Bible › 2 Samuel
- September 7, 2003
- June 17, 2012
Strong ambition is a distinguishing characteristic of leadership. But it can also be dangerous if it is not grace-driven, government by God's law, and focused on God's glory. This sermon is not only a call to have strong ambition to fulfill one's calling in a way that pleases God, but it also analyzes the ins and outs of what both humanistic ambition and godly ambition look like.
- July 1, 2012
This passage gives us detailed instruction on how we should honor soldiers who have died in the defense of their country.
- July 8, 2012
Developing a clear understanding of loyalty to God can help us navigate the treacherous waters of loyalty to man. But loyalty is a characteristic that Christians must put on if we are to imitate and glorify God.
- July 15, 2012
- July 22, 2012
This sermon discusses ten underlying issues related to conflict. The more we can understand the dynamics of conflict, the better prepared we will be to be true peacemakers.
- July 29, 2012
- August 5, 2012
You've heard the expression, "You can't change City Hall." It expresses a degree of discouragement about local politics. People are even more discouraged about the fact that we can't seem to change Washington, DC no matter which party controls the Executive and Legislative branches. Power politics seems to be the name of the game. This sermon not only examines the dynamics of power politics, but also what we as Christians should do about it.
- August 12, 2012
This sermon gives a Biblical philosophy of conspiracy theories. Using Psalm 2 as a theological foundation, and using 2 Samuel 3 as a historical backdrop, it analyses how conspiracies work and how God has routinely frustrated them over the past several thousand years. In the process it not only corrects mistaken ideas about history, politics, and worldview, but it also stirs up hope, faith, and action. If you have ever been tempted to think that conspiracies are invincible, this is a sermon for you. In the process you might realize that we Christians have unfortunately adopted some of the sinful methodologies spawned by conspiracy.
- August 26, 2012
What is a person to do when he is faced with two lousy choices in politics? How polite do we need to be with our political opponents? Is there a place for strong language in politics? What about displaying people's dirty laundry? How effective is public opinion in restraining tyrants? How can we take advantage of that? These and other issues are addressed in this encouraging sermon that gives reason to not give up even when change seems frustratingly impossible.
- September 2, 2012
The same principles that led to the French Revolution are principles that flow very naturally from our children's hearts and are constantly at work in church and in society – unless God's grace subdues them. This sermon examines ten revolutionary principles illustrated in 2 Samuel 4, and uses them to show the stark contrast between the American War for Independence and the French Revolution. It also shows how modern American politics resembles the evil French Revolution much more than it resembles the principles adopted by our founding fathers. But this sermon is a call for every area of life to put off revolution and to put on Reformation.
- September 9, 2012
When Jesus preached so much on politics and when so much of the Bible deals with the subject, it is surprising that so few American pastors are willing to preach on the topic. But this sermon tackles politics head on, using nine principles from 2 Samuel 5:1-5 to show how far America has drifted from its roots. If you want one sermon that gives civics in a nutshell, this sermon is it.
- September 23, 2012
This sermon tackles the marvelous theology of Zion. In the process it gives us lessons on the nature of the kingdom, the difference between faith and presumption, human inability, walking in the supernatural, the place of Jew and Gentile in the church, and the warning that Satan sows his seeds at the very time that we are having our greatest Gospel victories.
- September 30, 2012
This passage not only gives wonderful help for Christians in military service, but it also gives wonderful help for any Christian involved in spiritual warfare. These twelve Christian characteristics are foundations for successful battle.
- December 2, 2012
This chapter is a classic text on the Regulative Principle of Worship. But this sermon is anything but a simple rehash of the old arguments. It is a refreshing exposition of the sufficiency of Scripture for every portion of worship, whether that be the elements, the order, or even the circumstances of worship. There is no need to appeal to human wisdom, and there is no excuse for ignoring clear statements of Scripture as so many traditional Reformed churches have done. Whether you agree or disagree with his conclusions, you will find that he takes the Regulative Principle of Worship to its logical conclusion, even when that might be uncomfortable.
