1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)

Are you wondering how you should pray during a crisis? Listen to this lesson to learn about a hymn David wrote where he praises the Lord and asks Him to give the people relief from judgment that is being used in punishment of David’s sins. Hear four questions he asked that are relevant for us. Then learn of an incident in the New Testament when the disciples were arrested and threatened after the healing of a lame man. See how they carefully crafted their prayer and responded to God’s miraculous answer.

When we’re sad and going through difficulties what should our mental attitude be? Listen to this message to learn that our problems are temporary, but God’s grace is forever. Find out what prosperity means in this psalm and how it can lead to arrogance and a sense of self-importance. See that the solution is to turn to God in humility and recognize that all we have is from God.

Do you consider yourself to be cultured? Unlock the meaning of “culture” with this lucid and interesting message discussing how cultures and subcultures develop within groups. See that worldliness refers to a set of beliefs and actions that are not influenced by biblical truth. Find out how God declared His creation to be “tov” or good and what the standards are for that. Hear a number of principles that can help distinguish beauty in music, art, and literature. Understand that beauty is not a human-based standard, but that it comes from God.

Is beauty dependent on personal opinions or is there a standard for beauty? Listen to this message to learn true beauty is divine and is based on God’s essence. Hear a number of biblical words for beauty and how these are used describing God’s attributes. See how beautiful music is a reflection of God’s majesty and splendor. Understand that anything that dishonors God can never be beautiful.

Have you heard about the worship wars? Listen to this lesson to learn that for some time churches have been engaged in trying to agree on what constitutes good church music. Hear some fallacies to avoid and certain criteria for making decisions in this arena. Find out what makes music beautiful and what standards are used to measure this. See that the Scriptures express the splendor and beauty of God and the music we sing should express this.

Does praising God always involve singing? Listen to this message to learn many facets of praise and the important role that singing and music plays in worship. Hear four basic meanings for the Hebrew word sheol that are used in the psalms. Remember to take time daily to declare thanks to God and praise Him for what He has done for you.

Have you offered praise to God today? Listen to this lesson to learn what it means to praise God and begin to study a psalm written by David when he was praising God for forgiveness after he failed the prosperity test. Find out that it is God’s character that we praise and what He has done for us in our lives. Hear about two kinds of praise and the building of both the Tabernacle and the Temple. Remember to tell others what God has done and is doing for you.

What mental attitude motivated David to number the people and see how destructive it is to all of us. Find out the importance of passing the prosperity test. See reasons why the numbers mentioned here are literal numbers. Hear David’s confession of his sin, the choices God gives him for discipline, and the results of this. Watch a video of the location of Araunah’s threshing floor and the part it played in this instance.

Why was it wrong for David to “number the people?” Listen to this message to learn what it means that the anger of the Lord burned against the people and find out what the mental attitude was behind taking this census. Learn what Satan’s role was in this. See the destructiveness of arrogance in a believer’s life.

How does God protect us? By supernatural means or by using others around us? Listen to this lesson to learn that many times God uses others to carry out His protection of us. Hear a number of incidents when David was in need of protection and the means that God accomplished this. Find out some of David’s character virtues in the way he responded to these men. Just like David, today we need to learn that God is our defense and our deliverer and we can trust Him in every circumstance. The movie, “American Gospel: Christ Alone‘ that Dr. Dean discussed in this lesson is available on Netflix.

That’s not fair! Everyone is outraged at times over the unfairness they see all around them. Listen to this lesson to learn that we live in a fallen world and that life is not fair. Find out that the Bible defines perfect justice and promises a time when there will be a ruler, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring justice to all. Until then, we need to accept that no group can bring justice by marching and demanding it. See that as believers we must be conformed in our thinking to God’s plan for our lives by studying the Word of God and walking by means of the Spirit.

Are you a vampire Christian? Listen to this message to measure yourself against four ways Christians act like vampires. Contrast these with David’s praising God for delivering him when he was almost overwhelmed by his enemies. See God intervenes in the lives of those who trust Him to protect and deliver them from all the evil around them. Recognize that we are to be loyal to God at all times in spite of our failures.

Should people have to pay for the wrongs their families or countrymen did before they were born? Listen to this message to hear principles of biblical justice. Listen to the episode where Israel was tricked into making a covenant with the Gibeonites and what King Saul and his family did to them later. Find out how David handled the situation and made a wise decision about how the matter should be handled. As believers today, we should pray that true biblical justice would be restored to our land.

The world around us seems to be going up in flames with riots and rebellions. How can we understand what is going on? Listen to this message to learn the underlying causes of the problems. Find out the meaning of social justice. Hear a comparison between Marxism and Christianity to gain a deeper understanding of the turmoil. See what the organizations of Black Lives Matter and Antifa espouse and see the close connection between their goals. As believers see how we are to talk to those involved in these causes to win them to Christ with respect and gentleness.

