1 Samuel 5:1-7:1 – This Is The Plague That The Lord Has Made

Just like Strasbourg’s historical dance-till-you-drop plague, trying to out-maneuver a holy God is a losing game that will end in tragedy.

Our text in this study is: 1 Samuel 5:1-7:1
Series: Know Kings: The Book Of Samuel
Gene Pensiero Jr

Find the rest of the series at https://calvaryhanford.com/knowkings

Subscribe on YouTube at:
https://youtube.com/calvaryhanford

Read the notes at:
https://calvaryhanford.substack.com

Welcome to our ongoing verse by verse Bible study through the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel. In this message, titled This Is The Plague That The Lord Has Made, we dive into 1 Samuel 5:1 to 7:1 to see what happens when the Philistines capture the Ark of the Covenant and try to treat Israel’s God like just another local deity.

If you want to study the Bible with a clear focus on the text, this chapter shows us that Yahweh will not share His glory with anyone or anything else. The Philistines place the Ark in the temple of their god, Dagon, thinking they have won a great victory. But the next morning, they find Dagon fallen face down before the Ark. They prop him back up, but by the following day, Dagon is broken, with his head and hands cut off on the threshold. It is a striking illustration of human religion trying to patch up a broken idol that cannot even stand on its own, let alone save anyone.

As we look at this text from a conservative evangelical Calvary Chapel perspective, we see how the Lord handles those who mock His holiness. He sends a severe plague of tumors and rats upon the Philistine cities of Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron. The pagan priests try to manage the situation by sending the Ark away on a new cart pulled by two milk cows, accompanied by golden images of the tumors and rats as a guilt offering. Even these animals, acting against their natural instincts to stay with their calves, head straight for the territory of Israel, proving that this was not a random coincidence. This was entirely the hand of the living God.

When the Ark arrives at Beth Shemesh, the people forget the holiness of God and peek inside, leading to a swift and sobering judgment. This reminds us of a crucial spiritual truth: we cannot handle holy things with careless familiarity.

Whether you are deeply interested in Christianity, curious about the history of Israel, exploring spirituality, or searching specifically for solid Calvary Chapel videos, this exposition of Scripture challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we have idols in our lives that need to fall down before Jesus? Let us walk away from superficial religious routines and trust our lives to the true Savior. Please subscribe to follow along with the rest of our 1 Samuel series.

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1 Samuel 4 – Failures And The Lost Ark

When we mistake religious hype for true spiritual formation, God will allow us to experience defeat so that we finally learn to seek His presence on His terms.

Our text in this study is: 1 Samuel 4
Series: Know Kings: The Book Of Samuel
Gene Pensiero Jr

Find the rest of the series at https://calvaryhanford.com/knowkings

Subscribe on YouTube at:
https://youtube.com/calvaryhanford

Read the notes at:
https://calvaryhanford.substack.com

Are you looking for a straightforward, verse-by-verse Bible study through the Old Testament? In this video, we dive into 1 Samuel 4 to explore a sobering turning point in Israel’s history.

We look at how Israel faced a crushing defeat by the Philistines at Ebenezer. Instead of turning to the Lord in personal repentance, the elders of Israel came up with a different plan. They decided to treat the Ark of the Covenant like a lucky charm or a magic token, bringing it directly onto the battlefield. They assumed having the box meant automatic victory, but they completely mistook a religious symbol for the presence of the living God.

This text shows us the tragic danger of superstitious religion. The Israelites shouted so loud when the Ark arrived that the ground shook – hoping to recreate Jericho – and the Philistines grew terrified, remembering how God struck Egypt with plagues. Yet, despite all the emotional hype and noise, Israel suffered an even greater slaughter. Thirty thousand soldiers fell, the wicked priests Hophni and Phinehas were killed in fulfillment of prophecy, and the Ark of God was captured.

When the news reached Shiloh, the 98-year-old priest Eli fell backward off his seat, broke his neck, and died. The chapter ends with the birth of a child named Ichabod, meaning the glory has departed from Israel.

This message highlights an essential theological truth: God refuses to be managed, manipulated, or used as a tool to guarantee our personal success. When we try to use God for our own ends without submitting our hearts to Him, we set ourselves up for failure. True faith is about following the Lord in obedience, not treating holy things like good luck pieces.

Whether you are seeking to grow in your personal Bible study, curious about the history of Israel, or looking for solid Calvary Chapel teachings that stick to the text, this message provides an honest look at our need for true spiritual devotion. Let’s move past outward religious routines and learn what it means to honor God with all our lives. Don’t forget to subscribe for more chapter-by-chapter studies through 1 Samuel!

