The story of Naboth’s vineyard in 1 Kings 21 reminds us that God desires justice and stands ready to punish those who deny or pervert justice. As we think about this narrative, it both convicts and brings comfort to God’s people.
I’ve Had Enough, Lord–John Mangrum (30 June 2013)
A look at Elijah’s complaint from 1 Kings 19:1-18. Even the heroic prophets were real people and sometimes found themselves at their limit. God patiently provided for Elijah in his despair, as he provides for us.
No God but God–Bob Whitaker (23 June 2013)
The story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:16-39. The story is fascinating, the themes are varied, but the main lesson is simple. There is only one God. Will you follow the false gods created by human desires or will you follow the one true God, the king of the universe, the only God who is worthy of worship?
What’s the Big Deal about Idolatry?–Bob Whitaker (16 June 2013)
A side note in the sermon series “Ancient Stories, Contemporary Truth” that will inform our view of stories to come.
The Puzzling Path of the Living God–Josiah Leuenberger (9 June 2013)
1 Kings 17:1-24 will introduce the prophet Elijah as he confronts King Ahab, calling down the covenant curse for the Israelites’ unfaithfulness in worshiping other gods. Join us on “The Puzzling Path of the Living God” as we explore God’s sovereignty and role of sole provider for life and living.
Human Foolishness and Divine Sovereignty–Bob Whitaker (2 June 2013)
Can foolish human decisions be part of God’s divinely sovereign plan? The story of Rehoboam’s first decision as leader of Israel, from 1 Kings 12:1-15, is an example of God’s directing the affairs of humanity and even guiding a human choice in order to bring about his will. His will, which he had already made known through prophecy. What we can learn about ourselves and God from this type of story?
Leaving a Legacy–Bob Whitaker (26 May 2013)
In 1 Kings 9:1-9, we will consider the legacy of Solomon, including the good, the bad, and the ugly!
Living in the Reality of God — Rob Girvin (19 May 2013)
Living as if we believed God is real–that those who have accepted Jesus are always in a state of being “in Him,” yet we must continuously seek to live this out day by day.
Wisdom from Above — Pastor Whitaker (12 May 2013)
A look at the start of Solomon’s reign as king. We’ll consider different descriptions of wisdom, Solomon’s answer to God’s open-ended offer of anything he wanted. Though he did not always apply his wisdom well over the course of his life, this early awareness of his greatest need was in itself a demonstration of wisdom. How would we respond if God made us the same offer?
Divine Architect–Human History — Bob Whitaker (5 May 2013)
In 2 Samuel 7:1-17, David expresses a noble desire to build a temple for God. God responds that it is not his place to do so–that task will be given to one of his sons (Solomon, son of Bathsheba!) This passage comes before last week’s about David’s moral lapse–God already had a legacy in mind for David and sin didn’t alter the plan. Pastor Bob leads us in considering God’s higher plans and mysterious ways, with encouragement to embrace these in our own lives.