September 14th

1 & 2 Samuel: A Study in Godly Leadership


The Peril of Poor Leadership

1 Samuel 2:12-36


Everyone sets and example

for somebody.


There is a cost of doing nothing. (v22-25) 

Levitcus 10:1-2, 8-9 - According to these verses, Eli should have stoned his sons (not just talk to them about their behavior) because of their actions so the rest of Israel could be saved. 

v29 - "You love your children more than me."


There is a cost for not believing in the sovereign power of God.


There is a cost for spiritual rebellion and corruption.


If we choose to lead, we need to understand/remember: 

  • Lead with faith in God over function in church.  Being in/serving in church doesn't save you. Only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ saves us. I don't serve to be saved. I'm saved so I serve.
  • Lead with accountability over absolution. It's not hate to hold people accountable to God's Word.

A leader leads with

grace and truth.


September 7th

1 & 2 Samuel: A Study in Godly Leadership


Introduction to Samuel

1 Samuel 1:1-2:11


There is a difference between authority and leadership.


Positions from which we lead:

  • Some lead from a position of jealous envy.
  • Some lead froma position of insensitive self-centeredness
  • Some lead from a position of prayerful petition.
  • Some lead from a position of humble self-sacrifice.
  • Some lead from a position of overflowing thankfulness.


August 31st

Verses Worth Memorizing


Matthew 16:24


Then Jesus said to His disciples...

  • Not just the 12
  • He is talking to all that follow Jesus.

"If anyone desires to come after Me...

  • He recognizes that there are many that don't want to have anything to do with Him.
  • Matthew 5:3-10; John 6:49-54; John 6:66-69; 1 Peter 4:12-14
  • There are no promises of sunshine and bright skies.
  • I am not saved by my workds. I am saved onley by the blood of Jesus, however, it will cost me something.

Let him deny himself...

  • Denying your very nature (self-desires, self-will) that causes me to sin.
  • I can choose to deny myself of through the poer of Christ.
  • Galatians 5:19-21-Those who choose to practice such things (sins) will not inherit the kingdom of God.

And take up his cross...

  • Everyone in that day would have equated "cross" with death, not a burden in their life like we tend to today.
  • Be ready to die. Death may be different - the daily giving ourselves away to others.

And follow Me.

  • Walk in His steps, be like Him - a submissive state of obedience to God.

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