Chapter 15 records a quick succession of kings and with it a strike absence of the prophetic witness. You could conclude that God must have been silent during these years, but you would be wrong. This period was one of the prophets' most prolific. So why are they absent from 2 Kings 15?The chapter forces us to ask the question of our own time. What keeps us from hearing God? What keeps us from recognizing how God is at work. 

Chapter 15 records a quick succession of kings and with it a strike absence of the prophetic witness. You could conclude that God must have been silent during these years, but you would be wrong. This period was one of the prophets' most prolific. So why are they absent from 2 Kings 15? The chapter forces us to ask the question of our own time. What keeps us from hearing God? What keeps us from recognizing how God is at work.

The Silence of the Prophets (2 Kings 15)

As we take a closer look at the succession of kings in Israel and Judah we are warned about drawing conclusions too quickly. God knows what each king and nation needs. For some, it is rescue, for others, it is a humbling of pride. How easily pride controls us, both in success and in despair. Chapter 14 gives us an image of how pride can keep us from recognizing the work of God. 

As we take a closer look at the succession of kings in Israel and Judah we are warned about drawing conclusions too quickly. God knows what each king and nation needs. For some, it is rescue, for others, it is a humbling of pride. How easily pride controls us, both in success and in despair. Chapter 14 gives us an image of how pride can keep us from recognizing the work of God.

The Kings Pride (2 Kings 14)

Jehoash was given a prophetic promise. He would strike the Syrians and defeat them. Elisha commanded Jehoash to fire arrows out the window as a sign of his coming victories. Jehoash fired three arrows and then stopped. Elisha explained that his victories would be limited to three. Jehoash should have fired more arrows. What keeps us from receiving all God has for us? What is it that stunts our faith and traps us in our own attempts at control? 

Jehoash was given a prophetic promise. He would strike the Syrians and defeat them. Elisha commanded Jehoash to fire arrows out the window as a sign of his coming victories. Jehoash fired three arrows and then stopped. Elisha explained that his victories would be limited to three. Jehoash should have fired more arrows.  What keeps us from receiving all God has for us? What is it that stunts our faith and traps us in our own attempts at control?

The King and His Image (2 Kings 13)

Jim Bradford

To celebrate Father's Day, we combined services with Central Assembly. Dr. Jim Bradford and Pastor Chase Replogle discuss manhood and fatherhood. 

To celebrate Father's Day, we combined services with Central Assembly. Dr. Jim Bradford and Pastor Chase Replogle discuss manhood and fatherhood.

Father's Day Conversation with Dr. Jim Bradford

Joash did what was right in God's eyes. He also repaired the temple and managed to avert war with Syria, but how did he pull it off? Joash used his wealth and the temple's. His actions raise a question How much of his faithfulness was based on appearances and how deep did his reforms go into the heart of Israel's worship.

Joash did what was right in God's eyes. He also repaired the temple and managed to avert war with Syria, but how did he pull it off? Joash used his wealth and the temple's. His actions raise a question How much of his faithfulness was based on appearances and how deep did his reforms go into the heart of Israel's worship.

The King and His Wealth (2 Kings 12)

For two chapters we watched the rise of Jehu. He was a king by military precious and decisive action. God used him to overthrow the house of Omri but he did not follow God. To the south, in Juda, another king came to power. But he did not rise by sword or plot. He came to power as a child, through a covenant, an anointing, and a testimony. 

For two chapters we watched the rise of Jehu. He was a king by military precious and decisive action. God used him to overthrow the house of Omri but he did not follow God. To the south, in Juda, another king came to power. But he did not rise by sword or plot. He came to power as a child, through a covenant, an anointing, and a testimony.

The King and His Testimony (2 Kings 11)

Jehu was anointed by God to be the new king of Israel. He even fulfilled long-awaited prophecies. But outward action alone should not be our primary evaluation of faithfulness. In the end, Jehu did not follow God nor obey with all his heart. His life is a warning about how easily we trust appearances and success and mistake them for genuine faith. 

Jehu was anointed by God to be the new king of Israel. He even fulfilled long-awaited prophecies. But outward action alone should not be our primary evaluation of faithfulness. In the end, Jehu did not follow God nor obey with all his heart. His life is a warning about how easily we trust appearances and success and mistake them for genuine faith.

