Bible Book Club - Susan Merrill & Heather Rubio

Latest Episodes:

2 Chronicles 20-24: The Queen Who Almost Killed the Line of David Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Has a bad relationship ever threatened to ruin your life?

In our 2 Chronicles 20-24 Bible study, we dive into a gripping, real-life drama when foolish alliances and a toxic marriage threaten to destroy an entire nation. King Jehoshaphat links his family with the evil Ahab and Jezebel, setting off a chain reaction of destruction in Judah.

But even in the chaos, God works through the quiet courage of one faithful couple to guard his promise to David and preserve the line of Christ. It’s powerful proof that God’s plan can never be stopped, even by the darkest evil.

In our 2 Chronicles 20–24 Bible study, we cover:

[4:24] Marital Influence: How choosing the wrong spouse can compromise your faith and alter the course of your life.
[10:50] Prophetic Warnings: Why the prophet Elijah sends a stern letter of judgment to King Jehoram without even showing up in person.
[17:14] A Royal Massacre: Why an evil thirst for power drives Athaliah to kill her family, including her own grandchildren.
[22:04] Courageous Faith: How God works through Jehosheba’s and Jehoiada’s faith and courage to spark the turning point in Judah’s story.
[25:08] The Power of a Good Mentor: How Jehoiada guides King Joash and the people back to God.

2 Chronicles Show Notes

Group Discussion Questions for 2 Chronicles 20–24

[18:36] Jehosheba's love for the Lord is greater than her fear of Queen Athaliah. How has God asked you to stand up to the pressure to compromise your values in modern everyday life?
[22:13] Jehoiada and Jehosheba are a total dream team. They combine her access to the palace and his leadership in the Temple to make a huge impact. Who in your life is someone you love partnering with in faith, service, or friendship, and what makes that relationship so special?
[25:42] From the time King Joash is seven, Jehoiada is right by his side as a wise and faithful mentor. Who has been a mentor in your life, helping you love, honor, and serve God well?

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This episode is part of our ongoing Bible Book Club series, starting with Genesis and journeying all the way through the Bible. Thanks for listening!

2 Chronicles 17-20: Jehoshaphat–Faithful King, Foolish Alliance Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever been tempted to take matters into your own hands when fear kicks in?

In this 2 Chronicles 17-20 Bible study, King Jehoshaphat starts as a faithful leader, but out of fear, he makes a disastrous alliance with the wicked King Ahab, stepping right into his trap.

But Jehoshaphat turns back to God, praising Him and asking for guidance. God’s response is a powerful reminder that when we turn to Him in trust and praise, He will rescue us.

In our 2 Chronicles 17–20 Bible study, we cover:

[4:41] Priorities: How Jehoshaphat starts off strong by sending priests and Levites across Judah to teach God's Law.
[6:35] The Dangerous Compromise: Why basing decisions or alliances on fear poisons future generations.
[12:37] A Prophet Circus: The hilarious yet sobering standoff between 400 “yes-man” false prophets and one courageous prophet, Micaiah, who only speaks the truth.
[16:55] God’s Brainstorming Session: How God determined Ahab’s fate and the true reason Ahab dies.
[20:16] A Worthless Disguise: Why Ahab tricks Jehoshaphat into wearing a target on his back and how God steps in to rescue him.
[29:26] God Fighting for Us: How turning our battles over to God relieves the exhaustion and stress of fighting alone.

2 Chronicles Show Notes

Group Discussion Questions for 2 Chronicles 17–20

[6:13] Jehoshaphat’s fear drove him to make an alliance with the evil Ahab instead of trusting God for Judah's security. When fear or anxiety about the future kicks in for you, what unwise shortcut or thing do you try to control instead of handing it to God?
[12:49] Ahab surrounded himself with 400 false prophets who only told him what he wanted to hear, while Micaiah stood alone telling the hard truth. Who are the “Micaiah” friends in your life… and who are the 400 false prophets who only tell you what you want to hear?
[30:06] Like King Jehoshaphat, where in your life right now are you wearing yourself out trying to fight a battle God wants to fight for you?

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2 Chronicles 13 - 16: Asa's Choice, to Seek or Not to Seek the Lord Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

When you are facing impossible odds, where do you turn first?

From a wildly outnumbered army crying out to God on a battlefield to a nationwide spiritual cleanup that cleared out pagan idols, 2 Chronicles 13-16 show us just how deeply God responds when His people truly seek Him.

