"When David returned to Ziklag, he found the city burned and the families of his men carried away captive. What appeared to be utter disaster became the setting for one of David's greatest victories.

Rather than despair, David strengthened himself in the Lord, sought God's direction, and pursued the Amalekites. In doing so, he succeeded where Saul had failed, defeating Israel's ancient enemy and restoring everything that had been lost.

This victory points beyond David to Jesus Christ.

Just as David fought on behalf of his people and recovered all that had been taken from them, Christ entered the battle against sin, death, and Satan on behalf of his people. Through his death and resurrection, he accomplished the decisive victory that secures the salvation of all who trust in him.

This sermon explores David's faith in the midst of overwhelming trial, the striking contrast between David and Saul, the biblical theme of third-day deliverance, and the way David's conquest of the Amalekites foreshadows the triumph of the greater Son of David. Whatever trials God's people face in this life, they can rest in the certainty that their King has already won the victory and will one day wipe away every tear."

"Jerusalem was known as Ariel, the place where sacrifices were offered to God. Yet Isaiah declares that because of the people's pride and hypocrisy, the city itself would become a sacrifice under God's judgment. The Lord would humble his people, bringing them low into the dust.

But judgment is not God's final word.

In one of Isaiah's great reversals, the God who disciplines his people also rises to save them. Just as the Assyrian army surrounded Jerusalem only to disappear in a single night, so every enemy of God's people will ultimately vanish like a dream when the Lord acts on behalf of those who trust in him.

This sermon explores Isaiah 29:1–8, showing how God's judgments are designed to humble the proud, expose empty religion, and prepare his people for mercy. Ultimately, this passage points us to Jesus Christ, who endured God's judgment in the place of his people and now reigns as the victorious King who delivers all who take refuge in him."

Sermon from Michael Grasso.

Sermon from Michael Grasso.

Guest sermon from Nathaniel Vroom of First OPC Sunnyvale.

Guest sermon from Calvin Goligher of First OPC Sunnyvale.

Guest sermon from Nathaniel Vroom of First OPC Sunnyvale.

Guest sermon from Calvin Goligher of First OPC Sunnyvale.

"Saul’s tragic end stands as one of the most sobering warnings in all of Scripture. Having rejected the word of God repeatedly, Saul finds himself abandoned, terrified, and seeking help from a witch in open rebellion against the Lord. In this sermon, we examine the downward spiral of unbelief, the terrifying reality of divine judgment, and the urgent call to flee to Christ while mercy is still offered.

#Bible #Christianity #1Samuel #Saul #Judgment #JesusChrist #OldTestament #BiblicalTheology #Reformed #ExpositoryPreaching #FearOfGod #Repentance #Gospel #Endor #SpiritualWarfare #Faith"

"Every person seeks refuge somewhere. The question is whether that refuge is true or false.

In Isaiah 28:14–22, God confronts Judah for seeking security in political alliances rather than in the Lord. Isaiah describes their alliance with Egypt as a “covenant with death” and a “refuge of lies.” Instead of trusting in God, they sought salvation in the strength of man.

Against this false refuge, God sets forth another refuge: the cornerstone laid in Zion.

This sermon explores:

The historical background of Judah’s alliance with Egypt

Why Isaiah calls Egypt a “covenant with death”

The irony of seeking life from the “land of death”

The meaning of the “refuge of lies”

The cornerstone prophecy fulfilled in Christ

The temple, Zion, and the Davidic Covenant

Christ as the true sanctuary and refuge of his people

Isaiah 28 powerfully contrasts two foundations: the collapsing refuge of worldly wisdom and the unshakable cornerstone laid by God himself. Christ alone is the refuge that can withstand the coming judgment."