Author Archives: Jefferson Vann

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About Jefferson Vann

Jefferson Vann is pastor of Piney Grove Advent Christian Church in Delco, North Carolina.

when we need answers

1 Samuel 29-30 There are times of change in our lives that force us to make decisions when we have little past experience upon which to base those decisions.  David finds himself in one of those times.  His time among … Continue reading →

Posted in David, prayer, trust | Tagged , | 1 Comment

disturbing an old man’s sleep

1 Samuel 28 The Bible consistently describes the intermediate state between death and resurrection as an unconscious sleep, from which good and evil must be awakened before beginning to experience their eternal destiny.  This story seems to contradict that theology, … Continue reading →

Posted in discernment, hope, resurrection, sleep of death | Tagged | 1 Comment

while we wait

1 Samuel 27 David escapes to Gath, putting himself out of reach of Saul.  This allows for Saul to be the means of his own destruction.  Meanwhile, David and his six hundred men continue to raid the towns of the … Continue reading →

Posted in David, dependence upon God, faithfulness | Tagged | 1 Comment

no need for revenge

1 Samuel 26 David took a spear and a water jar as evidence that he – once again – came close enough to Saul to kill him, but spared his life.  His confidence was in God’s ultimate judgment.  Since he … Continue reading →

Posted in David, dependence upon God, discernment, judgment, sovereignty of God | Tagged | 1 Comment

Abigail’s discretion

1 Samuel 25 Abigail was caught between two men, acting on emotions and not acting wisely. She chose the route of discretion, and interceded for Nabal by presenting David with gifts.  She rescued both men that day.  David recognized how … Continue reading →

Posted in David, discernment, wisdom | Tagged | 1 Comment

escapes

1 Samuel 23-24 Both David and Saul see narrow escapes in these chapters.  David escaped because he learned of Saul’s pursuit in time for he and his men to get out of his way.  Saul escaped because David chose not … Continue reading →

Posted in David, genuineness, goodness | Tagged , | 2 Comments

refuge in dangerous times

1 Samuel 21-22 Even in dangerous times, king David found ways to provide for, and to protect those who sought refuge in him.  He went to extraordinary measures to do so.   It was not safe to simply be for David, … Continue reading →

Posted in David, dependence upon God, Jesus Christ | Tagged , | 2 Comments

anger separates families

1 Samuel 20 Jonathan had not forgotten that his father wanted David killed, but he had persuaded him to take back his vow.  But David knew that Saul’s anger was not going to go away.  Jonathan needed a little more … Continue reading →

Posted in anger, David, self-control | Tagged | 1 Comment

the Holy Spirit as protector

1 Samuel 19 The powerful Holy Spirit is at work behind the scenes of David’s life protecting him from harm, because God has a purpose for his life.  This is seen in… Jonathan’s intercession (1-7) David eluding Saul’s spear (8-10) … Continue reading →

Posted in David, Holy Spirit, sovereignty of God, spiritual gifts | Tagged | 1 Comment

trust in stressful times

1 Samuel 18 Things change in life, and often seem like they are spiraling out of control.  Such was the case with David and his relationship with king Saul.  David could do nothing right in Saul’s eyes.  His friendship with … Continue reading →

Posted in David, peace, trust | Tagged | 1 Comment