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The Studies Stream offers easy access to all the existing Growing Disciples video resources. This stream also features new ‘Deep Dive’ studies on selected books and important themes of the Bible. Frequently Asked Questions will also be answered in written articles. New resources will be added each month.
The title of Mark’s gospel makes clear that it’s all about Jesus, who is the Messiah, the Son of God. Mark presents this message in an economical and direct manner that will be useful for the persecuted 1st century Christians of Rome. Mark’s economic use of language should never be thought simplistic. Instead, he invites the reader’s inquiry into Jesus’ claim to be the kind of suffering servant saviour Messiah described in the latter writings of the prophet Messiah.
David is the most prolific of the contributors to the book of Psalms. So many of David's Psalms are deeply personal and so, as we immerse ourselves in these songs and prayers, we come to understand him well. But more importantly, as we take hold of these Psalms, the motifs and types, responses and prayers, form our understanding of Jesus Christ. Supremely, he is the one revealed through them.
The tragic conclusion of '�the sword' never departing from David's family plays out in the civil war brought about by David's son, Absalom. The war is quickly over and David is restored to the throne and to Jerusalem but the weaknesses of human kings and rulers become increasingly apparent.
The first half of the book of 2 Samuel might be called 'The Rise and Rise of King David.' God's promises made to Abraham appear to be moving towards fulfilment. And yet,... the narrative contains details which raise some concerns. Vanessa Hughes leads this series of Devotionals in the book of 2 Samuel, chapters 1-10. @Growing-Disciples
At the conclusion of 2 Samuel we are given opportunity to reflect on David's life and his legacy. While he shares his own reflections, we are left pondering what really mattered at the end of David's life.
The first half of the book of 2 Samuel details the rise of King David. After finally receiving the throne of Israel, David unites the nation under God, and receives God's promise of a dynasty with an '�ultimate' King who would reign forever (2 Sam 7). Peace and prosperity follows. What, now, could possibly go wrong? The second half of the book of 2 Samuel shows exactly what does go wrong, as civil war erupts as David's son Absalom seeks to usurp his father.
The first half of the book of 2 Samuel details the rise of King David. After finally receiving the throne of Israel, David unites the nation under God, and receives God's promise of a dynasty with an '�ultimate' King who would reign forever (2 Sam 7). Peace and prosperity follows. What, now, could possibly go wrong? The second half of the book of 2 Samuel shows exactly what does go wrong, as conflict and the sword never leave David's family, in the form of rape, murder and a coup.
