We live loud, crowded lives. There are so many

voices competing for our attention that

sometimes it is hard to hear and discern the

voice of God. This sermon will challenge us to

practice Biblical meditation, listening for God’s

voice, and to take a Sabbath so that God can

speak to us. Psalm 131 is one of the final Psalms

that King David wrote. He had been humbled,

shown grace, and was writing about the most

important things in life. This Psalm of Ascent

would have been sung by worshippers at

Solomon’s Temple as they prepared to enter

God’s holy house. (Psalm 131)

David should have known better. The chinks in his armor when he became king were about to be blown wide open. The man after God’s own heart was about to do something so egregious that it would have permanent consequences for his family. David’s sin with Bathsheba began with a compromise, was fueled by a spirit of covetousness, was followed by a cover-up and led to devastating consequences. David’s family was never the same. We can learn a lot from David’s failure. We all leave a legacy, will it be a godly legacy or a tragic one? (2 Samuel 11, Psalm 32:3-4)

God’s promise to David was fulfilled in part in the Old Testament, was fulfilled further in the New Testament, is being fulfilled further, even today, and will be ultimately fulfilled ultimately in eternity. The Davidic covenant is an eternal covenant and so important to understand. Understanding God’s covenant with David helps us understand His heart toward Israel and helps us understand the grace offered to all through His Son, Jesus Christ. (2 Samuel 7, Psalm 132)

For a guy who was called a man after God’s own heart, David did some pretty stupid things! Just after being anointed King over Israel, David started to show some chinks in his spiritual armor. The funny thing is, he couldn’t see it. Sometimes in our “spiritual highs” we forget some of the most basic principles of following Jesus. A relationship with Christ can’t be based solely on emotion. It also can’t be based solely on reason. Through David and Michal’s relationship we see the danger of both extremes, and recognize that in the end a life that exists to glorify ourselves brings misery. A live that is lived for His glory brings ultimate satisfaction. (2 Samuel 5-6, Psalm 106-107)

Scripture and personal experience teach us that our natural human condition is godless, unrighteous and hopeless. The only answer is Christ, His righteousness and His hope. (Psalm 14, Romans 3:9-24)

David was tired of living as a fugitive. King Saul’s relentless hunt for him had taken its toll. God had delivered David, used David as a tool in how to handle difficult people, and was building a group of faithful men who would follow David anywhere, but David couldn’t see the good things that we happening any longer. In desperation he flees to the land of the Philistines, living as a mercenary prince among them. It wasn’t God’s plan and would lead to disastrous results. This sermon will challenge us to submit ourselves to the plans of God, even when it appears like He isn’t working on our behalf. When we do, God is honored and we will reap the rewards that He has for us. (1 Samuel 27-30)

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the single greatest event that the world has ever witnessed. When Christ rose from the dead, He defeated death and Satan and sealed the victory for all who trust in Him. We give each other gifts at Christmastime to represent the gifts that God gave us in sending in Son Jesus into the world. At Easter time we can celebrate the gifts God offers us – salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit. The gift of the Holy Spirit was given to the disciples Easter Sunday (John 20:22). That spectacular gift was only given to a few Old Testament saints, including young David (1 Samuel 16:13). 1 Samuel 16:7 tells us that God doesn’t look at the outside appearance but looks upon the heart. Big Idea: This Easter let God examine your heart. Accept His gift of salvation and experience the gift of the Holy Spirit. (1 Samuel 16, John 20:19-23)

The events that occurred on Maundy Thursday show two very different approaches to spiritual warfare. Jesus endured the trial of hell, taking Satan’s fury and God the Father’s wrath and turning it into our redemption. The majority of Christ’s disciples fled, cowering due to fear and caving into Satan’s scheme. This sermon will challenge us to learn from the example of Jesus. Big Idea: Courage roars loudest when we yield ourselves to God’s will, no matter the cost. (Luke 22:39-46)

Jesus came so that outsiders might have the opportunity to become insiders. He came so that we could be rescued from our sin and find a place in God’s family. He came to redeem mankind. The book of Ruth is not just a great love story; it’s a story of redemption and a story of courage. It took courage for Boaz to take Ruth as his bride. By understanding the themes of Ruth, we have a better understanding of Jesus, to whom the crowds shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Hosanna means, “Save.” And that’s what Jesus and Boaz do. (Ruth, Matthew 1:5, Matthew 21:6-11)

Joshua was now an old man. He had been given the privilege of leading the Children of Israel into the Promised Land. Now, just before his death, Joshua would give the nation a challenge. In Joshua 24, Joshua spoke on behalf of the Lord. He shared the history of the nation up to this point. Then he drew a line in the sand. Israel could choose to either follow God or not. Christian homes have always been marked as homes that serve the Lord. There is no denying the fact that godly parents have a radical impact on their children. This sermon will challenge us to be people who will follow Joshua and take the courageous challenge to follow God, no matter the obstacles, no matter the cost, no matter the consequences. (Joshua 24)