Saturday, January 30, 2021

1 Samuel 4:1-11 “The Lost Ark”

Message: 1 Samuel 4:1-11 “The Lost Ark”

Our God is a relational God who does not pretend or take sides unconditionally. While he is always ‘for’ us, he does not protect us from the natural consequences of our actions when we need to be more responsible with how we are living our lives. Consequences are there to ‘wake us up’ so that we live true and authentic lives before God and others. God wants us to be our best self and while is gracious, he does not play pretend. Israel will learn this the hard way as they place their trust in the presence of God, represented by the Ark of the Covenant, but fail to maintain their relationship with God.

  

Sunday, January 24, 2021

1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-21 “Hearing the Voice of God”

 

Message: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-21 “Hearing the Voice of God”

Hearing the voice of God is essential to our lives with God, with others, and in the world. It begins with responding to God’s call, but continues to develop as we grow in our life with God in the world. Samuel is an example of this, while Eli is an example of what happens when you disregard God’s voice.

 

Sunday, January 17, 2021

1 Samuel 2:1-11 “Hannah’s Prayer”

Message: 1 Samuel 2:1-11 “Hannah’s Prayer”

In this message we're going to look at a theme that occurs throughout the bible, beginning with Merriam's song, narrowing in on Hannah's prayer, and moving forward to the New Testament where we hear Mary's Magnificat. There is a theme connecting all of these similar prayer songs that reveals something essential about the heart of God as it concerns the mistreated. 

  

Sunday, January 10, 2021

1 Samuel 1:20-28 “Giving Back to God what God Gave to You”

Message:1 Samuel 1:20-28 “Giving Back to God what God Gave to You”

Hannah receives a son after living a long time without being able to conceive. The shock is that she offers her son back to God. Samuel becomes a priest, prophet, and judge in Israel. God gives us incredible gifts, but the secret is that gifts from God are meant to be returned to him in love and service for the purposes of the Kingdom of God.