Sermon Central
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1 & 2 Samuel
Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Aug 27, 2025 (message contributor)
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1. 01. Simple Faith And A Cry For Revival (1 Samuel 1)
Contributed on Aug 27, 2025
Every great move of God in history has begun with a crisis. Whether it was the captivity in Egypt before the Exodus, the spiritual decline before the Reformation, or the darkness before the Great Awakenings, God often allows desperate circumstances to precede divine intervention.
Simple Faith and the Cry for Revival February 26, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 1 Introduction: The Birth of a Prophet – Hannah’s Faith and the Cry for Revival Every great move of God in history has begun with a crisis. Whether it was the captivity in Egypt ...read more
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2. 02. A Tale Of Two Houses – Hannah’s Song And The Fall Of Eli’s Line (1 Samuel 2)
Contributed on Aug 27, 2025
Eli ignored the warnings, tolerating his sons’ wickedness until judgment came crashing down like an iceberg. On the other hand, Hannah—an unknown, humble woman—was the unseen vessel God would use to usher in a new spiritual era.
A Tale of Two Houses – Hannah’s Song and the Fall of Eli’s Line March 5, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 2 Introduction: In 1912, the Titanic set sail as the most advanced, luxurious, and “unsinkable” ship of its time. The ship’s builders boasted that not even God ...read more
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3. 03. Hearing God's Voice (1 Samuel 3)
Contributed on Aug 27, 2025
Hearing God’s voice requires the same intentional tuning in. 1 Samuel 3 presents the powerful moment when young Samuel learns to hear the voice of God.
Hearing God’s Voice – The Calling of Samuel March 12, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 3 Introduction: Learning to Listen in a Noisy World In the early days of radio, the world marveled at the ability to send messages across vast distances. Yet, early broadcasts ...read more
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4. 04. When The Glory Departed Israel: The Tragedy Of Presumption
Contributed on Aug 27, 2025
Israel, facing the Philistines, believed that bringing the Ark of the Covenant into battle would guarantee victory. But their faith was misplaced—not in God, but in the Ark as a symbol.
When the Glory Departs – The Tragedy of Presumption March 19, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 4 In 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite. This tiny metal sphere, barely two feet in diameter, sent shockwaves through the world. ...read more
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5. 07. Samuel As Judge: Israel's Spiritual Revival
Contributed on Aug 27, 2025
After years of spiritual compromise, Israel experiences a national revival under Samuel’s leadership. This chapter shows us that true revival requires repentance, obedience, and total reliance on God.
Samuel as Judge – Israel’s Spiritual Revival April 9, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 7 Introduction: Revival Comes Through Repentance Throughout history, nations and individuals have found themselves drifting away from God. Yet, in times of desperation, when ...read more
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6. 08. The Demand For A King: Israel Rejecting God’s Kingship
Contributed on Aug 27, 2025
In 1 Samuel 8, Israel insists on having a human king, rejecting God’s rule over them. They thought they knew what was best, but their request would lead to spiritual and national consequences.
The Demand for a King: Israel Rejecting God’s Kingship April 16, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 8 Introduction: When We Think We Know Better Than God In the early 20th century, Henry Ford revolutionized transportation with the Model T. But as competitors ...read more
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7. 09. Saul’s Anointing – The Rise Of Israel’s First King
Contributed on Aug 27, 2025
Saul is chosen as Israel’s first king, yet he struggles with insecurity and uncertainty. God calls him, anoints him, and empowers him—but will he trust God or his own fears?
Saul’s Anointing – the Rise of Israel’s First King April 23, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 9-10 Introduction: Chosen, Yet Uncertain History is full of leaders who were thrust into power, unsure of themselves and hesitant to step into their calling. In 1940, ...read more
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8. 10. Saul's Victory Through The Spirit's Empowerment
Contributed on Aug 27, 2025
History is filled with leaders who, at the right moment, rose to the challenge with courage. Yet, true empowerment comes not from charisma or human strength alone, but from God’s Spirit working through a person.
Saul’s Victory at Jabesh: The Spirit’s Empowerment April 30, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 11 Introduction: The Power to Lead Comes from God History is filled with leaders who, at the right moment, rose to the challenge with courage. One such leader was Winston ...read more
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9. 11. Samuel's Farewell: A Call To Faithfulness (1 Samuel 12)
Contributed on Aug 27, 2025
Samuel, the faithful prophet, stands before a nation that has just rejected God as their King and demanded a human one instead. Yet even in their failure, God doesn’t abandon them.
Samuel’s Farewell: A Call to Faithfulness May 7, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 12 Introduction: God’s Faithful Plan Through Flawed People When we read 1 Samuel 12, we’re not just witnessing a prophet’s retirement speech—we’re watching a baton pass in the ...read more
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10. 12. Saul's Disobedience: The Cost Of Impatience
Contributed on Aug 27, 2025
We’ve all felt the tension—when God’s timing seems too slow, and the pressure to act now feels overwhelming. In those moments, we face a critical choice: Will we wait in faith or rush in fear?
