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After the Ark of the Covenant remains at Kiriath-Jearim for twenty years, Samuel calls the people to turn from their foreign gods, direct their hearts toward the Lord, and serve Him alone. Israel gathers at Mizpah, confesses its sin, and asks Samuel to continue praying. When the Philistines move against them, Samuel offers a sacrifice and cries out to God. The Lord answers with a mighty thunder, throws the enemy into confusion, and gives Israel the victory. Samuel then raises a memorial stone called Ebenezer, declaring, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” God has helped us, saved us, sustained us, and brought us into His presence. We must not forget what He has done. Sermon Notes 1 Samuel 7:1 & 2 The Ark was placed in the house of Abinadab and Eleazer was tasked to care for the Ark and it remained there 20 years 1 Samuel 7:3 - 6 Samuel spoke and prayed and the people repented 1 Samuel 7:7 & 8 After hearing that Israel had gathered the Philistines moved to fight them and Israel was afraid 1 Samuel 7:9 & 10 Samuel offered a sacrifice and prayed for the people and the Lord answered 1 Samuel 7:11 Israel defeats the Philistines 1 Samuel 7:12 - 14 Samuel places a memorial stone and Israel’s borders are restored and they have peace 1 Corinthians 11:23 – 26 Our act of remembrance of what the Lord has done

What happens when people believe they have defeated God? The Ark of the Covenant after it is captured by the Philistines and placed in the temple of their god, Dagon. The Philistines assume their god has defeated the God of Israel, but the next morning Dagon is found facedown before the Ark. After they restore the idol, it falls again, this time with its head and hands cut off. God then brings judgment on the Philistine cities. Wherever the Ark is moved, suffering and confusion follow until the Philistines finally recognize that they cannot stand against the God of Israel and decide to send the Ark back where it belongs. God does not need us to defend His power or secure His victory. Even when circumstances appear hopeless and no one seems able to help. The battle still belongs to the Lord. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. The question is not whether we will acknowledge Him, but whether we will willingly worship Him now. Proclamation of the Word Message by Pastor Joe “Even Idols Bow” Sermon Notes 1 Samuel 5:1 – 5 The Philistines took the Ark of God and placed it in their idol’s house, but it fell on its face twice and the second time its head and hands broke off 1 Samuel 5:6 & 7 God ravaged the Philistines with a plague 1 Samuel 5:8 - 12 The Philistines kept moving the Ark to different places, but the plague came to wherever they moved the Ark Philippians 2:9 – 11 Every knee shall bow Malachi 4:1 - 3

How does God call someone, and how is that calling confirmed? Although Samuel had faithfully served in the sanctuary, he did not yet recognize the Lord’s voice. Three times he went to Eli before Eli understood that God was calling the boy and instructed him to answer, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.” God then gave Samuel a difficult message concerning Eli’s household. Samuel was afraid to deliver it, but he faithfully spoke everything God had revealed. As Samuel continued to grow, the Lord remained with him and allowed none of his words to fail. Eventually, all Israel recognized that Samuel had been confirmed as a prophet. God’s calling is not limited by age, natural talent, status, or human importance. God calls servants, gives them the ability to accomplish His purpose, and asks them to remain faithful; whether the results appear successful or not. Every believer is called to serve and to bear witness to what God has done. Sermon Notes 1 Samuel 3:1 Samuel as a boy ministered to the Lord. The word and visions from the Lord was rare in those days 1 Samuel 3:2 & 3 Eli’s eyesight was decreasing. Samuel sleeps in the temple 1 Samuel 3:4 – 9 The Lord calls Samuel, but not knowing it’s God, goes to Eli in response to the call. After the third time Eli tells him it is the Lord calling and tells him what to say 1 Samuel 3:10 – 14 The Lord stans and tells Samuel what He is going to do with Eli and his household 1 Samuel 3:15 – 18 Samuel doesn’t want to tell Eli what the Lord said, but Eli compels him to 1 Samuel 3:19 - 21 Samuel continued to grow, the Lord was with him and all Israel knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet

As Balak, king of Moab, becomes terrified of Israel, he sends messengers to hire Balaam to curse God’s people. Balaam at first refuses because God tells him not to go and not to curse Israel. But when a more distinguished delegation arrives with the promise of greater honor and greater payment, Balaam asks again and reveals the deeper problem: a heart tempted by profit more than obedience. This sermon explores how the call of money can influence people to do what they should never do, and how Balaam becomes a warning throughout Scripture. Connecting Jude 11, 1 Timothy 6:10, and Matthew 16:26, this message shows that the love of money is not harmless. Money can pull a person away from faith, truth, and obedience to God. The real issue is not earning a living but loving money so much that it competes with God for first place in the heart. This is a warning against compromise, greed, and trying to reopen doors God has already closed. It is also a call to value your soul more than wealth, power, prestige, or temporary gain. What will a person give in exchange for his soul? Balaam’s story reminds us that no amount of money is worth losing eternity. Sermon Notes Numbers 22:1 – 4 Balak, king of Moab became afraid of the sons of Israel Numbers 22:5 & 6 Balak sends messengers to Balaam to curse the sons of Israel Numbers 22:7 Elders of Moab and Midian go to Balaam with money to pay him to curse the sons of Israel Numbers 22:8 Balaam told them to spend the night so that he could find out what God wanted him to do Numbers 22:9 – 12 God and Balaam have a conversation about the men and God tells him not to go and not to curse the sons of Isarael Numbers 22:13 & 14 Ballam tells them he cannot go Numbers 22:15 – 17 Balak sends a bigger and more distinguished group and increases the price Numbers 22:19 & 20 Ballam asks God again about going Jude 11 The error of Balaam - money 1 Timothy 6:10 Love of money is the root of all sorts of evil Matthew 16:26 The value of the soul