Calvary Chapel Chattanooga

1 Samuel 15We go astray when faith is no longer a contributing factor in decision-making.We go astray when our views are compromised, because we are compromising.We go astray when we know better. (Or at least think we do!) We go astray when we’d rather give reasons and justifications rather than repent.We go astray when we’d rather decide to answer evil with evil.

1 Samuel 14:24-521.Saul took his eyes off of God.2.Saul allowed pride to take root and failed to live a repentant life.3.Saul was no longer sought after for advice.4.Saul started hanging out with losers.5.Saul wasn’t present in moments when people needed him most.6.Saul was impulsive in making promises and commitments without forethought, planning, orknowledge.7.Saul was self-focused, not others-focused.8.Saul became destructive and toxic.9.Saul led others into sin.10.Saul became a Pharisee.11.Saul was willing to harm another in order to save himself.

1 Samuel 13:16-14:23Be consumed by the opportunity, not the odds.Choose zeal over comfort and complacency.Surround yourself with like-minded, passionate lovers of God.Be proactive, not reactive.Get confirmation from God. Climb and fight!Pray for the faith to believe and do what the Lord calls you to!

Fear is a tool in the enemy’s hand. There is safety in the waiting.When we choose disobedience, we invite consequences.Pray to recognize the Lord’s 6ming for big decisions and the willingness to wait!

1 Samuel 12The reliability of God’s man, Samuel, was establishedA reminder of the righteous acts of God establishes His faithfulness.A riveting warning against demands we might make.A regrettable indictment (confirmed by divine signs). A righteous exhortation: Obey God! Thank God for His faithfulness and leadership!Pray for the power and desire from The Holy Spirit to obey the Lord in every way!

The enemy loves to bring shame to the children of God.Righteous anger can be appropriate and necessary.We should frequently return to our ‘Gilgal’ moments: Salvation, consecration, repentanceCorporately: Pray for a firm resolve to live out God’s truth, regardless of the circumstances.Personally: Reflect on the moments of salvation & repentance. Thank Him and remember.

1 Samuel 9-10The person of God who wishes to see things clearly must go low…and stay there.We must cultivate the right character and call up the right leaders.Great moments do not equal godly consistency…God desires continued faithfulness.The best of men are, at best, just men.

1 Samuel 8:1-22Our role as parents is critical. We must prioritize godly parenting! (See vs. 1-3)Take ownership - Don’t blame God for your failures. (See vs. 4-8)Be very certain about what you seek – God may give it to you and all of the consequencesthat go along with it. (See vs. 9-20)Our calling is to be light in the world, not to be like the world. (See Vs. 21-22)

1 Samuel 6-71. Put yourself in God’s presence and watch Him handle your idols for you.2. Pray for good and godly leadership!Pray through Psalm 139:23-24, and that you’d be made aware of the idolatry in your heart.Pray for our upcoming election, and that hearts of our elected leaders would be God-seeking.

1. Sometimes things will get worse before they get better!2. Some things cannot be redeemed, they can only be rebuilt!3. Religion cannot save a nation, nor can men, but God can!Pray for revival in our nation!Pray our nation would return and adhere to our nation motto: “In GOD we trust!”

During our study of 1 Samuel 3 this week, Pastor Frank highlighted an essential step forleading a nation back to God: recommitting to His Word. In his message titled “When RevivalComes,” we learned that young Samuel not only became acquainted with the Word of theLord but also wholeheartedly embraced and shared its truth.1. God can revive a nation.2. God’s Word isn’t just about His love and mercy. His justice and correction are there too!3. Samuel was a young man fully committed to God, yet fearful to speak what he was told.4. Eli recognized his shortcomings and accepted God's judgment.

In the latest teaching of our One Na'on Under God series, Eric DiCicco examined 1 Samuel2:12-36 in his message, “As the Family Goes, So Goes the Nation.” He highlighted theprofound influence that family life has on society, underlining that the attack on family valuesis a deliberate strategy of the enemy. He gave us three practical things to fight back!1. Faith must be demonstrated, not just discussed.2. Correction without consequence rarely leads to change.3. The Lord honors those who honor Him. (And sometimes it’s uncomfortable!)

As part of our Under God One Nation series, Adam Calabrese delivered a compelling teachingon 1 Samuel 1:19-2:11 titled “The Power of Prayer.” He wove together the historicalcontext of Israel with the personal story of Hannah, emphasizing how prayer was the keyelement that reshaped the nation’s fate and Hannah’s journey.

Why does Calvary Chapel Chattanooga fly an Israeli flag? Should the Church stand with Israel? Does God have a future plan for Israel or has the Church replaced Israel? Is Israel in the process of committing a genocide? Does supporting Jews also mean we must support Zionism? Over the last few months, our team has been asked these questions as the church is navigating the current situation in Israel and across our country.Our Civics + Culture team is thrilled to welcome Dr. Jeff Myers, president of Summit Ministries, to come and speak about this critical topic. Dr. Myers believes that at its heart, this is a battle of ideologies, a clash between worldviews involving God, justice, oppression, religion and truth itself. Despite the darkness, hope lies in a biblical worldview that can promote blessing and flourishing, even in seemingly impossible situations.