07-03-2026 PART 3: Finding Life by Following Christ

07-03-2026 PART 3: Finding Life by Following Christ

Section 1 Jesus presents one of the greatest paradoxes of the Christian life by teaching that those who seek to preserve their lives will ultimately lose them, while those who willingly surrender themselves for His sake will discover true life. Dr. Dave explains that following Christ requires daily self-denial rather than a continual search for personal fulfillment. Connecting this teaching with Moses' experience, he emphasizes that God accomplishes His greatest work through people who have come to the end of their own strength and have learned to depend completely upon Him. The lesson reminds believers that genuine life is found only through wholehearted surrender to Jesus Christ. Section 2 The feeding of the multitude reveals a practical pattern for trusting God when human resources appear completely inadequate. Before performing the miracle, Jesus instructed the crowd to sit down, looked toward heaven, offered thanks instead of complaining, and then began sharing what was already available. Dr. Dave points out that each step demonstrates a posture of faith rather than anxiety. Instead of focusing on what was lacking, Jesus directed everyone's attention toward the Father, teaching His disciples that God's provision begins by trusting His sufficiency instead of dwelling on apparent limitations. Section 3 The miracle reached its fullest expression as Jesus placed the loaves and fish into the hands of His disciples to distribute among the people. Dr. Dave emphasizes that God's multiplying power became evident not through hoarding what little was available but through faithfully giving it away. The same principle continues to guide believers today. When Christians surrender themselves, trust God's provision, express gratitude, and generously share what He has entrusted to them, they position themselves to witness His power accomplishing far more than human effort could ever produce.

07-03-2026 PART 2: God's Answer Is His Presence

Section 1 Moses' encounter at the burning bush reveals that God's preparation often takes far longer than people expect before He calls them into significant service. Dr. Dave traces Moses' journey from the confidence of his first forty years to the humility developed during four decades in the wilderness. While Moses once believed he was ready to deliver Israel through his own strength, God patiently used those hidden years to remove his self-reliance. The lesson emphasizes that lasting ministry begins when believers recognize they are completely dependent upon the Lord rather than their own abilities. Section 2 A simple question from Moses becomes the turning point of the entire passage as he asks how he could possibly accomplish such an overwhelming assignment. Instead of outlining a detailed strategy or emphasizing Moses' qualifications, God responds with one promise: "I will be with you." Dr. Dave explains that this same assurance remains the foundation for every believer facing difficult responsibilities, impossible circumstances, or intimidating opportunities. The emphasis is that God's presence, not human capability, is the true source of strength for every task He assigns. Section 3 Jesus reinforces the same truth by teaching that apart from Him believers can accomplish nothing of lasting spiritual value. Dr. Dave reminds listeners that every victory, every ministry opportunity, and every act of faithful service ultimately depends upon God's power working through willing people. Whether speaking to one person, serving in ministry, or facing life's greatest challenges, Christians are never called to rely upon themselves. The final encouragement centers on one unchanging promise: when God calls His people to a task, His presence always provides what His purpose requires.

07-03-2026 PART 1: Thankful for God's Faithfulness

Section 1 As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, Dr. Dave encourages listeners to pause and thank God for the many freedoms they enjoy while faithfully praying for their country. Acknowledging that no nation is perfect, he reminds believers that the United States has been richly blessed with opportunities to worship openly, read Scripture freely, and proclaim the Gospel without many of the restrictions experienced elsewhere in the world. The lesson emphasizes that Christians are called to pray for their leaders, seek God's blessing upon their communities, and remain grateful for His abundant provision while asking Him to continue advancing His kingdom. Section 2 The arrival of the Ark at Beth Shemesh demonstrates that every detail of God's plan unfolds according to His perfect direction. Dr. Dave points out that the Ark stopped at a specific location, beside a particular rock, in the field of a man named Joshua, revealing that nothing in God's economy happens by accident. Even the materials needed for worship had been provided through the cart and the sacrificial animals, showing that the Lord prepares His people for the very acts of worship He calls them to offer. The emphasis remains on God's sovereign care and His intentional involvement in every circumstance. Section 3 An often-overlooked detail emerges as the Philistine rulers quietly observe everything taking place before returning home. While the Israelites focused on worshiping the Lord, they were unaware that others were witnessing their response to God's faithfulness. Dr. Dave applies that principle to the Christian life, reminding believers that people are constantly watching how they live, speak, and respond to life's circumstances. The final encouragement challenges listeners to remember that every act of faithful obedience becomes a testimony. Whether they realize it or not, their lives continually point others toward the reality of the God they serve.

07-02-2026 PART 3: Running Toward God, Not Away

Section 1 Judges 10 provides a vivid picture of what happens when God's people pursue idols instead of remaining faithful to Him. Dr. Dave explains that while believers today may not bow before carved images, anything that consistently draws their hearts away from the Lord can become an idol. Israel repeatedly ignored God's faithfulness, complained about His provision, and turned to other gods until the consequences of their choices became unmistakable. The lesson reminds listeners that genuine repentance begins when people stop excusing their sin, honestly acknowledge it before God, and recognize their complete need for His mercy. Section 2 An important contrast emerges between Adam and Eve's response to sin and God's pattern established throughout Scripture. Instead of running away and hiding in shame, believers are invited to come directly into God's presence through Jesus Christ, their great High Priest. Dr. Dave points to passages in Hebrews, the Psalms, and 1 John to demonstrate that confession is never about explaining away failure or shifting blame. Rather, it is about humbly accepting responsibility, submitting to God's will, and seeking His forgiveness with honesty and sincerity. The emphasis is that restoration begins by running toward God instead of fleeing from Him. Section 3 God's response to Israel reveals the depth of His compassion for His people even after they have failed Him. After Israel confessed their sin, removed their idols, and returned to serving the Lord, Scripture declares that He could no longer bear their misery. Dr. Dave connects that truth to his own testimony of deliverance from drug addiction, recalling how God's mercy transformed an honest prayer of surrender into lasting freedom. The final encouragement reminds believers that repentance involves both confession and practical change. When God's children sincerely return to Him, they discover that His grace is always greater than their failures and His heart is always inclined toward restoration.

07-02-2026 PART 2: Freedom Through God's Grace

Section 1 Shane's thoughtful question about dealing with failure opens the door to a reassuring explanation of God's ongoing work in the life of every believer. Dr. Dave explains that salvation is far more than a single past event, describing it as a work of God that includes justification, sanctification, and future glorification. Through Christ, believers have already been delivered from the penalty of sin, are continually being freed from its power, and will one day be completely separated from its presence. The lesson reminds Christians that God remains faithfully committed to completing the work He has begun in each of His children. Section 2 The discussion then turns to the proper response when a Christian falls into sin. Rather than allowing guilt or personal feelings to become the final authority, Dr. Dave urges believers to stand firmly on the truth of God's Word. He explains that Satan continually accuses God's people, but Jesus continually intercedes on their behalf as their Advocate before the Father. When believers honestly confess their sins, God faithfully forgives and restores fellowship, making it unnecessary to remain trapped in condemnation after genuine repentance has taken place. Section 3 Biblical truth ultimately becomes the anchor that keeps believers steady when emotions threaten to overwhelm them. Dr. Dave points to passages such as 1 John 1:9, Psalm 32, and Psalm 51 to demonstrate that God's promise of forgiveness is based on His faithfulness rather than human feelings. While conviction leads people toward repentance, lingering condemnation is never God's desire for those who belong to Christ. The final encouragement reminds listeners to trust God's promises above their emotions, confidently receiving His forgiveness and moving forward in the freedom that His grace provides.