The Town Church / Fort Collins

This week, we reflect on God's faithfulness and mans' sinfulness. Although sin always leads to destruction, we also know God is always faithful. How have we seen that in our lives or in examples around us? What is YOUR favorite thing about God? Email betty@thetownchurch.org to share! 

In 1 Samuel 21, we see a beautiful picture of the gospel and God's mercy toward sinners. David, the "hero" of the story, fears man rather than God, and this lack of trust leads him toward sin and its consequences. In His kindness, God rescues David, reminding us of God's grace toward us through Christ, the true hero of Scripture. 

This week, we are joined by two very special guests as Eric takes us through some reflections on 1 Samuel 18-20. Are we currently in an "in-between" season? How have we seen the Lord bring us through previous seasons of waiting? Can painful "in-betweens" really be part of God's plan? 

1 Samuel 18-20 marks the turning point in David's relationship with Saul, resulting in events that seem like a major detour between David's anointing and eventual reign as king. However, we know that this "in-between" season is still a piece of God's overall plan, and David's example teaches us how to live in the midst of waiting. 

In 1 Samuel 17, we see David's anger over Goliath's opposition to the Living God, and he defeats Goliath for the glory and honor of God. How do we respond to the things in our own culture that directly oppose God? How does dwelling on the details of our lives cause us to overlook the greater picture of God's glory? 

1 Samuel 17 tells the story of one of the most well-known showdowns in history: David and Goliath. At its heart, this passage is not about us; rather, it is about the glory and honor of God. It reveals to us that God will never allow opposition to stand against Him, and it challenges us to consider our own response to the things that directly oppose God. 

This week, we reflect on the story of David's anointing and how God used an ordinary shepherd carry out His purposes. Additionally, we look at David's faithfulness to serve where he was needed as he waited for God's plan to unfold. Please email info@thetownchurch.org to tell us what Vince's personalized license plate should be!

1 Samuel 16 introduces us to David, the youngest of the sons of Jesse and a simple shepherd. Although he was overlooked by man, God saw David's heart and chose him as the king of His people. How does God use the ordinary, overlooked things in our own lives for His purposes? How can seeing more of God in these things shift our affection back towards Him? 

This Easter Sunday, we celebrate what Paul identified as a message of first importance: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Although we know this event is difficult to believe, we can still rejoice in the hope of the resurrection and the promise it brings for eternity.

This week, we unpack two big words that were highlighted in the sermon: rejection and regret. How should we wrestle with the idea of rejection and the reality of our sin as Christians? What does "regret" really mean in this context? Who has the best joke? Let us know! 

1 Samuel 15 is a heavy passage that ends with God's rejection of Saul as king. It reveals just how deeply God hates sin, and it challenges us to consider our own view of sin and how that impacts our view of God Himself. 

What are things we personally seek for security and peace of mind? Where do we see Saul's shortcomings as a leader in this passage? This week, we answer these questions and more as we dive a bit deeper into 1 Samuel 13 and 14 (or, in Eric's words, 1 Samuel 8, chapters 13 and 14). 

In 1 Samuel 13-14, Saul's shortcomings as king come to life, reminding us that earthly leaders will always end up falling short. Despite these things, this passage also reminds us that God's presence will always be with His people. What things are we seeking for security and peace of mind? How does the failure of these things to satisfy us point us back to God? 

Today we unpack some of the main points from yesterday's sermon and examine patterns we've seen throughout 1 Samuel. Why is it significant that Samuel continues to remind the people that they sinned against God by demanding a king? How can our hearts shift toward being grieved by our sin and not just the consequences of that sin? Why must we remain steadfast in our faithfulness to God? AND: What is Eric's favorite ice cream/syrup flavor? 

1 Samuel 11-12 reminds us that we do have an enemy who is trying to steal our affections and allegiance away from God. However, we also have a Savior who restores us and brings us back to the Lord. What is our response to God's faithfulness to deliver us? How can we truly be faithful to Him? 

Today, we wrestle through our own tensions surrounding God's plan to instate Saul as Israel's king. While we see many flaws in Saul's character, we also know that he is one of the many imperfect people the Lord has used to carry out His perfect plans. Additionally, we hit on ways we have seen God reshape our own hearts both in the past and the present. BONUS: Eric gets usurped from his hosting role!!

1 Samuel 9 and 10 introduce us to Saul, God's first chosen king for Israel. Although the events of this passage seem random, we know that they are all pieces of God's plan to appoint a king. How do we see God directing us toward His plans in our own lives? How is He changing our hearts to prepare us for what He has before us? 

How have we demanded things of God like Israel did? What was the outcome when He provided those requests? What things are we currently longing for that the Spirit brought to mind through yesterday's sermon? Bonus: in a wild turn of events, Eric fails to answer today's intro question!

In 1 Samuel 8, Israel grows tired of the system of judges that God had set in place and demand a king. Their dissatisfaction challenges us to consider ways we may be discontent with our own lives and how that can impact our view of God. 

Today, the conversation on coincidences and the sovereignty of God continues. Do we view everyday occurrences in our own lives as under God's control? What specific ideas from these three chapters convicted our own hearts? This episode begs the question: will Eric ever try pogo sticking again?