Lenexa Baptist Church

The events of 2 Samuel 3 are incredibly messy. Sin pervades this chapter of civil war in Israel, and you are left wondering, “What good could possibly come from this?” And yet, if we look closely, I think we will see that so much of this chapter reflects our own lives. We make messes. We sin. Our sin matters, and it has consequences that are painful and even leave us in tears, and we, too, are left wondering, “Lord, what good could possibly come out of this?” The encouragement of this text is that God is at work! God is still working despite the messes and even through the messes. God is still building His Kingdom. God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. And everything that happens to David is pointing us forward to the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords, Jesus Christ. One day, as Revelation 11:15 states, “The kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” I pray that you will join us this weekend as we focus our attention on King Jesus, the One who brings good news to the afflicted, binds up the broken hearted, proclaims liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners.

A Church for all generations. Weekly Sermons from Lenexa Baptist Church.

This weekend as we turn our attention to the latter portion of 2 Samuel 2, we will see a first in Israel, civil war. Israel had no guidelines, rules, or laws from God as it pertains to civil war because it was never part of the design. In the sinfulness of man and the deceitfulness of Satan, however, civil war will break out and it will be ugly. Death is the overwhelming theme of this chapter and where does it start, a bad politician. Abner refuses to submit to David as King. It is a mutiny against the Lord and His anointed. And in this mutiny, we see a vivid commentary on the nature of politics and war and even more we are reminded of the only great King who will bring unity to God’s people, King Jesus. I pray you will make every effort to join us. The corporate gathering of God’s people is a sacred moment. Our gathering and your attendance builds up the body of Christ, sends a message to the world, and glorifies Christ. I pray you will join us!

As David begins his reign, he writes a song of personal grief. David grieves the loss of Saul and Jonathan. He remembers past days of faithfulness as the king and the nation walked in faithfulness to God and knew His blessing. He also grieves what has been lost in disobedience and sin. Saul started off so well but sin ate his latter years. Sin and disobedience took away his opportunity to reign. Sin took his son to death. Sin took the army into defeat and sin ultimately cost him his life. Sin always costs us more than we want to pay. Sin matters. And this lesson must be taught to the nation. That’s why David will make it a national song of lament. A song to be taught to their children. Why? Because David knew as the old saying goes, “Those who do not learn history are destined to repeat it.”

Most of us have thought at one time or another, “If I could just get through this, then everything will be smooth sailing.” For most of David’s journey, he literally had to run and fight for his life. Now, as we open to 2 Samuel 1, David will finally be anointed king. You would think that everything would settle down, but no. The first thing he faces is a dilemma between Judah and Israel. In our text, God gives us a clear picture of what can be expected in the Christian life: certainly trials and challenges, but also the fulfillment and hope of His glorious promises.

Johnny Manziel hit the High School football scene dazzling fans with his natural skills & ability. After being pursued by several colleges, Johnny landed at Texas A&M. In 2012, he led his team to beat the unbeatable, Alabama Crimson Tide, and earning the nick name Johnny Football and becoming the first college freshman to ever win the Heisman. As a sophomore in 2014, he was drafted by the NFL to go pro. His career took off like a rocket but fizzled out due to a series of bad decisions and lack of discipline. As we look to our study in 1 Samuel 31 this weekend, we’ll recall King Saul’s promising start, but ended in tragedy. His death, which is the focus of this final chapter, is a powerful warning to us all. A warning of the end of every person and the foolishness of trusting in anyone or anything other than King Jesus.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the greatest theologians of the 20th century, was martyred by the Nazi’s during WW2. While in a concentration camp, he wrote a hymn. One stanza says this, “And when this cup You give is filled to brimming with bitter suffering, hard to understand, we take it thankfully and without trembling, out of so good and beloved hand.” Bonhoeffer expresses a truth that every man or woman of faith has had to learn. Every single trial, affliction, loss, or pain that we experience in the kind and gracious providence of God is an investment in our lives to bear fruit in our service to Him. It is the example of Christ. Costliness and fruitfulness go hand in hand in God’s kingdom work. This week we find David again in a tight spot. He and his men have lost everything. They are experiencing deep pain and frustration yet God is at work. God is working to shape David. He is making an investment in David’s life that will make him even more fruitful in his service as king. In fact, the fruitfulness of his suffering continues in service to us today. What a wonderful truth. I pray this week as we turn our attention to God’s Word we could see that in the midst of our pain and affliction how God is investing something special in us that will bear fruit in our service to Him. And beyond this, at the end of chapter 30, we get a glimpse of God’s great and final victory. Don’t miss out on worshiping with us this weekend as we look to the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our afflictions.

A Church for all generations. Weekly Sermons from Lenexa Baptist Church.

August 6, 2023

Scott Dawson

This week’s message comes from Philippians 1, which challenges us to focus our attention solely on Jesus. Paul offers clear instruction on living out our Christian faith in prayer through the love, knowledge, sincerity, and purpose found in Christ. Worship with LBC this weekend and consider bringing someone you know who needs encouragement right now.

For centuries, curiosity and intrigue has always surrounded the idea of speaking to the dead. In our text this weekend, from 1 Samuel 28, its noted that Saul seeks after a medium and learns what’s coming next. The news is quite disturbing. Does Scripture have more to say about engaging in this kind of activity? Is it demonic? What was Saul’s relationship with God at the time? You won’t want to miss this week’s message on whether you come on Saturday at 5pm or Sunday at 9:30 & 11am.