​I. Intro
Big Idea: The only way to be saved from God is through God.
II. On His Face
A. God doesn’t need us. 1 Samuel 5:1-3; 1 Chronicles 13:1-14
B. God is Lord of all. 1 Samuel 5:4-5; Galatians 6:7
III. Very Heavy
A. The solution to what plagues us is not political. 1 Samuel 5:6-10a
B. We can’t send God away. 1 Samuel 6:10b-12; Mark 8:26-39
IV. Golden Tumors
A. Nothing happens by chance. 1 Samuel 6:1-9
B. God is in control. Joshua 21:16; 1 Samuel 6:10-12; Proverbs 16:33
V. Who Can Stand…?
A. Fear God. Number 4:20; 1 Samuel 6:13-20; Psalm 24:4; Hebrews 4:15
B. God’s glory will prevail. 1 Samuel 6:21-7:1

​The Next Step
§ If you had to give a shortened version of Sunday’s message on 1 Samuel 5:1-7:1, what would you make sure to focus on?
§ What was God communicating by having Dagon bow to Him?
§ Read Ephesians 2:8-10. What’s the difference between saying God needs us, and God can use us?
§ Why do you think the Philistines tried to solve the problem of the plague by moving the ark from town to town?
§ When people sin, what are some things they do to avoid God? How about you?
§ How can we show that we fear or have reverence for God?
§ What’s a specific way you’ve seen God’s glory lately?
§ What’s a belief, attitude, or action God is calling you to change based on 1 Samuel 5:1-7:1?

I. The Resurrection
Big Idea: Seeing Jesus changes us.
II. Death Conquered
A. Mary and the disciples didn’t believe in the resurrection. John 20:1-2
B. God is willing to convince us of the resurrection. John 20:3-10
III. Personal Calling
A. Jesus is nearby. John 20:11-14; Acts 17:27-28
B. God is the Father we need. John 14:7; 20:15-17
IV. Compassionate Commission
A. Seeing Jesus causes us to tell others. John 20:18
B. God gives us every resource we need in the gospel. John 20:19-23
V. Convinced Conviction
A. Seeing Jesus frees us. 2 Corinthians 3:1-18
B. Stop doubting and believe. Mark 9:24; John 20:26-29

​The Next Step
§ What’s something about John 20:1-23 that strikes you as challenging, encouraging, or confusing?
§ Can you relate to Mary’s grief and stress when she couldn’t find Jesus’ body? If so, how?
§ Why didn’t the disciples understand from Scripture that Jesus was supposed to rise from the dead?
§ Why was it important that Jesus return to the Father after He rose from the dead?
§ What’s one the most convincing reasons we can believe Jesus rose from the dead?
§ Read John 14:21. How does obedience help us to grow in faith?
§ Who’s someone you can pray for or share the truth of the resurrection with? Ask God to help you to help that person to see Jesus.

I. Intro
Big Idea: God’s power comes from Him for His glory.
II. The Battle
A. Israel had an oppressor. 1 Samuel 4:1-2
B. We often trust in an “it” instead of a “Who.” 1 Samuel 4:3-4
III. Uproar
A. Only surrender to God leads to deliverance. 1 Samuel 4:5-8
B. God’s people lose battling on the world’s terms. 1 Samuel 4:9-11
IV. Heavy
A. Eli felt the weight of their sin. 1 Samuel 4:12-14
B. The weight of our sin brings death. Romans 6:23; 1 Samuel 4:15-18
V. Glory
A. God has given us a Son. 1 Samuel 4:19-20; Isaiah 9:6
B. Know God’s glory. 1 Samuel 4:21-22; John 1:14

​The Next Step
§ What’s something from Sunday’s message on 1 Samuel 4:1-22 that challenged, encouraged, or confused you?
§ How do Christians in America today sometimes have an attitude toward God like the people of Israel in this passage?
§ What’s the difference between focusing on revival, versus focusing on the God who brings about revival? How can focusing on God first and foremost change our witness individually and collectively?
§ Do you think Eli loved God? Why or why not?
§ Read Romans 2:1-4. According to these verses, what’s our motive for repentance? How can such repentance change us?
§ What’s a specific way you can apply 1 Samuel 4:1-22 to your relationship with God?

I. Intro
Big Idea: God still calls people.
II. Rare
A. Israel’s devotion mostly consisted of religious pretense. 1 Samuel 3:1
B. Samuel wanted to be close to God. 1 Samuel 3:2-3
III. Called
A. Samuel didn’t recognize God’s voice. 1 Samuel 3:4-8a
B. Eli was a good mentor. 1 Samuel 3:8b-9
IV. Speak
A. Samuel was willing to hear from God. 1 Samuel 3:10
B. God’s Word can be hard to hear. 1 Samuel 3:11-14
V. Revealed
​A. God’s Word can be hard to speak. 1 Samuel 3:15-18
B. Obedience causes us to grow in faith. 1 Samuel 3:19-21

​The Next Step
§ Why is 1 Samuel 3:1-21 a challenging account for both kids and adults?
§ In what ways was life for the people of God during the time of the Judges like our own?
§ Why do think Samuel failed to recognize God’s voice at first?
§ What does the interaction between Eli and Samuel in this passage tell us about their relationship?
§ Have you ever sensed God calling you? If so, how?
§ Why do you think it was so hard for Samuel to tell Eli what God said to him?
§ What’s somethings that make it difficult to tell others the gospel?
§ Why is it important to tell people the gospel even if it can be hard?
§ How has obeying God helped you to grow in faith?
§ How is God calling you to respond to 1 Samuel 3:1-21?

