SERMON NOTES – February 22, 2026Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel: Shadows of the King and His KingdomText: 1 Samuel 4:1-11Topic: God’s Presence in JudgementAttribute: Praise Christ as the One Who Brings God’s Judgement and Mercy!GOD’S DM: “I am not a god you can use and manipulate for the success of your own agenda! The blessings of the covenant are reserved for those who love, trust, and obey Me faithfully.”Notes: Romans 1:18-23Right Q______________, but Wrong A______________ (vs. 1-4)Leviticus 26:14-17“To think that the presence of the ark with them would reverse their fortunes without any change of heart in Israel’s leaders was a measure of their insensitivity to spiritual things.” - Joyce Baldwin Vastly Different R______________ (vs. 5-9)1 Samuel 2:2-3 and 9-10Predictable R______________ (vs. 10-11)“In the Old Testament it is equalled only to the fall of Jerusalem in 587 BC. The very foundations of the world were shaken.” - Joyce BaldwinIMPLICATIONS FOR LIFE:1) There is only one way to be saved from God’s judgment and wrath and receive His salvation and blessing!There is no other way to escape God’s judgment and wrath than by repenting of your sin and trusting in Jesus Christ and His work for you on the cross, and there is no other way to secure God’s blessing and salvation except by hiding yourself in Christ! 2) Religion is no substitute for loving relationship and obedience. Don’t settle for the cheap substitute of religion that cannot save or satisfy. We were made for a relationship with God in and through Jesus Christ! He is the greatest gift and blessing God could give us.