Living Water Community Church

We worked through the second half of chapter 4. In this section we saw an Eden like kingdom described. The people are described as happy and prosperous. Solomon rules most of the developed world at that time. The amount of food needed to supply the daily needs of the royal government indicates a massive and sophisticated means of preparation and distribution. The people lived in safety. God granted Solomon favor and peace with all the nations around him. He had a large army of chariots at his disposal. Solomon was sought after for his wisdom, which was massive in its scope. Greater then the wisdom of Egypt and the people of the east. It encompassed not just social and political things but Solomon had great wisdom about trees, plants, animals, birds and fish. Kings of the earth came to Solomon to hear his wisdom for themselves. 

we talked about the implications of the resurrection. What we see in scripture is how there is a merging of heaven and earth on the new earth. In the descriptions we see of the new earth there is an indication of kings reigning and commerce being carried on. The nations bring their wealth to Jesus at the new Jerusalem. It sounds like an exciting place filled with purpose and activity all done in peace and joy to the glory of God.

we explored the way that God brought blessing and order to the people of Israel. God blessed Solomon and Israel with good leaders who honored God. There was a clear division of labor and there were officers in charge of each area. There were men placed over the different divisions of the tribes. Each division provided supplies for the kings household one month out of the year. We see a sense of peace and order permeating the land of Israel. The promise of God making the descendants of Abraham as many as the sand on the sea shore is cited here. And the people are described as eating and drinking and happy. 

we explored what is probably one of the most well known stories of King Solomon’s reign. We worked our way through the story of the two prostitutes and their fight over a living baby boy which had been born to one of them but which both of them claimed as their own. Most people are familiar with this story because it demonstrates the wisdom of Solomon in getting to truth. One of the problems with familiar stories is we can become so used to the story we miss how the story foreshadows the greatness of Christ. In this story we often miss the fact that these were first of all women. Not only that they were prostitutes. As far as standing in this culture and society they would not have been typically been given the credit for being reliable or in most cases probably not even heard. But Solomon shows them mercy and hears their case. Not only does he hear them but he gives them wise justice. This action would have communicated to all of Israel that if they came to Solomon he would hear them. Of course this perfectl

we explored the passage where Solomon begins his first steps as ruler over the kingdom of Israel. There were several cautionary points made at the beginning of the section. Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt. This was in essence a way of looking to someone other then God as an ally and support. Solomon did not need to do this and it was ultimately a way in which his relationship with God was undermined, and we will see this as the story progresses. It is also pointed out how the people were sacrificing at the high places, and while this is not ideal it appears God met them in this way until the temple was built. Solomon also made these kinds of sacrifices. But we also see it stated how Solomon loved the Lord. This attribution is only given in print to Solomon in the Bible. In pursuit of this love for God he made a thousand burnt offerings at the high places in Gibeon. After this offering God appeared to Solomon in a dream by night and asked what he would like for God to give him. Solo

we worked through the kingdom of Israel being firmly established in the hand of Solomon. This was done through the elimination of opposition to the kingdom leadership. Solomon did not just have these people taken out as many other kings did but he responded to acts which indicated plotting and rebellion. Adonijah sought to have Solomon grant him king David’s former concubine Abishag. This was a way of Adonijah continuing to assert his desire for the throne and Solomon saw through the plot. Solomon had promised to spare his life even though he had attempted to claim the kingship if he showed himself to be a loyal or worthy man. This request for Abishag clearly revealed his ongoing disloyalty. This request revealed his heart and the desire to continue to cause unrest in the kingdom so Solomon had him executed. Joab must have been involved in this because he immediately went to the altar and sought refuge like Adonijah had earlier in 1 Kings. Once Joab’s guilt was revealed Solomon ordered his execution as well.

we talked about what the Bible reveals about life currently for people in heaven. We explored the details which scripture reveals about what life in heaven right now is revealed to be like. We looked at how scripture paints a picture of people in heaven remembering what went on here on earth. Some people claim we will not remember anything in heaven from our earthly experience, but there are important passages which affirm we will remember what we experience here to the glory of God. The martyrs before the throne of God remember they were killed and ask God when their blood will be avenged. Jesus has scars in his hands and side which would be meaningless to us if we did not retain our memory. The names of the twelve tribes are inscribed on the gates of the new Jerusalem and the names of the twelve apostles are inscribed on the foundation. If we have no memory of earth then these inscriptions would be entirely meaningless. It would be like driving down a road named for someone you have no connection with. You

We explored the second section of King David’s charge to Solomon. He urges Solomon to use wisdom in dealing with several men who were potentially threats to the security of the kingdom. He also urged him to grant special favor to the gentile descendants of Barzillai the Gileadite for the special favor he showed King David when he was exiled because of Solomon. On the surface some of this has been seen as David being vindictive but when we press on the story we find the men David is concerned about were men who acted in ways that were selfish and opportunistic. These types of men were not to be trusted. They may have been related by blood in the case of Joab, but he had shown himself to be a murderer and one driven by selfish interests. Even siding with Adonijah when he had attempted to make himself king. We also looked at the way that Israel’s kings were different from other kings. These kings were chosen by God to be rulers over His people. These were the first kings appointed by God directly since God had a

