Chapter 8 moves forward many years to the end of Samuel’s life. With his inevitable death, Israel felt the impending danger of a leaderless nation surrounded by enemies. Their proposed answer to the uncertainty of the future, however, displays both a misunderstanding of true leadership and a rejection of the God who chose them to be His people.

In 1 Samuel 1, we saw the boy Samuel given as a gift to his mother. Now we see him given as a gift to Israel, a godly prophet/pastor with the anointing of the Spirit of God on his life. God’s greatest works are generally given through individuals made great by His power.

In a generation obsessed with mechanics of leadership, people seldom consider the Bible as a source of leadership instruction. In fact, the Bible is especially useful in this because it identifies something critical—how the presence of God impacts the success of a leader. I Samuel details great leaders; but God remains the primary actor in the human story.

Paul expresses a deep desire to visit a place he has never seen, with the hope of establishing a mission base before continuing on to Spain. He writes this letter to introduce himself and to remind both Jewish and Gentile believers of the only true Hope the world has for rescue from the power of sin.

Tonight, Daniel Schlagel brings us a word from Philippians 4 on the heart of God for the nations. As you listen, ask God what he would have you do to further his mission of gospel transformation in your sphere of influence.

Tonight, Pastor Zach Dietz concludes our series through the book of Ephesians as he walks through chapter 6.

Ephesians chapter 5 emphasizes the importance of living in a manner that reflects God's love and righteousness. It encourages believers to walk in love, avoid immorality, and instead promote gratitude and encouragement among one another. The chapter also discusses the relationship between Christ and the Church, likening it to the bond between husbands and wives, urging mutual respect and love in marital relationships.

Because salvation is 100% a work of God, received by grace through faith, making enemies into children, bringing those who were far off near to God, creating one new people...