Ines Franklin

It is easy to be anxious in times of uncertainty. What does it look like when we let God be our guide?

When Jesus says that he is the "True vine.." he is comparing himself to the failures of man- but unlike man- He is always fruitful... What does this mean for us?

"The Way, The Truth, The Life" is one of the most powerful statements from Jesus. It is often regarded as a statement of exclusivity, but what is the real message?

Passover is an important part of biblical history for God's chosen people- it was also a reminder to the world the God's power was greater than the power of any king or idol.

God wishes to nourish our lives since we hunger to be fulfilled. What does satisfying this hunger look like when we walk with Him?

Sometimes the things we count on as being secure fail- however, the security we have in Christ is unfailing

We welcome babies with great anticipation, just like how God welcomes children reborn in His name. What does it mean to be a child of God?Adoption video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cPtcjWwWzw 

Those who live by the holy spirit have their mind on things of the spirit. How do we get directions from the spirit of Christ?

We no that communion is an important tradition, but why do we do it?

We don't need convincing that kindness is good, but how do we find kindness that is consistent?

Love is essential for our well-being- how do we have an understanding of love through the eyes of God?

We know that we can achieve who God wants us to be by living in community and now we can focus on joining Christ in life on mission. How do we focus on serving those outside our community?MLK Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=qyDiPttOmH4 

We have learned that we are supposed to grow in our walk with God, but we aren't meant to do it alone. What does it mean to do life together in community?

We have a natural desire for growth- to improve ourselves. Though there are many directions that the world gives on how to satisfy this desire, we can look to scripture for the true answer

Gratitude has the power to heal our hearts and scripture can guide us

God has many titles- "Wonderful Counselor" "Everlasting Father". We can learn more about God by understanding His titles. What does "Mighty God" mean for us?

The salvation of Christ allows us to start over when we have fallen- how do we keep ourselves from falling again?

We all face temptation at one point or another. We look at the story of David's fall to learn of the damage so that we can choose a different path.

We want a fruitful life that has purpose. How do we find joy in the purpose of God's plan for us?

In the parable of sowing seeds- the "seed" is the word of God. How do we make it so that the soil of our hearts is fruitful?

We all need hope and encouragement- inspiring stories of faith can give them to us

What is knowledge without wisdom? -Where do we find it?Link to Relevant Clip Referenced in the Sermon:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_akwHYMdbsM

Change is a mixed bag- How are we supposed to walk with God during uncertain times? 

What is the benefit if we learn to listen better? What do or don't we gain from listening?

Through the words of Paul we are inspired to live for more than what is fleeting

What does it mean to respond to hostility with faithfulness?

What is God telling us when we meet with Him? We explore the different ways we can meet with Him

We cannot add a single hour to our day- How can we change our view of time so that we are fulfilled with joy in our life?

What should our goal be for our spiritual journey?

Only our savior knows everything. We don't need more information for our minds, we need to inform our hearts.

Parents want to give their children a sense of identity. What is the identity that God has given us?

After the fall of man, our world was no longer operating according to God's plan. Where does that leave us now and what is his plan for us?

Last words are important- What was Jesus saying with his last words?

Our view of God can sometime be smaller than what it should be- until we examine our Savior's sacrifice up close

People tend to dislike things that are fake- How can we be real Christians when the world needs us?

God is the great "I am", -Jesus is the shepherd and the gate.Referenced video of Jesus the gatekeeper:https://vimeo.com/47506129 

What is God's desire for us as our heavenly father and Jesus as the good shepherd? 

Just even a little bit of light illuminates the darkness in our broken world

Hunger is a powerful feeling- What do we hunger for that is leaving us unfulfilled?

