People's Church Arnold Podcast: Recent Episodes
People's Church Arnold
Sixty-two chapters are dedicated to David’s life in the scriptures—more than any other person; also, there are 59 references to David in the New Testament. Undoubtedly, David is one of the most important people in the Bible.
David is there for his life, his courage, his faithfulness, and hishumility, but he is also here for his failure and his sinfulness. Most of all, he is there for the confrontation with God’s Word and his acknowledgement and finally his restoration. He is there so we can learn from what he did right and what he did wrong.
Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 12:1-5
The difference between Saul and David was like night and day. David loved God and followed him. Saul was disobedient to God and despised David because he enjoyed God’s blessings. David was a different king—different from Saul and different from any other king. However, the temptation that came with being king was too much for even David.
Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 11:14-27
The general view of the world is that it is getting better. The bad could be improved with better education and the mitigation of poverty. However, the Bible does not see it that way. The Bible sees humanity with a depraved a nature. The Bible has a realistic view of human nature not a fantastic view.
Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 11:6-13
When we come to David’s enormous failure we are taken back. This is David, God’s king. How could this have happened to him? This failure has been written about and talked about more than any other failure in the Bible. Scripture does not try to hide the unsavory parts of biblical characters. It paints them warts and all. We can all thank God that our lives are not being written for the world to see.
Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 11:1-5
We experience God's kindness every day. Every breath we take and each beat of our heart is a gift from God.
The question is, do we accept or reject God’s kindness?
David distinguished himself as a king who showed the kindness of God. However, on one occasion the kindness of the king was despised, and those who despised it suffered the consequences.
Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 10:1-19
God is preparing a place for those who believe, to spend eternity with Him. God's presence will be the greatest thing in the city. Seeking the presence of God should be our greatest desire here on earth and the focus of everything we do. We are to be a people longing for our eternal home.
Scripture Text: Revelation 21:1-10
John tells the resurrection story through the eyes of several people.First Mary Magdalene, then through the eyes of the disciples, including Thomas, but also one story where seven disciples went fishing.
Scripture Text: John 20:1-14
What was it that made Jesus so different? What was it that made people follow him? What makes his story so special? There are several reasons: First, he was the son of God. He really did come to rescue us from our sins. He really did have a humility about him that made him so attractive.
Scripture Text: Mark 11:1-10
The kingdom of God depends on the wisdom, faithfulness, and justice of Jesus Christ, not the qualities in Christian believers.
We work hard to make Christ known, but we always falls short. Our abilities are always less than adequate. However, the kingdom of God and the integrity of Christianity depends on him, not on us.
Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 3:22-39
In the book of Acts we see that the fuel empowering the Church to complete Jesus' core mission is a gift from God that is available to everyone.
Various Scriptures
God gives us unconventional victory when we fall to our knees and are obedient to His unconventional direction.
Scripture Text: Joshua 5:13 - Joshua 6:20
The great question for the people of Israel was who their king was. For some, their king was Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, but for others, David was their king. God had chosen David to be king of Israel, so some of these people did not serve God’s king. It is a question to ask ourselves, “Who is our king?” “Do we serve God’s King,” or do we serve some other king?” Many kings declare themselves to be our king—but there is one true king, and his name is Jesus!
Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 3:1-21
Our strategies and plans, our negotiations and proposals are no more able to bring peace and harmony, justice and righteousness than the efforts of Abner and Joab. How pathetic are our efforts to advance God's kingdom!
We are grateful for any government movement that moves us away from sinful corrupt practices and moves us toward a honest and righteous state. We do not however, put our hope and trust in any government because they are limited. Only God can bring lasting peace.
Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 2:12-32
The story of David, his early life, and his life as a fugitive and then as a king is one of the most engaging stories found in literature. It is not fiction but a real story of action, conflict, bravery, exemplary conduct, and personal failure and recovery. However, our interest is not just in the historical significance of the persons and events but much more. We don’t study the Old Testament just because we are simply interested in history, but what lessons can we learn to help us in our lives.
Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 2:1-11
In our study of 2 Samuel, we come to the subject of death and grief. Death terrifies us and leaves us confused; often, it brings guilt,shame, anger, loneliness, and despair. Even when we are expecting death to come—it is still hard, and we feel the same emotions. Death is no respecter of a person. It makes no difference in wealth or poverty, famous or unknown, race or culture—all are affected. If not for the Gospel of Christ, death would leave us all helpless and hopeless.
Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 1:17-27
God rules over his creation. Though we do not see completeevidence that Godrules over all aspects of creation on this earth because evil is very present. That is because the kingdom of God has not come to final fruition. Until that happens every man woman and child needs to remember that we all will ultimately give account for our actions before the Judge of all the earth.
Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 1:11-16
In this passage we will look at a man who designed a scheme to enrichhimself. He went to great trouble to fool many people, especially David, and he almost got away with the scam.
Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 1:2-10
No one likes waiting. Waiting is uncomfortable. We feel we are wasting time that could be spent in a more profitable way. Waiting, however, is part of life. We wait our turn at the checkout, at the doctor’s office, and in traffic, but most importantly, we wait on God. David had been chosen king but wasn’t prepared, so God had him go through a period of waiting that lasted 13 years.
Scripture Text: 2 Samuel 1:1
In the Christmas story there are many different aspects, and characters.Today we will look at the forgotten people. Who are the forgotten people of our world? The people who are behind the scenes who make the everyday essential things happen. So many of these people are nameless and even forgotten but they are important.
Scripture Text: Luke 2:8-20
Mary with an unspeakable joy sang the first song of the Incarnation.Critics have alleged because of the greatness that this song could not have been sung by the young Mary. It is too theological, too poetic, too beautiful, but they underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit to empower a willing vessel. Mary’s song, is like a beautiful woven tapestry of Scripture.
Scripture Text: Luke 1:46-56
The announcement of the arrival of John the Baptist who would be the forerunner of Jesus is an important part of the Christmas story.
Zachariah and Elizabeth were godly people who feared God, but there was one primary source of disappointment in their lives. Elizabeth had never been able to bear children, and in her culture that was considered a disgrace. However, they never stopped believing and serving God.
Scripture Text: Luke 1:5-25
When we think of the disciples we think of very special people, but they were men with many faults. In this passage we see that very clearly. We are seeing pride rear its ugly head. Unfortunately, it raises its head in all of us at some time.
Scripture Text: Matthew 18:1-14
Grace—God’s grace is one of the most beautiful words in any language. In Luke chapter 7 we meet an unnamed woman. She had an understanding of grace that few people have. Living in a day were grace rarely showed its face; having been transformed by grace she captured the meaning of grace.
Scripture Text: Luke 7:36-50
Living right begins with right thinking. Thinking on this earth is horizontal or human thinking—we need vertical thinking which is God thinking. We need help to think like God.
Scripture Text: Matthew 16:21-28
Moses went to meet with God at a place called the tent of meeting where he could talk things over with God. As Moses went out, the Israelites stood by their own tents and watched to see what would happen. They eagerly watched as the glory of God come down in a pillar of cloud. As soon as they saw that, they knew their mediator was meeting with God. Even after the debacle of the golden calf God still allowed theIsraelites to go to the Promised Land. The bad news was that God was not going with them.
