2 Samuel 11:1-27 | Be Killing Sin, Or It Will Be Killing You

We see from David both the man of God and the man of the world, and this portion of his life should make us pause. Even though David sinned greatly, God would not give up on Him. God was faithful, though it was painful, to bring David back to repentance. We can have the same assurance through Christ. May David’s life be a reminder to us to guard our hearts, and then repent quickly when we fall.

ESTABLISH 101 - "Jesus Came To Give Life"

Jesus’ death wasn’t the end. He promised that He would rise again after 3 days. As a few women followers went to the tomb carrying spices they had prepared (burial custom), they entered the tomb to be shocked by an angel who told them Jesus had indeed risen! Jesus appears to them, tells them to go tell the disciples, and off they ran afraid and joyful as they ran off to do so. Peter and John too ran to the tomb to see if it was true, found only burial clothes, but were still confused.  Jesus appeared to many, he was worshiped by them, and then ascended after giving them a blessing and telling them to spread the Good News.

ESTABLISH 101 - "Jesus Turns Things Over as He Heals and Forgives

In this lesson we’ll see how Jesus lives and models what God intends His Kingdom to look like. This isn’t a political or religious kingdom, as many of the Israelites were expecting. In many ways Jesus acts counter-culturally to the established religious systems and rules. He is going to turn the religious leaders worlds upside-down with his teaching and his actions. Or could we say, he is going to bring God’s kingdom right-side-up.

ESTABLISH 101 - The Deliverer Will Be God Himself

In today’s lesson we are going to see how well a human king worked out for Israel as a nation. If you have been seeing Israel’s cycles of faithfulness towards God (or lack thereof), you can guess with accuracy that things didn’t go very well for very long. The cycles of rebellion continued, and there were consequences. Through His prophets, God encourages, challenges, and calls the people back to Himself. And through these cycles God reminds Israel of the Deliverer - the one who would offer true freedom from their rebellious, sinful hearts.

ESTABLISH 101 - "God is Faithful to His Promise and His People"

God has led the Israelites, His chosen and set apart people, out of bondage in Egypt to the promised land. The Israelites have traveled a long way and are now at the Canaan border - this is the promised land. The land God promised to Abraham. God had provided and sustained them in the wilderness with food and water, taught them many lessons (10C’s, trust and faith) and now He wanted them to experience even more of His promised blessings. And unfortunately, Israel is still sinful and rebellious - This lesson will dive in and see their cycles of rebellion and God's immense grace through it all!

Genesis 33 & 34 - The Sinfulness of Humanity and the Faithfulness of God

Let us not elevate characters in the Bible. The Bible is full of corrupt and broken men and women. We are longing for a hero that rules with justice, liberty, love, patience, conviction.

When it comes to God, almost obedience is never enough. God requires full obedience.

The only hero is Jesus Christ.

Jesus kept the law perfectly. Followed God perfectly.

He who knew no sin, became sin, that we may become the righteousness of God.

His wrath was poured out on His son Jesus Christ on our behalf.