We're thinking a lot about our political leaders these days. Ancient Israel had leaders, too. In fact, one third of your Bible is devoted to the historical time period of the kings of the united kingdom, and the divided kingdom of Israel (in the north) and Judah (in the south).

You might be surprised at how relevant this study can be. The very first king of Israel? He struggled right from the start with something we like to call "situational ethics."

And that's rather relevant to our own culture, wouldn't you say?

We know very little about John the Baptizer's preparation for ministry, only that he came out of "the wilderness."

And yet, with that one detail, the land can tell us more than we ever imagined. Check out the second of a three-part series on one of the most intriguing personalities in the entire Bible.

There's a lot of heated exchange going on in America these days about racism. From time to time, someone will even throw the Bible into this raging rhetoric, claiming the Bible supports slavery.

Yes, there are at least two verses in the Bible that instruct slaves to "obey their masters." Read it out of context and you'll draw the conclusion that the Bible is OK with slavery. Read it in context and you'll quickly find it says exactly the opposite!

He's one of the most important - and unforgettable - characters in the entire Bible. Spend 12 minutes with this videocast and you'll know more about him than you ever thought possible.

And this is just the first of three videocasts dedicated to John the Baptizer.

To view this video in its highest quality format, click here.

Hosea's message to his culture included a strange line. God was going take his people "into the wilderness" ... out of love! The prophet knew that the best place to rediscover a thriving relationship with God was in the desert, where God had first trained the Hebrews to be His people.

Could the difficult season we find ourselves in today be a blessing in disguise?

If you're in need of a word of encouragement, spend a few minutes with Pastor Andy Cook as he unpacks a timely message from an ancient prophet.

Of all the places the disciples thought they'd visit as disciples of Jesus, none of them ever imagined visiting the darkest corner of Israel. And yet, that's where they were when Jesus took them to the "Gates of Hades" at Caesarea Philippi.

We should not be surprised, of course. Jesus asked us to be the "light of the world." Did we somehow think we'd never take that light into the darkness?

Pastor Andy Cook teaches part of this videocast on location on the very ground where pagan temples once dominated the landscape.

You know the stories of Daniel and his friends? They chose to risk their lives in a lion's den and a fiery furnace rather than compromise their faith in God.

But where did they get such ideas? The answer is right there in your Bible. And it might just be the most important lesson you need to know today. Don't miss this audio edition of "Secrets from the Ancient Paths!"

When Jesus said, "Come, follow me," the disciples who followed had no idea where Jesus was going. On one life-changing road trip, they went deep into pagan territory, passing a spectacular temple along the way that claimed the Roman emperor was god on earth.

Just three miles later, Jesus asked a question that still demands an answer: "Who do you say that I am?"

Check out this amazing lesson and share it with others! Thanks for leaving ratings and comments on iTunes and other podcasting platforms. That helps others find this resource!

Was Judas guilty of the greatest act of treason in history or a pawn in the hands of an unfair God? Because Jesus spoke of Judas (John 17:12) as "one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be revealed," more than a few people have thought of Judas as a victim. Some have even turned him into the hero of the story!

But a look at the facts about the decisions Judas made will unveil some of the most important secrets hidden in plain sight from the pages of your Bible.

And whatever you do, don't miss the lesson from this podcast!

Want to download a "Meet the Disciples" fact sheet? We've got all the biblical information on all 12 of the young men Jesus called as his disciples, plus some insight on some other key followers in the first band of disciples. Luke, Paul, Silas, Judas ... and Mary Magdalene. Click here to download the pdf file!

Download the free "Meet the Disciples" fact sheet!

If you've always thought the rebellious son in one of Jesus' most famous parables traveled a long distance to get into trouble, better think again.

As it is in our own culture, it wasn't very far at all to a place of disastrous consequences. But there's good news in that message, too. This video (11:01) will help you see what everyone listening to the parable already knew.

To view this video in a higher quality, click here.