Scripture Text: Exodus 33:12-23
Paul has prescribed the essential spiritual armor and weaponsto fight this spiritual battle. Every New Testament writer talks about the spiritual warfare. We do well to heed their warning and prepare ourselves in the manner Paul instructs us.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 6:18-20
As you think back, there are probably some good friends over theyears with whom you have had some memorable shared experiences. God places special people in your life during different stages. It was that way with Paul because Tychicus was a good friend put in Paul’s life at just the right time. It is remarkable the bond that grows between friends as you are sharing the gospel on the front lines.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 6:21-24
Spiritual battles are being fought all over this earth. The Apostle Paul introduces us to his perspective on spiritual warfare.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 6:13-14
Today in our world most people believe the Devil is an imaginary character. There is no widespread belief in a supernatural powerful being that is against all that is good. Shockingly, many Christians are influenced by this kind of thinking even though they say they believe in the Devil they do not live out their lives with that belief. Paul's biblical worldview is that we are in the middle of a spiritual warfare with evil in which there is a fierce battle raging.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 6:10-12
The biblical view of work is very positive. Work is where we earn a living and express our skills and talents. We take satisfaction from having done a good job. We do our work as unto the Lord. We may work for a company, but as Christians, we know our work ethic is to God. He gave us the job and the ability to do it, so we do our very best. In doing our best, the company benefits. The skill and ability are a gift from the Lord!
Scripture Text: Ephesians 6:5-9
Despite what our world tells us today having children is a blessing that will bring wonderful dividends.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 6:1-4
Paul talks to us about our time.He exhorts us to be good stewards of our time and see that we spend it wisely not foolishly wasting it away.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 5:15-21
Because we are light, we have a huge responsibility in the world. How are we who have been transferred from darkness to light to live?
Scripture Text: Ephesians 5:8-14
Christianity has by far the most exalted sexual ethics of any religion. The New Testament charges us to pursue purity. How were the Ephesians supposed to navigate in such a sinful city that had complete acceptance of sexual perversion? Today the same thing exist and there is animosity toward anyone who does not agree. They were supposed to follow Jesus’ example just as we are.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 5:1-7
Often times we think the work of the Spirit is to empower us to exercise one of the nine gifts that Paul mentions so that we will be a witness for Christ. We would not be wrong to think this is all. However, the work of the Spirit is much more. It is involved in the sanctification process or our maturity and growth as a Christian.
The greatest work of the Spirit is to produce the fruits in our lives.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:25-32
The Apostle Paul talks to the Ephesians about their clothes, but not the ones on their bodies, but the ones on their souls. In this passage Paul tells us what we need to put off and what to puton. It is the wardrobe of the redeemed.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:17-24
In a day when the church grows from anything to featuringcelebrities to sports personalities to jumping on the latest trend, whether biblical or not, church growth can mean many different things.
Paul however, in his letter to the Ephesians gives the church theprinciples for spiritual growth.He explains how God grows a church through living outthegospel in unity.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:7-16
When the Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians he was in a Roman prison. He does not call himself a prisoner of Rome or Caesar but of the Lord. Even though he is in prison, he attributes his present circumstances to the Lord. Remarkably, his attitude reflects his understanding of God’s sovereignty and power.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:1-6
The letter to the Ephesians is an explanation of what the Gospel is and, if believed, what it does in our lives. How it changes us in every way. This epistle also describes the church's role on this earth and our commitment to it.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 3:14-21
To us today the word mystery conjures up the idea of something unsolved. That is what we think of in regards to a mystery, but, in New Testament Greek the work musrerion means something which is beyond natural knowledge, but has been opened to us by divine revelation.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 3:1-13
Guest speaker, Gustavo Rizzo, from Argentina.
Due to some sensitive content, part of the message has been edited out.
Scripture Text: Psalm 139
If we're like Moses and afraid of the task ahead of us, or we're not sure what God is calling us to do, we need to ask ourselves and some important questions.
1. What's my beginning? (Exodus 1:16-17, Exodus 1:20-22, Exodus 2:1-3, Exodus 2:23-25)
2. Where am I now? (Exodus 3:1-5)
3. Who do I know? (Exodus 3:6-7, 11-15, Exodus 5:22-23, Exodus 6:2-3)
4. What do I have now? (Exodus 4:1-4, 10-12)
How many times have we chased after our own plan only to be disappointed and disheartened? Often we look back and realize that God knew better all along. When the door of opportunity closes, it's important that we don't give up and look for the next open door and trust God.
1. God has a plan and He is in control (Genesis 25:21-23)
2. When God's plan does not seem right. (Genesis 27:1-4)
3. Don't take control, allow God to work. (Genesis 27:8-12 & Genesis 28:3-4)
In the "School of Faith" we must have test from time to time, or we will never know where we are spiritually. Here are five things to consider when it comes to test in this life.
1. Expect Test from God (Genesis 22:1-2)
2. Focus on Promises, not Explanations (Genesis 22:3-5)
3. Depend on God's Provisions (Genesis 22:6-14)
4. Seek to Glorify Christ
5. Live Life and Look Forward to God's Plan For You (Genesis 22:15-24)
When the Apostle Paul wrote his epistle to the Ephesians, he gave us the most succinct definition of salvation in the Bible. This is the Gospel in a nutshell, a clear explanation of what it is and what it is not.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 2:8-10
In Ephesians 2, Paul gives us such a contrast when he describes one place so low and another so high. He takes us down to lowest depths of the soul (vv. 1-3) and then up to "the heavenly realms (vv. 4-7). He contrast death to life, and Hell to Heaven, bondage to freedom, and despair to hope. Scripture Text: Ephesians 2:1-7
The bond that grows almost instantly between a newborn and itsmother is amazing. That bond is responsible for attachment and the ability to attach to people throughout life. When a child is overwhelmed and does not receive the nurture from the mother, it becomes a lifelong pattern of inability to cope with life.
Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 1:1-7
God will tune you heart to his love and mercy if you ask. He will send you the answers you need. This is what Paul is praying for the Ephesians.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:18-23
Our identity determines our attitudes and our actions. We are His sons and daughters and we have a purpose even in this broken world.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:15-19
Today, the sermon is on forgiveness and our need to learn to forgive—forgive others, forgive ourselves, and even forgive God. Living in unforgiveness is like living in the desert with no water. Forgiveness brings life and causes us to flourish, and those around us to thrive.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:7-10
It is important to realize that the Letter to the Ephesians is written to the body of Christ everywhere. It is a message for the Church in every age. The message is loud and clear that Christ reconciles all races and cultures by bringing them to himself and making them one with him and with one another. It is a message of unity, and a message for a fragmented world we live in.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:1-6
Have you ever witnessed someone have a changed heart? We have all seen this and when it happens it is stunning. It happened all through Jesus’ ministry as he touched lives. Here, in this passage, it happened at his death. There were those who observed Him die and were changed. We will look at three occasions when people’s hearts were changed because of Jesus’s life, death and resurrection.
Scripture Text: Matthew 27:54-61
People everywhere, even Christians wonder if there is anything else to look forward to in life. Sometimes we feel the best has come and gone. Is there anything left to long for in life? In a world that is depressing due to the amount of terrible news. The need to turn our attention to the heaven God has prepared for us is imperative. The Bible speaks of heaven from beginning to end.