Yet King Asa’s faith is lulled to sleep during peaceful times, reminding us how important it is to remember God’s past victories and seek Him wholeheartedly in all seasons of life. So we don’t slip into relying on quick fixes rather than God when trouble comes.

In our 2 Chronicles 13-16 Bible study, we cover:

[3:44] Underdog Victories: How King Abijah overcomes 2-to-1 odds by crying out to God during an ambush.
[9:55] House Cleaning: King Asa’s bold move to tear down pagan altars, smash idols, and bring Judah back into a wholehearted covenant with God.
[11:12] Miraculous Deliverance: What happens when Asa faces a one-million-man army and prays a simple, powerful prayer of reliance.
[16:51] Family Drama: The radical moment Asa deposes his own grandmother, Maakah, as queen mother for creating repulsive idols.
[18:19] The Danger of Forgetfulness: How Asa falls into the trap of using temple gold to buy foreign allies instead of seeking God when a new conflict arises.
[23:10] A Prophet’s Message: How King Asa was punished for his lack of trust in God.

2 Chronicles Show Notes

Group Discussion Questions for 2 Chronicles 13-16

[19:09] Does it surprise you that King Asa could forget the miracle of his defeat of the Ethiopians? Have you witnessed any miracles that increased your faith at the time but you've since forgotten? How might calling them to mind now impact your trust in God?
[21:16] In the beginning, King Asa sought God for protection. But in peaceful times his heart drifted, causing him to turn to gold, not God, when trouble arose. In your own life, when things are going well, how can you stay intentional about seeking God so you are strong in the Lord when crisis strikes?
[24:19] When the prophet confronted Asa about his mistake, unlike David, who was quick to repent, Asa responded with anger and pride. Why is receiving spiritual feedback so hard for us, and how can we cultivate a heart that responds with humility instead of defensiveness?

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2 Chronicles 10-12: The Son of Solomon Who Did Not Seek Wisdom Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

What happens when a king rejects wise counsel and chooses foolishness instead?

Solomon may have been the wisest man on earth, but his son Rehoboam is the king of folly. And when Rehoboam throws out his father’s wise advice and listens to his young friends, the result is catastrophic.

Despite the tragedy of 2 Chronicles 10-12, it’s a witness to the fact that human foolishness can never spoil God’s plans.

In our 2 Chronicles 10-12 Bible study, we cover:

[7:30] The King of Folly: Why Solomon’s son Rehoboam is remembered as the king whose reign split a nation.
[12:21] The Divided Kingdom: The real reason the twelve tribes of Israel split into two distinct nations just one generation after David.
[12:41] Sovereign Control: How God’s plan remains steady, even when human foolishness is running wild.
[20:11] Forgetting the North: Why the Chronicler leaves the Northern Kingdom out of the story except when he’s using them as a cautionary example.
[23:42] Unshakable Faith: Why the Levites and faithful believers abandoned their land in the north to stay true to God.
[27:05] Bronze Replacements: What happens when our unfaithfulness causes us to settle for cheap substitutes for God’s glory.

2 Chronicles Show Notes

Group Discussion Questions for 2 Chronicles 10-12

[:58]The Chronicler intentionally focuses on the line of David, where God's covenant promise lives. In a world full of daily noise, distractions, and hostility towards Christians, how do you keep your focus fixed on God’s core promises?
[11:01] Rehoboam rejects the wise counsel of his father's elders and instead chooses the foolish advice of peers who tell him what he wants to hear. Can you relate to the desire to listen to people (or social media algorithms) that tell you what you want to hear versus considering if another perspective might be valuable?
[27:08] Rehoboam replaces Solomon's gold shields with bronze ones after they are carried off, a dimmer substitute for what once reflected God's glory. Have you ever settled for a lesser substitute in your walk with God instead of pursuing His glory in your life?

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2 Chronicles 8-9: Solomon Reaches Influencer Status and the World Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Do you ever crave wisdom the way the Queen of Sheba did?

In 2 Chronicles 8-9, King Solomon is at the peak of his reign, and Israel is positioned at the epicenter of global influence. But King Solomon's success has a deeper meaning.

Solomon's prosperity catches the attention of the surrounding nations, which leads foreigners like the Queen of Sheba to praise God. It’s a powerful reminder of how God originally intended for Israel’s blessings to point the rest of the world back to Him.

