History for Christian Teens Crystal Niehoff

Episode #15- Ruth: A Lesson in Strength, Faith, and Compassion



 If you are looking for a role model to inspire you in your own life, look no further than Ruth! She is a beautiful example of what it means to be strong, faithful, and compassionate. Truly, each of the Fruit of the Spirit given in Galatians 5:22-23 is clearly evident throughout her story.



We find her story in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. Ruth was a woman who faced many challenges in life. She was a Moabite woman who married into a family that were enemies of her country. Then, when her husband died, she was left penniless and in dire circumstances. Ruth, showing extraordinary compassion, decided to make the long journey with her mother-in-law, Naomi, who, also widowed, wanted to go back to her homeland in Judah.



In doing so, Ruth left behind her country, her family, and the false gods of her people, choosing to serve the one true God that Naomi worshipped and live among the Israelite people. Ruth’s devotion and love for her mother-in-law, and her decision to follow the Lord, are just two examples of the faithfulness and strength of character she possessed.



As Ruth’s story unfolds, we learn how she carefully followed her mother-in-law’s directions which won the heart of their kinsman-redeemer, Boaz, whom she would go on to marry and have a son. Be sure to listen to the entire episode to learn how this would have a lasting impact on both her and Naomi, as well as generations to come.



Next week- Please join us next time, when we explore the life and ministry of a man who held the offices of a priest, a prophet, and became one of Israel's greatest judges.



 



Resources referenced or recommended for further study:



* Bible Gateway

* 10 Minutes to Knowing the Men & Women of the Bible by Jim George

* What is a kinsman-redeemer?

* Merriam-Webster Dictionary



 



Scripture references:



* The Book of Ruth

* Galatians 5:22-23

* 2 Corinthians 5:20

* Proverbs 12:15

* Proverbs 19:20

* Proverbs 26:28

* Proverbs 3:5-6



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Thanks to our Sponsor: Harper Collins Christian:   Kingdom Girls Bible



Girls will discover the power of faith in this beautiful Bible that features women of the Bible! Here is the ideal Bible for girls on their journey of faith! This special Bible is specifically crafted to highlight the stories and lessons of the inspiring, famous, and sometimes infamous women of the Bible. With over 400 engaging features, colorful illustrations, and helpful notes, this Bible is perfect for girls ages 8 to 12 as they learn about the strong and faithful women who came before them. From Eve to Ruth, Esther to Mary, this Bible brings the stories of these women to life and shows how their faith and strength can still inspire girls today. Featuring a beautiful design and easy-to-read text, this Bible is a great resource for girls as they grow in their own faith and learn about the women who have impacted the world.







If you have questions, comments, OR are in need of prayer,

Courageous Noah and the Cruise of a Lifetime - Episode #5



Thanks to our Network sponsor, A Fanthom Presents Film – The Ark and The Darkness – Movie Trailer here: NoahsFlood



This week on the History for Christian Teens podcast, your hosts, Crystal and Kevin Niehoff, examine the character of Noah, a man who did what the Lord instructed him to do, even when it made no earthly sense, and caused him to be mocked and ridiculed.



Noah is a well-known Bible figure, known for his boat full of animals, often hailed for his faithfulness and obedience to God. Today, we would like to add another character trait, that of courageous. Courageous Noah who faithfully obeyed God, diligently working 120 years to build an ark big enough to house his family and a large number of animals. Noah knew judgment was coming and dutifully warned everyone who would listen, even though by doing so, Noah stood out in a wicked and depraved generation, but courageously Noah kept going despite the scoffing he endured from the crowd of onlookers.



Kevin and Crystal then tie it all together with three life application lessons we can apply to our lives today as believers. We know that Noah’s courageous example will inspire you to stand up for what’s right and stand out from the crowd.



Next week- Be sure to join Crystal and Kevin next week when we will explore how Abraham and Sarah’s impatience with God led to sin and a complicated mess. But, we will also see that God in His goodness, is rich in mercy and always keeps His word.



Resources referenced or recommended for further study:



10 Minutes to Knowing the Men & Women of the Bible by Jim George



Answers in Genesis, https://answersingenesis.org/answers/



Ark Encounter, https://arkencounter.com/



Handbook for Christian Living Biblical Answers to Life’s Tough Questions by Charles F. Stanley



The Ultimate Bible Character Guide by Gina Detwiler



The Evidence Bible with Commentary by Ray Comfort



McGuffey’s 5th Eclectic Reader, published in 1879



Scripture references:



* Genesis chapters 6-9

* John 14:15

* 1 Samuel 15:22

* Matthew 7:21

* 1 John 5:3

* Hebrews 11:7

* Matthew 24:37-39

* Philippians 1:28

* Psalm 16:8

* Deuteronomy 31:6



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Considered among the worst of sinners, hated by his fellow Jews, let’s find out how this greedy, unscrupulous tax collector left that life behind to become a follower of Jesus Christ.



