“Every Monument Tells a Story”
1 Samuel 7:12 - Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far has the LORD helped us.” (NIV)
I.“Thus far” … Remembers the Past.
Revelation 2:5a - … “Remember from where you have fallen, and repent.” (NAS)
II. “Thus far” … Repents in the Present.
1 Samuel 7:9 - Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it up as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on Israel’s behalf, and the LORD answered him.
The Battle is Won Through:
- The Blood of the Lamb.
- The Prayers of the Saints.
- The Word of God.
Recipe for Revival: (1 Samuel 7:3)
- Return to the Lord. (repentance)
- Commit to the Lord. (“with all your heart”)
- Serve the Lord. (“serve Him only”)
III.Thus far” … Revitalizes Our Future
1 Samuel 7:13a - So the Philistines were subdued and did not invade Israelite territory again. (NIV)
- Continue Relying on God.
Zechariah 4:6b - … “Not by might nor by power, but By My Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. (NIV)
- Continue Growing in Grace.
2 Peter 3:18b - … grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (NLT)
- Continue Moving Forward in Faith.
Hebrews 12:1b - … “And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
2a - We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” (NLT)
