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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.
As David waits for God's vindication as the true King, he has several experiences of betrayal. From within these situations we learn of David's mindset as he pleads his case with God.
David puts himself in some compromising situations. He is finds himself in deep trouble. And yet God delivers him. David, nor us, deserve deliverance but God's mercy is greater than our stubbornness.
Throughout 1 Samuel, the story of Saul and David has been told in tandem, with narrative threads intertwined. The conclusion to the book is no different: contrasting events happen simultaneously. Chapters 29 and 30 complete the story of David and his men. And then, in chapter 31, we are told the conclusion to Saul's story. Next week, we pause our journey through the Old Testament to prepare ourselves for Easter.
In the second half of 1 Samuel we encounter some strange circumstances. Saul, the People's King, is on the throne, but God has anointed his chosen one'� who is not yet king. So 1 Samuel 18-31 explore this tension where the true king waits for God to enact his kingdom while the rejected king desperately tries to cling on to power.
This fifth devotional introduces God's choice of king, David. The narrative intentionally juxtaposes God's choice of with the People's choice.
The book of 1 Samuel traces Israel's transition from Theocracy to Monarchy. This fourth unit shows us the failure of the People's King, King Saul.
