In Sermons: showing 16-30 of 65

Dealing With Failure Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Oct 5, 2001

When Saul made mistakes in judgment or sinned, he had the pattern of making things hard for himself by overlooking them or blaming others instead of coming back to the heart of the matter and doing the simple things God wants most.

And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan. 1 Samuel 14:44 30 Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God. 31 So Samuel turned again ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

One Man's Influence Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Oct 5, 2001

Saul’s failure to address his own heart and it’s lust get to the heart of the matter why God’ prefered David’s heart to his.

And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD. 1 Samuel 15:13 Rejection is one of the most common things we face, yet it is perhaps the most difficult obstacle we must regularly overcome. It is also one of the things ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:1-35

Denomination: Baptist

Honor, Humility, And Faith Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Oct 5, 2001

David’s life shows how important our brokenness in confession and prayer is to God.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Everything favored David’s success: He was a brilliant organizer He was a brilliant manager He was a brilliant planner He was a brilliant battlefield commander He was also very human. Three Major Failures in David’s ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

God's Favorite Things Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Oct 5, 2001

When God saw David as a man after His own heart, he noticed three important character traits He still values today: spirituality, humility, and integrity.

The LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people. From 1 Samuel 13:14 What does God look for in our hearts? I Spirituality A. A life alive with His Spirit B. God is looking for men and women whose hearts are completely His for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:14

Denomination: Baptist

High Noon Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Oct 5, 2001

Honoring God in all the areas of his life had the unexpected result of uniquely preparing David to kill the giant Goliath.

And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. 1 Samuel 17:44 It was as if the sheriff had never come back to fight the battle in “High Noon,” and a local had saved the town. Contrasts in Character: David and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:1-58

Denomination: Baptist

Not Quite Robin Hood Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Oct 5, 2001

The story of Nabal illustrates the value of knowing when to act and when to practice patience.

Where do you turn when the bottom falls out? David +Was hurting enough that he couldn’t hide his needs +Was honest enough to cry out for help +Was humble enough to learn from God +Was pointing others to God (Ps. 34:19; 57; 142) Nabal +A man “heavy” with money (25:2) +Lived his life as if there ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 25:1-44

Denomination: Baptist

When It's No Fun Anymore Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Oct 5, 2001

David developed his faith by necessity as God allowed other helpful resources to go by the wayside.

1 Samuel records for us that David had five great resources during the early part of his life, resources that we might find God giving us too. +A good position (18:5) +A good wife (19:11-14) +A good influence from God (19:18-19) +A good friend (18:1-4) +A good dose of self-respect (17:31-37) One ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Awakening Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Sep 20, 2001

Just as Saul was called out of fear to take his place of leadership, so we too are being called by God to awake from slumber and take our place in these days crying out for leadership.

Introduction: Saul’s personality was energized when the Spirit of God gripped him. He changed from the cowardly king hiding in the baggage (10:20-22) to a bold man of action (11:5-7). Just as he awoke and took his place, we too must awake to God’s hand on our lives. These difficult days in our ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The View From On Top Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Aug 31, 2001

Saul found the view from the palace great, but the responsibilites were greater than his heart allowed him to enjoy.

And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. 1 Samuel 13:7 It’s great to be on top… You see what others only wish to You know what it was like to be really there You decide what others will ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

It's Amazing What You Might Find Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Aug 31, 2001

As Saul was surprized by God’s selection of him as king, we too may be surprized by the opportunitites God brings our way as we use the situations He puts us in.

“I being in the way, the LORD led me” From Genesis 24:27 Saul... His name means “asked for” Was the “tall, dark, and handsome” type Was given a rare opportunity by God We must continually follow God to find all His gifts. I Follow When God’s “Not Looking” (9:1-3a) A. Busy with life’s business ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

When Crying Isn't Enough Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Aug 27, 2001

Instead of being satisfied to feel "sorry" when we miss God’s mark, we should press on to produce change in life to please Him.

Introduction Israel lamented that God’s help was missing (7:1-2). They cried about it for 20 years (7:2). Yet, they never felt the need to do anything about it other than cry and be sad for their lack of spiritual happiness during all this time. After all, no one else was any closer to God. At ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 7:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Promises For Believers Only Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Aug 27, 2001

Belivers must stop making excuses for lives of spiritual weakness and use God’s power for living by laying down their weaknesses and exchanging them for His strengths

And the men of Bethshemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God ? 1 Samuel 6:20 Many things had to take place to make the people of Bethshemesh realize that God deserved special attention. Some believers today show God by their actions that they have better things to do than ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Softening The Blow Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Aug 23, 2001

Since we may minister to people who are hearing bad news, examining Samuel’s heart while he acts in this way provides keys we can remember if we too need to serve in this uncomfortable way.

Softening the Blow Selections from 1 Samuel Introduction Part of Samuel’s ministry was working with people who were in difficult or unusual circumstances. With His Own Family -His mother (2:18-19) Tell Bad News from God -Eli (3:11-14, 17-18) -King Saul (13:11-14; 15:24-31) Serve with those ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:11-14, 1 Samuel 15:24-36

Denomination: Baptist

Answering The Call: The Life Of Samuel Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Aug 23, 2001

Discovering what it means to serve God is best illustrated by examining the commitment of those who do serve, like Samuel.

What chance for great honor does God give us? The chance to influence a group of people That’s the greatest honor God gives one of His servants We must serve if we want to honor God. God’s Servant: I Is Known as God’s Possession 1 Samuel 3:20 And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 7:3, 1 Samuel 3:20

Denomination: Baptist

Measuring Your Love Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Aug 23, 2001

Saying "I love you" will mean more to our loved ones and to us when we use guidelines to evaluate what "love" means to us.

Loving People Pushes Us To: *Communicate and listen (Acts 6; 15) *Affirm and support (2 Corinthians 8-9) *Teach respect, including respect of privacy (Romans 12:10) *Develop a sense of trust (Philippians 2:1-4) *Share responsibility (Galatians 6:2, 5) *Develop our sense of right and wrong ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:1-36, 1 Corinthians 13:1-8

Denomination: Baptist