July 26th

1 & 2 Samuel

A Study in Godly Leadership


A Spiritual Leader's Approach to God

2 Samuel 6:1-23


What the Ark of the Covenant represented. (v 1-2) God's presence & blessing on Israel. 1 Samuel 4:4, Exodus 25:21-22, Numbers 7:89


God gave clear guidlines for handling the Ark. (v 3-6)


  1. Casual disregard for God's holiness can have devastating consequesnces. (v 7-10) We don't grasp the idea of God's holiness well. Holiness-absolute moral perfection; transcendant otherness. He wants us to have a relationship with Him on His terms not our terms. Who is to blame for Uzzah's death? God? No, Uzzah?yes, Levites? yes; Kind David-yes
  2. Blessings are available for those who approach God with reverence. (v 11-12)
  3. A spiritual leader must not be more concerned with how he appears to others than to God. (v 13-19)
  4. Those who cannot humble himself before God cannot experience His full blessing. (v 20-23)

July 19th

1 & 2 Samuel

A Study in Godly Leadership


The Nature of Grief

2 Samuel 1:1-27


In Scripture, grief is the deep emotional, physical and spiritual anguish caused by loss. It is a natural response within a fallen world.


Grief in Hebrew:

Tza'ar - pain or sorrow

Yagon - deep anguish


Grief in Greek:

Lupeo - severe sadness; heaviness


  • Grief is not a sin. Even God grieves. John 11:35, Ephesians 4:30, Isaiah 53:3, Genesis 6:6
  • God has appointed times for grief. Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
  • Different people reacts to grief differently. One size does not fit all. 2 Samuel 12:18-23
  • Believers should grief differently than the world-with hope! 1 Thessalonians 4:13
  • Because grief is an emotion, it can spill out under odd circumstances. 2 Samuel 1:19-27 The only way to process grief is to walk through it. 1 Peter 5:7

As the body of Christ, we

need to learn how to

grieve together.

July 12th

Building the Church

(Groundbreaking Day)


Building the church...

  • begins with a focus on the Lord. Psalm 127:1
  • is about more than building a structure. 2 Chronicles 6:18-21
  • requires commitment from everyone. Exodus 35:4-9, 20-21

Depression 

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 1


Who gets depressed? Everyone-all ages, races, education and economic status


Do faithful believers gets depressed? YES

Elijah-1 Kings 19:4, 9-10

Jeremiah-Lamentations 3:1-18

Job-Job 10:18-22

David-Psalm 38:6-8

Solomon-Ecclesiastes 1:1-7


Depression-a disturbance of mood that interfers with daily life and normal functioning for a length of time from weeks to years.  Depression is an illness that affects the total person - physically, emotionally & spiritually


Statistics:

  • 1 in 5 Americans live with mental health conditions
  • 1 in 4 women, 1 in 6 men
  • 50% of all lifetime mental health issues by age 14 & 75% by age 24
  • covid triggered a 25% increase in prevalence of mental health issues

Characteristcs:

  • Melancoly mood or sadness most of the time (for no apparent reason)
  • Felling of guilt or worthlessness
  • Withdraw from people who are close to you
  • Lack of energy; feeling tired all the time
  • Become easily angered, anxious or irritable
  • Significant weight loss or gain
  • Pessimism and indifference
  • Significant change in sleep patterns
  • Unable to concentrate
  • Aches and pains that hove no apparent medical cause
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Some Causes of Depression:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Lack of intimacy with God and sin
  • The stresses of life
  • Medical changes
  • Giving birth
  • Seasonal changes
  • Alcohol and drugs

*The biggest issue in dealing with depression is getting people to recognize that you might need help.*


God wants us to be well

and whole!

Jeremiah 33:3

James 5:13-14, 16

1 Peter 5:7

Psalm 86:5-7

Series

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 2

No one is immune from depression!


Physical vs Spiritual

Physical - Depression is treated with medicine

Spiritual -  Depression is a made up condition "All in your head/ need to get right with God."


The following words are not found in Scripture: depressed/ depression, cancer, COPD, diabetes or heart disease

Medicine - 4 times in Scripture

Doctor - 3 times

Physician - 12 times (NT-Jesus)


Depression is a medical condition that affects people physically, emotionally and spiritually.


Where to turn:

  • The Lord (Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:1-3, Psalm 147:3
  • General Practitioner
  • OB/GYN
  • Counselors
  • Pastor
  • Psychiasrist-Diagnosis/ treatment of mental health disorders & gives out prescriptions/medications

Many of the characteristics of depression can be side effects of the medical issues.


The Road to Healing

  1. Admit your need.  (1 Peter 5:6-7) This is the one problem that pastors deal with.  Admitting that you may be depressed is not a sign of weakness.  It's a sign of being frail and human.
  2. Seek qualified medical assiatance. (Luke 5:31)
  3. Seek the Lord's guidance. (James 4:8, 10)
  4. Seek Godly counsel (Proverbs 19:20-21)

Notes

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 3


Help for the Helpers


Learn about Depression 

2 Timothy 2:15

  • Know the signs
  • Realize the different thought patterns of those with depression. *Positive thinking doesn't work because of chemical changes in their brain.

Encourage treatment  

Hebrews 10:24-25

  • Talk to the person about what you've seen and why you are concerned.
  • Emphasize the possible underlying medical condition.
  • Express your willingness to help (but only if you are able).

Warning signs of worsening  Philippians 2:4

  •  Important: Everyone is different.
  • Typical signs of depression in your family member/friend
  • Behaviors/language when they are doing well
  • Changing circumstances that could trigger more severe episodes

If you see signs...

-Encourage contact with a doctor/ psychatrist.

-Encourage/implement self-care steps.


Recognize suicide risks 

1 Peter 5:8

  • Talking about suicide/ death/not being here
  • Withdrawal
  • Increased usage of drugs/alcohol
  • Giving away things/ setting affairs in order/ saying "Goodbye"

If you see signs...

-Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255

-Seek help. DO NOT KEEP SILENT! Call the doctor. Call family/friends. Call 911.


Provide support

  • Listen/be available
  • Give positive reinforcement
  • Encourage to stick with treatment
  • Make plans together
  • Help them stay connected with church family

Finally: BE PATIENT

1 Corinthians 13:4

Galatians 5:22