- December 9, 2012
This is a pivotal passage in understanding the practical character of covenant theology. Christ's grace and rule impacts every area of life.
- December 16, 2012
How do you handle dreams that have been dashed to the ground? While this is an amazing passage for teaching principles of prayer, it is also a passage that shows the specific character issues that need to be addressed to handle disappointments in a godly manner.
- December 23, 2012
Gypsie Smith said that he had never lost the wonder of his salvation. But that sense of wonder has been lost for many Christians. Familiarity breeds contempt. This third sermon on the Davidic Covenant is an attempt to reignite a sense of wonder and awe in God's people over who Jesus is and over God's story of salvation. It is a call to respond to God's covenant provisions with praise and adoration.
- December 30, 2012
This sermon uses David's reign to portray eight images of the Messianic Kingdom of Jesus.
- January 13, 2013
This sermon digs deeply into the covenant concept of God's chesed. Though the word has been variously translated as steadfast love, kindness, mercy, loyalty, and faithfulness, the rich meaning of the term is beautifully illustrated in the chesed that David showed toward Mephibosheth.
- January 20, 2013
- January 27, 2013
- March 3, 2013
- April 7, 2013
It is a truism that males struggle with sexual temptations. This sermon seeks to give practical help for gaining the victory.
- April 14, 2013
Whereas the previous sermon addressed key issues facing men, this sermon addresses the unique sexual temptations of women. In the process it also boldly addresses issues of modesty, thought life, hedges, and the practical steps that should be taken to tuneup a marriage.
- April 21, 2013
When we expose our sin through Biblical confession, God brings incredible relief, joy, liberty, and peace. But when we cover our sin with the "fig leaves" of humanistic substitutes, we bring ourselves misery. When God guarantees that the consequences of hiding our sins are always greater than the consequences of confessing our sins, why is it that so frequently we desperately use every means at our disposal to hide? This sermon explores this strange phenomenon and applies it in various areas of life, including apologetics, child rearing, finances, discipline, and politics.
- April 28, 2013
This remarkable text, on God's response to David's sin with Bathsheba, cuts to the heart of the the controversies raging around legalism and antinomianism. It shows a picture of real grace contrasted with the gracelessness of both of those ditches. It shows many facets of God's love as a Father. And it answers critical questions — Does God get mad at His children? When God looks at us, does He only see Jesus? Should we "be OK with not being OK"? How proactive are we supposed to be in striving after righteousness? When does that become man-made or works-based righteousness? What about letting go and letting God?
- May 5, 2013
Though Scripture calls us to have a persevering love that "covers a multitude of sins," there are some sins that may not lawfully be covered over. This sermon gives hints from the text to show what situations would warrant a "Nathan moment" of confrontation, and then gives several principles that show the best way to engage a person in a "Nathan moment."
- May 13, 2013
This sermon explores the problem of pain, suffering, and death for infants. The sermon has a number of purposes, but one is to give help and hope to people who suffer from post-abortion trauma.
- May 19, 2013
It can be very discouraging when many of our prayers seem to go unanswered. Our unbelieving hearts easily latch onto these unanswered prayers as reasons to doubt God. This sermon shows the blessings of unanswered prayers.
- June 2, 2013
This passage shows the amazing way in which God's grace can make beauty out of our ugly stains of the past.
- June 9, 2013
This passage (and the Psalm written on this occasion) illustrate eleven more lessons on the military and war. Pastor Kayser shows how these principles were enshrined in our constitution, but are no longer being followed in America. He outlines the fascinating story of how the military and war have been consistently used down through history to erode liberty and to centralize government. It is critically important that every citizen once again understand these principles of civics.
- June 16, 2013
- September 22, 2013
Bitterness is a destructive force. No Christian should allow it to grow in his heart. This is a sermon that not only dissects the characteristics and fruits of bitterness, but shows how to put it off.
- September 29, 2013
Due to technical difficulties the second half of this recording was lost. Sorry about the cliffhanger that will most likely never be concluded.