Scripture Text: Revelation 21:1-8
1 Samuel 31 tells of the tragic death of Saul, the one who had been called the anointed, called to save his people. The death of Saul will point us not only to the coming kingdom of David, but also to the kingdom of the one descended from David a thousand years later. He would be declared king in power by his resurrection from the dead.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 31:1-12
God’s providence leads us toward God’s plans for our lives and prevents us from making terrible mistakes. David had made a mistake by going over to the Philistines causing him to be part of an army that will fight his own people. God will close the door and send David away from this disaster.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 29:1-11
It is interesting how we use the word blessed. We say “God bless you” to someone who sneezes, maybe hoping we don’t get what they have. When something good happens, we say, “We got a huge blessing.” However, Jesus used the word very differently than we might expect. In his Sermon on the Mount, he gave us eight beatitudes or blessed attitudes that reflect what a follower of Christ should look like.
The First Four Beatitudes: “Beatitudes of Need.”
The Last Four Beatitudes: “Beatitudes of Action.”
Scripture Text: Matthew 5:3-10
Hopelessness is the darkest of all human experiences. It happens when a person can see no future worth living. Hopelessness strips away all motivation for living taking away all enjoyment and fulfillment. In 1 Samuel 28 we see the utter hopelessness of King Saul. He is a man "having no hope and without God in the world."
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 28:1-25
Now we are shown another episode in David’s life that is not impressive. For the next 16 months David would not write any psalms. There are no recorded prayers. During this time David makes his decisions from a humanistic viewpoint. This is one of the darkest periods in David’s life. Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 27:1-12
David had recently spared Saul’s life. At the time, it was hard for David to understand anything good from these situations. Still, with time, he realized God was teaching him a valuable lesson and showing mercy. Now, in chapter 26, he has a second opportunity but does not take it.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 26:1-25
Luke, being the only Gentile author in the Bible and also a physician, sees things differently, often including important details. This is helpful because he gives us the fuller account of Jesus’ birth. He begins by noting the date, informing us that Caesar Augustus was the ruler of “the entire Roman world.”
Luke paints a contrast between one who is the self-proclaimed savior of the world and one who is the real Savior.
Scripture Text: Luke 2:1-20
Mary would have grown up in a strong Jewish home. Her life was set like most girls her age. She would have a prearranged marriage and later have numerous children. She would likely never travel very far from home, and later die in obscurity. However, that is not Mary’s story, she is the recipient of a special calling from God the Father and that she was to be the mother of our savior.
Scripture Text: Luke 1:26-38
The book of Isaiah is the Bible in miniature. It has 66 chapters corresponding to the 66 books of the Bible. The first 39 chapters have a tone of judgment, and the last 27 chapters, like the New Testament, have a different focus. Something extraordinary happens at chapter 40 as the prophet introduces the savior. Scripture Text: Isaiah 40:1-11
It is a marvelous thing to be able to persuade an angry person from committing hurtful acts out of anger. It takes great tact and patience, but in so doing you both help the one who would be hurt and the angry person. Abigail could see the folly of David’s anger and she was able to persuade him of the harm that would come if he proceeded in carrying out his plan against Nabal.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 25:1-44
David could have made his path to the throne quick and easy, but he chose not to take that path. We can learn something fundamental about why God was bringing in his kingdom the way he wanted and why David would be king in God’s time.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 24:1-22
We best understand the Old Testament through the New Testament and vice-versa. For example, Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection are echoed in this Old Testament story of David’s suffering. Understanding David’s story helps us understand Jesus’ story and the result is we do not lose heart because of our own sufferings.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 23:15-29
The story of David’s life includes much suffering. We have seen that these chapters provide the background to many of the psalms, which speak vividly of suffering. The suffering is difficult for David to understand because he is God's anointed one, but he still suffers.
Although it is far from clear to David how God's purpose for his life will be realized, it is obvious that David was the one after God's own heart. These chapters are about his suffering.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 23:1-14
At the end of 1 Samuel 21 we saw how in his desperation David had fled to the Philistine city of Gath, in and attempt to hide from Saul. Any attempt to hide failed and he only escaped from the clutches of the Philistines by the skin of his teeth. David was in danger not only in Saul's kingdom but also in Philistine territory. Where could he go next? Chapter 22 opens with the answer to that question.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 22:1-5
With a kill order on David’s life, he became a fugitive from Saul. It had taken some time for this to sink in for David because Saul was a strange guy. Did he really want to kill his son-in-law and his best commander, who had achieved remarkable success against his enemies? Yes! Saul wanted David dead. David felt Saul’s presence looking for him no matter where he went, so he decided to leave his country.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 21:1-15
Things did not work out the way Jonathan or David wanted them to. This is the real test of life—what will we do when things don’t work out how we hope they will. Will we become angry like Saul and start throwing spears and blaming others? Will we become angry at God and lose touch with Him? Will we become cynical and bitter?
The truth is that out of the disappointment and hurt, God can grow something beautiful if we trust him—if we choose him.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 20:24-42
Fear drives us in our thinking and behavior. We sometimes work because we fear not having enough financial security. We go to the doctor because we fear we might face serious health problems. We fear we won’t achieve success so we experience anxiety. There are both healthy and unhealthy fears. Fear can cause wise and good behavior or paralyze us or arouse inappropriate actions. Learning to deal with fear is essential.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 20:1-23
This message is called, “The Tale of Three Kings” Saul, David and Jesus. It is about our need to surrender to God and permit his grace to transform us. Instead of being shamefully pulled about by our sinful nature, we can take charge of our lives. God wants to give us the power to do that. Rather than being a slave to sin—we learn to master our weak and sinful nature. We discover who God designed us to be.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 19:1-24
The Spirit of the Lord had enabled David to accomplish the remarkable feat of killing the great Philistine Goliath. As a consequence he had come into King Saul's service. At first Saul, was openly disposed toward David, but David's remarkable success against Israel's enemies aroused a terrible jealousy in Saul. This fear eventually became hostile and Saul made several unsuccessful attempts to rid himself of David.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 19:1-10
After David killed Goliath in a phenomenal manner, the people heldDavid as a hero. Saul became increasingly jealous as he witnessed the people find a place in their hearts for David.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 18:17-30
The first relationship to develop with David after killing Goliath was with Jonathan, Saul’s oldest son. This remarkable relationship was to be very important in David's life. The relationship between David and Jonathan is seen as an example of a wonderful and powerful human friendship. The love of Jonathan and the love of the people of Israel for David, the Lord's anointed one, helps us see more clearly the depth of the question, do you love the Lord Jesus Christ?
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 18:1-30
Picture the scene in the Valley of Elah. The armies are arranged facing each other with a valley between them. Goliath came out from the Philistine lines twice each day and shouted his terrible challenge. He had done this for some forty days. At last there was a response from the Israelite side—a teenager was walking out toward the Philistine.