In our 2 Chronicles 8–9 Bible study, we cover:

[4:10] A Separate Palace: Why King Solomon built his Egyptian wife her own separate palace and how it signals the beginning of the end.
[9:50] The Royal Road Trip: Why the Queen of Sheba travels 1,500 grueling miles by camel to seek Solomon's wisdom, and how it teaches us to seek wisdom today.
[14:03] Breathless Revelations: How the Queen of Sheba's awe at Solomon's kingdom leads her to praise God.
[24:41] An Ancient Influencer: Why Solomon’s wisdom, construction projects, and wealth make him the ultimate ancient influencer.
[26:44] The End of an Era: How dynamic influence and great prosperity can subtly slide into self-gratification if we stop focusing on the Giver.

2 Chronicles Show Notes

Group Discussion Questions for 2 Chronicles 8–9

[9:57] The Queen of Sheba travels 1,500 miles and risks her life to pursue answers to hard questions. At Bible Book Club, our journey through the Bible is time-consuming. What sacrifices are you willing to make in your own life to ensure you keep pursuing wisdom in God's Word?
[10:51] Does your faith come across in a way that makes people curious enough to ask you questions? This week, what is one way you can let your faith be more visible to others?
[25:07] Solomon uses his extraordinary influence to glorify God, but only for a season. What guardrails could you put up in your own heart to keep you from being influenced by the wrong person?

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2 Chronicles 6-7: God's Dwelling Place on Earth Then and Now Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

What does it mean for God to dwell among us?

Imagine standing in a massive crowd watching fire fall straight from heaven while gold and bronze gleam in every direction. That's the unbelievable scene as King Solomon dedicates the newly finished Temple.

But Solomon is wise, and he knows the tendency of this people to roam far from God. So he begs God to forgive them and protect them from themselves. God responds by accepting their sacrifices in a flourish of holy fire and offering them a promise and a warning.

In our 2 Chronicles 6–7 Bible study, we cover:

[5:54] The Heart of Hesed: Why God's covenant of loyal love offers mercy and forgiveness even when we fall short.
[9:37] Solomon's Dedication Prayer: The six specific, life-threatening scenarios Solomon petitions God to cover.
[17:39] Fire from Heaven: The dramatic moment God sends holy fire to accept their sacrifices and answers Solomon’s prayer.
[19:15] The Ultimate Upgrade: How Solomon’s Temple points forward to Revelation's vision of a brand-new heaven and earth.
[22:47] A Promise and a Warning: What God's direct message to Solomon reveals about obedience, humility, and repentance.

Group Discussion Questions for 2 Chronicles 6–7

[3:25] Solomon pauses, looks back, and praises God for keeping His promises. In your own life, where can you spot God’s faithfulness, and how could you praise and celebrate that in a very real way this week?
[14:37] In 2 Chronicles 6, Solomon lists several specific scenarios such as broken relationships, feeling far from home, or facing unexpected hardship. He prays for God’s forgiveness and help in these future scenarios. Can you relate to that feeling of dread that something terrible might happen to your loved ones? Do you think it might change your perspective if you followed Solomon's example and wrote down a complete list of your fears, then in one sitting laid them all out before God in prayer?
[25:03] God’s dwelling place started in the Tabernacle, moved to Solomon’s Temple, and now dwells within us. How does knowing your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit change how you view self-care?

2 Chronicles Show Notes

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2 Chronicles 4-5: The Cloud Makes a Rare Appearance Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

How can a physical space draw our hearts closer to God?

It’s easy to skim through Old Testament construction projects and miss the heart of what’s happening on a spiritual level. So in this 2 Chronicles 4-5 Bible study, we walk step-by-step through the deep symbolism of every detail in Solomon’s Temple and how each design choice points back to a relationship with God.

Then, as construction wraps up and King Solomon brings the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple’s Most Holy Place, we witness the unforgettable moment God’s physical presence fills the Temple.

In our 2 Chronicles 4-5 Bible study, we cover:

[1:42] The Garden of Eden Connection: How the Temple’s floral designs and furnishings intentionally point Israel back to Eden’s original harmony.
[2:52] Active Worship: Why the Temple had zero chairs or pews, focusing instead on furnishings for active worship.
[18:40] The Ark's Final Journey: Why Solomon and the Levites learned from David’s mistakes how to safely move the Ark of the Covenant into the Most Holy Place.
[22:23] The Mystery of the Cloud: The tremendous historical and spiritual significance of the Cloud of God’s presence filling Solomon’s Temple.
[25:51] The Gospel Connection: How this stunning Old Testament story ties directly to Jesus.

