Questions of Conscience and Love

Lee Campbell

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

The practice of eating meat sacrificed to idols does not seem relevant to us today, but the principle of living under the Law of Love does still apply.  The law of Love should drive our decision-making about what we allow and don't allow.  We should voluntarily constrain our freedoms for the benefit of others.

The Kindness of the King

Scott Risley

2 Samuel 9

The kindness King David showed to Jonathan's son Mephibosheth is a picture of God's grace. Just as King David searched for and called Mephibosheth and gave him abundant gifts and honor, so does God seek, call and give extravagantly to all who respond to Him.

Two Lost Sons

Patrice McCormac

Luke 15:11-132

The parable of the prodigal son is really about the extravagant love of the father. Jesus is reproaching the self-righteous Pharisees for thinking their moral righteousness is what gets them right with God instead of the humble repentance eventually displayed by the younger son

Mephibosheth: A Lesson In God's Grace

James Rochford

2 Samuel 9

The story of Mephibosheth is a lesson in God's grace. God in His grace pursues us even though we have done nothing to deserve His gifts. We deserve death but He gives us everlasting life. His grace blows away our anticipations.

God's Lovingkindness

Conrad Hilario

2 Samuel 9

God's lovingkindness can transform us by inspiring our loyalty, by inspiring grateful trust, and by liberating us from envy. Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, knew that he deserved nothing good from King David, but David lavished him with blessings because he had made a covenant with Jonathan to take care of Jonathan's family when he became king.

Loving God with All Your Heart

James Rochford

2 Samuel 5-6

Loving God with all your heart involves letting yourself display emotions. David's source of his passion was his deep trusting relationship he had with God. His wife, Michal, on the other hand kept aloof, allowed hard-heartedness to take root, leading her to develop a twisted narrative of David's joyous dancing before the Lord.

He's My Neighbor?

Patrice McCormac

Luke 10:25-38

With the sea of complex needs surrounding us, it is easy and tempting to just keep on walking past people in need. This parable is a challenging call to action. God has placed you where you are today and He will make you adequate and work through your weaknesses to love your neighbors as yourself.

The Friendship of David and Jonathan

Conrad Hilario

1 Samuel 18-20

The deep relationship David and Jonathan shared was based on a love and trust in God. They both put God first before anything else. They also both shared the three traits of a friendship of constancy, transparency and generosity. Rather than looking for a friend like Jonathan, try becoming a friend like Jonathan! But remember you can't have a friendship like their's unless you put God at the center.

Spiritual Friendships

Scott Risley

1 Samuel 18-20

Spiritual friendships are impossible if there is unbridled anger or envy present. Replace the fear underlying the anger and envy with service. If you are under attack from an angry person, first, get out of an unsafe situation. Then, try to do good and be humble, and let the situation fuel your prayer life. Spiritual friendships take initiative, encouragement plus affection, and sacrifice plus vulnerability.