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Lessons From Saul and David
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingGod chose Saul as the first king of Israel, a man from the smallest and weakest tribe, Benjamin, fitting the people's desire for a king like other nations. Saul possessed a kingly appearance, standing head and shoulders above everyone else, and initially showed humility. His humble beginnings mirrored David's, as he worked for his father and was searching for lost donkeys when he met Samuel, who informed him of his anointing as king. This moment was overwhelming for Saul, a concept foreign to Israel at the time. God provided Saul with what he needed to lead, granting him His Spirit, turning him into another man, and giving him a new heart, assuring him that He would always be with him in any impossible task. Despite this, Saul displayed a lack of confidence in God from the start. When presented as king, his humility was evident as he hid among the supplies, showing no ambition for kingship. Even after being proclaimed king, he returned home to work for his father, raising questions about his trust in Samuel's words and God's promise. In the early years of his reign, Saul's leadership was blessed by God, and he achieved success, notably defeating the Ammonites when his anger was aroused by the threat to his nation. However, his downfall began as power went to his head, and he forgot to trust God. Facing the Philistines with a vastly outnumbered army, Saul's pride and lack of trust led him to take matters into his own hands, sinning greatly against God when Samuel did not arrive as expected. Saul's disobedience continued as he spared King Agag and kept the best of the Ammonite plunder, justifying his actions as a sacrifice to God when confronted by Samuel. His humility gone, replaced by ego and pride, Saul disregarded God's commands. He even set up a monument to himself, showing that honoring God was not in his thoughts. His internal struggles with pride and jealousy became his true enemies, costing him everything. Saul's lack of trust in God was further evident in his later actions, such as seeking the witch of Endor to summon Samuel, revealing that God was not in his mind. Ultimately, Saul's life turned into a tragedy because he did not see God and did not trust Him, leading to his rejection despite the initial blessings and support from God.
A Table is Laid
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamWe have direct access to the Holy of Holies. God desires us to be at His table where we can always be in His presence, partaking of spiritual food as His family.
Souls Knit Together (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamJonathan apparently had no qualms about David receiving the kingship. His recognition of God's hand was so strong that he humbly submitted to God's will.
Don't Be a Politician
Sermon by Mike FordJesus proved that one cannot become a leader through political intrigue, but by assuming the position of a humble servant. God sets Himself against the proud.
After God's Own Heart
Sermon by Ronny H. GrahamThough David certainly broke all of God's Ten Commandments, he also repented continually, cognizant of the fear of losing God's Holy Spirit.
A Time to Tear
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)The practice of rending clothes symbolizes sorrow, agony, despair, and hopelessness, a realization that God alone can restore the profound loss.
Beating the Rat Race (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIn these tumultuous times, if we really want to know what God is trying to tell us, we need to calm down, be still, and listen intently to His Word.
Psalm 51 (Part Two): Psalm 51:1-4
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe phrase, 'a man after God's own heart' modifies God rather than David's carnal character. God chose David because He discerned a heart He could work with.
Jabez: 'That I May Not Cause Pain'
Sermon by Mark SchindlerJabez's brief but powerful prayer identifies him as a spiritual beacon, a man born in pain who seeks blessing and alignment with God's will.
Building Relationships
Sermonette by Ryan McClureThe Scriptures provide many examples of how difficult relationships were dealt with by humility, deference, longsuffering, and prayer.
The Buck Stops Here
Article by David F. MaasMany people shirk responsibility for their errors, 'passing the buck.' Avoiding blame when we are at fault shows poor character, a failing we must overcome.
Psalm 51 (Part One): Background
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDavid's power and assumption of immunity led to arrogance, complacency, and a total disregard for God's commands, bringing an unpleasant visit from Nathan.
Contrite Heart
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamAs the day of God's wrath appears imminent, we must diligently seek the Lord, righteousness, and humility. Contrition pleases God the most.
Joshua and the Gibeonites (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Gibeonites' subterfuge succeeded because Israel's leaders, including Joshua, failed to check in with God, and in time, that failure cost them dearly.
Repentance: The Genuine Article (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughTrue repentance involves pain, particularly emotional pain. To repent is wrenching to the psyche. It really hurts because it is difficult to do.
Poor Choices
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHuman beings with carnal minds, when faced with a choice between God (or a God-fearing man) or Satan (or a scoundrel) will automatically choose the scoundrel.
Jabez: a Roadsign of Hope
Sermon by Mark SchindlerJabez is a significant place marker in the lineage of David, and may be David himself. Jabez is an emblem of Christ's restoring the relationship between God and man.
Esther (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHaman was the treacherous offspring of King Agag, and Mordecai was the godly descendant of King Saul. Their pairing in Esther provides a sequel to I Samuel 15.
David and the Gibeonites
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSaul tried to placate God by massacring Gibeonites. Later, David yielded to the Gibeonites' by hanging Saul's descendants to avenge the slaughter. God was not pleased.