Sermon: Courageous in the Victory of God

Listen to this 17-minute update on what's in store this month at Seven Mile Melrose.  Info on the Melrose Bike parade: https://www.sevenmilemelrose.com/servingatmelrosecommonFind a small group to join on July 6, email [email protected] on the Women's Summer Series: https://www.sevenmilemelrose.com/womenssummerseries

Psalm 84 Have you ever stopped to consider what makes you truly happy? What is it that makes your day or week or life truly blessed? What do you truly long for that doesn’t let you down?As we begin our Summer in the Psalms this Sunday, we’ll hear who the Psalmist says are the truly blessed ones today, tomorrow, and forever. And we’ll find out that they are those who dwell in the house of the Lord, those whose strength is in God, and those who trust in the Lord.

This Sunday, we’re looking at the moment when David’s sin comes to light—when God, in his kindness, exposes what he tried so hard to keep hidden. We’ll see that God’s integrity is rock solid: he’s always consistent with who he says he is, even when we’re not, and that’s both sobering and profoundly hopeful for people like us who know our own inconsistencies. Come ready to be honest about your heart and find that trusting in the consistency of Jesus is God’s path to real forgiveness, healing, and peace.

This Sunday, we’ll see King David foolishly believe sin’s lies after a long season of living under God’s rule and reign. After sinning greatly in taking what isn’t his, David uses all of his power and might, not to run to God, but to attempt to hide what he’s done. In doing so, sin’s deceit and destruction become apparent... as well as the reality that only God’s True King can cover sin.2 Samuel 11

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Have you ever been shamed or humiliated for following Jesus? Have you ever been opposed for following God’s King? Have you ever needed courage to fight? This week, as we spend time in 2 Samuel 10, we’ll see that you’re not alone. Even more, we’ll see God’s goodness give his people courage and hope ... and we’ll consider how the same is true for us in Jesus.2 Samuel 10

2 Samuel 9When we’re honest about who we are, where we come from, and what we have to offer to God, our prospects don’t look very good. Questions come to mind that make us wonder how God will treat us: What about all the bad I’ve done? What about how little I have to offer? What about my weakness?But this week, we’ll see God’s King’s kindness to one who should have been an enemy. We’ll see God’s King extend abundant kindness that never could have been earned, with all of it pointing to our own situation. All of it making clear the greatness of Christ’s kindness that welcomes us to Christ’s table.

What would happen if God gave you a great victory in life? How would you respond? What would that blessing be for? This Sunday, we’ll see what happens in David’s life as God keeps his promises and gives him victory after victory in battle. Most importantly, though, we see that victory isn’t for victory’s sake. In Jesus, we too have victory, and those victories are for the glory of God, the good of others, and your joy.2 Samuel 8

David wants to honor God with a house. Instead, the Lord God blesses David with undeserved promises for the good of David and all humanity. This is how God intends for his people to live, then and now: by trusting in his gracious promises.This is how God teaches David to honor him, not by building a house but by trusting him as the God who makes and keeps his promises.God wants us to honor him in this way: by trusting in his promises through David’s greater son, Jesus our King.

Gathering as Gospel Communities on May 25email [email protected] to connect with a GC on this daySMR101 Membership ClassMore info and to RSVP here:https://www.sevenmilemelrose.com/101nightsBaptismIf you are interested in being baptised this spring, please fill out the following to start a conversation with Pastor Justinhttps://sevenmileroadcentral.wufoo.com/forms/spfc2341mk6a3q/