Fall wrap-up

9:46 p.m. Today's project was to wrap up our summer Bible study in I Samuel, wrap up the kingship of Saul, and wrap up the sovereignty of the nation of Israel all in one morning!

While the deaths of King Saul and his sons threw Israel into chaos and domination by the Philistines, a new king will be coming in the next book, II Samuel, our study that is slated to begin in June 2012.

How can events and conflicts in the lives of people living thousands of years ago be as fresh and compelling as today's headlines to us? One simple answer: the Holy Spirit breathes life into the pages of the Bible, as He breathes life into the hearts, minds and souls of those who are born again. I Corinthians 1:18 explains:

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being

saved it is the power of God.

We believers are awaiting our King JESUS' return in glory, power and complete victory over all of the forces of evil! Jesus is coming back--not as a helpless infant, a spiritually mature adolescent, or a loving, healing, patient Teacher. This time He will come as king of all the universe, leading legions of His saints in conquest. Hear I Corinthians 15:24-25:

Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.

and

Revelation 19:11-16:

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.

He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And he Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name that is written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Yes, our King is coming!

Even though I Samuel 31 ended our book on a tragic note, we focused on our hope in Christ. After prayer for one another and our families, we blessed one another with a wonderful meal, delicious desserts, and plans to see each other at church next week. I love my fellow sisters in Christ, such devoted students of the Word, and friends for life!