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1 Samuel 3:1-4:1 – There’s A New Seer In Town

From the corporate ruins of 1990s IBM to the spiritual darkness of ancient Israel, discover how God disrupts paralyzed leadership and raises up unexpected outsiders to bring ultimate transformation.

Our text in this study is: 1 Samuel 3:1-4:1
Series: Know Kings: The Book Of Samuel
Gene Pensiero Jr

Find the rest of the series at https://calvaryhanford.com/knowkings

Subscribe on YouTube at:
https://youtube.com/calvaryhanford

Read the notes at:
https://calvaryhanford.substack.com

Welcome back to our verse-by-verse journey through the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel. In this chapter-by-chapter Bible study, we look at 1 Samuel 3:1 to 1 Samuel 4:1. This pivotal passage marks a monumental shift in the history of Israel, transitioning from a dark period where the word of the Lord was rare to a new dawn when God established a brand new prophet to speak His truth.

We start by looking at the sad spiritual climate in Shiloh. The high priest Eli was physically blind and spiritually dim, while his corrupt sons had completely compromised the priesthood. In the middle of this silence, God did something completely unexpected. He bypassed the established religious hierarchy and called out to a young boy sleeping near the ark of the covenant.

We see the reality of how God communicates. When the Lord called his name, young Samuel did not even recognize the voice because he did not yet personally know the Lord. He kept running back and forth to Eli, assuming his aging master was the one calling him in the night. It took three attempts before Eli realized what was happening and gave Samuel the right direction. The boy had to learn to say, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.”

The sermon digs into a difficult truth: God had a heavy message for Samuel to deliver. It was a word of final judgment against Eli’s household because Eli refused to restrain his sons. Imagine the weight on this young boy, having to wake up and look his mentor in the eye to deliver a word of complete ruin. Yet, Eli responded with a quiet resignation, recognizing that the Lord is sovereign.

As we close the chapter, we see that none of Samuel’s words fell to the ground. From Dan to Beersheba, all of Israel recognized that a true seer had arrived. The Lord revealed Himself again at Shiloh through His word.

Whether you are deeply rooted in Christianity, looking for a solid Calvary Chapel online sermon, or a seeker trying to figure out who Jesus is, this message offers clear insight into developing a heart that listens to God. We hope this teaching encourages your personal walk with Christ and deepens your love for the scriptures.

If this expository sermon helps you understand the Bible better, please subscribe to our channel for more weekly teachings through the book of 1 Samuel. Drop your thoughts or questions about 1 Samuel 3 in the comments below. We would love to pray for you and connect with you as we look to Jesus together.

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1 Samuel 2:22-36 – Bad Boys

When we prize our own family or comfort above God’s holiness, we trade the heavyweight glory of walking with Him for the tragic weight of our own compromises.

Our text in this study is: 1 Samuel 2:22-36
Series: Know Kings: The Book Of Samuel
Gene Pensiero Jr

Find the rest of the series at https://calvaryhanford.com/knowkings

Subscribe on YouTube at:
https://youtube.com/calvaryhanford

Read the notes at:
https://calvaryhanford.substack.com

What happens when spiritual leaders choose family loyalty or personal comfort over the holiness of God?

In this verse by verse Bible study, we dive deep into 1 Samuel 2:22-36 to examine the tragic downfalls of Eli the high priest and his wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas.

Titled Bad Boys, this message is part of our ongoing, expository chapter by chapter journey through the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel.

To illustrate how easily indulgence turns into full scale immorality, we share the historical account of William Jackson, a wealthy 19th-century father who privately scolded his wayward son but publicly used his wealth and influence to fund his vices and shield him from consequences. Tragically, the son was eventually exiled on a ship aptly named Retribution, while the father died broken and paralyzed.

This mirrors the exact spiritual dilemma Eli faced. Eli chose to gently coddle his grown sons rather than firmly confront their blatant corruption and abuse of power at the Tabernacle. By placing the desires of his children above the commandments of the Lord, Eli was guilty of honoring his sons more than God.

From a conservative, evangelical perspective, this text delivers a clear warning about the reality of a hardened heart. When we repeatedly reject God’s grace, there comes a point where He simply gives us over to our own wayward desires. Yet, even in the midst of solemn judgment, the scripture points us directly to the hope of Jesus Christ.

Eli correctly asked, if a person sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him? The gospel gives us the ultimate answer. Jesus is the true, faithful High Priest and the only Mediator who steps in to intercede on our behalf, paying our debt and saving us from the ultimate retribution through His perfect redemption.

Whether you are seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus, learning how to study the Bible effectively, or searching for authentic Calvary Chapel teachings, this message will challenge you to evaluate your own walk. Are you walking with God in active faith, or are you just sitting on the sidelines like Eli? Join us as we learn what it truly means to honor the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Remember to subscribe for more verse by verse Christian teachings through Israel’s history and the prophetic word of God.

