1st And 2nd Samuel (2015)

Was America founded as a Christian nation? Listen to this message to learn what the Founding Fathers had to say about this. Continue the study of worshipping God through music. Hear a number of popular fallacies current today in the “worship wars” taking place in churches. See that the worldview of the culture influences music, art, and literature and that Christian music must be based on principles from God’s Word. Be aware of the danger of conforming Christian music to the pagan culture in order to attract people. In this message Dr. Dean referenced the book Why Johnny Can't Sing Hymns: How Pop Culture Rewrote the Hymnal by David Gordon.

What is the most important worship element in hymns—the words or the music? Listen to this message to learn how to analyze church music for its quality, both in biblical truth and poetry. Find out that songs either direct our attention to Heaven or to earth and that they are not designed just to make us feel better. See that in all we do we are to glorify God and make Him central, not only in our choice of music but in all other areas of our life.

If you were asked to describe God, how would you answer? Listen to this lesson to learn that Psalm 139 gives an excellent description of His traits, including His knowledge of everything in heaven and on earth. Find out what it means to be a “God-fearer” as well as a number of verses about fearing God. See that the fear of God should be a guide to all our relationships in life. Like Isaiah when he was awed in the presence of God, we should be struck with God’s majesty and sovereignty as we worship Him.

What is the most frightening event you have ever experienced? Listen to this lesson to take a tour of the Bible and learn about people who came face-to-face with God, beginning with Adam and Eve, Job, Moses, and down to the Apostle John in Revelations. See how the people reacted in fear and awe, falling to the ground at the sight of the majesty of God. Learn what “fear of the Lord” means. As we learn more about the holiness of God, come to understand that our worship should not be a casual experience but an intense, urgent activity of entering into the presence of God.

Imagine finding yourself in the Throne Room of God and seeing God the Father in all His majesty. You see the angelic creatures worshipping Him in songs they have been singing for thousands and thousands of years. Listen to this lesson to hear about men in the Bible who actually had this experience. Understand the meaning of the words “holy” and “glory” and how they show us how we should worship God Who is distinct and above all others. See how we can know that no matter how things look in our lives, if we focus on God our troubles will fade into insignificance.

How can we prepare ourselves to worship God more fully? Listen to this message to learn ways we can learn to focus on God and His astounding majesty. Hear about three distinct categories of angels and their constant awe and veneration of God. Begin a study of Isaiah who entered into the presence of God and saw some of the angels worshipping Him. Like Isaiah, we need to realize that no matter how terrible conditions may be around us, we can be assured that God is always in control and caring for us.

Is there a standard that determines what is beauty and value in music or is it just dependent on differing tastes that people have? Listen to this lesson to learn that music was present in eternity past before the creation of the world. Find out that Satan was the master musician and that there is an angelic choir. Hear three questions we need to ask ourselves that will help us realize the importance of worshiping the God of the universe. When we come to Sunday morning church services, we need to accept that we are in the presence of this majestic God and that we are to reflect on what He has done for us as we prepare to spend eternity with Him. During this class Dr. Dean referenced a book by Allen Ross, Recalling the Hope of Glory.

What does it mean to genuinely worship God in our church services? Listen to this message to see that the New Testament does not lay out rules or specify what we must do like the Old Testament did for the Jews. Hear several definitions of worship and see that they have common ground in expressing reverence and adoration for God. Find out that these services can include music, scripture reading, prayer, and Bible study and should leave us more aware of God’s incomprehensible greatness after we have attended. Learn that we should prepare ourselves for worship and have a mental attitude that expresses respect for God. During this class Dr. Dean referenced a book by Allen Ross, Recalling the Hope of Glory.

Does it matter what type of music we have in churches? Listen to this message to learn that music is not designed to make us feel happy but that there are definite standards set out in the Bible. See that the word “worship” has nothing to do with how we feel, but rather means we are to submit to God’s will. Review how David had certain priests be responsible for the music and that it was done in an orderly, organized, and structured way. Find out three things that should be known concerning music in a church.

“Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty!” Listen to this message to learn that God is to be feared and we are to treat Him with awe and great respect. See how David learned his lesson when his first attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem ended so disastrously. Find out how his second attempt followed the protocols revealed by God and ended in a tremendous celebration. Hear several principles of corporate worship and the place of music in worship. Accept that worship is not about how we feel but must always be all about God.

Does it matter how we worship God as long as we’re sincere? Listen to this lesson to learn that God must be worshipped His way, that He is always in control, and that His mandates must be followed explicitly. Hear several episodes where God took the lives of people who tried to do things their way. See that God is outside of our comprehension and we can only understand Him through His revealed Word. Things are going to go God’s way and we need to stand in absolute awe and submit to His righteousness and justice.

