Pastor Austin preached from 1 Samuel 11–13 in a sermon titled “Serve the Lord with All Your Heart,” calling the church to wholehearted devotion and faithful obedience to God. Through the rise of Saul’s leadership and Israel’s continued dependence on the Lord, the message challenged believers to examine whether they are fully trusting and faithfully serving God in every area of life.
The sermon highlighted three ways believers are called to serve the Lord. First, serve the Lord by trusting His deliverance. Pastor Austin reminded the church that God is the One who rescues, protects, and provides for His people. Just as Israel experienced God’s deliverance, believers today are called to place their confidence not in themselves, but in the saving power and faithfulness of God.
Second, believers are to serve the Lord with their whole heart. Drawing from Samuel’s exhortation to Israel, the sermon emphasized that God desires wholehearted worship and devotion rather than divided loyalties. Followers of Christ are called to turn away from idols, distractions, and worldly pursuits in order to fully pursue and honor the Lord.
Lastly, Pastor Austin encouraged the church to serve the Lord through patient obedience. Through Saul’s failure to wait on God’s timing and instruction, the congregation was reminded that obedience requires trust, patience, and surrender. Even when circumstances feel uncertain or delayed, God calls His people to faithfully obey His Word and trust His timing above their own understanding.
This message challenged believers to remain steadfast in their faith, fully committed to the Lord, and willing to trust and obey Him with all their heart.