More Than Meets the Eye
Jesus condemned the scribes who looked outwardly impressive but were inwardly far from God, but He praised a poor widow whose tiny offering flowed from a heart of true faith and love for God.
Mark 12:38-44
The Blessing of God
God calls His people, and especially leaders, to bless brothers and sisters in Christ, passing on the covenant blessings God has promised to His people
Numbers 6:22-27
A Father’s Final Charge to His Son
Church leaders are called to preach the whole Word of God, never altering it to suit the desires of others, so that they may faithfully fulfill their call.
2 Timothy 4:1-5
The Power of God’s Written Word
The Bible is God’s written Word so it is powerful to point us to salvation through faith in Christ and to thoroughly equip us to discern truth from error, share the Gospel with others, and form our character in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 Listen to the teaching Look at the […]
Fighting the Good Fight for the Faith – Part 1
To protect a local church from false teaching, leaders must work hard to teach the truth, focusing on the great doctrines of God’s Word and avoiding useless controversies, and back up their teaching with the power of a godly life.
2 Timothy 2:14-26
The Church – Elders
Question 71: Are Christians only called to be part of the universal Church?
Each local church must have a group of elders who shepherd the flock by God’s Word, are servant leaders for those under their care, set a godly example in character and conduct, and point people to Jesus, the Chief Shepherd.
1 Peter 5:1–7
The Church – Universal and Local
Question 71: Are Christians only called to be part of the universal Church?
All Christians are called to be part of local churches where they are led and cared for by elders, worship God, learn the Scripture, receive the sacraments, pray together, serve one another, and carry out the Great Commission together.
1 Corinthians 1:1-2; Acts 14:23
The True King
David displays the character of a true leader, and is a great pointer to Jesus, the True King.
2 Samuel 15-20 (2 Samuel 15:19-30)
Absalom the Rebel
Combining the ingredients of others’ sin, our own pride, lust for power, and the desire for a legacy makes for a powerful concoction of the deadly poison of rebellion.
2 Samuel 15 – 18 (2 Samuel 15:1-15)
#TamarToo
Sexual abuse is devastating and must never be minimized or covered up, but responded to with the redemptive grace of God to help those who have been abused to receive healing from Jesus.
2 Samuel 13:1-22
The Blessing
God calls leaders to bless those under their care, passing on the covenant blessings God has promised to His people.
Numbers 6:22-27
David’s Great Sin
Deceived by the privileges of power David fell into an ever-deepening and increasingly destructive spiral of sin.
2 Samuel 11
A Powerful Kingdom
God blessed David for the sake of His people, that he might lead them into justice and righteousness, and to serve as a pointer to Christ, the True King.
2 Samuel 5-10 (2 Samuel 5:9-13; 8:14-15)
King At Last!
David is an example of the patient endurance of faith that is required to receive God’s promises and fulfill our calling.
2 Samuel 2:1-5:5 (2 Samuel 5:1-5)
A Lament Worthy of A King
David’s response to Saul’s death is an example of how we should trust God and respond to others.
2 Samuel 1 (2 Samuel 1:17-27)
A Holy Ministry
Holy ministry flows from proper motives, is conducted in a Christlike manner, and endures difficulty until the Gospel bears fruit.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
All In: Participants Not Spectators
In the New Covenant, God calls all Christians to be actively participating in works of ministry, serving others in the church and the world.
Ephesians 4:8-12
Shepherds – Spreading the Good News
Angels are mighty beings who stand in the presence of God and do His will, but they were awestruck at the mystery of the Incarnation and praised God.
Luke 2:8-20
A Growing, Vibrant Church
The church becomes vibrant and grows as each person uses their gifts and calling to serve others for Christ.
Acts 6:1-7
A Wicked King
Over time, Saul’s sin grew from a lack of personal integrity to consulting witches – with devastating effects for himself and those under his leadership.
1 Samuel 18-28 (1 Samuel 18:20-22; 28:3-7)
A Jealous King
When Saul was rejected as king because of his sin, rather than repenting and finding his identity in God, he let his jealousy drive him to fear and despise others.
1 Samuel 16-28 (1 Samuel 16: 14-23; 18: 5-17)
Great Expectations – The Rise Of Saul
When Israel demanded a king, God graciously provided Saul, a man of great promise possessing the characteristics Israel desired, to lead the people under Yahweh their King.
1 Samuel 9-10 (1 Samuel 9:15-21)
Holy People and Unholy Priests
The fundamental problem for all humans is our rejection of the reign of God, preferring to do what is right in our own eyes, which leads to chaos and curse rather than God’s blessing.
1 Samuel 2 (1 Samuel 2:11-18)
When Anarchy Reigned
The fundamental problem for all humans is our rejection of the reign of God, preferring to do what is right in our own eyes, which leads to chaos and curse rather than God’s blessing.
Judges 21:25
Called To the Church
When Christ calls us through the Gospel, He calls us into local churches where we can be protected, strengthened and equipped by those whom Christ has saved and called to be leaders in the church. NOTE: THE LAST 20 MINUTES IS AN ORDINATION CEREMONY.
Acts 14:21-23