His Greek name, Matthew, means “gift of God.” His father’s name was Alphaeus, as we read in Mark 2:14, where he is also called by his Hebrew name, Levi. It was not unusual for first-century Jews to have both a Semitic and Greco-Roman name; it is likely this apostle’s full name was Levi Matthew. The name, Levi, indicated his priestly lineage in the line of Levi, who was one of the sons of Jacob, the father of the 12 tribes of Israel



Matthew’s occupation was that of a publican or tax collector in Capernaum, collecting tariffs on goods that passed on the road between Damascus and the Mediterranean Sea. Publicans or tax collectors are historically despised in every culture. During this time, they were especially hated by the Jews and the Pharisees considered tax collectors the worst of sinners. However, when Matthew had a life-changing encounter with Jesus, he left behind the source of his riches, his position of power, security, comfort for traveling, hardship, and eventual martyrdom; Matthew left his old life for a new life with Jesus.



Listen in to today’s episode as we explore the life of Matthew and learn how we can effectively share the Gospel message with those around us.



On the next episode:



Be sure to join us next time on the History for Christian Teens podcast when we discover the lasting impact of second chances for the nephew of a New Testament missionary.



Resources referenced or recommended for further study:



* Bible Gateway

* The Ultimate Bible Character Guide, by Gina Detwiler

* 10 Minutes to Knowing the Men & Women of the Bible, Jim George

* NASB Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible Notes

* What is a Publican in the Bible?



Scripture references:



* Matthew 9:9-13

* Matthew 10:3

* Mark 2:14-17

* Luke 5:17-32

* 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 17

* Matthew 5:13-16



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If you have questions, comments, or are in need of prayer, you can reach us by email at HistoryForChristianTeens@gmail.com.



 

You’ve probably heard of him, but who was John the Baptist, and what was his mission? For this episode, let’s explore the life and ministry of the man who prepared the way for Christ’s earthly ministry.



 



John’s birth was miraculous. His parents, Elizabeth and Zechariah, were elderly and had no children when the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah to tell him that he would finally have a son. But, Zechariah questioned the angel of the Lord, wondering how they could possibly become parents in their old age. As a result, Zechariah was rendered unable to speak for the duration of Elizabeth’s pregnancy.



 



While the couple were awaiting their son’s birth, Elizabeth had a special visitor, her cousin Mary, who was also with child. But the child within Mary’s womb was like no other and Elizabeth’s child leaped for joy within her womb. A beautiful reminder that even before birth, we are very much alive and able to sense the Spirit of the Lord. It’s also a foreshadowing of the special ministry that the baby would grow up to have as he called people to repent and follow Christ.



 



At the baby’s circumcision, when Zechariah confirmed that the chosen name for their son was John, his voice returned to him, and he was able to speak. Upon this, Zechariah prophesied about his son, saying, “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1: 76-79).



 



John the Baptist, as he became known, lived a life of boldness for the Lord right up until his untimely death. Listen in to learn more about this incredible man and what we can learn from his life and ministry to apply to our own lives as believers.







On the next episode:



Be sure to join us next time on the History for Christian Teens podcast when we find out how a greedy tax collector became a Christ-follower.



 



Episode Sponsor:



CTC Math



 



 



Resources referenced or recommended for further study:



* Bible Gateway

* The Ultimate Bible Character Guide, by Gina Detwiler

* Who was John the Baptist in the Bible?

* Doubt: When It’s Beneficial for Christians

* More of You, Less of Me



 



Scripture references:



* Luke 1:5-20

* Luke 1:42-45, 66

* Luke 1: 68-79

* Matthew 3: 1-3, 5-6

* Romans 6:3-11

* Matthew 3:11, 14-17, 26-30

* Luke 7:21-23

* Proverbs 28:1

* Acts 4:31

* John 3:30



 



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Episode #26- Joseph: Fatherhood Isn’t Only About Biology



On this episode of History for Christian Teens, we take a look at a humble, God-fearing adoptive father who made an eternal impact.



