I. The Spirit Removed & the Spirit Given (v. 14) II. The Judgment of a Troubled Soul (vv. 14–15) III. The Failure of Superficial Solutions (vv. 15–17) IV. The Providence of God in Raising His King (vv. 18–22) V. Relief Without Redemption (v. 23)

INTRO Mark’s controversy cycle escalates (2:1–3:6): questions and accusation. The real issue isn’t fasting or Sabbath rules… it’s Jesus’ identity and authority. Religion and the Gospel Fasting — Old and New – 2:18–22 Question (v.18): Why don’t Your disciples fast like the other religious groups? Jesus’ answer (vv.19–20): Bridegroom present = joy and celebration; fasting fits seasons of mourning/need. “Taken away” points to His coming suffering; then fasting becomes longing

INTRO Israel demanded a king like the nations ( 1 Sam. 8:5 ). Saul was chosen and anointed as Israel’s first king ( 1 Sam. 10:1 ). Early success marked his reign, but cracks appeared quickly ( 1 Sam. 11–13 ). Saul acted impatiently and presumptuously at Gilgal ( 1 Sam. 13:8–14 ). He disobeyed the Lord’s clear command regarding Amalek ( 1 Sam. 15:9 ). “The LORD has rejected you from being king” ( 1 Sam. 15:26 ). Chapter 16 plays it our in more detail as the hearts are exposed.

INTRO Mark 2:1–12 established Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. Mark 2:13–17 shows the mission of that authority—Jesus calls sinners and eats with them. This begins the “controversy” cycle (2:1–3:6): opposition grows as Jesus exposes heart religion vs. self-righteous religion. Forgiveness (2:5) leads naturally to calling and community (2:14–15): forgiven people become following people, and following people gather around Jesus. The Call — vv. 13–14 (Jesus seeks and calls Lev

Intro Israel demanded a king like the nations ( 1 Sam. 8 ). God gave them Saul, chosen, anointed, empowered ( 1 Sam. 9–10 ). Saul began with humility and early victory ( 1 Sam. 11 ). Cracks appeared…  impatience and self-willed sacrifice ( 1 Sam. 13 ). Spiritual inconsistency continued ( 1 Sam. 14 ). Now God gives Saul a clear command. This chapter reveals the difference between outward success and true obedience. The issue is not military strength… it is the heart under God’

INTRO We continue to see the mission and authority of Jesus as He preaches the Word. The crowds press in, making access to Jesus difficult, the need is great and obstacles are real. Jesus shows what true healing involves… not only restoring bodies, but forgiving sin and rescuing the soul. The Need: Helpless and in need of rescue The paralytic is unable to fix himself … a picture of our deeper spiritual condition ( sin leaves us powerless ). The crowd and the house underline t

INTRO The Lord saved Israel that day and the battle passed on beyond Beth-Aven v. 23 Is these passaged the battle is continuing on. The Lord showed up and the people continued to fight. Yet Saul fails miserably. Poor spiritual leadership comes at a great cost The Oath – vv. 24-26 “Cursed the man who eats..” Hard pressed…alludes to the idea of Saul pushing them (we know from the text… we learn it is man centered and driven and not from God. No food… keep fighting Lack of disce

INTRO Jesus is actively doing ministry What Jesus does and what it produces (His impact). He Heals and Delivers – vv. 29–34 Jesus: Enters the home, lifts Simon’s mother-in-law, heals; casts out demons; silences demons. The Impact: She serves; the whole city gathers; sickness and Satan are confronted. He Prays, Then Preaches – vv. 35–39 Jesus: Withdraws early to pray; refuses crowd-demand; goes to preach. The Impact: Mission stays Word-centered; the gospel spreads through

INTRO Saul has already failed the obedience test at Gilgal (13:1–15a). Israel is now outmatched, under-resourced, and pressured by the Philistines. The text contrasts fear-driven leadership with faith-filled action—and highlights the LORD as the true Deliverer. FAITH IS THE VICTORY The Enemy Is Real, and the Situation Is Dire (13:15b–23) Israel is small and powerless (13:15b–16; 19-22) Philistines are many and powerful (13:17–18, 23) Faith Is the Key (14:1–14) Jonathan’s conv

Authority Begins with God’s Word – vv. 21–22 Jesus enters the synagogue—where the Word should have been central. He teaches with authority rooted in Scripture, not tradition or opinion. God’s Word, spoken clearly and faithfully, is sufficient. The people are astonished—overwhelmed, shaken in mind and heart. Not impressed by style, but confronted by truth. Light (truth) Exposes What Is Hidden – vv. 23–26 The presence of the Word exposes darkness ( John 3:19–21 ). An unclean sp

