INTRO Saul continues pursuing David, forcing him to live as a fugitive in the wilderness. God has repeatedly protected and provided for David. Jonathan has strengthened David’s faith and reminded him of God’s promises (1 Sam. 23). David has just spared Saul’s life in the cave, refusing to take the kingdom by force (1 Sam. 24). David is learning that God’s purposes are accomplished God’s way. Chapter 25 presents a new test… not from Saul, but from an ordinary conflict that rev

This week, we are stepping away from our study of Mark 4 to take a deeper look at the Kingdom of God. Since Jesus’ teaching in Mark 4 centers on the kingdom, it is important that we understand what it is, how it advances, and what it means to live under Christ’s rule today. Pastor Jon’s Definition – The Kingdom of God is God’s rule and reign over all creation, inaugurated through the person and work of Jesus Christ, advancing through the gospel as His people live under His lo

Intro The Lord’s Supper reminds us what we have in Jesus Christ. Through His blood, Jesus established the New Covenant that forgives sinners, transforms hearts, and changes lives. The New Covenant is the new relationship God established through Jesus Christ, where sinners are forgiven, hearts are transformed, and believers are brought into fellowship with God. I. The New Covenant Brings a New Relationship – Luke 22:20; Romans 5:1-11 Romans 3:23; Hebrews 10:14–18 Sin is humani

INTRO Jesus continues teaching about the Kingdom of God through parables. The previous parables emphasized hearing and responding to God’s Word. Now Jesus explains how the Kingdom grows and spreads. Though the Kingdom may appear small and slow, God is powerfully advancing it through the gospel. The Kingdom of God is the rule and reign of God over His creation through Jesus Christ, advancing through the proclamation of the gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and displayed th

Intro David has already been anointed king, but Saul is still trying to kill him. David has been living under pressure in the wilderness while learning to trust the Lord. Now Saul unknowingly walks into the very cave where David is hiding. David suddenly has the opportunity to take matters into his own hands. The question is: Will David trust God’s timing? Or force the outcome himself? This chapter teaches us about: discernment, restraint, integrity, and trusting God in diffi

Intro David has obeyed the Lord, but the pressure has not disappeared. Saul is still pursuing him. David is still in the wilderness. Betrayal is increasing, fear is rising, and isolation is growing. Yet God is still sustaining His servant. The Christian life is not simply about starting faithfully. It is about remaining steady under pressure. Strengthen Yourself in the Lord (vv. 15-18) David is in the wilderness, but he is not outside God’s care. Jonathan comes to David and s

In the Parable of the Soils, Jesus teaches that the condition of the heart determines how people respond to God’s Word. Is my heart soft and responsive to God’s Word? Have I become comfortable with tolerated sin? Is there ongoing fruit of repentance in my life? Am I fighting sin or excusing it? Tolerated Sin Is Dangerous Sin deceives, hardens, and grows when it is excused. Hebrews 3:13; Mark 4:18–19; Ephesians 4:18–19 Sin rarely appears dangerous at first. The danger is not o

1. A Heart Ready to Receive the Word (vv.19-20) A. Be Quick to Hear. B. Be Slow to Speak. C. Be Slow to Anger. 2. Humbly Receiving the Word ( v. 21) A. We Must Receive It. B. We Must Remove What Competes with It. C. We Must Receive It with Meekness. 3. We Must Be Doers of the Word. (vv. 22-25) 4. Conclusion: Faithful Obedience to the Word.

I. Encouragement for Service (vv. 2-3) A. Never-Ending Gratitude (v. 2a) B. Never-Ending Intercession (v. 2b) C. Never-Ending Remembrance (v. 3) 1. Recognition of faith in service 2. Recognition of love in service 3. Recognition of hope in the Lord 4. Reminiscent of 1 Corinthians 13:13 II. Evidence of Salva

Introduction David is on the run from Saul Pressure, uncertainty, real danger Keilah under attack How did God’s chosen King respond… step back or step forward? God’s called, do not drift in difficulty We embrace our calling, seek the Lord, and follow His Word Embrace Your Calling – vv. 1–2a David hears of Keilah’s distress He is aware of needs around him Does not withdraw in hardship Steps toward responsibility Even in pressure, you don’t step back—you step into what God has