David had a message for Goliath, but it was bigger thanjust Goliath—it was for all the Philistines and all those who opposed God.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 17:41-58
The story of David is part of the background to the Gospel of Jesus. Crucial facets of the Gospel have their roots in these earlier days, when God chose and anointed David as king. There is more to this story than a giant fighting a boy which makes us root for the underdog.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 17:31-40
The account of David and Goliath has the ingredients of drama and excitement, and anticipation and the satisfaction of the good guy defeating the bad guy against all odds. The story is so skillfully told that it holds our attention and captures our imagination.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 17:1-11
In a world that has rejected the idea of universal truth, accepting all points of view as equally valid has become popular. However, one point of view is outright rejected today, and that is the view that Jesus Christ gave himself to us. He told us outright that he was the Son of God, the Savior of all human beings, and the Judge of all people. This view is disregarded out of hand. One theme we will look at is the fact that there are two ways of looking at things. One, is the way humanity looks at truth and the way God looks at it.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Rationalization is a way of explaining bad behavior in a way that makes it seem proper. King Saul was a master at it.
Chapter 15 of 1 Samuel is an insightful study of the deceptive power of sin. It reveals its power and destructive nature as Saul rationalizes his choices that led to his sin of disobedience.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 15:12-35
The analysis of Saul's failure is noteworthy in that he had many good qualities and gifts, but that did not help him. Saul was brave and could be a good military leader. Most of all he had the best of opportunities, but he squandered them. Saul's failure as Israel's king can be traced to his disobedience to God's words to him.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 15:1-11
We all make mistakes in life—it is inevitable. However, the most important part of mistakes is learning from them and not repeating them. That is a challenging assignment, and we are thankful for the grace that God gives us and the grace of those in our family to forgive.
Things get worse for those who make the same mistakes, and because of their stubbornness and arrogance, they refuse to own their mistakes. They learn nothing. They look for someone to blame for their missteps. That is a description of King Saul.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 14:24-52
It is absolutely amazing how many times people overlook the potential in those around them. The case was such with Saul and his son, Jonathan.
Stepping out in faith can be exhilarating but also extremely frightening. The risks of failure are obvious, and the chances of succeeding are minimal, that is, if you were doing it on your own. However, if you have faith that God is telling you to step out in faith—you can be confident that you will not fail. Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 14:1-23
Since becoming King it would appear that Saul had been neglectful in carrying out his instructions to deal with the Philistine problem. A good deal of time has passed since Saul was told to take out the Philistine Garrison but he has not. It appears that Saul was a procrastinator. Samuel charges King Saul with acting like a fool.
This will be our study today find out why.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 13:1-23
How important is the truth? The truth is given to us through God’s Word, and the person of Jesus Christ who helps form our lives. As committed believers we make a dedication to live in truth. This makes us stand out in a world that has rejected the truth.
Scripture Text: Ephesians 3:14-21
Many years ago, some people in Israel asked whether their leader, Saul, could save them from their enemies. They questioned Saul's capacity to save them. In the same way, people today think little of Christ, and they, do not believe that he can save them.
However, Saul's capacity to save the people of Israel was demonstrated as he rescued the terrified people of Jabesh-Gilead from the dreadful threats of Nahash and the Ammonites. In an even greater way, Jesus Christ demonstrated his capacity to save when he died on the cross.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 12:1-25
The people of Israel had asked Samuel for a king so they could be "like all the nations". In this demand the people were rejecting God's way of being King over them. Saul had been anointed king but he had done nothing to lead the people.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 11:1-11
The story of Saul is an account of the remarkable commitment of God to establish his kingdom. That has not changed—God is working to establish his kingdom through people that are surrendered to him. This is one of the ways we can be encouraged because it may look like we are losing on every front, but God is at work. God’s kingdom will survive, grow, and we can be a part of it, even in a world turned upside down by sin and the enemy’s attacks.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 10:17-27
God has a way to taking the ordinary and transforming it into the extraordinary. This what happened to Saul.
The people of Israel had previously asked Samuel for a king so they could be "like all the nations". Samuel and the Lord disapproved of the proposal. However, the Lord told Samuel to make them a king. When Saul met Samuel he had no idea that God has chosen him for that role. Nonetheless, he found himself in the presence of Samuel. The process of revealing Israel’s new leader was happening.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 10:1-16
We have all lost something that was valuable and went on a searchfor the lost item. Today’s sermon is about two lost donkeys that belonged to Saul’s father, Kish and the search for the donkeys. Actually, the story is about much more than the donkeys. That is how the story begins but it ends with a word from God.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 9:1-27
The Parable of the Prodigal son shows that no matter how far we have strayed from God, He is always waiting for us to return to Him. In telling this story, Jesus is teaching us about the nature of God and how we should respond to those who have sinned against us.
Scripture Text: Luke 15:11-24
People are interested in security, they want to feel safe. We want good laws and enforcement of those laws. We are also, concerned about having enough money in retirement, good health and prosperity.
Samuel was a good leader to Israel. With God’s direction he delivered them from the threats of their enemies. However, on the other hand, their greatest danger was the anger to which they had provoked the Lord by their backsliding.
The heart of Samuel's leadership was calling the people back to the Lord and praying to the Lord for the people. That was the kind of leader Israel needed, but not what they wanted.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 8:1-22
God has been dealing with Israel through compassion and punishment to bring them back to himself. It is evident however, that Israel was stubborn and resisted God’s call to return to him.This means that Israel's main problem was not with their corrupt and inept leaders, nor was it the Philistine threat. Israel had a problem with God himself! Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 7:1-17
Death inevitably strikes a universal fear in every human heart. It doesn’t matter what century or the geography all people are fearful of death at some time in their life. Those who witnessed Christ’s death that Friday, when Jesus was crucified, felt the biting sting of death. They saw and heard Jesus speak his last words. Then they saw him breathe his last breath and fall limp as he hung on the cross. At that moment, the despair of death filled the hearts of Jesus’ followers. Perhaps you have been struggling with sadness, and the pain is weighing you down like a load too great to bear. So it was for the disciples, but their sadness was changed to joy.
Scripture Text: Luke 24:13-35
We have all had problems we could not solve by our own strength or knowledge. Such was the case of the Philistines in 1 Samuel 6. The problem is summed up in the first sentence of the chapter: When the ark of the Lord had been in Philistine territory seven months,The fact that the ark was in the land of the Philistines was a problem for both the Philistines and the Israelite's.
God had promised to deliverer Israel from her enemies, but that promise was conditional. It required the Israelite's to be faithful to Him and they had not.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 6:1-21
Human beings play games—dysfunctional games with each. When we don’t know how to fix our problems we relate to each other in dysfunctional ways. We also play games with God. We know God is powerful and we believe He is in charge but we resist letting Him be in charge of our life. We prefer our way to His way and we rely on our strength and ingenuity to His power. But, that choice has its consequences.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 5:1-12
It is not uncommon to want God's power. Some believers can misunderstand and misuse the power of God. If we want to see God’s power it will always be through repentance and humility.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 4:1-21
Learning to express our appreciation for the people, experiences, and things in our lives that matter is a skill worth learning. Its more than a skill—its an attitude. If we acquire this attitude we will learn to enjoy simple pleasures, such as watching the sun rise, feeling a cool breeze, or taking a stroll, worshiping with our church family, and most of all knowing that God is there with us, no matter what is going on in our lives. Knowing that he speaks and we can hear his voice.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 3:1-20
As we open the book of 1 Samuel we immediately are given two contrasting world views, one from Hannah and the other from Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli. Hannah's perspective of the world is turned upside down by God's power, but the second view of Eli's sons was a humanistic view. There are several lessons in this story for us that will challenge us in our walk with God.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 2:27-36
In Philippians 2, Paul points us to the ultimate example of humility. He points us to true humility, and true servanthood and shows us what it’s like to live like this.