Must we do everything our government tells us to do no matter what they demand of us? Listen to this lesson to learn biblical principles that answer the question of whether it is ever right to say we cannot obey something that is ordered. Hear a historical summary beginning with Martin Luther of how the Bible has shown when a government is unjust. See what is the difference between the American War for Independence and what is going on in the rebellion and riots of today.

Everywhere we look we see evildoers trying to destroy our country. Should we protest against them? Listen to this lesson to learn that God has established authority and believers are instructed to obey it. See the exception to that principle when someone is ordered to disobey God in some manner. Hear a panorama of biblical rebels who were doing what was right. Find out that tyrannical government is to be resisted. See if Martin Luther’s rebellion against the Roman Catholic Church was just. Learn about the Magdeburg Confession and its application.

How should we handle injustice in our nation? Listen to this lesson to learn biblical principles to guide us in our quest for justice for all. Hear an overview of who the protestors are who are currently rioting and what is behind their acts. Find out how Absalom brooded over what he thought was injustice in his life that led to his rebellion against David. See Sheba’s scheme to turn the people against David and why he failed. Remember that rebellion is always an act against God and will not solve injustice. During this lesson Dr. Dean mentioned the books The Universe Next Door by James Sires and Did America Have a Christian Founding? by Mark David Hall.

What causes revolutions and rebellions? Listen to this lesson to learn that fallen mankind is always seeking to take power away from those with it. Find out about the rebellion of Sheba who was unwilling to submit to God’s authority. See how Joab pursued him and the advice he was given by a wise woman which ended the rebellion. When we face rebellion and chaos in our country we, too, need to deal with it in the wisdom from God’s Word.

Are godless socialist societies able to build utopias where all are treated equally? Listen to this lesson to learn that only God, not people with their sin natures, can bring about perfection. Hear how David treated Shimei and other enemies with grace. Find out how Mephibosheth was innocent of betraying David as Ziba had claimed. See how God used wealthy Barzillai to supply David’s needs. Personally, look for opportunities to extend grace to everyone in your life.

After Absalom was killed and his rebellion crushed how did David resume his role as king? Listen to this lesson to learn how David treated his defeated enemies in grace with the exception of his own general, Joab, whom he replaced. Hear the two limited roles of government according to the Bible which our Founding Fathers followed. Just as David did, we need to learn to love our enemies and treat them in grace.

Grief. How should Christians handle it? Listen to this lesson to learn biblical principles for grieving the loss of someone or some thing close to us. Understand that emotion is not a sin but that some of our reactions to loss can lead to sinful actions. Find out how Jesus grieved in the Garden of Gethsemane and when His friend, Lazarus, died. See how David’s grief for his rebellious son, Absalom, was harming the nation and how he accepted reproof and turned it around. Accept that everyone suffers loss but that we can trust that God’s plan is best when we suffer loss.

What happens when a Christian tries to bring about his own will instead of God’s? Listen to this lesson to learn about a time when David forgot his responsibility to the people he ruled and told the army to protect his rebellious son, Absalom. Hear about the death of Absalom in the victorious battle and how David took this news. We, too, need to avoid putting family or anything else above God’s will.

Is there a pattern between David’s flight from Absalom that parallels Christ’s journey on His last night before the Crucifixion? Find out eight points that show the similarities. See how Hushai cleverly counters Ahithophel’s advice to kill David and what he urges David to do. See Ahithophel’s tragic end when he realizes what has happened. Today, we need to realize that we are being provided for by God just as David and his followers were cared for during this difficult time.

When all around you is uncertain, where should you turn for help? Listen to this lesson to hear about a time when David appeared to be in a hopeless situation. Find out how God worked behind the scenes for him as his former counselor, Ahithophel, gave Absalom excellent advice which should have been followed. When we face a crisis, we need to accept that God is sovereign and we can trust Him to provide the help we need.

Did you ever have someone close to you turn against you? Listen to this lesson to hear how not only David’s son, but also his trusted advisor overthrew him and sent him fleeing from Jerusalem. In this chaotic atmosphere David had to decide whether to give in to fear and despair or to believe God’s promises. Today we face tremendous upheaval and we, too, need to remember that God is sovereign and His plan is being fulfilled in the world.

When a person or culture reject God’s truth, where do they turn for their values? Listen to this lesson to learn about mankind’s sin nature that results in arrogance without the truth of God’s Word. Find out about six arrogance skills that lead to a downward spiral of destruction. Hear about Shimei’s disrespectful, arrogant confrontation with David and how David responded in humility. Be on the alert for the deception of your own sin nature that must be countered by studying God’s Word.

What is the grace of God and how can you orient your life to it? Listen to this lesson to learn that grace is when God does not give us what we deserve but treats us in Divine love. See that He always gives us what we need, whether blessing or discipline. Find out that we are to apply grace in our own lives to others and it is a skill that can be learned by means of studying God’s Word through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Recognize that God’s grace is always working in our lives to conform us to the character of Christ.

