Introduction: Have you ever made a promise to someone and they called you on it? Maybe you promised your child or your grandchildren that you would take them out for an ice cream if they did well on a test. You make a promise and it seems like the time to fulfill that promise will come in the far distant…

Introduction: Here lately we’ve had some pretty powerful storms. It seems the weather has been on full display. Now, every time the wind picks up and starts to howl, I listen closely and start watching the trees to make sure they stay in place. Some of us have developed a sort of PTSD from the wind and…

Introduction: We’ve all been in worship services where we felt the Holy Spirit was present and we felt that God was surely in that place. We also have been in services that we felt were flat. A lot of people choose a church based on the worship service. If they are satisfied with the style of the service…

Introduction: We all love a good cookout. Some of you actually love to take your food and go camping or have a picnic out in nature. Almost always, these types of trips are planned. However, I want you to imaging for a moment following Jesus around for days trying to get a glimpse of Him. Maybe you are…

Introduction: Last week we looked at keeping the peace within the body by helping those who are having conflict come to peace with one another and labor together again. We had looked prior to that at the peace that surpasses all understanding that guards our hearts and minds. We saw that prayer and thanksgiving…

Introduction: A king without a capital city is really more like a deposed king than a reigning monarch. David has become king of Israel, but God is not finished with Him yet. Tonight we are going to see that God delights to use those who are committed to Him. 1 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David…

Introduction: Peer pressure can make you do some crazy things. The encounter we are going to look at this morning will disturb and sicken you. It has all of the elements of a blockbuster hit, and while it might entertain the crowds, it should grieve our hearts. We will dive right in and see what happens.…

Introduction There is an expression “Good things come to those who wait.” That may be true, but tell that to the guy that’s having to wait, right? We hate waiting, but the truth is, God has made us a waiting people. We are even waiting right now for Jesus’ return and the consummation of all things. 1…

Introduction: Some of you may like to take up certain hobbies that involve discovering interesting finds. Maybe you like to go antique shopping. You may like to go to yard sales and see what treasures you might find. Some of you may even have a metal detector and you scour the ground looking for precious…

Introduction: How would you feel if someone who hated you suddenly died? In our world today, many would be glad. 1 After the death of Saul, when David had returned from striking down the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag. 2 And on the third day, behold, a man came from Saul’s camp, with his…