Preparing to Worship on August 31, 2014

Sermon: "A Text that Terrifies"

The preaching passage: 1 Samuel 28:1-31:13

These books trace the rise of kingship in Israel, beginning with Saul and transitioning to Israel's greatest king, David. The story is fraught with ups and downs for the nation, as well as  spectacular displays of righteousness and spectacular forays into sin by the kings themselves. All along, the kingship in Israel directs our gaze to the coming King, who is no mere human king, but is Himself the divine King! The cry of Israel in 1 Samuel 10:24 – "Long live the king!" – was far more significant than they knew. For 2 Samuel 7 tells us of the King who would eventually come, whose throne and Kingdom would be established forever. We know that King to be none other than Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever. So with Israel we cry, "Long live the King!"

This Sunday we'll be looking at the closing chapters of 1 Samuel and the tragic end of Saul's reign. 

Songs we'll sing together include:

"Psalm 100"

“Come Thou Fount” by Robinson & Wyeth (YouTube)

“O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” by Glasser & Wesley (YouTube)

“All I Have Is Christ” by Kauflin (YouTube)

“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” by Townend (YouTube)

“Jesus Paid It All” by Grape, Hall, & Nifong (YouTube)

See you Sunday!