In this sermon, Samuel anoints Saul as King over Israel. With the Spirit of God upon him, Saul prophesies among the prophets and takes his first steps of obedience as the nation’s future leader.

In this sermon, we are introduced to the first King of Israel: Saul of the tribe of Benjamin. Though he is a man of stature and has several admirable qualities, we find warning signs in this passage that his reign will end in disaster.

In this sermon, we discover that, in his old age, Samuel’s sons have departed from the ways of the Lord and corrupted justice in the nation of Israel. The elders confront Samuel, requesting that he anoint a king to replace them. Israel’s desire for a king is provoked by their jealousy of the monarchies of the heathen nations round about them. The LORD warns Samuel that in choosing to be conformed to the world, they have chosen to reject the reign of God over their lives.

In this sermon, we discover that, in his old age, Samuel’s sons have departed from the ways of the Lord and corrupted justice in the nation of Israel. The elders confront Samuel, requesting that he anoint a king to replace them. Israel’s desire for a king is provoked by their jealousy of the monarchies of the heathen nations round about them. The LORD warns Samuel that in choosing to be conformed to the world, they have chosen to reject the reign of God over their lives.

In this sermon, we continue the cautionary tale of Israel’s defeat at the hands of the Philistines. God fulfills the prophecy of judgment upon Eli and his sons. The Ark has been carried away - and the glory of God has departed from Israel.

In this sermon, the wicked Philistines attack the nation of Israel. Instead of turning to Samuel for God’s counsel, they heed the wicked sons of Eli. Their presumptuous plan to carry the Ark of the Covenant into battle leads to a disastrous defeat - and the Ark of God is stolen away.

This message is an introduction to the book of 1 Samuel, including the historical context, outline, and themes for the series.