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!

4/24 Job 1 - Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? 04/24/2025

4/25 Job 2 - Satan's Limitations 04/24/2025

4/23 Nehemiah 8 - A Blueprint for Preaching Today 04/23/2025

4/22 Nehemiah 1 & 2 - Rebuilding After God's Judgment 04/22/2025

4/20 Ezra 9 and 10 - Ezra's Revival 04/21/2025

4/19 Ezra 3 - The Temple Foundation is Placed 04/19/2025

4/18 Ezra 1 - The Unfolding of God's Work 04/18/2025

4/17 2nd Chronicles 23 - The Hidden King 04/17/2025

4/16 2nd Chronicles 18 - When Prophets Deceive 04/16/2025

4/15 2nd Chronicles 17 - Sparking A Revival 04/15/2025

4/15 2nd Chronicles 17 - Sparking A Revival What does a revival look like? How do we start one? Today we touch upon this important topic as we look at the "Bible Conference" Revival under King Jehoshaphat. We’ll see that when we teach God’s Word faithfully and accurately, God will use His Word to strengthen His people in every way. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. How did the unity we saw yesterday in 2 Chronicles 15:9 carry over into the opening verses of 2 Chronicles 17:1-2? 2. In verse 2, who did Jehoshaphat seek? Whose character did Jehoshaphat reflect in verse 3? What role do you think Jehoshaphat’s father King Asa had on the development of his own faith in the Lord? 3. How did the Lord view Jehoshaphat and what did He do for him? Why was the Lord willing to bless kings who followed Him in this way? In other words, whose kingdom were these obedient kings really serving? How do we see this principle unfold in verse 6? 4. What was the spark that lit this revival in verse 7? What was the purpose of this action? What were they teaching in verse 9? 5. In verse 7, how long was Jehoshaphat king before he sent out these teachers? Why do you think it took him this long? 6. In verse 10, what view did the surrounding nations have of Judah? Where did this come from? 7. Who brought tribute to Jehoshaphat in verse 11? Does this surprise you? Why? How does this reflect the principle of Proverbs 16:7 that the Lord will make even our enemies at peace with us? 8. How did the events of verses 12 to 19 bring strength to Judah? Given your answers in Question #3, “whose” kingdom was being strengthened? 9. It has been pointed out that revivals often follow times of darkness. What darkness had been going on in Israel and Judah? How did this darkness prepare them to embrace the light of God’s truths when taught to them? 10. Where do we have darkness in our world? How can you be part of bringing God’s truth to the people around you? 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/36117315

4/14 2nd Chronicles 15 - Reconsecration to the Lord 04/14/2025

4/14 2nd Chronicles 15 - Reconsecration to the Lord When someone drifts away from the Lord, can they be restored? Yes! Today in our study in 2nd Chronicles 15, we’ll see how King Asa led a reform that brought the people back to reconsecrate themselves to the Lord; which brought revival throughout the land. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. What was the Lord’s assessment of King Asa from 2 Chronicles 14:2? How did this impact his trust in the Lord in 2 Chronicles 14:11? Why does righteousness often equate to courage? Is there a place in your life where the Lord is calling you to act with righteous courage? 2. What does Azariah say in verses 3-6 about how the Lord used the people’s “distress” to lead to them to Him? What did their difficulty look like? Has the Lord ever allowed you to go through a difficult situation so that in that, you’d return to Him? If so, when? 3. What was Azariah’s words for Asa in verse 7? How do we see him living courageously in verse 8? 4. What was the response of the people in verse 9? Why are the Tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh and Simeon significant here? Why do godly people seek leaders who obey God? What kind of person do you want to unite with? What kind of people want to unite with you? 5. In verses 11-12, what was the people’s oath and covenant with the Lord? What do you think this would have looked like in the average person’s day-to-day life? 6. In verse 13, their zeal also included capital punishment for those who did not seek the Lord. How does the fact that Israel was a theocracy help us understand such a policy? If a person was totally surrendered to the Lord in the New Covenant, how would this look differently? 7. What was the response of the people in verse 15? What was the Lord’s response in this same verse? Why? 8. The podcast mentions that there was a shadow in Asa’s life that begins in verse 17 but also carries into 2 Chronicles 16. What did Asa do? Why was that out of character for him? How did the Lord respond then? How was that a fulfillment of God’s warnings back in verse 2? 9. Looking back over this chapter, it has much to say about the heart condition of various people. What do the following verses say about these people heart: a. Verse 7: b. Verse 8: c. Verse 12: d. Verse 15: e. Verse 17: 10. How do these conditions of their heart drive the Lord’s faithfulness in verse 15? Which of these heart conditions are true of you? 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/36117270