With All Your Heart (2 Kings 10)

God had had enough with the kings of Israel. They had brutalized his people, killed his prophets, and refused to honor him as God. God would now replace the house of Omri with a new king. But hanging in the story is an important question. Is this peace? How does real peace come in a broken world?

God had had enough with the kings of Israel. They had brutalized his people, killed his prophets, and refused to honor him as God. God would now replace the house of Omri with a new king. But hanging in the story is an important question. Is this peace? How does real peace come in a broken world?

Is this Peace? (2 Kings 9:1-37)

Many see the Bible's prophecies of destruction as a fickle God prone to abandon his people, but for every page of destruction, there is page after page of his divine warnings. And where God's warning is given, his messenger also wept. Elisha wept for Israel. Jesus wept for Jerusalem. Our God longs to give us a better way.

Many see the Bible's prophecies of destruction as a fickle God prone to abandon his people, but for every page of destruction, there is page after page of his divine warnings. And where God's warning is given, his messenger also wept. Elisha wept for Israel. Jesus wept for Jerusalem. Our God longs to give us a better way.

Elisha Wept at the Warning (2 Kings 8:1-15)

2 Kings records the collapse of the Israelite kingdoms. As their kings continued to turn away from God that collapse came in military defeat but also in moral clarity. In this week's passage, we see the inability of kings to resolve those conflicts or unravel the complicated ethical complexities. But we also discover a God who is able to save, a god who is able to reverse things in spite of the compromised people at the center.

2 Kings records the collapse of the Israelite kingdoms. As their kings continued to turn away from God that collapse came in military defeat but also in moral clarity. In this week's passage, we see the inability of kings to resolve those conflicts or unravel the complicated ethical complexities. But we also discover a God who is able to save, a god who is able to reverse things in spite of the compromised people at the center.

Desperate Times (2 Kings 6:24-7:20)

This is the sermon podcast for Bent Oak Church. Each week we preach through scripture, book by book. You can find more information about the church at bentoakchurch.org

This is the sermon podcast for Bent Oak Church. Each week we preach through scripture, book by book. You can find more information about the church at <a href="http://bentoakchurch.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bentoakchurch.org</a>

Bent Oak Church

"They love Jesus but not the church." We've all heard it and sometimes felt it as well. But for thousands of years, the church continues to exist with its traditions, structures, and history. What's wrong and what's right with the church as an institution?

"They love Jesus but not the church." We've all heard it and sometimes felt it as well. But for thousands of years, the church continues to exist with its traditions, structures, and history. What's wrong and what's right with the church as an institution?

Bark: Institution

In this introductory sermon, we cover the background of Paul's letter to the Philippians as well as his prayer for this church.

In this introductory sermon, we cover the background of Paul's letter to the Philippians as well as his prayer for this church.

Abounding in Love (Philippians 1:1-18)

In the second half of chapter 3, Paul continues to describe how knowing Christ is more valuable than all of his previous accomplishments. Paul turns now to an analogy of a runner pressing for the finish line. Paul calls the Philippians to continue pressing to know Christ.

In the second half of chapter 3, Paul continues to describe how knowing Christ is more valuable than all of his previous accomplishments. Paul turns now to an analogy of a runner pressing for the finish line. Paul calls the Philippians to continue pressing to know Christ.

Pressing Toward the Prize (Philippians 3:12-21)

David had accumulated everything a person could, wealth, power, position, but the rebellion of his own son Absalom left him devastated and fleeing for his life. It exposed how little control David actually had, how little control any of us have.Psalm 62 is David's reflection on this devastating time and how he urged himself to still trust in God's power and steadfast love.

David had accumulated everything a person could, wealth, power, position, but the rebellion of his own son Absalom left him devastated and fleeing for his life. It exposed how little control David actually had, how little control any of us have.Psalm 62 is David's reflection on this devastating time and how he urged himself to still trust in God's power and steadfast love.

When I'm Not in Control (Psalm 62)

Paul has begun his journey back to Jerusalem. he knows that what awaits him is the risk of riots, arrest, and possibly execution.As a reader, we assume that what follows will be Jerusalem, but Paul stops in at Troas. At Troas, we are introduced to Eutychus, a young man who drifts off to sleep during Paul's sermon. Asleep, he falls from a third story window to his death.Paul, speaks life over him, passes out communion, and goes back to preaching until sunrise.