I. Intro
Big Idea: We’re either set apart for favor or destruction.
II. Scoundrels
A. Fearing God is wise. 1 Samuel 2:12; Proverbs 9:10; Matthew 7:21-23; John 6:29
B. Outward disregard comes from inner contempt. Leviticus 7:28–34; 10:12–15; Numbers 18:17–19; 1 Samuel 2:13-17; Matthew 15:18-19; Romans 2:24
III. Ministering
A. Early faith matters. 1 Samuel 2:18; Romans 12:2
B. God’s blessings never fail. 1 Samuel 2:19-21; Hebrews 10:24-25
IV. The Report
A. Eli’s warnings were too little, too late. 1 Samuel 2:22-25; Romans 1:18-32
B. Growing in grace is a process. 1 Samuel 2:26; Luke 2:52
V. Faithful
​A. God’s promises lead to life. 1 Samuel 2:27-33; Hebrews 10:26-27
B. God raises up and establishes us. 1 Samuel 2:34-36; Matthew 5:29-30; Colossians 3:5; Hebrews 10:14

​The Next Step
§ What’s something from 1 Samuel 2:12-36 you found convicting, encouraging, or confusing?
§ What does it mean to fear God in a healthy way?
§ Is it possible to fear God in an unhealthy way? If so, how?
§ What’s something from your childhood that shaped your understanding of God?
§ Why do you think Eli’s sons didn’t listen to him?
§ Read Romans 2:4. What’s a specific way God’s kindness has led you to repentance lately?
§ What’s a specific way God’s Spirit is calling you to respond to 1 Samuel 2:12-36?

I. Intro
Big Idea: We can know God by dedicating everything to Him. Judges 21:25; Luke 24:27; John 17:3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
II. Downhearted
A. God works through no ones from nowhere. 1 Samuel 1:1-2; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
B. God’s purposes are not thwarted by human stupidity. Genesis 2:24; 1 Samuel 1:3-8
III. A Vow
A. Hannah took her pain to the LORD. Numbers 30:2, 6-8; 1 Samuel 1:9-11
B. Hannah trusted that God heard her. 1 Samuel 1:12-18
IV. Remembered
A. Answered prayers are the result of God’s grace. 1 Samuel 1:19-23; James 4:1-3
B. Hannah made an adoption plan for Samuel. 1 Samuel 1:24-28; Ephesians 1:4-6
V. His King
A. Exalt God’s King. 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Luke 1:46-55
B. God prepares us for a worthy King. 1 Samuel 2:11

​The Next Step
§ What’s something you’ve prayed a long time for?
§ Anything from this weekend’s message on 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11 that was challenging, encouraging, or confusing?
§ In what ways, despite being flawed, was Hannah and Elkanah’s relationship commendable?
§ What are some things that demonstrate that Hannah had genuine faith in the Lord?
§ Why is it important that we dedicate, or turn over, our kids to God? What are ways we can do that?
§ Read Matthew 6:7-8. Why should we pray if God already knows the outcome of our prayers?
§ How does our genuine corporate praise of God help people to turn to Him?
§ Take time to praise God for specific things about Him that you’re thankful for.

This Sunday we have an opportunity to bless Dr. Debbie Eisenhut who will be visiting to speak about her ministry in Cameroon.  If you would like to give a one-time cash gift that she can take with her, you can use an offering envelope marking designated for Dr. Debbie Eisenhut and drop it in the offering plate this Sunday.

Thank you and God bless!

I. Intro
Big Idea: God saves us for a purpose.
II. Faithful
A. We can be faithful. Acts 20:7; Ephesians 6:21a
B. Stay connected. 2 Corinthians 11:23-30; Ephesians 6:21b; 1 Thessalonians 3:2-5
III. Purpose
A. Be transparent. Ephesians 1:20, 2:6, 6:22a; 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 John 1:8
B. Give courage. Ephesians 5:19, 6:22b
IV. From God
A. God’s peace is different. Ephesians 2:14, 4:3, 6:23a; Philippians 4:7
B. Faith reveals God’s love. Ephesians 6:23b
V. Undying Love
A. God’s love reveals grace. 2 Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 6:24a
B. Receive God’s incorruptible love. Ephesians 6:24b

​The Next Step
§ What’s one of the best letters or pieces of correspondence you’ve ever received?
§ What’s something that’s caused you to grow in your faith because of our study in Ephesians?
§ Who’s someone who has encouraged you in your faith lately? What did he or she do or say?
§ Read 2 Corinthians 7:10. What’s the difference between Godly and worldly sorrow?
§ Why does faith in God’s undying or incorruptible love help us to have peace?
§ How’s someone you can encourage either through words or deeds this week?