Scripture Text: Philippians 2:1-18
In the Gospel of Mark, we see a story of two unique individuals with opposite backgrounds. Both of them are in desperate need of Jesus. The contrast reveals to us the wideness of Christ's love and mercy.
Scripture Text: Mark 5:21-43
Corruption is more and more evident in many of our leaders today. And, since there doesn’t seem to be equal justice under the law, we become cynical of the integrity of our leaders. It often appears that they get away with their corruption.First of all, let’s remember that we all come with a sinful nature, and we have a proclivity toward corruption. The pull toward dishonesty is powered by greed and power. It’s in our nature. What difference does having God in your thinking make in how you see the world? It makes all the difference in the world.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 2:11-26
There are several reasons why the Old Testament stories are sopowerful and meaningful.
First, they are about real people who have real problems.
Secondly, they display the entire panorama of their behavior and attitudes.
Thirdly and most importantly, the stories show us, God. They show us who He is and what He can do.
In this message we will see how God is omniscient and omnipotent, but at the same time, He is concerned with his people. As we learn what God did for his people Israel, we can believe what He will do for us in our situations.
Scripture Text: Exodus 14:15-31
In Lewis Carroll’s “The Looking Glass,” The Red Queen tells Alice: ‘Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place.
Do some of you feel that is what you are doing—just running ever fast to just stay in the same place? Unfortunately, for many that is a picture of life but it doesn’t have to be that way. It's important to slow down and think about how we view the world and how we view God. Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2 paints a picture of God that helps us see Him in a different light. As you learn more about God, you love him more, as you grow in your relationship with Him you trust him more.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 2:1-10
Where is God? Where is God when I need him? Many people imagine God to be a God in their own image instead of us in His image. In this way God becomes a genie in a bottle. You ask and he’s supposed to deliver what you demand.
If you believe in the God of the Bible you may wonder, does God care? Does he care about me and my problems? The answer to that question affects how we see life. If there is no one other than other human beings who cares about the human race, then we are on our own. But if there is a God who does care, then we have hope beyond ourselves.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 1:3-28
1 Samuel is the story of three great leaders of the nation of Israel. It takes place during a period when Israel experienced a gigantic leadership crisis.
Leadership matters in all areas of life from the home to the business, to the government. All of us choose and reject leaders. We allow people to influence us, and we reject the influence of others.
We make important decisions based on what we learn. Our lives are invariably shaped by the influence of different people.
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 1:1-2
There are many problems that plague all of us in life. Jeremiah has some advice for us about how to live. If we apply it to our hearts it will effect an attitude adjustment.
Scripture Text: Jeremiah 9:23-24
During the time of Jesus’ birth, wise men from the East came to worship Jesus. They found two kings, King Herod and King Jesus. Jesus came to conquer in love, and Herod to conquer with force. However, there were three responses to King Jesus’ birth: Indifference, Hostility, and Worship. The people of Jerusalem were indifferent, King Herod was hostile, but the Wise came to worship.
Scripture Text: Matthew 2:1-12
Is there anything that you are living for that’s outside of yourself? Nothing in this world will console you deep inside. Not anything else; only Jesus can do that. He comes to the needy - those who realize that He is their only hope.
Scripture Text: Luke 2:21-40
Who are the forgotten people of our world? The people who arebehind the scenes making the essential everyday things happen. So many of these people are nameless and even forgotten, but they are crucial. Luke is the primary author of the Christmas story and he features stories about forgotten people.
Scripture Text: Luke 2:8-20
John is in his late eighties or early 90’s and still has that gentleness in his spirit even though he has to say some hard things. He is still the same John who wrote the fourth Gospel. Most likely he is the only apostle of Jesus still alive. The others have all been killed and they have attempted to kill John but failed. He is in Ephesus writing to the churches in that area. Later he will be banished to the Isle of Patmos where he will write the book of Revelation. John writes as a pastor with compassion and concern. John wants to make sure those he is writing know how to think right—like Christ.
Scripture Text: 1 John 2:1-6
The nation of Israel during their journey from Egypt to Canaan often found themselves in situations lacking food and water. On the occasion we will look at today they became so thirsty as they trekked through the desert as there was no water to be found so the people became not only anxious but angry.
The critical point of the story is their inability to maintain self-control in tough times and trust God. The story is relevant because we too have trouble trusting God to meet our needs. It is as if we have a default setting to complain and blame God when things don’t work out the way we like.
Scripture Text: Exodus 17:1-7
One of the difficulties of cultivating gratitude is learning to trust God with the why questions. Sometimes we wonder what God is up to and why things are turning out they the way they are. Gratitude has a transformative power to change our attitude, outlook, and atmosphere.
Scripture Text: Jeremiah 29:10-14
It's normal to struggle in the faith, but it's important to know that in the struggle we need to remind ourselves that God is always there for us. His promises are true, and He will bless us beyond our imagination if we make decisions to follow Him now.
Scripture Text: Psalm 73
Perspective can change everything. In this teaching we will see the difference between God’s perspective on worship and the people’s perspective.
Scripture Text: Isaiah 43:22-44:23
The scene on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in John 21 is one of themost sacred scenes in the Bible. The disciples have eaten breakfast with the risen Christ who can eat with his resurrected body. They don’t speak because the moment is too holy. Then Christ engaged Peter in a conversation in front of the others. Christ's repeated questions affirm his love for Peter restored the fisherman’s confidence. Peter’s doubt as to whether he had value to Christ was gone. Jesus helped heal Peter’s broken heart. It was here that Peter could finally forgive himself for his failure and see a future for himself.
Scripture Text: John 21:18-23
Nothing in life messes with our priorities like shame. We feel likefailures, and we lack the self-control to overcome them. In John 21 the Lord helps Peter deal with his shame that has been tormenting him. Jesus restores Peter’s confidence and takes away the painful confusion that never leaves his mind.
Scripture Text: John 21:12-17
A great teacher aims to not just give information like a vending machine. He or she doesn’t just talk or give lectures but creates new ways for people to discover the truth and think of it as their own. Truth always has so much more power when we find it on our own than when someone tells us. There were times that Jesus did this by deliberately setting his disciples up so they would have to use every bit of creativity to discover the solution to the problem. In Matthew 15, Jesus takes his disciples on a missions trip. He is about to introduce his disciples to a Gentile woman and not just any Gentile woman but a Canaanite woman. The worst of the worst. To Jesus she is a brokenhearted mother but to the disciples she is simply a Canaanite.
Scripture Text: Matthew 15:21-39
It is hard to imagine what life had been like for the disciples. They were heartbroken to learn that Jesus was leaving them. Then they realized that Jesus was going to die—even be crucified, which they had great difficulty accepting. Then it happened Jesus was mocked, beaten, and crucified, and they could not bear it. The world caved in, and they locked themselves behind closed doors in fear. Then Jesus walked into their mists and never even used the door. Once the disciples were convinced that Jesus was alive, their world was never the same.
Scripture Text: John 20:1-14
Good Friday is a day that brought great sadness to the followers of Jesus because it was the day that Jesus died on the cross. The earth grew dark at midday. All but John had fled and after his death, the hours that followed were filled with confusion and hopelessness. But on Sunday morning that sadness changed to joy.
