And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15
Through divine chastening comes spiritual growth that results in maturity for us and glory for God
God uses the choices of man to providentially work all things out according to His sovereign will.
We have been armed with abundant witnesses and incentive to live a life of faith, if we diligently gaze upon the One who is the Author and Finisher of our faith, Jesus of Nazareth!
The Israelites wasted an opportunity to trust God and see Him work because they wanted a king like all the other nations.
God’s people, in all ages, exercised faith (trust) in Him, resulting in sometimes great victories, while at other times, terrible physical losses. However, the one constant was their faith in God.
Although Samuel was a godly prophet and judge, his actions played a part in Israel’s desire to be like all the other nations.
The sure hope of Christ’s bodily resurrection permeates both the OT and NT Scriptures. As NT believers today, we celebrate the truth that “Christ” arose on the third day, after His crucifixion. Death has been conquered.
First Samuel 7 describes the prerequisites of true revival for those who have wandered away from fellowship with God.
The apostle Paul sets forth the meaning and importance of the Lord’s Supper.
Even Moses, the great Law-giver of Israel, recognized that a life pleasing to God meant one must live “by faith!”
God’s “heavy hand” will rest on those who say “no” to Him, yet every person has an opportunity to avoid this reality.
Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph each demonstrated trust in the true and living God and what He promised for them individually and God’s people corporately.
Samuel, Hophni, and Phinehas had a similar upbringing but took completely different paths in life. Their attitude toward God made all the difference!
The days in which we live are the good old days for us. This is the appointed time for each of us to learn and appreciate what it means to live by faith.
A clear contrast existed between Hannah’s approach to distress and the Israelites’ approach. One brought victory and the other brought defeat.
A consideration of what biblical faith is and why it has always mattered
An overview of the historical context of First Samuel and a survey of the book including its primary theme
To avoid apostasy, thoughtfully remember the beginning of your testimony determine to remain steadfast until the Lord returns
The apostle Paul explains that justification comes by faith alone apart from works in every age.
The apostle Paul lists several benefits of justification by grace through faith alone.
Bitterness is common, lethal, & curable if we are to exhibit the Christlike character God desires
For NT believers, there is no turning back to the old ways, despite hardships or trials, thus making us examples of followers of Christ
Because of the work of Christ, in which we confidently trust, which gives us access to God Himself, we must draw near, hold fast, and consider one another, stimulating the brethren to love and good works.
Only by faith in the shed blood of Christ on the cross can any sinner ever be forgiven and reconciled to God
Daniel is a great example of steadfast, godly living in a world that seems to be falling apart.