Devotion in a divided world A series in 1 Samuel A major theme of the Bible is the power of devotion in a divided world. When sin entered the world, it began to fragment everything. But God is on a mission to bring complete wholeness back into this world through His Son, Jesus Christ. One of the most memorable books of the Bible in the Old Testament is 1 Samuel. It’s the 9th book of the Bible, and it includes many popular historical accounts like David’s fight with Goliath. 1 Samuel is Biblical history in story-form. As you read the story, you begin to see that the key to flourishing in this world is learning how to be devoted to God in a divided world. Israel is devoted (1 Samuel 7:1-17) Revival and Revivalism Crying out to the Lord Setting up stones of help The beauty of godly leadership Questions: Read 1 Samuel 7:2-6. Does this appear to be a real spiritual revival in Israel. Why or why not? What are some indicators of real spiritual revival? Read 1 Samuel 7:7-8. The Israelites were afraid of the Philistines, and they took their fear to the Lord and cried out to Him. Do you cry out to God in your fears as often as you should? Why or why not? Samuel set up an Ebenezer, which means a "stone of help." He set it up to remember God's faithfulness. In our busy lives, do we take the time to meditate on our own "Ebenezers" to remember God's faithfulness to us in the past?