4/13 1st Chronicles 17 - God's Covenant with David! 04/13/2025

4/13 1st Chronicles 17 - God's Covenant with David! We serve a Triumphant King! And today we'll dig into 1st Chronicles 17 to see how this passage ties right into Jesus' Triumphal Entry and draws our focus to His ultimate kingdom. Join us as we turn to an encouraging chapter from the life of David! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. The podcast mentions that there are several similarities between the books of Kings and Chronicles, specifically that 1st Chronicles… focuses on David, covers both the Northern Kingdom and Southern Kingdom, seeks to explain Israel’s downfall in terms of how they broke their covenant with God, and was written around the time of the return from exile to remind the people that they were still God’s covenant nation. Why do you think these points were needed as God’s people returned from exile? 2. The podcast also mentions that an underlying purpose of the book of 1st Chronicles was to show that just as God was faithful to His promises to bring judgment, He would also be faithful to bring restoration. How would this have given the people hope in their time of exile? 3. Since we’ve already discussed the Davidic covenant from 2nd Samuel 7 a few weeks ago, as you have come to today’s study in 1st Chronicles 17, what is your understanding of its significance? 4. In verse 4, what does the Lord tell David regarding His reasons for not having David build a temple? What does this show us about the priority the Lord places on fancy buildings? 5. In the past, we’ve explained that a “Covenant” is a formal set of promises that one (or more) people make to another. In this passage, the Lord makes 8 key promises. In the space below, write the gist of each promise for each verse: a. Verse 8: b. Verse 9: c. Verse 10: d. Verse 11: e. Verse 12: f. Verse 13 (#1): g. Verse 13 (#2): h. Verses 14: 6. Having just finished our study of 1st and 2nd Kings, how many kings in those books fulfilled these promises (hint: You don’t have to look up the reigns of any kings to answer this question)? Who is the only King who fulfilled these 8 promises? 7. How has Jesus fulfilled some of these promises already? How will the rest be fulfilled? 8. In light of these promises, how can you praise the Lord 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/36113345

