Podcasts about bible podcasts

Our world clamors after spiritual guidance from sources like horoscopes, fortune tellers, even the occult. Today we'll unpack Deuteronomy 18 which lays out, in clear terms, God's view on the occult. Plus, it tells us WHO we should be listening to and HOW we can know if it is God speaking through them. Join us for another powerful lesson from the key chapters of God's Word! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    The opening verses of Deuteronomy 18 speak about the financial provision of the priests. Why did the Lord say that the priests were to have the Lord as their focus? What was the principle behind this instruction? How does this tie into Jacob's prophecy regarding Levi in Genesis 49:7? 2.    How was the act of child-sacrifice similar to our modern abortion? Why did God condemn these practices?  3.    Verses 10 & 11 prohibit various kinds of occult practices. Why was it wrong to seek guidance by these means? Will the Lord ever guide us by them? How are these practices still part of our world today? What place should they have in the life of the Christian?  4.    Why were Joseph's or Daniel's or any true prophet's prophecies different from divinization?  5.    When Saul went to the Witch of Endor in 1st Samuel 28, what happened soon afterwards? How was that a fulfillment of the warning here in verse 12?  6.    Verse 14 says that the nations listen to people who practice these kinds of things. Why do people seek guidance by these means? How does this show a lack of fellowship with the true God?  7.    Why is there no shortcut to learning to walk with God and follow His will? What did the podcast suggest goes into knowing God's will for our life?  8.    In verses 18 & 19, what will happen to those people who do not listen to God's true prophets?  9.    According to verses 20-22, how can we determine if a person is a true prophet? How can we determine who is a false prophet?  10.    According to Matthew 24:11, what will false prophets do more of in the end times? Why? How will this cause confusion in the world? According to Matthew 24:23, should we believe them?  11.    The podcast ended by encouraging Christians to not try to find God's will by looking at omens. What should we do instead?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

One of the most important duties of all parents is to teach the Word of God to their children. Today, we're looking at a powerful passage that calls us to always be about the work of teaching God's Word to those around us. Join us for another important study in the Key Chapters of God's Word! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    Read over Deuteronomy 6:1-3, why is there such earnestness in these words? What attitude are Moses and the Lord exhorting God's people to have towards His Word? How much do these words match your devotion to God's Word? 2.    Why is this passage called the "Shema"? What does the word "Shema" even mean? 3.    The podcast mentioned that the last letter of the last word of Deuteronomy 6:4 is larger than normal. This is called a majuscule. What did it signify? 4.    What did the podcast say that ancient rabbis called this passage? How often is this passage recited by an observant Jew? Why? 5.    According to verse 5, what should our heart-attitude be towards the Lord? How does this verse demonstrate the interconnection of a heart, soul and strength? What were some ways suggested by the podcast for how we can develop this kind of love for the Lord? 6.    The podcast suggested that the phrase "upon your heart" in verse 6 was indicating that God's people ought to memorize His Word. Do you have a program for scripture memorization? If not, there are many phone apps that are great tools for verse memory. 7.    The NIV translation of verse 7 calls us to "impress" God's Word upon our children. The Hebrew word denotes patient labor and time. Why is it the parent's responsibility to teach God's Word to our children? How can our instruction help prepare them for the barrage of messages from the world? 8.    In verse 7, what do the phrases "sit", "walk", "lie down" and "rise up" indicate about the places where parents are to teach God's Word to their children? What do they indicate about the frequency? If you have children, what are some practical ways that you can faithfully obey this passage?  9.    How do observant Jews literally follow the instructions of verses 8 & 9? Why did the podcast suggest that this should be taken more metaphorically? What are some ways that Christians might follow the spirit of this verse? 10.    This passage teaches that parents have a special role in the spiritual instruction and guidance of their children. Why do parents have this special role? According to Deuteronomy 6, what is their responsibility in these matters? How will God help them as they seek to obey Him in these pursuits?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

We often talk about the 10 Commandments, but did you know they were actually given twice to the Children of Israel? Not only that, but the context of this retelling of the 10 Commandments in Deuteronomy 5 clarifies what these commands meant and how the people were to learn them and live by them. Join us!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    What does the name "Deuteronomy" mean? Who was this Second Law given to? Why did they need this law a second time?  2.    In terms of an overview of Deuteronomy 5, what is this passage about? What other Old Testament passage is similar to this one? 3.    What did the podcast say about the word "hear" means in verse 1? What was God calling the people to do? Can we be obedient to this instruction if we barely read the Bible and barely understand it? 4.    In verses 2 &3, what basis is given for these 10 Commandments? Where did their parents already covenant with the Lord? How did this next generation's obedience reflect their agreement to be in covenant with God? 5.    What were God's 10 Commandments that are given in verses 7 to 21? How does the slight wording difference between Deuteronomy 5 and Exodus 20 help clarify what these commands mean? 6.    How does verse 31 speak to the role of the priests back then? How might this be reflected in Paul instruction to Timothy in 2nd Timothy 4:2? Why was this necessary? What would happen to the people if these passages were not followed by the leadership? 7.    What does verse 32 mean by "turning aside"? What would this have looked like in their day? What does it look like in ours? 8.    What is God's challenge for His people in verse 33? What goes into walking in the way of the Lord?  Are there any areas of your own life where you're not faithfully walking with the Lord? What should be done about them? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

One of the most important principles of the Christian life is that of living by faith. Today, we're studying Numbers 21 where the people's faith is truly a matter of life & death. We'll see the severity of their situation and how their faith prefigured the faith that we're to have in Jesus as our only way of salvation. Join us for another important study in God's Word! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    The podcast mentioned that we skipped over several chapters which chronicled several difficult challenges that the Children of Israel faced. What do you think the people's mood would have been like at this point?  2.    What were the events of Numbers 21:1-3? What did the Children of Israel do? How was this unique? How did the Lord respond to them in verse 3? 3.    Verse 4 sets up the main event of this chapter. Verse 4 mentions that they had left Mount Hor and were going around the land of Edom. This was going to be a 200-mile detour. How did the people handle this in verse 5? How do you think you would have responded to a 200-mile trek that was out of your way? 4.    In verse 6, what was the Lord's response to their complaints? How was their response different in verse 7? 5.    In verse 8, what did the Lord tell Moses to make? What were the children of Israel supposed to do with this? What would happen if they obeyed? Did people obey? 6.    The podcast went over some of the heart change their obedience would demonstrate. What do you think their obedience reflected about their belief in God?  7.    Now, fast forward 700 years to 2 Kings 18:1-4. What were the people doing with the Bronze Serpent in this passage? How did their behavior reflect the people's faith now? What did Hezekiah do with the Bronze Serpent? How did his actions reflect his faith and obedience? How do Hezekiah's actions show us the way to handle anything that gets in the way of true worship?  8.    In John 3:14-16, Jesus refers to this event when explaining the kind of faith we need to have to be saved. How does looking at the Bronze Serpent prefigure the faith we are to have in Christ? What are we to be trusting Christ for?  9.    How is Jesus the only way of salvation, in a way that is similar to the Bronze Serpent being the only way the people could be saved?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Numbers 13 & 14 is one of those passages we just have to know. This passage explains why the Children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. It also helps us understand the necessity of faith and trust in God in all times. Finally, it shows us the tragic outcome when people are defeated by doubt. Join us for a powerful study in how faith and trust ultimately overcome doubt and despair.  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    If someone asked you, "Why did the Israelites wander in the wilderness, before today's study, what would you have said?"  2.    What were some of the ways that the Lord has already shown the people His power and faithfulness? How did these manifestations further add to the people's judgment in these chapters?  3.    In verse 2, the Lord says that He was going to give the people the Land of Canaan. Why is it important that they (and us) understand that this land was a gift God was giving to them? How would that change the nature of the conquest?  4.    What were the first things the spies said about the land in verse 27? What did they go on to say about the land?  5.    How did Caleb see the situation differently in verse 30? What do you think led him to make these conclusions?  6.    How did the people view themselves in verse 33? Why would it have been impossible for them to go forward with this mindset? How do people sometimes have this same mindset today? What is the antidote for this kind of thinking?  7.    In the early verses of Numbers 14, what were the people doing? What did they conclude in verse 4? Why was this an act of rebellious mutiny?  8.    What did Joshua and Caleb try to do, again, in verse 7 to 9? What did this reflect about the depth of their faith? How did the people respond to their words in verse 9?  9.    Who stepped in to save the situation in verse 10? Why was this necessary?  10.    The next stretch of verses record God's verdict on the people. How would you summarize this judgment? Why would God condemn the people to this fate?  11.    What did the people try to do in verse 40? What did the podcast explain about the nature of this false repentance? How do people sometimes demonstrate a similar false repentance today? 12.    What did Moses tell the people in verse 41 to 43? Why were his words going to be true? 13.    What did the people do in verse 44? What happened to them in verse 45? How did this demonstrate God's judgment upon them? What would have happened if they had not rebelled against the Lord in these two chapters?  14.    From what you have seen in this chapter, what are some dangers of grumbling and complaining? How does this affect our relationship with the Lord? His people?  15.    Is there any place in your own life where you're tempted to disobey God's Word? Why is that a lack of faith? From these principles, what danger are you facing (or would you face)? How can you bring that to the Lord for His cleansing grace?   Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

There are times when it seems like we've just been benched by God and we may not know why. Well, today, we'll look at Numbers 12 and read about what God did to pull down Miriam and Aaron's influence among the people of God. We'll see that they were sidelined for pride. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: Numbers 12 1.    Have you ever heard someone who wanted to be involved in ministry, but just seemed to be stuck? Why do you think that was? 2.    In verse 1, what was the surface reason that Aaron and Miriam were upset with Moses? What was the real reason for their complaint that was given in verse 2? 3.    What was the difference between the Lord's communication with Moses (in verses 6-8) versus His communication with others? 4.    In verse 8, the Lord says that Moses has even beheld His form. Likewise, Exodus 24:10-11 indicates that the leaders also saw the Lord. Aaron was part of that group. How does this reality bring further judgment upon Aaron's insurrection? 5.    How might Aaron's experience in leadership have tempted him to pursue a level of leadership not given to him by the Lord?  6.    What was God's judgment on Miriam in verse 10? What does this seem to indicate about her role in this little revolt? How did Moses intercede for her in this passage? 7.    How did Miriam being put out of the camp for a week reduce her influence over the rest of the people? Why was this necessary?  8.    Have you ever heard someone who wanted to be involved in ministry, but just seemed to be stuck? Why do you think that was? 9.    In verse 1, what was the surface reason that Aaron and Miriam were upset with Moses? What was the real reason for their complaint that was given in verse 2? 10.    What was the difference between the Lord's communication with Moses (in verses 6-8) versus His communication with others? 11.    In verse 8, the Lord says that Moses has even beheld His form. Likewise, Exodus 24:10-11 indicates that the leaders also saw the Lord. Aaron was part of that group. How does this reality bring further judgment upon Aaron's insurrection? 12.    How might Aaron's experience in leadership have tempted him to pursue a level of leadership not given to him by the Lord?  13.    What was God's judgment on Miriam in verse 10? What does this seem to indicate about her role in this little revolt? How did Moses intercede for her in this passage? 14.    How did Miriam being put out of the camp for a week reduce her influence over the rest of the people? Why was this necessary?  15.    What are some principles we can glean regarding personal ambition? How can a person legitimately step forward in leadership while not making the same prideful mistakes as Aaron and Miriam? 16.    Have you ever been benched by God? What steps go into being restored to service to Him? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