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1 Samuel 2:12-21 – Wicked While They Work

You don’t have to cut and run from a toxic environment if God has called you to grow, serve, and shine right in the middle of it.

Our text in this study is: 1 Samuel 2:12-21
Series: Know Kings: The Book Of Samuel
Gene Pensiero Jr

Find the rest of the series at https://calvaryhanford.com/knowkings

Subscribe on YouTube at:
https://youtube.com/calvaryhanford

Read the notes at:
https://calvaryhanford.substack.com

Welcome to our verse by verse Bible study through the Old Testament books of history. In this video, we are continuing our series through the life of Samuel and the kings of Israel by opening up 1 Samuel chapter 2. Our message today focuses on verses 12 through 21 and is titled: Wicked While They Work.

In this text, the narrative exposes the corruption of Eli the priest’s adult sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Scripture explicitly calls these two young men sons of Belial, meaning they were worthless and did not know the Lord. Even though they worked in the tabernacle and wore the priestly garments, they abused their spiritual authority to satisfy their own greed. They stole the best portions of the sacrifices from the people of Israel and threatened violence against those trying to obey God’s law. Their hypocrisy brought tremendous dishonor to the Lord and turned everyday people away from worshiping at the tabernacle.

As we study this passage from a Calvary Chapel perspective, we emphasize teaching the full counsel of God line by line. This chapter serves as a heavy warning about the danger of spiritual compromise and ministry hypocrisy. When religious leaders care more about personal gain than honoring God, it damages the church and misrepresents Jesus Christ to a watching world. Yet, right in the middle of all this darkness and corruption, God keeps his light burning. The Bible shows that while Eli’s sons grew more corrupt, little Samuel continued ministering in the presence of the Lord, protected and guided by God’s hand.

This study is vital for anyone who loves to study the Bible and wants to examine the real, raw history of Israel. If you are searching for verse by verse Bible teaching, trying to grow your faith, or looking for reliable online sermons from Calvary Chapel, this message offers clear insight into how God values genuine holiness over mere outward religion.

Join us as we explore 1 Samuel 2:12-21 and learn what it means to stay faithful to God even when surrounded by compromise. If you want to keep learning with us, make sure to subscribe to the channel for more historical and prophetic Bible studies. Share your thoughts in the comments, and pass this video along to anyone interested in biblical truth, historical scripture studies, and authentic Christian living.

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King Song (1 Samuel 2:1-11)

Discover how Hannah’s song in 1 Samuel sets the theological soundtrack for the entire book, revealing a faithful God who reverses fortunes, resists the proud, and lifts the humble.

Our text in this study is: 1 Samuel 2:1-11
Series: Know Kings: The Book Of Samuel
Gene Pensiero Jr

Find the rest of the series at https://calvaryhanford.com/knowkings

Subscribe on YouTube at:
https://youtube.com/calvaryhanford

Read the notes at:
https://calvaryhanford.substack.com

Welcome to our ongoing verse by verse Bible study through the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Samuel. In this video, we dive into 1 Samuel 2:1-11 to examine the Song of Hannah. Just like a great film score sets the mood for a movie, Hannah’s song sets the theological soundtrack for the rest of 1 and 2 Samuel. It establishes a firm foundation for understanding who God is, how He works in human affairs, and how He interacts with His people.

Through this study, we see how Hannah moves from a place of a broken heart in chapter 1 to a place of rejoicing in the Lord. She reminds us that there is no rock like our God. When we build our lives on Him, we are standing on stable ground. Our God is a God of knowledge who knows our needs and guards the steps of His faithful ones. Hannah outlines how the Lord reverses human fortunes, lifting the poor from the dust and scattering the proud. This scriptural theme carries all the way through to the New Testament, echoing in Mary’s Magnificat in Luke 1.

We also look at the prophetic nature of this text. Hannah concludes her prayer by pointing forward to a coming king and the anointed one, the Messiah. Centuries before Israel ever demanded a human king, God already had a plan of redemption in place. This teaching highlights how the earthly kingdom of Israel serves as a shadow pointing directly to the eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Whether you are looking for a Calvary Chapel verse by verse study, seeking to deepen your personal Bible study habits, or exploring what it means to follow Jesus, this message offers clear biblical truth. We learn that we cannot accomplish the Christian life in our own strength, but through reliance on God’s grace and Holy Spirit.

If you want to study the Bible and grow in your Christian faith, please consider subscribing to our channel for more teachings from this series on 1 and 2 Samuel. Leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions on 1 Samuel 2, and share this video with anyone interested in christianity and biblical spirituality.

