they feared Israel’s “god”, but Israel’s God was not with them
death of the army, capture of the Ark
Read 1 Sam 4:12-22
The Uncomfortable Truth
God is Holy
God is Just
God will execute justice against all unrighteousness
Hell is reasonable
Justice is thorough
God’s Mercy and forgiveness is NOT free (Cost: Christ)
Choosing Sides
Ezekiel 33:11 ESV
11 Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?
2 Peter 3:9 ESV
9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Joshua 24:15 ESV
15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