There are times, in all of our lives, when we're tempted to grumble and complain. These times can discourage ourselves and others. Today, we'll study Numbers 11 and see how the Children of Israel's grumbling brought discouragement to Moses and judgment upon themselves.  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    The podcast suggests that Numbers might be one of the hardest books of the Bible to read and understand. What books have you found difficult to work through? Why? 2.    What does the people's complaints indicate about their trust in the Lord? How is this a break in their covenant with Him?  3.    What was the primary complaint of this passage that was given in verses 4-6?  4.    What does verse 10 indicate about the solidarity of the people in this grumbling? Does this unity in the midst of their grumbling prove that their grumbling was righteous? How do you know? 5.    In verse 18, the Lord called the people to consecrate themselves to Him. According to Leviticus 1, how was a person consecrated to the Lord? What was the reason for this consecration? What did the need for this consecration indicate about their standing with the Lord?  6.    What did the Lord tell Moses do in verses 16 to 17? What were these people for? How do you think they would have helped Moses bear the pressures of leadership? If you're in a position of leadership, how can you help the other leaders around you bear up under their burdens?  7.    When the Lord provided quail in verse 31, how did the people respond in verse 32? What does their response indicate about who or what they were putting their trust in?  8.    Although there is no indication that the people had obeyed God's command to consecrate themselves to Him (from verse 18), even if they had reconsecrated themselves to Him, how does their hoarding of the quail indicate that they weren't actually trusting Him?  9.    As we consider all that we've been reading about the Children of Israel, how were these people falling into a pattern of complaining? How was this affecting their own well-being? Their relationship with the Lord? Their relationships with one another? Their relationship with the leadership?  10.    What was the ultimate outcome of their complaining? Was it a righteous outcome? 11.    The podcast pointed out that in verse 21, Moses refers to 600,000 people, but we know from Numberers 1:46 that the number was actually 603,550. The podcast explained some principles regarding the Bible's use of round and specific numbers? What principles were given? How does this help us understand these differences? 12.    In this passage, Moses clearly was discouraged. How did he handle his discouragement in this passage? How should he have handled it? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

A common question that people have is "Is God judging me?" Today we're going to look at Leviticus 26 which unpacks the judgments of God and helps us understand why God might judge someone and what that judgment is supposed to accomplish. So join us in another study of the Key Chapters of the Bible!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    This passage contains familiar commands with unique emphases. How does verse 1 help us see clearly that the command to have no idols before God simply means to not bow down to worship anyone or anything but the Lord? 2.    Verse 2 links keeping the Sabbath with "revering" God's sanctuary. What do you think this means? Why does the Lord link these two ideas together?  3.    What is the command given in verse 3? What are the promises listed in verses 4-12? How might these promises inspire God's people to obey Him? How are they contingent upon the people's obedience to verse 3? 4.    What is the shift in tone that comes with verse 14? Why do you think the Lord has provided this shift? 5.    What do you think verse 15 means when it warns that the people's soul might abhor His ordinances? What would that look like in the life of an individual Jew? What does it look like in our world today, for a person to abhor God's commands?  6.    In verses 16 to 20, what does the Lord warn that His judgment will look like in their heart, home and society?  7.    What does verse 34 show us about God's concern for creation? Why do you think God has this concern?  8.    We might be tempted to think that the end of chapter 26 is just fire and brimstone, but what is the path of forgiveness in verses 40-42? What will the Lord do if they repent? 9.    What promise does the Lord give in verses 44 & 45 when the people dwell in the land of their enemies? What does this show us about God keeping His covenant with His people? 10.    How does this whole passage show God's love for His people? How about His grace and mercy and forgiveness?  11.    This passage shows us many blessings that come from obedience. What are some that are stated in Leviticus 26? How does it show us God's desire that we walk down a path that will receive His blessings? 12.    As you consider your life, is the path you're on a path that receives God's blessings or judgments? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

We might not realize just how amazing and profound the Jewish Feasts were, but today we'll see that not only were they times of great celebration, remembrance and consecration; but even more importantly, they specifically and directly pointed the entire nation of Israel to her Messiah. Join us in another key study of another key chapter of God's Word!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: Leviticus 23 1.    According to the podcast, how was the Jewish calendar set? How might that produce fluidity for when the Jewish feasts would be held? 2.    What was the Sabbath feast that's mentioned in verse 3? What did this feast consist of?  3.    In terms of the Jewish calendar year, what was the first feast that was mentioned in Leviticus 23? When you compare this explanation to Exodus 12, which passage provides more description? 4.     According to the podcast, what could the Passover Feast be compared to in the USA? What did Passover commemorate? How did the Passover point to Jesus? 5.    Verse 6 mentions the Feast of Unleavened Bread. What event did this point to? What did "yeast" come to point to? In verse 8, what did they offer daily for seven days? How might this cause the people to contemplate and renew their commitment to the Lord? 6.    What did the Feast of Unleavened Bread point to with Jesus? How might this renew our consecration to the Lord? 7.    What did the Feast of First Fruits celebrate? In verse 14, what were the people to refrain from doing until this feast was celebrated? In light of 1st Corinthians 15:20, how did this feast point to Jesus' resurrection? 8.    What feast is explained in verse 16? When was this to occur? What did it celebrate? In the New Testament, what event happened on Pentecost? 9.    Verse 24 speaks about the Feast of Trumpets, what is this called in modern days? What event is being celebrated? How was this event inaugurated every year? According to 1 Corinthians 15:52, what will the Lord do when He blasts the trumpet? 10.    Verses 26-32 speaks of the Day of Atonement. What were the people to do on this day while the High Priest performed the sacrifices? Why were the people to refrain from working? In verse 29, what would happen to the person who did not humble their souls? Why? 11.    Verses 33 to 36 speak about the Feast of Tabernacles (also called Sukkot or the Feast of Booths). What would the people do on this feast? What does this show us about the Lord's desire for His people to enjoy these feasts? How did this point to Jesus, who tabernacled among His people?   Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Leviticus 18 is a well-known passage for its long list of condemnation of various sexual sins. And while it may be overwhelming, it's still helpful for us to know what God thinks about the sins of our world. And, even more importantly, we need to understand the judgment that awaits those who flagrantly violate His commands. So, join us in this heavy chapter that guides us in what purity looks like in an impure world.  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: Leviticus 18 1.    The podcast mentioned that ancient rabbis supposedly said that the Book of Leviticus was one of the first books that should be taught to children. How might the difficult material of Leviticus 18 protect children?  2.    The podcast explained that the Book of Leviticus contains specific laws for the Israelites, but that Leviticus 18 was for all nations, for all times. What in Leviticus 18 shows this to be the case? What does Leviticus 18 show us will happen to a nation that violates these laws?  3.    Verse 4 end by reminding the people that the Lord is their God. Why was this simple fact so important for them to remember when it comes to these laws? "Who" or "what" might be in competition with the Lord on these matters?  4.    When people refuse to obey God's laws, they often cite themselves and what they want to do; or what they think is right. Who are these people ultimately saying is their "god"?  5.    What does verse 6 (and following) mean by the phrase "uncover their nakedness"? Who is spoken of in this prohibition in verses 7 to 11? How does the repetition of this command clarity what is pure in God's eyes? 6.    In verse 25, what will the land do with those who break these laws? How have we seen this happen throughout history? 7.    Sometimes people read Leviticus 18 looking for gaps that where they can do something impure because it's not listed in this passage. Is this passage meant to be exhaustive? What was Jesus' point in Matthew 5:27&28? How does this help us understand the principle of holiness in life?  8.    If you were to read Leviticus 18 in the public sphere (such as at work/school, etc.), how do you think people would respond? Where can you pray for the Lord to open hearts that people might repent and follow His ways? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Anyone who has read much of Leviticus knows that it has a lot to say about "blood". Although it's kind of an unusual topic in our day and age, it was central to the Old Testament system of worship. Today, as we study Leviticus 17, we find out why. We also find that it's in the context of God's prohibitions about homemade, made-up worship. So join us in another study in another Key Chapter of the Bible! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    What did verses 3 & 4 prohibit? In light of what we learned from Leviticus 10, what principles were driving this instruction? How might a person who did not live near to the tabernacle think they could cut corners and engage in personal, private worship? 2.    Verse 5 calls the people to engage in "peace offerings" at the tabernacle under the oversight of the priest. What did we learn about peace offerings in our study of Leviticus 3, specifically in terms of communion and fellowship with one another? Why was this critical for the spiritual life of the Children of Israel?  3.    The podcast also suggested that the prohibitions against private sacrifices would put an end to "religion for hire". In what ways would this command end that practice?  4.    The podcast also suggested that this command would help people break from thinking that religion was all about personal blessing. How would not engaging in private sacrifices do this?  5.    Even after these commands were given, how did people violate these prohibitions of "religion for hire" or "religion for personal blessings"? How do we see people in our world still falling into these temptations today? 6.    In verse 7, what does the phrase "no longer" indicate about the need for this prohibition against the worship of goat-demons? 7.    In verse 11, why weren't the people allowed to eat the blood of an animal? What did that blood represent?  8.    Already, our study in Leviticus has shown us how integral blood is to the sacrificial system. In what ways have we seen its use in the sacrifices? 9.    In verse 13, an animal's blood that was spilled on the ground was to be covered in dirt. How does this help us see the sacredness of even an animal's blood? Does the world reflect this sacred view of blood in how blood is characterized in movies and TV? 10.    How does Hebrews 9:18-22 help us understand how these principles relate to the blood of Jesus? 11.    The podcast makes an interesting link between the priest's sacrifices of the Old Testament and their role in the death of Jesus. What was that link? Do you think this was deliberate or just a coincidence? 12.    In light of everything we've said about blood in Leviticus 17, what have you learned and how has it helped you understand Christ's shed blood for your sins? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.     

Leviticus 16 is one of the most important chapters in the entire Old Testament because it tells us how a person is made holy enough to be in God's holy presence. Today in our study of Leviticus 16, we'll explain the details to see how they ultimately point to Jesus Christ. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    The podcast asserted that Leviticus 16 is the most important chapter in the book of Leviticus, and one of the most important chapters in the entire Bible. Why did the podcast suggest this?  2.    The podcast mentioned that Leviticus 16 answers the question: "How can a sinful person come into the presence of a holy God?" Why does God require holiness of everyone and everything that comes into His presence? The podcast gave two of the most common ways people answer that question; what were they? 3.    Think back to what we've learned over the last couple of weeks, what specific place signified God's presence in ancient Israel? Who went into His presence? How often? 4.    In verse 3, on the Day of Atonement (the Yom Kippur) the High Priest would first bring an offering for himself. Why was this necessary? How does this help us understand the principle taught in the New Testament that there is only one mediator between God and man?  5.    Overall, how many animals were sacrificed on the Day of Atonement? Which ones and for whom? 6.    In verse 4, what was the High Priest supposed to wear on the Day of Atonement? What did this signify? How does this foreshadow Christ's work as our High Priest?  7.    In verse 8, what were the two goats for? How was their role decided? How do the two goats teach the principle of justice being meted out for sin and also for the removal of sin? 8.    In verse 12, where was Aaron to bring the fire pan? What did this symbolize? What is the significance of this item now coming into the presence of God? 9.    In verse 15, where did Aaron bring the blood of the goat that was offered to the Lord by way of sacrifice? Where did he sprinkle it? 10.    In verse 21, what would Aaron do with the scapegoat? What did this point to? 11.    In verses 29 and 31, what were the people supposed to do while all this was happening? What does this mean? How did this give the people a role in the Day of Atonement? How does this show us that each person has a personal responsibility to have their sins dealt with? 12.    The podcast mentioned that Leviticus 23:29 says that if a person would not humble their heart and soul before the Lord, they ought to be cut off from the people of God. Why? 13.    Ultimately, this all points to Jesus. How was Jesus our final Yom Kippur? Do we still need to humble our heart and soul to the Lord? Why? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Far too often, we make up our own ideas of what constitutes true worship. Today, we'll discuss the difficult passage of Leviticus 10 when Nadab and Abihu are killed by God for offering strange fire. We'll look at this passage, understand it in its context, and see how it still can guide us to true worship. Join us!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    What was the background of the Levites and how did that relate to their role among the Children of Israel? Why was this role necessary?  2.    What did Nadab and Abihu do that was wrong? Why should they have known better? 3.    Why was Nadab and Abihu killed? What was wrong with what they did? Why was "death" a necessary response to their sin? 4.    How was the standard for the priests higher than for the average person in the nation of Israel? How was the standard for Nadab and Abihu even higher than for the average priest who was just starting out?  5.    What were some possible reasons for their dereliction of duty? How might alcohol have contributed to their sin? What principle did the Lord give in verses 8 & 9? What present application might this have for us, considering that we are all priests before the Lord?  6.    In verses 6 & 7, what did Moses prohibit Aaron and his sons from doing? Why? 7.    In verses 16-18, what did Aaron's other sons, Eleazar and Thamar, fail to do? What might this indicate about the general attitude they all had towards learning the precepts of the Lord? How do people still demonstrate this attitude today?  8.    The podcast pointed out that a key theme of this chapter (and the whole book of Leviticus), is to follow the Lord's instructions when we approach Him. How might we apply this principle to our lives today?  9.    The podcast also pointed out that Leviticus 10 teaches us about making a distinction between what is profane and what is holy. How do we learn these principles? If we do distinguish between what is profane and holy, how should this impact what we fill our lives with?  10.    The podcast cites Jesus' teaching in John 4:23-24 about true worship. What is true worship and how does it come about in the heart and life of a believer? 11.    Finally, in light of this passage and John 4:23-24 and Hebrews 13:15, who decides what constitutes true worship? As New Covenant believers, what should we fill our minds with, in order to offer the Lord true worship? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

