Bible Archives - Fill the Stage

I just updated this article on the importance of learning about God and attending a church that rigorously teaches the Bible. Both are essential for living the good life: a life that loves the right things in the right order.

To learn anything, you have to really look into it. A good starting point for learning about God is the first book of the Bible: Genesis. The book reveals God’s creation of a good world, man’s rebellion against God, and the resulting disorder, chaos, and conflict. It also reveals God’s promised plan to restore a people who love him and flourish.

Exodus, the Bible’s second book, reveals more. Particularly, God’s work to save a people (ancient Israel) from slavery and help them flourish in a promised land.

Next, Isaiah, the heart of the Bible, is essential for a deeper understanding of God’s global plan of salvation, one that touches the nations and every people group. Just as God helped his people escape slavery in Egypt via Moses (Exodus), he is helping people escape the slavery of sin today.

Tellingly, the Bible’s New Testament (books about Jesus, God’s coming King, and what it means to follow him) refers often to Isaiah.

Isaiah is one of the most stunning, moving, and beautiful reads one can ever encounter. I suggest reading the book as quickly as you can and then picking up a short guide. I recommend the one below. It really helped.

Lastly, the beautiful musical work Handel’s Messiah is performed every year around the world. The text is from the Bible, and much of it is from Isaiah. Ask a parent to show you the music. (It’s hard to beat; I attend a local performance at least once a year.)

Samuel is part of the Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament). The story takes place in ancient Israel, one thousand years before Christ. The nation has bounced between war, peace, and bondage. The people have rejected God, want to rule themselves, and have asked for a king to fight their enemies. God tells Samuel, a prophet, to anoint Saul as Israel’s first king; he begins well, but not for long.

During Saul’s reign, a humble shepherd boy named David became popular. In one of many wars between Israel and Philistia, David famously slew a giant named Goliath. The people rejoiced, but Saul became jealous of David and tried to kill him. Throughout the story, Saul turns away from God and, over time, loses everything, including his family and self-respect. On the other hand, David endeavors to live a life that is true and good, according to the law of Moses, which required the king to love God and neighbor and to rule justly. Over time, David gained a kingdom, family, and friends.

Significantly, David suffered severe persecution, yet he ascended to the throne and rescued his people from their enemies. Though not a perfect man or ruler, David’s life points to a greater king, Jesus of Nazareth, who would suffer and gain a family (the church) and kingdom.

Samuel is a riveting story, a key book for understanding the Bible as a whole. Tim Chester’s commentary is a marvelous guide, one that I strongly recommend.

Chester’s guide will help you in the following ways:

Understand the Bible better
Learn how to make friends
Learn how to handle difficulties
Learn how to lead well
Learn how to become a less anxious, happier person

What did you find most helpful about 1 Samuel?

Fill The Stage

Isaiah

1 Samuel For You