1st And 2nd Samuel (2015)

When does the baby in the womb have a human soul? Listen to 10 points in this message that tell us where this issue is mentioned in the Scriptures. See that God is intimately involved in the formation of the baby in the womb, but it is not until the child’s birth that God breathes life into him. Understand that because of God’s involvement, every human being is valuable and important.

What does the Bible really teach about the pro-life/anti-abortion issue? Listen to this lesson to begin a study of how these movements began and grew over the years. Hear what positions ancient Judaism and the early church held on the question of when life begins. Find out if a couple create soul life in their infant or if God must breathe life into each individual. Be prepared to continue this study of how the Bible defines the parameters of life in coming weeks.

Do infants who die go to Heaven? Listen to this lesson to learn about David’s grief when his newborn son was near death. Hear about the confidence he expressed when told of the baby’s death, that he would see the child again after his own death. Contrast that with his reactions when others who were adults died. Learn whether young children whose parents are raptured are also raptured. Rely on the character of God to answer questions you have in this area.

Are you filled with joy and gratitude over being forgiven when you confess your sins? Listen to this message to hear a thought-provoking lesson on the importance of confessing our sins so we can continue growing to spiritual maturity. Learn about King David’s refusal to confess his sins quickly in Psalm 32 and the lessons he learned. Find out three messages that apply to all of us when we sin. Understand there may still be consequences but once we confess, our burden is removed. Let this psalm challenge you to keep short accounts with God by having no unconfessed sin in your life.

Do you have joy and gladness in your life? Listen to this lesson to learn that when David sinned he had lost the happiness he usually had in the Lord and felt sorrow and guilt. See what David wanted to do after God forgave those sins so others could enjoy the same deliverance from God. Find out what God wants from us when we sin and what He does not want.

Does the Holy Spirit control the thinking of a believer? Listen to this lesson to learn that the Holy spirit never overrides our volition by controlling us. Instead He influences our thinking when we are walking by means of the Spirit. Continue in the study of David’s confession of his sin in Psalm 51. Find out what God desires of us and see nine positive and two negative requests David makes of God. Take time to appreciate God’ gracious gift of forgiveness when we acknowledge our sins to Him.

Do we sin because we’re sinners or are we sinners because we sin? Listen to this lesson to learn that all of us are born sinners and the sins we commit come from our sin nature. Hear how David in Psalm 51 discussed his thoughts about his sin which included deep depression and physical suffering. Find out the biblical meaning of sin through the words that David uses in the psalm and see that he appealed to God’s character as the basis for forgiveness. Recognize that when you sin you need to acknowledge your sin to God so you can be restored to an intimate relationship with Him.

Pay to play? Sounds great until the price comes due. Listen to this lesson to learn how David was confronted by the prophet, Nathan, and realized that the sins he had worked so hard to conceal were known. See how he acknowledged his sins and whether or not guilt feelings were needed in order for him to be forgiven. Be reminded that when a believer commits a sin, he needs to admit the sin and God has promised to forgive and restore him to an intimate, dependent relationship with God.

What made David throw over all his beliefs and standards in order to commit adultery with Bathsheba? Listen to this lesson to hear the unflinching account of how our lust patterns entice us to sin. Find out how David intensifies his sin through a complex web of deceit that results in ordering the death of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband. Hear Nathan the prophet’s story reveal God’s displeasure with what David has done and what the punishment will be. Realize that when David admits he has sinned against God, he is forgiven and cleansed just as we can be forgiven when we confess our sins.

What can we learn from David’s sins with Bathsheba? Listen to this lesson to hear four main points that apply not only to David but to all believers. See how we are provided with a window into the pathology of sin and our lust pattern trends that motivate us. Find out what two options we have for our thinking. Remember that no matter how we fail, there is always grace and there is hope.

In the Bible God makes many promises to believers. How are they to claim those promises for their own lives? Listen to this lesson to learn three steps that are necessary. Hear five summary points on the providence of God and its relationship to the course of history. See the role luck plays in our lives. Listen to a psalm of David as he questions God about why Israel lost some important battles and learn what God reveals He is going to do to Israel’s enemies as He reassures David that He always keeps His promises.

