David Falls

Session 4.31 for July 29, 2012

In today’s text we learn about the infamous smudge on David’s kingly reputation. David, like many of us, becomes complacent and comfortable in his lifestyle. He uses his power to get what he wants instead of doing God’s will.

Bible Background Video

featuring Nikki Hardeman

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Faithelement Bible Background 4.31 from FaithElement | FaithLab on Vimeo.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:1-27

Session Pages

FaithElement offers several flavors of Bible study, all based on the same scripture passage for the day. Click on an approach to download the PDF of that session page.

Links

These videos or songs are referenced in the session pages:

Media

Chocolate Gloop
Milking a Cat
Fitting In

Youth

Joe Paterno’s Legacy
Gladiator

Nurturing Faith

Adult
Youth

God Will Not Be Contained

Session 4.30 for July 22, 2012

In today’s text we read of David’s desire to build a temple for God. God tells David, “Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle.” God reminds David that God is bigger than any one place and cannot be contained by people. In our efforts to understand theology and grow spiritually, sometimes we are like David – trying to contain God to fit our perceptions and limited understanding.

Bible Background Video

featuring Nikki Hardeman

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Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-16

Session Pages

FaithElement offers several flavors of Bible study, all based on the same scripture passage for the day. Click on an approach to download the PDF of that session page.

Links

These videos or songs are referenced in the session pages:

Media

A Gift
No Thanks
Really Good Cookie

Youth

You Lost Me
Jurassic Park

Mystic

Names of God

Nurturing Faith

Adult
Youth

David: All Good?

Session 4.29 for July 15, 2012

In 2 Samuel 6:1-23, we learn of the journey of the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred vessel for the ancient Israelites, and the role that David had in the Ark’s journey to Jerusalem. This passage provides interesting, perhaps troubling, accounts of the relationship between God and people, David and his kingdom, and David and God.

Bible Background Video

featuring Nikki Hardeman

To toggle between the hi-def and standard-def versions, click the "HD" on the video.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:1-23

Session Pages

FaithElement offers several flavors of Bible study, all based on the same scripture passage for the day. Click on an approach to download the PDF of that session page.

Links

These videos or songs are referenced in the session pages:

Media

Spiderman
Robin Hood

Youth

Spiderman
Robin Hood

Mystic

“I Am” by Nichole Nordeman

Nurturing Faith

Adult
Youth

David Becomes King

Session 4.28 for July 8, 2012

In 2 Samuel 5:1-10, we read the story of how David, after being anointed in secret, hunted by Saul, and winning victories over enemies, finally becomes king. Through a complicated and emotional storyline that is full of fear, one thing becomes clear – David is blessed. God’s favor shines upon David, and he responds with graceful patience towards his enemies, waiting for the day when it is his turn to be king – a long, bloody, and painful road to kingship. Today, we may feel as though there is something that God has promised us, yet that promise seems impossibly far away and difficult. Yet even in the midst of that waiting and those hardships, we must not lose sight of God’s vision for our lives nor cease doing what is right.

Bible Background Video

featuring Nikki Hardeman

To toggle between the hi-def and standard-def versions, click the "HD" on the video.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:1-10

Session Pages

FaithElement offers several flavors of Bible study, all based on the same scripture passage for the day. Click on an approach to download the PDF of that session page.

Links

These videos or songs are referenced in the session pages:

Mental

The Map of Canaan: Twelve Tribe Portions

Youth

Braveheart
Empire Strikes Back

Nurturing Faith

Adult
Youth

How the Mighty Have Fallen

Session 4.27 for July 1, 2011

In the past few weeks, we have learned about Saul’s fall from God’s favor, David’s anointing as future king, and the complicated relationships between David, Saul, and Jonathan. In today’s text we see David’s genuine grief over Saul’s death despite their tumultuous relationship. For David and for us today, grieving is not a singular emotion but a process that is full of strong and sometimes conflicting emotions. Grief does not follow a prescribed set of steps nor it is the same for all people or all situations. Today’s scripture teaches us that it is okay and important to grieve. We often talk about grief in relation to death, but we may also grieve loss of relationships, changing circumstances, and past experiences. Sometimes our feelings are even bittersweet. Like David, the next step may even bring us closer to God’s plan for our lives, but that doesn’t make the loss any easier.

Bible Background Video

featuring Nikki Hardeman

To toggle between the hi-def and standard-def versions, click the "HD" on the video.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 1:1-27

Session Pages

FaithElement offers several flavors of Bible study, all based on the same scripture passage for the day. Click on an approach to download the PDF of that session page.