Saul has become like the kings of the world and has been rejected by God. Samuel is now sent to find a replacement but fears for his life in doing so. Nonetheless, through the very fitting subterfuge of hiding behind
Loss of trust
The relationship between Saul and Samuel is rapidly breaking down due to Saul’s repeated disobedience and God’s rejection of him. So Samuel does not accept Saul’s limited apology/explanation and then just carry on as before. Saul is too unstable; they
A monumental failure
Saul was given a task from God. He was to bring justice, without any gain for himself, upon an enemy of the nation. All he had to do was obey. But he hasn’t. His heart has led him astray to
Grieving the Lord
Three times in three chapters Saul has the opportunity to sacrifice in the way God desires; three times he fails. The first was when he panicked over Samuel’s lateness in chapter 13. Then when he caused dangerous havoc with a
Happy Christmas, You!
This is the final sermon in a series of five for Christmas 2023 which come under the general title: “What is a Happy Christmas?” This sermon links especially to Luke 1:26-56 in the Bible. Photos by Sarah Evans and Pranav
Happy Christmas, City!
This is the third in a series of five sermons for Christmas 2023 which come under the general title: “What is a Happy Christmas?” This sermon links especially to Matthew 2:1-18 in the Bible. Photos by Sarah Evans and Giammarco
Happy Christmas, People!
This is the second in a series of five sermons for Christmas 2023 which come under the general title: “What is a Happy Christmas?” This sermon links especially to Luke 2:25-35 in the Bible. Photos by Sarah Evans and Nick
Happy Christmas, World!
This is the first in a series of five sermons for Christmas 2023 which come under the general title: “What is a Happy Christmas?” This sermon links especially to John 3:16-17 in the Bible. Photos by Sarah Evans and Nasa
A positive list
The picture of Saul has been quite negative in 1 Samuel. But that’s by no means the whole story of his reign and here the writer pauses to tell us more positive things about him. Saul fought hard for his
Whatever seems best
Saul’s foolish, proud leadership has left his army famished with the result they devour captured animals like a pack of wild dogs. Rather than admitting his mistake, however, Saul tries to put things right his way. This goes badly wrong