The Heavy Hand of a Holy God Text: 1 Samuel 5:1-7:2 Rev. John Downs In the story of the capture of the ark of the covenant by the Philistines, we come to understand that the whole earth belongs to God …
The Heavy Hand of a Holy God Text: 1 Samuel 5:1-7:2 Rev. John Downs In the story of the capture of the ark of the covenant by the Philistines, we come to understand that the whole earth belongs to God …
Glory Presumed and Departed Text: 1 Samuel 4:1b-22 Rev. John Downs Today’s passage treats the end of the era of Eli and his wicked sons, accompanied by the capture of the ark of the covenant by the Philistines in a …
Light Into Darkness Text: 1 Samuel 3:1-4:1a Rev. John Downs At first glance, you might not think that today’s text relates to Christmas or our present time but, on closer examination, it truly does. During the time of the Judges …
Of Sons, Rebuke, and Grace Text: 1 Samuel 2:11-36 Rev. John Downs The contrast between the waning priesthood of Eli and the waxing priesthood of Samuel shows us that it’s possible to be familiar with the word of God but …
Story and Song Text: 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11 Rev. John Downs As the story of God’s people unfolds in the book of Samuel we see that he preserves them through a great deal of conflict in the time of the judges …
The Parable of the Great Banquet Text: Luke 14:12-24 Rev. Peter Green Food and feasting often contribute to the formation of lasting memories. Jesus’ parable today highlights a great banquet, foreshadowing the great marriage supper of the Lamb that all …
Content With Christ Text: 1 Timothy 6:2b-21 Rev. John Downs From false teaching flows discontentment affecting both the individual and the community. The remedy is to find our contentment only in Christ and in the context of community. We do …
Household Honor Text: 1 Timothy 5:1-6:2a Rev. John Downs We in the church are not just a random group of people who cross paths once a week on Sunday. Rather we have been knit together in Christ into a family …
A Promised Departure and a Practical Devotion Text: 1 Timothy 4:1-16 Rev. John Downs Given the reality of deceitful spirits, not all spirituality is necessarily good. In his goodness to his people, God graciously exposes this to us so that …
The Mystery of Godliness Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-16 Rev. John Downs How are we to relate to an unseen God in a culture dominated by the visual? Most comprehensively, in the incarnation, God reveals himself to us in Christ. Beyond …