Advent is the four-week season leading up to Christmas, from the Latin adventus (“coming”), when the church remembers Christ’s first coming in Bethlehem and looks ahead to His second coming in glory. Historically, Advent began in the early centuries of the church (around the 4th–6th centuries) as a time of preparation—prayer, repentance, and instruction—before celebrating Christ’s birth. Advent matters today because it slows us down in a noisy season, re-centers our hearts o

Intro God is providing the King. Saul is chosen. In their disobedience, God is fulfilling His purpose and will. God’s providence rules over every detail of our lives. God is faithful. He always has a plan for His people. Regardless of our response, He is faithful. God Is Working in Every Detail – vv. 1–14 Normal life, sovereign God Saul’s family and background (vv. 1–2) Lost donkeys and a long, frustrating search (vv. 3–5) “Small” moments under God’s hand A servant’s suggesti

Intro: Chapters 6–7 end with lamenting, repentance, and renewal. God gives His people an Ebenezer —a stone of help—to remind them: “The LORD has helped us.” But renewal that doesn’t continue in maturity slowly drifts into complacency . That’s the tension of 1 Samuel 8: Will we grow up in trust… or drift back to wanting a king “like all the nations”? Conformity to the World – vv.1–5 Samuel ages; his sons twist justice with bribes and partiality (vv.1–3). A reminder: leaders

Intro Priests are corrupt; Eli’s house is judged (2:12–36; 3:11–14). Israel is defeated; the ark is captured (4:1–11). The ark is taken—but God topples Dagon and strikes Philistia (5:1–12). Yet GOD IS STILL ON HIS THRONE: He returns the ark ( holiness ), disciplines irreverence ( judgment ), and calls His people back ( renewal ) (chs. 6–7). Holiness – 6:1–12 “What shall we do with the ark of the LORD?” God’s heavy hand presses Philistia (6:2–5). Guilt offering = confession

Intro God has fulfilled His word of judgment to Eli and Israel. The ark is captured, Eli’s family is gone — yet God is still on His throne. He defeats His enemies and judges all who oppose Him. God will not share His glory—He alone is sovereign and worthy of worship. God Defeats False Gods – vv. 1–5 The Philistines place the ark in Dagon’s temple. God answers without words— Dagon falls face-down. The next day, Dagon’s head and hands are severed. Every rival god—ancient or mod

INTRO Chapter 2: Hannah praises God for Samuel’s birth. Meanwhile, Eli and his sons sin before the Lord, even as Samuel grows in faithful service. Chapter 3: Samuel receives his call from the Lord, and the message of coming judgment on Eli’s household. Chapter 4: That judgment is carried out: Israel is defeated, Eli’s sons die, the ark is captured, and the glory departs. Defeat – God Will Not Be Mocked – vv. 1–11 Israel suffers defeat (4,000), then grabs the Ark instead of gr

I. God’s Call is Timely. (vv. 1-3)     A. A Faithful Servant     B. A Famished Nation     C. A Failing Priest     D. A Faithful God II. God’s Call is Persistent. (vv. 4-10)      A. A Bypassed Priest     B. An Unregenerate Recipient     C. A Discerning Priest     D. A Prepared Recipient III. God’s Call is Demanding. (vv. 11-18)     A. A Hard Message (vv. 11-14)           1. A Speaking God           2. An Uncomfortable Message           3. A Reasona

Intro In this passage, we see two kinds of servants, both active in worship, but only one faithful before God. The contrast between Eli’s...

Intro Hannah’s story moves from barrenness to blessing through God’s faithfulness. Her response reveals what genuine worship looks...

Introduction to 1 Samuel The book begins in the chaos of the Judges and moves toward the rise of Israel’s monarchy. Main Characters:...

I.  Marriage Under Christ's Lordship (vv. 18-19) A. Wives: Submit in the Lord B. Husbands: Love and Leadership without...

INTRO Last week, in Colossians 1:28–29 , we saw the pattern of the church we it takes the ministry of the Word seriously…: We Serve...

Introduction: God has designed the growth of His people to happen through the ministry of His Word. Not just information, but...

INTRO Paul left Titus in Crete to “put what remained into order” (1:5). Chapter 1 – Godly leaders needed to guard truth and model...

INTRO Week 1 – Romans 1:14-27 – The heart that fuels the mission. Week 2 – Colossians 4:2-6 – The habits that shape the mission....

Week 3 – Discipleship Involves Everyone INTRO A WORD TO THE CHURCH The role we play as church members/church family Investing in and...

INTRO On mission, everyday, and everywhere We have blueprint for EVERYDAY EVANGELISM Pray First – vv. 2–3a Continue steadfastly in...

Week 2 – Protects the Flock INTRO Most churches say that they want to make disciples, but what kind are we making? In a world where truth...

Romans 1:14-17 INTRO Paul was set apart as an apostle. FOR THE GOSPEL Rome itself is a byproduct of the mission of the early church. WE...

Week 1 – We Must Have a Plan Discipleship must be at the heart of all we do – vv. 1-3 Notice Paul’s heart as he writes to Pastor Titus....