Intro Saul’s jealousy turns to bitterness, paranoia, and violence. He no longer acts like a king, but an enemy of God’s people. Yet God is still preserving His purposes. This passage matters because the same sins that ruined Saul still threaten our hearts today—jealousy, pride, and unchecked anger The Troubled Heart of Man (vv. 6-10) Saul sits with a spear in hand—his heart reflects it. Fear, insecurity, and jealousy control him. He accuses others and imagines enemies everywh

The Sower Scatters the Seed – vv. 1–9 Jesus teaches that the seed is scattered broadly and falls on different kinds of soil. Some seed is lost, some is temporary, some is choked out, and some bears fruit. Jesus Explains the Purpose of the Parable – vv. 10–12 Jesus reveals the truth of the kingdom to those who follow Him. Those with hardened hearts hear the truth but do not truly understand or receive it. The Seed on the Path – vv. 13–15 The path represents those who hear the

Intro David has just parted from Jonathan in chapter 20. Saul is now openly seeking David’s life. David is the anointed future king, yet he is homeless, hunted, fearful, and uncertain. These chapters begin a long section in David’s life where he lives as a fugitive. God has promised David the throne, but David must learn to trust God in the waiting. Much of this section teaches us about God’s providence in difficult seasons. The Lord’s Provision – 21:1–9 David comes to Nob em

Intro Jesus’ family comes looking for Him while He is teaching. Jesus uses the moment to teach about true discipleship. Spiritual family is deeper than earthly family. Those who belong to Christ are those who do the will of God. Jesus’ Family Stayed Outside – vv. 31–32 Mary and Jesus’ brothers arrive. They stay outside and send for Him. Mark contrasts those outside with those sitting around Jesus. The issue is not location, but spiritual response. Jesus Redefined True Family

Intro Samuel anointed David because the Lord had rejected Saul. David then entered Saul’s service and quickly proved faithful and successful. After David killed Goliath, his reputation and popularity grew. Saul became jealous because he saw David as a threat to his throne. Jonathan, however, loved David and made a covenant with him. By chapter 20, Saul’s opposition is no longer subtle. David now knows that following God’s purpose will be costly. As the chapter unfolds, we see

INTRO Jesus’ ministry and influence were rapidly growing Opposition from His family and the religious leaders was increasing The scribes could not deny His miracles, so they accused Him of working by Satan’s power Jesus is stronger than Satan, rescues sinners from darkness, and warns against rejecting the truth. Jesus Refutes the Charge Against Him — vv. 22–26 v. 22 — The scribes accused Jesus of being empowered by Satan Beelzebul refers to Satan, the ruler of demons vv. 23–2

Easter is more than a special Sunday. It is the declaration that Jesus Christ is alive. The empty tomb is the foundation of our hope, salvation, and faith. Because Jesus rose from the dead, grace is available. Lives can change. Hope is possible. The risen Christ still saves, still changes hearts, and still gives new life today. Jesus Rose from the Dead – John 20:1–18 She came in sorrow – v. 1 Grieving. In darkness Without expectation She Found an Empty Tomb – vv. 2–10 Stone m

INTRO Isaiah ministered during a time of rebellion, idolatry, and coming judgment, but later chapters shift toward comfort, hope, and God’s promise of salvation. By Isaiah 53, the great question becomes: How will God save sinful people? God’s Servant will come, not first as a conquering King, but as a suffering Savior who is rejected, condemned, and crushed for sinners. Isaiah 53 gives us the gospel beforehand, showing that Jesus suffered in our place so we could be forgiven

The King’s Entrance John 12:12–13 Large crowds gathered in Jerusalem for Passover Palm branches symbolized victory and deliverance “Hosanna” means “Save now” “King of Israel” was the right title The crowd wanted rescue from Rome, not rescue from sin They praised Jesus without fully understanding why He came They wanted a crown without a cross They celebrated a version of Jesus shaped by their own expectations You can say the right things about Jesus and still miss who He trul

INTRO Time has passed, but Saul’s heart has not changed Saul is determined to eliminate David God has already determined David will be king God’s plan advances despite opposition Jonathan Intervenes – vv.1–7 Saul commands David’s death Jonathan warns David and intercedes Jonathan speaks truth and confronts sin God uses people and relationships to protect Saul Attacks – vv.8–10 David succeeds in battle again Saul’s jealousy reignites Saul attempts to kill David again God limit