November 10, 2024
The Story | Has Your Leader Failed? | Chapter 10
Beginnings: How God Got Things Started, A Chosen People.
The first human king of Israel was a flop. Saul had loads of promise, but he never learned to keep his eyes on God. God was a duty to Saul, not a friend, which meant Saul was always thinking of himself, what people thought of him, and what he needed to look good.
Expert fire inspectors can tell what started a fire even after it has been put out. They do the forensic work to prevent future fires. As we sort through the ashes of Saul’s life, stay alert to God’s cautions about your life and leadership.
Songs for this week: Spotify
Chapter 10: 1 Samuel 13:5-15
- Who would be three leaders that you admire most? Explain your choices.
- Why would God revoke the kingdom from Saul just for offering some sacrifices?
- Why is being afraid of what other people think so crippling for humans and so dangerous for Christians?
- Is there an area in your life—such as forgiveness, money, or relationships—where you may not be fully obeying God and feel you’re exempt from obeying Him?
- What does your ‘kingdom’ feel like these days? Ask those closest to you about the qualities they see at the core of how you live and lead.
- Jesus came announcing the Kingdom of God. Describe the Kingdom of God that Jesus brings. What matters most in that Kingdom? What matters least? Does this align with your life?
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Recent Sermons
Acts 8:9-25 - Simon put on a good show (literally!), but his heart was full of bitterness. He wasn’t healthy and wasn’t taking the steps to be healthy. What about us today?
Acts 2:40-47 - As a church, we’re taking some time to talk about our vision and strategy. We’re hoping to add clarity to why and how we do what we do in this season.
Psalm 129 is a bit of a nasty Psalm! The writer has been oppressed and doesn’t hold back in expressing what that feels like. You might think being a believer means your troubles disappear, but that has never been the case. The good news is that God is neither blind nor indifferent to our struggles.
Psalm 131 - The Psalms of Ascent have it all: anguish, anger, encouragement, and wild joy. Psalm 131 is all about contentment. Where does contentment come from? What ruins it? What does it feel like? How can I be content in an age where marketing, social media and mirrors breed discontent?
Psalm 133 - The Psalms of Ascent were songs for the journey—worshippers sang them as they travelled together toward Jerusalem and the Temple. These Psalms give voice to the sorts of things that go through worshippers' hearts as they prepare to worship.
Psalm 104 is a song of praise that marvels at the beauty and order of God’s creation. From mountains to seas, seasons to creatures great and small, it reveals a world sustained by His power and care. This psalm invites us to stand in awe, give thanks, and consider our role as stewards of His handiwork.