Saul’s Disobedience: The Cost of Impatience May 14, 2024 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 13 We’ve all felt the tension—when God’s timing seems too slow, and the pressure to act now feels overwhelming. In those moments, we face a critical choice: Will we wait in faith ...read more
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11. 13. Courage In The Gap - Jonathan's Bold Faith
Contributed on Aug 27, 2025
There are moments in life—and in faith—when staying still becomes the greater risk—when the safety of inaction leads to spiritual stagnation, missed opportunity, or even disobedience
Courage in the Gap – Jonathan’s Bold Faith May 21, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 14 There are moments in life—and in faith—when staying still becomes the greater risk—when the safety of inaction leads to spiritual stagnation, missed opportunity, or even ...read more
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12. 14. The Rejection Of Saul: Obedience Over Sacrifice
Contributed on Aug 27, 2025
Have you ever told yourself, ‘God knows my heart,’ while deliberately doing something He’s already told you not to?” We often give ourselves credit for partial obedience—as if God should be pleased with most of our compliance.
The Rejection of Saul: Obedience Over Sacrifice May 28, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 15 Have you ever told yourself, ‘God knows my heart,’ while deliberately doing something He’s already told you not to?” We often give ourselves credit for partial obedience—as ...read more
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13. 15. David’s Anointing - God’s Choice (1 Samuel 16)
Contributed on Aug 27, 2025
When God chooses a leader, He looks not at appearances, but at the heart. His plans are always unfolding, even in quiet fields and unlikely places. While men elevate the impressive, God prepares the faithful.
David’s Anointing - God’s Choice June 4, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 16 When God chooses a leader, He looks not at appearances, but at the heart. His plans are always unfolding, even in quiet fields and unlikely places. While men elevate the impressive, God ...read more
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14. 17. Jonathan & David - A Covenant Of Godly Friendship
Contributed on Aug 27, 2025
There’s a kind of friendship that hell can’t stand, but it is a necessity to the believer’s life.
Jonathan & David - A Covenant of Godly Friendship July 2, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 18 Introduction: The Kind of Friendship Hell Hates There’s a kind of friendship that hell can’t stand, but it is a necessity to the believer’s life. It’s the kind that ...read more
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15. 18. David Fleeing: Perseverance And Trials
Contributed on Aug 27, 2025
Life as God’s chosen servant isn’t always easy. David had been anointed king, but instead of ascending to the throne in triumph, he found himself running for his life.
David Fleeing: Perseverance and Trials July 9, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 19-21 Introduction When God’s anointed walks through the valley of trial and betrayal, the Lord provides His presence, His people, and His providence to sustain him for His ...read more
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16. 20. David Saves Keilah (1 Samuel 23)
Contributed on Aug 27, 2025
“Why?” That tiny word rolls off our tongues with tears and trembling. Why the cancer? Why the betrayal? Why the silence of heaven when our world collapses? If you’ve ever whispered it in the dark night of the soul, you’re not alone—and you’re not unbiblical.
David Saves Keilah August 6, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 23:1-17 Introduction: Why Suffering? “Why?” That tiny word rolls off our tongues with tears and trembling. Why the cancer? Why the betrayal? Why the silence of heaven when our world collapses? If you’ve ...read more
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17. 21. David Hunted In The Wilderness Of Ziph (1 Samuel 23)
Contributed on Aug 27, 2025
But God… Oh, don’t you love those two words? They change everything, especially in Scripture. All throughout Scripture, when the story seemed finished, those two words rewrote the ending.
David Hunted in the Wilderness of Ziph August 20, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 23:15-29 Introduction: When the Walls Close In Life has a way of pressing us into corners where the walls seem to close in and the options run out. Maybe you’ve felt it financially, ...read more
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18. 22. David’s Mercy To Saul: Repaying Evil With Good (1 Samuel 24)
Contributed on Aug 27, 2025
Have you ever had a moment where it seemed like everything lined up perfectly for you to take matters into your own hands?
David’s Mercy to Saul: Repaying Evil with Good August 27, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 24 Introduction: Setting the Stage for Mercy Amid Pursuit Have you ever had a moment where it seemed like everything lined up perfectly for you to take matters into your own ...read more
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19. 23. Abigail: Wisdom That Averts Wrath
Contributed on Sep 3, 2025
If you’ve ever been moments away from making a disastrous decision, then you understand the power of a timely word of wisdom. In 1 Samuel 25, David's anger burns hot. Abigail's wisdom saves David’s testimony and future kingship would have been stained by needless bloodshed.
Abigail: Wisdom that Avert Wrath September 3, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 25 Introduction If you’ve ever been moments away from making a disastrous decision, then you understand the power of a timely word of wisdom. Proverbs 25:28 says, “A man without ...read more
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20. 24. David Spares Saul's Life (Again)
Contributed on Sep 10, 2025
Some tests in life keep coming back. You thought you had passed them, moved on, and maybe even grown stronger from them, only to wake up and find yourself right back in the same battle.True maturity is not only seen in what we can do, but in what we choose not to do, out of reverence for God.
David Spares Saul’s Life - Again September 10, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 26 Some tests in life keep coming back. You thought you had passed them, moved on, and maybe even grown stronger from them—only to wake up and find yourself right back in the same ...read more
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21. When Faith Goes Quiet: David In Philistine Country
Contributed on Sep 23, 2025
There are moments in the Christian life when we stop listening to God and start listening to ourselves. Sometimes that inner voice is not a voice of faith but of fear. We call it “being realistic” or “practical,” but often it’s just fear baptizing itself as wisdom.
When Faith Goes Quiet: David in Philistine Country September 23, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 27:1-28:2 There are moments in the Christian life when we stop listening to God and start listening to ourselves. Sometimes that inner voice is not a voice of faith but ...read more