From Giants to Kings: Where We've Been and Where We're Headed

Don't forget God. Don't stop seeking God. Don't leave God; He has never left you.

 

Looking Back at September

September marked the halfway point of our journey through The Story, and every chapter kept circling back to the same truth: remembering who God is and what He's done isn't optional. It's the guardrail that keeps us from slowly replacing Him with whatever feels familiar.

 

We watched Israel demand a king, not because God had failed them, but because they wanted to look like everyone else. We saw Saul settle for partial obedience and call it close enough. And we cheered as David faced down Goliath with nothing but a sling and complete trust in God, only to watch him, in a season of success, build a giant of his own that nearly cost him everything. Together we've been learning how to defeat the Goliaths in our lives, and just as importantly, how to keep from building new ones in their place.

 

Heading Into October

This month, we pick up the story with David's son and watch what happens to a kingdom when its leaders forget, stop seeking, and walk away from God. Our three themes carry right through.

 

1. Don't Forget God. Solomon started strong. Given the chance to ask God for anything, he asked for wisdom, and God gave it in abundance, along with wealth, peace, and the honor of building the Temple in Jerusalem. He truly had it all. But over time, Solomon let his heart drift toward the gods of the people around him. He didn't fall in a day; he forgot a little at a time. Even the wisest man who ever lived wasn't immune to building a Goliath out of his own blessings.

 

2. Don't Stop Seeking God. After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam had a choice: listen to wise counsel or do things his own way. He chose the harsh path, and the kingdom tore in two. The northern tribes followed Jeroboam, who quickly set up his own places of worship so the people wouldn't need to go to Jerusalem. It was easier, closer, and more familiar, and it led a nation away from God. When we stop seeking Him, we don't stop seeking altogether; we just start chasing substitutes.

 

3. Don't Leave God. He Has Not Left You. As king after king led the people deeper into idolatry, God didn't walk away. He kept sending messengers. Elijah stood on Mount Carmel and showed a wandering nation that the Lord alone is God. Even as the northern kingdom spiraled toward its end, God kept calling His people home. That's the heart of this month: no matter how far we drift, He is still pursuing us.

 

You Belong Here

No experience is necessary. Whether you've never opened a Bible or you've studied it for years, this is a great time to jump in as we head into the back half of The Story.

 

Since starting our new service times on July 5, we've continued to be intentional about removing barriers so people can find their way to Christ and to a church home at McKendree. We truly believe in come as you are. Some people wear suits; some wear jeans and a T-shirt. Some women wear dresses; some wear jeans. God doesn't care what you wear. He cares that you're there.

 

 

We'd love to see you on Sunday!

New Service Times:
10:00–10:30 AM — Sunday School
10:35–11:30 AM — Worship Service
Following Worship — Fellowship Time