4/12 2nd Kings 25 - Judah Falls! - Part 2 04/12/2025

4/11 2nd Kings 24 - Judah Falls! - Part 1 04/11/2025

4/11 2nd Kings 24 - Judah Falls! - Part 1 The Fall of Judah might not be something we think we need to know much about, but the history behind 2 Kings 24 helps us connect the dots with much of the Old Testament. So, please join us for a weighty study in this chapter and the history that surrounds it! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. The podcast mentioned that behind the scenes, there were three nations/empires that were vying for dominance over this region. Who were those nations? How do you think their power would have impacted Judah’s view of herself and her situation? 2. The podcast explained that although Judah officially fell to Babylon in 586 BC, her fall was the final culmination of a series of events that began in 609 BC. What happened then and who was the true ruler in Judah from 609 to 605 BC? 3. The podcast refers to the Book of Jeremiah for the backstory on King Jehoiakim. What events took place in King Jehoiakim’s life in Jeremiah 22, 26 and 36? What do those events show us about King Jehoiakim’s view of the Lord and His prophets? Why would this have been a problem for those who were seeking the Lord’s protection? 4. The podcast also mentions that although King Jehoiakim paid stiff fines to Egypt, Jeremiah 22 lets us know that he was raising taxes on the people of Judah for another purpose. What was that purpose and how would this have further embittered the people against him? 5. The podcast mentions the Battle of Charchmish in 605 BC as being one of the most important extra-biblical events from this time. What happened in that battle and who was the victor? (Feel free to look it up online) How did that change the geopolitical landscape of the region? 6. After the Battle of Charchemish, what happened to the control of the Egyptian and Assyrian controlled regions? How would that have affected Judah (considering that she was under Egyptian control at that point)? 7. After the death of King Jehoiakim, his son Jehoiakim became king. What does he do with Babylon in verse 11? How does Nebuchadnezzar respond in verses 12-14? 8. In verse 17, who did Nebuchadnezzar install as king? What light does Ezekiel 1:2 on how the people viewed his rule (as mentioned in the podcast)? 9. Look up the following assessment of these final kings of Judah: 2 Kings 32:32, 2 Kings 23:37, 2 Kings 24:9, 2 Kings 24:19. What is the common thread between these kings? How do you think this thread affected the Lord’s protection of His people? 10. Look up the following assessment of these final events: 2 Kings 24:2, 2 Kings 24:3, 2 Kings 24:13, 2 Kings 24:20. Whose hand was behind these events? What does this tell us about the underlying reason for Judah’s downfall? Why did it happen? How could it have been prevented? 11. Think about the decisions of these final kings and the actions of King Hezekiah only five chapters earlier. How were these situations similar to what Hezekiah faced? How were their reactions different from Hezekiah’s? What was the final outcome? What principles can we learn about how to handle difficult situations? 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/36078485

4/10 2nd Kings 23 - Reforming Revival! 04/10/2025

4/10 2nd Kings 23 - Reforming Revival! When the Lord gets a hold of a person’s life, He often brings in sweeping change. Today, we’ll see the kind of change the Lord brought to Judah through King Josiah’s leadership. This chapter will shock us and show us just how far the people had fallen from the Lord. DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. Today we’re continuing to look at the life of Josiah. What did we learn yesterday in our study of 2 Kings 22 regarding Josiah’s age when he became king? How do you think his age affected his view of himself, the Lord and his willingness to break with the evil examples of his forefathers? 2. When Josiah heard about God’s Word how did he respond in 2 Kings 22:11? Here in our chapter today, what meeting does he call in 2 Kings 23:1-2? Who was at this meeting? Why do you think Josiah wanted these people to hear God’s Word? 3. How is God’s Word described in verse 2? How does this term relate to their ancestor’s obligation to obey it? 4. In verse 3, what specific promises did Josiah make about God’s Word? How did the people respond to his example? Why do you think this revival has such an instantaneous impact on the people? 5. In verse 4, what did the priests remove from the Temple? What does the presence of these items in the Temple of the Lord indicate about how the people had intermingled true worship with false worship? Do people do things like this today? What does that look like? 6. According to verse 5, who appointed the idolatrous priests? What does this tell us about the spiritual purity of Judah’s government? 7. As we continue to be shocked about the spiritual decay of Judah, in verse 7, whose houses were removed from the Temple of the Lord? Why would they have even been there? Likewise, who was the woman weaving hangings for? What does this say about their devotion to the Lord? 8. What evil practice is ended in verse 10 (note, this is also the same practice also mentioned in verse 13)? How do you think Judah had gotten to a place where something like this was allowed in their land? 9. Where (in terms of location) does Josiah’s reforms take him in verse 19? Who controlled this region? How did this show tremendous faith and zeal for the Lord? 10. What sacred holiday is restated in verses 21-23? Why is this holiday vital to the Jewish understanding of their relationship to the Lord? 11. Although Josiah had a faithful reign as king, what was God’s view of Judah in verse 26? 12. How does Josiah die in verse 29? What happens to Judah after his death? How does this chaos reflect judgment from the Lord? 13. Look at the reforms that are listed throughout this chapter. Who are they attributed to? What does this tell us about the heart condition of everyone else? 14. We began this chapter looking at the meeting that Josiah called with all the people to return to their covenant with the Lord. Given how far they had fallen from the Lord (hence the need for such reforms), do you think the people were sincere in these changes? 15. What spiritual principles can we learn about the seriousness of God’s warnings and our need to pay attention to them? What has He warned about the world in our day? Do you think people are listening? 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/36078465

