Deuteronomy 17:18-20

The first time I truly encountered Jesus, it was through a story. Maybe you’re thinking I was sitting cross legged on a colorful carpet hearing about Jesus through a story told by a vacation Bible school teacher with a children’s Bible in her hands. Or maybe you think I was quietly reading the Bible for the first time, asking someone why certain words were in red. Actually, it was at a friend’s youth group I had been invited to where I watched a black and white movie in another language with sub…

In Sunday’s message, we talked about Israel’s demand for a king in 1 Samuel 8:5. In spite of their sinful motivation, God still granted their request. He knew they needed a king—just not for the reasons they thought they did. We saw how the book of Judges prepared us for this, by helping us recognize…

Every leader faces the temptation to use power for our own benefit.…