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1 Samuel 1:19-28 – Bye Bye Baby

Forget Hollywood’s version of “losing yourself.” Hannah’s radical commitment to God shows us what it truly means to live out our divine calling.

Our text in this study is: 1 Samuel 1:19-28
Series: Know Kings: The Book Of Samuel
Gene Pensiero Jr

Find the rest of the series at https://calvaryhanford.com/knowkings

Subscribe on YouTube at:
https://youtube.com/calvaryhanford

Read the notes at:
https://calvaryhanford.substack.com

Welcome to our ongoing verse-by-verse Bible study through the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Samuel. In this message, titled Bye Bye Baby, we look closely at the beautiful and challenging account found in 1 Samuel 1:19-28.

The focus of our study is Hannah, a woman who knew the deep heartache of barrenness and the pain of being provoked by her rival. When we left her in our previous study, she had poured out her soul before the Lord at Shiloh, making a solemn vow that if God gave her a son, she would give him back to the Lord for his entire life. In this passage, we see God answer her prayer. Hannah conceives and gives birth to a son, naming him Samuel because she asked him of the Lord.

But the heart of this text centers on what happens next. When the child is weaned, Hannah does not flinch or make excuses. She packs up the offerings, travels back to Shiloh, and presents young Samuel to Eli the priest. Her response to God’s blessing is radical commitment and worship. Rather than keeping the gift for herself, she surrenders her miracle back to the Giver. As she explicitly reminds Eli, she is the very woman who stood there praying, and because Yahweh answered her petition, she gives the boy to Yahweh for as long as he lives.

As we study the text from a Calvary Chapel perspective, we are reminded of the character, faithfulness, and grace of God. Hannah’s testimony is simple yet incredibly clear: it centers entirely on the Lord. In just three short sentences, she uses the covenant name of God, Yahweh, four times. This is not a story about her own righteousness or her personal sacrifice; it is a testimony about the faithfulness of God. For those who want to study the Bible and understand the history of Israel, this transition from the chaotic days of the Judges to the Monarchy shows that God is always in control, even in our weakest moments.

Whether you are looking for solid Christian teachings, interested in spirituality and Jesus, or specifically searching for verse-by-verse Calvary Chapel videos, this message will encourage your faith. Let’s look at how Hannah trades her years of sorrow for a lifestyle of worship, showing us what it truly means to trust God with the things we love the most.

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1 Samuel 1:1-18 – Squall In The Family

When everything is falling apart and society is a mess, the book of Samuel reminds us that God is still in charge and He loves to use our weakest moments as His starting point.

Our text in this study is: 1 Samuel 1:1-18
Series: Know Kings: The Book Of Samuel
Gene Pensiero Jr

Find the rest of the series at https://calvaryhanford.com/knowkings

Subscribe on YouTube at:
https://youtube.com/calvaryhanford

Read the notes at:
https://calvaryhanford.substack.com

Welcome to our verse by verse study of 1 Samuel as we begin a new series in the Old Testament. In this message, titled Squall In The Family, we look at the opening verses of 1 Samuel 1 and find ourselves in a period of significant transition for the nation of Israel. The era of the Judges was coming to a close—a time marked by spiritual confusion and social chaos where everyone did what was right in their own eyes. As the world moved from the Late Bronze Age to the Iron Age, Israel began to look for stability in a human king, yet God had a different story to tell through the life of a brokenhearted woman named Hannah.

We begin by meeting Elkanah and his two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. While Elkanah was a faithful man who traveled to Shiloh yearly to worship the Lord of Armies, his home was a place of deep friction. Hannah dealt with the heavy burden of barrenness and the constant taunts of her rival, Peninnah. Her husband tried to comfort her, but he couldn’t truly understand the depth of her sorrow. Many of us know what it feels like to face heartache within our own families or to feel misunderstood by those closest to us.

In her distress, Hannah did the only thing a believer can do: she poured out her soul before the Lord. Even though the high priest Eli mistook her silent, fervent prayer for drunkenness, Hannah remained focused on God. She recognized Him as the Lord of Hosts—the true King who sits enthroned over all creation. Her story reminds us that God often makes our total inability His starting point. He is the one who sees our tears and hears our cries when we feel most alone.

This study explores why the book of Samuel starts with a family drama rather than a political decree. We see that God is more interested in our hearts and our submission to His rule than in our earthly institutions. Through Hannah’s eventual song of praise, we catch a glimpse of the Gospel. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. He is the Rock who changes our fortunes and points us toward the ultimate Messiah, Jesus Christ. Whether you are navigating difficult family dynamics or seeking to understand God’s sovereignty in a changing world, this teaching from 1 Samuel 1:1-18 offers hope and perspective on the King who is in charge right now.

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