All Episodes

Episode 625:  In this episode, we dive into a fascinating story from 2 Kings that features the prophet Elisha and a miraculous event that occurs even after his death. We discuss the context of the passage, noting that Elisha was in his final illness and reflecting on the significance of his relationship with King Jehoash of Israel. Despite Jehoash being a bad king who did evil in the sight of the Lord, he recognizes Elisha's prophetic power and seeks his guidance. This leads us to a deeper discussion about the symbolism of the bow and arrows in the story, where Elisha instructs Jehoash to strike the ground with arrows as a sign of victory over their enemies.

Episode 624:  In this episode, we delve into a passage from 2 Kings 12, discussing King Joash's reign and his efforts to repair the temple. We analyze Joash's leadership style, noting how he finally took charge after 23 years of inaction from the priests. I draw parallels between Joash's situation and our own experiences in church leadership, emphasizing the importance of delegating responsibilities to experts and ensuring that resources are used wisely.

Episode 623:  In this episode, we explore the story of Jehoiada the priest, who, after seven long years of Athaliah's tyrannical rule, finally musters the courage to act against her. We discuss how he gathers a group of army commanders and makes a pact to crown Joash, the rightful heir from the line of David, as king. This moment is pivotal, as it signifies a rebellion against the idolatrous practices that had taken root under Athaliah's reign.

Episode 622:  In this episode, Chris and Jeff dive into the intriguing and often intense narrative found in 2 Kings, focusing on the actions of Jehu as he seeks to eradicate Baal worship from Israel. Chris and Jeff analyze Jehu's strategy, noting how he cleverly deceives the worshipers into believing they are participating in a grand sacrifice to Baal, only to have them ambushed and killed. They discuss the implications of Jehu's actions, emphasizing the seriousness of Baal worship and the consequences laid out by God for those who lead others astray.

Episode 621: In this episode, we delve into the dramatic and violent narrative found in 2 Kings chapter 10. The chapter recounts the story of Jehu, who is tasked with executing God's judgment on Ahab's family. We explore the shocking details of Jehu's actions, including the beheading of Ahab's 70 sons and the subsequent display of their heads in baskets at the city gate. This gruesome imagery serves as a stark reminder of the severity of God's judgment and the fulfillment of prophecy.

Episode 620:  In this episode, we delve into the biblical narrative of Jehu from 2 Kings chapter 9. Jehu, anointed as king, is tasked with wiping out the lineage of Ahab, fulfilling a prophecy given by Elijah twenty years prior. We explore the dramatic events as Jehu confronts King Joram and King Ahaziah, leading to their deaths in a bloody coup. The narrative is intense, filled with themes of justice and divine retribution, as Jehu's actions are framed within the context of God's judgment against the idolatry and evil practices of Ahab's family.

Episode 619:  In this episode, we delve into the biblical narrative found in 2 Kings 9, where the prophet Elisha anoints Jehu as king of Israel. We explore the significance of this moment, emphasizing the authority and weight that prophets carried in ancient Israel. The episode highlights how the acceptance of Jehu's anointing by his fellow officers illustrates the deep trust in prophetic words during that time.

Episode 618:  In this episode, we delve into a powerful story from 2 Kings chapter 7, which features four lepers who find themselves in a dire situation. Exiled from their city due to their leprosy, they contemplate their bleak options: stay and die, return to the city and die, or surrender to the enemy and hope for mercy. Ultimately, they choose to take a risk and venture into the enemy camp, where they discover an abundance of food and riches left behind by the fleeing Aramean army.

Episode 617:  In this episode, we dive into a discussion centered around a challenging passage from 2 Kings 6. We explore the dire situation faced by King Ben-Hadad of Aram, who besieges Samaria, leading to extreme famine and desperation among the people. The story takes a dark turn when we discuss the horrific choice made by two women during the siege, highlighting the depths of despair they faced.

Episode 616:  In this episode, Chris and Jeff dive into the story of Elisha's servant in 2 Kings chapter 6. They discuss the narrative where Elisha, a prophet of God, demonstrates unwavering confidence in God's protection despite being surrounded by an enemy army. The hosts ponder whether Elisha had the ability to see the spiritual realm or if he simply had faith in God's presence. They explore the implications of spiritual sight and confidence in God's support, emphasizing that believers can expect divine intervention when they align their lives with God's mission.