If you’re a military buff then you’ll want to hear about these battles that David fought to extend the territory of Israel and defend it against their enemies. Find out how the King of the Ammonites humiliated the manhood and the sexuality of the Israelites and how David retaliated. See that when Joab was caught in a trap between the Ammonites and the Syrians, he trusted in the providence of the Lord to protect them. When we find ourselves in the battles of life, we need to remember that God has promised to protect us and that the battle is always the Lord’s.

What does 1 & 2 Samuel teach us about politics and government? Listen to this lesson to learn basic information about forms of government and how human governments always fail because of man’s sin nature. See that radical individualism ended in utter disaster then just as it is threatening our country today. See the link between economics and morality and how in order to have prosperity in a nation it must have sound money and security. Hear a summary of the remainder of 2 Samuel and how David’s spiritual failures led to his downfall. Remember the lesson we learn from David’s life that no matter how a believer fails, there is always forgiveness and restoration available.

If you enjoy military history then this lesson is for you. Learn about the enemies that David conquered and what he did with the spoils of battle. Find out that his victories were not a result of his skill or bravery, but were God’s grace in action. See that David oversaw all aspects of Israel’s government and is a type of Christ. Discover how David showed grace to Saul’s survivor and see that all believers should share the blessings God gives them with others. Click to view the Creation Studies videos that Dr. Dean mentioned at the beginning of this class.

How honest are you when you pray? Listen to this lesson to hear about a psalmist who expresses his frustration over what is happening and asks God if He’s going to keep His promises. He wonders why the nation is under divine discipline and points out that they are a reproach to God’s name. As he expresses his unhappiness, he petitions God to change the circumstances. See how he recovers and expresses once more his understanding of God’s Word. When we are in a situation like that, we need to remember to trust God and His promises, which can be hindered by our disobedience but are never cancelled.

What can we learn from the promises God made to David in the Davidic Covenant? Listen to this lesson to learn about the magnificent promises God made and see how He said He would establish and stabilize David and protect him from all his enemies. Hear about the intimate relationship God promised David and his descendants and see that these promises were eternal. Learn the meaning of God being called the Rock and see how we can apply His strength and power in our own lives when we face difficulties.

When you think of being humble what comes to your mind? Someone who is mealy-mouthed? Being afraid to stand up for yourself? Being a “doormat” that everyone walks on? Listen to this lesson to learn that humility is the highest virtue in the spiritual life and without it you cannot be a person after God’s own heart. Find out a biblical definition of humility and contrast it with its opposite which is arrogance. See that God is seeking people who have humility and hear three examples from the Old Testament of men who learned humility through the tests they endured. Hear Jesus’ emphasis in the New Testament on taking up your cross and following Him.

What kind of person does God seek to serve Him? Listen to this lesson to learn that God wants those who fear and respect Him and are loyal and depend on Him. Find out what it means that God is our helper. Hear why God sought David and made a covenant with him and his descendants even though he sinned many times while God rejected Saul. All believers need to ask themselves if they are focused on God and are making knowing God their priority.

Think about living an ideal life filled with stability and contentment. To learn how this life is possible, listen to what Psalm 89 teaches us. See first that believers must study God’s Word to learn about His character because the fulfillment of God’s promises to us are based on His essence. Find out how to praise God and present your petitions in prayer. See that being obedient to God leads to a life filled with joy and happiness as we walk with God in the light of His Word.

Do you stand in awe of God? Listen to this lesson to be reminded of God’s magnificence and recall that God’s power is profound and overwhelming. See that when anyone in the Bible is approaching God they are full of fear and treat Him with the utmost respect. Find out that those who reject Him now will some day bow their knee before Him as He judges evil. Continue the study of Psalm 89 where we learn that God controls the chaos in the universe, both angelic and human. As a believer take every opportunity to praise God in songs and words and thank Him for His lovingkindness and protection.