- October 6, 2013
People are often mystified by the politics, manipulation, undermining of authority, criticism, and endless fires that need to be put out in organizations. Though this sermon mainly applies the principles of the Absalom Syndrome to the church, you will immediately recognize the same principles at work in politics, military, business, and elsewhere. For those who are praying for revival and reformation in the church, it is important that they recognize and pray against the three main demonic spirits that are hindering that work: those behind Ahab, Jezebel, and Absalom. This sermon briefly discusses all three, but focuses upon those who undermine authority behind the scenes.
- October 13, 2013
This sermon continues to list characteristics of an Absalom and to make applications to modern family, business, church, and state.
- October 20, 2013
The Biblical concept of loyalty is summed up in the Hebrew words hemeth and chesed. Loyalty must be defined by the covenant and limited by the covenant or it can easily become an idolatrous loyalty. And since it is a covenant grace, it is not something that humans can produce in their own strength. It is supernatural. This sermon begins to look at several tests of the character of our loyalty. It is a radical call to step out of the ordinary and into the realm of the supernatural in all of our covenant relationships.
- October 27, 2013
This sermon continues to look at eight more tests of loyalty. It is a challenge to leaders and followers alike.
- November 3, 2013
This sermon describes the many faces of false loyalty. It can be manifested as false generosity and false compassion (for example socialism). It can give the impression of loyalty while destroying loyalty (Oliver Wendell Holmes book, The Common Law, is an example). It can destroy covenant relationships while giving the illusion of faithfulness (eg., no divorce, but no passion to fulfill the marriage vows). It can be blind to its own deceitfulness while accusing others of disloyalty. Once false loyalty is recognized in its many disguises, we can more effectively guard our hearts against it. This sermon is yet another call to God-centeredness in all our covenant relationships.
- November 10, 2013
The irrational rage between Shimei and Abishai and the great self-control exhibited by David (also exhibited in the Psalms written during this period) is the framework for a unique discussion of anger, lack of sportsmanship, lack of self-control, slander, cheating, unfair critiques, and other sins.
- November 24, 2013
In our culture wars it is easy to fall into the ditch of lawless revolutionaries on the one side or into the ditch of a passive slave-mentality on the other side. This sermon examines the difference between revolution and lawful resistance to tyranny.
- December 1, 2013
While this sermon does give an interesting discussion of two military strategies, most of is focus is on the relationship between wise planning and trust in providence.
- December 8, 2013
- December 15, 2013
This sermon gives a clear understanding of what the Bible says about suicide. It also gives clear instructions on how to handle suicidal thoughts in yourself or in others.
- January 5, 2014
David had disappointments galore as he fled from Absalom. Most people would have focused on those crushing disappointments and been overwhelmed with sadness, but David mysteriously experienced joy and a "river" of God's pleasures while aggressively taking his disappointments to the God who cares. This sermon shows how we too can "rejoice in the Lord always" (even in the midst of numerous disappointments) without adopting an unrealistic Pollyanna Christianity.
- January 26, 2014
This sermon deals with the far reaching implications of a God-given inward call to duty. General Douglas MacArthur considered this to be one of the key foundations for Christian civilization. This sermon not only examines the disastrous consequences of failing to pass on to the next generation this sense of duty , but also illustrates the wonderful things that can flow from this grace.
- February 2, 2014
Pride is one of the worst enemies of our soul. This sermon examines the pride of Absalom and Joab and makes extensive application to individuals, families, and churches.
- February 23, 2014
- March 2, 2014
Though Scripture teaches us how to weep for others (Lamentations) and shows the godly weeping of Jeremiah, Jesus, and others, it also makes clear that some weeping is ungodly. This sermon shows how to sanctify our emotions and specifically how to be sanctified in our weeping. Too many Christians fail to think about this subject and as a result sin against God and others with their tears.
- March 9, 2014
Christ died to reconcile sinners to God and to give the foundation for reconciliation in our human relationships. This sermon shows what frequently goes wrong in attempted reconciliations and specific steps to reconcile in a God-glorifying manner.
