The bible is foundational to the life of the believer because it is the very word of God. Through it, God reveals to us who he is in order that we would both grow in relationship with him and in our knowledge of the truth: God's truth found in scripture alone. How amazing that God wrote a book and has gifted it to us out of his great love for us! Today, we will examine abundant evidence supporting God's authorship and the undeniable authority of the bible.

Samuel was not a perfect man but he consistently lived a life of integrity, conviction and faithfulness. His ability to persevere and endure resulted from his reliance and deep connection to God. Samuel constantly sought the Lord and his will, refusing to capitulate to the culture of his day and God in turn graciously sustained and filled Samuel with power. His life was one of consistent obedience, service, love and fear of the Lord. Samuel ran the race and finished strong - a good and faithful servant indeed!

Samuel was not a perfect man but he consistently lived a life of integrity, conviction and faithfulness. His ability to persevere and endure resulted from his reliance and deep connection to God. Samuel constantly sought the Lord and his will, refusing to capitulate to the culture of his day and God in turn graciously sustained and filled Samuel with power. His life was one of consistent obedience, service, love and fear of the Lord. Samuel ran the race and finished strong - a good and faithful servant indeed!

Warning signs indicate impending danger, and give us an opportunity to react, steer clear and avoid harm. God had sent numerous 'warning signs' to the Israelites, but they foolishly ignored them. Their disregard for God and his counsel led to disobedience, sin and even death. Israel chose worldliness over the wisdom of God with disasterous results. The message is clear - when we choose God's wisdom, we choose the path of blessing.

Warning signs indicate impending danger, and give us an opportunity to react, steer clear and avoid harm. God had sent numerous 'warning signs' to the Israelites, but they foolishly ignored them. Their disregard for God and his counsel led to disobedience, sin and even death. Israel chose worldliness over the wisdom of God with disastrous results. The message is clear - when we choose God's wisdom, we choose the path of blessing.

The theme throughout the old testament is that of the coming Messiah. We learn in today's passage that Jesus - the Messiah - came not to negate the law, but instead, as the fulfillment of all the law and the prophets. He is the true Messiah for whom the people had long-awaited. Jesus came to rescue us from the penalty of sin and provide us with the true righteousness that leads to everlasting life, something we could never attain on our own but is only available by grace through faith. Christ is the "yes' answer to all the promises of God!

Severe consequences resulted when God's people wandered away in disobedience. In today's text we see that compromise ultimately led to disaster for the Israelites and separated them from the Lord's presence. Samuel calls upon the people to urgently repent and pray, turn from their sin and return to the Lord and he will deliver them. When we remove the idols from our life and seek the Lord with repentant, wholly devoted hearts, our good and faithful Father responds with mercy and love!

Severe consequences resulted when God's people wandered away in disobedience. In today's text we see that compromise ultimately led to disaster for the Israelites and separated them from the Lord's presence. Samuel calls upon the people to urgently repent and pray, turn from their sin and return to the Lord and he will deliver them. When we remove the idols from our life and seek the Lord with repentant, wholly devoted hearts, our good and faithful Father responds with mercy and love!

Throughout the ages, God has used ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things by his power and for his glory. Specifically, he uses and strengthens those who wholly trust in him and are willing to follow him and his authority, regardless of the cost. In every generation the Lord has personally called men and women unto himself, including Samuel who eagerly responded with a heart to serve God and eventually be used to change the direction of an entire nation. In his grace God continues to call people today, building his kingdom and achieving his purpose through those who put their faith in him - is God calling you today?

Throughout the ages, God has used ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things by his power and for his glory. Specifically, he uses and strengthens those who wholly trust in him and are willing to follow him and his authority, regardless of the cost. In every generation the Lord has personally called men and women unto himself, including Samuel who eagerly responded with a heart to serve God and eventually be used to change the direction of an entire nation. In his grace God continues to call people today, building his kingdom and achieving his purpose through those who put their faith in him - is God calling you today?