The Audacity of Praise

In this sermon Jim Newheiser examines Hannah’s prayer to God recorded in I Samuel 2:1-10.

A Thief in Heaven

Luke 23:39-43 - One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

From Barrenness and Sorrow to Fruitfulness and Worship

I Samuel begins with the story of Hannah – a barren woman whose husband apparently took on a second wife so that an heir could be produced. In her misery she cries out to God who hears and answers in a glorious way.

But I Samuel 1 is not merely Hannah’s story. It is the story of Israel in the days of the Judges – barren and fruitless, divided, oppressed by the Philistines. Hannah’s son does not merely deliver her from her predicament. More importantly, Samuel is the prophet and kingmaker who will anoint the great king who will lead Israel to her greatest earthly glory. The deliverance which begins with Hannah’s story points to a greater deliverance which would take place over 1000 years later - when a prophet who resembles Samuel would point us to the Son of David who will reign forever.

Spiritual Warfare

In this sermon John Crotts, pastor of Faith Bible Church in Atlanta, examines what the New Testament teaches us about spiritual warfare.

Introduction to I Samuel

Today we begin a series of Expository messages from I Samuel. A great theme of I Samuel is the need of Israel to find the right leader. As our nation is also seeking to choose a leader we will consider the parallels and the contrasts between our situation and theirs.

Our text for this morning is Genesis 1 - Malachi 4 as we do a survey of the Old Testament which will show where I Samuel fits into the history of God’s people.

Satisfaction for the Thirsty

Spurgeon called Isaiah 55 a chapter of gospel invitation. He preached from this passage at least eighteen times.

Isaiah 55 pleads with the lost to abandon their worthless idols. The Lord offers abundant pardon and rich kingdom blessings to those who turn to Him.

Isaiah 55 also speaks to believers who sometimes waste their time and money seeking to find joy and satisfaction in worldly things instead of finding their fulfillment in Christ.

Isaiah 55 also points to Christ who offers Himself as our spiritual food and drink.

Liberty and Love

Are you strong?

Last week Paul began his discussion of the issues over which Christians differ by encouraging all of us to accept one another without judging in these difficult matters.

In this week’s text Paul focuses upon those who consider themselves strong - because they believe they have liberty to do things in which the weak cannot participate without violating his conscience.
Rather than looking down on the weak, the strong should forego the use of his freedom for the sake of those who don’t enjoy the same sense of freedom.
In so doing he is living out the gospel by imitating Christ who gave up His rights for us.