The peaceful transfer of power is a relatively modern concept in governments. Even as Solomon was destined to become king following his father's reign, there was much turmoil and danger in the court. Be with us tonight as we have begun a new study in the book of 1 Kings.

"For the intention of all God's hiding—which hiding is an integral part of His revealing—is not to conceal, but to reveal. Sometimes the best way of making a thing known to men is to veil it in a measure, in order that the very obscurity, like the morning mists which prophesy a blazing sun in a clear sky by noon day, may demand search and quicken curiosity and spur to effort. He is not a wise teacher who makes things too easy" (Alexander Maclaren). The parables Jesus told were easy to hear, but profound in meaning. He cautions that the words He spoke were not just for marginal discussion, but were for radical decision. He states "Listen!" (4:3). Now He states, "Take heed what you hear" (4:24).

Jesus was under no illusion as to why He was drawing great crowds. Miracles of healing and casting out demons attracted much attention. There were three groups of people in the crowds. There were the curious hearers. Then, there were those who believed Him but were uncommitted in following Him. Finally, there were His disciples who had submitted to His teaching. The purpose of His parables is stated in Mark 4:11,12. Many would hear, but only those who believe in Him could understand the depth of His teaching. Those who were not committed to following Him cannot understand (Psalm 25:14). The parable of the sower is the only parable recorded by all three synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). It is always the first parable and serves as a pattern for those which follow.

The Gospels are a proclamation of the "good news" of the Lord Jesus Christ, not a biography. He came to "seek and to save that which is lost" (Luke 19:10). Matthew states that His very name defines His mission: "for He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:26). Jesus is the promised Messiah. In his Gospel, Matthew quotes or alludes to the Old Testament sixty-five times stressing that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises. In straight-forward fashion, Matthew states the circumstances of Jesus' birth. "Now this is what happened" (1:18).

Opposition to Jesus' ministry came in many forms. The crowds found Jesus and His disciples refreshing themselves in an unnamed person's residence. The familiar press of the crowds caused familiar problems.

Mark 3: 7-19 Knowing the hostility of the Pharisees, our Lord withdrew from Capernaum and sought more secluded areas around the Sea of Galilee. His withdrawal was not for fear. His purpose was to give Himself an offering for sinners. No one would deter Him from His path to the cross.

The book of II Samuel ends with a sad episode near the end of King David's reign. However, in all the confusion, we see God's hand at work and His plan for the coming Messiah. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in the life and times of a great, but flawed man.

The angel came to the shepherds with "the glad tidings of great joy." The term glad tidings (or good news) comes from the Greek word from which we get "evangelism." The Greeks used to proclaim news of victory or some other happy event. The angel came to the shepherds and proclaimed the good news of Jesus' birth. The promised Messiah had finally come! A world darkened by sin had received sin's remedy. In the Gospels and the book of Acts, the gospel (good news) was proclaimed. In the epistles, the gospel is explained. Paul alone uses the word over sixty times. "Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ; called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God...." "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:1,16).

The first chapter of the Gospel of Mark introduces us to Jesus' early ministry in Galilee. In rapid fire fashion, the Lord Jesus is introduced, and the purpose of His ministry is stated (1:1-15). This is followed by the call of His first disciples and a series of miracles illustrating His authority, power and compassion (1:16-45). These momentous events caused such a stir in Galilee that Jesus and His disciples were forced to leave the area. After some time away, Jesus returned to His "home city" (Matthew 9:1) and resumed His preaching. The scribes and Pharisees were waiting for Him. Mark records a series of five separate conflicts Jesus had with these religious leaders. Interestingly, the first and fifth conflicts center around Jesus' authority and power to heal. The middle three center around food, fellowship, and provision for His followers.

David's last poem was a summation of God's call and leading in his life. David acknowledged his shortcomings, but knew God had made a covenant with him. What a blessing to know God's promises to us never fail even when our promises fall short. We'd love to have you with us tonight as we continue our study in the life of King David.