Was David just a skilled underdog? Pastor Jonathan Dirmann answers from 1 Samuel 17 and shows the covenant David stood on against Goliath.

Most of us picture David and Goliath as a story about courage and a good sling. In this sermon, Pastor Jonathan teaches that it is a story about covenant. Looking for the answer? Jump to 26:02 for who David says Goliath is really defying, and 48:07 for why Pastor Jonathan says the sling is not the point. Or watch from the start for the full story.

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📖 God can set you up for success, but you still have to choose to obey. In this message, Jonathan Dirmann continues The Kings and You series by exploring the fall of King Saul and the consequences of disobedience. Through some of the Bible’s most challenging passages, we discover the faithfulness of God to His covenant, the importance of trusting His Word over our feelings, and why obedience is better than sacrifice. Be encouraged to understand God’s heart, trust His promises, and walk faithfully in the covenant we have through Jesus Christ.

📖 Bible Verses:
1 Samuel 13:5–14
1 Samuel 15:1–35
Jeremiah 17:9
Deuteronomy 32:4
Genesis 12:1–3
Genesis 27:29
Numbers 23–24
Exodus 2:23–25
Deuteronomy 25:17–19
Romans 12:19–21
Hebrews 8:6

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You are set up to win, but you can still choose to fail. Pastor Jonathan Dirmann teaches from 1 Samuel 10 to 12 how God gave King Saul a new heart, his Spirit, and valiant men, and what that means for your life today.

"The House of Saul, Part 2: The Rise of Saul" is the third message in our sermon series, The Kings and You. After a short recap of Israel's demand for a king (1 Samuel 8), Pastor Jonathan shows that "God is actually setting up Saul to win." Saul is chosen by lot at Mizpah, found hiding among the equipment, and surrounded by men whose hearts God touched. Then comes his first act as king in 1 Samuel 11: the Spirit of God comes on Saul, Israel unites against Nahash the Ammonite at Jabesh Gilead, and Saul shows mercy to his critics.

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In this message, “The First King,” we continue our journey through the Old Testament series The Kings and You by exploring the transition from the era of the judges to the era of the kings. Through the story of Samuel, Eli, and the capture of the Ark of the Covenant, we see what happens when people treat God as a means to an end rather than approaching Him with genuine reverence and obedience. The Israelites attempted to use the Ark as a guarantee of victory, but their actions remind us that knowing the right name or having the right things around us is not a substitute for having the right heart before God.

As we follow Israel’s story, we are reminded that God is holy, just, and worthy of our wholehearted devotion. After years of turning away from the Lord, Israel was called to return to Him with all their hearts, put away their idols, and serve Him alone. Yet, the people eventually demanded a king so they could be like the surrounding nations, rejecting God’s leadership in favor of their own desires. This message challenges us to examine what we place our trust in, turn away from anything that takes God’s place, and choose to follow Him with sincere hearts rather than simply seeking Him when we need something.

Scripture References

• 1 Samuel 3:19–21
• 1 Samuel 4:1–18
• Acts 19:11–16
• 1 Samuel 5:1–12
• Isaiah 41:21–24
• Matthew 27:51
• 1 Samuel 7:2–4
• 1 Samuel 7:15
• 1 Samuel 8:1–10
• 1 Samuel 8:18–22
• 1 Samuel 9:21
• 1 Samuel 10:1

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🎓 Jesus Disciple University— Enrollment Open! Stop attending. Start multiplying. The world doesn't need better informed Christians — it needs trained disciple-makers who multiply. That's what JDU trains you to do: real training, a real cohort, real practice, with the Bible as the textbook. You lead a real group before you graduate. Enroll now: https://www.jesusdisciple.com/jdu « Jesus Disciple » God is calling believers EVERYWHERE to be a part of fulfilling the Great Commission by making disciples who make disciples. Get free resources and learn more at https://jesusdisciple.com

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In this introductory message to The Kings and You series, we explore the life of Samuel, the last judge of Israel, and the pivotal moment when the era of the judges gave way to the era of the kings. Through the story of Samuel’s miraculous birth and his mother Hannah’s persistent prayers, we are reminded that God hears us when we cry out to Him. Even in seasons of recurring disappointment, we are called to keep praying, keep believing, and not lose heart. As we dive deeply into the Old Testament, we discover how these true stories reveal God’s character and continue to shape our lives today.

