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Today’s message will be straightforward and I will not be sugar-coating what I have to say. It is the most important information we can come to terms with and if I do my job well, there will be no uncertainty.

Our own Dakota Gennings leads us through the life of a man who truly battled the agents of darkness through faith in God. CCLI Copyright License 11107056 CCLI Streaming License CSPL085064

Obedience is a challenge for humans, to say the least. We have trouble following what our parents tell us to do from the very beginning. Most of parenting is simply trying to get a child to do the things that will keep them alive and safe. Not outrageous tasks, but pretty basic things like take a bath, eat your food, don’t put a fork in the wall outlet, and don't run out in front of a truck. To simply obey the people who love you more than anyone in the world and who only want the best for you seems to be the most challenging thing in the world for a child. Amazing. CCLI Copyright License 11107056 CCLI Streaming License CSPL085064

The Jews. Chosen by God. Selected to be his people. Provided for and protected. Guided and sustained. Rescued and redeemed. It should not be any clearer than this for any nation. God plucked them from obscurity and from a legacy of idolatry. He gave them special attention, communication and showed them his favor. All that he did was in their best interest. And yet… CCLI Copyright License 11107056 CCLI Streaming License CSPL085064

Often, we believe that we have a better way. We become convinced that our way of getting to a place, cooking a particular thing, building something or repairing an item is the way to do something, only to find out later that it is not the best way to do so. Sometimes, when using a navigation assistant, I have frequently found that my way of getting somewhere is not the most efficient way, just the way I have always gone. CCLI Copyright License 11107056 CCLI Streaming License CSPL085064

Adam and Eve turned from God. They broke first covenant with God and they got what they deserved. Never-ending toil. Pain in child-birth and the pain that follows when a child wanders from the truth. Murder. Loss of happiness and joy. What once was - an existence of man in communion with God, in beauty and peace, with every need met and true bliss as the base of life - has now been traded. Traded for subjugation to sin and its results. As always, a few seconds of pleasure as the price to pay for years of pain. CCLI Copyright License 11107056 CCLI Streaming License CSPL085064

Has anyone ever made an important promise to you? Sometimes these promises are in the form of a written contract and are legally binding. This means that the promise is made stronger by the force of law. Some come in the form of a guarantee or warranty. Some promises are given casually, but still have meaning. Like a statement to meet a friend for dinner, or put your clothes away or to clean your room. Some are deeper and given with care and thought like a pledge to a dying friend or a wedding vow. CCLI Copyright License 11107056 CCLI Streaming License CSPL085064

David was a man “after God’s own heart,” and truly sought a relationship with God in order that he might do the will of God. But he was a flawed man, as we all are, and made great mistakes. He was also a man that was chosen by God for specific work, as we each have been, and the work that God has for us is not necessarily the work we would choose for ourselves. CCLI Copyright License 11107056 CCLI Streaming License CSPL085064

Last week, we spent some time studying the construction of the first Temple. It was an incredible feat, and was far more than just the most expensive construction project in human history. It was the culmination of God working to establish the homeland and seat of worship of power in Jerusalem. David had desired to build the structure, but he had blood on his hands from countless campaigns. Solomon was given the task and he did so by following the plans given to David by God, to a T. All material had been gathered, all labor identified, everything ready to go. And, in 7 years, the magnificent Temple was built. On the day of it’s dedication, among countless sacrifices, God’s presence filled the Temple in a dark cloud. God was pleased. He was with His people and they were with him. At least for a time… CCLI Copyright License 11107056 CCLI Streaming License CSPL085064