1 Samuel 21–24

1 Samuel 21

David and the Holy Bread

David Flees to Gath

1 Samuel 22

David at the Cave of Adullam

Saul Kills the Priests at Nob

1 Samuel 23

David Saves the City of Keilah

Saul Pursues David

1 Samuel 24

David Spares Saul's Life

1 Samuel 18-20

1 Samuel 18

David and Jonathan's Friendship

Saul's Jealousy of David

David Marries Michal

1 Samuel 19

Saul Tries to Kill David

1 Samuel 20

Jonathan Warns David

1 Samuel 15-17

1 Samuel 15

The Lord Rejects Saul

1 Samuel 16

David Anointed King

David in Saul's Service

1 Samuel 17

David and Goliath

1 Samuel 17

https://youtu.be/LYClNOhW0zs

1 Samuel 13-14

 1 Samuel 13

Saul Fights the Philistines

Saul's Unlawful Sacrifice

1 Samuel 14

Jonathan Defeats the Philistines

Saul's Rash Vow

1 Samuel 9-12

 1 Samuel 9 
Saul Chosen to Be King

 1 Samuel 10
Saul Anointed King

Saul Proclaimed King

 1 Samuel 11
Saul Defeats the Ammonites
The Kingdom Is Renewed

 1 Samuel 12
Samuel's Farewell Address

Psalms

Psalm 63 – Longing for Assembly

Psalm 84 — The Blessedness of Assembly

Psalm 104: For God So Loves the World

1 Samuel 4-8

 1 Samuel 4

The Philistines Capture the Ark

The Death of Eli

1 Samuel 5

The Philistines and the Ark

1 Samuel 6

The Ark Returned to Israel

1 Samuel 7

The Ark Returned to Israel

Samuel Judges Israel

1 Samuel 8

Israel Demands a King

Samuel's Warning Against Kings

The Lord Grants Israel's Request

1 Samuel Introduction

 1 Samuel Introduction

https://youtu.be/I97PwEJ5Ok0

The books of Samuel narrate the beginning of Israel's monarchy with the rise and fall of King Saul and King David. The true King of Israel will humbly listen to God's word, and God's Kingdom will be established in humility, not pride. But both Saul and David fail to be this humble King and fail to build the nation God desires. It is only Jesus who humbly listens to the voice of God. It is only Jesus who establishes a nation of humility. And it is only Jesus who can cause every proud king to bow.

1 Samuel 1-3

 1 Samuel 1 

Samuel’s Birth

1 Samuel 2 

Hannah Gives Thanks

Samuel Grows Up

1 Samuel 3

God Calls Samuel

Ruth

 Ruth

#Ruth

https://youtu.be/x-JKBeTpO6I

The book of Ruth is a love story between Ruth and Naomi, but even more importantly it's a story about God's loyal love for his people. Ruth was written when there was no king in Israel, during the evil and chaotic time of the Judges. But in the middle of the chaos, God provides not only food and family for a destitute widow but a king and a hope for a nation on the brink.

Psalm 20

Judges 6-7

Judges 6 The Midianites Attack Israel

Judges 7 Gideon Is Encouraged

Judges 3–5

 Judges 3  Gentlemen, Start Your Engines  (Judges Begin to Rule)

 Judges 4 Deborah & Barak

 Judges 5 Song of Deborah & Barak

Psalm 34

#Fear

Psalm 34:11 “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”   

The Church has done a good job of sharing about Jesus, but not as well on teaching about the fear of the Lord.  A recent Barna survey found that 86% of youth had a negative perception of Christians.  The top two reasons given in the survey are: (1) Christians are judgmental and (2) Christians are hypocritical.  These two areas were major teaching points of

Jesus yet are two of the biggest stumbling blocks for people coming to Jesus.  

In the Psalm above, the writer (David) is encouraging you to allow him to teach you the fear of the Lord.  Let’s think about how Jesus would teach you the fear of the Lord?  I believe Jesus would do it by spending time with you.  Jesus began His ministry with hundreds, if not thousands of followers, but whittled them down to 77, then 12, and finally 3 which reflected the increased intensity of teaching, fellowship, and relationship with His disciples. 

Jesus knew that a changed life comes from a healthy fear of God, and a healthy fear of God comes out of the intensity of His relationship with His disciples.  The same is true for followers of Christ today.  Fear of God is reverence, respect, and faith that God is God and He “Is”, “Was”, and “Will Always” be God!  Your fear of God will come out of the intensity of your relationship with Him on a daily basis.  If Jesus were to say to me, “Come, my child, listen to Me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord,” I would envision myself sitting at His feet listening to His words and stories.  Reading His Word, talking to Him, receiving His Word into your life and allowing it to galvanize your life will cultivate intimacy with God.  

