"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." (A. W. Tozer) If this is true, how then should we live? Just like the decisions and actions of Saul revealed his flawed views about God, the things we think and believe about God are demonstrated in the way that we live our lives.

Wanting to be like the other nations surrounding them, the people of Israel demanded to have a king. In so doing they rejected the Lord their God. How do our lives compare today? Do we see God as the king of our lives, or do we demand to have something else rule over us?

After a military defeat, Israel chose to bring the Ark of the Covenant with them into battle, believing that God would bring them victory. But the enemy defeated Israel again, slaying 30,000 men. The Lord did not bless their plans. How can His people guard against these patterns? Is there a way to course correct when things have gone wrong?

Though he was not born into the Levitical priesthood, God ordained Samuel to serve in the temple as a priest, and later established him as a prophet so that he could proclaim the word of God. As we zoom in on Samuel's story, and then zoom out on the broader testimony of scripture, we begin to see that all of God's redeemed people are called to live out a similar calling.

What happens when your hopes are dashed to pieces? How do you face the disappointment of unrealized dreams? The story of Hannah—who was barren and deeply grieved, yet had faith in God—will shed some light on how to have hope in the midst of discouragement.

"In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." (Judges 21:25 ESV)

This final verse in the book of Judges tells the story behind the story of 1 & 2 Samuel. In what ways do we find ourselves in the same situation in our time? How do these stories of Israel speak about the life of the church today?

"One of [the ten lepers], when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan." (Luke 17.15-16, NIV)

At the end of Paul's letter to the Corinthian church, his final remarks focus our attention on the the importance of the gospel mission. What are the church's priorities for the future? How should we live in the light of this book and these final words?

Paul has encouraged the church of the victory that is hers in Christ. How should the gospel shape our lives? Does salvation in Christ have any implications for the ways we view our time, energy, money or possessions? Our message today points us to the practical application, while helping to reframe our perspective and motivation.

If the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, how should our lives be shaped by it? Paul exhorts us: We are destined for glory, death is defeated. "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58)