4/9 2nd Kings 22 - The Kind of Heart God Uses 04/09/2025

4/9 2nd Kings 22 - The Kind of Heart God Uses Today we read an encouraging chapter about a good king whom God used to launch a key revival in Judah. This study in 2 Kings 22 will show us the kind of heart that God uses to bring reform to His people. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. According to verse 8, how old was Josiah when he became king? How long was his reign? How do you think his age would have affected the kind of impact he might have as a king? 2. According to verse 2, what was Josiah’s character like? How was this unlike the character of his father Amon or his grandfather Manasseh? What in this passage gives us a sense of why Josiah didn’t turn out like his father or grandfather? 3. What directive does King Josiah give in verses 3-7? What does this show us about his priorities? In your life today, where can you reflect a similar set of priorities? 4. What is found in verse 8? Why does this seem strange to have “found” this now? Why do you think it had become “lost”? 5. This event occurred only 57 years after Hezekiah’s reign. What do you think happened to their biblical training to have fallen so far so fast? How can we avoid a similar outcome in our day? 6. What was King Josiah’s reaction to the Word in verse 11? Why do you think he reacted this way? How do you react when you read convicting portions of God’s Word? 7. What was Josiah concerned about in verse 13? Why do you think he had this concern? Given the state of Judah, was this a valid concern? 8. What message did Huldah the prophetess have for Josiah in verses 18-20? How did the Lord describe Josiah’s heart in verse 19? How did Josiah’s actions reflect this kind of a heart? 9. When you consider how you conduct your life, what heart does it reflect? Are there any ways that it does not reflect a “tender” and “humble” heart 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/36075265

4/8 2nd Kings 19 - Desperate Faith 04/08/2025

4/8 2nd Kings 19 - Desperate Faith More than likely, you’ve faced desperate situations. During those times, who did you turn to? Today, we’ll read the important account of Hezekiah’s faith in the Lord and how the Lord miraculously delivered His people. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. Given the context of this passage, what happened in 2 Kings 18 that would lead to Hezekiah to tearing his clothes here in 2 Kings 19:1? What did this action (tearing his clothes) indicate? 2. Who did Hezekiah send word for in verse 2? Who was this person and where else is he mentioned in the Bible? What does Hezekiah ask of him in verses 3 &4? How does the fact that Hezekiah sought religious counsel impact the outcome of this passage? 3. In verse 6, why does Isaiah say that Hezekiah should not be afraid? In verse 7, what does the Lord promise will be the outcome of this altercation with Sennacherib? Given the situation, especially the fact that the Northern Kingdom has already fallen to Assyria, why might this promise have seemed “too good to be true”? 4. Per our study in 2nd Kings 18, who (or what) is this “Rabshakeh”? In verse 8, how does he accuse the Lord of deceiving the people? What was Assyria’s track record in defeating other nations who also trusted in their gods? 5. In verse 14, what did Hezekiah do? What does Hezekiah pray in verses 15-19? What depth of faith and trust do you see here? How is this depth of faith tied to Hezekiah’s overall life pattern of trust and obedience? 6. What message did the Lord have through Isaiah for Hezekiah in verse 20? What was the Lord’s message for Rabshakeh in verses 21ff? What was the Lord’s message for the people in verse 29ff? 7. What happens to the Assyrian army in verse 35? What does Sennacherib have to do in verse 36? How was this clearly by the hand of the Lord? 8. The podcast mentioned the archeological artifact called “Sennacherib’s Prism.” How does “Sennacherib’s Prism” help shed light on this biblical account? 9. Based on this passage, what are some principles you can glean for trusting in the Lord, even when everything seems to be going haywire? 10. As you reflect on this passage, how did Sennacherib and Rabshakeh respond to the Lord’s work in their lives? How is this an example of a rebellious response to the clear work of God? What counsel would you give to them about how and why they ought to heed 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/36027105

