History for Christian Teens

Episode #10- Moses: Basket Baby Grows up to Deliver His People

This week on the History for Christian Teens podcast, we discover how a baby escaped death by floating down the Nile River in a basket, then grew up to lead his people out of captivity.

Previously, we learned how Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Later in his life, through a series of events, he went on to save his family from starvation by bringing them to live near him in the land of Egypt.

It’s now somewhere around 300 years after the death of Joseph. The Hebrews have significantly grown in number and prospered in Egypt. However, since the time Joseph’s family resettled in the country, a new ruler has come into power who has forgotten how God raised Joseph up to save their people from starvation.

Worried by the growing numbers and prosperity of the Israelites, the new Pharaoh greatly oppressed them and worked them harder than ever. In an effort to stop the growing population, the new ruler commanded that the midwives kill all the Hebrew baby boys at birth. However, the midwives feared God more than man, and the Lord blessed the midwives for their faithfulness.

When Moses’ mother saw that her baby was beautiful, she hid him until she could hide him no longer. In desperation to save her son, she placed him in a basket and sent him down the Nile River. Pharaoh’s daughter found the baby and raised him as her son. Later, Moses would realize he was a Hebrew and see the oppression of his people by the Egyptian government. God would miraculously call him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and save them from slavery.

We then tie everything together with three practice life application lessons that we can apply to our own lives as believers.

Next week- Please join us next time when we explore how a Biblical event reverberated throughout history and is even the current fundamental legal code of Western Civilization and the common law of the United States.

Resources referenced or recommended for further study:

Scripture references:

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If you have questions, comments, OR are in need of prayer, you can reach us by email at [email protected].

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Episode #9: Joseph the Dreamer- From Pit to Prison, to Palace

In this episode, we explore the harrowing account of a man named Joseph who was sold into slavery by his own brothers but was able to rise above his circumstances and even eventually forgive them.

Joseph lived between 1914-1804 BC. We can find his story in Chapters 37-50 of the Book of Genesis. He’s the 11th of the 12 sons of Jacob, and the firstborn son of Rachel, the wife whom Jacob loved the most. Not surprisingly, Joseph was Jacob’s favorite son, which caused the older brothers to be jealous and hate their younger brother. After sharing dreams of people bowing down before him, including his own family, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery and led their father to believe he was devoured by a wild animal.

His captors took Joseph to Egypt where he worked for Potipher before being thrown into prison for a false accusation lodged against him. Joseph remained faithful to God, even while imprisoned, and was eventually released after correctly interpreting the dreams of fellow prisoners. Through a miraculous series of events, Joseph was promoted to the highest office in the land, just under Pharoah, was reunited with his family, and saved them from a severe seven-year famine. Joseph the Dreamer went from pit, to prison, to palace!

Be sure to stay tuned to the end, because we also explore recent archeological evidence uncovered that back the accuracy of the Bible’s account of this time period in history! Then, we discuss important Biblical takeaways from Joseph’s life and how we can apply them to our own lives as Christians.

Resources referenced or recommended for further study:

Scripture references:

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We are now on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, iHeartRadio and more! Please be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.

If you have questions, comments, OR are in need of prayer, you can reach us by email at [email protected].

Next week- Please join us next time when we learn about a baby who escaped death by floating down the crocodile-infested Nile River in a basket, then grew up to lead his people out of captivity.

The post Joseph the Dreamer- From Pit to Prison, to Palace appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Episode #8: Jacob Learns That What Goes Around Comes Around

This week on the History for Christian Teens podcast, your hosts, Crystal and Kevin Niehoff, continue our series featuring historical characters from the Old Testament by exploring the life of Jacob. Jacob’s name means “the grabber” because he grabbed his twin brother Esau’s heel as he was being delivered. As we will soon discover, this name is a very fitting one for Jacob.

We will specifically dive in and examine two major events in Jacob’s life where he discovers that the old saying is true, “What goes around comes around.” Biblically speaking though, these events in our account of Jacob demonstrates the truth of Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” As we conclude, we will also touch on the importance of being eternally-minded rather than focusing on the temporal, such as Jacob’s brother, Esau, did.

