Follow Jesus For Life

“Jesus is LORD!” was a dangerous and subversion declaration in the 1st Century. It remains the same today. We consider how our primary allegiance to Jesus overrides all other commitments, especially those to modern day political leaders and the “cults of personality” that have grown around them. There are many false teachers who seek to…

We consider part of the ethics of The Kingdom – The Way of the Kingdom – in Luke 6 and the “Sermon on the Plain.” Jesus calls us to a high standard of excellence in truth, grace, mercy, forgiveness, humility in His “Upside-Down Kingdom.” Download the notes from this session HERE.

In our second session, we consider Jesus’ first words – an invitation to The Kingdom – in Mark 1. This section outlines a series of things we must do to orient ourselves to the Way of Jesus: Hear >> Turn >> Trust >> Follow Download the notes from this session HERE.

This will be an 8 week series over the Summer of 2026. The theme will be On to Maturity: Following Jesus In Troubled Times. We will look at some of Jesus’ fundamental teachings and how they are repeated, amplified, applied in the New Testament letters. We begin our study by setting the stage in Hebrews…

We see the end of David’s life and Solomon taking David’s throne. Although Adonijah – technically the next in line in order of succession – presumes that he will take David’s place, it is made clear that Solomon was already chosen. We also briefly consider the role of Davidic Promises in later history of the…

In the final two chapters of 2 Samuel, we complete the series of “mirrored” narratives (chiastic pattern) that present David as King, Prophet and Priest – the prototype for all kings who come after him. The LORD YHWH had continually been the source of David’s salvation. But the LORD provided through David’s mighty men and…

In the final chapters of 2 Samuel, we have a series of narratives and poems that focus us on the key theological themes of the Book. The central theme is that the LORD has given his steadfast, loyal, covenant-love to David FOREVER. We consider this in terms of the LORD’s protection given to David through…

Sheba leads a short lived, finally rebellion against David that is quelled by Joab. In the final chapters of 2 Samuel, we have a series of narratives and poems that focus us on the key theological themes of the Book. The central theme is that the LORD has given his steadfast, loyal, covenant-love to David…

Joab kills Absalom and David mourns his death to such an extent that it puts him out of favor with his people. The people of Israel decide to accept David as King again but Judah is reluctant. The rift between the Northern Tribes and Judah sets the stage for a final, short lived rebellion against…

David gets the news that his son Absalom is leading a conspiracy against him and so he mournfully flees Jerusalem. But David leaves spies in place to inform him of Absalom’s plans. Even one of David’s wisest counselors – Ahithophel – joins the rebellion. In answer to David’s prayer, Hushai gives an alternative plan to…

Amnon – David’s firstborn – rapes his half sister Tamar. Absalom – David’s 3rd born and Tamar’s full brother – murders Amnon and flees Jerusalem. Just as the LORD had said, violence would enter David’s house. After a period of exile and alienation, David allows Absalom’s return but not to the royal household. Although David…

David commits two sins punishable by death: adultery with Bathsheba and murdering her husband Uriah. Although there are terrible consequences for David’s not respecting the the word of the LORD, the LORD puts David sin away and releases him from the penalty of death.

The LORD YHWH gives David victory in all his battles and allows him to expand the territory and wealth of his Kingdom. In fulfillment of his promises, David shows faithful, loyal love – hesed – to lame Mephibosheth for the sake of his father Jonathan.

The LORD YHWH makes promises to David in 2 Samuel 7 that establish the “House of David.” These promises amplify the Abrahamic Promises. They also set the foundation for many of the meditations in the Psalms and the basis of Hope in the Prophets. This is one of the most significant and important chapters in…

After the murder of Ish-bosheth, David is anointed as King over all Israel and Judah. David takes Jerusalem and moves the Ark there, but not without a disastrous failure. As the LORD gives David victory over his enemies, in his own house there are those who despise him. As David begins his reign in victory…

Even though David is anointed King in Judah, Abner tries to install Saul’s son Ish-bosheth as king over the rest of Israel. Because of Ish-bosheth’s incompetence, Abner swings his allegiance to David but is murdered by Joab the leader of David’s forces. Even though David’s reign begins with many challenges, he remains faithful to the…

As David rescues his family from an Amalekite raiding party, Saul and his sons are killed by the Philistines. When David gets the news, he laments the deaths of Saul and Jonathan.

Realizing that Saul will not relent in trying to kill him, David goes – once again – to Achish in Gath. This time, the Philistine King takes David in because he is a fugitive outlaw. David deceives Achish in his intentions in order to accomplish his own purposes. In the meantime, Saul consults a medium…

Saul has Doeg the Edomite slaughter the priests and all in the city of Nob for helping David – an unthinkably treacherous sin. He then continues to pursue David. But the LORD continually helps David escape. Even when David has two chances to kill Saul, he acts righteously, knowing that it is not his right…

In jealousy and fear, Saul turns on David and starts to conspire in ways to kill him. All those who love David – Michal and Jonathan – help him escape Saul’s treachery. When it is clear that Saul is not going to relent, David begins his “wilderness wanderings.”

In the most “famous” chapter of 1 Samuel, David defeats the giant Philistine Goliath and wins the favor of Saul and Israel. Yet Saul, in his jealousy, soon turns on David to try to kill him or ensnare him.

Saul rebels against the Word of the LORD and Samuel pronounces the LORD’s final judgment against him: “For you have rejected the Word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel.” In the background, David, son of Jesse, – “a man after the LORDs own heart” is anointed to…

As Saul acts presumptuously and foolishly, his son Jonathan leads the nation to victory. These chapters summarize the events that lead to the downfall and rejection of Saul as King.

The LORD’s choice of Saul as the first King of Israel is confirmed with signs given through Samuel. Yet, Saul is reluctant to take on his responsibility. Nevertheless, in his first major test as King, the LORD grants Saul victory over the Ammonites. Finally, Samuel encourages the people to remain faithful to the LORD so…

Samuel leads the people in a time of turning back to the LORD and the LORD delivers Israel from the Philistines. But in time, Israel demands a King so that they can be “like the other nations.” Even after a stern warning from Samuel, the people will not relent and continue to demand a King.…