These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, June 7 . They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

1 Samuel 25:1–44

INTRO

• Saul continues pursuing David, forcing him to live as a fugitive in the wilderness.
• God has repeatedly protected and provided for David.
• Jonathan has strengthened David’s faith and reminded him of God’s promises (1 Sam. 23).
• David has just spared Saul’s life in the cave, refusing to take the kingdom by force (1 Sam. 24).
• David is learning that God’s purposes are accomplished God’s way.
• Chapter 25 presents a new test… not from Saul, but from an ordinary conflict that reveals what is happening in David’s heart.

Responding to Circumstances – vv. 1-13

• Samuel dies. David loses His spiritual mentor
• David faces uncertainty.
• Nabal responds with selfishness and contempt.
• David reacts in anger and prepares for revenge.
• David’s greatest challenge was not Nabal’s actions but his own response.
• Circumstances do not excuse sinful reactions.
• Being wronged does not give us the right to respond wrongly.

Receiving Wise Counsel – vv. 14-35

• God providentially uses a servant and Abigail.
• Abigail acts with wisdom, humility, and courage.
• She reminds David of God’s promises and God’s purposes.
  • Remember who God is.
  • Remember what God has promised.
  • Remember what God is doing.
  • Remember that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
• She warns David against taking vengeance into his own hands.
• David listens, receives correction, and changes course.
• Wise leaders are teachable leaders.

Resting in God’s Justice – vv. 36-44

• Nabal celebrates while judgment approaches.
• God deals with Nabal.
• David recognizes God’s hand in the situation.
• God restrains David from sin and vindicates him.
• David learns to trust God’s timing and God’s justice.
• God will and can win His battles.
• God is fully capable of defending His servants.

The What Now?

• Respond biblically to difficult circumstances. Don’t allow emotions to control your actions.
• Receive wise counsel. God often protects and guides us through the wisdom of others.
• Rest in God’s justice. Trust God’s timing and refuse to take matters into your own hands.

My Bible study notes for Wednesday night, June 3. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon. They are provided as an outline each week for our Tabernacle Church family. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources at our Church Website.

This week, we are stepping away from our study of Mark 4 to take a deeper look at the Kingdom of God. Since Jesus’ teaching in Mark 4 centers on the kingdom, it is important that we understand what it is, how it advances, and what it means to live under Christ’s rule today.

Pastor Jon’s Definition – The Kingdom of God is God’s rule and reign over all creation, inaugurated through the person and work of Jesus Christ, advancing through the gospel as His people live under His lordship and make disciples, and one day fully revealed when Christ returns.

The Kingdom Reveals God’s Sovereign Rule

• Matthew 28:18; John 18:36–37; Ephesians 1:20–22; Colossians 1:16–17; Revelation 11:15
• God is King over all creation.
• Christ has been given all authority.
• He rules over nations, history, salvation, judgment, and eternity.
• Nothing exists outside His sovereign rule.
• The Kingdom begins with the King.

The Kingdom Advances Through the Gospel

• Mark 1:14–15; John 3:3–5; Acts 1:8; Acts 28:30–31; Romans 14:17; Colossians 1:13–14
• Jesus announced, “The kingdom of God is at hand” — Mark 1:15.
• The kingdom advances as the gospel is preached.
• Sinners are saved, disciples are made, churches are strengthened, and believers submit to Christ’s lordship.
• Entrance into the kingdom is through new birth, repentance, and faith in Christ.
• The Kingdom advances through the gospel, not human power.

The Kingdom Produces Kingdom People and Awaits Kingdom Glory

• Matthew 5:3–16; Matthew 6:33; Luke 17:20–21; Philippians 3:20–21; Titus 2:11–14; 2 Peter 1:10–11; Revelation 21:1–4
• Christ has come, died, risen, and reigns.
• The kingdom is already present, but not yet fully revealed.
• Believers live under Christ’s rule now.
• Kingdom people are marked by obedience, holiness, humility, gospel witness, fruitfulness, perseverance, and loyalty to Christ.
• The kingdom will be fully revealed when Jesus returns.
• Kingdom citizens live faithfully now while waiting for the King to return.

