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MSS - The Golden Age Begins

Morning Scripture Study - 1 Samuel 11-12

From Rock Bottom the only way to go is up.  God's Presence left the people due to their great sin, and in these chapters we see the beginning of the process to It's return.  Like Joseph being sold into slavery, God will use Israel's sin of asking for a king to bring about a great thing.

MSS - Samuel Anoints Saul

MORNING SCRIPTURE STUDY - 1 SAMUEL 9-10

Jay doesn't know it yet, but today's passage sets up a lot of things that happen afterwards.  That sounds like an obvious statement as it leaves my head and arrives as this text, but bear with me.  One example - this passage presents Saul as a shy, humble, and considerate - even empathetic - character, yet we who've read ahead in the story know how that gets contrasted.  We have an opportunity for some deep insight into the character of man, as presented to us through Saul.  I don't spoil these things for Jay, leaving them prepared for when we get to those contrasting moments in forthcoming studies.  We do discuss Samuel fulfilling Deuteronomy 18 though.

MSS - They Have Rejected Me As King Over Them

Morning Scripture Study - 1 Samuel 8

The people are disheartened.  Enemies besiege them on every side, and even within their midst, and now their go-to weapon, the Ark of the Covenant, is in de facto exile in Kiriath-Jearim.  Where to turn?  They could turn to their God, who promised to deliver them from their enemies if only they'd serve Him and Him alone.
Nah.  Let's have a king instead!  What could go wrong?

MSS - The Plagues of the Ark of the Covenant - 1 Samuel 5-7

Morning Scripture Study - 1 Samuel 5-7

I got a little passionate today talking about the Bishop's Mitre worn by the Pope.  Strong words, and I stand by them.  If there was any fear of God in the Catholic Church or the papacy they would throw that thing away and burn it and publicly repent.  However, their tradition and rituals are far more important to them than God, so instead they flaunt their idolatrous practice.

And that's not even the best part of today's message!

MSS - The Glory of God Departs Israel (1 Samuel 3-4)

Morning Scripture Study - 1 Samuel 3-4

We begin today's study talking about Samuel being called by God, and then dive into the account of how the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant.  We noticed something - God didn't "break out" against the Philistines when they handled the Ark!  Why not?  We talk about that today, and more.

MSS - Eli Loved His Sons, but God He Hated - 1 Samuel 2

Morning Scripture Study - 1 Samuel 2
We break our mini-hiatus and get back into the flow of things with the story of Eli and his sons - and an important lesson about worshiping God and disciplining your children.