The church of Christ on McDermott Road

The Biblical story of Paul and Silas - This instruction seems simple, if only by metaphor. “Many hands make light work”, “A cord of three strands is not be quickly broken”, etc. what is the difference between working

toward a common goal and bearing each other’s burdens? How do we learn about burdens we should carry?

David’s own son, Absalom, conspires to steal the throne and David finds himself banished from Jerusalem. Psalm 3 is thought to be David’s song on this occasion. Though David had made many mistakes and was suffering the consequences of his own sins, he continued to trust that God would deliver him from the hands of his enemies. When we are betrayed and rejected by those closest to us, do we turn to God and turn our enemies over to his judgment? (Scripture: Psalms 3:1-8)

The Biblical story of Paul and Barnabas - Maintaining friendships, as opposed to being comfortable and easy, actually can be quite hard work. What kinds of work does it take?

David’s sin with Bathsheba broke his family. After the events of chapter 12, everything seems to fall apart for David. His children sin greatly against one another. But in the midst of it all, David is given an opportunity to bring an exiled son back home. In doing so, David demonstrates the grace and mercy of God (and the coming Messiah), who is not content to allow his children to remain estranged from him. Are we taking the next steps back home? And, are we demonstrating the same willingness to restore those who are estranged?  (Scripture: 2 Samuel 14:4-14)

David’s most infamous sin was stealing another man’s wife and having that man killed to cover up the affair. When confronted with his sin, David recognized and confessed the wrong in what he had done. For us, the question is not whether or not we have sinned; but rather, what do we do when we are confronted with our sin? Do we recognize the wrong we have done? Do we repent and seek forgiveness? (Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-10)

For seven and a half years, David ruled as king, but only over the tribe of Judah. The other tribes of Israel, were loyal to Saul’s son Ishbosheth. David’s men and Ishbosheth’s men made war with each other. Sadly, David’s men made many mistakes along the way, but eventually, the entire nation of Israel was united under David’s rule and reign. As followers of King Jesus, we must recognize the importance of unity. No matter what mistakes have been made on either side, steps can be taken towards unity. (Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:1-5)

Finally, we will conclude our “Motivated” series by considering one of the most powerful words of the Gospel, “grace.” The Greek word for “grace” is “charis,” the word from which we get, “charity.” Grace is not just about forgiveness, but about being lavished with spiritual blessings in Jesus. The riches of God’s grace should be one of the greatest motivating factors in our lives. So, if we truly embrace the truth of God’s grace and allow that truth to fuel our good works, what would be our next step in life?