Yesterday’s message in the Life of Samuel series was called Losing God in Religion, taken from 1 Samuel 4:1-22. If religion is supposed to bring us closer to God, then how is it possible to lose God in religion? It is very possible, and this incident in 1 Samuel 4 shows us how it happened to the Israelites, and how it can also happen to us today. Here is a brief outline of the message:

How can you lose God in religion?

1) You can lose God by emphasizing ritual over relationship (1-5)
    – Depending on human wisdom rather than God’s word
    – Trying to manipulate God for your own purposes
    – Focusing on religious objects rather than God
    – Expecting God’s blessing without repentance

2) You can lose God by following a false religion (6-9)
    – Not recognizing the one true God
    – Holding on to misinformation
    – Believing you can fight against God and win

3) Nothing is worse than losing God (10-22)
    – Losing God is worse than defeat
    – Losing God is worse than death
    – Nothing can compensate for losing God in your life

Note: Click on the Sermons tab at the top of the blog for this and other messages.