Cheraw First Baptist Chruch

1 SAMUEL 16:1-13 - Appearance is an important part of our lives. Everyone wants to look their best. According to research men spend about 30 to 45 minutes getting ready and women spend about 55 minutes. We spend a lot of time fixing up the outside, but what about the inside? Thankfully, God does not operate based on appearance. To Him our appearance neither defines us nor indicates our value.

In 1 Samuel 16, Samuel continues the search for a king, a king that would be the complete opposite of the first. Today we’ll see what God looks for when selecting a king. As we look at the life of David we will learn what is and is not important to the Lord.

1 SAMUEL 8 - This week we begin a new series looking at the life of King David. David is a very important character in the Bible, as he is mentioned both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. It is through Israel’s search for a king that we are introduced to David’s life. In 1 Samuel 8 Israel is demanding a king who will protect them, prosper them, and fulfill them.

David in many ways was the ideal king, but he would tragically disappoint everybody. We are then left with the question “Is David the best king we could hope for?” David’s story will point us to the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Today as we look at why Israel was searching for a king, it will help us better understand the life of David. There are 3 aspects of Israel’s request I want us to examine today.

ACTS 2:46 - Have you ever felt like you were living on an island? Maybe you’ve felt isolated, lonely, and hurt, with no one to turn to.

In Genesis 2:18, God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” God has created us to be relational.

This morning I want us to see why living in community is important. I want to share with you 3 important reasons why we should live in biblical community together.

Acts 2:42, 46 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

ACTS 2:42; MATTHEW 7:7-11 - In the Christian life we need power and that power derives from our dependence on Jesus. In the book of Acts the early church devoted themselves to prayer because they understood the power that came from it. Today we too must devote ourselves to prayer. This morning I want us to focus on 3 key elements of the early church’s prayer life through various verses of scripture.

ACTS 2:42-43 - According to recent research there are approximately 130 million books in the world. Of those books the Bible is consistently the best-selling, most-read, and most-quoted book in the entire world. For some, the Bible is just another book with good teachings, and for others it is just a dust magnet.

However, the early church believed in its authority, stood on its truths, and lived by it accordingly. Today God’s Word should be as important to us as it was to the early church. This morning I want us to focus on one of the foundational elements of the early church, which is God’s Word.

ACTS 2:42-47 - Today we will begin a new series based on Luke’s writings about the early church. The church has always been God’s plan for reaching the nations. However, over the course of time we have developed our own plans through programs, entertainment, buildings, etc. It is high time for the church to get back to the basic fundamental elements of what the church is supposed to be.

Before we dive into the series we must first understand how the church was established. This morning I want to focus on 3 elements of the established Spirit-filled church.

EPHESIANS 6:10-20 - "Let's get ready to rumble!" Those famous words of Michael Buffer have been said all around the world introducing many different fights. This morning I want to remind you that we are in a battle, and God’s Word gives us the armor we need for the battle we face. As we prepare for a New Year may we heed to Paul’s words because the evil on is still active. Join me as we look at how we are to prepare daily for life’s battle.

LUKE 2:25-35 - Today we look at the last song of Christmas and it is Simeon’s song. Simeon had waited for many years for this moment. For years Simeon anticipated the moment that he would lay his eyes on the Son of God. Simeon was righteous and a devout believer in God. He was patiently waiting for the promises God had made to be fulfilled.

LUKE 2:8-14 - When was the last time you were really in awe of something?

We can allow our culture to desensitize us from the amazing things God displays to us on a daily basis. We can also allow the Word of God to become just another book. However, it is more than a book, it is God’s spoken word to us. The word of God is powerful. The familiarity of scripture should not make us think, “I’ve heard this before.” Instead it should fill our lives with amazement that the God of the universe has given us His word to guide our lives.

Although the biblical account of Jesus birth is familiar we cannot miss the awe and wonder of it. Today we will look to the shepherds to help us gain back the “awe factor.”