Key Chapters of the Bible

Join us for a daily podcast going through the Key Chapters of the Bible! Pastor Russ explains each chapter and how it fits into God's message for us today. You can start today, or jump back to Genesis and catch up! Don't forget to subscribe!

4/2 1st Kings 18 - Who is Your God? 04/02/2025

4/2 1st Kings 18 - Who is Your God? A key question we all have to answer is “Who is our authority?” The “gods” of our day or the Lord of the Bible? These questions have been asked for millennia and today we’ll read a powerful account of how the Lord answers this question through His prophet Elijah. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. Three years have transpired between 1 Kings 17 and 1 Kings 18. What has been happening since 1st Kings 17? How should this have affected the spiritual climate in Israel during this time? 2. What does verse 3 say about Obadiah’s fear of the Lord? What kind of spiritual effort would it have required to follow the Lord in the midst of King Ahab’s reign? Do you know anyone in today’s day and age who follows the Lord faithfully in a hostile situation? What keeps them going? 3. In verse 17, how was Ahab’s greeting of Elijah as the “Troubler of Israel” a tacit admission that Elijah was having an impact on Ahab and the nation? How should he have responded to Elijah’s rebukes over the past couple of chapters? How did he respond instead? 4. In verse 18, where does Elijah lay the blame for Israel’s difficulties? What truths do these words contain about what has happened to the spiritual life of Ahab and the people? 5. What was Elijah’s suggestion in verse 19? What was Mount Carmel? According to the podcast, why was Elijah’s suggestion to have this “duel” at Mount Carmel a demonstration of his spiritual courage? Where do you think this courage came from? Do you have this kind of courage? Why or why not? 6. According to verse 22, what were Elijah’s odds? Why was he still in the “majority” (spiritually speaking), even with these numbers? 7. What did Elijah have the prophets of Baal do in verses 23-26? What was Baal’s “response” to his prophet’s cries of distress? What did they try to do in verses 28-29? What does all of this tell us about Baal’s true nature? 8. What did Elijah say to the Baal prophets in verse 27? Why could he be so confident, while so outnumbered? 9. What did Elijah do in verses 30-35? Why? 10. What did Elijah pray in verses 36 & 37? What does this prayer show that Elijah was trusting in? 11. How did the Lord answer his prayer in verse 38? 12. How did the people respond in verses 39 & 40? The podcast gave some reasons why, in their day, this wasn’t a severe reaction. What were some of those reasons? 13. What was the Lord’s final demonstration of His power in verses 41-45? What should this have caused Ahab to do? Does Ahab respond this way? Why or why not? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35968020

4/1 1st Kings 17 - Faith Among the Faithless 04/01/2025

4/1 1st Kings 17 - Faith Among the Faithless It’s difficult to have faith when we’re surrounded by a faithless world, and yet that’s not uncommon for God’s people. Today we’re looking at 1 Kings 17 and the account of Elijah and Ahab. We’ll see how Elijah stands for the Lord and how the Lord blesses him and those around him. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. According to the podcast, what happened to the nation of Israel 55 years earlier? Which kingdom did Elijah preach to? 2. Although King Ahab was a king over the northern kingdom, by his mode of life, which God did He really worship? How did this come about? 3. The podcast mentions that the name “Baal” meant “master”. How might this have been a temptation for God’s people who often referred to the Lord as “Adonai” which also meant “Lord, master”? 4. The podcast mentions that “Baal” was the god of nature and fertility and rain. How important were these elements to the Jewish agrarian economy? Why might this have been tempting for the Jewish people to worship Baal instead of the Lord? 5. Into this scene came Elijah. Elijah’s name meant “The Lord is God”. Why was this message so radical in Elijah’s day and age? 6. What does the Lord tell King Ahab in verse 1? What kind of intestinal fortitude did this take, given the situation of the Northern Kingdom at this time? How was this taking on the false god Baal? 7. What does the Lord have Elijah do after this, in verses 3-7? How does the Lord provide for Elijah in these verses? How do you think that would have strengthened his faith? 8. Where does the Lord send Elijah in verse 9? Was this a region inhabited by Jews? Whose hometown was this? Why would that have been a problem for Elijah? 9. What does the widow say to Elijah about the Lord in verse 12? What does this indicate about her faith in the Lord? What miracle does the Lord provide for her an answer to her faith? 10. What happens to her son in verse 17? What does the Lord do through Elijah in verses 19 to 22? What did the podcast say about why this is a “resuscitation” rather than a “resurrection”? 11. Look up Malachi 4:5. What does this verse say about Elijah? How did this verse factor into Jesus’s ministry in the New Testament? 12. What does Elijah’s life show the people of the Northern Kingdom regarding God’s covenant with them during this time? Why is this surprising given the spiritual climate of Elijah’s day? 13. In Luke 4, verses 26 and 27, Jesus refers to the events of this chapter. What was His point in saying what He says about what happened here? 14. Finally, James 5:17 refers to these events as an example of prayer. What was James’s point about Elijah? How does that relate to us today? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35927330

