Life of David

And I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

April 30, 2023 • J.D. Greear • 2 Samuel 24

Life Song

April 16, 2023 • J.D. Greear • 2 Samuel 22—23

A person’s last words can often be very telling. In this week’s message, Pastor J.D. gives us a glimpse into a song that David wrote during an earlier time in his life, which serves as a summary of both his life and his ministry. From these “last words” of David, we can learn important truths about God—truths that sustained David, and that can sustain us through even the darkest of times.

The Harvest of Poor Choices

March 26, 2023 • J.D. Greear • 2 Samuel 13—21

As we near the end of 2 Samuel, this week’s message from Pastor J.D. is one that examines the often far-reaching consequences of sin. These consequences played out not only in David’s life, but in the lives of many in his family. For those who have experienced the tragic results of sin, either your own or that of others, things may seem hopeless—but there is healing to be found in the true King who redeems and restores.

Broken

March 12, 2023 • J.D. Greear • 2 Samuel 12, Psalm 51

What does true repentance look like? This week, Pastor J.D. helps us unpack 2 Samuel 12, in which David is confronted regarding his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah. Following the prophet Nathan’s rebuke of him, David pens Psalm 51. It is in this psalm that we observe the components of true confession and repentance, which lead ultimately—and joyfully—to restoration. 

What Happened?

February 26, 2023 • J.D. Greear • 2 Samuel 11

This week, Pastor J.D. helps us process a very difficult passage in 2 Samuel, and a turning point in the life of David—the story of David and Bathsheba. Could this be the same David who was called “a man after God’s own heart”? Though David was indeed forgiven, his sin would affect everyone around him. While this story holds a powerful warning for us today, what it ultimately reveals is a deep longing for another King, a better King—Jesus. 

Find Your Mephibosheth

February 5, 2023 • J.D. Greear • 2 Samuel 9

If you have believed and been changed by the gospel, what should your response be? In this week's message from 2 Samuel, Pastor J.D. takes us through a story that is perhaps not as well-known, that of David and Mephibosheth. David's response to the extravagant love of God (as seen in 2 Samuel 7) is to pour out that same love onto an unlikely recipient, giving him a permanent seat at his table. It is here that we find our own story reflected—we who were once enemies have been invited to sit at the table of the King. 

Who Gives and Who Receives?

January 29, 2023 • J.D. Greear • 2 Samuel 7

As we continue in the book of 2 Samuel, this week's message from Pastor J.D. walks us through both King David's desire to build the temple and God's response to him—one that serves as a good reminder for us even today. What David learned—and what we often forget—is that our relationship with God is not based on how much we do or give. Instead, it's based on what God has already done for us and given to us.

Get Undignified

January 22, 2023 • J.D. Greear • 2 Samuel 6

In this week's message from 2 Samuel, Pastor J.D. encourages us to honestly evaluate our worship of God. Though different cultures (and different personalities) often exhibit differing styles of worship, our intention should be the same—putting the worthiness of God on display. Though we might not always feel like worshiping, we can resolve to do so anyway, out of obedience to and love for our great God. 

New Beginnings

January 8, 2023 • J.D. Greear • 2 Samuel 1—5

In this message from 2 Samuel, Pastor J.D. walks us through a few ways in which David was "a man after God's own heart." And yet, what we ultimately see through the first several chapters of this book is that not even David was the king that Israel was looking for. The king that they needed—and that we need today—was one fully without sin, willing to lay down his life even for his enemies. With such a King on the throne, we can learn to accept with joy what God has for us this year and beyond.

How Not to Die

October 16, 2022 • J.D. Greear • 1 Samuel 28, 1 Samuel 31

In this message from 1 Samuel, Pastor J.D. walks through the tragic last chapter of Israel’s first king. King Saul held such promise in the beginning. But the longer he reigned, the more it became clear that he wanted God’s blessing much more than he wanted God. And Saul isn’t alone: In the church today, many people seem destined to miss heaven by 18 inches—the distance between your head and your heart.

Vengeance: 1 + 0 = 0

October 1, 2022 • Bryan Loritts • 1 Samuel 25

Pastor Bryan Loritts shares a message from 1 Samuel 25.

A Crack in the Armor: The Episode with Abigail

October 2, 2022 • J.D. Greear • 1 Samuel 25

One day, the story of your life will be told to the next generation. How do you want today’s chapter to be told? As a season of faithfulness, trust, and integrity? Or as the moment when you decided to walk away from everything—and everyone—you once served? In this message from 1 Samuel 25, Pastor J.D. shows us King David at a critical juncture, fresh off his faithful response to the murderous King Saul. But when a smaller obstacle meets David, he stumbles and nearly falls. The only thing that prevents David from veering into a pattern of sin and foolishness is an obscure figure—one of the wisest (and least known) people in the entire Bible.

Trust God, Embrace the Process

September 24, 2022

Pastor Bryan continues our Life of David series by preaching on how to trust God and embrace the process. This was recorded at our Blue Ridge Campus.

Wait For It

September 25, 2022 • J.D. Greear • 1 Samuel 24, Psalm 57

What do you do when the path you’re on takes an expected turn for the worst? In this message from 1 Samuel 24, Pastor J.D. follows King David into an unexpected place—the wilderness. At this point in his life, David had been chosen to be king. And yet circumstances sent him running for his life. David’s temptation in this season echoes our own: When our plans seem to be going south, we can take matters into our own hands. Or we can follow David, doing the hardest thing in the Bible—trust God and actively wait on his timing.

You've Got a Friend in Me

September 11, 2022 • J.D. Greear • 1 Samuel 18—20

In this message from 1 Samuel, Pastor J.D. looks at one of the greatest friendship stories of all time—between the presumptive heir, Prince Jonathan, and the anointed king, David. This unlikely friendship challenges us to choose our own response to the one true King, Jesus. Will we, like Saul, resist him? Or will we, like Jonathan, yield the throne of our life to him?