The Sacrifices in the book of Leviticus can be confusing. However, unraveling their message yields key truths that are foundational to the rest of our understanding of the Word of God. Today we'll look at both Leviticus 5 and 6 and see how critical the Guilt Offering is to our relationship with the Lord. Join us for this important study!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: Leviticus 5 & 6 1.    Now that we've talked about sin offerings for two days, how important was it for the person to identify with the animal that was about to be sacrificed? How would the person identify with that animal? How do we identify with Christ's sacrifice? Have you ever identified your sins with Christ's death?  2.    How does the podcast suggest that the opening verses of chapter 5 were speaking of ways to lower the cost of the sacrifice for the worshipper? What does this show us about the Lord's desire for His people to be right with Him? Was the intent of the sacrificial system to "make people pay" for their sins, or something else? How does this show us God's mercy for His people?  3.    What was the difference between a "Sin Offering" (in Chapter 4) and a "Guilt Offering" (in Chapter 5)? What was different about the offense being addressed? What was different about the sacrifice that was offered?  4.    What were the instructions regarding the "restitution" for a Guilt Offering? Why was this step included in this sacrifice? What does Chapter 6 show us about the link between our sins against others and our sins against God? Was it possible for a person to be forgiven by God if they have hurt another person and not sought restitution with that other person first? Why? 5.    The podcast pointed out that if we are in debt to an infinite God, then by definition we have an infinite debt. How is this problem compounded by having to repay an additional 20% of our debt?  6.    Isaiah 53:10 tells us that Jesus was our Guilt Offering. In light of the principles of this chapter, what did His debt entail? What about His nature enabled Him to fully make this payment on behalf of all of His people? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

As we continue to make sense of the Sacrificial system of the Book of Leviticus, today we turn to Leviticus 3 to unpack the idea of Peace Offerings and we'll see that these are extremely relevant to our lives today. Peace offerings point us to the fellowship we have with God once atonement and consecration has occurred, and although we may not still offer these sacrifices to the Lord, these still teach us spiritual principles in that go into walking in peace with God. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    What was the "nutshell" description of a peace offering that was given in the podcast?  2.    The word "peace" was based on the Hebrew word "Shalom". Shalom meant wholeness, completeness and health. How is that a helpful understanding of the peace with now have with God?  3.    The podcast mentioned several formal times when "Peace Offerings" were offered to the Lord (Feast of Weeks, the Nazarite Vow, the installation of priests). How did these events demonstrate the gratitude of God's people, or the fellowship they had with the Lord, or the desire to seek Him?  4.    Verse 1 doesn't specify what kind of animal was to be offered, nor what gender it was to be, but it does require something for this animal? What was required and what did this reflect in the heart of the worshipper? 5.    What were some of the reasons given in the podcast for the specificity of these sacrifices? 6.    When you think about how the animal innards went to God and the meat went to the worshipper, how does this reflect the Lord's graciousness towards us?  7.    Verse 5 tells us that the "Peace Offering" was to be "on top of" the other offerings (ESV/NIV). How does this help us understand the stages of worship and the subsequent peace the worshipper had with God? 8.    How does Romans 5:1-2 help us understand the peace with have with God through Jesus? In what ways was Jesus an offering for us? 9.    The podcast described the lengthy process that would go into the Old Testament process of reestablishing peace with God. How would this have given the worshiper time to reflect on their situation with the Lord? How can we incorporate a similar kind of contemplation into our relationship with God? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

The Levitical System of Offerings doesn't have to be confusing or complex; and today, as we study Leviticus 2 and grain offerings, we see that these simple offerings of "thanks" are directly relevant to our lives today. Join us in unpacking these important truths!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    In a general sense, what was the purpose of a grain offering? What was the worshipper "saying" to God? 2.    According to Numbers 28:5, how often were the priests to offer a grain offering to the Lord? What does this tell us about the frequency of the praise we offer to God? 3.    Verse 1 tells us that this was to be "fine flour". What did the podcast explain about what "fine flour" would require of the worshipper? 4.    Also, according to verse 1, what was also added to these grain offerings? 5.    The podcast reflects on the ways that the grain offering was different from a burnt offering and speculates how this might involve the family. What were some of the ideas that the podcast presented? Do you agree or disagree?  6.    Verse 12 says that this offering was to be the "first fruits". What does this mean and how would being a "first fruit" reflect the faith of the worshipper? 7.    Verse 13 says that this offering was to include salt. What were some of the reasons for this, given in the podcast? How does this help us understand the seriousness of these offerings? 8.    How does the grain offering show us that we ought to be giving our best to the Lord? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Leviticus is one of the most daunting books in the Bible, but today we're going to start to unlock the gems that it has to offer... starting with the holy sacrifices of the burnt offering and what it means to be fully consecrated to the Lord. Join us as we see just how important and relevant this book is to our lives in Christ today.  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    From this opening study of the book of Leviticus, would you describe it as a "worship manual"? Why or why not?  2.    The book of Leviticus derives its name from the Levites. Who were the Levites and what was their role among the Children of Israel? 3.    How did the podcast define "the Law"?  4.    According to the podcast, how did the Law teach the people about God's holiness?  5.    According to the podcast, how did the Law teach the people about the kind of worship that God accepts? 6.    According to the podcast, how did the Law teach the people that God wants to have fellowship with Him? 7.    According to the podcast, how did the Law show teach the people that the worship of God is personal? 8.    According to the podcast, how did the Law teach God's authority over every aspect of our lives? 9.    According to the podcast, how did the Law point to Jesus? 10.    There were several kinds of burnt offerings (daily, sabbath, festal, and voluntary). What set the "burnt offering" apart as the most sacred form of an offering? Why? 11.    What did the burnt offering uniquely show the person who was making the offering? 12.    Verse 2 taught that the animal had to come from the person's own flock (assuming they had one). Verse 3 says that the animal had to be "without defeat" (as in, healthy; not lame and dying). What did this show about the quality of this animal that was to be fully dedicated to God? How does this quality reflect the devotion of the worshipper?  13.    In verse 4, the worshipper was to lay their hands on the animal and identify themselves with it. What was this identification for? What was it supposed to show the worshipper?  14.    In verses 4, 5 & 6, the worshipper was to perform this sacrifice according to these specific steps (this was before the people's fall in Numbers 13). How do you think the offeror's involvement would personalize this ceremony and makes it "real" for the worshipper?  15.    What provision is given in verse 14 for those who could not afford an animal from their herd? What does this show us about the Lord's desire for His people to be in fellowship with Him? 16.    In light of Leviticus 1, how is the Burnt Offering the ultimate act of consecration? How does this reflect our consecration that we have in Christ, today? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

It's common for us to hear people say things like, "Well, MY God isn't like that!" and what they mean is that they don't like the God of the Bible, and have tried to imagine God being more the way they'd like. That's dangerous and today we'll see it's also not new. So, join us in our study of Exodus 32 as we continue to dig into the powerful and relevant truths of God's Word. DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    If a person hears the Bible's teaching about God, and says something like, "Oh, my god isn't like that!" How might that be an indication that that person is worshipping a false god? 2.    In the opening verses, Moses is delayed and the people grew impatient. They asked Aaron to make a god for them. Why do you think they wanted this "god" to be made? Why do you think Aaron went along with it? What does this teach us about how they viewed God? 3.    In verse 4, Aaron took their gold and made it into the shape of a calf and declared, "This is your God, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!" This is stunning for many reasons; one of which is that the Egyptians worshipped a god that was represented by bulls. Do you think any of past experiences in Egypt was part of their present embracing of this idol? What can we learn from this about the dangers of associating the true God with things we know and are familiar with?  4.    In verse 19, Moses threw down the two tablets containing the commandments of the covenant. How did this act of breaking the tablets reflect their broken covenant with the Lord?  5.    The podcast suggests that Aaron's excuse in verse 24, that the fire produced the golden calf, was a form of religious charlatanry or perhaps magical thinking. How do people still do things like this today when they talk about the Lord?  6.    In verse 26, when Moses said, "Whoever is for the Lord, come to me!" Who came over to him? What did they do? How was this an act of mercy?  7.    The podcast mentions a change in how the Lord would abide with the people. According to Exodus 33:7, where was Tabernacle moved to? Why? 8.    How does this passage show us the danger of looking to re-making God to be like something that "we" like versus what He has revealed about Himself?  9.    How does this passage also show us the principle that we don't decide how to worship God?  10.    How do we see that worship is not about what "we" want but what the Lord wants?  11.    How does this passage show us the importance of trusting God's timeline? What are the dangers of rushing things according to our schedule?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Being "ransomed by the Lord" is a key truth we need to know and understand. Likewise, we need to understand why we need to be gathering with God's people in prayer. For that matter, we need to have a handle on everything in Exodus 30, so join us in another study in the Key Chapters of the Bible!   DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    Quick review… what was the dimensions of the Tabernacle? How many rooms did it have? What were the rooms called?  2.    If you walked into the Tabernacle, you'd see three pieces of furniture. To the left was the golden lamp that burned continually. To the right was the golden table with 12 loaves of bread. What would be straight ahead against the veil in the back of the room? What other piece of furniture in the next room over, was near to this item? What did the podcast suggest was the reason for the location of these two items? 3.    Why was it important that the altar of incense be consecrated to God? Why was it necessary to perform this ceremony every year? How does Hebrews 9:6-14 help us understand our permanent consecration that we have in and by Christ?  4.    What was burned on this altar? If this was continually burning, what would this room be filled with? In light of Psalm 141:2 and Revelation 8:3, what did this symbolize? 5.    When we think of the altar of incense's proximity to the ark's (right next to it, though separated by the veil); what does this point to in regards to God's presence and fellowship with His people? How does this help us see the unique value of God's people gathering together to pray before the Lord? How does this shed light on Matthew 18:20 which says that "where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am in their midst"? 6.    Verses 34-38 give us the recipe for this incense which includes frankincense. Where is does frankincense later appear in the Bible (hint: Matthew 2:11)? How does the fact that it's used in worship of God here in Exodus 30 help us understand Jesus' deity in Matthew 2:11? 7.    What was the Bronze Laver for? Who was to use it? What did it teach the people? What would happen to those who ignored this instruction in verse 21? 8.    What was a key ingredient to the holy anointing oil that's mentioned in verses 22 to 33? Where was this also used? What was the purpose of this holy anointing oil? Could it be used for any old purpose? 9.    What was the meaning of the term "ransom" in verses 11 to 16? Who was it paid for and who was it paid to? 10.    What is the meaning of the term "are numbered" that's translated in the NIV as "each one who crosses over"? How does this help us understand that this payment is made by all who "cross over" into becoming one of God's people in covenant with Him? Was it free to "cross over"? If not, what was paid for these people? 11.    Over in Matthew 17:27, only Jesus and Peter paid the temple tax (or ransom payment). What might this tell us about the age of the rest of the disciples?  12.     As New Covenant Christians, what does 1st Timothy 2:6 tell us about who paid our ransom payment and how? Taking what we've just learned from Exodus 30 regarding the payment being made for all the men who "crossed over" to enter into covenant with God, does the "all" in 1st Timothy 2:6 mean that Jesus paid the ransom for everyone who has ever lived, or just for those who "crossed over" to enter into covenant with Jesus?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Exodus 29 may not make it to many people's list of "Favorite Chapters" and yet it's a key chapter because it covers the important biblical principle of consecration to the Lord. It also brings us several offerings that we see throughout the rest of God's Word. So, join us  in another study as we go through God's Word one key chapter at a time.   DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    In the podcast, what definition (or principle) was given for the idea "consecration" in the book of Exodus? How does the definition of "consecration" help us understand what it means that we, as God's people, have been consecrated to Him? 2.    How would you describe the ceremony that went into consecrating priests to the Lord? How long was this ceremony to be (vs 35)? If you had undergone this kind of ceremony, how would do you think this would impact your awareness of your moment-by-moment consecration to the Lord? How are we consecrated to the Lord today?  3.    What was the "wave offering" that is mentioned in verses 22 & 23? What was different about this particular offering verses how it would be carried out at other times? 4.    What was the "heave offering" and what detail is given in verse 28 that shows the difference between a heave offering and a wave offering? 5.    What was the "drink offering" of verse 41? What other kinds of sacrifice were they typically performed with? What would be the physical affect of this kind of an offering? How does this help us understand Paul's description of himself as a "drink offering" in Philippians 2:17-18? 6.    In Exodus 29:45, what promise does God give to the people regarding His presence if the are faithful to perform these consecration ceremonies? In Leviticus 8 & 9, when they actually carried out these ceremonies, what did the Lord do? How does this help us see that our present consecration by the blood of Christ brings us into abiding fellowship with the Lord? 7.    This whole passage is about consecration. Have you been consecrated by Christ to the Lord? If so, how should that change how you live?  8.    How did the people's obedience to these instructions demonstrate their consecration to the Lord? Does your life reflect a faithful consecration to Him?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