- March 16, 2014
There are many things that can make it difficult for us to be willing to repent of our sins and there are equally many things that can make it difficult to forgive. This sermon not only examines those difficulties, but in the process gives a theology of repentance and forgiveness and distinguishes it from worldly counterfeits.
- March 23, 2014
Jesus calls us to pursue reconciliation whether we are in the wrong or in the right. This passage illustrates how difficult that can be, and in the process introduces us to more principles of reconciliation. Each of these principles are also illustrated in Romans 12, a passage that calls us to step outside the realm of what is possible and into the realm of the supernatural. Ultimately reconciliation is God working through us the same grace that He gave to us.
- March 30, 2014
This sermon use the portrait of Barzillai to give a philosophy of aging. Key words: old, age, elderly, retire, risk, health, opportunities, time, limits, health, relationships, death, medical directive, legacy, friendship, balance, relaxation
- April 6, 2014
Even the best attempts at peacemaking can be ruined or undermined by others. This sermon deals with some of the most common obstructions to reconciliation and the peacemaking process and what can be done about them.
- April 27, 2014
In an age of culture wars, it is easy for those who are trying to resist ungodliness to get caught up in ungodly rebellions. Too frequently godly resistance to tyranny is lumped in with rebellion against tyranny, but the two are quite different. This passage gives ten telltale signs of rebellion that ought to be avoided by every Christian. Resistance yes, rebellion no.
- May 4, 2014
Rebellion always results in negative consequences. Understanding these disastrous consequences can be a strong motivator to put off our own rebellion and deal with the rebellion of others with Biblical principles.
- May 11, 2014
This portrait of the wise woman of Abel not only gives great insights into peacemaking, but is a corrective to hyper patriarchy and elevates the role of women.
- May 18, 2014
It is hard for us to fathom getting our nation back to the kind of limited government that it enjoyed for most of its first century, but this sermon seeks to show that it is not only possible but is also morally imperative. While examining the cabinet of David, the departments implied in that list, and comparing David’s executive branch with the agencies, boards, committees, and commissions under our current administration’s executive branch, this sermon seeks to give a Biblical philosophy of civics. In advocating the Regulative Principle of Government, this sermon stands on the shoulders of Augustine, the Puritans, the Scottish Reformers, Patrick Henry, and many others.
- May 25, 2014
This passage has a great deal to say about being promise keepers - on both the individual and the national level. The issues surrounding the broken treaty with the Gibeonites have many parallels with the issues surrounding America’s broken treaties with American Indian tribes.
- June 8, 2014
How does God want us to treat the bodies of those who are deceased? Is cremation ever an option? What about donating bodies to science? This sermon gives the historic understanding of burial and cremation and in the process addresses some other practical issues, such as how to relate to a relative who is either convicted as a criminal or is under church discipline.
- June 15, 2014
This sermon is a call for men to rise up and take on the giants of our day. Key words: enemy, persevere, culture wars, pacifism, weakness, prayerlessness, carnality, intimidating, giants,
- July 6, 2014
- September 14, 2014
The Bible gives minimum requirements for imperfect rulers. This is contrasted with the minimum requirements that most Christians have. This sermon serves as a shocking paradigm for the 21rst Century.
- September 28, 2014
Though God does not expect everyone to be a hero warrior like David and his 36 leaders, there are principles of followership and leadership that can be learned from these amazing men.
- October 6, 2014
Much controversy surrounds the American Community Survey. This sermon gives a detailed analysis of what the Bible teaches on the subject of a census and demonstrates that the ACS is both unbiblical and unconstitutional. But more than that, this sermon shows why God treated even David’s more minimal census as a great evil that needed to be resisted. This passage adds to our general understanding of Biblical civics as calling for very limited government.
- October 13, 2014
How are Christians to react to plagues and other national disasters? This sermon gives concrete guidance.
- October 26, 2014
This passage shows how all of life (including politics) should be viewed through the lens of the Gospel and how the Gospel should impact everything that we do.
- January 16, 2022
This nameless woman was a model peacemaker. But she also modeled many other graces to modern women.
- October 27, 2024