Paul has begun his journey back to Jerusalem. he knows that what awaits him is the risk of riots, arrest, and possibly execution.As a reader, we assume that what follows will be Jerusalem, but Paul stops in at Troas. At Troas, we are introduced to Eutychus, a young man who drifts off to sleep during Paul's sermon. Asleep, he falls from a third story window to his death.Paul, speaks life over him, passes out communion, and goes back to preaching until sunrise.

Sleep (Acts 20:1-16)

Chapters 15 and 16 are transitions between the stories of David, Solomon, and Reheboam and the coming stories of Elijah. The chapters seem to be summary statements about a line of Israel and Judah's kings. But upon a closer look, each king is evaluated by a single feature. It is not their achievements, wealth, or power. They are evaluated by their heart.

Chapters 15 and 16 are transitions between the stories of David, Solomon, and Reheboam and the coming stories of Elijah. The chapters seem to be summary statements about a line of Israel and Judah's kings. But upon a closer look, each king is evaluated by a single feature. It is not their achievements, wealth, or power. They are evaluated by their heart.

God Looks at the Heart (1 Kings 15-16)

Paul continues his trip to Jerusalem. As he goes, he is continually warned about what he faces. Still, Paul is determined, driven by the Spirit, compelled to give. Josh walks us through the passage and helps us recognize how each of us is called and the inevitable sacrifices that calling requires.

Paul continues his trip to Jerusalem. As he goes, he is continually warned about what he faces. Still, Paul is determined, driven by the Spirit, compelled to give. Josh walks us through the passage and helps us recognize how each of us is called and the inevitable sacrifices that calling requires.

Called (Acts 21:1-16)

We have finally reached the end of Acts, but it's not what you might have expected. Luke seems to stop the story without an ending. It is a freeze-frame, Paul proclaiming the Gospel in Rome with boldness and without hindrance. As a reader, we are left to decide how this story should end. We are pulled into it. Participants in the kingdom's work.

We have finally reached the end of Acts, but it's not what you might have expected. Luke seems to stop the story without an ending. It is a freeze-frame, Paul proclaiming the Gospel in Rome with boldness and without hindrance. As a reader, we are left to decide how this story should end. We are pulled into it. Participants in the kingdom's work.

Beginning (Acts 28)

After three years of drought, Elijah was called back to Israel. But before his dramatic showdown with the prophets of Baal, Elijah meets Obadiah. While Elijah had been faithful in obscurity, Obadiah was attempting a similar faithfulness in the halls of power. But Elijah's appearance creates a temptation for Obadiah, one he finally overcomes. 

After three years of drought, Elijah was called back to Israel. But before his dramatic showdown with the prophets of Baal, Elijah meets Obadiah. While Elijah had been faithful in obscurity, Obadiah was attempting a similar faithfulness in the halls of power. But Elijah's appearance creates a temptation for Obadiah, one he finally overcomes.

Elijah and Obadiah (1 Kings 18:1-19)

What is it that a church does when it meets together? In Acts 2, the church commits itself to teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer. These have often been called the four marks of the church. We look at the importance of these marks and how they shape who we are as a church.

What is it that a church does when it meets together? In Acts 2, the church commits itself to teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer. These have often been called the four marks of the church. We look at the importance of these marks and how they shape who we are as a church.

Branches: Songs, Scripture, Communion, and Prayer

"It seems to be a fact that you have to suffer as much from the Church as for it but if you believe in the divinity of Christ, you have to cherish the world at the same time that you struggle to endure it.” — Flannery O'ConnorPaul knows how difficult Christian community can be. Our tendency to reach for our own benefit constantly poisons the possibility of true friendship and love. But Paul offers another way.Paul offered the Philippians the example of Christ, who didn't count his Godhood something to take advantage of but humbled himself to take on the most humbling of human experiences. This is what Paul calls the Philippians to work out, their salvation offered through Christ's self-emptying.

"It seems to be a fact that you have to suffer as much from the Church as for it but if you believe in the divinity of Christ, you have to cherish the world at the same time that you struggle to endure it.” — Flannery O'ConnorPaul knows how difficult Christian community can be. Our tendency to reach for our own benefit constantly poisons the possibility of true friendship and love. But Paul offers another way.Paul offered the Philippians the example of Christ, who didn't count his Godhood something to take advantage of but humbled himself to take on the most humbling of human experiences. This is what Paul calls the Philippians to work out, their salvation offered through Christ's self-emptying.

