In this sermon, King Saul faces his first major challenge as the leader of Israel. With the Spirit of God upon him, Saul rallies the nation in defense of Jabeshgilead. The victory is celebrated in great rejoicing and worship.

In this sermon, the nation of Israel is introduced to their new king. Saul is initially reluctant to rise to the occasion, but his grand stature pleases the people. Though he is mocked by the sons of Belial, he responds in humility. It's a good start. But be cautious: it will not end well.

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, the catastrophic judgment of Bethshemesh provokes national revival. Heeding the preaching of Samuel, the whole house of Israel repents, confessing their sin and turning back to God. This leads to a miraculous victory over the Philistines and the establishment of Samuel as judge over Israel.

In this sermon, the lords of the Philistines send the Ark back home to Israel. It is received by the children of Israel with rejoicing - but handled with presumption. Once more, God must defend his holiness and glory!

In this sermon, the Ark of God has been carried into the temple of the Philistines. The LORD miraculously smites their false god Dagon, provoking their repentance and demonstrating His glory.

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.

In this sermon, we find Samuel growing and faithfully ministering to the Lord. God speaks to Samuel, declaring the judgment of Eli and his sons - and establishing Samuel in his calling as a prophet to the nation of Israel.

In this sermon, we are introduced to the wicked sons of Eli and the corruption of the priesthood. While Eli is rebuked for his failure, we see Hannah and young Samuel blessed as they follow the Lord in faith.

In this sermon, Hannah praises the Lord for answering her prayer for Samuel. In this song of rejoicing, we see incredible truths about the character of God and prophetic insights pointing to Jesus Christ!

In this sermon, we continue the story of Hannah. God answers her prayer, and Samuel is born. With thanksgiving, she presents him at the tabernacle, consecrating his life to minister to the Lord.

In this sermon, we see the incredible faith and bold prayer of Hannah in 1 Samuel chapter 1. Faced with the reproach and trial of her barren womb, Hannah seeks the Lord in brokenness and humility.

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