Scripture Text: John 20:1-31
In Gethsemane, Christ contemplated what he was to undergo, he repeatedly threw himself to the ground in heartbreaking prayer and suffered so much emotional strain. Christ’s crucifixion was real and the agony was horrendous. The problem for us is that we are removed by 2000 years and we have become detached and desensitized from death by the common violence that occurs all around us every day. For this reason we need to see Christ's agony on the Cross and the connection to our sin.
Scripture Text: John 19:17-22
The religious leaders were so obsessed with getting rid of Jesus that they were blinded by their hatred for him and did not see the apparent inconsistency in their own lives. These religious men were so corrupt that they preferred the release of an infamous murderer while demanding that Christ be crucified.
Scripture Text: John 19:1-16
Appearances can be very deceiving.It was that way for the Jews and even for Pilate. Jesus didn't look like a king, not any king they had seen or even imagined, so they dismissed any possibility of Jesus being anything other than an impostor. Regardless of how things looked in the garden of Gethsemane,as Judas betrayed Jesus by a cohort of soldiers to arrest him, Jesus was in control. The same is true of the trials that Jesus faced. Christ exhibited enormous self-control before an exasperated Sanhedrin. As dawn broke and Christ was led before Pilate, and again we see his control in his fourth of six trials.
Scripture Text: John 18:24-40
John recorded the details of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion in John 18 -19. The imminent events are of ultimate importance because none of the wonderful things promised during Christ's ministry would be possible without them. The promise of eternal life, the sending of the Holy Spirit as Comforter, Jesus' return for his beloved, the preparation of a place for them, treasures of grace and salvation - all were dependent upon the manner of Christ's death and resurrection.
Scripture Text: John 18:1-11
Christ's prayer here in John 17 contains his final words to his disciples in the upper room. We should keep in mind that Gethsemane, the cross and the resurrection lay ahead. Understanding the time-line of events helps us grasp the full impact of what Christ said in this prayer. This is the kind of prayer that Jesus prays now in heaven for us. Christ made it clear that he was praying for his followers but also for his future followers.
Scripture Text: John 17:20-26
God wants his children to be in the world but not part of it. He doesn’t want them isolating from the world or assimilating to the world. He wants them to represent his son, Jesus Christ to the world.
Scripture Text: John 17:11-19
John 17 is one of the greatest chapters in the Bible. It is the moment where Christ's heart is bared to his father in his final public prayer before he went to the cross.
Christ's prayer divides into three sections.
· In verses 1-5 he prayed for himself.
· In verses 6-9 he prayed for his apostles.
· In verses 20-26 he prayed for the church in the world.
In this teaching we will focus on verses 1-5.
Scripture Text: John 17:1-5
The Holy Spirit Leads us to truth as we study his word. We come to understand the scripture as the Spirit makes them real to us. As we study a passage the truth becomes understandable. The Spirit helps us apply what we learn to our daily experience. In this way we grow and mature.
Scripture Text: John 16:13-33
The disciples had received some sobering news from Jesus—that they would face trials and even persecution. This would happen because they were his followers. But then he gave them some good news of the coming of the Holy Spirit who would be their advocate. First the Comforter’s ministry would be to them to comfort and guide them but at the same time he would minister to the world through them. It was a sobering thought to think that the Holy Spirit would work in the world through them to accomplish his work.
Scripture Text: John 16:7-16
Jesus said in (John 15: 22-25) that the world hated him because he had exposed their sin. That has not changed today. It’s not that we go around judging the word; instead, our belief in God’s morality exposes their sin. Jesus told us not to conform to the world’s way of thinking. If we think biblically, we will find our way through this maze of confusion, but we will encounter adversity and maybe even persecution.
Scripture Text: John 15:18—16:4
Relationships are the source of satisfaction and fulfillment in life. The acquisition of things or wealth without meaningful relationships does not bring contentment. God made us to be connected and to stay connected to him and to others. There is however, many ways those connections break down and when that happens we lose the opportunity to enjoy life. As we remain or stay firm in Christ we will experience love both receiving and giving. We will have loving relationships with one another.
Scripture Text: John 15:12-17
The vine is frequently used in the OT as a symbol of Israel, but it was often shown as inadequate or lacking in some way. God had originally planted Israel in the Promised Land to be a means of revealing His word to the world and for teaching all nations about His grace. Israel was to flourish as a living example of how obedience bears the fruit of righteousness. God promised to bless Israel over and over, but Israel failed to do this. By Jesus declaring that He was the true vine, Jesus took the place of Israel. The Father owns the garden, Jesus is the vine, and his followers are the branches. Not only is bearing fruit the main emphasis, but Jesus makes it the identifying mark of a true believer, a true follower of Christ.
Scripture Text: John 15:1-11 NLT
Everything in the Bible is in your favor, it’s meant to help you, build your character, strengthen you, encourage you. Though at times things may seem difficult, you feel like God is distant, you feel like you are losing at life or even your faith feels boring. It's in those times that we should press into our faith even more because in Christ there is:
- Favor
- Joy
- Power
- Victory
- Healing
- More
Scripture Text: Matthew 13:53-58
Fathers influence us positively and negatively all our lives even longafter they are gone. The influence of a father on the lives of his children is enormous. Everything begins with the foundation and it’s the same with the family. Unless Christ is your most prized possession you won’t survive the trials that come your way. As a father, it’s your love of Christ that gives you the authority to lead your family.
Scripture Text: Various
In John 14 Jesus told his disciples he was going to prepare a place for them where they would with him forever. That brought comfort to their troubled hearts. However, Jesus continued to encourage his disciples by talking about the coming of the Holy Spirit and what his work would be. Jesus told his disciples that he was not going to leave them as orphans but that the Holy Spirit would come and be with them.
Scripture Text: John 14:12-27
The disciples were troubled men. They were dismayed and troubled in their hearts, so Jesus spoke to their fear and anxiety. Then he announced that one of his own disciples would betray him and another would deny him. For the last few days, Life had been a roller coaster ride with Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Knowing their anguish, Jesus spoke his famous words “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” These words convey strong conviction but were likely spoken with a gentle tone. Most important for us is to realize that these words are also for all of us today who are troubled and anxious by many things.
Scripture Text: John 14:1-6
The setting is the upper room. Love is the theme—authentic love. Jesus had just washed his disciples’ feet in humble service, and now he would demonstrate radical love to even a greater degree. When Jesus washed his disciple’s feet, it demonstrated his amazing love. However, as the night continued, Jesus’ love reached out to two failing disciples Judas and Peter.
Scripture Text: John 13:18-38
A person’s last words are powerful. In John 13:17 Jesus said, "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." In other words, Jesus was saying if you want to be my servant, then just do the things I do. If you want God’s blessings on your life, then do what I have modeled for you. Jesus lived out humility, and he demonstrated it is possible for us to overcome pride and model our lives after Him.
Scripture Text: John 13:1-17
Jesus presented himself as a new kind of King, one who rules by a principle - selfless sacrifice and love and not by selfish brutal force. The crowd was waiting for a king that would lead a revolution against Rome. Jesus had come to lead a revolution, but it was one against sin. The principles that that Jesus gave us he lived out. These are the same principles that truly transform life for us.