3/31 1st Kings 12 - A House Divided 03/31/2025

3/30 1st Kings 11 - But For the Grace of God... 03/30/2025

3/30 1st Kings 11 - But For the Grace of God... One of the most shocking realities of scripture is that at the end of Solomon's life, he turned from God. This sobering study reminds us that "but for the grace of God, there go I…" Let us look over this chapter and be reminded of how it must be God that holds on to us, if we are to persevere. DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. In verses 1 & 2, what was Solomon doing? According to verse 4, how was this affecting his relationship with the Lord? Why do you think this was so? 2. Verse 5 says that Solomon also went after the false gods Ashtoreth and Milcom (aka Molech). What were these false gods about? Why would they have appealed to Solomon? How do people sometimes today go after “gods of our age” that promise something that we want? 3. How was Solomon’s life characterized in verse 6? How was that evidenced in verse 7? 4. The podcast mentions that the hill that Solomon was doing this on was the Mount of Olives. How does God’s future plans for the Mount of Olives show that God’s holiness is not bound by mankind’s evil? 5. As this chapter unfolds, what judgment does God bring upon Solomon and his kingdom? 6. What did the Lord tell Jeroboam in verse 29? Given that Jeroboam is unrelated to David, what is so startling about these promises? 7. The podcast mentions that there is one key promise that is missing from God’s promises to Jeroboam. What was it? Why is that so critical in understanding the plan of God? 8. The podcast lays out Solomon’s spiritual decline. What were the stages that went into it? How could it have been prevented? 9. Is there any warnings about Solomon that are applicable to your life? What steps should you take to deal with them by God’s grace and the transforming power of His Spirit? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35914705

3/29 1st Kings 8 - Dedicated Worship 03/29/2025

3/29 1st Kings 8 - Dedicated Worship What does it look like when a person is serious about their worship? Today, we’ll look at 1 Kings 8 and will see how Solomon led the people in worship of God as He dedicated the Temple to the Lord. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. In the opening verses of this chapter, who is gathering with Solomon to dedicate the Temple as the ark is brought in? What does this tell us about the heart of the people? 2. In verses 10 and 11, what filled the temple during this event? Why was this so important? 3. What does Solomon tell the people in verses 12 to 21? How was God a part of this entire process? 4. What kinds of truths does Solomon offer back to the Lord in verses 23, 24, 27, etc? Why is it important for us to pray doctrinally sound prayers to the Lord? 5. What does Solomon ask for in verse 25? Why is this necessary for Israel’s obedience to their covenant with the Lord? 6. Why does Solomon mention “sin” in verse 31? What does this indicate about man’s nature? 7. In verses 31-37, what is the connection between Israel’s sins and the judgment they would face? Why do they have this relationship with God (see also Deuteronomy 27 & 28)? 8. What is the “affliction” that they might have in their hearts (see also Leviticus 23:27-29)? Where does this come from and what should it produce in the life of the believer? 9. How is the Temple to be a place of prayer for the nations in verses 41 to 43? Why is this important later on in Matthew 21:13 when Jesus cleansed the Temple? 10. What kind of prayer of repentance ought the people to pray in verses 44 to 49? What kind of forgiveness does Solomon ask God to give them in verses 49 to 52? 11. What was Solomon doing the entire time in verse 54? How is this leading the people in prayer? 12. What exhortation does He gives the people in verse 61? What principles from this exhortation can we follow in our life today? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35914670

3/28 1st Kings 3 - Needing Wisdom 03/28/2025

3/28 1st Kings 3 - Needing Wisdom If you’re a child of God, then you want His wisdom. So did Solomon. By God’s grace, he became the wisest man to ever live. Today we’ll look at his life and how God gave him wisdom to grapple with the challenges he was facing. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. What do we learn about Solomon’s heart for the Lord in the first part of verse 3? According to the podcast, how should we understand this statement in light of verse 1? 2. Likewise, what was going on in verse 2? What did this reflect about the people’s devotion to the Lord? How was Solomon joining in this practice in verses 3 & 4? 3. What transpires in verses 5 to 15? What did Solomon ask for? Why? 4. What did the Lord give Solomon in verses 11-13? What was the stipulation for this blessing in verse 14? 5. How does verse 14 help us see what it looks like to walk with the Lord? 6. What did the women want in verses 16 to 27? How was Solomon’s wisdom on display? What was the outcome of his decision for these women? 7. In verse 28, how did the people respond to this display of wisdom? Why do people respond this way when they encounter God’s wisdom? 8. More than likely, you want wisdom. What guidelines did the podcast give for how to have God’s wisdom in a situation? How was this principle demonstrated in Solomon’s life? 9. The podcast also took a bird’s eye view of Solomon’s life. Where is his life going? How could this have been avoided? 10. Where is your own life going? How can you continue to walk in God’s wisdom? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35879895

