Summit Life with J.D. Greear

Most of us have a friend or family member who’d call themself an atheist. But before you write that person off for their godless view of life, it’s possible you may share something in common. This message looks at the final chapters of the book of Judges. It’s a time when the Israelites turned their backs on God’s leading. They still acknowledged him with their lips, but they’d become, in essence, a nation of atheists. And we often fall into that same trap.

Samson’s incredible strength made him seem larger than life, but we’re finding out that we’ve got a lot more in common with him than we think. Just like Samson, we’ve all fallen into the trap of our own desires. So, what’s the answer?

Have you ever been told to “follow your heart?” This philosophy is pushed on us from a young age, showing up in kids’ movies and popular music. I bet you can remember one of those songs right now! But Pastor J.D. reveals that your own heart is usually your worst enemy. This message is the third part of a four-part message on the life of Samson.

Have you ever finished the first book or movie in a series and felt frustrated or anxious with the ending? You’re ready for the next installment to see how everything comes together, right? Today, we’re continuing our study called “Broken Saviors.” As we come to the end of Judges later this week, we’ll find out that the entire book is just one portion of a much bigger story. And it’s all pointing ahead to a glorious ending!

The Bible is filled with fascinating stories about heroes and villains. Some are parables, but most are real-life descriptions of men and women who struggled just as we do. Did you know these stories aren’t intended just to teach us moral lessons or simply to entertain us? They’re ultimately designed to point us to the person and work of God the Father and his son, Jesus Christ! During this message, Pastor J.D. invites us to look at one of the most familiar characters in the Old Testament. His life teaches us that God can accomplish amazing things through ordinary people—when they submit to his leadership.

Man is incapable of constructing, or living up to, the true Gospel. In fact, left to our own devices we tend to twist and misconstrue what God designed as perfect. Our current series is called "Broken Saviors."

This month, Pastor J.D. is walking us through the fascinating book of Judges. In this message, we’ll see how over and over again, God’s people substituted his plan for their own, with tragic consequences.

Do you have a tendency to take a bit too much credit for your success while overlooking God’s blessing in your life? Even with the best of intentions, the human heart always defaults toward pride. Beginning in Judges Chapter 8, we see how Gideon’s victory as a warrior began to inflate his ego. Rather than giving glory to God, he chose to act like a king who deserved special treatment. In a real sense, Gideon manufactured his own “broken savior.”

Being successful can sometimes be dangerous. Once we’ve scored a few victories and our leadership produces notoriety and fame, we’re tempted to give ourselves far more credit than we deserve. Pastor J.D. will show us that even our biblical heroes fell into this same trap. As we trace the footsteps of Gideon, we’ll discover how this successful warrior began to get puffed up and proud.

When God wants to use us he often humbles us. In this refining process, he shapes us into an instrument that can be used for his glory. The Bible often shows us how God uses flawed characters to accomplish amazing feats. In fact, behind every hero in the Bible, we see a God who remains faithful even though our heroes--and let’s admit it--we are often faithless. Good news for those of us who feel unworthy--thankfully God is the one who gives us value!

You know, everyone is a leader to someone, even if you don’t realize it. Whether you’re a mom or dad, a supervisor at work, or you’re volunteering to lead a committee at school, someone somewhere is looking to you for guidance. Pastor J.D. shows us how God can use anyone to accomplish his plan even when we feel stretched and afraid!

It was C.S. Lewis who once said, “Courage is one of the least talked about Christian virtues, but courage is essential to all the others.” Today, we’ll discover how God took a man like Gideon—a man full of fear and doubt--and transformed him into one of the greatest leaders of Israel. And the great news is that when God transforms our generation, he’ll use ordinary men and women just like Gideon; those who are willing to step up and take the lead.

We all know that feeling of being asked to lead a group. It can be a little scary and intimidating, but God assures us in his Word that he can use anyone to accomplish his purposes even when we feel insecure or unqualified. Thankfully, he’s not searching for experts. He’s looking for men and women who are willing and obedient. Today we look at the story of Gideon--one of God’s mighty warriors of the Old Testament--and we see that even he had doubts and struggles as he considered the mantle of leadership being handed to him by God.

In the Old Testament book of Judges, we find a fascinating story about two people named Deborah and Barak. A careful examination of their lives offers a powerful lesson on leadership. Pastor J.D. invites us to follow along as he teaches from the book of Judges, Chapters 4 and 5, as he shares five key points that will apply to both men and women in leadership.

When God inspires a woman to step forward and give leadership in ministry, how can the church help her become all God intended? Pastor J.D.’s response is informed by a fascinating story in the book of Judges.

When we suffer, we look for any means possible to escape. But according to Scripture, sometimes God uses our pain to draw us back to him. Today Pastor J.D. invites us to follow along as we trace the footsteps of an Old Testament character.

Today, we’re venturing into the book of Judges where God exposes the Israelites for their lack of courage. Through their example, we’ll discover how to overcome our fears and choose faith instead.

As flawed human beings, sometimes we get complacent about following God. Our failures defeat us. And before long, we begin to compromise and let things slide. Pastor J.D. explains how we can find power and freedom in following Christ.

On today’s program, we’re launching a new study in the book of Judges called “Broken Saviors.” Over the next few weeks, we’ll discover that we’re a lot like the Israelites who let their fear get in the way of their progress.

We all have days when we feel insufficient, like we’re not smart enough, strong enough, or talented enough to serve God. But the Bible says that in our weakness, God is strong. It’s not our own ability, because it’s all about God’s strength in us!