2 Chronicles Show Notes

Group Discussion Questions for 2 Chronicles 4-5

[3:00] The Temple doesn't have chairs or pews because worship is active daily work. What does practical, daily worship look like in your current season?
[21:38] When the musicians sang "He is good; His love endures forever," God's presence stopped the priests in their tracks. What song or hymn always lifts your spirits?
[22:37] The Cloud of God’s presence is a visible representation of the Lord’s glory that links straight to Jesus. While we may never see the Cloud the way Solomon did, what serves as a physical, visible reminder of God’s glory in your own faith life?

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2 Chronicles 1-3: Solomon Seeks God and Finds Wisdom Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

Do you inquire of the Lord first, last, or only when you're desperate?

This is it! The episode where Solomon asks for wisdom instead of wealth. But let’s rewind just a bit to right before the big moment, because Solomon’s actions reveal the key to living a holy life, both in ancient times and today.

Join us for this 2 Chronicles 1-3 Bible study as we dive into the true reason God abundantly blesses Solomon and why Solomon’s Temple still has such an impact on our world today.

In our 2 Chronicles 1-3 Bible study, we cover:

[5:20] Seeking God First: How Solomon publicly inquires of the Lord at Gibeon, and why that's still a measure of faithfulness today.
[10:32] Wisdom Over Wealth: God’s late-night appearance and His response to Solomon’s humble heart.
[12:55] Royal Trade Deals: Why Solomon partners with King Hiram of Tyre to bring in world-class craftsmen and massive cedar logs.
[11:31] Horses and Chariots: How small compromises can lead even a wise person down a foolish path.
[20:29] Sacred Ground: The covenant history of Mount Moriah connecting Isaac, David, Solomon, and Jesus.
[28:30] Jakin and Boaz: Why the Temple’s giant pillars have names that point to God’s strength and faithfulness.

2 Chronicles Show Notes

Group Discussion Questions for 2 Chronicles 1-3

[4:58] Solomon's first act as king is to gather all Israel and publicly seek God before making any decisions. Has the choice to "inquire of the Lord" ever served you well in life?
[8:11] Solomon asks for wisdom to serve others rather than wealth to serve himself. Reflect on how you tend to pray. What might it reveal about your priorities?
[20:45] The Temple is built on Mount Moriah, a place marked by God's prior acts of redemption. Is there a special place in your life that reminds you of a time when God rescued you?

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1 Chronicles 28-29 David’s Final Exhortation: Love God, Love People Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

The call repeated throughout these chapters is simple but demanding: Love God, obey Him, and do the work. Easier said than done. Join us to see how David, our shepherd king, shows Israel exactly how to do it.

Themes of this podcast:

Legacy leadership: living for the next generation. David’s final acts are less about finishing his own story and more about launching the future. His leadership shows that true greatness isn’t about what you personally accomplish. It's about how well you prepare and position others to flourish and carry God’s work forward when you're gone.

Worship as the center of life. David’s obsession with the Temple isn’t about architecture—it’s about anchoring the people’s identity and future in worship. For David, worship is more than music or rituals; it’s obedience, generosity, community, and a loving relationship with God and others. Worship is the way God’s people flourish.

True success isn't found in achievement but in wholehearted devotion. David's success as a shepherd-king stemmed from his pure heart that genuinely loved God. This allowed him to serve God with a willing mind because true obedience flows from love.

Show Notes:

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1 Chronicles 23-27: David's Final Focus from Warrior to Worship Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

Join us in this episode as we explore 1 Chronicles 23-27 and see how David shifted his focus from conquering to crafting a legacy of worship. Discover how his organizational genius turned a warrior’s vision into a foundation for spiritual renewal. Let’s dive in and learn from David’s final acts of leadership!

Themes of this podcast:

Legacy through leadership. David and Moses both demonstrated that true leadership involves building systems and mentoring successors to prepare the next generation for success rather than just focusing on achieving personal accomplishments.

Practical leadership skills can serve a divine purpose. The detailed organizational structure wasn't bureaucracy for its own sake but rather a way to honor God through excellence and ensure faithful worship for generations. This theme shows how administrative brilliance and spiritual devotion can work together to fulfill God's plans.

A Model for Us Today. This ancient story is a blueprint for our spiritual lives: preparation matters. Just as David readied Israel to face spiritual challenges with organized worship, we too are called to strengthen our spiritual defenses.

Show Notes:

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