3/27 1 Kings 2 - Rocky Beginnings for Solomon 03/27/2025

3/27 1 Kings 2 - Rocky Beginnings for Solomon Plenty of passages might leave us wondering what’s going on. 1st Kings 2 is probably one of them. Today, we’ll discuss the unsettling accounts of several executions that took place in the early days of Solomon’s reign. Although these may not fit the sense of justice in our day, we’ll see that they ultimately remind us to be looking for the Kingdom of Christ. DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. As this chapter opens, what does verse 1 let us know is about to happen? 2. The podcast reminds us that Solomon is regarded as the wisest person who ever lived. According to his words in Proverbs 4:3, where did he get his wisdom? 3. In verses 2-4, David gives Solomon three primary exhortations for life. What are they? a. b. c. 4. In verses 5-9, David gives various instructions regarding various people. What might these instructions show us about the condition of David’s heart at this point? 5. After David died in verse 10, how was Solomon’s kingdom described in verse 12? What does this tell us about the Lord’s blessings upon Solomon? 6. Later, in verse 13, Adonijah wanted Solomon to give him David’s handmaiden, Abishag. How does Solomon interpret this request in verse 22? What happens to Adonijah in verse 25? 7. Next, the passage focuses on Joab who was one of the men who supported Adonijah. What happened to Joab in verse 34? 8. Verses 36 to 46 ends with the account of Shimei. Shimei was one of the people who mocked David back in 2nd Samuel 16. What happens to Shimei in this passage? 9. The podcast reviews this passage in the light of people who disregarded law. Adonijah followed the law of self. Joab followed the law of ruthlessness and personal whim. Shimei disregarded the law. How are people sometimes a “law unto themselves” even today? 10. How does the events of this chapter further help us see that the kingdoms ruled by mere men will always be imperfect? How does this help us focus on the kingdom of Christ? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35879845

3/26 1st Kings 1 - Following God Down a Difficult Path 03/26/2025

3/26 1st Kings 1 - Following God Down a Difficult Path There are times when life can bring us all kinds of tumultuous upheaval. We may even be in the “right” but having everything go against us. Today in our study of 1st Kings 1, we’ll see that as Solomon become king, several people had to follow a difficult path; yet they were ultimately blessed by the Lord for their faithfulness. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. The opening verses give us an unsettling situation with David. What does this tell us about David and his probity at this point in his life? 2. In verse 5, what did David’s son Adonijah decide to do? How is Adonijah’s decision in verse 5 at odds with David’s statements in verse 17? Given the situation with his father, was this the right step at this time? 3. Which people were in support of Adonijah in verse 7? Who was missing from his support base in verse 8? Why were these absences important? 4. What does this clandestine, secretive behavior indicate about the righteousness of Adonijah and his support base’s actions? 5. In verse 9, what religious activity does Adonijah have performed? Why do you think he did this? Which example is this following, that of his father David or the example of Saul? 6. What does Nathan do, in verses 11 and following, to save the day? What kind of courage would this have taken for Nathan? What would be the risk of usurping a young, brash, self-appointed king? 7. What does Bathsheba do in this passage? How does David respond to her? 8. What does David say to do with Solomon in verses 33 to 35? How did the people respond when they saw this in verses 40? 9. How did Adonijah respond to this new development in verse 50? Why did he grab the horns of the altar? What did Solomon say regarding Adonijah in verses 51-53? 10. The podcast mentioned that Solomon’s decision to ascend the throne peacefully ultimately enabled Jesus to be related by blood to David through David’s son Nathan. How so? 11. There are times in life when we face all kinds of upheaval. In this passage who was following God, despite the difficult path set before them? What was the outcome of their faithfulness? 12. What insights can we glean from this passage about staying the course and trusting the outcome to the Lord? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35872260