we explored the opening verses of chapter 2. Here we see David recognizing he will die soon. This spurs David to cover some important items with Solomon before he dies. It is interesting what David covers first because this shows what is of primary importance. David wants Solomon to know that more than anything else following the Lord and being obedient to Him is the most important thing he can do as king. It is this commitment to God alone which will cause him to prosper. It is also only in following God that Solomon and his sons will continue to be included in the linage of the eternal throne God had promised David he would establish. Of course this ultimate establishing of David’s throne is found in Jesus who God has established as King of kings and Lord of lords. David uses the promises of God as the foundation for encouraging Solomon to be faithful in his personal pursuit of God. Encouraging him to take a long term perspective on the legacy of his royal throne. David does not stop with this foundation fo

we worked through the way in which God brought a peaceful conclusion to the crowning of Solomon as king. The renegade king Adonijah and his entourage heard the noise of of the people celebrating the crowning of Solomon. This was soon followed by the appearance of Jonathan the son of Abiathar who brought news of the crowning of Solomon as king. The guests who had come to make Adonijah king quickly left the now failed ceremony. Adonijah now fearing for his life went to the bronze altar looking for the kind of freedom from death which could be found in a sanctuary city. Solomon offered him the freedom from death which he sought if he will act in a worthy manner, if not he would die. At this news Adonijah came and paid homage to king Solomon. This wrap up to chapter one really foreshadows Paul’s declaration of Jesus exultation. In Philippians Paul talks about how at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. This declaration is witho

We began by seeing King David is old and unable to rule as he once did. He has trouble just keeping warm. During this time and without his knowledge Adonijah decides to crown himself as king. This is not only a bold move but it really signals how weak David had become. Adonijah had successfully pulled Joab and Abiathar into his plans. He also invited all the kings sons and the officials of Judah. He gathers everyone outside of Jerusalem by the serpents stone and makes sacrifices and has a great feast with everyone he had assembled. Meanwhile Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba go to the king with the news. They also ask David if he intends to do as he has promised and make Solomon king. David’s response is to take action and make the crowning of Solomon a priority which happens the same day. It is a crowning which pleases the people and the earth is described as splitting with the noise of the celebration. These things of course should cause us to consider the greater reality which is being foreshadowed. We see

we started to explore this great record of the history of the kingdom of Israel. It starts from the end of David’s reign. We come onto the scene with David as an old frail man. He is unable to keep warm. The servants of David sought a young woman to serve the king and try to keep him warm. Abishag the Shunammite was found and she attended to king David. Because of things which happen later in this book we believe she was given to him as a concubine or second level wife. While all of this was transpiring Adonijah David’s oldest living son or at least the oldest living in the area was making plans to establish himself as the next king. He exalted himself and prepared an entourage of chariots and horsemen and 50 men to run before him. He was a handsome fellow and the passage frames him as a young man who had never been disciplined. He had successfully allied himself with Joab the leader of armed forces of Israel and Abiathar one of the key priests of Israel. While these were key political alliances Adonijah was

The books of 1st and 2nd Kings were historically tied together in one book called in the Hebrew text, “Kings”. This combined book of Kings was maintained in the Hebrew Bible down until 1518 when Bomberg’s Hebrew Bible was last printed. The division of the book into 1st and 2nd Kings was done by the writers of the Septuagint (the greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) sometime around 400 B.C.. This split of the book was maintained by Jerome when he put together the Latin Vulgate. These two divisions in Kings by the Septuagint and the Vulgate set the pattern which has been followed by all the following translation work. The point is these two books of first and second Kings are really 1 book of Kings and we will treat it as such in our exposition of the text. 

In this message Adam Gray and Argyl Dickson explore the topic of giving and the core issues that hamper our giving. We explore the different reasons that people give. We also attempt to lay a groundwork for Biblical reasons to give.

Nephelim, fallen angels, the corruption of man and the preserving of the seed that would come. Lots of different ideas are explored as we try to work out a Jesus centered biblically rooted view. Join us as we explore this passage and seek to know God better.

Here we explore the godly line the God preserves to keep the promise alive that He would send a Son to crush the head of the serpent. You see this whole line points to God preserving a Godly seed. God continues to preserve that seed in us today as He prepares a bride for His Son.

This time we see a picture of God's work preserving for Himself a remnant. There is a stark contrast in this section of scripture. Abel comes to God on God's terms. Cain comes to God on his own terms. Lamech does not even come to God yet feels completely justified in his own eyes. But God does not allow society to drift into complete oblivion. He preserves a remnant. Join us as we explore God's work here together.

Here we explore what I believe with all my heart is one of the most important yet missed issues facing the church and the world today. It is my prayer that God would draw you to Himself and into a more deep and intimate pursuit of Him for having looked into these things in His word. May God be praised by what is here.

Here we explore the amazing display of God's grace in Cain's life. Cain is treated more than fairly by God. In his pride he turns from God and pursues his own way. Cain and Abel are a real study in contrast. They display for us the dramatic difference between true religion and false religion. Join us as we gain clarity on this important issue through the lives of Cain and Abel.

Cain and Abel are contrasted here. We explore the contrast that exist between their hearts. How did they come to God? What did they want? How do their hearts reveal the focus in our own approach to God? Join us and find out. (Due to a technical difficulty the audio is not the best on this one.)