Here I Raise My Ebenezer (1 Sam. 7:2-17)
Samuel remembered God’s faithfulness in the past to help him go forward. As individuals and as a church, it is important to celebrate his activity in the previous year as we anticipate his work in the coming year.
REPENTANCE (1 Sam. 7:2-6)
- True repentance always involves a turning to and a turning from.
- You can’t serve your God if you are consumed with serving yourself.
- Genuine repentance always moves from a tearful acknowledgment to a tangible response.
FORGIVENESS (1 Sam. 7:7-11)
- The enemies of the people of God are always armed and ready when they hear that we are making progress.
- Persisting in prayer reveals that we believe God’s strength is far greater than our strength.
- Even in our continual struggles, our greatest and surest hope is in the gospel.
- Our greatest contributions in battles are only after God has already won the war.
REMEMBRANCE (1 Sam. 7:12-14)
- In the middle of where you’ve been and where you’re going, it’s helpful to remember who has been there every step of the way.
- If the LORD has helped me this far, how could I fathom that he would leave me now?
- The greatest cure for an anxious heart is a good memory.
CONTINUANCE (1 Sam. 7:15-17)
- No matter how you started, seek to finish well.
- It is critical to evaluate and address the spiritual conditions of those within your sphere of influence.
- The routine isn’t as exciting as the revival, but both of them are important.

Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.