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Chuck Smith

Chuck Smith (1927 - 2013). American pastor and founder of the Calvary Chapel movement, born in Ventura, California. After graduating from LIFE Bible College, he was ordained by the Foursquare Church and pastored several small congregations. In 1965, he took over a struggling church in Costa Mesa, California, renaming it Calvary Chapel, which grew from 25 members to a network of over 1,700 churches worldwide. Known for his accessible, verse-by-verse Bible teaching, Smith embraced the Jesus Movement in the late 1960s, ministering to hippies and fostering contemporary Christian music and informal worship. He authored numerous books, hosted the radio program "The Word for Today," and influenced modern evangelicalism with his emphasis on grace and simplicity. Married to Kay since 1947, they had four children. Smith died of lung cancer, leaving a lasting legacy through Calvary Chapel’s global reach and emphasis on biblical teaching
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Sermon Summary
Chuck Smith discusses David's desire to build a house for God and the subsequent disappointment when God tells him he cannot. Despite this setback, God reassures David of His grace and promises to establish David's lineage forever, culminating in the coming of the Messiah. David's reaction is one of overwhelming gratitude and humility, recognizing the magnitude of God's blessings in his life. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding God's will and the grace that accompanies His plans, even when they differ from our own.
Scriptures
I Chronicles 17
"TOO MUCH" Intro: David sitting in his house expressed to Nathan the prophet his desire to build God a house. Nathan encouraged him to do what was in his heart. I. GOD'S MESSAGE TO DAVID. A. Great disappointment - "you are not to build a house." 1. His dreams and plans were shattered. a. Sometimes we overreact to disappointment. 1. We start accusing God of horrible things. 2. How could God do this to me? b. It is possible to have our hearts set upon something that is not God's will. 1. We may even receive confirmation. 2. Hard to discern God's will. c. Some people's love and service for God is very tenuous. 1. As long as He goes along with their plan. 2. They are not really seeking God, they are just seeking a back-up man. d. God's message not through yet. B. Great grace. 1. "I took thee from the sheepcote." a. You were just a shepherd, I made you a king. b. In our disappointments, how easy it is for us to forget the good things God has done for us. 2. "I have been with thee." a. Cut off enemies. b. Made your name great. c. Given you this land. 3. What is more, "I am going to build you a house. a. Now God promises David that through him the Messiah is to come. 1. His kingdom and throne to be established forever. 2. He will build a house - Eph. 2:19-22 II. DAVID'S REACTION TO THE MESSAGE. A. He was overwhelmed - God is too much. 1. "Who am I?" a. These are the kinds of men upon whom God bestows His grace. b. Some feel they deserve the best from God. c. I look around at what God is doing and I ask who am I? 1. God has chosen ridiculous things to confound the wise. 2. God likes to keep them guessing. 2. "That you have brought me here." a. to this place of authority. b. to this place of luxury. c. to this place of blessing. B. And if that isn't already too much, you didn't even stop there. 1. You have spoken of what you yet intend to do in the future. a. Look what God brought you out of. b. Look what God has brought you into. c. Look where God is taking us. "Beloved now are we the Sons of God. . . "Thanks be unto God who hath begotten. C. "What more can I say, you know my heart." 1. Words become an inadequate means of expression. 2. David, one of the most articulate men in history, smitten speechless by the grace of God. 3. Oh God, you know my heart. Read the praises, blessings and thanksgiving that are written upon it.
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Chuck Smith (1927 - 2013). American pastor and founder of the Calvary Chapel movement, born in Ventura, California. After graduating from LIFE Bible College, he was ordained by the Foursquare Church and pastored several small congregations. In 1965, he took over a struggling church in Costa Mesa, California, renaming it Calvary Chapel, which grew from 25 members to a network of over 1,700 churches worldwide. Known for his accessible, verse-by-verse Bible teaching, Smith embraced the Jesus Movement in the late 1960s, ministering to hippies and fostering contemporary Christian music and informal worship. He authored numerous books, hosted the radio program "The Word for Today," and influenced modern evangelicalism with his emphasis on grace and simplicity. Married to Kay since 1947, they had four children. Smith died of lung cancer, leaving a lasting legacy through Calvary Chapel’s global reach and emphasis on biblical teaching