South Lansing Christian Church

Prince Rehoboam listened to his friends instead of wise advisors, and his decision led him to be king over a much smaller kingdom. The decisions you and I make today have the potential to change our future, for good or bad. It’s on us to be sure that we’re seeking wisdom in our decision-making!

Solomon became famous for his wealth and his wisdom, but throughout his reign, Solomon ignored God and took shortcuts. In the end, God pronounced judgement upon him. Today we too are tempted to take shortcuts and ignore God as we try to build our own kingdoms. In contrast to that, Jesus calls his followers to give up their lives for his sake, and in return find salvation.

2 Samuel gives us two opposing views of the life of David. On one hand he can chase after God’s own heart, especially in the story of Mephibosheth. On the other hand, he can forget everything about God and be selfish, which leads to actions that don’t bring glory to God. We can have a heart for God or a heart for ourselves. Our actions show where our heart is. We need to die to ourselves to live God’s heart.

David was given the opportunity to easily eliminate Saul twice: once in a cave and once at night in Saul’s camp. In both instances, David chose to honor God’s anointed, and to wait on God’s timing. He knew what we need to learn today: that God is the ultimate check on human power.

Hannah’s prayer at the beginning of I Samuel reminds us that no matter who our rulers are, God alone has sovereignty. This was a message the Israelites would be reminded of over and over again during their monarchy period, and it’s a message we need reminding of today as well. Humans are fallible. God is not.

Hannah’s prayer at the beginning of I Samuel reminds us that no matter who our rulers are, God alone has sovereignty. This was a message the Israelites would be reminded of over and over again during their monarchy period, and it’s a message we need reminding of today as well. Humans are fallible. God is not.

Ruth was the ultimate outsider – a Moabite, an enemy of God’s people, excluded from their assembly by Torah. Yet, she chose to follow Naomi and to look for belonging among God’s people. Her example shows us that outsiders are given a chance to belong among the people of God, but it takes work – on our part, on their part, and on God’s part.

We all want a place to belong. But, to truly find community, it’s going to cost us. Deep community in God’s church means that we’re more than just attenders – we’re members of a rich and vibrant local body of believers. That status comes with great privileges, and great responsibility.

We all want a place to belong. But, to truly find community, it’s going to cost us. Deep community in God’s church means that we’re more than just attenders – we’re members of a rich and vibrant local body of believers. That status comes with great privileges, and great responsibility.

It only takes one person to mess things up for everyone. In any community, one person’s misdeeds can have serious repercussions for the whole group. On the other hand, it only takes one person to improve a relationship, and one person’s actions can help our church become a more welcoming place where people can belong.

We sometimes think that God shows his approval to Christians, churches, or Christian organizations by increasing their wealth or power. The New Testament is pretty clear though – instead of wealth and power being signs of approval, they are a liability and a responsibility. They should be handled with care.

We assume that faith will make life easier and more comfortable. When the opposite happens, our faith can be challenged. Hebrews 11 shows us that our heroes of the faith did not live comfortable lives. Instead, their eyes were fixed on a prize that they never fully realized during their earthly live.

All too often, we become attached to things of this world including our patriotism. When we lose sight of who we are, we become prideful, judgmental, and fearful. 1 Peter will be our guide to help us know we are called out of darkness and made into a spiritual temple. WE are a people who “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:17)

At one time or another, each of us has firmly believed a lie. When it comes to faith, we also can be confused about the truth. Sometimes we even intentionally seek out falsehoods. In response to this tendency, Paul tells Timothy to keep a clear mind, to not avoid suffering, to proclaim the gospel, and to carry out his ministry.

At one time or another, each of us has firmly believed a lie. When it comes to faith, we also can be confused about the truth. Sometimes we even intentionally seek out falsehoods. In response to this tendency, Paul tells Timothy to keep a clear mind, to not avoid suffering, to proclaim the gospel, and to carry out his ministry.

As we finish our journey with Paul, there are many things Paul that have come to the surface. This week we look at all things Paul and how we put them into our lives. We need to live like Paul did where the gospel was everything!

The Thessalonian church was worried about their saints who had passed away before Christ’s return. Paul encouraged them with words from Jesus himself. When we face loss and grief today, our response should be the same: encourage one another with Scripture.

Brian Baldwin, Dean of Students at Great Lakes Christian College, shares with us today.

Patience, Kindness, Forgiveness.

Freedom makes us assume there are no limits, but true freedom in Christ is much different. It requires us to submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It demands that we look out for the well-being of others.