The What Now

• Live under Christ’s lordship every day. The Kingdom is not merely something we believe in; it is a reality we are called to live in as we submit our lives to King Jesus.
• Advance the Kingdom through gospel witness and disciple-making. God’s Kingdom grows as the gospel is shared, people are saved, and believers are equipped to follow Christ.
• Live with hope and faithfulness. Christ is reigning today, His Kingdom is advancing, and one day He will return. Until then, we press on in faithful obedience.

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, May 31. They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

Intro

• The Lord’s Supper reminds us what we have in Jesus Christ.
• Through His blood, Jesus established the New Covenant that forgives sinners, transforms hearts, and changes lives.
• The New Covenant is the new relationship God established through Jesus Christ, where sinners are forgiven, hearts are transformed, and believers are brought into fellowship with God.

I. The New Covenant Brings a New Relationship – Luke 22:20; Romans 5:1-11

• Romans 3:23; Romans 5:1-11; Hebrews 10:14–18
• Sin is humanity’s greatest problem. We have all broken God’s moral law.
• Our sin leaves us guilty before a holy God.
• Jesus’ blood secured complete forgiveness and reconciliation.
• The cross accomplished what sacrifices never could.

The New Covenant addresses our greatest problem… sin against a holy God.

II. The New Covenant Creates a New Heart – Jeremiah 31:33

• John 3:3; Ezekiel 36:26–27
• God gives His people a new heart.
• True conversion changes a person from the inside out.
• Jesus called this being “born again.”
• The Holy Spirit gives new desires and affections.
• Believers are not perfect, but they are different people.

The New Covenant does not simply improve people… it makes sinners new.

III. The New Covenant Produces a New Life – 2 Corinthians 5:15

• Romans 12:1–2; Titus 2:11–14; James 2:17; Matthew 28:19–20; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:17
• The gospel changes not only who we are, but how we now live.
• Our lives are no longer our own.
• We now live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
• The gospel reshapes our priorities and direction.
• We now live for His glory and His Kingdom.

Our New Calling

• Follow Christ
• Pursue holiness
• Serve others
• Love the church
• Make disciples
• Advance the gospel

The New Covenant produces a life increasingly shaped by the rule and reign of Christ.

The What Now

• Because Christ has brought you into a new relationship with God, draw near to Him daily.
• Because Christ has given you a new heart, pursue holiness and obedience faithfully.
• Because Christ died and rose again for you, no longer live for yourself, but for Him.

My Bible study notes for Wednesday night, May 27. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon. They are provided as an outline each week for our Tabernacle Church family. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources at our Church Website.

Mark 4:26–34

INTRO

• Jesus continues teaching about the Kingdom of God through parables.
• The previous parables emphasized hearing and responding to God’s Word.
• Now Jesus explains how the Kingdom grows and spreads.
• Though the Kingdom may appear small and slow, God is powerfully advancing it through the gospel.

The Kingdom of God is the rule and reign of God over His creation through Jesus Christ, advancing through the proclamation of the gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and displayed through the life and mission of the church until Christ returns.

1. The Kingdom Advances by God’s Power — vv. 26–27

• The seed is sown.
• Growth happens beyond human ability.
• God gives the increase.
• The harvest is certain.
• We are called to faithfulness, not sovereignty.

2. The Kingdom Brings Growth — vv. 28–29

• Blade. Ear. Full grain.
• God matures His people progressively.
• Spiritual growth is often gradual, but it should be evident.

3. The Kingdom Seems Small (insignificant)— vv. 30–31

• The mustard seed appeared insignificant.
• Jesus’ ministry appeared small in the world’s eyes.
• God delights in using what seems weak and small.
• Never underestimate what God can do through simple faithfulness.

