Philip Nippress - May 12, 2024
Too Heavy
(1 Samuel 4:1-11) NOTE: We apologise that the beginning of this message was lost due to audio issues. The people of Israel sought to employ the ark of the covenant, representing the presence of God, as a tool for military victory against the Philistines. But God's presence would never be limited to such a box, nor would he be willing to be employed as a tool without respect to his rule and character. We too need to be challenged not to use or abuse the presence of God when it comes to our own theological convictions or practice, ensuring the essentials stay at the core. God is not a tool to wield for our own agenda.
From Series: "The Presence (1 Samuel)"
In this short series we are engaging three stories in 1 Samuel that speak to how we are to engage and honour the presence of God, particularly as it "presents" in a number of ways. This should challenge us to think of how even today we can fall prey to “using/wielding” God (even with good intention) rather than allowing his presence to transform us.