What is the purpose for the rebellion of Absalom’s being revealed in the Word of God? Listen to this lesson to learn about seven scenes of his revolt and six different situations where David has to make decisions based on either divine viewpoint or human viewpoint. See that these decisions were tests for David’s spiritual growth. Accept that we will go through tests where we, too, must either trust God or trust in our own efforts.

Lambs and sheep are such cuddly creatures that most people love them. Listen to this lesson to learn six facts that show that sheep are helpless, stupid animals who cannot survive without a shepherd and that throughout the Bible believers are called sheep. Find that that God is our Shepherd on whom we must constantly depend for protection and provision. Hear an in-depth study of Psalm 23 where it describes the wonderful ways that God cares for us so we never lack anything we need and need never fear any danger.

How can we stop being afraid in times of disaster? Listen to this lesson to learn that trusting in God is always the solution to fear. Hear some of the attacks on David discussed in Psalm 64 and how his enemies are gloating. See that God is going to turn the tables on these wicked people. Find out the difference between making foolish decisions and wise decisions in times of danger and be ready to explain the hope and confidence you have to those around you who are falling apart.

Has the COVID-19 virus or some other sudden crisis turned your life on its head? If so, how do you recover? Listen to this message to hear timeless, biblical principles that help us to do the responsible thing as we trust in God. Find out how we are to pray during disastrous times following David’s example of laying out his complaint before God and displaying confidence that God would answer. Accept that we need to believe in God’s deliverance even when He is not answering us the way we want.

Do you struggle with worry and anxiety when facing unexpected troubles? Listen to this lesson to learn the secret to peace, contentment, and joy in your life when everything seems against you. Hear how David recovered from the treachery of his son, Absalom, by remembering who was in control. Instead of slipping into self pity, he began to focus on how God had promised to be his shield and defender whatever happened. We, too, need to remember that nothing takes God by surprise and He has already determined the course of our life so we can relax and trust in His providential care.

When you’re hit by an avalanche of troubles, do you panic? Listen to this lesson to learn how David handled a situation that looked hopeless in Psalm 3. See how he first poured out his troubles to the Lord and then turned his thinking to an appreciation of God as his Deliverer. Hear about three adversaries we face in the Christian life and the way to handle them. Be challenged to have peace and stability when everything in your life is falling apart as you put your trust in God.

When facing a crisis, are you wise or foolish? Listen to this lesson to learn about David’s wisdom and humility when he was forced to flee his home and his throne in face of the treachery of his son, Absalom. Find out about the tests he is facing as those who are loyal to David leave with him. See photos and maps of Jerusalem where David had to decide how to care for the people fleeing with him. Learn what David prayed at this time and understand that the only way to handle every crisis in your life is with humility and trust in God’s provision.

Tricky politicians are nothing new. Listen to this lesson to hear about Absalom and the methods he used in scheming to become the next king of Israel. Hear the deceitful practices he employed as he ran down his father, David, and played into the hands of the people by telling them what they wanted to hear. Find out that he even used religion as a ruse to get his way. See the contrast between Absalom who acted on the basis of the arrogance of his sin nature and David who confessed his sins and was “a man after God’s own heart.”

What causes an individual, family, or nation to implode? Listen to this lesson to hear how a lust for power wreaks havoc in David’s family. See Absalom’s desire to become the next ruler of Israel and how David, who has lost his moral authority, is unable to effectively discipline his son. Learn about the many facets of Joab’s role during this time. Hear the deception of the widow from Tekoa and how Joab’s part is revealed. See the importance of recognizing our own lust patterns so we can apply the wisdom needed to control them.

Explore the tragic story in graphic detail of David’s children as they deal with the consequences of sin. Hear about the rape of Tamar by her half-brother Amnon and the two-fold motivation for Absalom’s murder of Amnon. See how this story touches all of our own lives as we deal with our sin natures and the importance of controlling our lusts as a part of personal responsibility.

What causes us to rush headlong into doing things we know we shouldn’t? Listen to this lesson to learn how everyone is born with a sin nature. Find out about our lusts and lust patterns and how they influence our behavior. Hear eight facts about lusts and biblical examples of those who gave in to these lust patterns. Find out the solution to handle the temptations that come from our sin nature.

Does God have favorites that He loves more than others? Listen to this lesson to learn a wide range of meanings for the words “love” and “hate” and how they refer to nations rather than individuals in some cases. Find out the connection between these people who are said to be loved and the role they have been selected to play in the plan of God to bring the Messiah into the world through the House of David. See that this has nothing to do with their salvation. Complete this section of 2 Samuel by learning how David finally conquers the Ammonites.

How is God involved in the human life found in the womb? Listen to this lesson to learn biblical terms that discuss when God is either directly or indirectly involved in events. Find out if the fact that God is indirectly involved makes it less significant. Find out the part God’s omniscience plays in what happens to the child in the womb, even before the baby has its soul. See a number of Bible passages discussing these subjects and understand that every life has significance and meaning.

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’s 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.