Scripture Text: John 12:27-36
Mother’s day is an opportunity to stand up for the family. Today the family is under attack. The influence of a mom is indispensable in a child’s life and yet our society is trying to diminish that influence. Tender and strong mothers are needed today more than ever.
Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 1:1-7
Many these days are living without joy. Life has become too mundane because of lack of joy and problems weigh heavy on people's hearts. In a world where sadness is all around us, it is hard to see past all the gloom. God sees the gloom and sadness of our world. He sees our blindness caused by the darkness we have become accustomed to in this messed up world. Here in the words of Isaiah, God gives us some incredible encouragement—encouragement that can give us fresh joy!
Scripture Text: Isaiah 29:18-24
We would have been speechless if you or I had been present when Lazarus was raised from the dead. Seeing the joy and excitement of Martha and Mary unwrapping their brother, who had moments before been as lifeless as a stone, would have brought us exuberance. But to Jesus’ enemies, they were already looking for a way to kill him. The real problem was that Jesus was creating an acceptance by the masses. Just six days before the Passover, Christ was approaching Jerusalem. In just six days our Lord would be stretched on the cross to give his life for those who hated him. That is the setting for the opening verses of chapter 12.
Scripture Text: John 11:47-57; 12:1-11
In the story of Lazarus' death and resurrection in John 11, we encounter the problem of perspectives. We see the perspective of Mary and Martha and the divine perspective of Jesus. This story is so indicative of the life we all live. Life brings us trouble—unexpected trouble. The way Jesus dealt with this family and their problems help us to understand how he deals with each of us. Perspective is everything. As believers, we know that all our times of sorrow will eventually turn into joy.
Scripture Text: John 11:1-46
It was Passover, an anticipated time for everyone. Only the day before, Lazarus had been raised from the dead by Jesus so the air was electric. This of course had the opposite effect on Caiaphas and the other Jewish leaders who were committed to taking Jesus out and now they had added Lazarus to the list. At the same time, swarms of people were coming to see Jesus. The situation was explosive. This is the background for Jesus' triumphal entry.
Scripture Text: John 12:12-26
In our study of the first part of John 10, we looked at the beautiful image of the Good Shepherd and his sheep. It is a picture of our intimate relationship with Jesus. It captures the intimate protection and provision that the shepherd gives us. It’s a picture of our contentment. In order to appreciate what Christ was saying, we need to consider Psalm 23, the most unforgettable of all the Psalms.
Scripture Text: John 10:19-30 - Psalm 23:1-6
Jesus uses the illustration of a real shepherd and real sheep to communicate truths to us about who he is and what he does for us. Jesus is the source of the life we want—a full life. It is the purpose and meaning of life and it comes through our relationship with the Good Shepherd!
Scripture Text: John 10:1-18
John chronicles a conflict between Christ and the religious leaders of Judaism. That confrontation intensified in chapter 8 and continues in John 9. As we begin our study of chapter nine, the theme of light and darkness continues. John sets the stage by telling us the story of a blind man's physical and spiritual healing.
Scripture Text: John 9:1-41
Knowing and loving God is the most important relationship you can have. It enhances every other relationship and makes them have meaning. Without God, we become users, and we blindly go through life. When our brains are connected to God, we see the universe from the creator’s position.
Scripture Text: John 8:37-41
The entire chapter of John eight is about Christs’ confrontation with the Jewish leaders. Jesus had previously proclaimed to be the living bread and the living water and that He is the light of the world. He had gone so far as to describe a future separation for them from Himself and his father. Now Jesus questioned whether or not they were living in bondage, the bondage of their own sin.
Scripture Text: John 8:31-36
The ultimate remedy is the cross. It is believing and accepting that Jesus’ death brings the forgiveness of our sins and allows us to truly know God. That happens when we repent and turn away from our sin. The ultimate remedy for the final separation is the cross.
Scripture Text: John 8:21-30
Jesus said in John 8, "I am the light of the world." Living in this dark world, we need to keep this truth at the forefront of our thinking. If we are going to follow the light we do it by following Jesus.
Scripture Text: John 8:12-20
The writer of the book of Hebrews gives us a list of some of the most incredible feats of faith ever recorded. He goes down the list naming people and events. One of the people named is Joshua, and the event is the battle for Jericho. The people will walk around this city seven days in a row and on the cue of Joshua they will all give a shout and the walls will crumble before their eyes. This battle, however, will be fought like no other battle.
Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:30
At dawn Jesus began his teaching in the temple. The jealousy and envy of the Jewish Leaders was now an obsession. They had to put a stop to the success of this man. They could see the people being influenced and listening to his every word. Their minds never stopped thinking of ways to trap him so he could be silenced. We know something fundamental about this storythat the scribes and Pharisees didn’t know, and that is that they were dealing with God.
Scripture Text: John 8:1-11
The mention of Christ brings division to life. Talking about religious matters is acceptable if you speak about them dispassionately, but talking about them personally is not allowed. Today's standard view is that your religious view should remain private and should not be allowed in the public marketplace of ideas. Nothing further from the truth exists. For those who have followed Christ, He is the central driving point of their life to keep it private would violate their convictions.
Scripture Text: John 7:40:53
When Jesus made the statement, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink," it was an open invitation to anyone who thirst. To receive this divine gift is to receive spiritual help. We need to know the one who is giving us the living water, and when we do, we will be irresistibly drawn to him.
John 7:1-39
People often hit a brick wall in life—that is, they conclude that life has been very disappointing for them. What they expected to happen did not happen. Their mistakes loom large, and their opportunities seem to have vanished like mirages in the desert. God does not want anyone to come to the end of his life, knowing it has been all futility and mistakes. In John 6 we see that Jesus is the bread of life, apart from Him, nothing satisfies.
Scripture Text: John 6:25-59
The disciples found themselves battling the storm, wondering if they would make it to shore alive. The squall was raging with immense waves crashing over the boat. Water was rising inside and out of their battered boat. "Has the Lord forgotten us?" They asked themselves. But Jesus had not forsaken them, even though it looked as if he had. Jesus "saw" them and He sees you and I.Jesus has not forgotten us. He knows and he cares; he will come to our moment of need.
Scripture Text: John 6:16-24
John 6 opens with a problem, a problem stemming from the success of Jesus' ministry. Jesus and his disciples were so popular that they drew huge crowds. Jesus used this opportunity to expand the disciples spiritual understanding on how His power could make a difference in their lives and in the lives of others.
Scripture text: John 6:1-14
In the telling of the Christmas story Joseph is the one that often gets less coverage. Luke gives us more information about the actual birth of Christ and so it is usually to Luke we turn for the Christmas story. However, Matthew gives us some insight into the background of what it would have been like for Joseph and Mary.
Scripture Text: Matthew 1:18-25
Salvation is not given to us for the sole purpose of basking in God’s love and mercy, but instead, we begin to feel an urgency to share what we have experienced. This is the natural response of anyone who has had the rough places in their life smoothed out. This is the reaction of one who has lived their whole life in the valley and has experienced the hand of God lift them. You have to share it. You can keep it to yourself. The promise of the Savior is for everyone.Scripture Text: Isaiah 40:1-11
After Jesus' miraculous feeding of 5,000 men plus women and children, the people began to think Jesus could be their king. Who would not want to serve a king like that? But Jesus immediately rejected their proposal. This miracle seems to have been intended to teach the people and his disciples what kind of Savior Jesus was.
