Dublin Bible Talks

In this talk from 1 Samuel 17:12–30, we’re taken away from the battlefield and into the quiet obedience of a forgotten son — the smallest, the youngest, the errand-boy. But in God’s hands, this overlooked shepherd is his chosen king. While Israel trembles at the sight of Goliath, David sees something else. And when David hears the Philistine’s taunts, everything begins to change. And please consid...

This talk kicks off a three-part look at the famous story of David and Goliath, but not in the usual underdog-vs-giant way. Two armies staring each other down and a terrifying enemy standing in the middle. It’s a moment full of fear, failure, and silence, especially from Saul, the king Israel had asked for. But more than just an old battle story, this passage points us to deeper threats, our deepe...

In this passage, the rejected king Saul is tormented, while the newly anointed David enters his service—unknown, unnoticed, yet full of God’s Spirit. This week the Dublin Bible Talks explores how God’s unseen purposes unfold through subtle reversals, showing that while appearances can deceive, God’s true king is recognised by the Spirit resting on him. It points forward to the greater King, Jesus,...

What conclusion should we draw from the resurrection of Jesus? This week after Easter we explore the clear message proclaimed by the earliest Christian witnesses: Jesus Christ was raised from the dead as proof that he will judge the world. Drawing on Peter’s words to Cornelius (Acts 10) and Paul’s speech at the Areopagus (Acts 17), we uncover the significance of the resurrection through the lens o...

If you’ve ever wondered how you can be sure of your relationship with God, this is the place to start. In Romans 5:8–9 we discover the surprising timing of God’s love— while we were still sinners, Christ died for us . Join us as we unpack two small words that carry life-changing truth: “while” and “now.” Don’t miss it! And please consider joining us live on Wednesdays from your workplace, 1pm Dubl...

We’re quick to condemn the brokenness of the world—but Romans 2 turns the spotlight on us. This week in the Dublin Bible Talks we uncover the shocking truth that our moral outrage often masks the very same sin in our own hearts. Paul dismantles our excuses with four truths about God that demonstrate no one is immune. But in exposing the problem, God also points us to the only solution—a just, merc...

What does it mean that God is Holy? It means that Jesus had to die! Podcast Summary: In this episode, we dive into Isaiah 6 and explore the overwhelming holiness of God. Isaiah’s vision confronts us with the majesty and purity of the Lord, shaking our assumptions about ourselves and our sin. As we see Isaiah undone before God’s glory, we’re reminded that only God can cleanse… and the result is ent...

What do you look for in a leader? In one Samuel chapter 16 we find that God sees differently to how we see. Podcast Summary: What makes a great leader? We often judge by appearance—height, confidence, success. But in 1 Samuel 16, God reveals that He sees differently. While the people chose Saul, a leader who looked the part but failed to obey, God had set his heart on someone else—a king of his ow...

What does God want? Surely doing religious things is going to impress him, turn things around or maybe pay him back. The second half of one Samuel 15 shows us it doesn’t work this way. Podcast Summary: What does God really want from us? Saul thought sacrifice would cover his disobedience, but 1 Samuel 15 exposes sin’s deception—blinding us to our own failure, shifting blame, and making excuses. Sa...

Forgetfulness of God is an awful thing, especially for the King of God's people... and making up for it with a rash oath. just digs deeper! Podcast Summary: In 1 Samuel 15 , Saul’s failure to fully obey God’s command led to his downfall. His story forces us to confront the seriousness of sin, the reality of God’s judgment, and the danger of selective obedience. While Saul’s mission was to carry ou...

Forgetfulness of God is an awful thing, especially for the King of God's people... and making up for it with a rash oath. just digs deeper! Podcast Summary: Saul was the king the people asked for —but time and again, his leadership exposed his failures. In 1 Samuel 14, he makes a reckless oath, starving his own men, condemning his own son, and ultimately proving that his real battle wasn’t against...

Leadership is a complex job. What qualities are essential? And what about leadership of God's people? Podcast Summary: What makes a great leader? The world values decisiveness, strength, and strategy. While Saul hesitates under a pomegranate tree, Jonathan climbs a rocky cliff. One trusts in numbers, the other in God. The result? Panic in the Philistine camp, a victory no man could claim, and a po...

Why does the New Testament use war as a metaphor for Christian life and mission? The background must be the Old Testament - like what we find in 1 Samuel 11. Podcast Summary: Podcast Teaser – Saul the Fool: What Real Foolishness Looks Like What if being a fool isn’t about a lack of smarts but something much deeper? In 1 Samuel 13, Saul, Israel’s first king, makes a decision that seems completely r...

