9.1c Becoming a Christian and joining a Church is a serious and life changing commitment, and should not be undertaken lightly. Commitment to a Church as a member involves: i) living a life which is under God’s rule, fulfilling our
A time of transition
Saul sees that David has spared his life again, admits his sin and calls David home. But times have changed and David can no longer be with Saul. He’ll only go home when it’s time for him to take the
Dealing with an enemy
Though Saul became an easy target for David, he didn’t strike the king but let him go free. But now David faces a choice. Does he leave it there, with Saul ignorant of what has happened? Or does he call
A close shave
David’s attitude and thinking are being tested, to see if he is worthy to be the king God is calling him to be. One particular test comes when Saul falls into his hands. David’s men know what to do: strike
Lost potential
Saul is hunting David just as he once hunted donkeys. But, as on that occasion, he finds Samuel instead. His soldiers go to kill David but end up prophesying. When he goes the same happens to him except in a
The robe of humility
Something remarkable occurs after David’s victory over Goliath. Jonathan, whose place as prince regent has been lost by his father’s disobedience, gives loving loyalty to David, the man who has displaced him. In a stunning demonstration of humility, Jonathan places
Stick and stones
David goes into his fight with Goliath in a way no-one else expects, with weapons seeming incapable of taking down the heavily protected warrior apart from some incredible luck. But David isn’t relying on luck. He goes trusting his God
A prince for Israel
Unexpected by him but planned by God, Saul has met Samuel. Now, with careful privacy, Samuel prepares Saul to be a leader in Israel. He’ll be more than a judge but he’s not called as king by Samuel and, ideally,
Benjamin’s family
The citizens of Israel have insisted on having a king like other nations. But their feelings will mislead them. Their folly will centre on a family from the strong but stubborn tribe of Benjamin. A mighty man from the tribe,
This is the end?
Sabbath has passed, a new week begins and on it God blows life into the new creation. The women who go to honour Jesus’ corpse, find the tomb unlocked and a stranger present. They came to find a crucified man,