Through the contrast between Samuel and Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, we see that being part of the same family or church does not guarantee the same outcome—our choices matter. We are challenged to serve the Lord with a sincere heart, respond faithfully to His Word, and recognize that God is both loving and just. As Samuel grows in faithfulness, God establishes him as a prophet and prepares him to lead Israel into a new era. This message encourages us to keep seeking God, trust His timing, and remain faithful to Him, even when His answer seems delayed.

Scripture References

• 1 Samuel 1:1–7
• 1 Samuel 1:10–20
• Matthew 7:7–8
• Luke 18:1–8
• 1 Samuel 1:24–28
• 1 Samuel 2:1–2
• 1 Samuel 2:10–17
• 1 Samuel 2:22–26
• 1 Samuel 3:11–21

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🎓 Jesus Disciple University— Enrollment Open! Stop attending. Start multiplying. The world doesn't need better informed Christians — it needs trained disciple-makers who multiply. That's what JDU trains you to do: real training, a real cohort, real practice, with the Bible as the textbook. You lead a real group before you graduate. Enroll now: https://www.jesusdisciple.com/jdu « Jesus Disciple » God is calling believers EVERYWHERE to be a part of fulfilling the Great Commission by making disciples who make disciples. Get free resources and learn more at https://jesusdisciple.com

« Support the Jesus Disciple Vision » Give at https://jesusdisciple.com/give/ « Solid Lives » Church groups, conferences, discipleship, and biblical resources: https://solidlives.com

« The Rock Network » Learn more about Jerry Dirmann's home church and The Rock Network: The Rock Church | Weekend Services | Church Near Me | Inspiring Worship | Anaheim | Orange County | …

« Free Media Library » Access hundreds of free Bible teachings and resources: https://app.jesusdisciple.com/jesus-d...

« Support » Help us provide free biblical resources around the world: https://solidlives.com/give/

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Why does joy feel so far away, even when you love Jesus? In this message, Pastor Jerry Dirmann shows from Scripture that many believers lack joy because their river isn't flowing, and how rivers of living water can start flowing out of you today.

Continuing the joy teaching from Romans 14:17 ("righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit"), Pastor Jerry begins in Psalm 51 with David's prayer, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation," and the link between God's presence, the Holy Spirit, and joy. From the woman at the well in John 4 to Jesus' promise in John 7:37-39, he shows that once you are filled with the Spirit, you have a fountain inside you. Jesus said out of your heart will flow rivers of living water.

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The joy of the Holy Spirit is connected to what we focus on. In this message, Pastor Jerry continues the Joy in the Holy Spirit series by looking at the wise men who saw the star and rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. Just as the star signaled that Jesus’ first coming was near, Jesus is the Bright and Morning Star, and His Word gives us a promise of what is still to come. Discover what it means to let the “morning star” rise in your heart, to believe God’s promises before you see the breakthrough, and to look forward to what God has ahead rather than remaining focused on the past.

📖 Bible Verses:
Romans 14:17
Matthew 2:1–10
Revelation 22:16
2 Peter 1:16–21
John 14:23
John 15:11
1 Peter 1:7–8
John 8:31–32
Psalm 103:2–3
Philippians 4:19
Joel 2:25
Philippians 3:13

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« Support the Jesus Disciple Vision » Give at https://jesusdisciple.com/give/ « Solid Lives » Church groups, conferences, discipleship, and biblical resources: https://solidlives.com

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« Free Media Library » Access hundreds of free Bible teachings and resources: https://app.jesusdisciple.com/jesus-d...

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Your words carry the power to shape your life. In Supernatural Provision: Words That Invite Abundance, Pastor Jerry Dirmann explores what the Bible says about speaking words of faith, wisdom, truth, and life. Learn how honoring God with your speech can strengthen your relationships, influence your future, and position you to experience His blessing and supernatural provision.

Scripture References:
📖 Proverbs 18:21
📖 Proverbs 12:14
📖 Proverbs 13:2
📖 Psalm 75:6–7
📖 1 Samuel 17:32–53

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« Jesus Disciple » God is calling believers EVERYWHERE to be a part of fulfilling the Great Commission, making disciples around the world. Get free resources and find out more at https://jesusdisciple.com

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