1st And 2nd Samuel (2015)

How can we know the decisions we make are the right ones? Listen to this lesson to hear about David’s choices and how God was guiding him. Hear reasons why David moved to Gath and see if he was loyal to Achish rather than Israel. Understand why God had commanded Israel to destroy the Amalekites. Learn about two instances of deception in Scripture which were legitimate.

How is David a type of the coming Messiah? Listen to this lesson to learn the parallels between David as a shepherd and Christ as the Good Shepherd. See how Saul pretends remorse but returns to his murderous ways of trying to kill David. Learn how David’s psalms stress God’s righteousness, faithfulness, and loyal love. When we are in a time of difficulty, find out that we should identify the realities of our situation to God and trust Him to solve our problems.

Are the events in your life helping you learn to trust God? Listen to this lesson to see how David went through many difficulties and tests with the right attitude that slowly helped him mature spiritually. See how Saul, on the other hand, was rebellious against God and did not learn the lessons God had for him. Understand that God gives all of us freedom to succeed or to fail. Learn to trust the Word of God and not your experiences when making decisions.

What lessons can we learn from the Old Testament? Listen to this lesson to learn that the examples in the Old Testament are to challenge us as we see their struggles in their spiritual growth. See how Abraham and David had to face the same tests many times until they learned to master them through the use of spiritual skills. See how David needed to learn to fully trust that his battles were the Lord’s battles. From these stories we can see how God’s testing in our lives is always designed to help us learn the lessons we need.

What should a mature believer do when dealing with a fool? Listen to this lesson to hear about a rich man who is a fool and did not respect authority and of his wife who is willing to do what it takes to protect her family. See how David wants revenge but is willing to listen to Abigail’s wise counsel showing humility and true qualities of leadership. See that from this incident we can learn that God works in our lives and when we are being mistreated, we are to put our problems in His hands and learn grace orientation.

Why should we respect the authority of someone we dislike and who we think does not have our best interests at heart? Listen to this lesson to learn that the Bible doesn’t give us any wiggle room in obeying God-given authorities no matter what our opinion is of them. Find out the one exception to this command. Hear a list of the authorities appointed by God and learn that honoring our leaders is vital for all individuals and nations to achieve their goals. See why David did not seek revenge on Saul who was trying to kill him even when David had an opportunity to do so.

How can we know God’s will for our life? Listen to this lesson to learn that it is by studying God’s Word when we are walking by means of the Spirit. See that by the process of recall the Holy Spirit brings doctrines to our memory when we need them in making decisions. Find out the importance of redeeming the time. Learn that our spiritual gifts should be developed with our natural talents to be utilized in living our life. In summary, to know the will of God we should accept Christ as our Savior and grow spiritually by studying His Word so we can develop wisdom.

Wouldn’t it be great if God told us exactly what He wanted us to do and we didn’t have to struggle with decisions? Listen to this lesson to learn that God’s Word has all the principles we need to know God’s will. See that since the Canon of Scripture was completed God no longer gives us special revelation. Find out that believers have the Holy Spirit to guide us when we walk by means of the Spirit. Our part is to learn what the Word of God says and to apply it in wisdom to our circumstances.

How can we know if we are doing the will of God? Listen to this lesson to hear nine principles that can help us make biblical decisions. Learn about the different kinds of God’s will and how each impacts us. See that since the canon of Scripture was completed, God no longer gives direct revelation to people as He once did. As you contemplate decisions in your life, make choices from the standpoint of wisdom, which is the skillful application of the Word of God to your circumstances.

How does God guide and direct us? Listen to this lesson to see that in the age in which we live God directs us through His Word. Hear five principles we should know about what God’s will is for our lives and some misconceptions about knowing His will. See that our purpose in life is to first trust in Christ as our Savior and then grow spiritually with a willingness to serve Him.

