In this study: The great Roman fire of 64 AD and it’s aftermath How the theme of suffering runs throughout 1 Peter The importance of understanding the background and setting of Peter’s first letter How  persecution for some Christians leads to their being driven from their homes How all Christians are, in a sense, exiles How despair … Continue reading 1 Peter 1:1-3 The Living Hope (Podcast) →

In this study: Grief is very real in the life of a believer. God doesn’t command us to be Stoics The faith of Christians will always be tested–like gold in the fire Christians whose faith has been tried in the fire are most useful to God How joy in suffering is a theme that runs … Continue reading 1 Peter 1:4-12 Rejoicing while Suffering (Podcast) →

In this Podcast: The first eight minutes of this podcast is a report from our Daughter-in-Law, Melissa Miller, concerning the work of CASA [Court Appointed Special Advocates] of East Tennessee. In this Bible Study: A review of chapters 21-23 David’s wives David at En-gedi How reprieves from spiritual battles must be recognized as temporary How … Continue reading 1 Samuel 24 David Teaches us to Wait on God–Part 1 (podcast) →

In this study: A look at Psalm 54 (which David wrote after being betrayed by the Ziphites) David’s dogged determination to wait on God How David anticipates Romans 12:19-21 David once again proves that he is not Saul’s enemy The value and the limits of Christian Apologetics Stay in the Battle! Steve To find and … Continue reading 1 Samuel 26 David Teaches us to Wait on God–Part 2 (podcast) →

In this study: A brief review of chapters 16-20 David’s encounter with Ahimelech at Nob A brief history of the tabernacle and the ark How Jesus used this encounter to emphasize that people were more important than the ceremonial law or the holiness code The significance of the Urim and the Thummim David’s flight to … Continue reading 1 Samuel 21:1-23:6 Lessons from Saul and David (podcast) →

In this study: David continues to avoid Saul Saul continues to pursue David The amazing Jonathan The contrast between the Ziphites and Jonathan How we will also experience encouragers as well as betrayers The nauseating hypocrisy of Saul God’s perfect timing How we must not try to delegate back to God assignments that He has … Continue reading 1 Samuel 23:7-29 More Lessons from David (podcast) →

In this Bible study we consider the relationship between the concept of pride vs humility and the concept of worry vs peace. God wants us to learn how to cast all our worry on Him! Stay in the Battle! Steve To find and subscribe to Steve’s podcasts on ITunes (all subscriptions are free): http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/grow-strong-in-christ-steve/id563175497 To subscribe … Continue reading 1 Peter 5:5-7 How to Fight Worry (Podcast) →

In this study: The danger of pride What it means to be clothed with humility The incredible example set by our Lord Jesus How and why God not only will not exalt the proud, but actually opposes them How God will exalt us when we empty ourselves of ourselves by filling us with Himself Stay … Continue reading 1 Peter 5:5-6 Be Clothed with Humility (Podcast) →

In this study: Contrast between Saul and David Is it ever morally acceptable to lie? Biblical examples of godly deception Danger of falling into moral relativism Review of Chapter 15 The troubling requirement to kill every man, woman, child, and infant, as well as all sheep, camels, and donkeys To obey is better than sacrifice … Continue reading 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Anointing of David (Podcast) →

In this study: The Spirit of the Lord left Saul An evil spirit from the Lord–how God can use evil spirits How worship of the true God can be a powerful weapon against spiritual enemies Stay in the battle! Steve To find and subscribe to Steve’s podcasts on ITunes (all subscriptions are free): http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/grow-strong-in-christ-steve/id563175497 To … Continue reading 1 Samuel 16:14-23 Worship as Spiritual Warfare (Podcast) →