Next week- Be sure to join us next week when we explore the harrowing story of a man who was sold into slavery by his own brothers but was able to rise above his circumstances and even eventually extend forgiveness to them.

Resources referenced or recommended for further study:

Scripture references:

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

We are now on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, iHeartRadio and more! Please be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.

If you have questions, comments about today’s episode, OR are in need of prayer, you can reach us by email at [email protected].

The post Jacob Learns That What Goes Around Comes Around appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Episode #7: Isaac’s Altar Call

Last week, we saw how God is faithful in keeping His promises but that God’s timing may be much different than OUR timing. And, we learned that the Lord keeps His word, even when we try to get ahead of Him and “help” Him out a bit. The Lord’s plan will always prevail.

Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90, when Isaac, the promised and long-awaited son, and heir, was born. Can you imagine being that old and becoming parents? No wonder Abraham and Sarah struggled to believe that God would indeed fulfill what He had promised so many years before and when they were both much younger!

On this episode, we are going to see that Abraham’s faith and obedience are tested again with a heart-wrenching request by God. We will also to explore how Isaac’s faith and obedience were also tested, something not often explored with this story in Scripture. You’ll want to stay tuned for the entire episode because today there is a surprise twist at the end!

Next week- We hope you will join us next time when we are introduced to Isaac’s son, Jacob, and how his act of deception in his youth comes back to him in spades later on.

Resources referenced or recommended for further study:

Scripture references:

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

We are now on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, iHeartRadio and more! Please be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.

If you have questions, comments about today’s episode, OR are in need of prayer, you can reach us by email at [email protected].

The post Isaac’s Altar Call appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Episode #6: Abraham and Sarah Scheme to Help God

When Sarah and Abraham get impatient waiting on the Lord to fulfill His promise of a son and heir, they devise a backup to help God out by using Sarah’s maid, Hagar, as a surrogate mother.

This week on the History for Christian Teens podcast, Crystal and Kevin explore how Abraham and Sarah’s lack of faith in God keeping His word leads them into a rather tangled mess after they try to get ahead of God’s plan. However, in the end, the Lord’s plan prevails, as it always does, and we learn that God, who is rich in mercy, restores laughter to Sarah and counts Abraham as righteous. Truly a beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption.

Crystal and Kevin wrap up the episode with three important life lessons from this account of Abraham and Sarah, how we can apply them to our lives today as Christians, and lead listeners through the ABC’s of salvation.

Next week- Be sure to join us next week to find out how Abraham reacts to a heart wrenching command given by God, and what we can learn from both God and Abraham’s responses to it. You don’t want to miss this episode!

Resources referenced or recommended for further study:

10 Minutes to Knowing the Men & Women of the Bible by Jim George

Handbook for Christian Living Biblical Answers to Life’s Tough Questions by Charles F. Stanley

The Ultimate Bible Character Guide by Gina Detwiler

The Evidence Bible with Commentary by Ray Comfort

Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/

Lit Charts, Genesis, https://www.litcharts.com/lit/genesis

ABC’s of Salvation, JD Farag at jdfarag.org/abc

Scripture references:

Follow us on Facebook or you can email us at [email protected].

How to Listen:

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The post Abraham and Sarah Scheme to Help God appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Courageous Noah and the Cruise of a Lifetime – Episode #5

This week on the History for Christian Teens podcast, your hosts, Crystal and Kevin Niehoff, examine the character of Noah, a man who did what the Lord instructed him to do, even when it made no earthly sense, and caused him to be mocked and ridiculed.

Noah is a well-known Bible figure, known for his boat full of animals, often hailed for his faithfulness and obedience to God. Today, we would like to add another character trait, that of courageous. Courageous Noah who faithfully obeyed God, diligently working 120 years to build an ark big enough to house his family and a large number of animals. Noah knew judgment was coming and dutifully warned everyone who would listen, even though by doing so, Noah stood out in a wicked and depraved generation, but courageously Noah kept going despite the scoffing he endured from the crowd of onlookers.