Joseph was engaged to be married to a young Jewish maiden named Mary. However, Mary becomes pregnant, and it’s not Joseph's child. Rather than disgrace her, Joseph planned to divorce her quietly. But, that night, an angel of the Lord visited Joseph and explained to him that the child Mary was carrying was from the Holy Spirit, instructing him to take Mary as his wife and give the child the name Jesus. The decision to obey the Lord wouldn’t be without consequences for Joseph. His reputation, as well as his wife’s, would always be tarnished by the suspicion that they had sinned before marriage. Regardless, Joseph trusted the Lord and obeyed Him without question.



Throughout the account of Joseph’s brief story in the Bible, we see that he was a man of godly character who provided for and protected Jesus and his mother. When Jesus was an adult, people often referred to Him as the “son of Joseph,” although the Gospel writers were careful to maintain that Jesus’ true Father was God, with Joseph being more of a step-father or adoptive father. Joseph isn’t mentioned in any of the accounts of Jesus’ earthly ministry. The absence of Joseph in the stories of Jesus’ earthly ministry has led many to believe that Joseph died sometime between the last Biblical account of Joseph, when Jesus was 12, and when Jesus launched His earthly ministry as an adult. The fact that Jesus, as He was dying on the cross, committed the care of His mother to John gives us an indication that Joseph had indeed passed away by that time.



Listen in to learn how Jewish betrothal was different from engagements in today’s culture and, most importantly, what we can learn from the man who stepped up and stepped into the role of earthly father to Jesus Christ.



On the next episode- Be sure to join us next time on the History for Christian Teens podcast when we’ll explore the life of the man who prepared the way for Christ’s earthly ministry.



 



Resources referenced or recommended for further study:



* Bible Gateway

* The Ultimate Bible Character Guide, by Gina Detwiler

* The Evidence Bible with Commentary by Ray Comfort

* Who was Joseph, the Father of Jesus?



 



Scripture references:



* Mathew 1-2

* Luke 1:31-38

* Luke 2: 22-40

* Luke 3

* 1 Timothy 5:8

* Genesis 18:19

* Deuteronomy 6:6-9



 



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We are now on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and more! You can also find us on your favorite podcast listening app. Please be sure to like and subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.



If you have questions, comments, or are in need of prayer, you can reach us by email at HistoryForChristianTeens@gmail.com.



 

Episode #25- Mary the Mother of Jesus: A Life Fully Surrendered to God



We begin our study of historical figures in the New Testament with one of the most famous women in world history, whose child grew up to change the course of history! Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, is an extraordinary example of a life fully surrendered to God.



It's unknown when Mary was born. Though we know that it was close to the period in history when the calendar changed from B.C., meaning "Before Christ," to A.D., Latin for Anno Domini, meaning "in the year of our Lord." In fact, it was Mary's first-born son, Jesus Christ, that ushered in this time change!



Mary was a Jewish girl who lived in the obscure northern town of Nazareth. From the tribe of Judah and the royal line of David. That's all that seems to be known about this young lady until she enters the Bible's pages. However, there must be a reason why Mary, of all the virtuous Jewish girls, was chosen for this wondrous yet difficult task she was about to be asked to undertake. The Bible tells us that God judges not on the outward appearance but that He looks upon the heart. Therefore, one can assume that Mary must have had a pure and faithful heart for the Lord to be called to be the mother of the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus Christ.



Just as Mary was at the beginning of Jesus' life on earth, she was also present at his first miracle that marked the start of His earthly ministry. Later, she would witness his crucifixion, Christ's ascension to Heaven, and she was among the 120 baptized in the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.



Listen in to discover more about this remarkable woman, chosen by God to care for and nurture our Lord and Savior, and what important lessons we can draw from her incredible example.



On the next episode- Be sure to join us next time on the History for Christian Teens podcast when we take a look at an extraordinary adoptive father who made an eternal impact.



Resources referenced or recommended for further study:



* Bible Gateway

* 10 Minutes to Knowing the Men & Women of the Bible by Jim George

* What Happened to Mary?



 



Scripture references:



* Luke 1

* Matthew 1:18-25

* 1 Timothy 1:3

* Romans 3:23

* Ephesians 2:8–9

* Acts 4:12

* 1 Thessalonians 5:9–10

* 2 Timothy 2:11



 



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We are now on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and more! You can also find us on your favorite podcast listening app. Please be sure to like and subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.



If you have questions, comments, or are in need of prayer, you can reach us by email at HistoryForChristianTeens@gmail.com.