Basically Biblical

For Day 82 of our "Bible in a Year" playlist, we explore 1 Samuel 7-9. Samuel leads Israel to repentance and victory over the Philistines, but the people later demand a king, rejecting God’s direct rule. Saul’s anointing as Israel’s first king marks a pivotal shift, blending divine guidance with human choice.Questions:1. In chapter 7, Samuel calls Israel to turn back to God wholeheartedly—how can we identify and remove the “idols” that pull us away from Him today?2. The people’s demand for a king in chapter 8 shows their desire to be like other nations—what pressures do we face to conform rather than trust God’s unique plan?3. Saul’s humble beginnings in chapter 9 contrast with his future—how does this remind us that God often chooses unexpected people for His purposes?Use my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible hereMy video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here

On Day 81 of our "Bible in a Year" journey, we cover 1 Samuel 4-6, where Israel suffers defeat and loses the Ark of the Covenant to the Philistines. God’s power humbles the enemy as the Ark brings chaos, leading to its return. These chapters reveal the consequences of treating God lightly and His unmatched holiness.Questions:1. Israel uses the Ark like a lucky charm in chapter 4 and loses it—how do we sometimes risk treating God as a means to an end rather than the holy King He is?2. The Philistines face plagues and panic in chapter 5—what does this show us about God’s power, even over those who don’t acknowledge Him?3. The Ark’s return in chapter 6 comes with both celebration and judgment—how can we cultivate a deeper reverence for God’s presence in our lives?Use my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible here

My video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here

For Day 80 of our "Bible in a Year" playlist, we begin 1 Samuel with chapters 1-3. Hannah’s heartfelt prayer leads to Samuel’s birth, a child dedicated to God. As Eli’s sons corrupt the priesthood, young Samuel hears God’s voice, marking the rise of a new prophet in a time of spiritual decline.Questions:1. Hannah pours out her pain to God in chapter 1—how does her story encourage us to bring our deepest struggles to Him in prayer?2. Eli’s failure to discipline his sons in chapter 2 contrasts with Hannah’s faithfulness—what can this teach us about the impact of parenting or mentoring?3. Samuel hears God’s call in chapter 3, even as a child—how might we tune our hearts to listen for God’s voice in our own lives, no matter our age?Use my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible hereMy video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here

On Day 79 of our "Bible in a Year" journey, we explore the entire book of Ruth, chapters 1-4. Amid loss and uncertainty, Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi leads to unexpected provision through Boaz, her kinsman-redeemer. This beautiful story of faithfulness and redemption offers a glimmer of hope in Israel’s dark days, pointing to God’s bigger plan.Questions:1. Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi in chapter 1 is a powerful act of loyalty—what does her example teach us about commitment in tough times?2. Boaz’s role as redeemer in chapters 3-4 mirrors God’s care for us—how does this story deepen our understanding of redemption in our own lives?3. The book ends with Ruth in the lineage of David (and ultimately Jesus)—how does this remind us that God weaves purpose into even the smallest acts of faith?Use my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible hereMy video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here

For Day 78 of our "Bible in a Year" playlist, we tackle Judges 19-21, the grim conclusion to the book. A horrific crime sparks civil war among the tribes, exposing Israel’s moral collapse and disunity. In a time when “everyone did what was right in their own eyes,” these chapters confront us with the consequences of abandoning God’s ways.Questions:1. The shocking events of Judges 19 reveal a society without restraint—what do you think drives people to such extremes when they reject God’s guidance?2. The near-destruction of Benjamin in chapters 20-21 shows the cost of division—how can we work toward unity and reconciliation in our own communities?3. The phrase “there was no king in Israel” repeats in these chapters—how does this longing for leadership point us to our need for God’s authority in our lives?Use my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible hereMy video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here

On Day 77 of our "Bible in a Year" journey, we cover Judges 16-18, where Samson’s story reaches its dramatic peak with Delilah’s betrayal, his downfall, and his final act of strength. The narrative shifts to Israel’s spiraling chaos, with Micah’s idolatry and the theft of a priest, revealing a nation unmoored from God’s law.Questions:1. Samson’s vulnerability to Delilah in Judges 16 leads to his capture—what can his story teach us about the dangers of misplaced trust or unchecked desires?2. Samson’s final prayer and act of destruction bring deliverance—how does this bittersweet end reflect both God’s mercy and the cost of disobedience?3. In chapters 17-18, Micah’s homemade religion shows Israel’s moral drift—how do we guard against creating our own versions of faith instead of following God’s truth?Use my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible hereMy video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here

For Day 76 of our "Bible in a Year" playlist, we explore Judges 13-15, introducing Samson, a child of promise marked by a Nazirite vow. His extraordinary strength brings deliverance from the Philistines, but his impulsive choices and personal weaknesses foreshadow trouble, reflecting Israel’s broader struggle with faithfulness in a chaotic time.Questions:1. Samson’s birth is announced by an angel in Judges 13—what does this divine beginning suggest about God’s plans, even in a time of spiritual decline?2. Samson’s strength is undeniable in chapters 14-15, yet his decisions often lack wisdom—how do we balance God-given gifts with the need for discernment?3. The riddle and revenge cycle with the Philistines shows Samson’s personal battles—how might his story challenge us to consider the consequences of acting on impulse?Use my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible hereMy video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here

On Day 75 of our "Bible in a Year" journey, we delve into Judges 10-12, where Israel’s cycle of sin and deliverance continues with new judges like Tola, Jair, and Jephthah. Jephthah’s tragic vow and victory over the Ammonites highlight the cost of rash decisions, while God’s persistent mercy shines through despite the people’s wavering faith.Questions:1. In Judges 10, Israel cries out to God, but He initially rebukes them—what does this exchange reveal about the balance between repentance and God’s patience?2. Jephthah’s vow in chapter 11 leads to a heartbreaking outcome—how can we be more mindful of the promises we make in moments of desperation?3. Despite Jephthah’s flaws and outsider status, God uses him to deliver Israel—how does this encourage us to see potential in imperfect people, including ourselves?Use my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible hereMy video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here

For Day 74 of our "Bible in a Year" playlist, we cover Judges 7-9, where Gideon’s small army defeats Midian through God’s unconventional strategy, proving His power over human strength. Yet, triumph turns to turmoil as Gideon’s legacy unravels with idolatry and his son Abimelech’s violent rise, showing the fragility of faithfulness in Israel’s early years.Questions:1. God reduces Gideon’s army to 300 in Judges 7—how does this challenge our reliance on our own resources versus trusting God’s provision?2. Gideon’s ephod in chapter 8 leads Israel back to idolatry—what can this teach us about the dangers of misusing even well-intentioned victories?3. Abimelech’s ruthless ambition in chapter 9 contrasts with Gideon’s humility—how do we guard against pride or selfishness after experiencing God’s blessings?Use my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible hereMy video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here

On Day 73 of our "Bible in a Year" journey, we explore Judges 4-6, where God raises unlikely leaders—Deborah, Barak, and Gideon—to deliver Israel from oppression. From Deborah’s bold leadership to Gideon’s hesitant faith, these chapters highlight God’s power working through human weakness, even as Israel’s cycles of rebellion continue.Questions:1. Deborah and Jael play key roles in defeating Sisera in Judges 4—what does their story show us about God using unexpected people to accomplish His plans?2. Gideon asks for multiple signs from God in chapter 6—how do you think we balance seeking reassurance with stepping out in faith?3. Israel cries out to God in distress, and He responds despite their unfaithfulness—how does this pattern encourage us in our own struggles with consistency?Use my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible hereMy video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here