Bridging The Gap

Compromise can be a wonderful thing in certain contexts. For instance, when two nations have differences that are miles apart, compromise is often needed. And of course, we all know that compromise is often times  important in family matters. There is one case however where compromise is simply worthless and unacceptable. That is in our relationship to God. In every case we're to obey Him.  Today on Bridging the Gap, we'll meet a man who failed to do that.

You might have heard this expression before -  Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.   When a person suddenly assumes power or position - it can easily lead them to do things they would never dream of. That was the case with the first King of Israel, Saul. After some time in power he soon began to feel as though he was in control, and not God. 

For the last few weeks we've been looking at First Samuel and today, we return to chapter fourteen. In this passage, we see that King Saul displayed an outward expression of religion, but his heart was totally consumed with self. The same can happen to us if we're not careful.  We'd do well to see where Saul went wrong, so that we don't go down a similar path.

Today on Bridging the Gap, we'll introduce you to a man named Saul, and his story is recorded for us in First Samuel thirteen. As King, Saul should have been looking to God for guidance and seeking to give Him the glory. But instead, he was more concerned with himself and being recognized.

Saul was the first King of Israel, and God provided Him everything that was necessary to be a great King.  But he ended up a terrible failure. He allowed insecurities and bad decision-making to govern his life, and that's a recipe for disaster. God has a calling for us too, but will we try to hide from it, or allow something to keep us from that?

Pastor Lloyd Pulley has framed today's study around chapters eleven and twelve.  Let's say someone lashes out in anger against you, and for no good reason. Or, someone falsely accuses you of something at work, and you end up losing your job as a result! When we're hurt like this, the world would say we have good reason to exact a little revenge.  But pastor Lloyd is going to suggest a much different approach.

The people Israel wanted to make a change. They wanted a king. We might have a reaction to that like, "huh? You already have God as your King"! God was their king for sure, but now they wanted a man to fill those shoes! A big difference and a big mistake to be sure. And as we know, in today's world, people are looking in all the wrong places for a King as well.

You've no doubt heard the timeless truth, "Don't judge a book by its cover."  Judging things by their outside appearance is something we often do, instead of learning what's on the inside.  But to judge a book - you have to read it - and that takes time.  The same is true with a person. It takes more than a first impression. Today on Bridging the Gap, we take a second look at Israel's first king.

To agree with God we must know what He thinks about things.  We're in First Samuel chapter seven, and a message titled, "Steps to Revival and Victory".

On Today's broadcast, we'll see God's people waiting twenty years before repenting.  Now that's a long time! If we're wise we won't wait and waste the years God has given us!

Spiritually speaking, if the symptoms of our condition persist, It has to be God's mercy, designed to push us toward treatment and healing.  Find your place in First Samuel six as we bring you Bridging the Gap.

When the Philistines had captured the Ark of the Covenant - God did something about it – and there are quite a few takeaway lessons we don't want you to miss. Join us in First Samuel chapter five.

Pastor Lloyd has an eye on First Samuel four today.  God is about to remove His presence from the nation of Israel.  Sounds severe doesn't it, and it is!  But what would lead the Lord to do this?  We'll look into that together and learn that it comes down to misguided faith.

When God makes a promise, you can be sure He'll keep His Word.  And in First Samuel four, God is about to come through on a promise He made in chapter three.  He's going to judge Eli and deal with his two sons. 

These are difficult days, there's no doubt about it.  Evil is on the rise, and those who stand for the truth are routinely ridiculed.  But in the midst of the mess, God has an important mission and calling for us.  And today you'll be encouraged to embrace it with open arms.

While some things don't last that long on this earth, there are other things that do last.  We'll consider that today, here on Bridging the Gap with pastor Lloyd Pulley. Welcome to the broadcast today as we continue pastor Lloyd's new series through First Samuel. Yesterday, pastor Lloyd reviewed chapter one, and got started in chapter two. Let's join him now as our series continues.

You know there are many wonderful people to learn about in God's word. Great men of faith and action that God used like David and the Apostle Paul. Men who gave their lives for the gospel like Steven. Today we'll again look at the life and times of a woman of God named Hannah. She had some serious trials in her life, not the least of which was her inability to have a child. But her faith in God never wavered.

Today on Bridging the Gap, pastor Lloyd Pulley begins a series in First Samuel.  The story we're about to look at not only illustrates God's sovereignty, but shows how He uses difficulties in our lives to accomplish His will. So if this is a difficult time for you, receive wonderful words of encouragement from First Samuel one.

 Today we bring you Lloyd's final message in his series through the Proverbs. We've spent time recently in the last chapter of Proverbs, where the writer discusses the great blessings to be found in the company of a Godly woman. She should possess traits like compassion, generosity and patience.

We have reached the final message in our series through the Proverbs, and over the next two programs, we will study Proverbs thirty-one. This chapter has traditionally been discussed as it pertains to the traits of a virtuous woman. But pastor Lloyd does not want us to miss the great wisdom in this chapter that pertains to all of us. Do you desire to lead a virtuous life?