4. The Kingdom Expands Beyond Expectation — v. 32

• The small seed becomes large.
• The kingdom spreads outward.
• Others find refuge and blessing under its influence.
• The gospel always impacts more than we can see.

5. The Kingdom Reveals the Heart and Demands a Response — vv. 33–34

• Jesus taught in parables.
• Some listened casually.
• Others leaned in to understand.
• The disciples desired more truth.
• Kingdom truth exposes the condition of the heart.
• The kingdom of God does not merely inform people — it calls them to repent, believe, follow, and submit to Christ as King.

The What Now

• Sow the Word faithfully.
• Trust God with the results.
• Stay patient in slow seasons.
• Keep pursuing growth.
• Live under the rule of Christ daily.

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, May 24. They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

1 Samuel 24:1-22

Intro

• David has already been anointed king, but Saul is still trying to kill him.
• David has been living under pressure in the wilderness while learning to trust the Lord.
• Now Saul unknowingly walks into the very cave where David is hiding.
• David suddenly has the opportunity to take matters into his own hands.
• The question is:
  • Will David trust God’s timing?
  • Or force the outcome himself?
• This chapter teaches us about: discernment, restraint, integrity, and trusting God in difficult moments.

Saul’s Pursuit – vv.1–3

Saul resumes his pursuit of David

• Saul goes right back to hunting David.
• Jealousy and fear now control Saul’s leadership.

God places Saul within David’s reach

• David is hiding in the caves of En-gedi.
• Saul unknowingly enters the very cave where David is hiding.

David’s Discernment – vv.4–7

David’s men see an opportunity

• They believe God has delivered Saul into David’s hand.
• Humanly speaking, the moment makes sense.
• The opportunity appears easy, logical, and justified.

David responds with conviction

• David cuts off part of Saul’s robe.
• Immediately, conviction strikes his heart.
• David refuses to dishonor the Lord’s anointed.
• David values obedience over ambition.
• David’s men saw an opportunity.
• David saw accountability before God.

(Spiritual discernment for today)

David’s Declaration – vv.8–15

David’s Humility

• David comes out of the cave respectfully.
• He bows before Saul.
• He speaks truth with humility and courage.

David’s Trust in God’s mercy and justice

• David shows him the piece of robe.
• David proves he never intended harm. David leaves justice with God
• David refuses personal revenge.
• David entrusts judgment to the Lord.
• God sees rightly and judges perfectly.

Saul’s Confession – vv.16–22

Saul is emotionally moved

• Saul weeps before David.
• He admits David is more righteous.
• He admits David will become king.
• Saul publicly acknowledges David’s character.

Saul professes truth…yet

• Saul shows emotion but not repentance.
• Conviction is not the same as transformation.

THE WHAT NOW

• Stay close to the Lord when life feels uncertain.
• Trust God’s timing even when you cannot see the outcome.
• Passionately seek God’s will when making difficult decisions.
• Refuse to get ahead of God through fear, pressure, or compromise.

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.”
— 2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV)

Life gets busy fast. It is easy to stay active and never really slow down long enough to evaluate where we are spiritually.

Paul tells believers to examine themselves.

Take a few minutes today and honestly ask:

• Am I spending time in God’s Word?
• Am I praying consistently?
• Am I growing spiritually?
• Am I pursuing Christ intentionally?
• Or am I just moving through routines?

Spiritual growth rarely happens by accident. Healthy habits, time in Scripture, prayer, repentance, and obedience all matter.

Christ not only saves us, He continues to shape and grow us over time.

Read 2 Corinthians 13:1-14 today and take time to examine your heart before the Lord.

Press on – Win the Day – Lead Well

My Bible study notes for Wednesday night, May 20. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon. They are provided as an outline each week for our Tabernacle Church family. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources at our Church Website.

