Who is Samuel

In I Samuel we are introduced to Samuel by reviewing his birth and family situation.
If we are going to understand Samuel the man, then we need to see the family dynamics that he grew up in.

As we look at the conflict that Hannah had with Peninnah, and her extreme shame, we see the foundation of how Samuel came to believe that there is only one King.

The effects of his birth and early years in the Tabernacle greatly impacted and prepared him for a lifetime of ministry. He saw how the Lordship of God ruled in all relationships.

Who is your Lord and King? What is the foundation for your life?

Pastor Wayne

A Glorous Response

After all is said and done, what was Paul really trying to say in the book of Ephesians?

It seems that there is simply one great message in the book. That our God is glorious. In His Glory, he has blessed us. In His Glory and love, he has adopted us. In His mercy, he has redeemed us. In his Grace, he has revealed His mystery to us. When all is said and done, all will be brought under Christ. This is glorious for those who love Him, and dreadful for those who reject Him.

Who can grasp the Love of Him who includes us in His Glory?

The real question then is what will our response be to His mercy?
Will we live in unity now?
Will we live as Children of light?
Will we keep guard of ourselves so that we can keep and uphold our brother?

What motivates us?
We have an undying Savior. Do we have an undying love in response?

To Him be glory in the Church, and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations. Forever and ever.
Amen.

Pastor Wayne

Stand and Pray

Finally Brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in His mighty power, put on the whole armor of God, and stand still.

It seems strange that we have all this armor, and yet Paul commands us to stand, and having done all, everything there is to do, to stand.

We want to use God's armor to challenge, and attack, and move out, but Paul commands us to stand. If this is true, then why do we desperately need the armor of God?

Satan wants to distract us, and destroy us so we are not able to focus in on the real spiritual battle, and that battle is fought with prayer. Because of his attacks we need all of this armor so that we are able to remain standing and fight for God's kingdom.

Are you fighting the wrong way, and thus falling into Satan's trap?

Stand your ground, and having done all, stand your ground so that you can fight.

Pastor Wayne

Authority and Mystery

Submit, submit submit. These seem to be the words that most people get out of Eph. 5:22 and forward. But, there seems to be something more significant here than just submission.

Paul seems to think that that glorious mystery is important. Even in the passage of husbands and wives, he goes back to it. Perhaps this mystery of two becoming one has some bearing on his presentation.

In this passage, we find three sets of permanent relationships. Wife/husband, Child/father, and slave/master.

How can two become one, even when they are so far removed as slave and master, or even farther, such as wise father and oh so foolish children?

Paul lays out principles for dealing with those who are in authority over us.
Paul lays out principles for dealing with those whom we have authority over.

There are differences that can not be changed. These are permanent relationships. There is however a common principle - whatever we do, we do for the Lord.

Remember that he who is both their Master, and yours, is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.

Pastor Wayne