As we've been studying the Tabernacle, we're seeing just how amazing this was and how it pointed to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today, in our study of Exodus 27 & 28, we'll even see how these details show us the kind of attitude we should have when we approach our Lord. So, join us in another rich study in God's Word! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    What was the size of the Tabernacle complex that is given in verses 11 & 12? This is smaller than a football field. Are you surprised by this? 2.    According to verse 1, what was the first thing you'd come to in the Tabernacle complex? Generally speaking, what would this have looked like? What was it for?  3.    What was sacrificed on the bronze altar every morning and every evening? Why? How would the sacrificial system show the people of the glory of God and the severity of His wrath towards sin? 4.    Hebrews 9:22 reminds us that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins. Why did mercy first require a substitutionary sacrifice? How does our sin link us with the world's rebellion? How does a sacrifice link us with God's forgiveness?  5.    What were the "horns" of this altar that are mentioned in verse 2? What might these have been used for? What did these horns come to represent in passages such as 1st Kings 2:28? 6.    How many gates led into the Tabernacle complex? How wide was this gate? What did the width of this gate suggest? 7.    Verse 20 & 21 talk about the oil needed to keep the lamp burning. According to Exodus 27:21, how long was it to be kept burning? Where was the oil to come from in verse 20? What does this show us about the contributions of the people and their collective worship of God? 8.    The podcast also touched upon the High Priest's garments in Chapter 28. What was an ephod and what was it for? In Exodus 28:30, what did it contain?  9.    Likewise, in verse 35, the High Priest wore bells. Sometimes people mistakenly suggest this was in case he died on the Day of Atonement while he was in the Holiest of Holies. However, what place is being spoken of in Exodus 35:28? What is the difference between the "Holy Place" and the "Holiest of Holies"? According to Leviticus 16:4, what was the High Priest supposed to wear on the Day of Atonement, when he went into the Holiest of Holies? Therefore, when would these bells be worn and what do you think they were for? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

As we continue in our study of the Tabernacle, today in Exodus 26, we find that the details of this passage are not that daunting, in fact, they're even inspiring as we see that the Lord seeks our simple worship and fellowship; rather than some grand, complex form of worship. Join us as we talk about a place and a people that honor the Lord.    DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    What were the dimensions of the Tabernacle? What are some things that the podcast compared these dimensions too? What does this tell us about what should be the focus of worship? If we need a beautiful place to worship God, what might that tell us about the health of our worship?  2.    What were the four layers of curtains that were in the Tabernacle? 3.    When the priest would look up, what would he see? What do you think this reminded him of?  4.    What did the podcast suggest the goat hair blanket signified? How about the layer of ram's skin dyed red? What was the purpose of the final covering that was probably made from the skins of a marine animal? 5.    What were the walls mounted into on the sides and beneath? What suggestion was given in the podcast as to why the Lord designed the Tabernacle this way? 6.    How many rooms was the Tabernacle comprised of? What were their names? What were their dimensions? What separated the two rooms?  7.    What were the three items in the Holy Place? 8.    Who was the only person who could go into the room called "The Holiest of Holies"? When?  9.    What was the shape of this room? What two other places in the Bible have this same shape? Therefore, what was this room pointing to?  10.    The podcast mentions that one of the key purposes of the Tabernacle was to show our separation from the Lord. Why was this necessary? This about the non-believers you know, do they feel separated from God? How might this principle of separation help them understand their true condition before the Lord? 11.    When the veil was torn from top to bottom in Matthew 27:51, what does this show us about how Jesus opened access to God? How should this change our worship of God today?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Thanks to the movie, The Raiders of the Lost Ark, most people have heard of the Ark of the Covenant, and yet do we understand its central role in Old Testament worship? Today, we'll unpack Exodus 25 teachings on the tabernacle and the ark, the showbread and the lampstand. Join us for this important study on these important topics!   DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    Verse 9 contains the first time the term "tabernacle" is used. When not being used of the official tabernacle, how also could this word be used? What did the podcast explain is the idea behind the term "tabernacle"? How is it sometimes used as a verb? 2.    What was the specific dimensions of the tabernacle tent? What in our world is about that same size? Is this smaller than you were expecting? 3.    In verse 2, what was supposed to prompt the people to donate supplies towards the construction of this tabernacle complex? In regard to their contributions, what had to happen in Exodus 36:5? What does this tell us about the people's heart to be involved with the Lord's work? 4.    Of all the items that were built for the tabernacle, why was the ark listed first? What were the dimensions of this ark? Does this size surprise you? How about it's weight, what did it weigh and how was it moved around? How does this help us understand why Uzzah died when he touched the ark in 2nd Samuel 6:6-7? 5.    What was special about the lid of the ark? What was to take place there on the Day of Atonement? It's often called "The Mercy Seat" but it can also be called "The Atonement Cover". Which do you prefer and why?  6.    Why did the podcast suggest that the golden cherubim (on top of the ark) did not violate the 2nd Commandment to make no graven images? What did the podcast suggest that these golden cherubim teach us? How? 7.    The podcast explained that the Hebrew term for "cover" is "Kaphar", which is also the root word for "atonement". Kaphar was used in Genesis 6:14 when the Lord had Noah make his ark out of wood that was covered (kaphar) with tar. What did the High Priest do at the ark once a year on the Day of Atonement? What does this signify? How does this help us understand the covering (or the atonement) that we have in Christ's blood? 8.    Verse 23-30 is talking about the showbread. What is it also called in verse 30? How does verse 30 help us understand the showbread was to signify? According to Leviticus 24:5-9, how often was the showbread to be made? Who would eat the old showbread? 9.    How does the showbread point us to Jesus, who calls Himself the Bread of Life in John 6:32-35? 10.    The golden lampstand is described in verses 31 to 40. Where was this placed and what was it for? According to Exodus 27:20-21, who was to keep this lamp burning? How is Jesus the fulfillment of this lamp in John 8:12?  11.    How does the tabernacle teach us that God's presence is not automatic? Why would the Lord want to teach this lesson to the people? What needs to happen to us to have eternal fellowship with Him? 12.    How does this whole chapter help us understand the perfect tabernacle and atonement offering of Jesus in Hebrews 9:11-12?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Sometimes crucial passages seem more like walking on the moon, than familiar territory. Exodus 24 is one of those chapters. We might be tempted to breeze through this passage... and yet, today we're going to see that it actually is incredibly important to our understanding of the crucial principle of what it means to be sprinkled with the blood of the covenant... which ultimately will help us understand how Christ's blood sprinkles us today.  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. The podcast explained that this section of scripture in Exodus 19 to 24 is a key aspect of Israel's relationship with God. What does verse 7 call this section? 2. What is a covenant and how does this relate to the agreement that God is making with the Children of Israel? 3. In this passage, what happens during the course of verses 1 to 11? 4. The podcast compares this event to something like a marriage ceremony. What do the people commit to in verse 4? In terms of the overall context of chapters 19-24, what kinds of things were they agreeing to? 5. In verse 5, the people make burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord. What was a burnt offering? What was a peace offering? How did the peace offering make this event seem like a ceremony or a feast? 6. What did Moses do to the people in verse 8? What did he say to them? What did this sprinkling signify? 7. In verses 10 & 11, the Lord meets with the people. What does this tell us about God's plans for fellowship with His people? Who are those who were able to meet with Him (as in, what happened to them back in verse 8 that they might be with the Lord in verse 10?) 8. The podcast pointed out that in Exodus 24, they entered into fellowship with God through being sprinkled with the blood of bulls. As New Covenant believers, according to 1st Peter 1:2 or Hebrews 12:24, what grants us fellowship with God now? How can we rejoice in this eternal "sprinkling" that the Lord has given to us? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

The Ten Commandments are pretty well known, but what is less known is why God has given them and today, in our study in Exodus 20, we're going to look at this extremely important passage, in its overall context to understand why God gave the Ten Commandments and how they still point to our purpose as His people today. Join us!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    The podcast opened with an explanation of how the 10 Commandments came to the Jews in a form of a covenant that is laid out in Exodus 19 to 24. What was the agreement that the Jews were making with God in this larger context?  2.    In Exodus 19:10-11, the Lord tells the people to consecrate themselves before they would hear His laws. Why do you think this step was necessary? How do you think this prepared the people to listen to the Lord's instructions? When you prepare to gather with God's people at church, how do you (or should you) prepare your heart to receive God's truths? 3.    The First commandment (in Exodus 20:1) was to have no other gods before the Lord. On the one hand this may seem obvious, but it bears asking the question: Why should nothing come before the Lord? In your own life, is there anything that you've placed in greater worth than Him?  4.    The Second Commandment (in Exodus 20:6) ends by commanding the people to not make an idol or likeness of anything that the people might use to represent the Lord in their worship of Him. How do people sometimes violate this command today? How do people often portray the Jesus? Is that how Jesus really looked? In light of this command, should a Christian ever pray to a picture or stature or image of Jesus? 5.    The Third Command in verse 7 tells the people to not take the Lord's name in vain. How did the podcast explain what this command relates to? How does it address more than just using the Lord's name as profanity? 6.    The Fourth Command was to hold to a Sabbath day of rest each week. What does it mean to keep the Sabbath holy? What kinds of things should have been avoided on that day? How would the obedience of this command shape the entire Jewish culture? Is this command still valid today? 7.    What are the remaining six commands given in Exodus 20:12, Exodus 20:13, Exodus 20:14, Exodus 20:15, Exodus 20:16, Exodus 20:17? The podcast points out that all these commands were really the "high level" commands and that each one represented far deeper waters. Which of these commands do you find the most challenging in your own walk with the Lord? 8.    The podcast points out that the commands are given in a "You shall not" format. How does this opening wording for these commands make them personal for each person?  9.    How would these 10 Commandments set the Jews apart from the surrounding nations? How do they set apart God's people still today? Does your life reflect an obedience to these commands? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

God has all kinds of reasons for why He gives us what He does but we may not always understand what He's given us or why. Today, we're going to look at Exodus 16, when the Lord gives His people quail, manna and the Sabbath and yet they still complained! Today, we'll look into these blessings of God how to rejoice in all that God gives to us. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    As we turn to Exodus 16, the events of this passage took place in the Valley of Sin. What this "sin" like in "Sin City" or did the term "sin" speak to something else?  2.    In verse 3, the people were remembering their slavery with fondness and complaining to Moses about their present lack of food. How can a present difficulty cause us to glamorize things in the past, or more importantly, how can present difficulty sometimes cause us to be unhappy with God's blessings in our present situation?  3.    This chapter is mostly about God's provision of manna. Do you think this was a blessing from the Lord? Why?  4.    Why did the people have to gather manna every day? What would happen if they tried to store it on any day but the Sabbath? What happened when they stored it over the Sabbath? How would this have shown the people that the manna was directly from the Lord and not some natural phenomena?  5.    What did the Lord want they people to do on the Sabbath in verses 29 & 30? What was the Sabbath supposed to be about? Why do you think this would have been a blessing to the people?  6.    Is the Sabbath still binding for New Covenant Christians? If not, what principles of the Sabbath still carry over into our lives today? What does this show us about the principle of carving out time each week to rest and renew in the Lord? 7.    Later in John 6:35, Jesus calls Himself the "Bread of Life". In light of this passage's teaching on manna, what do you think Christ meant when He called Himself this? What does this point to in our present-day relationship with Jesus? 8.    The end of the podcast mentions that Exodus 18 and Leviticus 7 & 11 seem to imply that the Jews had other foods to eat besides just manna, yet manna was clearly a key part of their diet. Why do you think the people complained so much about something that was so graciously and miraculously given to them by God? How should we respond to God's work in our life when it's not what we'd like, but it is what we need? 9.    Is there any place in your personal life, where you're tempted to complain with the life situation that you're in? First, trust that God knows your pain and suffering. Then, be prayerfully watching and waiting for His work in your situation. What provisions has He given to you to help you not only endure but even to thrive in your situation?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

