For the first few chapters of 2 Samuel have described Saul’s house growing weaker (2 Sam. 3:1). As we come to chapter 4 we see even the rubble of Saul’s fallen house is swept away. However, in contrast to this foolish man who had built his house on sinking sand, we see a wise man, […]
When Joab learned that Abner had made peace with David, he was not happy about, and decided to take matters into his own hands. 2 Samuel 3 not only recounts the tragic death of Abner, but also reveals the stark contrast between the heart of David and the heart of Joab. In this sermon, pastor […]
David had been waiting patiently to receive the kingdom and the day had finally come. This is a crucial moment in the story of the Bible. Three times we read here that David was now king over the house of Judah. However, as we might expect, not all Israel was happy to receive their king. […]
In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that lament is good and right in a world under death’s dark shadow. We mourn the curse of sin. We weep over the reign of death. But because of the gospel, we need not grieve as those who have no hope.
In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds that, just like the beginning of 1 Samuel (with barren Hannah), even when all hope seems lost, death does not get the final word. The good news is that our God is in the resurrection business, and in his time and his way, his exalted king will deliver his […]
For our 2024 Advent sermon series, we will consider the four blessings traditionally associated with each week of Advent: Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace, and we will do so using the Gospel of John. In this sermon, pastor Matt shows us from John 15:9 that disciples of Jesus are to rest secure in his perfect […]
In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds of our blessed assurance: that God’s king has won the battle that we might get the blessing. David shows us the kind of king that we need, one who is merciful and mighty, who takes the lead in faithfulness and generosity, who works salvation and reigns in grace.
Here at the end of 1 Samuel, the Philistines were once again gathering for war against Israel. In chapter 28 we learned that Yahweh would give Israel into their hands and that king Saul would die. Now, we knew this day was coming for Saul sooner or later. But there was another problem: David had […]
1 Samuel 27 sets up the final section of the book, where the reign of king Saul comes to an abysmal end. But the story here about David and the Philistines seems rather odd. It can be a difficult chapter to interpret, understand, and apply. But one thing is abundantly clear here (and in the […]
Psalm 54 was written by David when he was betrayed by the Ziphites. Twice these kinsmen from Judah betrayed him to Saul (1 Sam. 23:19; 26:1), but this was David’s response. In this sermon, pastor Matt helps us see the reassuring truth that God is gracious and faithful to help his troubled people. We can […]
So far, David had refused to kill Saul in the cave at En-Gedi. He even refused to avenge himself against Nabal for his foolish defiance. In each test, David refused to take matters into his own hands. He chose to wait for his promised kingdom to come in God’s way and in God’s time. In […]
Throughout the Bible, God’s people are presented with tests of faith. Like Adam and Eve, they have opportunities to prove their loyalty to Yahweh and receive His blessing. This brings us to 1 Samuel 24, where another king like Adam is presented with a test. In fact, in 1 Samuel 24-26 David will face three […]
In this sermon, pastor Matt shows us that the Lord meets his people with strength in their time of need. He is our helper, the upholder of our life, the one who will never leave us nor forsake us, and so we can trust in him for guidance, for assurance, and for deliverance whether in […]
In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that we must choose whether we will stand with Christ or against him. We will give our allegiance to either the Son that will reign or the Dragon that will rage. Yet the gospel is that in Christ there is both refuge and comfort as we await his […]
After Jonathan had exposed his father’s wicked intentions beyond all doubt, David knew it was time to go. From now until the end of the book, David will be on the run as a fugitive, as an exile. Like Israel, who escaped from Pharaoh yet had to wander through the wilderness before entering the promised […]