INTRO: Sanctity of Human Life The sanctity of human life is a biblical truth, not a political slogan or cultural argument. It is rooted in creation, clarified by God’s holiness, and answered by the gospel. All human life is created in God’s image. Therefore, all human life has God-given worth. God is holy and hates sin—including the shedding of innocent blood. Yet God’s mercy in Christ is sufficient to save repentant sinners. Identity — Who We Are (vv. 26–27) We are image-bea

INTRO Saul’s kingship is still early and unstable. Israel faces pressure… panic ensues and the troops scatter. Saul gathers at Gilgal under immediate threat. The crisis sets up the central issue of the passage: whether Saul will wait for God’s instruction or act on his own. Pressure Will Come (vv. 1–7). Saul divides a small standing army Jonathan strikes the Philistines Saul sounds the trumpet The Philistines muster Israel hides and scatters Pressure often hits when resources

INTRO Samuel’s farewell address at the transfer of leadership from judge/prophet to monarchy Israel has a human king, but the LORD remains their King Their covenant responsibility does not change before their King and the Lord. Today we live under the reign of the true and better King… Jesus Christ Hear the Lord – vv. 1–5 Samuel’s faithful, proven ministry ( 1 Sam. 3:20 ) Leadership transition appointed by God: Samuel → Saul Samuel’s point: I have walked faithfully before you

Intro Saul has been chosen and anointed as king (1 Sam 10). Chapter 11 shows why Israel needed a king: protection, direction, deliverance in crisis. God’s people cannot rescue themselves, God alone saves by His power and for His glory. Opposition Comes – vv. 1–4 God’s people are surrounded (v.1) The enemy offers a shameful “deal” (v.2) Crisis exposes our need for rescue (vv.3–4) Leadership Responds – vv. 5–11 The need is seen and heard (v.5) The Spirit empowers courageous act

INTRO Israel wanted a king for security—not submission ( 1 Sam. 8 ). God providentially brought Saul to Samuel ( 1 Sam. 9 ). Chapter 10 confirms Saul publicly and exposes Israel’s heart. The Calling: Set Apart by God – vv. 1–8 Saul is anointed—God appoints and sets apart (v. 1). God confirms His Word with specific signs (vv. 2–5). God empowers by His Spirit for the task (v. 6). The first test: trust, obey, and wait (vv. 7–8). The Equipping: Empowered by God – vv. 9–16 God gi

INTRO This Advent we’ve traced four scenes in Revelation: Rev. 1 (Christ among His churches), Rev. 5 (the Lamb who was slain), Rev. 19 (the King who returns), and Rev. 22 (“Surely I am coming soon”). Christmas celebrates His first coming in humility; Revelation 22 fixes our eyes on His throne and presses one response: keep His Word, come to Christ, and live ready for His return. A Picture of Our Future Life – 22:1–5 Life from the throne (vv. 1–2): river of life; tree of

INTRO On this third Sunday of Advent, we focus on joy … not because life is easy, but because the Lord is near . We’ve seen His first coming in humility: a baby in a manger and a Savior on a cross. Christ’s return completes the believer’s joy—because He is Faithful and True , He comes in righteous victory , and He brings final justice . Who He Is — The Faithful and True King – vv. 11a, 12–13 Faithful and True (v. 11a) — He never fails His word or His people. Eyes like a fla

I. The Heavenly Scene: The Sealed Scroll A. The Scene B. The Scroll C. The Question  II. The Victorious Redeemer: The Lion & the Lamb A. The Proclamation  B. The Vision C. The Attributes  D. The Act III.  The Response: The Lamb is Worshiped A. The Response B. The instruments C. The Reason for Praise IV. Application: Peace in Christ Alone

Advent is the four-week season leading up to Christmas, from the Latin adventus (“coming”), when the church remembers Christ’s first coming in Bethlehem and looks ahead to His second coming in glory. Historically, Advent began in the early centuries of the church (around the 4th–6th centuries) as a time of preparation—prayer, repentance, and instruction—before celebrating Christ’s birth. Advent matters today because it slows us down in a noisy season, re-centers our hearts o

Intro God is providing the King. Saul is chosen. In their disobedience, God is fulfilling His purpose and will. God’s providence rules over every detail of our lives. God is faithful. He always has a plan for His people. Regardless of our response, He is faithful. God Is Working in Every Detail – vv. 1–14 Normal life, sovereign God Saul’s family and background (vv. 1–2) Lost donkeys and a long, frustrating search (vv. 3–5) “Small” moments under God’s hand A servant’s suggesti