Message: “Too Heavy” from Philip Nippress

A message from the series "The Presence (1 Samuel)." (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.