David now works at a palace where the king – Saul – wants him dead. In his corner David has other members of the royal family, seeking to protect him. But Saul in his paranoia about David, schemes secret ways
A test of leadership
The Israelites have proclaimed Saul as they king they want but is he right for the job? During a probationary period, he needs to be tested and the Lord provides that through a foreign king named “Serpent”. This arrogant usurper
Humpty Dumpty
Israel’s judge of 40 years has fallen: his sons are dead, his daughter-in-law is dead, he is dead. Meanwhile, the Philistines think they have humiliated Israel’s little ‘god in a box’ by taking the golden Ark of the Lord and
Fantasy land
Israel has lived in a fantasy land where they imagine God is on their side but they have actually broken covenant with him. Eli’s family have lived in a fantasy land where they think they are successful but they are
No luck
Israel has failed to keep the covenant God gave to her at Mount Sinai. Yet with corrupt priests overseeing the people, they are utterly ignorant of their sin. This leads them to imagine that the Lord will protect them and
War (HCTW 40)
He Changed The World – for an introduction to this series of talks, please click the title. Mark 10:46-11:11Using the player above you can listen to/download the talk, which also includes the Bible being read out. Once you’ve listened, take
Escape from fear
Photo by Serhii Bondarchuk on pexels: pexels.com/@serhii-bondarchuk-216200266/ These words come from our Autumn 2022 “Contact” leaflet. There are many things to fear in the world. War is on everyone’s mind. But there’s also: the economy; new waves of Covid; social unrest.
Look up!
Jesus is preparing his disciples to stand firm in the catastrophe which is coming to ancient Israel, especially Jerusalem and her temple. They must see, in those future days, that he has ascended to rule from above and is building
Getaway
From Jesus’ ascension until just before the fall of Jerusalem his followers must testify to Israel: tell of what God has done through his Son whom they killed. Some will believe and be saved. But many won’t and the formal
Future worries
In stress-filled times our minds can be disturbed making our responses unreliable. Jesus knows that the four disciples who ask him about the future face just this danger. They have heard him predict the fall of Jerusalem’s temple, which means