Audio/Video Archive

In The Next Right Steps sermon series, Pastor Levi Matteson talks about how it’s not enough to add God to our lives; we must remove the things that compete with Him, including:
1. Faithfulness in the Shadows Prepares You for the Spotlight
2. Obedience Comes Before Clarity
3. Idolatry = Anything That Competes with God’s Place in My Life
4. Repentance Means Subtraction, Not Just Addition
5. The Next Right Step is Often Confession + Surrender
The scripture text is from 1 Samuel 4-7. This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 11, 2025.

Scripture References: 1 Samuel 4:1-22, 1 Samuel 5:1-12, 1 Samuel 6:1-21, 1 Samuel 7:1-17

More Messages from Levi Matteson | Download Audio

From Series: "The Next Right Steps"

We live in a culture that craves clarity. We want the five-year plan. We want the GPS voice telling us every turn before we put the car in drive. But when it comes to following God, that’s not how it works. Samuel was just a kid when God called his name. He didn’t have all the facts. He didn’t ask for a sign. He just said, “Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening.” That simple act of obedience—before he even knew what God was asking—set the direction of his life. Here’s the truth: God rarely gives us the whole picture up front. But He always gives us the next step. Faith says “yes” before the details are clear. Obedience opens the door to clarity—not the other way around. So, what about you? Are you waiting for clarity before you obey? Or are you ready to take the next right step?

Notes and Study Guide

Pastor Levi, Pastor Travis, and Lisa talk about how how Israel turned to God in desperation but didn't quit idolatry, from 1 Samuel 4-7, including Israel Brings Ark of the Covenant into Battle and Loses It, Samuel tells Israel to Rid Themselves of Foreign Gods and Serve Only God, and What Are The Idols in Our Lives. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, May 13, 2025.

More Messages from The Pastors | Download Audio

From Series: "Pearls & Swine"

The pastors sit down to discuss topics that impact your life.