< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Ark of the Covenant is Captured Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) The Lord’s people are defeated when they turn away from God. The Lord’s people are defeated when they play games with God. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let’s not give the name “Ichabod” to any of our churches or children! QUESTIONS Who were the Philistines? Summarize the battles in 1 Samuel 4. How did Eli the high priest die? What should the Israelites ...
Dec 09, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Lord Calls Samuel to the Office and Ministry of Prophet Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God can commune with children. God can work through children. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Have you ever prayed, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening”? QUESTIONS What was Samuel’s unique role in the nation of Israel? What is the basic difference between a prophet and a priest? Were there prophets before Samuel? What does 1 ...
Dec 08, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Hannah’s Song of Praise Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Hannah is an example of a faithful and dedicated servant. Eli is an example of an unfaithful and undisciplined servant. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Don’t dishonor the Lord by failing to discipline your children. QUESTIONS What is the contrast in this chapter? Where else is Scripture do we see a song of praise similar to Hannah’s? How did Eli’s sons break God’s cer...
Dec 07, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Samuel's Birth and Dedication Printed version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) The prayers of godly mothers are answered in God’s way. The children of godly mothers are blessed in God’s way. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Mothers, are you willing to give up your children to the Lord? QUESTIONS What was Hannah’s vow before the Lord? What is the meaning of Samuel’s name? How does Isaiah 55:8-9 relate to this lesson? Why is it important for ...
Dec 06, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Account of Samuel’s Parents Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God works through all kinds of situations. God works through all kinds of people. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Husbands, try to be sensitive to your wives’ feelings. Don’t be surprised if people misread your actions. QUESTIONS What time period does the book of 1 Samuel cover? What transitional role did Samuel have in the nation of Israel? Is polygamy condon...
Dec 05, 2021
< Ruth Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS A Son is Born to Ruth and Boaz Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Children are a gift from the Lord. God can turn mourning to joy. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Your link to Christ is more important than living happily ever after on earth. You, too, can be a happy grandparent. QUESTIONS Which books of the Bible are named after women? What is the overall theme? How is God’s providence at work seen in the Book of Ruth? What high ...
Dec 05, 2021
< Ruth Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Boaz is Able to be the Kinsman Redeemer Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) The law cannot redeem anyone. Christ can redeem everyone PRACTICAL APPLICATION Remember the women in the genealogy of Christ. QUESTIONS Naomi’s plan for getting Ruth and Boaz worked, but there was one problem to be resolved. What was it? Describe the gate scene and its significance. What was the outcome? The other kinsman took off his sandal. Wha...
Dec 04, 2021
< Ruth Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Boaz is Willing to be the Kinsman Redeemer Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Waiting on God involves a time of testing. Waiting on God assumes that God is working. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Don’t give those who gossip an opportunity. You will never lose out on the best deal if you wait on God. QUESTIONS Did Boaz grudgingly accept his position as kinsman redeemer? What was the kindness of Ruth commended by Boaz, both at the...
Dec 03, 2021
< Ruth Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Naomi Suggests a Plan for Boaz to Marry Ruth Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Generation gaps are not biblical. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Have you found rest at the feet of Jesus? QUESTIONS Under Old Testament law, what were the responsibilities of a kinsman redeemer? How does this apply to the story of Ruth? Was Naomi’s plan to bring about the marriage of Boaz and Ruth a bit risque? We have experienced generation gaps in...
Dec 02, 2021
< Ruth Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Naomi Informs Ruth that Boaz is a Close Relative Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Boaz is a picture of Christ in his kindness. Boaz is a picture of Christ in his position. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let’s glean only in the field of Boaz. QUESTIONS How much is an ephah (of barley)? This doesn’t seem like a lot for a full days work. Discuss. What was Naomi’s reaction when she found out that Ruth had been gleaning in the fiel...
Dec 01, 2021
< Ruth Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Boaz Shows Kindness to Ruth Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) The Bible teaches the Boaz method of encouragement. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Have you found refuge under the wings of the Almighty? QUESTIONS List some of the characteristics of Boaz that portray a spiritual picture of Christ. How did Ruth show her appreciation to Boaz for his kindness to her? What is the Boaz method of encouragement? How did Boaz use this meth...
Nov 30, 2021
< Ruth Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Naomi and Ruth Return to the Land of Israel Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Naomi’s life is a picture of the history of Israel. Ruth’s commitment is a picture of the faith of the church. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Remember that the grass is not greener on the other side of the fence. Remember, it’s not too late yet to return. QUESTIONS Could the deaths of the three men have been a sign of God’s discipline? How is Naomi’s ...
Nov 28, 2021
< Ruth Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Naomi’s Decision to Return to Israel Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) The right decision may not be an easy choice. The right decision may involve considerable change. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Is your commitment more than words? Is your commitment more than emotions? QUESTIONS Did Naomi counsel her daughters-in-law wisely? Is the right decision an easy choice? Consider the decisions of Orpah and Ruth. There may be consid...
Nov 27, 2021
< Ruth Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Events Which Set the Stage for Ruth Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Believers should not make decisions based only on immediate circumstances. Believers should not make decisions based only on human reasoning. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Remember, the decisions you make will make you. QUESTIONS Describe the conditions of the nation Israel during this time (political, economic, spiritual). What is the deeper meaning of ...
Nov 26, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Wives for the Men of Benjamin Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Just because it's a vow before God, doesn't make it right. Just because it works, doesn't make it right. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let's not blame God for our problems. QUESTIONS What happens when there is no central authority, as in the time of the judges? The 600 Benjamite men who survived the civil war had no wives. How did Israel "fix" this situation so ...