4/7 2nd Kings 18 - Standing Against Evil 04/07/2025

4/7 2nd Kings 18 - Standing Against Evil God calls us to trust Him even when life is going sideways. Today, in our study of 2nd Kings 18, we’ll learn about the account of Hezekiah and Sennacherib. This is one of the most uplifting passages in the Bible and we look forward to going through it with you. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. According to verse 1, how old was Hezekiah when he became king? How does verse 3 describe his character? When you consider the spiritual life of the typical 25-year-old man today, how does Hezekiah compare? Given his family background that was explained in this podcast, what do you think explains Hezekiah’s faithfulness to the Lord? How does this show us that we are not bound to our previous generations faithfulness (or lack thereof)? 2. What does Hezekiah do in verse 4? What kind of moral courage would this have taken? 3. What was the Nehushtan in verse 4 (c.f. Numbers 21:4-9)? Why were the people worshipping this object? How had this become an idol? What does this indicate about people’s natural tendency to turn things that are possibly even “good” into something “ungodly” to worship? Was the Lord displeased that Hezekiah destroyed this? Why or why not? 4. What is the importance of the word “in” in verse 5 where it says that Hezekiah “trusted in the Lord”? How is this slightly different than simply saying that he “trusted the Lord”? When you think of your own faith, are you “trusting the Lord” or “trusting IN the Lord”? How are they different in your life? 5. What does verse 6 mean by saying that Hezekiah “clung to the Lord?” On top of trusting “in” the Lord, what does “clinging” to the Lord suggest? 6. How does verse 7 describe the Lord’s response to Hezekiah’s faith? What do you think this looked like in Hezekiah’s life? How does the Lord bless him in verse 8? Along those lines, what does Hezekiah NOT do in verse 7? Why was this especially bold, given the fact that Hezekiah’s father was a vassal of Assyria? 7. Verses 9-11 describe the conquering encroachment of Assyria. Who is defeated in these verses? What impact, do you think these victories would have had on the uneasiness of the Southern Kingdom? 8. Who does Sennacherib come against in verse 13? What does this indicate about his intentions for Judah and the Southern Kingdom? 9. What does Hezekiah do in verses 14-16? Was this a good thing? What does this indicate about Hezekiah’s imperfect faith? What was Sennacherib’s response in verses 17ff? What lessons can we learn about the futility of trying to appease evil? 10. Who (or what) did the podcast say was “Rabshakeh” in verse 17? What was his message to Judah in verses 19ff? How does he mock the people’s trust in the Lord? How does Rabshakeh claim the Lord “guided” him in verse 25? Was he right? How do people today inappropriately claim God’s guidance? 11. How does the Rabshakeh undermine Hezekiah’s leadership in verses 29-32? 12. How does the Rabshakeh promise to give the people mercy in verses 21-32? How would this have been tempting for the people of Judah? 13. How does this passage set the scene for what it means to have faith, even when things go severely sideways? What principles can you apply to your 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/36027080

