Kingdoms of Envy - Matthew 19:23-30Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.Jesus looked at them intently and ...  Read More

INTRODUCTION: The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion between you and the person you’re studying with or with your Connect Group. Feel free to add, subtract, or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.OPEN:  Can you remember a time in your life when your parents, or someone, told you what would happen if you did or did not do something...  Read More

Kingdoms of Dust - 1 Samuel 18:6-15When the victorious Israelite army was returning home after David had killed the Philistine, women from all the towns of Israel came out to meet King Saul. They sang and danced for joy with tambourines and cymbals.  This was their song:  “Saul has killed his thousands,and David his ten thousands!”This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “They credit Dav...  Read More

Kingdoms of Compromise  - 1 Samuel 13:5-11The Philistines mustered a mighty army of 3,000 chariots, 6,000 charioteers, and as many warriors as the grains of sand on the seashore! They camped at Micmash east of Beth-aven. The men of Israel saw what a tight spot they were in; and because they were hard pressed by the enemy, they tried to hide in caves, thickets, rocks, holes, and cisterns.  Some of ...  Read More

Kingdoms of Celebrity - 1 Samuel 9:1-2; 10:24 There was a wealthy, influential man named Kish from the tribe of Benjamin. He was the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, of the tribe of Benjamin. His son Saul was the most handsome man in Israel—head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land.Then Samuel said to all the people, “This is the man the LORD has chosen as y...  Read More

Rejecting the King of Kings - 1 Samuel 8:4-9Finally, all the elders of Israel met at Ramah to discuss the matter with Samuel. “Look,” they told him, “you are now old, and your sons are not like you. Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have.”Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the LORD for guidance. “Do everything they say to you,” the LORD replied, “for they are ...  Read More