A life that is touched by God is a life that fears God.  A life that fears God is a life that is experiencing God’s love and grace while growing in appreciation of who He is.  As you read the following Scriptures, pray for God to open your heart to new levels of intimacy with Him.

Imitate Jesus - Mark 1:35 “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.”   

Priority - Job 23:12 “I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.”  

Hunger for God - Psalm 42:1-2 “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. 

When can I go and meet with God?”  

Refreshed by God - Psalm 90:14 “Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”  

Instructed by God - Isaiah 50:4-5 “The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.  He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.  The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back.”   

Judges Introduction

 Judges Introduction

#Judges

https://youtu.be/kOYy8iCfIJ4

https://youtu.be/IRvDm7PJsAc

The book of Judges is a book of saviors and of judgments. Israel's leaders were supposed to save Israel from their sinful enemies in the Promised Land. But as the book goes on Israel's saviors, and Israel herself, get worse and worse. Ultimately, these saviors are ironic judgments. They are Israel's sin reflected in their leadership until finally, they are no saviors left. But Jesus comes as the final leader who both saves us from our enemies and from God's judgment.

Judges 1–2

 Judges 1

Judges 2

Joshua 22-24

Joshua 22-24

Ch. 22 The EasternTribes Return Home

The Eastern Tribes' Altar of Witness

Ch. 23 Joshua's Charge to Israel's Leaders

Ch. 24 The Covenant Renewal at Shechem

Choose Whom You Will Serve

Joshua's Death and Burial

Joshua 18-21

 Joshua 18-21

Outline

Ch. 18 Allotment of the Remaining Land

•     The Inheritance for Benjamin

Ch. 19 The Inheritance for Simeon

•     The Inheritance for Zebulun
•     The Inheritance for Issachar
•     The Inheritance for Asher
•     The Inheritance for Naphtali
•     The Inheritance for Dan
•     The Inheritance for Joshua

Ch. 20 The Cities of Refuge
Ch. 21 Cities and Pasturelands Allotted to Levi

Thesis: The comprehensive provision of cities for the Levites, as seen in Joshua 21, illustrates the abundance of God's forgiveness, which not only absolves us but also fully equips us for a life of service in his name.

Introduction: God's forgiveness transcends mere absolution; it equips us for a life dedicated to his service.

1. The designation of cities of refuge as mentioned in Joshua 20 symbolizes God's provision for forgiveness and protection against the consequences of unintended sins.
    A. As the cities offered safety for those who committed manslaughter without intent, God's forgiveness envelops us, rescuing us from the eternal consequences of sin (Joshua 20:2-3).
    B. Just as these cities were accessible to all Israelites, God’s forgiveness is available to everyone who seeks him (Joshua 20:9).

2. The allotment of cities to the Levites in Joshua 21 demonstrates God's intention for us to live in communities that nurture our spiritual growth and service.
    A. The specific cities given to the Levites were not just residences; they were centers for worship and spiritual instruction, illustrating how God equips his people for service (Joshua 21:2-3).
    B. Like the Levites, who were distributed throughout Israel to minister, we're called to serve and share God's forgiveness in every sphere of our lives (Joshua 21:41).

3. The completion of God’s promises in providing these cities signifies his faithfulness in fully equipping us for a life of service through his forgiveness.
    A. The fulfillment of this divine provision underscored God's reliability and the comprehensive nature of his forgiveness, which is both a pardon and an empowerment for service (Joshua 21:43-45).
    B. As the Levites were integral to the spiritual life of Israel, so are we, forgiven and empowered, crucial to spreading God's message of redemption and forgiveness in the world today.

Conclusion: In the same way that the cities of refuge and the Levitical cities provided safety, community, and a place of service, God's forgiveness offers us a sanctuary from sin, a spiritual family, and a purposeful mission. Let us embrace this comprehensive forgiveness, allowing it not only to absolve us but to also equip us for impactful service in God’s kingdom. As we move forward, may we live in the abundance of God’s forgiveness, demonstrating it in our lives and sharing it with others. How will you let God’s forgiveness transform you into an instrument of his grace and truth in the world?

Joshua 14-17

Joshua 14-17

Ch. 14 The Inheritance West of the Jordan

    Caleb's Request and Inheritance

Ch. 15 The Allotment for Judah

Ch. 16 The Allotment for Ephraim and Manasseh

Ch. 17 The Allotment for Ephraim and Manasseh

Joshua 9-13