Collective Church Podcast

1 Samuel 12:13-25 We finish Samuel's final speech to the nation of Israel. This is a defining moment on the hinge of biblical history.

Pastor Ryan Smith, preparing to plant Alabaster Church in Asheville, shares insights from 1 Samuel. He discusses the church as a 'school of prophets,' emphasizing the importance of community in discerning God's voice today. Ryan reflects on Samuel’s leadership transition to Saul, highlighting the values of self-examination and accountability. He stresses integrity as essential for prophets, linking authenticity in faith to meaningful influence. The conversation also explores the unique role of prophets in engaging the community and shaping spiritual understanding.

In this episode, we explore 1 Samuel 11, where Saul rallies a nation to rescue Jabesh-gilead, revealing how God often confirms His calling on our lives through moments of Spirit-empowered fury.

In this episode, Saul is anointed king, signs confirm his calling, and the Spirit transforms him. But when it’s time to lead, Saul hides in the baggage. Calling is clear, but courage is missing.

Delve into the remarkable story of a young man searching for donkeys who steps into his destiny as Israel's first king. Explore the divine providence at play in our lives, challenging the danger of 'functional atheism' among believers. Discover how genuine relationships shape leadership and the complexities of divine sovereignty alongside human responsibility. Through personal stories, learn about surrendering to calling and the transformative power of recognizing God's guidance, even amid uncertainty.

Years have passed since Israel experienced major revival, and they come to another turning point as their faithful leader, Samuel, ages. Corruption reenters the picture through Samuel's sons, and the people of Israel want a change. Tragically, they ask for a king to govern them, a sensible solution in their own eyes, but they unknowingly reject God as their true king.

In this episode, we dive into 1 Samuel 7, where Israel finally turns back to God under Samuel’s leadership, casting out idols and reclaiming spiritual authority. As the people repent and return, God thunders from heaven, delivering them from the Philistines and restoring peace.

In this episode, we explore 1 Samuel 6, where the Philistines return the Ark of the Covenant after being overwhelmed by God’s hand. It’s a story of divine weight, failed idols, and the danger of trying to handle God's presence on human terms.

In 1 Samuel 5, the ark of God enters enemy territory—but it's not Israel that suffers, it's the idols of the Philistines that fall. This episode explores how God's presence cannot be among the idols in our life.

1 Samuel 4 Israel brought the ark into battle like a lucky charm—but God's glory doesn't bend to superstition. In 1 Samuel 4, we confront what happens when religion becomes a performance and God's presence departs in silence.