The Bible is full of hidden gems and Exodus 13 is one of them. This passage gives us profound insights into the meaning of redemption and helps us understand what it means that we have been redeemed by Christ. Join us for this important study in Exodus 13! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    Exodus 13 lays out for us the principle of particular redemption. While that's definitely a weighty idea, it is key to understanding who we are in Christ. So, let's think back to the final plague of Exodus 12, what "price" did the Egyptians have to pay for the redemption of Israel? Did any of the Jews have to pay this same price? Why not? 2.    According to verse 12, who belonged to the Lord? Why?  3.    The podcast explained that if God saves a person from destruction, they owe their lives to Him. In light of the final plague, what did these Jews owe to God? How does this principle relate to us who have been saved through Christ's death on our behalf?  4.    The podcast referred to Exodus 34:19-20 for the redemption price that parents were to pay the Lord for their children. What was this price and why did they have to pay it?  5.    The podcast also mentions Numbers 18:16 and Deuteronomy 15:19. What do these passages teach us about the principle of redemption? Why were some redeemed and some not? 6.    All of these redemption passages teach the principle that a redemption price must be paid. Amazingly, New Testament tells us that the Father has given His Son Jesus to pay our redemption price! If Jesus is our redemption payment, do we still have to make that payment too? Why or why not? Why is Jesus' payment sufficient for the rest of His spiritual family?  7.    In Exodus 13:8, why was the father to instruct his children of the Passover by saying "It is because of what the Lord did for *me* when *I* came out of Egypt?" Why should the father say *he* came out of Egypt when only that first generation did? How would this identify future generations with that first generation of the Exodus? How does this help us understand the New Testament teaching that we were in Christ when He made His payment for us? 8.    In verse 19, when Moses brings Joseph's bones back to the Promised Land, what principle can we learn about faith and trusting God?  9.    When God went before the people as a Pillar of Smoke & Fire, what did He presence signify? How was this different from the fact that God is everywhere at all times (i.e. omnipresence)? Could these people have been assured of God's presence if they went off and did whatever they wanted? In our life today, how do we need to walk to be assured of God's presence in our lives? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Today's podcast has an "*" next to Exodus 12 because this chapter is one of the most important chapters in the Bible. It shows us God's work of redemption specifically through the blood of a lamb. This key chapter points us to Christ who is our true redemption. Join us for this study in this key chapter!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    The podcast mentioned that Exodus 12 is one of the most important chapters in the Old Testament. Why do you think this is the case?  2.    Early in the podcast, it explains what the term "Passover" means and what it refers to. What explanation was given? How does Isaiah 31:5 help us understand the concept of "sparing someone"?  3.    How does the Passover event show us what redemption looks like? In light of what we've seen so far in our study of God's Word, who are some other people back in Genesis who were redeemed by God? What were they redeemed to or for? 4.    1st Corinthians 5:7 calls Jesus our Passover lamb. What were some of the ways discussed in the podcast for how the Passover meal pictured Jesus and His life and ministry?  5.    What were the specific steps given in verses 3 – 12, that these first Jews were to follow with that first Passover? What promise did the Lord give to them in verse 13?  6.    We know later from passages like Hebrews 3:16 and Hebrews 4:3 that these people were not truly going to follow and obey the Lord throughout their lives. What explanation did the podcast give for how a person could enter into a physical covenant with the Lord but not automatically be in a spiritual covenant with Him? What has to happen to be in a true, spiritual covenant with the Lord? 7.    Why were the people commanded to wait inside in Exodus 12:23? What do you think it would have been like, to be safe inside while hearing the agony of people outside as God's judgment fell upon them? 8.    According to the podcast, what might be some reasons why God brought this judgment of death upon the Egyptians? How do we see God's mercy leading up to this judgment? How did the people respond to God's warnings?  9.    What reason was given in the podcast for why the Lord might have brought the death of the firstborn? How did this finally break the Egyptian hold on the Jewish slaves?  10.    Although this passage is about the physical redemption of Israel, it ultimately points to our spiritual redemption that is found in Christ. What is this spiritual redemption that Paul talks about in Ephesians 1:7? What is its basis? What does it accomplish? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

So, we're deep into the plagues and we're seeing God's work to deliver His people, and while Exodus 10 & 11 are both key chapters, they're short enough to combine into one study. So, today we'll cover both chapters and see God's power in delivering His people. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    In Exodus 10:2, what Moses was supposed to do with the record of the event of the Exodus? What reason does the Lord give Moses for doing this? How do Jewish people still carry this out today? 2.    As we consider the events leading up to the Exodus, how has God demonstrated His authority over all nations?  3.    What can we learn of the Lord's attitude towards the importance of women's worship in Exodus 10:9-11? 4.    Why was Pharaoh's repentance in verse 16-17 a false repentance? What would true repentance have looked like? How do people often give similar surface-remorse but not true repentance?  5.    Why do you think verse 21 describes the plague of darkness as something that could be "felt"?  6.    The plague of darkness zeroed in on Pharaoh who was supposedly the son of the sun; or more specifically he was supposed to be the son of Ra, who was supposed to be the god of the sun. What impact would this have on the people's view of Pharaoh if even he could not get the sun to shine?  7.    What window do we see into the workings of God, that He would specifically address the strongholds that are keeping people in bondage? Are there areas that the Lord has addressed in your life that He is calling you to bring under His authority?  8.    What explanation did the podcast give as to why Exodus 11:8 is not a contradiction with Exodus 10:29? 9.    Exodus 11:4 says that Moses' reputation was increasing among the people. How did God use Moses' faithfulness in the midst of suffering to increase Moses' impact on the people of God? How does He do this in our lives today? In your own life, how has your faithfulness in suffering deepened your impact on those around you? 10.    In the wrap-up portion of the podcast, it points out that although the Egyptians were worshipping their gods, this worship was not valid. How does this help us answer a common opinion that God will honor sincere worship, even if it's not directed towards Him? 11.     The podcast also mentions that all these plagues show us the lengths that God has gone through to establish His people. As New Covenant believers, what lengths has He gone through to establish His New Covenant community?  12.    As we reflect on the plagues, what kind of mental gymnastics do you think Pharaoh and his servants went through, to dismiss what they were seeing?  13.    What would it have been like, to be an Israelite, and witnessing all of this? How does God's reliability impact the way we believe God's promises and how we live in light of them?  14.    Why do we sometimes struggle to believe God, even when He's proven Himself so trustworthy? How can we respond faithfully to God and His revelation? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Exodus 9 is not your run of the mill "Plagues of Biblical Proportions" story. No indeed! And as we study Exodus 9 together, we'll see that it's filled with several points and insights that show us what was really going on with these plagues, why Pharaoh's repentance didn't cut it, and even some key principles about our own pursuit of the Lord. Join us!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    This podcast episode began with a quick overview of the Egyptian gods that were defeated by the Lord. What does the fact that the Lord dominating their supposed sphere of sovereignty demonstrate about His reality and their falsehood? 2.    The podcast mentions that the "livestock" was destroyed in verse 4 and again in verse 19. What were some of the possible reasons given in the podcast as to why this is the case? How does this help us understand occasional gaps when translating ancient Hebrew into modern English?  3.    What did the fact that the plagues came upon the Egyptians and not the Jews show about the power and plan of God for His people? How did this fact show that these weren't natural phenomenon that Moses was trying to co-opt and claim to be of the Lord? 4.    Sometimes we think that everyone from these days were really just ignorant people who were overrun with superstitions. How do the Egyptian's responses show us that this is not the case? How does their response show mankind's tendency to be disinclined to believe the Lord?  5.    The podcast explains that Pharaoh's repentance was not accepted by God because it was over the wrong things. In other words, Pharaoh may have been sorry before God, and even feared the Lord, but Pharaoh was not seeking to repent and enter into a covenant with the Lord to obey Him from now on. How do people still offer this kind of repentance today?  6.    How do we see God's mercy in these plagues? How do we see His mercy in warning Pharaoh ahead of time? How did Pharaoh disregard the mercies of God? How do people do this in our day today? 7.    The podcast explained the paradox of the Lord hardening Pharaoh's heart whereas other times Pharaoh hardened his own heart. The podcast explained that the Hebrew word means "made strong." How did Pharoah harden his own heart and how did the Lord strengthen him in that inclination?  8.    The podcast also pointed out that we are heavily influenced by the people we allow into our lives. Who was influencing Pharaoh to disobey the Lord? What impact did this influence have on Pharaoh and the nation? Who should Pharaoh have been listening to? 9.    The podcast ended by encouraging us to examine our own heart. When it comes to the things of the Lord, are you hardened to Him or softened? How might you submit to Him that He might soften you to obey His Word and His ways?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

God will use all kinds of ways to get our attention, and today as we study Exodus 8, we'll see that God get's Pharaoh's attention through an total abundance of things they do not want, in order to show everyone, Jew and Egyptian, that there is no God but the Lord. There's a lot here, and it would be a privilege to have you listen in. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. What did the podcast suggest were the reasons why God brought these miracles upon Egypt? What was their role for the Egyptians? What was their role for the Jews? 2. How does Ezekiel 20:5-8 shed light on the spiritual condition of the Jews at this time? 3. Likewise, how does Deuteronomy 4:37 help us understand why God still chooses to deliver these people? How does this help us understand God's mercy and His love for His people even when they sin and rebel against Him? 4. In these passages, how did the so-called "gods" of the Egyptians respond? Why didn't they respond more dramatically? 5. The podcast mentioned that the Egyptians didn't worship frogs and snakes and all that stuff because they loved those things, but because they thought those animals represented the gods who provided wealth and prosperity. These days, we don't look to frogs and snakes for prosperity. Instead, where do people look for these things, instead of the Lord? 6. The podcast mentioned that the goddess Heqet was the goddess of fertility and was represented by frogs. What did the piles of dead frogs show the Egyptians about the Lord's power over life and fertility? 7. Verse 16 Aaron struck the ground and gnats came up. This took on an Egyptian god named "Geb". Were the Egyptian magicians able to create a similar miracle? In verse 19, what did they say about this miracle that God performed through Aaron? 8. The podcast mentioned that the plague of the flies took on the god of creation and rebirth and rising sun named Khepri, who was represented by the face of a bug. What did God's control of the flies show the people about their belief that Khepri controlled the daily cycle of life? 9. In all of this, what was the condition of Pharaoh's heart in verse 32? How do people response similar today, despite seeing God's handiwork all around them? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

