The Bible Guys

Episode 647:  In this episode, we dive into the intriguing and often troubling story of King Ahaz from 2 Kings 16 and 2 Chronicles 28. We highlight Ahaz's troubling actions, including his decision to close the temple and build an altar to pagan gods, which reflects a significant departure from the worship of the God of Israel. We discuss how Ahaz, in his fear and desperation, sought help from the...

Episode 646:  In this episode, we explore Isaiah chapter 9. The chapter begins with a message of hope in the Messiah, contrasting with God's anger against Israel. We discuss the significance of the prophecy regarding the coming of Jesus, highlighting the descriptions of Him as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

Episode 645:  In this episode, we delve into Isaiah 8, where God instructs the prophet Isaiah to create a large signboard with the name "Maher Shalal Hashbaz." We discuss the significance of this name, which serves as a prophetic warning about the impending judgment on Judah and Israel. The name itself, with its 18 letters, becomes a focal point for our conversation, illustrating the weight of the...

Episode 644:  In this episode, we dive into a lively discussion on Isaiah 7, where we encounter King Ahaz of Judah, who is facing a dire situation with threats from Syria and Israel. The passage reveals God's message to Ahaz through the prophet Isaiah, encouraging him not to fear the impending invasion. We discuss the significance of God's reassurance and the prophetic sign of a virgin conceiving...

Episode 643:  In this episode, we delve into the darker narrative of King Ahaz, who ruled Judah poorly and led his people away from God. We read from 2 Chronicles 28, detailing Ahaz's wicked actions, including idol worship and even sacrificing his own sons. This sets the stage for a discussion on the consequences of his actions, including military defeats and the eventual downfall of Judah.

Episode 642:  In this episode, Chris Zarbaugh and Jeff Forester dive into the book of Micah from the Bible. They discuss the historical context of Micah's prophecies, noting that he was a contemporary of Isaiah and served during the reigns of Kings Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in Judah. The hosts highlight Micah's blunt messages regarding idolatry and rebellion, emphasizing the consequences that com...

Episode 641:  In this episode, we dive into a discussion of Isaiah chapter 6. We reflect on the dramatic vision Isaiah had in the year King Uzziah died, where he saw the Lord on His throne surrounded by seraphim. This moment of divine revelation leads Isaiah to recognize his own sinfulness and unworthiness, prompting a powerful discussion about the nature of repentance and God's cleansing grace.

Episode 640:  In this episode, we delve into the biblical text of Amos chapter 9. We discuss the themes of judgment and restoration found in the passage, where God expresses His anger towards Israel but also promises a future restoration. The hosts highlight the significance of God's mercy and the hope that comes after judgment, emphasizing that even in difficult times, God desires to bless His pe...

Episode 639:  In this episode, Chris and Jeff explore Amos chapter 8, where God presents a vision of ripe fruit, symbolizing Israel's readiness for judgment due to their unethical practices. The hosts emphasize the importance of integrity in business, discussing how God holds people accountable for dishonesty, even in seemingly minor transactions.

Episode 638:  In this episode, we introduce a fun game called "Guess the Word," where I provide clues related to biblical themes, leading us into a discussion about judgment, visions, and the prophetic messages in Amos. We explore Amos chapter 7, where God reveals a series of visions to Amos, including locusts, fire, and a plumb line. Each vision serves as a warning to the people of Israel about i...

Episode 637:  In this episode, we delve into the book of Amos, focusing on God's warning of impending judgment. We read several verses that illustrate God's disdain for empty religious rituals and the importance of genuine righteousness. I share my favorite verse from Amos, which calls for a "mighty flood of justice and an endless river of righteous living," reinforcing the idea that God desires o...

Episode 636:  In this episode, we dive into the book of Amos, specifically chapter 5. I highlight the serious tone of Amos's message, where God calls the people of Israel to repentance. We discuss the imagery Amos uses, including a funeral song and the stark warning of impending judgment if the people do not return to God. The chapter emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness, and we...

Episode 635:  In this episode, we delve into a discussion centered around the Book of Amos, highlighting the stark message of judgment that God delivers to Israel through Amos, emphasizing the consequences of ignoring divine warnings. We explore the metaphor of Israel as "fat cows" living in luxury while oppressing the needy, drawing parallels to the importance of being mindful of our actions and...

Episode 634:  In this episode, we explore God's judgment against Israel, emphasizing the stark contrast between His anger towards them and the mercy He extends through warnings. We reflect on how Israel, despite being God's chosen people, had become complacent and entitled, believing they were immune to consequences due to their special status. This leads us to draw parallels with modern-day attit...

Episode 633:  In this episode, we discuss the serious nature of God's judgment as conveyed through Amos. We reflect on how God has been patient with Israel and Judah, giving them ample warning about their sins. The episode highlights the contrast between the sins of Israel and those of neighboring nations, emphasizing that while Israel's actions may not seem as egregious, they are still held to a...

Episode 632:  In this episode, we explore the prophetic messages delivered by Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa, and Jonah, who was sent to Nineveh. We discuss how both prophets were contemporaries, with Amos addressing the northern kingdom of Israel and Jonah sent to Assyria. The episode highlights the significance of Amos's message, which centers on social justice and the need to care for the needy, c...

Episode 631:  In this episode, we wrap up our discussion on Jonah, a short but impactful book that highlights God's mercy. We recap the story, noting Jonah's initial reluctance to follow God's command to preach to the wicked city of Nineveh. After a series of events, including being swallowed by a big fish, Jonah finally delivers God's message, leading to the city's unexpected repentance. However,...

Episode 630:  In this episode, we delve into the biblical narrative of Jonah, specifically focusing on Jonah's mission to the city of Nineveh. We explore how God gave Jonah a second chance to deliver His message to the Ninevites, who were known for their wickedness. Jonah's reluctant obedience leads to a miraculous response from the people of Nineveh, who collectively repent and turn from their ev...

Episode 629:  In this episode, Chris and Jeff dive into the fascinating story of Jonah, focusing on Chapter 2 of the book. They discuss Jonah's prayer from inside the fish, highlighting his feelings of despair and hopelessness as he sinks into the depths of the sea. Chris emphasizes that Jonah's prayer is not a plea for rescue but rather a thanksgiving for God's intervention, recognizing that bein...

Episode 628:  In this episode, we discuss Jonah's journey, starting with God's command for him to go to Nineveh, a city notorious for its wickedness. We highlight Jonah's immediate reaction: instead of obeying, he chooses to flee in the opposite direction, heading to Tarshish. This decision sets the stage for a series of dramatic events, including a violent storm that threatens the ship he is on.

Episode 627:  In this episode, we dive into an insightful discussion about King Uzziah from the Bible, specifically focusing on 2 Chronicles 26. We read through the passage that details Uzziah's rise to power, his successes, and ultimately, his downfall due to pride. Uzziah, who became king at just 16 years old, initially sought God and was blessed with success in his endeavors, including military...

Episode 626:  In this episode, we dive into the intriguing world of the Old Testament, specifically focusing on 2 Kings chapter 14. We explore the reign of Amaziah, the son of Joash, who becomes king of Judah. We discuss his initial successes, including his military victories and the execution of his father’s assassins. However, we also highlight his shortcomings, particularly his failure to elimi...

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...

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 responsibiliti...

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 pract...