Sermons and Biblical Studies

1 KINGS 15 [King Asa] even deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother, because she had made a repulsive Asherah pole (1 Kings 15:13a). Each time a new king came to the throne of Judah, Scripture records the name of his mother. This is significant, because the Bible recognizes that there is … Continue reading “THE MOTHERS OF DESTINY”

2 KINGS 17 The king of Assyria invaded the entire land, marched against Samaria and laid siege to it for three years (2 King 17:5). Jehu’s dynasty lasted longer than any other in northern Israel. He reigned for 28 years, his son Jehoahaz 17 years, his grandson Jehoash 16 years, and his great-grandson Jeroboam II … Continue reading “ISRAEL’S LAST CHANCE”

2 KINGS 9 Then the prophet poured the oil on Jehu’s head and declared, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over the Lord’s people Israel’ ” (2 Kings 9:6b). Because of the many atrocities committed by Ahab and his house, the Lord determined to wipe out his line. … Continue reading “A NEW START FOR ISRAEL”

2 KINGS 2:23–3:27 He [Elisha] turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths (2 Kings 2:24). The formation of the remnant was a call for Israel to repent. In order to … Continue reading “THE THREAT OF JUDGMENT”

2 KINGS 2:15–22 And the water has remained wholesome to this day, according to the word Elisha had spoken (2 Kings 2:22). Elijah’s departure out of the land was in a sense a judgment. He led Elisha, his protégé, out of the land with him and into the wilderness. Since Elisha represented all the prophets, … Continue reading “THE ROOTS OF THE REMNANT”

2 KINGS 1:1–2:14 He [Elisha] picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan (2 Kings 2:13). When it came time for Elijah to be taken up into heaven, he and his appointed successor, Elisha, were at Gilgal. Elijah suggested that Elisha remain at … Continue reading “THE MANTLE OF THE PROPHET”

1 KINGS 21 But Naboth replied, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers” (1 Kings 21:3). A number of years after God’s defeat of Baalism at Mount Carmel, King Ahab looked out from his palace in Jezreel and saw a vineyard that he thought would be ideal for a … Continue reading “THE LORD’S INHERITANCE”

1 KINGS 18 Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing (1 Kings 18:21). When God set up the kingdom in Israel, He made a condition for the kings: … Continue reading “BAAL VS. YAHWEH”

This month we will complete our survey of the history of Israel by looking first at the ministries of Elijah and Elisha. Then we will trace the histories of the northern and southern kingdoms down to the destruction of Samaria and Jerusalem. We will also briefly consider the return from the Babylonian exile as seen … Continue reading “SEPTEMBER BIBLE STUDIES”

1 KINGS 13 [The prophet] cried out against the altar by the word of the Lord: “O altar, altar! This is what the Lord says: ‘A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David. On you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who now make offerings here, and human … Continue reading “THE PROPHET AND THE KING”