Not Something to Grasp (Philippians 2:1-13)

As Paul reaches the end of his letter, his attention turns to known people and the reality of existing conflicts. But Paul turns those involved inward to consider their own anxiety and our struggle with finding peace.

As Paul reaches the end of his letter, his attention turns to known people and the reality of existing conflicts. But Paul turns those involved inward to consider their own anxiety and our struggle with finding peace.

Think About These Things (Philippians 4:1-9)

Brad Lombardi

God's with us finds its first promise in Isaiah, to a king terrified by the prospects of war. The radical message of Christianity is that God would go to such lengths to reveal himself to us, to give us a sign of his presence.

God's with us finds its first promise in Isaiah, to a king terrified by the prospects of war. The radical message of Christianity is that God would go to such lengths to reveal himself to us, to give us a sign of his presence.

Brad Lombardi: Signs of God With Us

Every church exists in a particular place with particular people. A church is not abstract and neither is the gospel. God's kingdom comes not just into church services but into office cubicles, bedrooms, and around dinner tables. But like a tree growing roots into the ground, the gospel often does its work slow but faithfully.

Every church exists in a particular place with particular people. A church is not abstract and neither is the gospel. God's kingdom comes not just into church services but into office cubicles, bedrooms, and around dinner tables. But like a tree growing roots into the ground, the gospel often does its work slow but faithfully.

Soil and Roots: Common Life and Gospel

Before Paul arrives in Jerusalem, he stops in Miletus and gathers the church leaders of Ephesus. There he says his final goodbyes. He offers them final words, knowing that they will never see each other again.Paul's final words are striking, a summary of the way in which he had served, ministered, and lived among them. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Before Paul arrives in Jerusalem, he stops in Miletus and gathers the church leaders of Ephesus. There he says his final goodbyes. He offers them final words, knowing that they will never see each other again.Paul's final words are striking, a summary of the way in which he had served, ministered, and lived among them. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Give (Acts 20:17-38)

Having explained how God is welcoming humanity into his covenant through faith, Paul next turns to explain the implications of what this reconciliation means. We now have peace with God, access to his presence, and the ability to rejoice in the revelation of his glory. Even in suffering, we are compelled to hope. 

Having explained how God is welcoming humanity into his covenant through faith, Paul next turns to explain the implications of what this reconciliation means. We now have peace with God, access to his presence, and the ability to rejoice in the revelation of his glory. Even in suffering, we are compelled to hope.

Peace, Access, and Hope (Romans 5:1-11)

Elijah's showdown with the prophets of Baal is one of the most familiar stories from 1 Kings. But there is more to the story than we may have realized. Elijah's prayer was that Israel might recognize that God was changing the hearts of his people.

Elijah's showdown with the prophets of Baal is one of the most familiar stories from 1 Kings. But there is more to the story than we may have realized. Elijah's prayer was that Israel might recognize that God was changing the hearts of his people.

The Contest on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-46)

Having addressed how Jesus' death and resurrection had made a way for humanity to become righteous by faith, Paul next turned his attention to the problem of sin. If we were now reconciled to God and if God was making us righteous through Jesus, why do we still experience sin and particularly sin's consequence of death?

Having addressed how Jesus' death and resurrection had made a way for humanity to become righteous by faith, Paul next turned his attention to the problem of sin. If we were now reconciled to God and if God was making us righteous through Jesus, why do we still experience sin and particularly sin's consequence of death?

By One Man (Romans 5:12-21)

Chris Lamberth takes a look at Paul's call for the Philippians to live "worth of the gospel."Chris helps us understand how the gospel reshapes our motives and how it teaches us to deny ourselves and live for him.

Chris Lamberth takes a look at Paul's call for the Philippians to live "worth of the gospel."Chris helps us understand how the gospel reshapes our motives and how it teaches us to deny ourselves and live for him.

Worthy of the Gospel (Philippians 1:19-30)

Out of the long line of degenerating kings steps the prophet Elijah. His boldness makes him the target of Abab and one of the most important voices in Israel. But he is on the run. And God sends him to the most unlikely place for help. Elijah must be saved by a widow and her son. 

Out of the long line of degenerating kings steps the prophet Elijah. His boldness makes him the target of Abab and one of the most important voices in Israel. But he is on the run. And God sends him to the most unlikely place for help. Elijah must be saved by a widow and her son.

Elijah Gives Life to a Boy (1 Kings 17)

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