9/17 Sermon on David, Part 1

In embarking on a new series about the important Old Testament figure of David, The Family Church's senior pastor Philip Griffin delivered a message titled The Heart That God Chooses and, relying primarily on passages from the book of 1 Samuel, Chapters 10-17 as well as from Acts 13:22 and Psalms 51:10, contrasted the responses of Saul and David to God's calling upon them to be the first king of Israel...

As 1 Samuel 17:7 explains, God looks at the hearts of people, not their outward appearance.  And how does one's heart manifest itself to the Lord?  Pastor Philip delineated fours ways: a willingness to wait, a desire to obey, a bold faith, and genuine repentance.  Saul wouldn't wait a day or two for Samuel to make the required sacrifice to God, but David was willing to wait many years after his anointing to finally become king.  Saul's disobedience in this matter is contrasted with how God saw David, testifying that "he will do everything I want him to do".  When the Philistines presented the giant Goliath as their champion, Saul shrank back in fear caused by lack of faith, but David stepped forward and proclaimed God...not himself...as the champion on his side.  And as for repentance, Saul would often back down in sorrow from his wrongful actions...but only temporarily.  David, himself flawed, however was true in his repentance...particularly in the affair of Bathsheba and Uriah...

No, it's not like it was three thousand years ago and I doubt that anyone reading this is dealing with their proper role as a warrior/king on a brutal battlefield.  But in our daily lives we are confronted constantly with situations that can challenge our patience, our obedience to God, and our faith...while calling us to humbly repent whenever we transgress.  Let us be people whose hearts speak to God!

For the Biblical passages used in Philip's message, I invite you to use the search engine on the Bible Gateway site through the following link: [link].  And you can view this sermon off the church's YouTube video website...here's a link to it: [link].  The Family Church, at 2022 SW 122nd Street in western Gainesville, holds its Sunday morning services at 9:30 and 11...