How do I endure the hard consequences of my sin?
What helps me endure unjust treatment from others?

David is on the run because of the downstream consequences of his own sin.
Despite this, God provides nourishment to sustain David so he can endure the Lord’s fatherly discipline.

Like David, Christ endured by faith through unjust slander, reviling, and false accusations that led to his death. Unlike David, he did so for the sins of others according to God’s fatherly plan.

As those who belong to Christ, we can endure all things by trusting in the character of God revealed to us in the gospel.

2 Samuel 15

_Whose favor will I seek? Who will decide what seems good in my life?_ These are big questions that decide a lot about how we live in relation to one another and to God.

In this week’s sermon, we’ll see Absalom, back in Jerusalem, making himself seem good as a righteous judge before the people ... all the while, he’s really making a move for the throne against God’s King, David. As King David hears the news, he leaves Jerusalem weeping and resting his hopes on God’s favor to bring about a return. Either way, David is ready to embrace whatever seems good to God.

Listen to hear all about the life of Seven Mile Melrose this month! 

What happens when you have really done it? What happens when you’ve gone one too far too fast and really hurt people? Not just any people, though. You’ve hurt your family, and now you’ve run because it seemed like the only thing you could do. What happens next?
This week, we’ll see this exact story play out in King David’s house in 2 Samuel 14 ... and we’ll see the difference it makes to have a good brother who sees his brother’s plight, pleads for him to be welcomed home, and helps him reconcile to the king.

2 Samuel 14

2 Samuel 13.23-39

What happens when someone sins horribly against another person? Do we take action? Do we stand by? What about when justice doesn’t seem to come? This week, we’ll see Absalom respond to Amnon’s sin against Tamar, as he takes vengeance. Absalom commands his men to make things right ... but they don’t necessarily turn out right. The truth is that vengeance belongs to the Lord, and he repays perfectly

As we return to the Book of Samuel, we’ll see awful sin occur in King David’s house. We’ll see how deep sin destroys emotions, people, and relationships in heartrending fashion and with cascading effect. But we’ll also see that, while sin runs deep, God’s grace in Jesus Christ runs deeper.

Listening to the monthly updates is a great way to get up to date on the life of Seven Mile Melrose! This month Sara, Justin, and Michael talk about what to expect Sunday mornings, the track we are excited about this winter, and some January events both for members and people who are newer to Seven Mile Road.

https://www.sevenmilemelrose.com/ontheroad

Whether through John the Baptist, Mary and Joseph, or the shepherds, we have seen how God showed that Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior, at his arrival. Yet Jesus' didn't only show up in this world. He arrived to reveal the heart of God for His people. He arrived to reveal the heart of man. Let's see who He is and take hold of Jesus this Christmas.

Luke 2.21-40

“Good News of Great Joy for all people”. That’s what the angel told the shepherds about Jesus’ birth. The shepherds received the news, followed the sign, and met the Savior. Telling any who would hear about the Messiah, their Savior. They left joyful, worshiping God. This is the story of all who hear, believe, and meet Jesus.

God is redeeming His Creation through His Son, but what does it look like to faithfully and joyfully cooperate with Him in that? In this passage, Luke introduces us to Mary, who gives us some idea of how to do that.