Scripture Text: John 6:1-26
During this Thanksgiving season we are reminded of the importance of being the person who is continually focused on looking at life with a different perspective and finding ways to stay thankful.
Scripture Text: Luke 17:1-19
People talk a lot about revival in the church. What exactly is revival? How do we prepare for it? As we wrap up our series on the book of Nehemiah, we are going to find 5 things that can begin or sustain a revival in our lives, and it all has to do with God's Word.
Nehemiah had a mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He knew it would be a challenge, but he had faith in a great God to complete the project.
1. Rebuilding requires unity
2. Rebuilding brings opposition and discouragement
3. Rebuilding means protection
4. Rebuilding brings hope
We live in a world where it is getting harder and harder to find people that care for one another. Our world of social media makes it easy for us to bring a persons reputation down in an instance. However, as Christians we are called to care and find opportunities to serve. We are called to believe that mountains that seem impossible around us, can be moved and will be moved. Nehemiah was an individual who did just that, he cared enough to do something that seemed impossible.
Scripture text: Nehemiah 1:1-11; 2:1-8; 2:17-18.
In this message we look at the importance of our reception to the Word of God. How we respond to the Word of God sets us on two different courses. The Pharisees considered themselves experts in the Scriptures, and yet they rejected Jesus’ words. In response to their rejection of Jesus’ claims that he was God, Jesus offered them the testimony of five witnesses to help them believe his claims.
Scripture Text: John 5:31-47
In John 5, Jesus gives us the claims of his deity. The claims he makes cannot be ignored because they are indisputable. We must accept them or reject them. Either he is what he says he is or a fraud, but he is nothing in between.
Scripture Text: John 5:19-30
John picks the material he uses so that we get to know Jesus-we see hispower, his compassion—that he was the Son of God. However, he wants us to get acquainted with Jesus’ enemies—the ones who killed him. Jesus’ enemies saw him as a problem—a serious problem that if left alone would rob them of their place in Jewish society.
Scripture Text: John 5:1-18
One of the greatest tests is what we do with the gifts we have been given. Can we see the needs of a lost world around us or do we live our whole lives thinking life is about me? Pastor Brooks shares a special missions message out of 2 Kings 7:3-11 that centers around four lepers who dared to do something courageous. They had no idea that God's supernatural intervention would occur in conjunction with their endeavor.
As we work our way through the book of John, we are carefully studyingthe person of Jesus Christ. His interactions with other people, his teaching, and his life so that it can impact our lives. In this episode, we will look at an encounter Jesus had with a wealthy nobleman whose son was very sick. The takeaway of the story is that the man took Jesus at his word. However, he would never have done that without Jesus helping the man to strengthen his faith.
Scripture Text: John 4:46-54
In this episode we tackle the subject of forgiveness and our need to learn how toforgive others, forgive ourselves, and even forgive God. Living in unforgiveness is like living in the desert with no water. Forgiveness brings life and causes us to flourish, and those around us to thrive.
Scripture Text:Philippians 3:12-15
Some people today believe that if you come to Christ and follow him, you will be comfortably well off. This kind of theology is a form of Christian idolatry thinking that God is there tosupply him or her with a happiness of his own imagining. The truth is, God's love is a holy love. God is holy, so he seeks holiness in those he loves. He never condones actions that are not consistent with his righteousness.
Scripture Text: John 4:16-26
The Bible views worship of God as the highest function in which our souls can be involved. In our study of the conversation between Jesus and the woman at the well, the Samaritan Woman came face to face with the omniscience of God. Jesus would reveal to her what God requires when it comes to worship. John 4:16-26
If we want to model Jesus and experience life to the fullest as believers, we must develop ministering hearts. Jesus was exhausted when he sat down at Jacob’s well, but he didn’t give into it. When the opportunity to minister to a broken heart came, he overcame his weariness and the other challenging barriers to reach the Samaritan woman. John 4:1-15
We live in a broken world filled with broken people. They are everywhere, in our family, among our friends, neighbors and acquaintances and even complete strangers. The story of Jesus and the woman at the well in John 4 gives us insight into ministering to the broken hearted. In this episode we will be looking at the first 9 verses.
Does it feel like everyone in your life is always fighting or arguing about something?
In this message, Pastor Ryan shares about the dangers of living life without God and how it can affect how we treat the people around us. There is a way to live at peace with each other and James 4:1-10 gives us the solution.
John the Baptist faced a powerful temptation that most men would have given into.
His popularity knew no limits. He was held in esteem, and many thought he was the Messiah or the prophet Elijah. Even King Herod liked to hear John preach. But then we read that his crowds had begun to diminish. John was not bitter nor envious; instead, he rejoiced! His humility was the key to his greatness as we will see in John 3:22-30.
There were many encounters with Jesus, but some of them stood out more than others. One of the most powerful ones is the conversation with Nicodemus out of John 3:1-21. Nicodemus, like thousands, had no idea how much his life would changefrom his encounter with this young rabbi. It was the most important meeting of his life. He was about to be face to face with Jesus. Nothing would remain the same!
On Baptism Sunday, Pastor Brooks shares a special message out of the book of Luke. In our story from Luke 8:40-56 we will see God’s providence and hiswonderful sovereignty in the arrangement of events that are providential and certainly not coincidental. God takes a woman who is very sick and young girl who is dying and weaves their story together to display his sovereign power and healing mercy.
A special tribute to honor our pastors, Boyd and Marilyn, from their children as they celebrate 50 years of marriage.
Our pastors, Boyd and Marilyn share an incredible milestone of 50 years of marriage. An accomplishment that is truly something to admire and strive for. Our guest speaker, Bob Russell, shares an inspiring message titled, "Modeling Marriage" out of Ephesians 5:21-33.
When Jesus visited the temple in Jerusalem for the Jewish Passover he found a religious circus. The following verses give a glimpse of the drama that occurred. Jesus was angry, and it was a burning, white-hot anger. Even though the scriptures show us the meek side of Jesus, He can also be angry with good reason. Take a look today at the deeper meaning behind the anger that is demonstrated by Jesus.
Every time a person reads the Gospel of John, they are confronted with the power of seven miracles in particular. John 20:30 says that Jesus performed many more miracles not recorded in the book, but John chose these seven as evidence of the authenticity of Jesus' ministry. Every time we talk about them we are challenged by their message. The seven signs of Jesus were memorialized in John’s Gospel. To this day they continue to serve as persuasive witnesses, validating who Jesus is, revealing his glory, and challenging us to believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
There are pivotal moments in life that change us. The most crucial change is when we meet Christ and we surrender our life to him. Do you remember when that was for you? Today we are looking at that moment for one of Jesus' disciples named Nathanael.
John's prologue presents the greatness of Christ and the greatnessof the love of Christ, but also the greatness of the gospel.
The greatness of Christ explains the greatness of the Father. The greatness of Christ's love explains the greatness of the Father's love. The greatness of Christ's grace explains the greatness of the Father's grace.
Jesus was a master at helping people see the truth. To do that, he often showed them how their view was incorrect. He would not just say, “You are wrong, but tell them a story or ask them a question to open their mind.It is probably what led him in part to respond to two of his disciples in this exchange in the Gospel of John.