Have you ever had a special charm that you wished would bring you luck? Listen to this lesson to hear how the people of Israel tried to use the Ark of God as their “rabbit’s foot”. Learn what a phenomenal piece of ancient furniture this was and how God gave explicit directions for how it was to be constructed and cared for. Hear about a number of events involving the Ark of God that occurred, some of which involved God’s judgment because the people showed disrespect. Find out David’s plans for bringing the Ark of God to Jerusalem but how he did not follow God’s instruction to carry it on poles and it resulted in the death of one man. Learn from these examples that God is a righteous, holy God and does not need any help.

What lessons can we learn from King David as He begins to take over ruling Israel? Listen to this message to see that David was obedient to God’s instructions on how to rule, unlike King Saul. See why David chose Jerusalem for the capital of the country, recognizing that it was there that Abraham had obeyed the Lord. Find out David’s two areas of weakness and how they impacted his life in many negative ways. Learn why polygamy was never approved by God. Accept that just as it was God who promoted David, He is working out His plans in our lives today.

Great cities have come and gone over the course of human history but one city has a distinction above all others. It is God’s favorite city and its name is Jerusalem. Listen to this lesson to hear the fascinating true story of how this ancient city in Israel is unique from all other cities. Trace the first mention of Jerusalem in the Old Testament and follow its course until the time when David was king. See how he gave his military incentives to capture it from the Jebusites. See the details of its geography and water supply and how it changed over the years. Marvel that Jerusalem is the center of God’s plan of salvation for the human race and that His plans for the city will be fulfilled.

Do you feel uncertain about the future in the chaotic times in which we live? Listen to this lesson to hear a reassuring glimpse into God’s master plan for the human race. See that He has made complete provision for us, His sheep, and that He is our Shepherd. See that the example of what a leader should be is that of a shepherd who protects and feeds his sheep. Learn that we are fed by the Word of God. Hear the prophets, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, as they describe the false shepherds of Israel whose neglect caused the sheep to be scattered. Find out that in the New Testament Jesus Christ is called the Good Shepherd who always cares for believers in every way.

Since the Bible says that Christians have their citizenship in Heaven, does that mean we shouldn’t be involved in politics in our nation? Listen to this lesson to learn ten reasons why Christians have a responsibility to perform the duties of a citizen. Keep in mind that God instituted human government. See why we are commanded to pray for our leaders. Learn the importance of family in the Bible and the phrase “my bone and my flesh”. Find out three reasons why Israel was ready to accept David as their leader.

What makes people fall apart and act in devastating ways that cause havoc? Listen to this lesson to hear how two Israelites went into panic mode and tried to curry David’s favor by beheading King Ishbosheth and bringing the head to David. See how David reacted because he was waiting for God to promote him. Find out about a prophecy that said Israel’s rulers would come from the tribe of Judah, including the Messiah. Learn about four possible meanings for the word “Shiloh” and which one is the most probable. Understand that just like David, we don’t need to force things to happen in our lives but we need to take care of the responsibilities we have and let God bring His plans for us to pass at the right time.

If you like epic family sagas filled with revenge, intrigue, and chaos, listen to this message which tells the true events of what happened in Israel after the death of Saul. Learn how God’s sovereignty means that His plans will always be fulfilled in spite of wrong human decisions. See if polygamy was ever approved in the Old Testament. Find out the importance of the line of Judah and how God’s planned future for it will occur as promised. See that in spite of all of men’s attempts to make history go their way, God will always win so we can relax and trust Him.

Have you ever grappled with whether revenge and vengeance are always sins? Listen to this lesson to learn when they are wrong and when they are legitimate acts of justice. See what the Bible means when God says that vengeance is His and He will repay. Find out that what motivates us to want to get even with someone and be vindictive is always arrogance. Learn that instead of personal vengeance we should put the individual who has wronged us in God’s hands and apply love and forgiveness.

Note that the initial blue screen on the video incorrectly identifies this class as lesson #177 instead of #117. Why does the Holy Spirit pull back the curtain on the chaos and sinful events conspiring after Saul’s death? Listen to this lesson to learn what happens when sin natures are in control. See the contrast here with David who mirrors God’s mercy and kindness to people. See the importance of knowing the geography of the area in order to follow the occurring events. Find out that when family loyalty is stronger than loyalty to God there are tragic consequences and fragmentation. Understand that a nation cannot have stability when it is in arrogance and rebellion and the only solution is to submit ourselves unto God.