The Town Church / Fort Collins

This week, we explore what it looks like to live in the tension of knowing God is sovereign in a broken, sinful world. What are ways we see God's Word leveraged for our gain in our own culture? How do we stand firm on theological truths while still being sensitive to the needs of others? BONUS: Vince is back!

As sin and all the mess it creates is constantly being exposed, our hearts should be asking: what is God's relationship to the mess of sin? This question guides us through the heavy events of 2 Samuel 2-4. 

In this week's AfterWord, we enter into 2 Samuel by discussing relationships, forgiveness, and God's sovereignty. How have we seen God teach us through sin, pain, or relationships? How have we personally cultivated deep relationships? What has pursuing forgiveness looked like in our own lives? 

At the start of 2 Samuel, David learns of Saul and Jonathan's deaths, leading to mourning and lamentation. In these events, we see how God sovereignly uses all things to teach us and reveal more of Himself. 

This week, we examine how a perfectly holy God brings forth His judgement upon sin. Some questions were: What does engaging the lost look like in your life? How do you consider God's justice? Is there a difference between justice and fairness? What are ways you have personally seen the devastating effects of sin? 

In a heavy conclusion to the book of 1 Samuel, our view of God's faithfulness expands, allowing us to see the consistency of His character toward His children and His enemies. 

This week, another guest joins us as we consider God's faithfulness in 1 Samuel 29-30. Some questions for application: How has God's faithfulness shown up in unexpected ways in your life?How do you see God's faithfulness in your life right now? Which of the four subpoints (God's faithfulness in the unexpected, anguish, rejoicing, and in unconditional ways) stands out most to you? 

God's steadfast faithfulness is in full display as the story focuses back in on David. Despite David's actions and imperfections, God continues to provide in unexpected ways, proving over and over that He will always remain faithful. 

Today, we are joined by a special guest as we discuss 1 Samuel 28. We discuss some of the details of the passage and narrow in on two main application questions: How have you handled it in the past when you felt God was silent?When God seems silent and you are desperate, to whom or what do you tend to turn?AND: Which animal is more frightening, a rattlesnake or a mosquito? 

How do we respond when we perceive that God is silent? In 1 Samuel 28, Saul takes matters into his own hands, leading to desperate actions and his eventual defeat. 

After what seems like endless pursuit from Saul, we see David grow weary of doing good, leading him to seek refuge amongst the Philistines. Rather than continuing in faithfulness, his endurance wavers. Where do we see the call to endure in our own lives? How do we actively fight against giving up when we grow weary? 

1 Samuel 26-27 serve as a call to not grow weary of doing good. In these chapters, David's endurance falters as Saul continues to pursue him.  However, the weakness of this king reminds us of the strength of the True King who endured for us. 

This week, the AfterWord takes on the great outdoors, so prepare yourself for traffic sounds and bicycle bells! As we enjoy the sunshine, we discuss the heart of David in both chapters and take some time to reflect on the character of Abigail, a hero in this story. We also consider a few questions for application: How do you discern if God is speaking through others who claim to be speaking for God in your life? Can you think of a time God redirected you and then later affirmed that redirection? 

In this passage, we see a stark contrast between when David trusts God's plan and when he trusts his own plan. One side is characterized by humility, confession, and repentance; the other by pride, vengeance, and an unrepentant heart. Through all of this, David's shortcomings remind us how much greater Christ is. 

Join us this week as we unpack 1 Samuel 22-23 and discuss what it looks like to sit in seasons of waiting. ALSO: Reach out if you are up to the challenge of taking Vince on in a game of tetherball! Questions for application: Are you currently waiting for God to answer a certain prayer in your own life? Why do we struggle to ask God questions and wait for his response? How can we wait responsibly?

In 1 Samuel 22-23, we see how the Lord protects, guides, and uses the leaders He has put in place. Despite David's circumstances, he still turns to worship, trusting God's unending faithfulness. (Psalms for reference: Psalm 54; Psalm 57: Psalm 142)

This week, we reflect on God's faithfulness and mans' sinfulness. Although sin always leads to destruction, we also know God is always faithful. How have we seen that in our lives or in examples around us? What is YOUR favorite thing about God? Email betty@thetownchurch.org to share! 

In 1 Samuel 21, we see a beautiful picture of the gospel and God's mercy toward sinners. David, the "hero" of the story, fears man rather than God, and this lack of trust leads him toward sin and its consequences. In His kindness, God rescues David, reminding us of God's grace toward us through Christ, the true hero of Scripture. 

This week, we are joined by two very special guests as Eric takes us through some reflections on 1 Samuel 18-20. Are we currently in an "in-between" season? How have we seen the Lord bring us through previous seasons of waiting? Can painful "in-betweens" really be part of God's plan? 

1 Samuel 18-20 marks the turning point in David's relationship with Saul, resulting in events that seem like a major detour between David's anointing and eventual reign as king. However, we know that this "in-between" season is still a piece of God's overall plan, and David's example teaches us how to live in the midst of waiting.