priests. Why did the Lord say that the priests were to have the Lord as their focus? What was the principle behind this instruction? How does this tie into Jacob’s prophecy regarding Levi in Genesis 49:7?
2.    How was the act of child-sacrifice similar to our modern abortion? Why did God condemn these practices? 
3.    Verses 10 & 11 prohibit various kinds of occult practices. Why was it wrong to seek guidance by these means? Will the Lord ever guide us by them? How are these practices still part of our world today? What place should they have in the life of the Christian? 
4.    Why were Joseph’s or Daniel’s or any true prophet’s prophecies different from divinization? 
5.    When Saul went to the Witch of Endor in 1st Samuel 28, what happened soon afterwards? How was that a fulfillment of the warning here in verse 12? 
6.    Verse 14 says that the nations listen to people who practice these kinds of things. Why do people seek guidance by these means? How does this show a lack of fellowship with the true God? 
7.    Why is there no shortcut to learning to walk with God and follow His will? What did the podcast suggest goes into knowing God’s will for our life? 
8.    In verses 18 & 19, what will happen to those people who do not listen to God’s true prophets? 
9.    According to verses 20-22, how can we determine if a person is a true prophet? How can we determine who is a false prophet? 
10.    According to Matthew 24:11, what will false prophets do more of in the end times? Why? How will this cause confusion in the world? According to Matthew 24:23, should we believe them? 
11.    The podcast ended by encouraging Christians to not try to find God’s will by looking at omens. What should we do instead? 

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

One of the most important duties of all parents is to teach the Word of God to their children. Today, we’re looking at a powerful passage that calls us to always be about the work of teaching God’s Word to those around us. Join us for another important study in the Key Chapters of God’s Word!

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    Read over Deuteronomy 6:1-3, why is there such earnestness in these words? What attitude are Moses and the Lord exhorting God’s people to have towards His Word? How much do these words match your devotion to God’s Word?
2.    Why is this passage called the “Shema”? What does the word “Shema” even mean?
3.    The podcast mentioned that the last letter of the last word of Deuteronomy 6:4 is larger than normal. This is called a majuscule. What did it signify?
4.    What did the podcast say that ancient rabbis called this passage? How often is this passage recited by an observant Jew? Why?
5.    According to verse 5, what should our heart-attitude be towards the Lord? How does this verse demonstrate the interconnection of a heart, soul and strength? What were some ways suggested by the podcast for how we can develop this kind of love for the Lord?
6.    The podcast suggested that the phrase “upon your heart” in verse 6 was indicating that God’s people ought to memorize His Word. Do you have a program for scripture memorization? If not, there are many phone apps that are great tools for verse memory.
7.    The NIV translation of verse 7 calls us to “impress” God’s Word upon our children. The Hebrew word denotes patient labor and time. Why is it the parent’s responsibility to teach God’s Word to our children? How can our instruction help prepare them for the barrage of messages from the world?
8.    In verse 7, what do the phrases “sit”, “walk”, “lie down” and “rise up” indicate about the places where parents are to teach God’s Word to their children? What do they indicate about the frequency? If you have children, what are some practical ways that you can faithfully obey this passage? 
9.    How do observant Jews literally follow the instructions of verses 8 & 9? Why did the podcast suggest that this should be taken more metaphorically? What are some ways that Christians might follow the spirit of this verse?
10.    This passage teaches that parents have a special role in the spiritual instruction and guidance of their children. Why do parents have this special role? According to Deuteronomy 6, what is their responsibility in these matters? How will God help them as they seek to obey Him in these pursuits? 

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

We often talk about the 10 Commandments, but did you know they were actually given twice to the Children of Israel? Not only that, but the context of this retelling of the 10 Commandments in Deuteronomy 5 clarifies what these commands meant and how the people were to learn them and live by them. Join us! 

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    What does the name “Deuteronomy” mean? Who was this Second Law given to? Why did they need this law a second time? 
2.    In terms of an overview of Deuteronomy 5, what is this passage about? What other Old Testament passage is similar to this one?
3.    What did the podcast say about the word “hear” means in verse 1? What was God calling the people to do? Can we be obedient to this instruction if we barely read the Bible and barely understand it?
4.    In verses 2 &3, what basis is given for these 10 Commandments? Where did their parents already covenant with the Lord? How did this next generation’s obedience reflect their agreement to be in covenant with God?
5.    What were God’s 10 Commandments that are given in verses 7 to 21? How does the slight wording difference between Deuteronomy 5 and Exodus 20 help clarify what these commands mean?
6.    How does verse 31 speak to the role of the priests back then? How might this be reflected in Paul instruction to Timothy in 2nd Timothy 4:2? Why was this necessary? What would happen to the people if these passages were not followed by the leadership?
7.    What does verse 32 mean by “turning aside”? What would this have looked like in their day? What does it look like in ours?
8.    What is God’s challenge for His people in verse 33? What goes into walking in the way of the Lord? 
Are there any areas of your own life where you’re not faithfully walking with the Lord? What should be done about them?

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

One of the most important principles of the Christian life is that of living by faith. Today, we’re studying Numbers 21 where the people’s faith is truly a matter of life & death. We’ll see the severity of their situation and how their faith prefigured the faith that we’re to have in Jesus as our only way of salvation. Join us for another important study in God’s Word!

