Orchard Ridge Church

1 Samuel 7 ~ “The Lord Is My Help” ~ Sunday morning, June 7, 2026

2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:2

We are currently making our way through the Book of 1 Samuel here at Orchard Ridge Church. There is a 3 chapter section of 1 Samuel (chapters 4-7) whereby the Ark of the Lord is captured by the Philistines then returned to Israel by a supernatural work of God alone! The Israelites had nothing to do with it.

Israel had wandered far from God and by the end of chapter 7 they have returned to the Lord. Repentance had led to revival and renewal. (That formula still works today, by the way!)

Here’s what jumps out at me in this 3 chapter section: In chapter 4, when Israel was soundly defeated by the Philistines, their trust was in the ARK of GOD – not in the GOD of the ARK! There’s a huge difference. When we are in right relationship with God (meaning we are walking with Him. We are seeking His Face-to be with Him to worship Him rather than just seeking His Hands to give us material things, health and protection) good things will always follow.

As chapter 7 unfolds the Lord becomes their help and fights their battle for them. And they are victorious. Why? Because they had humbled themselves, repented from sin and returned to a right heart relationship with God.

Let’s bring this Old Testament truth to 2026. Do we place our hope in the Cross of Christ, or the Christ of the Cross? Is our salvation found in the Church of Christ, or the Christ of the Church? There’s a huge difference. “In Christ Alone” do we find our salvation and help; not in crosses, churches, pastors or podcasts. These things are of value ONLY insofar as they point us to the person of Jesus Christ!

More on this tomorrow morning at Orchard Ridge Church. Please join us…

Orchard Ridge Church meets for worship every Sunday morning at 9:00 AM & 10:45 AM

LIVE Worship meets @ 64600 Mound Road, Washington, MI 48095

Online LIVE Streaming @ www.facebook.com/orchardridgechurch/

Online Giving: https://orcn.churchcenter.com/giving

Key Scriptures: (NIV) 1 Samuel 7; Isaiah 41:13; Psalm 46:1; Hebrews 13:5-6; Psalm 121:2

Find our worship songs for today on this Spotify worship playlist: Orchard Ridge Church 060726