God's deliverance of His people from Egypt was a form of spiritual warfare; and today as we look at Exodus 7 we'll discuss how Satan tried to confuse Pharaoh and the Egyptians back then, and how he's doing the same kinds of things today. And to be strong in the face of spiritual warfare, we need to be on guard and have pure faith and trust in God.  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: Exodus 7 1.    For the past several days, we have been studying the Book of Exodus, however, we haven't discussed what the name means. What does the name "Exodus" mean and what was the "exit" that it is referring to? What was the initial reason that this Exodus was to take place? 2.    The podcast gave a quick review of Exodus 6 & 7. What was Pharoah's first response to Moses in Exodus 5:2? How did the Jews respond to Moses in Exodus 5:21? Was Moses receiving this flack from these people because he was obeying God or disobeying Him? How did Moses respond in Exodus 5:22? How did the Lord respond to Moses in Exodus 6:1 and following? How do you think you might have reacted to Pharaoh and the people if they responded this way to you?  3.    What did God warn Moses about in Exodus 7:3-5? In what ways did this come true?  4.    In Exodus 7, how were the Egyptian magicians able to counterfeit the miracles of God? The podcast mentions that Moses and Aaron's age help us answer the question about magic tricks. What was the point that the podcast made about the true source of Moses and Aaron's miracles? 5.    The podcast mentioned that the 10 Plagues are excellent examples of spiritual warfare because often Satan seeks to confuse the situation. How did Satan confuse these first plagues and how did Pharaoh and his servants respond? How do people today respond similarly to these kinds of attempts at confusion in their lives?  6.    Strength and courage often comes from a strong sense of obedience to God and anticipation that He will work. What commands was Moses obeying in this passage and how was he anticipating the Lord to work? In your day today, are there clear commands from scripture that relate to what you will likely encounter? How might the Lord work in those situations? 7.    The podcast mentioned that these plagues all were assaults on the Egyptian false gods. Why did the Jews need to see God's power over Egypt's false gods? What does this show us about God's care and compassion for His people, even when they are struggling in the faith?  8.    The podcast mentioned that Hapi was the god of the Nile and fertility. Also, Khnum was the god of the Nile. The Nile was supposed to produce life, but what did it produce instead? How does this show the Lord's power over Hapi, Khnum and also Osiris (who supposedly had the Nile flowing in his bloodstream)?  9.    The magicians could turn water into "blood" but could not turn it back. How did this fact demonstrate the reality of Moses' miracles versus the fakery of the magicians?  10.    The podcast suggested that the world creates all kinds of fake fantasies to compete with the truth of God. How do people sometimes look at the world's fantasy and think it's more appealing than God's actual truth?  11.    Through these miracles, the Lord was calling His people to leave Egypt and not be entangled in their religions. Along these lines, how do His people get entangled in the world today? What is God's call for them today?  12.    Although we may not often see God work in such dramatic ways, He does still work in our lives. How have you seen God work in your life? How should that galvanize your own commitment to Him?   Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Today, we're looking at Exodus 4 and finishing up God's call of Moses. In this chapter, we'll see that Moses was a man so lost in discouragement, it was affecting his obedience to the Lord. And yet, despite Moses' weaknesses, God will use him mightily. Join us as we continue our study through the Book of Exodus! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    By this point, Moses is a broken man of 80 years old who has blown one of the greatest opportunities that could be had in his day. However, God had a plan for Moses and has been using this time to perform some divine heart surgery in Moses' life. From what you already know about Moses, what has had to be transformed in his life before he could step into his role as the leader of the Jews? Are there any things in your life that need to be transformed in order for you to step into God's next chapter for you? 2.    In verse 1, Moses brings up a third concern to the Lord about this new assignment to take on Pharaoh. What was this concern? From a natural perspective was this reasonable? What does this show us about the source of Moses' thinking at this point? How do we sometimes view a situation "naturally" (which may even have wide agreement from others who know of the situation) but where we're still not viewing our situation from God's perspective?  3.    How did Moses' low view of himself cloud his view of God and his trust in the Lord? Is there any area in your life, where your view of yourself is affecting your view of God? If so, how can that be brought into submission to the Lord? 4.    According to the podcast, what is a true miracle? How did God demonstrate a couple of miracles to Moses? Why did God do this? How did Moses respond? 5.    In verse 5, what was the reason God gave for why He was going to perform these great signs and wonders in Egypt? How has God worked in your life to show you who He is?  6.    In verse 10, Moses brings up yet another concern. What is it? Who is Moses focusing on, again? How does this focus increase our own worries and corrupt both our view of God and our trust in His work in our life? 7.    In verse 11 & 12, what was the Lord's response to Moses' concerns? What was God's focus? How was this different than Moses? When we're facing difficulties, how can a person develop this kind of focus?  8.    After Moses finally agrees to obey the Lord and step into this new role, what does he tell Jethro his reason for going back to Egypt? Was this the real reason? What does this show us about Moses' level of commitment (at this point) to the Lord's mission?  9.    The previous question shows us that even now, Moses was not fully the man God was calling him to be. We sometimes think we have to be perfect in order for God to use us. Instead, from the example of Moses, what kinds are things is God looking for?  10.    In verses 24-26, we read about a very uncomfortable event. What happened? What did the podcast suggest about why this event even needed to take place? What does this teach us about the importance of a leader's example?  11.    In verse 31, when the people first heard of God's message by way of Moses, how did they respond?  12.    In this passage, Moses is 80 years old and he still hasn't gotten life figured out. Is there ever a point where we can stop growing in our knowledge, understanding and obedience to the Lord? Why or why not?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Today as we study Exodus 3, we'll see that from a human perspective, Moses' exile looked like the end of the line for him; and yet it was part of God's plan for Moses, and ultimately the Lord's people. Join us for this encouraging study in God's power, grace and redemption! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    How old is Moses in verse 1? How old was Abraham when the Lord called him from Ur? What does this tell us about God's plans for the wise and elderly people of our world?  2.    What was Moses doing for work in verse 1? How did the Egyptians view shepherds in Genesis 46:34? What do you think it would have been like doing something viewed this way by the surrounding culture?  3.    What is "Horeb" in verse 3?  4.    How did the Lord appear to Moses in verse 2? Where are some other places that God is referred to in this way? What does this represent? 5.    What did the podcasts suggest as to possible reasons that God has created so much fire in this universe?   6.    What was Moses' response to the Angel of the Lord in verse 6?  7.    What was the Lord aware of in verse 7? How might this encourage us when we go through difficulties in our own lives?  8.    In verse 8, the Lord tells Moses that He is going to bring His people to the Promised Land. According to verse 8, who was dwelling there at this time? What did that mean for Moses and the people?  9.    What was the underlying issue for Moses when he protests God's call in verse 11?  10.    What did Moses need to know, in verse 12, in order to go forward in obedience to God?  11.    What does the name "I am who I am" mean in verse 13? What did the podcast say as to why some people pronounce the name "Yahweh" as "Jehovah"?  12.    Overall, what was the Lord's mandate to Moses? In what ways is this like His mandate for our lives today?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Exodus 2 has so much going on in it... a dramatic rescue of Moses, the amazing childhood blessing of growing up in Pharaoh's house, Moses' disappointing banishment, and the cry of God's people for deliverance. And yet, behind all of this is God's unseen hand of providence and provision. So, join us in our study of Exodus 2 as we see God's plan unfolding for His people! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    Has there ever been a time when you have felt persecuted or oppressed or discouraged by some difficult circumstance in your life? How did that difficulty affect your mindset, happiness or ability to thrive? In this passage, how do we see God's presence holding back the impact of the Egyptian persecution on the Jews? When the book of Exodus opens, how many years have passed since the end of the Book of Genesis? How does this tie into the Lord's prophecy to Abraham in Genesis 15:13? 2.    What did the podcast suggest about the importance of the fact that Amram and Jochebed knew they were from the tribe of Levi?  3.    What was Pharaoh's command for Jewish baby boys back in Exodus 1:16? 4.    How did God ordain and orchestrate the very moments of Moses' rescue in verses 4 & 5?  5.    How might Moses' childhood contribute to his mindset in verses 11 and 12 when he killed the Egyptian?  6.    Moses ended up feeling to Midian for 40 years. How might this have been a disappointment to his own plans and expectations for his life? How did God use this time to purify Moses? Has He done similar work in your life?  7.    What does verse 25 tell us about the attention of God for His people? How did the podcast suggest that God had arranged the details of their rescue? How did the Lord work out the details in your own life for you to know Him and call upon Him to be your Lord and Savior?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Genesis 49 is one of those Key Chapters that we might normally overlook; and yet this passage actually gives us several critical prophecies regarding the future of Israel, the nature of the kingdom and her King. So rather than being a chapter we should overlook, instead, this is one that we should dive into. Join us!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    The study opens with how the book of Genesis is ultimately about the "genesis" of this new nation, dedicated to God. As we close out our study in the book of Genesis, we have seen the Lord use very imperfect people. What does this show us about how God can use imperfect people today? How has God used you, even in your imperfections, to further His kingdom? 2.    In verse 2, the Lord refers to Jacob as "Israel." The name "Israel" means "contends/struggles with God." God gave Jacob this name back in Genesis 32. What is the significance of Jacob referring to himself as "Israel" in this passage? 3.    Although Reuben had moments of strength and dignity, he also had episodes of serious weakness. According to the study, what were some long-term consequences of his moral failures? Along those lines, according to 1st Chronicles 5:1, who was Reuben's birthright given to? Why?  4.    Simeon and Levi also suffered long-term consequences for their sins committed back in Genesis 34 when they defended their sister's honor by killing all the men of Shechem. Later on, what were the land allocations for the tribes of Simeon and Levi? What did this suggest as to why their sin would cause them to lose their land promise among the sons of Israel? 5.    Why was it so surprising that Judah would receive such a prophecy in Genesis 49:8-12? How was this prophecy later fulfilled in passages such as Judges 1:2 and later in the kings, and ultimately in the life of Jesus? 6.    The prophecy about Judah in Genesis 49:8-12 is the last of the three great prophecies of the Messiah. The other two are Genesis 3:15 and 22:18. What did these other prophecies foretell about the Messiah?  7.    The study concluded by saying that these prophecies in Genesis 49 form a blueprint for the nation of Israel. From reading these prophecies, how would you characterize what this nation was to look like?  8.    The nation prophesied in this passage would one day come to an earthly end and give way to the nation of the Messiah. In what ways will the Messianic kingdom be different from the kingdom that Jacob outlines here?  9.    Genesis 49 is a concluding chapter to the Book of Genesis. In many ways, it is the climax and Genesis 50 is like an epilogue. In your own words, how would describe the events that have led from Genesis 1 to Genesis 49? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

People will hurt us, that's a fact of life. The question is, how do we respond? Even more challenging is the question of how to find true forgiveness and reconciliation when that hurt runs deep. Join us today in our study of Genesis 40-45 and learn from Joseph's example of forgiveness and reconciliation.  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    What events in Joseph's life led up to these chapters? How did Joseph respond to them? Where did his ability to respond this way come from? Does your walk with the Lord reflect similar strength? Why or why not?  2.    What do you think of how Joseph responded when he first re-met his brothers? How might you have responded if you saw your brothers for the first time, decades after they sold you into slavery?  3.    The study explained that forgiveness is when we do not require a person to repay a debt. What debt did Joseph's brothers owe Joseph? Have you ever received this kind of forgiveness? Have you ever extended this kind of forgiveness?  4.    The study made a distinction between forgiveness and reconciliation. How are they different? How is this distinction helpful when working through complex and painful issues between us and someone else?  5.    How is Genesis 40-45 an example of the difficult work that goes into forgiveness and reconciliation? Why does Joseph have his brothers go through all these different tests? How did their responses demonstrate a true heart change in their lives?  6.    Joseph's brothers failed many of his tests, yet Joseph kept seeking reconciliation with them. Would you have been willing to put this much effort into it? Have you tried this hard to reconcile with someone? How did it go? 7.    How did Joseph respond when he saw the heart change of his brothers? How did this move them down the path toward true forgiveness and reconciliation?  8.    What spiritual principles can we learn and apply from Genesis 45:5 and Genesis 50:19? How might these two verses relate to our lives when we face difficulty and adversity? 9.    What was the outcome (short-term and long-range) of Joseph and his brothers being able to work through these issues and coming to a place of true forgiveness and reconciliation? How do we still enjoy the benefit of their reconciliation? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Life doesn't always go the way we want; and today as we begin to look at Joseph's life, we'll see that indeed, things didn't start out the way Joseph would have wanted either; but God had sovereign plans for Joseph's life and He was going to use Joseph to save His people. We may not always understand why God is doing what He does; but we know He has good and wise reasons. Join us!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. Joseph grew up without his birth mom because Rachel died in Genesis 35. He had multiple stepmoms, 10 older brothers, and a dad who seemed to be disconnected from the dynamics of his own family. What kind of environment was this for growing up in? What was Joseph's relationship like with all these people? 2.    The study explained Joseph's robe signified his dignity over his brothers. What kind of animosity did this favoritism produce between Joseph and his brothers? How did the Lord use this division to bring about His will? Has God ever used something seemingly insignificant in your life to change the path you were on? 3.    What were the dreams Joseph had and what did they signify? What reaction did this produce between Joseph and his brothers? 4.    Although Joseph could have handled his family situation with more delicacy, he was not wrong in telling his brothers about these dreams. Has there been a time when you learned a spiritual principle, but when you told others, they reacted poorly? What can we learn from this? 5.    Joseph's brothers sinned against Joseph, yet we know from Genesis 50:20, that this was part of God's plan. What does this tell us about God's sovereign will? Why does God sometimes use sin and sinners to accomplish His purposes? 6.    In verse 21, Reuben convinced his brothers not to kill Joseph. How did that decision change history for the children of Israel? 7.    Even though Joseph was going through such hardship, he was exactly in God's will. Does God promise us a life of ease if we are faithful to Him? How is Joseph's life a reminder for us to trust the Lord no matter what He brings into our lives? 8.    The study summarized Joseph's life from Genesis 37 to 44. How did Joseph respond amid life's troubles? Where did this strength come from? 9.    No doubt, when Joseph was facing the challenges of Genesis 37-44, his life had not worked out the way he had hoped. Ultimately, why did God allow him to go through these sufferings (see also Genesis 45:7, 50:20)? What kind of hope does this give us when we face difficulties in our own life? 10.    Thirteen chapters are dedicated to the life of Joseph, with a total content exceeding the content of Abraham's life by 25 percent. One reason for this might be to help us see the similarities between the life of Joseph and Jesus. How are both of their lives similar? Or to use theological terms, how is Joseph's life a "type" of Jesus? (A type is a theological term referring to something in the Old Testament that foreshadows Jesus). Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

