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 Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

A key fact that we all need to know is that in 930 BC, Israel divided into two kingdoms. Today, we read the record of that account and consider why it happened, and what were the massive repercussions of this event.  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    When Chapter 12 opens, who was Rehoboam, where was he going, and what was he expecting?  2.    How many of the tribes were going to support Rehoboam? What does this mean about the others?  3.    In verse 6, what kind of wise counsel did Rehoboam receive? Whose counsel did he get in verse 8? Which counsel did he follow? What happened as a result?  4.    In verses 14 – 19, what transpires? How did this impact Israel for generations to come?  5.    In verse 20, who made Jeroboam king? Why?  6.    When Rehoboam goes after Jeroboam, what did the prophet say which prevented an all-out war?  7.    In 1 Kings 11:38, God promised Jeroboam that if Jeroboam would obey the Lord, He would build him an enduring house. Do we see Jeroboam obeying the Lord in 1 Kings 12? What did he set up in verses 26 to 33? How was this an act of expediency? Was it honoring to the Lord? Why?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

One of the most 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 Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

What 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 Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

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 Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

There are times when 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 Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

So, the account of David and Bathsheba is surprisingly well-known, and while it's a sad chapter, it shows us that no one, not even David himself, is without sin. Thus David, and the rest of us, need a Savior. Join us in this sobering account of a respected man's fall.  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Some chapters in the Bible are vital to know, even if they may not seem to be super applicable to our lives. 2nd Samuel 7 is one of those chapters. Today, we'll look at this passage and see how these few verses lay the path for the arrival of our Lord and King. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    The podcast mentioned that 2nd Samuel 7 is one of the most important chapters in the Old Testament. Why is that? 2.    In this chapter, the Lord makes several key promises to David. What was the occasion that led to these promises? Why did David's efforts result in God giving these promises to him? 3.    What was God's promise in verse 9? 4.    What were God's promises in verses 10 & 11? 5.    What was God's promise in verse 12? 6.    What were God's promises in verses 12 and 16? 7.    Ultimately, what is the kingdom that God is speaking about in these promises? 8.    In light of Matthew 1:1 and Luke 1:32-33, how did Jesus fulfill these promises? 9.    Take a moment to reflect on how you live as a Christian. What about your life demonstrates that you're living as a citizen of Christ's kingdom? Is there anything that does not reflect this? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

The 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 Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

There are times when 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 Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.