1 Samuel 27-30

By Robert Krumrey

What makes a good king? A crisis! David finds himself in a crisis inside a crisis. The first crisis is a 13-year wait on a promised throne. The second is the abduction of his family and the families of all of his men. The men are so upset they threaten to stone David to death. See in this sermon what David does and how God uses some dire experiences to recenter David on the only one who has control over his destiny.

1 Samuel 25

By Robert Krumrey

David is on the run and finds himself rubbing shoulders with the sheepherders of Nabal. David and his men protect Nabal’s people and his possessions and eventually ask for some food for the 600 that David is taking care of. Nabal’s response? Insult David and refuse his request. David’s response? Strap on swords and head over to wipe out Nabal and every other adult male on his ranch. Thankfully, a very unexpected intercessor stands between Nabal’s people and sure death. Find out more in this sermon about God’s judgment and mercy in the 25th chapter of the book of 1 Samuel.

1 Samuel 23,24

By Robert Krumrey

David is a king in training. What is God seeking to develop in his new king? Rhetorical skills? Leadership prowess? The ability to work a room? Not so much. God works in David’s life to develop dependence on God. The very thing that we humans struggle to embrace. See how God develops this in David and us as we learn what it means to walk by faith.

1 Samuel 21,22

By Robert Krumrey

Human beings do not thrive when they are alone (or perceive that they are alone). David finds himself in such a predicament for the first time in his life and he doesn’t do well. He lies and manipulates. The ends (saving his own skin) seem to justify the means. Of course there are consequences and eventually (in a lonely cave) he moves OUT of himself and UP to God. Find out more in this sermon about the dangers of being alone and what God has done to remedy it.

The Politics of God :: Friend

1 Samuel 18-20

By Robert Krumrey

The “better” king has been named and his name is David. Problem is that Saul is still on the throne. This begins a section in 1 Samuel that will be both challenging and formational for the young king. How does he survive such a difficult time? Friendship. Find out more in this sermon about the kind of friendship that David experienced and how it changed his life and how it could potentially change your own.

As we look at the story of David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17, we see a champion who sees great fear, but rather than run in fear or fight in his own might, he walks in humble faith in the one true God. We get to see what a champion looks like, pointing us to our greatest champion, Jesus, who beat the "Goliaths" of sin and death.

1 Samuel 16

By Christian Hogan

So far in the book of 1 Samuel, Israel has been experiencing some less than stellar leadership. Saul, the first king of Israel, is passively indecisive and when he does make a decision it’s usually a bad one. His problem? Not a lack of training or need for better administrative staff. It’s his heart. The very thing that his replacement is going to have. Find out in this sermon what the Bible means when it speaks of the heart and why it matters.

1 Samuel 13:15- 14:52

By Robert Krumrey

What would happen if you truly believed THE STORY of the existence of the unseen God and that He is acting on our behalf? In a word… you would be "crazy.” In the sermon from 1 Samuel, we will be introduced to one of God’s crazies (Saul’s son Jonathan) and find out what made him that way and how we too can join team crazy.

The Politics of God :: Story

1 Samuel 13:1-15, 15

By Robert Krumrey

Everyone tells themselves a story to help them make sense of life, especially one that gives them hope for a better life. In this sermon we explore two competing stories - Saul’s and Samuel’s. Find out which one is the true story and how believing it can profoundly change your life.

The Politics of God :: King

1 Samuel 8-10

By Robert Krumrey

Chaos in life can cause us to go into solution mode. Israel is desperate and decides their solution is getting a king so they can be like all the surrounding nations. Samuel and God are not happy, but they give Israel what they want but not until they also give them a stern warning about humans and authority. Find out more in this sermon about the flaws of leaders and followers and how these realities help drive us to the only perfect King.