See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.

Our Father in heaven, on this day when fathers are being remembered and honored throughout the world, we honor You, the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. We acknowledge that apart from Jesus Christ, we could only fall back in fear at the thought of approaching a God so holy, righteous, and just. But your Word says we did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but we have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15)

Father, we thank you for the fathers among us: soon to be fathers, young fathers, middle age fathers, old fathers, and grandfathers. Thank you for their sacrifices and their desire to reflect your heart to their children. Make them aware of the privilege, gift, and responsibility of fatherhood. Cause them not to provoke their children to anger, but to lead them in your gracious discipline and instruction. Fill those who are weary with fresh strength for the task. May they know your Spirit’s power in their weakness. 

Heavenly Father, we thank you for our fathers, whom You specifically chose for us, whether by natural birth or adoption. For those who had good fathers, we thank you for their example, their care, their counsel, their presence in our lives. May we honor them appropriately through our words and deeds.

For those who don’t have good memories of their fathers we pray they would be strengthened with power through your Spirit in their inner being, so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith—that they would know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. We pray for patience to understand, mercy to forgive, and courage to stand fast in the truth of the gospel.

For those fathers who are estranged from a child or children, or anyone who is unreconciled with their own father, would you bring to pass this promise in Malachi 4:6: ‘And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers.‘

For those who have never known their father, may they be more aware than ever that you are the ‘Father of the fatherless’ and that nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Mindful of the good gift of both fathers and fatherhood, grateful for the good examples of our earthly fathers, and acknowledging the effects of sin on these good gifts of your creation, we thank you, Jesus, that you assured us of our heavenly Father’s care when you said, “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?’” (Matthew 6:26)

True and living God, who is Father, Son, and Spirit, may we worship you today in the assurance of your care for us. Amen. 

How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son, to make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One, bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice, call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there, until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life, I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom

Come, thou fount of every blessing; tune my heart to sing thy grace.
Streams of mercy, never-ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it. Mount of thy redeeming love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer; hither by thy help I’ve come.
And I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God.
He to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood.

O, to grace, how great a debtor, daily I’m constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it! Prone to leave the God I love
Here’s my heart, Lord: Take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above.

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David, when the Ziphites went and told Saul, “Is not David hiding among us?”
1 O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might.

We confess how we vindicate ourselves against our enemies in our own might, and in our own timing, instead of trusting your gracious care for us. 

2 O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth.

We confess the ways we are quick to brood and scheme, and we confess the ways we are slow to pray to you. 

3 For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before themselves. 4 Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. 5 He will return the evil to my enemies; in your faithfulness put an end to them.

We confess the ways in which we return evil to our enemies’ schemes against us. We confess that we trust in our own abilities more than in your care and concern for us.

For all of our sin, we humbly repent, and we seek your forgiveness through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. 

[Pause for silent reflection and confession]

6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good. 7 For he has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.

Father, you saw fit to deliver us from the trouble of our sin by sending Jesus to live, die, and rise in our place. You have triumphed over your enemies by treating Jesus as your enemy on the cross, in order that we – your rightful enemies – might be welcomed as your well-loved children. By the power of the Holy Spirit, give us grace to believe that in Christ we died, and in Christ we will rise again. In forgiving us of sin, may we go and sin no more. Amen.

Before the throne of God above, I have a strong and perfect plea
A great High Priest whose name is love, Who ever lives and pleads for me
My name is graven on His hands, My name is written on His heart
I know that while in heav'n He stands,No tongue can bid me thence depart  

When Satan tempts me to despair, And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there, Who made an end of all my sin
Because the sinless Savior died, My sinful soul is counted free
For God the Just is satisfied, To look on Him and pardon me

Behold Him there, the risen Lamb, My perfect, spotless Righteousness
The great unchangeable I AM, The King of glory and of grace
One with Himself, I cannot die, My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high, With Christ my Savior and my God

In addition to taking children to Ridge Kids and using the restroom, take time to meet/greet one another. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

8 Afterward David also arose and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and paid homage. 9 And David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Behold, David seeks your harm’? 10 Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the Lord gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord's anointed.’ 11 See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. 12 May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you. 13 As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness.’ But my hand shall not be against you. 14 After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea! 15 May the Lord therefore be judge and give sentence between me and you, and see to it and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand.”

Main point: Inhale the Word, exhale in prayer!

Sermon Outline

• ⁃1 Sam. 23:1-14: David remains STEADFAST through Word/Prayer
• ⁃1 Sam. 23:15-29: David is STRENGTHENED through  Word/Prayer
• ⁃1 Sam. 24: David is SELF-CONTROLLED through Word/Prayer

For further reference:

Hebrews 4:14-16: 14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son  of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been  tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

1 Peter 2:9: 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Deuteronomy 32:35: Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.

Romans 12:19: 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His word
Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know thus saith the Lord

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease
Just from Jesus simply taking, Life and rest and joy and peace

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him, How I've proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus, Oh for grace to trust Him more

Oh how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood
And in simple faith to plunge me, Neath the healing, cleansing flood

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him, How I've proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus, Oh for grace to trust Him more
Oh, for grace to trust Him more

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend
And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end

Your will be done, my God and Father
As in heaven, so on earth
My heart is drawn to self-exalting
Help me seek Your kingdom first
As Jesus walked, so I shall walk
Held by Your same unchanging love
Be still my soul, O lift your voice and pray:
‘Father, not my will but Yours be done.’

How in that Garden he persisted
I may never fully know
The fearful weight of true obedience
It was held by him alone
What wondrous faith, to bear that cross!
To bear my sin, what wondrous love!
My hope was sure, when there my Saviour prayed:
‘Father, not my will but Yours be done.’

When I am lost, when I am broken
In the night of fear and doubt
Still I will trust in my good Father
Yes, to one great King I bow!
As Jesus rose, so I shall rise
In ransomed glory at the throne
My heart restored, With all your saints I sing:
‘Father, not my will but Yours be done!’

As we go forth, our God and Father
Lead us daily in the fight
That all the world might see Your glory
And Your Name be lifted high
And in this Name we overcome
For You shall see us safely home
Now as your church, we lift our voice and pray:
‘Father, not my will but Yours be done!’

Having been reminded of the future grace which is ours in Jesus Christ the Lord, may you now be refreshed by the grace which is yours already:

• You are loved by God the Father - there is no one left to please.
• You are saved by God the Son - there is nothing left to prove.
• You are comforted by God the Spirit - there is nothing left to fear.

Autumn Ridge Family - you are sent into the world to make disciples of all nations. Go, therefore: in the love of God the Father, in the resurrection of God the Son, and in the comfort of God the Spirit; now and forevermore. Amen.

Grab a Missions Memo to keep up with other dates/opportunities to be involved

July 12 - Second Sundays: Transformation Groups
August 9 - Second Sundays: Transformation Groups
September 9 - Generations of Grace

Members' Business Meeting TODAY
We ask for all covenant members of Autumn Ridge Community Church to attend a brief members' business meeting immediately after worship today. If you have questions, comments, or agenda line items to consider, please contact Davis Lacey (davis@autumnridgecommunitychurch.com).


Second Sundays: Transformation Groups
On Second Sundays this Summer, we invite you to stay for lunch after worship and participate in orientations for The Seeing Jesus Together Journal, which we utilize in our church's Transformation Groups. In addition to being trained on the applications of the Seeing Jesus Together Journal for both group life and for personal devotional rhythms, you'll get the opportunity to fellowship with fellow members and attenders of Autumn Ridge Community Church.

Transformation Groups will launch in August/September. We ask that anyone who wishes to participate in a Transformation Group participate in one of these Second Sundays: July 12 or August 9. Please register here.

Generations of Grace
After such a great turnout and a special evening in May, we have already set a date for the next gathering to "bridge the gap and build the bonds"!
Get it on your calendar…more details to come later! 
Wednesday, September 9th 6pm