The early church began to face internal and external hardships almost immediately after its formation in the first century. James, writing to his fellow Jewish Christians throughout the known world, composed one of the most significant and impactful letters in human history by addressing the problems of the early church and proposing bold solutions. 

The book of Samuel ends with two cliffhangers: David purchases the land which his son Solomon will use to build the Lord's Temple...and God lays the foundations for the coming messiah through establishing King David's royal bloodline. 

David's song of praise -- a nearly identical copy of Psalm 18 -- is a magnificent book-end to Second Samuel and a fitting summary of David's love for his creator. 

Saul's legacy of genocide against Israel's neighbors triggers repercussions for David and his people. 

The repercussions of Absalom's failed coup continue to reverberate as David slowly regains control over the nation of Israel. 

King David mobilizes his troops and routs the armies of his rebellious son Absalom before his son is killed by David's top general. 

With his sights set on deposing his father David and making himself king, Absalom organizes a rebellion and marches on the capital city of Jerusalem, forcing David to flee for his life. 

King David's eldest son Amnon commits an unspeakable crime against his half-sister Tamar, leading to an act of murderous revenge by his brother Absalom and setting the family on a path to war. 

David and Bathsheba. 

King David consolidates his power by defeating his enemies and finally creating a stable Israelite government.