Nov 25, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Tribe of Benjamin is Defeated Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God's assistance is not necessarily a sign of God's approval. God can suddenly change the course of events. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Can we say, "Better dead than depraved?" QUESTIONS What did the Levite do when his concubine was violated? Because of this act, how did Israel respond? How was the story of Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah comparable to this sto...
Nov 24, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Israel Goes to War Against the Tribe of Benjamin Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Moral laxity results from a low view of the holiness of God. Moral outrage should lead to correction by discipline. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Take heed lest you fall. QUESTIONS The Lord spoke to the tribes of Israel, telling them to go up to battle against the tribe of Benjamin. How did He speak to them? What were the Urim and Thummim? How...
Nov 23, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Levite and His Concubine Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God's people can sink to the moral level of unbelievers. Society's moral values are not the same as God's moral standards PRACTICAL APPLICATION Remember, we don't drift into godliness. QUESTIONS Why did the Holy Spirit select the sad events toward the end of the Book of Judges to be recorded? What are some of the indications that the Levite had sunk to a ...
Nov 22, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Migration of Dan to Northern Israel Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Eclectic religion is pleasing to man. Eclectic religion is not pleasing to God PRACTICAL APPLICATION Have you experienced the futility and emptiness of idolatry? QUESTIONS "From Dan to Beersheba" describes what land? Were there exceptions to the darkness of the days of the judges? What is eclectic religion? Did the tribe of Dan have an eclectic...
Nov 21, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Dark Days of the Judges Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Spiritual decline opens the door for syncretism. Spiritual decline opens the door for self-seekers. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Beware of idols creeping into the church. QUESTIONS The period of the judges lasted about 350 years, from the time of Samuel to the beginning of the monarchy. Why is this period sometimes called "the dark days of the judges?" Define syn...
Nov 20, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Samson and Delilah; Samson is Victorious in His Death Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Loss of separation results in loss of spiritual power. Loss of separation results in loss of spiritual success. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Don't toy with temptation. QUESTIONS Give two examples from this section of Scripture that illustrate Samson's great physical strength. Who was Delilah, and how did she betray Samson? Review the spi...
Nov 19, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS God Uses Samson to Reduce the Power of the Philistines Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Ungodly anger and revenge bring about great destruction. Godly faith and courage bring about great victory. PRACTICAL APPLICATION If you have a physical need, pray about it. QUESTIONS Samson judged Israel for 20 years. Was this a peaceful time? In Chapters 13 and 14, we read that the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson. In Chapte...
Nov 18, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS God Uses Samson Despite his Shortcomings Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Compromise can ruin a life of great potential Compromise cannot ruin the law of God's providence. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Don't use the Samson method of finding a spouse. QUESTIONS Did Samson reach his full potential as a servant of God? Was Samson a man of faith? When Samson referred to his wife as a heifer, what did that imply? Samson had godl...
Nov 17, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Birth of Samson Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) The mother of Samson is a godly model for all wives. The father of Samson is a godly model for all husbands. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let's watch for God's wonders. QUESTIONS Outline the first two stages of the seventh and last sin cycle in the Book of Judges. Explain what is meant by the statement, "The seven sin cycles in the Book of Judges appear to spiral downwar...
Nov 16, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Jephthah Defeats Ephraim; Judges Ibzan, Elon and Abdon Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Believers should watch out for the sideline critic attitude. Believers should watch out for the "I've-had-it" attitude. Believers should watch out for the "Say Shibboleth" attitude. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let's not be part of a circular firing squad. QUESTIONS Who was Samuel? Why were all of the sons and daughters of the judges me...
Nov 15, 2021
< Back to Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Jephthah’s Foolish Vow and Victory Over the Ammonites Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Sometimes God superimposes His strength on great natural strengths. Sometimes God gives victory in spite of grave human mistakes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let's not make rash and foolish vows. QUESTIONS What foolish vow did Jephthah make? Did Jephthah actually sacrifice his daughter? List arguments for and against. Give two e...
Nov 14, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Jephthah Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Great potential can be lost because of prejudice. God honors the truth, not "spin." PRACTICAL APPLICATION Do you suffer as a result of someone else's mistakes? QUESTIONS Why did Jephthah flee from Gilead? How is Jephthah a picture of the Ruler to come, the perfect Judge? How do we know from Scripture that Jephthah was a man of great potential? What is the meaning of "spin?" ...
Nov 13, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Tola and Jair Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) There is a limit to God's patience. There is no limit to God's love. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Don't make God your last resort. QUESTIONS Tola was a judge of Israel. From whom or what did he save Israel? Who was Jair? How do we know that he was well-to-do? Outline the sixth sin cycle according to the five stages: rebellion, retribution, repentance, restoration, rest. What t...
Nov 12, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Abimelech’s Treachery Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God repays the wickedness of men. God allows evil to repay evil. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Remember, your spirituality is not inherited by your children. QUESTIONS Who was Abimelech? What position did he fill? Was he a proven leader? Who was Gaal? Who was Zebel? What part did they play in the falling out between Abimelech and the inhabitants of Shechem? What was the...
Nov 11, 2021
< Judges Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Abimelech's Three-Year Rule Over Israel Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Bad choices result in bad fall-out. God controls even the evil spirits. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Watch out for smooth talking brambles. QUESTIONS The last days of Gideon were not his best days as judge in Israel. Refer back to 8:22-32, what were some the things that Gideon did wrong at this point? Abimelech was such an evil ruler that many do not ...
Nov 10, 2021
