Living Water Anglican Church - Albany

Though Saul started out well as king, he did not trust God, failing to follow and obey God with his whole heart.

The holiness of the Lord comes into sharp focus in these narratives. The Lord is not a respecter of persons, he is no person’s debtor. The Israelites cry out at one point, ‘Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this Holy God?’ we learn that only those found in Jesus can stand; it is by grace that we can stand in the presence of the Lord, through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

1 Sam 1:1-2, 10-11, 19-20 and 2:1-10. Samuel is born under special circumstances - a miracle child. From a very young age, God calls Samuel, speaking to him and through him. Even as a child his humility and service to the Lord is noteworthy.

Samson was specially called by God and given many gifts for the leadership and deliverance of Israel. But his character was seriously compromised. Samson illustrates that God can and does still use seriously flawed people. Like you and me.

Judges 6, 7 & 8 ...Gideon was called by God and used mightlly by God, but he was a complex man of great fear as well as great faith. In spite of his fears, God was (and is) faithful.

Judges 4:1-11, 14-23 ...God uses three persons to bring about Sisera and King Jabin's defeat, but the ultimate victory (and honour) belongs to the Lord.

Judges 3:12-30 ...Ehud was an unexpected deliverer for Israel. Jesus is our unexpected Saviour and God.

Judges 2: 6-23 God's love for us and compassion and grace towards us is unrelenting, even in the face of our sin and rebelliion and our sometimes half-hearted attempts at repentance. 

Joshua 23:1-16; Joshua 24: 14-15; 24-25 Joshua calls Israel to obey and serve the Lord. Joshua declares that he and his family are "all in" and will serve only the Lord. He challenges all of Israel to do the same. God is still bringing the same challenge to us today, through Christ.