4/6 2nd Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel 04/06/2025

4/5 2nd Kings 4 - The Widow's Mighty Miracle 04/05/2025

4/4 2nd Kings 2 - Laboring In A Hostile World 04/04/2025

4/4 2nd Kings 2 - Laboring In A Hostile World Does it seem like the world rejects God’s message? This is not new. Today we’ll look at the beginning of Elishah’s ministry and see that his message was rejected from his first day. Yet we’ll also see that this was the very work that God had called him to do. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. The podcast begins by taking us back to 1 Kings 19 when Elijah met Elisha on his way home from Mount Sinai. What happened at the end of that passage? 2. The podcast explained that Elisha’s plowing with 12 oxen reflected a custom where the local farmers would all farm together in rows. In this instance, it was 12 rows. What do you think was the significance of the fact that Elijah let 11 farmers pass before calling Elisha into the Lord’s work? What does Elisha do at the end of that passage to indicate that he was “all in” with serving the Lord? 3. Going on to 2 Kings 2, the podcast mentioned that the “Sons of the Prophets” were students at the “School of the Prophets.” This school had branches in Gilgal (vs. 1), Bethel (vs 3) and Jericho (vs 5). What do these verses indicate about the relationship that Elisha already had with this school? How does 1 Kings 19 help us understand this dynamic? 4. What was the significance of Elijah parting the Jordan River in verse 8? How about verse 14? When did a similar miracle happen in the past? According to verse 7, how many people witnessed this miracle? How did they respond to Elisha later in verse 15? 5. In verses 9 & 10, what did Elisha ask Elijah for? The podcast discussed some possible reasons for this request. Why do you think that Elisha would have asked for such a thing? What did this request show us about the heart of Elisha? 6. What happened to Elijah in verses 10 & 11? What was the significance of this event? 7. According to verse 19, what was the situation at Jericho? How did Elisha rectify that situation? What principles can we glean from how God’s people ought to be a blessing to the community around them? 8. On the heels of Elisha blessing Jericho, he then went to Bethel in verse 23. What was the people’s reaction to him there? 9. In verse 24, the Lord sends two bears to attack this crowd. How many were killed? How does that fact help us understand the size of this crowd? Since Bethel was also home to one of the “Schools of the Prophets” what might this youth’s hostility to Elisha indicate about the general opinion of the townspeople about the Lord’s prophets? 10. Considering that this is still the beginning of Elisha’s ministry, what does this event indicate that Elisha should expect from his service to the Lord? What do you think would go into Elijah’s success in laboring among these people? 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/35985060

4/3 1st Kings 19 - Spiritual Depression & Burnout 04/03/2025

4/3 1st Kings 19 - Spiritual Depression & Burnout Many of God’s servants have experienced spiritual depression and/or spiritual exhaustion. Today we look at 1 Kings 19 and see that Elijah suffered deep spiritual depression right on the heels of spiritual victory. This will be a challenging study as we look at principles for how to deal with it. DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. The opening verses of 1 Kings 19, what does Ahab tell Jezebel? If you were Jezebel and heard about all the Lord had done in 1 Kings 18, how would you have responded? 2. Instead, what message does Jezebel send to Elijah in verse 2? Given what just happened in 1 Kings 18, how should Elijah have reacted to Jezebel’s threats? How does he react in verse 3? Do you find this surprising? Why or why not? 3. Verse 3 says that Elijah fled to Beersheba. If you can, go find Beersheba on a map of Israel and Judah from this time period. What does Beersheba’s location tell you about the depth of Elijah’s fear? 4. Now look at verse 4. What does Elijah then do? What does his prayer consist of? Is this a prayer of faith or fear? 5. How do we see God’s grace in the help that the angel gives to Elijah in verses 5 to 8? 6. After this, where does Elijah go in verse 8? Historically speaking, what major events have happened already in this place? Why do you think Elijah went there? 7. In verse 9, why do you think the Lord asked him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 8. What was the content and tone of Elijah’s answer in verse 10? What does this reflect about his spiritual depression? Where do you think this spiritual depression came from? 9. What was the Lord’s answer to Him in verses 11 – 14? Why do you think He repeats this question? 10. People sometimes refer to verse 12 as proof that we can hear a “still, small voice” from God. In reading this passage, is the Lord’s voice merely quiet or is it completely silent and only something that Elijah can hear? In other words, was there an actual voice? Do you think that verse supports the idea that people can hear audible messages from God? 11. Going back to 1 Kings 19, what was Elijah’s answer in verse 14? Looking at his answer, what was Elijah really focused on? How was this leading to His spiritual depression? 12. Do you ever experience spiritual depression after a spiritual victory? What principles does this passage give you for how to deal with those kinds of situations? 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/35984985

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

Key Chapters of the Bible

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