Appreciating the unity in a united spiritual family and focusing on what it takes to work towards it

Looking at the game-changing power of the Holy Spirit

A Divine appointment When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” John 4:7 GOD’S GREAT GIFT Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” John 4:10 Human doubt GRACE: The gift that transforms! Receiving the gift of Grace 25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” John 4:25-26 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see...” John 4:28-30 [Jesus] left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. 4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. John 4:1-6 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— Ephesians 2:8 Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him GRACE: The gift that must be passed on 39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” John 4:39 were later to receive. John 7:37-39 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” John 4:11-12 “...believe me...a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” John 4:21-23

Does God need a name? Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your ancestors, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates River and worshiped other gods. Joshua 24:2 Not all “gods” are the same For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), yet for us there is but one God... 1 Corinthians 8:5-6 What is his name? Moses said to God, “Suppose…they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” Exodus 3:13 I AM or I will be = ehyeh God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14 HE IS = YHWH, Tetragrammaton translated in English as “LORD” God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.” Exodus 3:15 YHWH + Jireh (Will Provide), Rapha (Heals You), y Nissi (Is My Banner) Other names in Hebrew: Elohim (God), El Elyon (The Most High God), Adonai (Lord, Master, Sovereign), El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty), El Olam (The Everlasting God), El Qanna (Jealous God); in Greek: Logos (Word of God), Alpha and Omega (The First and the Last). It’s His identity and His character Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” Genesis 34:5-7 The name that saves Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. Joel 2:32 Jesus, the physical embodiment of YHWH himself “A Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11 “I have made you [your name] known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” John 17:26 Jesus = Yeshua, the Lord saves Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 Jesus is the Lord God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” Matthew 6:9 How to respond to God’s name? Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. Genesis 34:8

THE VERY BEST GIFT Luke 2:22-40 God’s very best gift ...the grace of God was on him... Luke 2:40 forgiveness of sins This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 eternal life The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 Embrace the unexpected Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:33-36 Looking at the New Year quite differently People who believed God’s promises: Joseph and Mary: obedience immediate self-gratification vs. trusting in the Lord Simeon: faithful expectation ...was righteous and devout...was waiting...and the Holy Spirit was on him...revealed to him by the Holy Spirit...moved by the Spirit, he went...took him in his arms and praised God... Luke 2:25-28 anticipating salvation Sovereign Lord...”my eyes have seen your salvation....” Luke 2:29 accepting division “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many...” Luke 2:34 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord... and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Luke 2:22-24 Anna: belief in the Lord a prophet...never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying Luke 2:36-37 grateful for redemption ...she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38

Obsessed with shiny stuff, deep thirst revealed As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Psalm 42:1 The unexpected reality of Christmas: 1. God’s glory revealed An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them… Luke 2:9 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14 2. To the weak and powerless And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. Luke 2:8 • Outsiders, poor, despised, low-class, outcasts …they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. Luke 2:9-10a God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 1 Corinthians 1:28-29 3. It’s Good News! I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:10b-11 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 4. Through a child This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12 [Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing…being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:6-7 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 Responding to the unexpected Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14 Curiosity When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2:15 Praise The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:20 Christmas shines: Lord, I need you! All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24

I love you thiiiiiiiis much! God’s favor, name by name Luke 1:26-28 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The greatest birth announcement ever! The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:30-33 Promised long ago “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 A child like no other For to us a child is born …he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom…forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” Luke 1:34 God’s love on display “For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:37 • Grace-bestowed charitoo = to grace, highly honor or greatly favor In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:4-6 • Beyond measure …neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 • Among us This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:10 Love overcomes all fear “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. 1 John 4:18

When waiting gets old Promise made “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God… A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. …the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.’” Isaiah 40:1,3-5 “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me…” Malachi 3:1 What are you hoping for? Promise fulfilled Luke 1:5-24 Chose Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. …he was chosen by lot… Luke 1:6-7, 9 Prayer heard But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. Luke 1:13 Joy and delight He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord …he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. Luke 1:14-16 Choose your response Luke 1:18-25 Zechariah, doubt: “How can I be sure of this? Elizabeth, gratitude: “The Lord has done this for me...” Prepare to be surprised God’s timing is perfect “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9 God is your strength “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31