Kevin and Crystal then tie it all together with three life application lessons we can apply to our lives today as believers. We know that Noah’s courageous example will inspire you to stand up for what’s right and stand out from the crowd.

Next week- Be sure to join Crystal and Kevin next week when we will explore how Abraham and Sarah’s impatience with God led to sin and a complicated mess. But, we will also see that God in His goodness, is rich in mercy and always keeps His word.

Resources referenced or recommended for further study:

10 Minutes to Knowing the Men & Women of the Bible by Jim George

Answers in Genesis, https://answersingenesis.org/answers/

Ark Encounter, https://arkencounter.com/

Handbook for Christian Living Biblical Answers to Life’s Tough Questions by Charles F. Stanley

The Ultimate Bible Character Guide by Gina Detwiler

The Evidence Bible with Commentary by Ray Comfort

McGuffey’s 5th Eclectic Reader, published in 1879

Scripture references:

Follow us on Facebook or you can email us at [email protected].

How to Listen:

Please subscribe, follow, and share with your friends!

The post Courageous Noah and the Cruise of a Lifetime appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Cain and Abel, Brotherly Rivalry Turns Tragic – Episode #4

This week in the History for Christian Teens podcast, your hosts, Crystal and Kevin Niehoff, examine the story of two brothers and the first murder. The devastating result of disobedience and rejecting God’s word.

Sometime after the first man and woman were exiled from the Garden of Eden after the Fall of mankind, Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Abel. Abel was a shepherd, while Cain’s occupation was that of a farmer. Genesis chapter 4, tells of the two brothers bringing their offerings before the Lord. Cain brought some of the fruit from his field, while Abel gave the best of the firstborn of his flock. When the Lord God was pleased by Abel’s offering but not by Cain’s, Cain became angry with his brother. Luring him to a field, Cain struck and killed his brother, Abel, this the Bible records the very first murder.

Crystal and Kevin then warn of the pitfall of pride and failing to take control of our thoughts, drawing three important life application lessons that every Christian should apply to their own lives and hearts.

Next week- Be sure to tune in next week when we explore the courage of a man who obeyed God, even when it made no earthly sense, and caused him to be mocked and ridiculed. This story will inspire us to stand up for what’s right and stand out from the crowd.

Resources referenced or recommended for further study:

The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

Handbook for Christian Living Biblical Answers to Life’s Tough Questions by Charles F. Stanley

The Ultimate Bible Character Guide by Gina Detwiler

The Evidence Bible with Commentary by Ray Comfort

Scripture references:

Follow us on Facebook or you can email us at [email protected].

How to Listen:

Please subscribe, follow, and share with your friends!

The post Cain and Abel, Brotherly Rivalry Turns Tragic appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Episode #3 – Adam and Eve, From Bliss to Blisters

This week on the History for Christian Teens podcast, your hosts, Crystal and Kevin Niehoff, talk about how humankind ended up in the mess of sin and death that we find ourselves in. To do this, first we set the scene way back at the beginning in the Garden of Eden. The Lord God had just spent the first five days creating the sun, moon, stars, plants, trees, fish of the sea and every living creature upon the earth. Then, on the sixth day, God made man and woman which was Adam and Eve.

In the Garden of Eden, everything was perfect. Pure bliss. The garden was beautiful and plentiful. There was no hunger, no sickness, no fighting, and no death. Every need was provided for by our Creator God. Plus, Adam and Eve had the added blessing of walking and talking, in person, with God Himself, enjoying sweet fellowship together. That was until the crafty and cunning serpent convinced the first man and woman to eat fruit from the one and only tree that God had made off-limits to them, promising that their eyes would be opened and they would become wise like God.

Well, the eyes of Adam and Eve were opened indeed, but to a much different kind of wisdom than they had imagined. Suddenly, they were very aware of their nakedness and felt deep shame, guilt, and grief for what they had done. Because of their sin, our holy and just God pronounced judgment upon Adam, Eve, and the serpent bringing sin and death into the story of humankind.

