Hardship and danger were regular occurrences in the life of David. In the chapter, we see David having to evade Saul in fear for his life. But what we see in the midst of this turmoil is the deep, committed friendship of David and Jonathan. In its own right, it is an example of biblical friendship. But it also points us in the church to the relationship that we have in Christ.

Chapters 18 and 19 of First Samuel offer us a series of events that show us the divide that is widening between David and Saul. Though Saul is still the active king of Israel, we see examples of allegiance to God’s true anointed. Though this passage is describing events from long ago, it challenges us in how we think of our own allegiance to the King of Kings.

Chapter 17 gives us one of the most well-known stories of the entire Bible. The battle between David and Goliath is so common to our collective understanding that even popular culture will regularly reference it to describe the victory of an extreme underdog to a much superior foe. But, as we heard on Sunday morning, that is not the message actually being presented to us in this passage.

In chapter 16 we approach another crucial turning point in the book of First Samuel and the history of Israel altogether. The anointing of David marks the beginning of, what is often referred to as, the golden age of the Kingdom of Israel. In line with God’s consistent character, this king after God’s own heart is not what the people expected.

Chapter 15 of First Samuel marks one of the most difficult passages for modern minds to navigate. It deals with aspects of God’s character that we either don’t understand fully or may naturally want to reject. But the bigger point of the story is the outright disobedience of Saul and the posture of his heart toward the Lord. If there was any question over the future of Saul’s kingdom left unanswered from chapter 13, it is answered in this week’s story.

Happy Easter! This week we take a short break from First Samuel to look at the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus after Jesus had been raised from the dead. It is a unique story of two men who failed to recognize the Lord they loved even though he was present with them. It is a story that tells us what it really takes to see the risen Christ for who he is.

Happy Easter! This week we take a short break from First Samuel to look at the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus after Jesus had been raised from the dead. It is a unique story of two men who failed to recognize the Lord they loved even though he was present with them. It is a story that tells us what it really takes to see the risen Christ for who he is.

Chapter 12 brings us Samuel’s final address to the people of Israel as their leader. It is not the sentimental type of outgoing speech that we have come to expect from our leaders before they leave their post. Instead, Samuel reminds them of the unrighteous demand for a king that has brought them to this moment. Although the people tremble at the reality of their wickedness, Samuel assures them of God’s continued faithfulness and love.

We dive back into 1st Samuel with the story of God’s deliverance of his people through Saul. It is a rare story where Saul is the protagonist and faithfully serves God in his position as king. But the focus is on God’s power to save his people. A truth that we stake everything on as followers of Jesus Christ.

This week our guest speaker is Julio Chiang, Pastor of City Church: Lima, Peru.