Category: Uncategorized
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No shame (2 Sam 18-20; Psalm 34; Romans 2)
Given what we are seeing in Romans, Psalm 34 makes an incredible promise: Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. (v5) In Romans we are seeing that there is no one righteous, whether religious or irreligious, all fail to keep God’s Word. But here in Psalm 34 is a wonderful…
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The glorious gospel (2 Sam 15-17; Psalms 3, 63; Romans 1)
Our world lacks hope. The book of Romans is full of wonderful hope. It is the book that God used to bring Martin Luther out of terrible fear to glorious freedom. Luther had been trapped in works-based religion. He was tormented by his past and the fact that he was not good enough for God.…
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She is not an object (2 Samuel 13-14; Acts 28
A moment’s gratification produces a lifetime of misery and pain. That is the tragic result of David’s adultery. In the following chapters in 2 Samuel we see the mess he caused. Like his father, Amnon allows his lust to control his heart. He sees a beautiful woman and he wants her. Our world may describe…
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The awful consequences of adultery (2 Sam 11-12; 1 Chr 20; Ps 51, 32; Acts 27)
All sin is grievous for it is against a loving and holy God, but there is something so devastating about adultery for it brings so much hurt and pain. God created marriage to be a picture of His intimate, faithful covenant love to His people. I’m sure we’ve all seen the awful hurt caused by…
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A royal welcome to the disabled (2 Sam 9-10; 1 Chr 18-19; Ps 89; Acts 26)
Can you imagine a church refusing to allow someone to join in Sunday school because they were autistic? Or a church where some were reluctant to move a pew to make space for a wheelchair? It’s hard to believe, but sadly those with extra needs sometimes find they have to fight to make places more…
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What a promise! (2 Sam 7-8; 1 Chr 17; Ps 132; Acts 25)
What a promise! David was blown away. He’d had a good intention to build some sort of temple for the ark of God. The prophet Nathan also thought it was a good idea, until God told him otherwise! Why did God say “no” to David’s intention to build a temple? First of all, to teach…
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Worship matters (2 Sam 6; 1 Chr 13; Ps 60; Acts 23)
What a shocking event! How do you feel about the LORD putting Uzzah to death for steadying the ark of God? Does it seem a bit extreme? Whatever you make of it, surely it’s a pointer to the divine origin of Scripture – you just wouldn’t make this stuff up! As biblical scholar Dale Ralph…
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Joy in God’s King and place (2 Sam 3-5; 1 Chr 12; Ps 122; Acts 22)
Finally David is recognised as king, it looks so promising! Here is a king who will bring justice and defeat their enemies and bring peace and prosperity to Israel. No wonder first Chronicles 12 tells us that there was joy in Israel. Psalm 122 seems a fitting song of celebration, here are God’s people finally…
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Who can utter the mighty deeds of the LORD? (2 Sam 1-2; 1 Chr 11; Ps 96, 106; Acts 21)
God is amazing! Psalm 106 begins and ends with praise. Everyone should praise God for He is truly amazing, and yet the psalmist asks the question, “who can declare all his praise?” The answer is in v3 – only those who do righteousness at all times. Who is that? The rest of the Psalm shows…
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Finishing well (1 Sam 30-31; 1 Chr 10; Acts 20)
What do you want to be remembered for? In today’s readings we see how two Sauls end their lives. The first Saul was the first king of Israel. His death notice reads: So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted…