Communication Crisis

Communication Crisis

November 20, 2011 Evening Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: When God seems to be quiet, most likely it is your sin that is blocking the way.

Focus Passage: I Samuel 28:3-35

Supplemental Passage: Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. (Isaiah 55:6 NASB)

Introduction: Make personal remarks about the time when we were missionaries in West Africa and our home was attacked by bandits. Sally was home alone with the girls and I was at the airport picking up new missionaries. She called and said, “there are bandits in the yard. What do I do?” She meant that the bandits had already left the house. What I heard was that “we are about to be attacked”. Then my cell phone minutes ran out. It was a true communication crisis.

I. Consequences of Disobedience

a. Saul was cut off from God and Israel was surrounded by their enemy

b. God would not answer Saul because of his sin and refusal to repent

c. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8 NASB)

d. ILL: Story of man and woman in car. He is driving. She says, "Honey, why don’t we ever sit close in the car like we used to. His reply; "I don’t know, I haven’t moved."

II. Charmed for Discussion

a. Saul needed someone to tell him what to do

b. Saul seeks a medium; a witch who can talk to the dead

c. He had previously banned those who practiced sorcery

d. He went to the medium in the darkness, in the clothes of commoners, not in the robes of a king

e. When they say to you, "Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter," should not a people consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living? (Isaiah 8:19 NASB)

III. Counsel of Deceit

a. The real righteous Samuel, being dead, would not be subject to the magic words of a witch

b. The apparition takes the form of Samuel

c. The medium is afraid of Saul not of the apparition

d. The apparition speaks words of truth but with the intention of destruction, not repentance

e. The words of the apparition drives Saul to hopelessness, helplessness, and self-destruction

f. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NASB)

Invitation: