Coquina Is A Rock, But Also A Metaphor

For our first service of 2021, we returned to our study of 1 Samuel. Looking at chapter 12:1-13, Caleb spoke on the first half of Samuel's address to Israel in which he reminds the people of his faithfulness to God and them. More importantly, he reminds them of the history of God's faithfulness, a faithfulness that continues with God giving them the king they had asked for in Saul. Caleb also spoke on how Israel's history has several temporary saviors sent by God to save them, but we know of the eternal savior in Jesus Christ.

This past Sunday, Caleb brought us back into the book of 1 Samuel by looking at chapter 11:1-15. In this text we see Saul gathering the Israelites to stand against Nahash and the Ammonites, the victory against said Ammonites, and the ultimate completion of God's will in a ceremony that makes Saul the king. Speaking to how the Spirit of God came upon Saul in the text, Caleb unpacks the idea of God's will of decree, which is when God puts something in motion that no man can change.

On Sunday, Joey took us to Matthew 11:25-30. With reference and comparison to the request of a king that we have seen in 1 Samuel as being a rejection of God, Joey speaks to the invitation found in this text. While putting emphasis on this invite being made to all who are weary, he also speaks on how God first offers Himself to us and reminds us of His yoke that is easy and light. 

This past Sunday, Joey used the text of 1 Samuel 10:17-27 as a starting place for discussing the ongoing journey of faith in striving to please God by being satisfied in Him. Looking at how Israel was giving allegiance to a human king instead of God, Joey gets honest in how we as God's children also do this at times. Using 3 points of tragedy, gracious provision, and relevant question, he shows us how God provides even when we have rejected Him. 

Go Conversations are a monthly story series that Coquina Community Church started this summer. The event includes storytellers sharing their personal stories of coming to faith. Tellers include both members of Coquina and believers in the local community. This episode includes stories of faith from Jillian Nemecek and Rob Stone.

This past Sunday, Caleb spoke on 1 Samuel 10:1-16. Looking at the text, Caleb speaks on how God makes it clear that the confirmation of Saul is of His choosing. Caleb also shares how we as children of God can discern how to make decisions that are in line with God's will for us.  

On Sunday, Caleb returned us to chapter 9 of 1 Samuel. Speaking on the text he expounded on the story of Saul meeting with Samuel by highlighting some key elements. Caleb showed how Saul, like all of us, is in need of rescue, and thus we should always see each other as people needing rescue and the love of God. He also pinpointed how Samuel had already been given instruction by God on how he would be meeting the man who would be king. In understanding this Caleb explained the importance of acknowledging that it was God who provided Israel's king.

In this past Sunday's message, Joey spoke to us on 1 Samuel 8:10-22. Looking at the text he spoke to how Israel was in error by asking for a king, thinking it would make them a better nation amongst other things. The truth that Joey reminded us of is that they and us as well should look to God for what is best. He expounded upon this, making points of how we can continually aspire to live a life that is in line with God. 

This past Sunday, Steve spoke on 1 Samuel 8:1-9. During his message, he shed light on Israel's error in wanting a king instead of seeing God as their king. He also spoke on the flipside of that, which is the long play God was doing in this decision by Israel leading towards Jesus coming through the line of David.

Continuing the message from Sunday, Caleb sits down with Rob Stone to discuss Rob's take on 1 Samuel Ch 7. They look at the leadership of Samuel and how Israel moved from lament to repent.

This past Sunday, Caleb brought us 1 Samuel Ch 7 and what happened to Israel after the ark had returned. He spoke on the 20 years of lamenting while under Samuel's leadership, and how over this period Israel returned to the most important thing which is being God's people. Caleb also shined a light on how Israel's victory of the Philistines showed God’s strength and Israel's renewed trust in the Lord. This is continued in a conversation Caleb had with Rob Stone in part 2 of this message. 

This past Sunday Caleb spoke to us on 1 Samuel Ch 6:1-7:2. In the text, he shared how God showed His power in returning the Ark of the Covenant back home from the Philistines. Caleb also spoke on what befell the Israelites upon its return. Looking at all that had taken place he showed how the Israelites had failed to be the image of God, and also challenged us to do a better job in representing the Lord.

This past Sunday, Caleb spoke on 1 Samuel Chapter 5:1-12. In this section of scripture, Caleb shared how the Israelites had failed to represent the Lord to the world. He also spoke to how God showed His glory and power in ultimately leading the Philistines to return the Ark of the Covenant back to Israel. From this message, Caleb and Steve segued into discussing the upcoming eldership training and presenting those that will be going through the process. They also shared with our church family some of the vision moving forward into the new year. 

This past Sunday, Steve spoke on 1 Samuel 4:12-22. In this section of scripture, we see the response to the Ark of the Covenant being taken due to Israel's defeat. While speaking to how Eli and the unnamed woman reacted to this Steve brings focus to how God is glorified despite our failures or desires. He also shows us who we should strive to be like in the life of faith.

This past Sunday Joey spoke on 1 Samuel 4:1-11. This section of scripture speaks to a very dark time for God's people. Looking at the text Joey shares with us multiple points that speak of God's glory in difficult times, and also reminds us how thankful we should be for Jesus. 

On Sunday, Steve spoke on 1 Samuel Ch. 3, when God calls Samuel. Looking at how both Samuel and Eli react to God, Steve sheds light on Eli's instruction of how to humbly respond to God's call. 

This past Sunday Caleb spoke with us on 1 Samuel 2:22-36. Looking at this section of scripture he highlighted what happened to Eli's sons, and ultimately the family line after they sinned against the Lord. Looking more deeply at the judgment shown, Caleb showed us not only what happened to their family, but also how they missed out on God's mercy that is available for all.  

This past Sunday, Rob Stone of Dunns Creek Baptist Church was our guest preacher. He spoke to us about Eli's sons as portrayed in 1 Samuel 2:12-26. In the message, Rob challenged us to be a community that listens and is teachable. 

On Sunday, Steve spoke to us about Hannah's Prayer found in 1 Samuel 2:1-11. In going deeper into the text he shared with us 3 main points that we can take away from this section of scripture.

This past Sunday, Caleb finished chapter 1 of 1 Samuel as he spoke on Hannah keeping her promise to God by bringing her child, Samuel to the temple. Looking at this section of scripture Caleb shares with us what kind of example Hannah is for us by highlighting the promise kept, her faith in God, and her extravagant worship of Him.