October 12th

1 & 2 Samuel: A Study in Godly Leadership


Understanding God's Leadership

1 Samuel 5:1-12


  • There is no god like out God. There is only one God, One way, One truth.
  • God is perfectly capable of defending Himself.
  • God is a jealous God with no tolerance for idols. (things that take our focus away from God-money, family job.)
  • God is not beyond forcing us to recognize His glory (v 6, 9-10)

October 5th

1 & 2 Samuel: A Study in Godly Leadership


Visible Consequences of Lousy Leadership

1 Samuel 4:1-22


  1. An entire generation was lost in service to the Lord. (vv 2,10) 30,000 men died in 3 1/2 days. Between 1960-2010, baptisms in the Southern Baptist Conventions show a decrease by 40% (lost an entire generation) Over the last 2 years, Gen Z is coming back to church.
  2. Focus shifted from relationship with God to a ritual for God. Jews believed the Ark of the Covenant was where God lived. It (the ark) will save us, not God. Today, If I come to church..., If I read my Bible or devotions..., If I give my tithe... These things aren't wrong, but these "things" never saved anyone, Jesus saves people. Jesus didn't die for the "it" He died so we could have a relationship with HIm.
  3. Positions of authority became suspect. Eli was high priest. He compromised his position to the point that he lost his standing of his position.
  4. God began to remove His hand of protection. As the leaders and people's obedience and commitment waned, God began to let them feel the consquesnces

September 28th

1 & 2 Samuel: A Study in Godly Leadership


Listening for the Voice of God Part 2

1 Samuel 3:1-21


EVERY Godly leader begins by being a follower.


Ways God speaks today:


  • Through the Bible
  • Through Prayer
  • Through Circumstances
  • Through the Church (fellow believers)

Things that impair our hearing:

  • Sin (personal unconfessed)
  • Apathy - stop trying to listen
  • Lack of Godly leadership

When we hear the voice of God, it may not be all that pleasant. (v 11-14)


When we hear the voice of God, we must be faithful not to change His words to suit our needs.  They are to convict and compel us.

Depression 

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 1


Who gets depressed? Everyone-all ages, races, education and economic status


Do faithful believers gets depressed? YES

Elijah-1 Kings 19:4, 9-10

Jeremiah-Lamentations 3:1-18

Job-Job 10:18-22

David-Psalm 38:6-8

Solomon-Ecclesiastes 1:1-7


Depression-a disturbance of mood that interfers with daily life and normal functioning for a length of time from weeks to years.  Depression is an illness that affects the total person - physically, emotionally & spiritually


Statistics:

  • 1 in 5 Americans live with mental health conditions
  • 1 in 4 women, 1 in 6 men
  • 50% of all lifetime mental health issues by age 14 & 75% by age 24
  • covid triggered a 25% increase in prevalence of mental health issues

Characteristcs:

  • Melancoly mood or sadness most of the time (for no apparent reason)
  • Felling of guilt or worthlessness
  • Withdraw from people who are close to you
  • Lack of energy; feeling tired all the time
  • Become easily angered, anxious or irritable
  • Significant weight loss or gain
  • Pessimism and indifference
  • Significant change in sleep patterns
  • Unable to concentrate
  • Aches and pains that hove no apparent medical cause
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Some Causes of Depression:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Lack of intimacy with God and sin
  • The stresses of life
  • Medical changes
  • Giving birth
  • Seasonal changes
  • Alcohol and drugs

*The biggest issue in dealing with depression is getting people to recognize that you might need help.*


God wants us to be well

and whole!

Jeremiah 33:3

James 5:13-14, 16

1 Peter 5:7

Psalm 86:5-7

Series

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 2

No one is immune from depression!


Physical vs Spiritual

Physical - Depression is treated with medicine

Spiritual -  Depression is a made up condition "All in your head/ need to get right with God."


The following words are not found in Scripture: depressed/ depression, cancer, COPD, diabetes or heart disease

Medicine - 4 times in Scripture

Doctor - 3 times

Physician - 12 times (NT-Jesus)


Depression is a medical condition that affects people physically, emotionally and spiritually.


Where to turn:

  • The Lord (Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:1-3, Psalm 147:3
  • General Practitioner
  • OB/GYN
  • Counselors
  • Pastor
  • Psychiasrist-Diagnosis/ treatment of mental health disorders & gives out prescriptions/medications

Many of the characteristics of depression can be side effects of the medical issues.


The Road to Healing

  1. Admit your need.  (1 Peter 5:6-7) This is the one problem that pastors deal with.  Admitting that you may be depressed is not a sign of weakness.  It's a sign of being frail and human.
  2. Seek qualified medical assiatance. (Luke 5:31)
  3. Seek the Lord's guidance. (James 4:8, 10)
  4. Seek Godly counsel (Proverbs 19:20-21)

Notes

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 3


Help for the Helpers


Learn about Depression 

2 Timothy 2:15

  • Know the signs
  • Realize the different thought patterns of those with depression. *Positive thinking doesn't work because of chemical changes in their brain.

Encourage treatment  

Hebrews 10:24-25

  • Talk to the person about what you've seen and why you are concerned.
  • Emphasize the possible underlying medical condition.
  • Express your willingness to help (but only if you are able).

Warning signs of worsening  Philippians 2:4

  •  Important: Everyone is different.
  • Typical signs of depression in your family member/friend
  • Behaviors/language when they are doing well
  • Changing circumstances that could trigger more severe episodes

If you see signs...

-Encourage contact with a doctor/ psychatrist.

-Encourage/implement self-care steps.


Recognize suicide risks 

1 Peter 5:8

  • Talking about suicide/ death/not being here
  • Withdrawal
  • Increased usage of drugs/alcohol
  • Giving away things/ setting affairs in order/ saying "Goodbye"

If you see signs...

-Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255

-Seek help. DO NOT KEEP SILENT! Call the doctor. Call family/friends. Call 911.


Provide support

  • Listen/be available
  • Give positive reinforcement
  • Encourage to stick with treatment
  • Make plans together
  • Help them stay connected with church family

Finally: BE PATIENT

1 Corinthians 13:4

Galatians 5:22