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Kristen Walker Smith

We’re breaking up! (Your Weekly Scripture Study Starter)

Published about 2 months ago • 1 min read

Happy Sunday, friend!

It’s time for us to break up.

No, no, not you and me. It’s the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel that are dividing and are (insert your Taylor Swift lyrics here) “never ever getting back together.”

Let’s dive into this week's Come Follow Me reading: 1 Kings 12-13; 17-22!​

​Watch this week's video here!​

5 Key Events

  1. The Israelite kingdom divides into Northern and Southern Israel after Solomon’s death (1 Kings 12)
  2. The king in northern Israel turns to idolatry, and his people follow (1 Kings 12–13).
  3. Elijah, a prophet in northern Israel, seals the heavens so there is a drought (1 Kings 17)
  4. Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, and the Lord sends fire from heaven, proving He is the true God (1 Kings 18)
  5. The northern kingdom is led by a new wicked king and his idol-loving wife, Jezebel, who tries to kill all the prophets (1 Kings 18-22)

3 Key Scriptures

  1. ​1 Kings 18:21​
  2. ​1 Kings 19:11-12​
  3. ​1 Kings 22:14​

Dive into one or more of these verses all week long with my Verse Mapping Study Guide!

Questions your kids (or church class) might ask: Where in the world are these prophets preaching?

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With the kingdom of Israel divided, it’s hard to know if a prophet you’re reading about is in Northern Israel or in Southern Judah. So here’s a quick chart of some of the best-known prophets and where they were living:

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​Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/learn/topics-themes/explainers/kings-prophets-israel-judah/

THIS WEEK'S CONVERSATION STARTER

This week ask your teenager: "After his biggest victory ever, Elijah completely fell apart and told God he was done. What do you think God wants us to do when we feel burned out or like we have nothing left?" Remember, you don't have to know all the answers, just start the conversation!

Want to go deeper in your personal study this week? My Verse Mapping for Beginners PDF walks you through exactly how. Get it here!​

You are awesome!

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Kristen Walker Smith

Start Here in the Scriptures

Your weekly Come, Follow Me reading explained in plain English and just two minutes.

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