What kind of problems have you been facing this week and what did you do about them? Listen to this lesson to see that the first thing Christians should do when they have difficulties is turn to God in prayer to ask for divine guidance. Learn three things we need to keep in mind about God’s guidance in the Old Testament. See that God knows not only what actually happens but what could have happened and what should have happened. See how God gave David direct guidance and today we have the completed Word of God to find answers.

When you feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you and you’re overwhelmed by all your problems, where should you turn? Listen to this lesson to learn that reading the psalms that David wrote when he was persecuted by Saul are a good place to go. Find out that we can apply the problem solving devices in prayer and that our default position should always be to turn to God. Learn that there’s nothing wrong with crying out to God because that is acknowledging our absolute dependence on Him. Hear five points on depression and see the role anger plays when we’re depressed.

Over and over in the Bible we are told to trust God. How do we do that? Listen to this lesson to hear four things we need to do to start down the path of relying on God for everything. See that we must switch our thinking from focusing on our problems to God’s loving kindnesses by reading in the Psalms about God’s wonderful works as expressed through His names. When we truly trust God we can rest and relax because we know that God has a plan and He’s carrying it out and we have nothing to fear. During this class Dr. Dean mentioned a new book authored by Dr. Thomas Ice called The Case for Zionism: Why Christians Should Support Israel.

Who do you go to when you have a problem? Listen to this lesson to see that God wants us to cry out to Him in times of trouble. See how David called to God for mercy when he was being pursued by his enemies. See that we need to know God’s promises so we can claim them and can present our cases before God. Hear ways that we can learn to be like David and pray about all our needs. In times of trouble relax in God as baby birds rest in the care of their mother's wings.

How do you try to solve problems in your life? Listen to this lesson to learn that you need to turn to God and ask for His help when you are facing troubles and adversities. Hear how David was facing a very evil man who was boasting and seemed all-powerful. Find out that God will not allow this man to prosper for long. When you find yourself being mistreated unfairly by someone, turn this problem over to God and He will judge, break down, and destroy your tormentor and be a blessing to those who are doing what is right.

Have you ever wished that you didn’t need to fear anything because someone more powerful than all your troubles had your back? Listen to this lesson to learn that David explains how God is that One and He cares for you. See that faith conquers fear when our faith is in God. Find out some of the ways we suffer from our enemies by their plans and verbal abuse. In times of trouble remember that we are never alone because God pays very close attention to all of our heartaches.

Have you ever been in what looked like a hopeless situation with no way out? Listen to this lesson to hear about a time when David was pressed on all sides but he turned to God and cried out to be rescued. He trusted God’s mercy instead of giving in to his fears. See that in our prayers we need to remind God what we know about Him and how He has promised to help us. Understand it’s not that our fears go away. We can learn to live above fear and let God’s Word change our focus. In times like this turn to the Psalms for maximum peace and joy.

Did you ever have a temper tantrum or throw a pity party when things around you were falling apart and not going your way? Listen to this lesson to learn that all Christians are given tests by God to prepare them spiritually to rule and reign with Christ someday. See how David handled the unjust circumstances he was facing in contrast to King Saul who became angry and murderous. See one example of legitimate civil disobedience and another of a man who obeys the king and kills the priests. When you find yourself in disaster situations, see it as an opportunity to apply God’s promises and to grow spiritually.

What frightens you? Lack of money? Loss of health? Someone you love or yourself dying? Listen to this lesson to learn that the only fear we should have is fear of the Lord. See that we either fear our circumstances or we fear God. See that when we fear God we are taking refuge in Him for protection. Hear nine principles of fearing the Lord and how it always includes submission to His authority and leads to honor and wisdom and happiness.

Why do believers go through suffering and difficulty? Listen to this lesson to learn three main reasons and how Psalm 34 provides the answers we need. See several different words used to show how God protects and delivers us. Find out that God watches us and is always aware of what is going on in our life and has made provision for us. Learn what the vehicle for exercising the faith-rest drill is.