3/26 1st Kings 1 - Following God Down a Difficult Path 03/26/2025

3/25 2nd Samuel 11 & 12 - When a Leader Sins 03/25/2025

3/23 2nd Samuel 7* - The Davidic Covenant 03/23/2025

3/22 2nd Samuel 5 - David Becomes King 03/22/2025

3/22 2nd Samuel 5 - David Becomes King The Bible is filled with Key Chapters that are necessary to know in order to understand the message of the Bible. Today we’ll study one of those passages as we look upon the installation of David as king. Join us as we see what this passage has to say and how it ties into the overall Word of God! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. The podcast gave a brief overview of the first few chapters of 2nd Samuel. How would you describe the political climate of Israel during this time? 2. In light of the political climate of Israel prior to chapter 5, what is the significance of the statement in verse 1 that “all the tribes of Israel came to David?” Why would this have not been a “given”? 3. We tend to assume that Jerusalem was always under Israelite control, and yet it was not. Joshua 15:63 explains that it was inhabited by Jebusites. What does David do in verse 7 and why do you think he did this? 4. In verse 12, who did David recognize as the reason for him becoming king over Israel? How was this perspective different from Saul’s perspective? How do you think this understanding fed into why David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14)? 5. The podcast explains that Saul viewed his kingdom as something for himself, whereas David viewed it as something to bring about God’s laws to be used for God’s glory. How do we see these differences in the reigns of Saul versus David? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35817080

3/21 1st Samuel 31 - Drifting into Despair 03/21/2025

3/21 1st Samuel 31 - Drifting into Despair There are times when life looks desperate and we don’t know where to turn. Today, we’ll look at Saul’s sinful act of suicide and see how it was a reflection of a life of disobedience to God. Although the chapter is short and the topic is difficult, this material helps us clarify what life is about. So, please join us for another key study in a key chapter of God’s Word! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. Think back over what we’ve learned about Saul’s life. What are some principles we can glean from his life? Was his life an example worth following? Why would God not want a king like this over His people? 2. What is the context leading up to 1 Samuel 31? What have we discussed over the last few days that lead into this passage today? 3. As you look at 1 Samuel 31:1, how did the battle start off with the Philistines? 4. What happened to Saul and his sons in verses 2 & 3? 5. What does Saul do in verse 4? What does this lead his armor bearer to do in verse 5? What did it lead the people to do in verse 7? Do you think Saul’s actions had a righteous impact on those around him? What should he have done? 6. What do the Philistines do with Saul’s body in verses 8-10? 7. What did the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead do in verses 11- 13? Why do you think they did this? 8. As you reflect upon Saul’s life, how was the pattern of his life one of drifting away from the Lord? What does that look like? 9. The beginning of the podcast mentions the idea of writing your own obituary. While this might seem like a morbid suggestion, it does have a way of putting life in perspective. How about you take a few minutes to write down what you would want said in your obituary? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35785105

3/20 1st Samuel 28 - Visiting Witches 03/20/2025

3/20 1st Samuel 28 - Visiting Witches We’ve all had times where we wished God would make His will clearer. Today, we’re looking at 1st Samuel 28 where Saul wanted to know what to do, but sought guidance from a witch. This is a stunning passage that helps us connect the dots on God’s judgment of Saul. Join us in another key study in the Key Chapters of God’s Word! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. What is the overall context of 1st Samuel 28? Where are we at in the timeline of Saul’s life? 2. What was in Saul’s heart in verse 5? How do you think this impacted Saul’s decisions in this chapter? 3. Why was the Lord silent of Saul in verse 6? How did Saul’s actions bring him to this place with the Lord? 4. What insight does the podcast give us from 1st Chronicles 10:14 into Saul’s lack of seeking the Lord? How can this help us know how to seek the Lord when we’re not sure what to do? 5. As this chapter unfolds, we find out that Saul seeks the help of a witch. How does this whole situation give us a clearer window into Saul’s heart? 6. The podcast gave some reasons why God prohibits His people from seeking the counsel of mediums/fortunetellers, etc. What were they? What light does Leviticus 19:31 and 20:27 shed on this? 7. The podcast discussed the nature of this witch so conjuring of Samuel. What do you think happened here? Was Samuel really conjured? 8. The podcast listed some ways that God guides His people. What were some of those ways that were discussed? How has the Lord led you through things like those that were suggested? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35785110

