Are You Available God? (1 Samuel 3:1 - 4:1) | Kingmaker | Mike Kelsey

Main message: God still speaks, often through unlikely people, and he looks for those shaped by everyday faithfulness, a surrendered heart, and a commitment to obedience — ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who perfectly obeyed and absorbed judgment for us.

Key points:

• 1 Samuel 3 is set against a backdrop where "the word of the Lord was rare" because Israel had drifted into sin and ignored God (Judges cycle).
• Eli's spiritual decline contrasts with young Samuel's faithful service; God often uses the unlikely and forms leaders through everyday faithfulness.
• Hearing God requires a posture of surrender and attentive listening (Samuel learned how to respond: "Speak, Lord, for your servant hears").
• Samuel's calling includes an obedience test: he must deliver judgment to Eli; Samuel obeys where Eli had tolerated sin.
• The sermon pivots to the gospel: Samuel's example inspires but cannot save — Jesus is the faithful, surrendered, obedient Savior who bore judgment for us and enables our obedience.

Scriptures mentioned: 1 Samuel 1–4, Judges 21:25, Amos 8:11, James 1:5, Joshua