Why does the New Testament use war as a metaphor for Christian life and mission? The background must be the Old Testament - like what we find in 1 Samuel 11. Podcast Summary: Life’s full of power struggles—whether it’s at work, in families, or even in church. But the biggest power clash of all? God’s Kingdom vs. human authority. In this episode, we dive into 1 Samuel 12, where Israel demands a kin...

Why does the New Testament use war as a metaphor for Christian life and mission? The background must be the Old Testament - like what we find in 1 Samuel 11. Podcast Summary: War is a grim reality, but the Bible tells us the real battle isn’t fought with swords—it’s a spiritual fight, where truth, righteousness, and the gospel are our weapons. In 1 Samuel 11, Israel faces a crisis as the ruthless...

Christians often hope for next revival, or the success of the church planting strategy… But what do we do when these things aren’t working as well as we hoped? In 1 Samuel 10 we learn what should really sustain our Christian hope! And please consider joining us live on Wednesdays from your workplace, 1pm Dublin Time on ZOOM. It’s a simple way of identifying as a Christian in your workplace. Simply...

Perspective matters! And knowing what's really happening is the perspective that really matters. 1 Samuel 10 reveals something of what is really happening in the young man's search for his father's donkeys. The tall man whose name means "asked for". And please consider joining us live on Wednesdays from your workplace, 1pm Dublin Time on ZOOM. It’s a simple way of identifying as a Christian in you...

After God’s people reject Him, what will God do? 1 Samuel 9 is a restart of the book… it takes us to an unlikely scene - a young man looking for his father’s donkeys in the middle of nowhere.. And please consider joining us live on Wednesdays from your workplace, 1pm Dublin Time on ZOOM. It’s a simple way of identifying as a Christian in your workplace. Simply use the link bit.ly/DublinBibleTalks...

In this new year, have you got enough security? It’s something we want from leaders… we want one who can secure a good future for us. In 1 Samuel 8 a new section of the book begins… what kind of leader do Gods people need for their future? And please consider joining us live on Wednesdays from your workplace, 1pm Dublin Time on ZOOM. It’s a simple way of identifying as a Christian in your workplac...

In a special Christmas Dublin Bible Talks, we look at how Luke begins his account of Jesus' life He records the story of two extraordinary births. Both of them bear a striking similarity to events over 1000 years beforehand... and the song Mary sings is remarkably similar to that of Hannah. What's happening And please consider joining us live on Wednesdays from your workplace, 1pm Dublin Time on Z...

Does defying God really matter? Most of us don’t really think that God will do anything, good or bad. So we become complacent. We use his name as an expletive. We act as if he doesn't matter... In 1 Samuel 6-7 we find God is not tame. He is terrifyingly good, and dangerous to all. And please consider joining us live on Wednesdays from your workplace, 1pm Dublin Time on ZOOM. It’s a simple way of i...

Does defying God really matter? Looking at the world, it seems that people who don’t care about what God has to say are far more successful than those who God do… so why bother taking God seriously at all? In one Samuel chapter 5 we have a case study.. And please consider joining us live on Wednesdays from your workplace, 1pm Dublin Time on ZOOM. It’s a simple way of identifying as a Christian in...

Where is the glory? Where do you seek it? When a sports team has won the cup it’s glorious, but it’s devastating to lose it next time. As 1 Sam 4 concludes, Israel have lost a battle, but it’s the sign of something even worse! And please consider joining us live on Wednesdays from your workplace, 1pm Dublin Time on ZOOM. It’s a simple way of identifying as a Christian in your workplace. Simply use...

Most religions offer techniques to persuade God to use his power for our benefit. The right prayer, to this saint, on the right day, and the right sacrifice with the right deal. In 1 sal 4, Israel take the Ark of the covenant itself into battle… how does that turn out? And please consider joining us live on Wednesdays from your workplace, 1pm Dublin Time on ZOOM. It’s a simple way of identifying a...

With Israel’s leaders corrupt and God’s word “rare,” Samuel’s story shows that the Lord's lamp has not gone out in Israel. God answers the leadership crisis by speaking His word. We learn that the experience of hearing is not as important as the content of God's word. Join us as we discuss how the gracious provision of Samuel’s as God's mouthpiece reminds us of the terrifying power and necessity o...