The story of Jacob is well-known to students of the Bible. What may not be as well known is why God would bless a man whose character, at first, was so clearly out of sorts with godliness. Today we'll learn about the path the Lord used to bring Jacob to a place of faith, trust and obedience. Join us in this face-paced look at Genesis 28, which also will skim Genesis 25, 26, & 27! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    When was there a time in your life where you consciously made a life decision in light of your standing as a member of God's people? What was the outcome of that decision?  2.    Take a moment to evaluate your personal commitment to the kingdom of God. On a scale of 1 to 10, how committed are you to reflecting God's kingdom now and investing in God's kingdom to come? Why did you choose that number?  3.    Why do you think that the Lord allowed Isaac and Rebekah to not be able to have children until later in life? What impact would this (or should this) have on the spiritual lessons they would teach their children? Did it? 4.    How would you describe the family dynamics in Isaac's household? What kind of problems did their favoritism create? Who was responsible to rectify these problems? What are some possible reasons for why these problems weren't properly addressed?  5.    In Genesis 25:23, what was the Lord's promise to Rebekah about the twins she was bearing? How is this promise important as the story of Jacob's life unfolds?  6.    What were God's promises to Isaac in Genesis 26:3 and 4? How was this similar to the Lord's promises to Abraham? What would these promises also indicate about Isaac's role as the patriarch of his family? What would these promises mean for the role one of his sons would have over these future descendants?  7.    In Genesis 25:27-34, why do you think Esau sold his birthright to Jacob? Was this a true "sale"? Was the birthright his to "sell" anyway? How does this set the tone for the unraveling of Esau's role as firstborn?  8.    In Genesis 26:34-45, Esau marries two Hittite women. What significance might his marriage have on the direction of his leadership over the descendants of Abraham?  9.    Esau didn't cherish his birthright because he didn't cherish God's promises. If he did, what would that have looked like in his life? What does it look like, in our world today, to cherish God's promises and live in light of them? Why is this sometimes difficult to do?  10.    Although the study didn't address very much from Genesis 26, you have probably read it by now. As you reflect upon the events of Genesis 26, what do they show you about the quality of Isaac's faith? Why do you think his faith was like this?  11.    The Bible often reminds us that although we are to walk in God's ways, it's not to curry His favor, but rather to glorify Him. Both Abraham and Isaac show us that God uses imperfect people. Why do you think that is? What encouragement does this give you if and when you struggle in your walk?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

On the surface, the account of God calling Abraham to offer Isaac is one of the most difficult passages in the Bible. We can't imagine God actually calling any of His people to do such a thing. But we'll see in today's episode, that when we understand the context of this passage, and what Abraham knew to be true, we'll see that it was an amazing step of faith that actually shows us the kind of faith that God calls us all to. Please join us in this important study in God's Word!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    Using a Bible atlas or online atlas, locate Beersheba on the map to the right. Also, locate the Wilderness of Moriah on the map. What importance does each of these locations have in Genesis 22? 2.    This chapter contains God's command to Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering. While we know how the story ends, this would be an unsettling command for anyone to hear. How does the miraculous origin of Isaac's conception help us understand why Abraham was so calm in his obedience to the Lord? How do the words "we" and "return" in verse 5 give us a window into Abraham's mindset as he obeyed the Lord?  3.    In verse 8, Abraham assures Isaac that the Lord will provide a sacrifice. How has Abraham seen the provision of the Lord in his life before this? How have you seen the Lord provide in your life? How might dwelling upon God's prior provision give us strength in times of present distress? 4.    Think about Isaac's age in this passage. Do you think a 120-year-old man could have physically put Isaac on the altar? What would have had to happen in order for Isaac to get on it? How does this likelihood help us understand Isaac's role in this event? 5.    Isaac was Abraham's only link to something and someone. What and Who was Isaac the link to? What kind of faith did Abraham demonstrate by being willing to break this link, if that was to be the Lord's will? 6.    This passage also gives us a picture of the substitutionary death of Christ. How? What did God's substitute mean for Isaac? What does Christ's substitute mean for us? 7.    Verses 16 to 18 contain one of the most important promises in the Old Testament regarding who the offspring of Abraham are. Who are the "four seeds" suggested in the lesson? Which ones will be in God's Eternal Kingdom? Why? Are you among the believing seed spoken of in these verses? 8.    Genesis 22 shows the kind of faith that this new nation would be founded upon. How would you summarize Abraham's faith and obedience from this event? Where does this kind of faith come from? 9.    Are there any situations in your life where you simply need to trust and obey God as Abraham did here? Are you able to trust and obey Him? Why or why not?  10.    Have you ever sung the children's song, "Father Abraham"? It says that he had many sons. In light of what the lesson has taught about this passage, who are those sons? When the song says, "I am one of them, and so are you," what does that mean? Is that true of you? Why or why not? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

The birth of Isaac was the fulfillment of a 25 years wait for Abraham and Sarah; and yet, this fulfillment of God's promises sets up several other key events in the Bible. So join us as we continue to explore God's Word and how its message fits together and even applies to our lives today!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    What miracle happens in Genesis 21? Why does this miracle help us understand the message of Genesis 22 when God calls Abraham to offer up Isaac?  2.    What were God's promises to Abraham in the preceding chapters and why was the birth of Isaac a necessary step in bringing about the fulfillment of those promises?  3.    How was this miracle fulfilled in both Abraham's and Sarah's life? How old were they at the time of Isaac's birth? 4.    How long did it take between God's first promises to Abraham back in Genesis 12 and their fulfillment here in chapter 21? How do you think Abraham and Sarah felt during that time? What kinds of things do you think they were telling themselves as they waited for the Lord to fulfill His promises? How might you have been working through such a long delay? 5.    Back in Genesis 16, Abraham had a son with Hagar named Ishmael. How was Ishmael's conception different than Isaac's? What importance does that difference have in the identity and role of the children of Israel?  6.    What was Sarah's response to Ishmael's mocking in verse 10? What was the impact of her response on Hagar and Ishmael's life? How old did the study suggest that Ishmael was? Why would this be different than Abraham abandoning a child?  7.    After Hagar and Ishmael leave Abraham's household, the Lord visits her in her distress. The study explained part of the comfort and encouragement the Lord gave to her was by clarifying what resources and solutions were within her reach. What were they? How can this help us in our own prayers when we cry out to the Lord in our own times of distress?  8.    The study mentioned that as people grew in their understanding of God, it changed how they referred to Him. Melchizedek called upon God as "El Elyon" meaning "God most High" in Genesis 14:19. Hagar called upon God as "El Roi" meaning "the God who sees" in Genesis 16:13. Abraham calls upon Him as "El Olam" meaning "The Everlasting God" here in Genesis 21. Which of these names has the most significance to you and why?   Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Genesis 19 is one of the most well-known and most unsettling passages in the entire Bible. Yet this is a key chapter with a key message that we need to understand. So, today in our study of God's Word, we'll look at God's judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah and how it is a message of warning for judgment on sin, but also a message of hope and salvation. Please join us as we continue our journey together through God's Word.  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    Genesis 19 records God's judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 18:20ff, how does the Lord describe the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah and His judgment upon them? What was Abraham's bargain for God to not destroy these cities? Did the Lord find that many righteous people?  2.    What was Lot's reaction to this visit from the angels in verse 1? Why did Lot treat them this way? Do you think Lot knew they were angels? 3.    In Genesis 19:3, why do you think Lot was so persistent that these foreigners stay with him? Might it be because he knew the nature of the city in which he lived? 4.    How did the people of the town respond to these men staying with Lot? What does the fact that this crowd was comprised of both "young and old" show us about why such a thorough, annihilating judgment was needed?  5.    What do we make of Lot's offer of his daughter to this crowd? How is this an example of the city's influence on Lot's moral compass? What warning does this give to us about being overly influenced by our own society?  6.    What can we make of the fact that in Genesis 19:11, the angels struck the people with blindness but they still tried to find the doorway, even though they could not see it?  7.    What can we make of the Lord's delay of judgment on this city, where the Lord waited for Lot and his family to first get to safety? What does this show us about God's mercy and grace? 8.    Genesis 19 ends with a troubling account of Lot's daughters and Lot himself. What does this show us about how people sometimes rationalize their own sin?  9.    This chapter shows us how people in God's covenant live differently than those who are not. How is this spiritual reality demonstrated in Lot, his family and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah?  10.    This chapter also shows us what sins will not be among the kingdom people of God. Paul makes a similar point in 1st Corinthians 6:9-11. What are some of the sins we see in this chapter? How does the revulsion we feel about the sins of the chapter show us how the Lord views anyone's sin?   11.    Finally, this chapter shows us that God will condemn sin in all its forms. What does this judgment look like? What will God's ultimate judgment look like?    Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Circumcision is an uncomfortable Bible topic that we truly need to know and understand...perhaps not the specifics but we do need to understand the profound reason for it. When we don't understand the spiritual principles that are interwoven into this ancient ritual, we'll miss how it truly demonstrates a parent's faith in God's covenant, even as they gave their son a constant reminder to be in covenant with God himself. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    Read through Genesis 17 and circle every occurrence of the word "you." What does this tell us about whose faith is being demonstrated in this chapter?  2.    Read through Genesis 17 and underline the verses that you think are the keys to this chapter. Why do you think those verses are central to understanding this chapter?  3.    When the Lord called Abram to be blameless in Genesis 17:1, what did that mean? What would Abraham's blamelessness indicate about his faith? 4.    What is the significance of the fact the Lord said Abram would be the "father of a multitude of nations" in verse 4? 5.    What did God change Abram's name to in verse 5? Why did He make this change? What did Abram's new name mean? What did this new name teach him about his role in this world?  6.    Regarding circumcision, according to the study, originally who was supposed to circumcise the baby boy? What did the act of circumcision show about the father's faith?  7.    What does circumcision mean for the baby who is being circumcised? Did that boy still have to enter into covenant with the Lord? How?  8.    What did the study suggest for why females were not circumcised? Do you agree? Why or why not?  9.    According to verse 14, if a man refused to circumcise his son, or if a man refused to be circumcised himself, what happened to his covenant with God?  10.    How did Abraham respond to this instruction? What did his response indicate about his covenant with the Lord? 11.    What do you think the conversation would have been like as Abraham told his family and male servants about God's command to circumcise all the males in the home?  12.    What is the true circumcision we are still to undergo today? Have you undergone this spiritual "circumcision of the heart"? If so, what does it look like in your life? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Genesis 15 contains some of the most important promises in the entire Bible. These are God's promises to Abraham (and ultimately to us) about the establishment of a nation of descendants who would follow God and walk with Him. And while these are promises to Abraham, we see that these are promises to anyone who will call upon God in faith. Join us for the study in Genesis 15! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    According to the study, how many years have passed since the Lord first met with Abram back in Genesis 12? How would that delay have impacted your faith in God's promises? How did it impact Abram?  2.    When God reiterated His promises to Abram, what practical problem did Abram point to in verses 2 and 3? Why would this have seemed to be a problem to Abram? Why is this not a problem to God? Are there any principles we can glean from this regarding the problems we face in our lives? 3.    What was the Lord's response to Abram's concerns in verses 3 and 4? In what ways would God's solution only come about by means of a miracle? 4.    Verse 6 says Abram believed the Lord and the Lord reckoned it to Abram as righteousness. When God "reckons" a person to be righteous, what does that mean for them? Why is this reckoning by God necessary to inherit these promises and be a citizen of His kingdom?  5.    When verse 6 says Abram "believed God," how is this different than having a "faith" that is just a wispy hope? How was true faith reflected in Abram's life? Why did God declare Abraham to be righteous based on his faith and not his works? 6.    The later part of Genesis 15 records the covenant God made with Abram. What was Abram's role in this covenant? What was God's role? What is the significance of these two roles? Similarly, in our covenant with God that we have made through Christ, what is God's role, and what is ours? 7.    Genesis 15 speaks to the nation God would establish through Abram. While most modern believers in Christ are not related to Abram by blood, they are related to him by faith. Are you part of this kingdom? How does your life reflect these truths? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