3/19 1st Samuel 24 - Trusting God in Adversity 03/19/2025

3/19 1st Samuel 24 - Trusting God in Adversity Although David was anointed by God to be king, his time was anything but easy. Yet today, we’ll see that even when David has an opportunity to take matters into his own hands, he doesn’t. He continues to trust the Lord. Join us as we continue our study of David’s life and his example of a man who trusted the Lord even in adversity. DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. The podcast mentioned several times the differences in Saul’s purpose as King and David’s purpose in life. What were those differences? Why would the Lord bless one and not the other? 2. The podcast also gave a summary of the previous few chapters that chronicled David’s life. What was life like for David during those passages? How does how he handled that adversity point to his character? 3. In Chapter 24, where is David and his men? What has happened in this passage? 4. What did David’s men say to him in verse 4? What does David do instead? Why? 5. How does Saul respond to David in verse 17-20? What do you make of these statements? Do you think they were sincere words? 6. What can we learn from how David responded to this opportunity to kill Saul? What was David’s underlying reasons that he did not? Why didn’t he take matters into his own hands? 7. Is it possible that God’s people might give us bad advice? What were some principles given in the podcast for how to decide what advice to listen to? 8. How is this passage a reflection of David’s total trust in the Lord? Why do you think David had this faith even though the previous several chapters have had him running ragged? Are you running ragged these days? How can you trust the Lord in your situation? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35767995

3/16 1st Samuel 16 - David Serves God 03/16/2025

3/15 1st Samuel 15 - Saul Serves Himself 03/15/2025

3/14 1st Samuel 13 - The Sin of Impatience 03/14/2025

3/14 1st Samuel 13 - The Sin of Impatience Life does not always go according to our schedule. Today we’ll look at an account from King Saul’s life where he took matters into his own hands, and ultimately was lost his kingdom because of it. Join us in a challenging reminder to trust God and wait on Him. DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. How was Saul’s army chosen in verse 2? What kind of pressure with the support on Saul to have victory in these early battles? 2. What was the size of the Philistine army in verse 5? How does this compare to Israel’s army back in verse 2? 3. What were the Philistines prohibiting the Jews to do in verse 19? What impact would have this had on their weaponry? 4. Back in verse 3, what did Jonathan do to instigate this battle? What did this indicate about His faith and character, especially being so undermatched to a superior opponent? 5. Once the Philistine army turned its sights on the Israelites, what did they do in verses 6 and 7? What does this indicate about their faith and character? 6. What were the people doing in verse 8? According to verse 15, how many men were left with Saul? How do you think this affected Saul’s decisions about what to do in verse 9? 7. What did Saul do in verse 9? Why was this disobedience? Why is the principal true from 1st Samuel 15:22, that “to obey is better than sacrifice”? 8. How did Saul’s actions in this passage indicate He still had a “rabbit’s foot theology” view of God? 9. What was Samuel’s estimation of Saul’s actions in verse 13? What was Samuel’s prophecies regarding Saul’s kingdom in verse 14? How do you think this would have struck Saul? 10. How does this passage demonstrate the danger of rushing God? How did Saul take matters into His own hands, and ultimately displease the Lord? How should Saul have waited? 11. We know that verse 14 is ultimately pointing to David. How does Samuel describe David’s heart in this verse? What do you think this means? Would this be how someone would describe you? Why or why not? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35667035

3/13 1st Samuel 10 - The Fearful King 03/13/2025

3/13 1st Samuel 10 - The Fearful King 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 To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35667045

3/12 1st Samuel 9 - The Reluctant King 03/12/2025

3/11 1st Samuel 8 - Trying to Copy the World 03/11/2025

3/11 1st Samuel 8 - Trying to Copy the World 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 To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35595475

3/10 1st Samuel 4 - Rabbit's Foot Theology 03/10/2025

3/10 1st Samuel 4 - Rabbit's Foot Theology 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 To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35595400

3/9 1st Samuel 3 - The Call of God 03/09/2025

3/8 1st Samuel 2 - Praying or Playing 03/08/2025

3/8 1st Samuel 2 - Praying or Playing 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 To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35397425

3/7 1st Samuel 1 - Broken-Hearted Faith 03/07/2025

3/7 1st Samuel 1 - Broken-Hearted Faith 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 To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35397395

3/6 Judges 2 - Struggling to be Faithful 03/06/2025

3/6 Judges 2 - Struggling to be Faithful 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 To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35397375

3/5 Joshua 6 - Walking in God's Promises 03/05/2025

3/5 Joshua 6 - Walking in God's Promises 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 To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35397285

3/4 Joshua 3 - Taking a Step of Faith 03/04/2025

3/4 Joshua 3 - Taking a Step of Faith 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 To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35397260

3/3 Joshua 2 - Redeeming Our Lives 03/03/2025

3/3 Joshua 2 - Redeeming Our Lives 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 To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35397230

3/2 Joshua 1 - Be Strong & Courageous 03/02/2025

3/2 Joshua 1 - Be Strong & Courageous 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 To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from . Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from . Special thanks to for providing our theme music. /episode/index/show/keychapters/id/35397215

Key Chapters of the Bible

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