We hear stories of renowned people that many look up to or maybe have had a personal impact on our lives, have deep and secret sin that are hidden until it all ends in disaster. While in the shock of the moment we think to ourselves, "How could they do that?" However, if we're honest with ourselves, the more appropriate question we should be asking is, "How do I know that's not going to be me?" As we continue in our 2 Samuel series, we look at the moral failings of a beloved king in light of the timeless truth of God's kindness that leads all of us to repentance.

Why is it important to be a part of a local church? Why should I read my Bible? How do we walk out of a sin pattern or a habitual sin? Why is sexual sin harmful? These are all questions that we as a ministry are often asked or are brought up in conversations with others. With that, We wanted to take the time this Sunday to press pause on our 2 Samuel series to get into the weeds on some of these topics with a couple of our most trusted and loved staff members from Christ Chapel.

Today in 2 Samuel 9 we read about Mephibosheth being called to eat at the table of King David. In this story we not only see an unworthy man called up to sit and reside alongside the king from long ago, but an invitation to ourselves from God himself today. Listen in as this story drops us in the very same seat of Mephiboseth and we wrestle with the question of "How do I know that I have a relationship with Jesus?"

Today in 2 Samuel 7, we see that God has designed a biblical reaction and given us a template by which is appropriate on how we ought to respond to his blessings–namely His grace for our salvation. When we come in contact with God by way of personal relationship with Him, we recognize the magnitude of His sovereign character as well as the immensity of His kindness to us that should illicit a correct response from us... Humility. 

As we continue in our study of 2 Samuel we look at King David's response to a hard moment that puts God in right view of his true holiness. A truth we further unpack today is that until we see the holiness of God, rightly and accurately, and understand the relationship between God's perfect being and our imperfect lives, we will never be free of shame. Queue in with us today as we unpack this story and better understand our own brokenness in light of a loving God. 

As we continue the story of the kingdom of Israel into our new 2 Samuel sermon series, we look back at the kingdom and it's division between two kings in a civil war. This turmoil that we see in the beginnings of 2 Samuel are maybe resemble some of the pain stake that we feel within ourselves.

How do we live a life that when we grow up that we don't look back and regretfully ask ourselves, "How did we get here?" As we finish studying 1 Samuel, we'll look at the whole scope of Saul's life as a long string of sowing bad thoughts, ideas, choices and him reaping further and further foolishness. Looking at Saul's life we can note some practical wisdom in everyday life, but even more so, have confidence in the faith we have in the Gospel of Jesus. 

Although common and given to each of us and shared by a wide array of people that are both common and uncommon - names are significant. They hold a deeper meaning by describing not only who we are, but where we've come from. If what our name says a thing or two about us, then what does God's name (or rather names*) say about him? Listen in today as we continue to look at 1 Samuel. 

Hard times in life happen. And more times than not the suffering we feel makes us ask the question of, "What did I do to deserve this?" But what if the suffering we feel isn't always to just break us down but rather to mold us into something more? What if our desert experiences are the holders to the lessons God knows we need. Today listen in as Ryan walks us through the seven chapters of David's desert experience in 1 Samuel. 

There's almost no other word that has been more hijacked and devalued than the word, 'love'. The same word we use to tell others about our favorite restaurant is the same word we use to tell someone just how much they mean to us which can lead to major misunderstanding. Very seamlessly, this bleeds into what we believe the Gospel to be and our relationship to it. Today we cover 1 Samuel 18-20 and dial into better understanding what God's word says about 'love' and just how Jesus has loved us.