Curbing A Bad Appetite

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Curbing A Bad Appetite

1 Samuel 8:1-22

October 3, 2018 • Jeff Cramer

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Samuel was a good man, yet in this season of his life he allowed the past to distort his present! Remember, Samuel was raised under Eli the priest who had corrupt sons that didn’t honor God. Yet Eli left them in leadership positions. This same thing was happening here with Samuel and his sons. Now the response of the people was to advance their self-protection instead of allowing God to do it! I totally understand this from the vantage point of pain-prevention! However, when God says step aside & let Me work out the details, that can only be done by faith! Gang, we’re NOT to be mentally & emotionally controlled by the past.

My Faith Is Alive!

August 8, 2018 • Jeff Cramer

The book of Judges finishes off by saying “everyone doing what was right in their own eyes.” The Judges over the land failed to be faithful & chaos abounded with the people of Israel. 1st & 2nd Samuel are books that cover the leadership of three main characters: Samuel = Last judge / first prophet of this time Saul = The rejected King David = The Shepherd King This book will help us to understand the history of where God’s people have been and models for us both faithful & unfaithful. Real men & real women. Through the pages we learn & are encouraged to live life’s of FAITH! The book starts with how Samuel comes on the scene & highlights him becoming the man who gives faithful spiritual leadership which ends up in spiritual re-dedication & national unity!

The Why

August 22, 2018 • Jeff Cramer

1st Samuel is the bridge between the time of the Judges & the establishing of the monarchy when King David would unite the whole nation! At this stage in world history, Israel was in a free-fall politically & spiritually. Anarchy ensued because of disorder due to the absence of authority, and when there was a leader people would not recognize their authority! Judges 21:25 says, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” The result was progressive: People lacked self-control & disregarded consideration for others. Family life was messy & filled with frustrations. Spiritual leaders were corrupted from their God-intended-purpose. The Nation was at a breaking point. Doesn't this sound like the world we live in now? This is the environment where God began to do a new thing in! The big picture of 1st & 2nd Samuel focuses on restoration of national order!

Speak, For Your Servant Hears

August 29, 2018 • Jeff Cramer

During this time of world history the word of God had been put on mute and the prophet / priest / & people lived with their own rules & twisted belief-systems. One of the things the Bible teaches us is how to recognize & understand the voice of God. At this point in 1st Samuel, because the Priests & most of the people disregarded God, GOD was NOT revealing Himself in a widespread manner (v.1). However, in the age we live in today, part of the churches role is to make disciples (followers / learners / students) of Jesus, which depends on the Holy Spirit & willing individuals. God is not playing hid-and-seek with man, but He is very specific when outlining the way to live, no matter what the conditions of any given society are. Through all stages of history God has been present & speaking to man. Ours is no different!