As we continue to understand more about the message of God; we see that Abraham was called by God to establish a new nation that was to be unlike the world. Today, we see that this New Nation is also to have a relationship with God, that is unlike the world. Join us as we look at this important, but challenging topic! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    Genesis 14 is a key chapter because of what it tells us about Melchizedek. However, Melchizedek does not arrive on the scene until verse 17. What events led up to his introduction? 2.    Who were the two kings mentioned in verses 17 and 18? Given the city the king of Sodom presided over, what might we infer about this man? 3.    How does this study explain Abram's refusal to receive any of the spoils of victory in Genesis 14:23? What does this indicate about the foundation of this new nation of people who follow God? What does this show us about Abram's faith?  4.    According to the study, what does Genesis 14:18 mean when it says that Melchizedek was a priest of God Most High? What "time period" is the Melchizedekian Priesthood for? How are we in this time period today? 5.    Melchizedek was a king from Salem, which is later renamed as "Jerusalem." The name "Salem" means "peace." What does this indicate about this "King of Peace"? What does this suggest about the nature of the Lord's heavenly city? 6.    The study cites Psalm 110:4 twice. Psalm 110:4 says, "The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind, 'You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.'" What insights did the study explain about this verse? Who is this verse addressing? How "long" will this priesthood last? 7.    According to the study, what object lesson did the priesthood teach? As New Covenant believers, who is our priest? How does He reconcile us to God?  8.    What did you think about the principle in the study that said sinful people can have fellowship with Satan, but not with a holy God? How might Satan seek to give people a semblance of spirituality as a way of keeping them from approaching God through Jesus, our only true High Priest?  9.    According to the study, how does Jesus serve now, as our High Priest? In your personal times of prayer and worship, do you approach the Lord through the atonement of Jesus? Why or why not?  10.    One of the most important takeaways from this passage is that Jesus is in the priesthood of Melchizedek. We see this also in Psalm 110:4 and later in Hebrews 7:17. Why is this vital to understanding the priesthood of the New Covenant, versus the priesthood of the Old Covenant?  11.    Having taken this time to think about the priesthood, the Lord has only appointed two priesthoods, that of Aaron and Melchizedek. What does this indicate about the other priesthoods that man has created in this world? Why are they not necessary?  12.    Before this study, did you understand your need for a priest to reconcile you to God? How will this study change your understanding of how you approach Him? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Genesis 12 is one of the most important chapters in the Old Testament because it begins to show us God's plan for the world; as He calls Abraham to establish a new nation of people dedicated to Him. Chapter 12 lays the foundation for much of what unfolds through the rest of scripture. Join us for another key study in a key chapter of God's Word! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. Read over verses 1-3. What were the promises that God gave to Abram? In what sense were these unconditional promises? From what you can tell in these verses, how does the Lord expect Abram to respond to them?  2.    What do these unconditional promises indicate about God, His plan of redemption, and the kind of blessings He would pour out upon Abram and his descendants? 3.    According to the study, how will this new nation be different from the nations of the world that we saw back in Genesis 11? How is this difference still to be reflected in the life of believers today? 4.    Genesis 12 opens with Abram being 75 years old and living in the northern area of Haran. When God calls Abram to "Go forth from your country," what would this departure have been like for Abram and his family? How was Abram's obedience an indication of his faith? How did Abram respond? How is that a model for our responses to God's commands?  5.    How do you think Abram felt about leaving his family and former life behind? How would you have felt if you were in Abram's shoes?  6.    In verse 5, who went with Abram on his journey to the Promised Land? Glance back to the list of Abram's family in Genesis 11:27-32. Who did not go with Abram? Why do you think they didn't go with him?  7.    In verses 6 and 7, the Lord appeared to Abram at the Oak of Moreh; which was a common place of pagan worship. What did Abram build there? Thinking about this radical action, how do you think Abram had such faith and courage? What does this kind of faith and courage look like in our walk with God today? 8.    The study mentioned that there are physical descendants of Abram and spiritual descendants of Abram who have embraced God's New Covenant by faith. Have you accepted God's covenantal offer to join this nation of God-obeyers? If not, why not? If so, what does this look like in your life? 9.    The end of Chapter 12 includes an account of Abram not looking very heroic. What happened in verses 10-20? How does this seem incongruent with a man of faith? What does this teach us about the kind of people God uses? Does this give you any hope that God might still have a plan for you?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

The Tower of Babel is one of those events that is incredibly important but often misunderstood. Today, we'll study Genesis 11 and see why this passage is in our Bibles and how it serves as a dark backdrop to the entire message of God's Word. Join us for a key study in the key chapters in God's Word! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. Read through Genesis 11 and place a box around any words or phrases that speak of man's unity. Place a triangle around any words or phrases that speak of man's disunity. How does man's inability to communicate contribute to the disharmony among people? 2.    Read through Genesis 11 and circle the names Shem (in verse 10), Eber (in verse 14), Terah (in verse 24), and Abram (in verse 26). Then draw a line that connects them all, starting from Shem and ending with Abram. What is the significance of these connections?  3.    How did the study suggest that Genesis 11 serves as a dark backdrop to the rest of the Bible? What is so dark in this chapter? What is the diamond at the end of it?  4.    In verse 4, what reason did the people give for wanting to stay in the land of Shinar? What command was this in direct disobedience to? What was the purpose of that command?  5.    Looking at how the people were reasoning in verses 3 and 4, would you say they were taking God's instructions into consideration or disregarding them? Why do you think they had this mindset? 6.    In verse 4, was their sin "building the tower" or something else? How is that significant to the plan of God given in Genesis 1:28 and 9:1? 7.    The people used God's blessings to sin against Him. How might a person still use their God-given blessings to sin against Him? What, instead, should we do with God's blessings? 8.    How did God's judgment redirect the people to obey His commands? What does this tell us about one of the purposes of God's judgment? 9.    Who is the key person mentioned in verse 26? According to Genesis 17:5, what was his name later changed to? What did this new name mean?  10.    The people who settled in the Plain of Shinar were doing what seemed good to them, but they completely disregarded God's commands. When you look at your approach to life, how do you make decisions? Do most of your decisions simply reflect what you think is best? Do you normally consult God's Word for what He says on that matter? Why or why not? 11.    Would the people who know you describe you as a person who is actively seeking live according to God's way? Are you a person who seeks to please God, obey Him, and glorify Him? Why or why not? 12.    What implication does the meaning of "Abraham" have for the kind of nation Abraham was to be the father of? What does the study tell us about God's plan for choosing Abram from among the nations? 13.    Although we ought to obey God, none of us do perfectly. None of us can fully obey Him in our own strength. As we end our study in Genesis 11, take a moment to seek God's transforming grace, so that He might transform your heart, mind, will, and actions to conform to His holy standard in submission to His Son, who is our Lord and God and King? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

One of the most amazing (and often overlooked) truths about God is that He graciously makes promises to all mankind. Today, we'll look at this key chapter and this key promise and see God's kind loving care for all people. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    Circle every occurrence of the word "covenant" in Genesis 9:1-17. How many times does this word occur? What are the specific stipulations of this covenant? 2.    In verse 1, what command did God give to Noah? How was this similar to the command He gave to Adam and Eve? What is the purpose of this command? 3.    In verses 2 and 3, what dominion did the Lord give to Noah? What are the implications of this in our lives today?  4.    Why did God command Noah not to eat an animal's blood in verse 4? What were some of the reasons for this command suggested in the study? How does this command relate to the early church's practices in Acts 15:21?  5.    What are God's commands regarding humanity in Genesis 9:5 and 6? Why is life uniquely precious? How is this command different from the cavalier attitudes about life represented by Lamech back in Genesis 4:23? 6.    The study mentions that Genesis 9 records the institution of God's mediatorial rule through government. How is government pictured in verses 5-6? 7.    What kind of promise did God make to Noah in verse 8? What sign did He give regarding this promise? When you see a rainbow, how frequently do you think of God's covenant here with Noah? Why?  8.    Looking over the covenant that God made with Noah, what aspects of this covenant are unconditional? How is mankind supposed to uphold this covenant? 9.    What did the study suggest for how God can have wrath towards sin but not still pour out His wrath every time we sin?  10.    How does the flood account help you understand God's holiness, wrath, and mercy? What kinds of changes ought this understanding produce in the life of God's people? 11.    What did the study say were some of the long-term implications of Noah's curse on Ham? Who are the descendants of Ham that the Jews interacted with later on? 12.    Noah was a righteous man, but was his family perfect? How does this fact provide us consolation when we sin? 13.    Does your life reflect that you are in a covenant with God to obey Him? What changes might the Lord want you to make regarding how you're living? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

As we now turn to Genesis 8, we find Noah and his family still on the ark. In this episode, we'll think about what it would have been like to be on the ark for over a year, waiting for word from God. It wouldn't have been easy. And yet, as we look at Noah and his example, we find a man of faith who waited upon the Lord. Join us for our next study in the Key Chapters of God's Word! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    In Verse 1 God remembered Noah. How does the study explain what this phrase means? When we compare verse 1 with verse 15, how frequently did the study suggest the Lord was in direct communication with Noah? What do you think life on the ark would have been like for Noah and his family?  2.    Noah was on the ark a lot longer than 40 days. According to the study, approximately how long was he and his family on the ark? What does this tell us about his patience and trust in the Lord?  3.    Why do you think Noah didn't leave the ark in verse 13 once the ark rested on dry ground?  4.    What did Noah do when he got off the ark? Why do you think he did this? Would you have done this? What does this indicate about Noah's character?  5.    In verse 21, the Lord promises to never again curse the ground on account of man. Does this mean the curse is over? How did the study explain the word for "curse" here in verse 21, versus the word "curse" back in Genesis 3:17? 6.    In verse 21, the Lord says the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth. Has man's heart condition changed since Genesis 6:5? What does this show us about God's mercy? 7.    According to the study, what was the purpose of the flood? Was it to reform man? Or was it for something else?  8.    In verse 21, the Lord promises to never again destroy every living thing in the manner He has done. What is this an inherent promise to provide?  9.    What are the two key promises recorded in Genesis 8:21-22 and Genesis 3:15? How are these promises fulfilled in Christ? How can you trust in these promises, even today? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

People have a lot of questions about Noah's Ark and the flood; they also have a lot of misunderstandings! Today in our study of Genesis 7, we'll address some of the most common questions and misunderstandings of the flood and see that the biblical account clearly is possible. Join us!    DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    The study mentioned that Noah needed many decades to build the ark. Righteousness obeys over the long haul. Are there times when you obeyed God over a long period of time? Was that difficult? Why or why not? 2.    How does a biblical understanding of "kinds" help us see how Noah could fit the animals in the ark?  3.    According to the study, what stage of physical development were most of these animals likely to have been at when they came onto the ark? Why?  4.    What does verse 2 tell us about the number of each clean animal? What are some possible reasons presented in the study for why there may have been so many clean animals brought onto the ark? 5.    People often characterize the flood as being the result of heavy rain. While rain contributed to the flood, what does verse 11 indicate was another key cause of the flood?  6.    According to the study, how could the waters cover the mountains, in verses 19-20? 7.    What does Genesis 7 show us about God's provision? What did God provide for Noah in this passage? What has He provided us for salvation?  8.    For Noah to receive God's provision of salvation from the flood, what would he have to do? In light of the salvation God offers to us through the cross of Christ, how might Noah's response be similar to how we need to respond to God? 9.    Have you accepted God's offer of salvation? When and how? 10.    Take a moment to reflect on the troubles and trials you have gone through in life. What did God provide for you in them? Why not take a few moments to thank Him for your provision, and praise Him for His loving grace? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.