- Aug 15, 2021Flawed Heroes Part 5: Samson The Passionate Prodigal
Flawed Heroes Part 5: Samson The Passionate ProdigalSamson, a man blessed with many gifts from God, set apart for the Glory of God, lives a life completely in pursuit of his own passions. In the process of living for himself, Samson manages to break every one of the tenets of the Nazarite Vow; stay away from dead things, stay away from alcohol, and do not cut your hair. In doing so, Samson shows himself to be in complete rebellion and opposition to God. Yet, God continues to spare him discipline or punishment and blesses him and makes him judge of Israel for 20 years. Eventually God must get Samson's attention but even then there is redemption. The story of Samson isn't about a strong hero who conquerors in God's name. It's the story of a deeply sinful prodigal who receives the grace and mercy of a good, loving, and patient God. No matter how far you fall, you're never to far from the redemption of God.
- Aug 1, 2021Flawed Heroes Part 4: Abimelech The Betrayer
Flawed Heroes Part 4: Abimelech The Betrayer
Abimelech conspires with his mother to kill 70 of his brothers and take over as leader of Israel. He makes and alliance with the pagan city state of Shechem and then with their approval kills all 70 of his brothers by beheading them all on one stone. Can you imagine what kind of evil must be in one's heart to behead 70 of your brothers. Brothers who you grew up with, played with, and at one point loved. And in doing so he unashamedly betrays the legacy of his father Gideon. Abimelech is clearly willing to do whatever it takes to be the ruler. Selfish ambition is willing to do whatever it takes... even very evil things.
So why does God use this evil man? Because God is always in control and his plan is always to free his people! No other Judge illustrates our main theme more than Abimelech... God uses flawed people to free people. God even uses evil people. Why? Because God is sovereign over evil. Psalm 103:19 tells us that the Lord has established and rules over all. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that man has plans but the lord will stand. And of course Romans 8:28 gives us the promise that God works all things together for the good of his people and his will. God takes evil people and evil intentions and somehow supernaturally uses it to accomplish his will. And so again we look at the words of Joseph in Genesis 50:20 what you meant it for evil God meant it for good. Abimelech, what you meant for evil... God meant for good! It truly is amazing... One of the greatest miracles is the fact that God takes our selfish ambition and sinful actions and uses them to achieve his sovereign plan.
- Jul 25, 2021Flawed Heroes Part 3: Gideon The Sign Seeker
Flawed Heroes Part 3: Gideon The Sign SeekerJesus said that only an evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign. Is asking God for a sign wrong? In a sense. If you already have enough evidence to believe what you should already believe and yet keep demanding that God prove to you again his faithfulness, you clearly have a lack of faith. A desire for a sign only shows a lack of faith in what you should already believe. Some things should be so abundantly clear that we don't need a sign from God to prove it; namely, God is the one true God, God will go with us, and God will help us overcome our trials and temptations. Are you trusting in God or seeking a sign like Gideon?
- Jul 18, 2021Flawed Heroes Part 2: Deborah The Real Wonder Woman
Flawed Heroes Part 2: Deborah The Real Wonder WomanThe only limiting factor on what a woman can be is the measure of her faith in our God. In this message we discuss Deborah's example as the leader of Israel and how that impacts the conversation about when women can preach and where they can lead.
- Jul 11, 2021Flawed Heroes Part 1: Ehud The King Slayer
Flawed Heroes Part 1: Ehud The King SlayerEvery hero has their flaws. That may come as a surprise or a shock. Many of us don't like seeing the chink in the armor of those we look up to. But, perhaps it is an encouragement. When we see that all heroes, including those in the Bible, have flaws, then we realize that we too, with all of our flaws, can be heroes. God has a plan to use our flaws and weaknesses for his glory and to build his kingdom. He used Ehud, a disabled and dishonored man, to deliver his people and bring revival to the land... he can surely use us. God uses flawed people to free people.