Mark 4:21-25

Intro

• Verses 21–25 follow the Parable of the Soils.
• Jesus shifts from the condition of the heart to the responsibility of the hearer.
• The truth of the gospel is not meant to be hidden but revealed.
• Jesus warns His disciples to pay careful attention to how they hear.
• Those who receive truth rightly will grow in understanding.
• Those who reject or neglect truth grow spiritually dull.
• Main idea: God’s Word demands a response.

1. Truth Is Meant to Be Revealed – vv. 21–22

• A lamp is meant to shine.
• God’s truth is not meant to stay hidden.
• Jesus reveals the truth of the kingdom.
• True disciples are called to walk in the light.
• Truth received should become truth lived.

2. Truth Is Meant to Be Heard Carefully – v. 23

• “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
• Spiritual hearing requires humility and attentiveness.
• Hearing is more than listening.
• It involves receiving and responding.
• Careless hearing leads to spiritual dullness.

3. Truth Is Meant to Shape Our Lives – vv. 24–25

• “Pay attention to what you hear.”
• God holds people responsible for revealed truth.
• “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
• The way we receive truth affects our spiritual growth.
• Obedience leads to greater understanding.
• Neglect leads to greater hardness.
• What we do with truth impacts our walk with Christ.

The What Now

• Truth is not merely information to hear and agree with.
• Truth must be received into both the mind and the heart.
• God’s truth is meant to shape how we think, live, and follow Christ.
• A person can hear truth regularly and still remain spiritually unchanged.
• Jesus calls us to listen carefully, receive truth humbly, and obey truth faithfully.

Hear it – Receive it – Obey it – Live it.

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, May 17. They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

1 Samuel 23:15–29

Intro

• David has obeyed the Lord, but the pressure has not disappeared.
• Saul is still pursuing him. David is still in the wilderness.
• Betrayal is increasing, fear is rising, and isolation is growing. Yet God is still sustaining His servant.
• The Christian life is not simply about starting faithfully. It is about remaining steady under pressure.

Strengthen Yourself in the Lord – vv. 15-18

• David is in the wilderness, but he is not outside God’s care.
• Jonathan comes to David and strengthens him in God by reminding him of God’s promise.
• Saul is not sovereign. God is. God’s Word is greater than present danger.
• Strengthen yourself with what God has already said. Stay in the Word and surround yourself with people who point you back to the Lord.

Strengthening Yourself in the Lord Today

1. Strengthened by God’s Word

• Jonathan reminded David of what God had promised.
• Today, we strengthen ourselves through Scripture.
• Read it. Write it down. Meditate on it. Preach it to yourself.
• Romans 15:4; Psalm 119:105; Joshua 1:8

2. Strengthened by Godly People

• David needed Jonathan.
• We need people who speak truth and point us back to God.
• We also need to be that kind of friend to others.
• Hebrews 3:13; Proverbs 27:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:11

3. Strengthened by Christ’s Presence

• Jonathan could only stay for a moment.
• Christ is with us always, in us by His Spirit, and interceding for us.
• He never leaves or forsakes His people.
• Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5; Romans 8:34; Colossians 1:27

Trust God’s Sovereign Hand – vv. 19-28

• The Ziphites betray David to Saul, and Saul uses spiritual language while resisting God’s will.
• David is pushed deeper into the wilderness, yet God’s hand is still ruling over every detail.
• God preserves David through ordinary circumstances when Saul is called away by the Philistine raid.
• Trust God’s sovereign hand when people disappoint you, circumstances tighten, and the way forward feels unclear.

Keep Moving Forward by Faith – v. 29

• David is preserved by the providence of God.
• The wilderness journey continues, but David keeps going.
• God’s will will be done. His hand will guide. His people can keep pressing on in faith.
• Keep walking by faith. Keep obeying. Keep pressing on.

The What Now

• Do not drift from the Lord when pressure mounts.
• Strengthen yourself with what God has already said.
• Trust His sovereign hand when people disappoint you and circumstances tighten.
• Keep walking by faith, even when the wilderness continues.
• God may not remove the pressure right away, but He will sustain His people.