Sermon: The Prayers of God’s King

We have no portion in DavidWith these words, Sheba initiates a rebellion against David and divides his kingdom. David’s kingdom can only be fully re-established with the defeat and death of Sheba, signaled by the trumpet blast of Joab.This Sunday, we will see that in this moment, Israel’s unity comes at the cost of one rebel’s life. This points us to the greater reality of God’s grace to us in Christ, who defeated his enemy by giving his one precious life for all rebels who come to him in faith.

What have I done? How can I come back from that? What happens now? These questions flow through the minds of God’s people as the rebellion against King David failed. They are concerned with who the King is, but also how he will feel about them ... especially if they opposed him in any way. This Sunday, we’ll see how David responds to those who were near him and those who were far off. Even more, we’ll see how he points us to Christ’s peace.2 Samuel 19

Listen this month for a special episode all about the upcoming Marriage Retreat! You'll hear what to expect from the sessions, why we are excited about it, who should register, and how to get your ticket! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pursuing-a-god-honoring-marriage-retreat-at-seven-mile-road-church-tickets-1982386908608?aff=oddtdtcreator

2 Samuel 18David’s kingdom is divided. His own son Absalom has raised an army to take the throne. In the chaos, the question is unavoidable: who is really in control? This Sunday we will see that God secures His Kingdom even through our uncertainty, sin, and grief

Have you ever wondered what happens with our prayers? Does God answer them? If so, how does he answer them?This Sunday, we’ll see God answer the prayer that David prayed when he was first on the run from Absalom’s coup. God’s powerful move was David’s only hope, but God heard him and answered ... and he hears and answers our prayers, too.2 Samuel 16.15-17.29

How do I endure the hard consequences of my sin?What helps me endure unjust treatment from others?David is on the run because of the downstream consequences of his own sin.Despite this, God provides nourishment to sustain David so he can endure the Lord’s fatherly discipline.Like David, Christ endured by faith through unjust slander, reviling, and false accusations that led to his death. Unlike David, he did so for the sins of others according to God’s fatherly plan.As those who belong to Christ, we can endure all things by trusting in the character of God revealed to us in the gospel.

2 Samuel 15_Whose favor will I seek? Who will decide what seems good in my life?_ These are big questions that decide a lot about how we live in relation to one another and to God.In this week’s sermon, we’ll see Absalom, back in Jerusalem, making himself seem good as a righteous judge before the people ... all the while, he’s really making a move for the throne against God’s King, David. As King David hears the news, he leaves Jerusalem weeping and resting his hopes on God’s favor to bring about a return. Either way, David is ready to embrace whatever seems good to God.

Listen to hear all about the life of Seven Mile Melrose this month! 

What happens when you have really done it? What happens when you’ve gone one too far too fast and really hurt people? Not just any people, though. You’ve hurt your family, and now you’ve run because it seemed like the only thing you could do. What happens next?This week, we’ll see this exact story play out in King David’s house in 2 Samuel 14 ... and we’ll see the difference it makes to have a good brother who sees his brother’s plight, pleads for him to be welcomed home, and helps him reconcile to the king.2 Samuel 14

2 Samuel 13.23-39What happens when someone sins horribly against another person? Do we take action? Do we stand by? What about when justice doesn’t seem to come? This week, we’ll see Absalom respond to Amnon’s sin against Tamar, as he takes vengeance. Absalom commands his men to make things right ... but they don’t necessarily turn out right. The truth is that vengeance belongs to the Lord, and he repays perfectly