Idols come wrapped in a different story than the story of God’s redeeming work in Scripture. They come with an alternate story about the purpose of human life, its main problems and what to do to overcome the problem and have a good life. They challenge the understanding that we are beloved creations of God, who are also sinful and in need of a savior. We exist to glorify God and enjoy him forever, but cannot get there without humbly asking for the grace of Christ. Let's consider our idols in terms of colors. And that Samuel’s call (1 Samuel 7: 2-12) is a call for us to get the color right in our lives. Green, Rainbow, Red.
"Getting the Color Right"
Gerrit Dawson
1 Samuel 7: 2-12
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Hannah's Song
June 23, 2019 • Rev. Dr. Gerrit Dawson
Hannah’s song teaches us that the Triune God of Grace works on a level far above our sight. He is working in our lives beyond every expectation. We can’t get this God to do what we want. But we can learn two important markers. The proud will get taken down. Whenever I think I am self-sufficient, I am heading for a reversal. When I think I don’t need the God who made me for himself, that I can solve my life myself, things will unravel. But in humility, in crying out from the brokenness that is inevitable in life, I discover how Christ lifts us from the dust. As the old song says, we can “trade ashes in for beauty and wear forgiveness like a crown.”
"Hannah's Song"
Gerrit Dawson
Speak Lord, for Your Servant Is Listening
June 16, 2019 • Darin Travis
The Lord reveals himself to Samuel.
Darin Travis
1 Samuel 3: 1-21
Eli and His Worthless Sons
June 9, 2019 • Darin Travis
God is faithful and therefore demands faithful allegiance and leadership, but He also faithfully provides the means to do so. In the dark shadowy description of Eli’s worthless sons, there emerges a piercing beam of light.
"Eli and His Worthless Sons"
1 Samuel 2: 12-36
Darin Travis
Real Housewives of Ephraim
June 2, 2019 • Rev. Dr. Gerrit Dawson
The wisdom of Hannah’s story from 1 Samuel tells us, “Go to the place of your pain and there you will find God waiting.” There, in that place where you hate yourself for failing to speak up again, where you loathe yourself for your timidity, God is waiting to give you courage. There, in that place of unfulfilled dreams, that place where life has not turned out to be anything you expected it to be. The place where you reached your limits long before you reached your goals. The place where you ended up barren and childless, either literally or figuratively. There, God waits to meet you and fill you with his presence.