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    The podcast mentioned that we skipped over several chapters which chronicled several difficult challenges that the Children of Israel faced. What do you think the people’s mood would have been like at this point? 
2.    What were the events of Numbers 21:1-3? What did the Children of Israel do? How was this unique? How did the Lord respond to them in verse 3?
3.    Verse 4 sets up the main event of this chapter. Verse 4 mentions that they had left Mount Hor and were going around the land of Edom. This was going to be a 200-mile detour. How did the people handle this in verse 5? How do you think you would have responded to a 200-mile trek that was out of your way?
4.    In verse 6, what was the Lord’s response to their complaints? How was their response different in verse 7?
5.    In verse 8, what did the Lord tell Moses to make? What were the children of Israel supposed to do with this? What would happen if they obeyed? Did people obey?
6.    The podcast went over some of the heart change their obedience would demonstrate. What do you think their obedience reflected about their belief in God? 
7.    Now, fast forward 700 years to 2 Kings 18:1-4. What were the people doing with the Bronze Serpent in this passage? How did their behavior reflect the people’s faith now? What did Hezekiah do with the Bronze Serpent? How did his actions reflect his faith and obedience? How do Hezekiah’s actions show us the way to handle anything that gets in the way of true worship? 
8.    In John 3:14-16, Jesus refers to this event when explaining the kind of faith we need to have to be saved. How does looking at the Bronze Serpent prefigure the faith we are to have in Christ? What are we to be trusting Christ for? 
9.    How is Jesus the only way of salvation, in a way that is similar to the Bronze Serpent being the only way the people could be saved? 

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

Whenever there is an authority structure, there is going to be friction among the people involved. Today we’re studying Numbers 16 which records one of the most infamous insurrections in scripture. This passage shows us the heart of the people against God’s appointed leaders; and it shows how the Lord handled their complaints. Join us for another sobering study of God’s Word! 

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

Numbers 16 1.    Verse 1 says that Korah was a “son of Levi” (as in a descendant of Levi). How might Korah’s heritage have influenced his view of himself and his worthiness to represent the people to the Lord and the Lord to the people? 
2.    In verse 2, how did Korah mount this rebellion against Moses and Aaron? How many men were part of this rebellion? What was their reputation like? What can we surmise about this rebellion, based upon who these men were?
3.    What the three complaints were recorded in verse 3, that Korah and these other people presented to Moses? How might people make similar accusations against church leaders today?
4.    In verse 3, the people essentially accused Moses of pride. What did Moses do in verse 4? Was that an indication of pride? If not, what? How was this different than Korah and his crowd?
5.    What was Moses’ suggestion about how to determine who had been chosen by God? 
6.    Why was Moses surprised, in verse 9, that Korah and his crowd wanted even more prestige and influence among the people? 
7.    What happened to Korah and his fellow rebels in verse 31? Why do you think the Lord’s judgment was so severe? If God had allowed this rebellion to continue, what do you think might have happened to the theological health of Israel?
8.    In verse 41 and following, how did the congregation of people react? What did their reaction reveal about their view of Korah / Moses / the Lord? How did the Lord react to them?
9.    How did Moses respond, on behalf of the people, in verses 48-50? Why?
10.    What principle from 1 Corinthians 10:10-11 helps us understand the danger of grumbling? How should we celebrate the role the Lord has given us among His people?
11.    The podcast mentioned that the Lord gave qualifications for leadership in 1st Timothy 3 and Titus 1. How do these qualifications help other elders ascertain if someone is truly called to be an elder? What should someone do if they want to be an elder but their own elders indicate they’re not ready or not qualified? 

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music. 

Numbers 13 & 14 is one of those passages we just have to know. This passage explains why the Children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. It also helps us understand the necessity of faith and trust in God in all times. Finally, it shows us the tragic outcome when people are defeated by doubt. Join us for a powerful study in how faith and trust ultimately overcome doubt and despair. 

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

Numberse 13 & 14 1.    If someone asked you, “Why did the Israelites wander in the wilderness, before today’s study, what would you have said?” 
2.    What were some of the ways that the Lord has already shown the people His power and faithfulness? How did these manifestations further add to the people’s judgment in these chapters? 
3.    In verse 2, the Lord says that He was going to give the people the Land of Canaan. Why is it important that they (and us) understand that this land was a gift God was giving to them? How would that change the nature of the conquest? 
4.    What were the first things the spies said about the land in verse 27? What did they go on to say about the land? 
5.    How did Caleb see the situation differently in verse 30? What do you think led him to make these conclusions? 
6.    How did the people view themselves in verse 33? Why would it have been impossible for them to go forward with this mindset? How do people sometimes have this same mindset today? What is the antidote for this kind of thinking? 
7.    In the early verses of Numbers 14, what were the people doing? What did they conclude in verse 4? Why was this an act of rebellious mutiny? 
8.    What did Joshua and Caleb try to do, again, in verse 7 to 9? What did this reflect about the depth of their faith? How did the people respond to their words in verse 9? 
9.    Who stepped in to save the situation in verse 10? Why was this necessary? 
10.    The next stretch of verses record God’s verdict on the people. How would you summarize this judgment? Why would God condemn the people to this fate? 
11.    What did the people try to do in verse 40? What did the podcast explain about the nature of this false repentance? How do people sometimes demonstrate a similar false repentance today?
12.    What did Moses tell the people in verse 41 to 43? Why were his words going to be true?
13.    What did the people do in verse 44? What happened to them in verse 45? How did this demonstrate God’s judgment upon them? What would have happened if they had not rebelled against the Lord in these two chapters? 
14.    From what you have seen in this chapter, what are some dangers of grumbling and complaining? How does this affect our relationship with the Lord? His people? 
15.    Is there any place in your own life where you’re tempted to disobey God’s Word? Why is that a lack of faith? From these principles, what danger are you facing (or would you face)? How can you bring that to the Lord for His cleansing grace?  

Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!

To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.

Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819

YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.

As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.

Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.

Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.