Our last sane moment… Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 The enemy of gratitude The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 • Is God good? “Did God really say…?” Genesis 3:1 • Is God truthful? “You will not certainly die.” Genesis 3:4 • Is God powerful? “you will be like God” Genesis 3:5 Ingratitude = failure or refusal to acknowledge receipt of something good from another The result of ingratitude At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. … So they hid from the LORD God… Genesis 3:7-8 NLT For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16 A good thanksgiving, for all your days Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Gratitude protects your heart 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves…clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts…And always be thankful. Colossians 3:12-15 “I don’t need it.” I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. Philippians 4:11 The joy of gratitude Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17

David’s heart ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ Acts 13:22 David’s last words: When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. 1 Kings 2:1 • Be strong “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man…” 1 Kings 2:2 “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you….” 1 Chronicles 28:20 I need You Lord…Lord, I need You Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. 2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2 Immanuel, God with you “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me…the Spirit of truth. …he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:1, 15-17 • Commit wholeheartedly “…learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you…” 1 Chronicles 28:9-10 NLT Shalom: peace, whole, nothing missing, nothing broken • Commit wholeheartedly, Continued… Good, good Father You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you... Psalm 63:1 I love you Lord, and I lift my voice… “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 • Walk in obedience “... and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations...” 1 Kings 2:3 Search me, O God Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me…. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Psalm 51:10,12 NLT What a beautiful name it is, the name of Jesus! “…As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples…” John 13:34-36 God’s heart “…Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.” 1 kings 2:3 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

"Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves." –Confucius After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the Desert of En Gedi.”2 So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men… 1 Samuel 24:1-2 2 I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. 3 He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me – God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. Psalm 57:2-3 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Psalm 142:6 He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” 1 Samuel 24:3-4a Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the LORD.” 1 Samuel 24a-6 38 …“you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel…so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them…and will be consecrated to your God.’” Numbers 15:38-40 tzitzit Make tassels on the four corners of the cloak you wear. Deuteronomy 22:12 “This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you… 13 As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you.” 1 Samuel 24:10, 13 “May the LORD be our judge and decide between us. May he consider my cause and uphold it; may he vindicate me by delivering me from your hand.” 1 Samuel 24:15 Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. 2 Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. …22 LORD, you have seen this; do not be silent. Do not be far from me, Lord. 23 Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. Psalm 35:1-3,22-23 17 “You are more righteous than I,” he said. “You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly. 18 You have just now told me about the good you did to me; the LORD delivered me into your hands, but you did not kill me.” 1 Samuel 24:17-18 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:19-21 19 When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the LORD reward you well for the way you treated me today.” 1 Samuel 24:16-19 What story do you want to tell?

…the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart… 1 Samuel 13:14 God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do. Acts 13:22 NLT Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 לֵבָב > ♥ Hebrew lebab = the inner center of thought, will, emotion, passion (courage) and spirit – INNER BEIGN~ Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Sokoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Sokoh and Azekah. Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines. 3 The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them. 1 Samuel 17:1-3 PHOTO: Valley of Elah A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span. 5 He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels; 6 on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. 7 His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer went ahead of him. …For forty days, the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand. 1 Samuel 4-7,16 PHOTO: Andre the Giant PHOTO: Robert Wadlow PHOTO: David and Goliath illustration Awesome physical stature maturity, battle experience over 200 lbs. of metal armor, bronze javelin, spear with a massive iron point Jesse had eight sons… David was the youngest. The three oldest followed Saul, but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. 1 Samuel 17:12-15 Youth, good looks shepherd skills, experience in killing wild beasts a wooden staff, five smooth stones, a sling Now Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. 18 Take along these ten cheeses to the commander of their unit. See how your brothers are and bring back some assurance from them. 19 They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.” 1 Samuel 17:17-19 “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 1 Samuel 17:26 He said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 “Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!” 1 Samuel 17:43-44 What is battle you are fighting at this time? “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 1 Samuel 17:45 This very day… All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:46-47 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14 The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes. Deuteronomy 1:30 David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. 1 Samuel 17:50 Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1b-2a NLT For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:4-5 NLT God sees God loves God fights