Episode 615:  In this episode, Chris and Jeff delve into the biblical story of Naaman from 2 Kings 5:1-19. Chris reads the passage, which tells the story of Naaman, a commander who suffers from leprosy and seeks healing from the prophet Elisha. The hosts explore Naaman's initial anger and pride when Elisha sends a messenger instead of coming out to meet him personally. They discuss the significance of Naaman's eventual obedience in dipping himself seven times in the Jordan River, emphasizing the themes of humility and complete obedience to God's commands.

Episode 614:  In this episode, Chris and Jeff explore the biblical account of Elisha and the Shunemite woman from 2 Kings 4. Chris reads the passage, detailing how the woman recognizes Elisha as a holy man of God and decides to build a room for him in her home, providing him with a place to stay whenever he passes through. This act of kindness leads to a miraculous blessing when Elisha promises her a son, despite her husband's old age.

Episode 613:  In this episode, we discuss the biblical narrative found in 2 Kings chapter 3. We explore the story of Elisha, the prophet, and the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom as they face a dire situation in battle against Moab. The kings are desperate for guidance, and Jehoshaphat suggests consulting a prophet. This leads to a discussion about Elisha's role and the significance of music in prophetic ministry, as he requests a harpist to play while he receives a message from God.

Episode 612:  In this episode, we dive into a discussion about the biblical figure Elijah and his dramatic ascension to heaven in a whirlwind, accompanied by a chariot of fire. We explore the vivid imagery presented in the scripture and reflect on the significance of Elijah being one of only two people in the Bible who did not experience death before entering heaven. This leads us to discuss the transition of prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha, highlighting Elisha's first miracles, including the purification of water in Jericho and the incident with the mocking boys.

Episode 611:  In this episode, Chris and Jeff delve into the biblical narrative of Elijah and Elisha from 2 Kings 2. They explore the profound moment when Elijah is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, highlighting the significance of Elisha's unwavering commitment to stay by Elijah's side. The hosts discuss the prophetic knowledge that the other prophets had about Elijah's departure, pondering how they knew this information and whether it was divinely revealed.

Episode 610: In this episode, we dive into a captivating story from the Old Testament, focusing on the prophet Elijah and his bold confrontation with King Ahaziah of Israel. We explore the context of the narrative, where Ahaziah, after falling through the latticework of his palace and sustaining serious injuries, seeks guidance from Beelzebub, the god of Ekron, instead of turning to the God of Israel. Elijah, instructed by the angel of the Lord, confronts the king's messengers with a powerful message: because Ahaziah sought answers from a false god, he would never leave his bed and would surely die.

Episode 609:  In this episode, we dive into an engaging discussion about a remarkable biblical story found in 2 Chronicles chapter 20, featuring King Jehoshaphat of Judah. We delve into the serious topic of warfare and divine intervention. Jehoshaphat finds himself facing a vast army from Moab, Ammon, and Edom, and in a moment of desperation, he turns to God for guidance. The king calls for a fast among the people of Judah, demonstrating their collective dependence on God in the face of overwhelming odds.

Episode 608:  In this episode, we explore Second Chronicles chapter 19, focusing on King Jehoshaphat of Judah. We discuss his leadership style, highlighting his commitment to seeking God and appointing judges to ensure justice in the land. Jehoshaphat's actions reflect a desire for integrity and righteousness, which we believe is crucial for any leader, whether in government, business, or family life.

Episode 607:  In this episode, the hosts recount the story of King Ahab's death as described in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18. They discuss Ahab's cunning plan to disguise himself in battle while allowing King Jehoshaphat to wear royal robes, ultimately leading to Ahab's demise. The hosts reflect on the irony of Ahab's attempt to outsmart God and how a seemingly random arrow struck him down, illustrating that God is in control of all events, even those that appear to be chance occurrences.

Episode 606:  In this episode, we dive into a fascinating discussion focusing on 1 Kings 22. We set the stage by explaining the political landscape of the time, with King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah forming an alliance. We read through the chapter, highlighting the pivotal moment when Ahab seeks counsel from his 400 prophets, who all assure him of victory in battle. Jehoshaphat, however, insists on hearing from a true prophet of the Lord, leading to the introduction of Micaiah, who delivers a starkly different message.