Crystal and Kevin then wrap it up with three important life application lessons that can be learned and applied to our own lives. Then, they encourage further study into the foreshadowing of Christ in the very first sacrifice made by God Himself before Adam and Eve were exiled from their blissful garden home.

Next week- Now that sin has entered into the history of mankind, next week we will examine the story of two brothers and the first murder. The devastating result of disobedience and rejecting God’s word.

Resources referenced or recommended for further study:

The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

Handbook for Christian Living Biblical Answers to Life’s Tough Questions by Charles F. Stanley

The Ultimate Bible Character Guide by Gina Detwiler

The Evidence Bible with Commentary by Ray Comfort

Scripture references:

Follow us on Facebook or you can email us at [email protected].

How to Listen:

Please subscribe, follow, and share with your friends!

The post Adam and Eve, From Bliss to Blisters appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Episode #2: Put on Your Biblical Glasses

This week on the History for Christian Teens podcast, your hosts, Crystal and Kevin Niehoff, talk about the most loved, most hated, most read, and most censored book in history- the Bible. Be sure to listen in as we discuss the importance of seeing the world, others, and ourselves through the lens of God’s Word.

We kick off this episode by learning some great facts about the Bible. For example, did you know the Bible has a total of 66 books by 40 authors? With 40 authors the Bible has been written on 3 continents- Asia, Africa, Europe! Then, we learn the purpose of the Bible, in a nutshell, is that it is the story of God’s redemptive plan to rescue humankind and restore His creation, taking place over six major acts. Throughout the ages, the Bible has shown itself to be trustworthy and reliable. Archeologists and historians told of the works of ancient writers such as Caesar, Tacitus, and Josephus to name a few. Undeniable scientific accuracy of the Bible. In the end, a lot of boils also down to faith,  “Apart from faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6).

In light of the accuracy and reliability of the Bible, we should put on our Biblical glasses to view history, and everything else, through the eyes of our Creator, the  All-knowing, All-seeing, Almighty, infinite, eternal God.

Next week- We go back to the beginning to find out how humankind ended up in the mess of sin and death by exploring the lives of the very first man and woman.

Resources referenced or recommended for further study:

The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

Handbook for Christian Living Biblical Answers to Life’s Tough Questions by Charles F. Stanley

27 Fun Facts About The Bible at ThinkAboutSuchThings.com

The Ultimate Bible Character Guide by Gina Detwiler

The Evidence Bible with Commentary by Ray Comfort

Scripture references:

Follow us on Facebook or you can email us at [email protected].

How to Listen:

Please subscribe, follow, and share with your friends!

The post Put on Your Biblical Glasses appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Episode #1: Introduction to History for Christian Teens Podcast

Today, your hosts, Crystal and Kevin Niehoff, introduce themselves, share their love of history, and talk about the purpose of our new podcast, designed specifically for middle school and high school students, but parents and others are welcome to listen in, too!

History is so much more than boring facts about obscure topics and time periods! Learning about the past can be insightful, dramatic, and even fun! Not to mention the treasure trove of wisdom that is ours for the taking when we study history using the thoroughly accurate and truly reliable source for knowledge- the Bible- as our guide to understanding the deeper reasons behind it all.

Kevin introduces our core basic beliefs, which will be evident in each podcast:

Each week we will highlight a person, place, or event from history. Then we will discuss what it all means in light of the Scripture, our measuring stick for all truth and knowledge, followed by how we, as Christians, can use our newfound wisdom and apply it to our own lives. Crystal invites listeners to not just take their word for the topics and life applications being taught in each podcast, but to study for themselves and draw their own conclusions, using the resources given as a springboard to further research. Our prayer is that you will learn more than historical facts and Bible references, but that you will grow in your personal relationship with Christ as a result.

Follow us on Facebook or you can email us at [email protected].

How to Listen:

Please subscribe, follow, and share with your friends!

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