The Stone of My Help

Posted on by Harvest Church

1 Samuel 7:12,  “The Stone of My Help,” symbolized by the stone Ebenezer, which represents God’s assistance and faithfulness. Challenges of spiritual leadership, personal faith, and the struggles faced by believers in a corrupt and declining world.

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“The Stone of My Help”, is a passionate and urgent call for spiritual renewal, repentance, and return to God’s presence. Based on 1 Samuel 7:12, where Samuel sets up a stone named Ebenezer, meaning “stone of my help,” the preacher uses this scripture to remind the congregation that God is our source of help, especially in times of spiritual decline and personal struggle.

Main Themes and Summary:

1. God’s Help Is Always Available — But We Must Seek It

  • By emphasizing how hard life and ministry can be, but we are not alone — God is our help.

  • Like Samuel said, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” This Ebenezer stone symbolized a point of remembrance — that God had brought His people through.

  • Even when we feel stretched or broken, the Lord provides rest, strength, and refreshing.

2. The Need for Standard Bearers

  • A strong rebuke is delivered to those who allow sin, compromise, and spiritual apathy — comparing the modern church to Israel under Eli’s failed leadership.

  • Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phineas, represent corrupt leadership that dishonored God, turning the temple into a place of sin.

  • Eli is both spiritually and physically blind, prioritizing his children over God’s holiness — a cautionary tale for parents and leaders today.

  • The preacher calls for a return to holy, standard-bearing leadership — even if it means standing alone or against one’s own family.

3. When God’s Presence Departs

  • The loss of God’s presence is represented by the word “Ichabod” — the glory has departed.

  • Without God, the enemy (Philistines) gains power and destroys.

  • Many modern churches have lost God’s glory due to compromise, but God will return “till” we acknowledge our sin and seek Him (Hosea 5:15).

  • The word “till” is a promise — restoration is possible if we turn back to God.

4. Lamenting Leads to Awakening

  • After 20 years of oppression, Israel finally mourns and cries out to God.

  • They realize they weren’t meant to live defeated — they are covenant people meant for victory.

  • If you’re tired of being spiritually beat down, it’s time to rise and return to God.

5. The Return of Samuel

  • Samuel, who had been absent from the narrative, returns — possibly because he chose to leave with God’s presence.

  • His return signals revival and restoration.

  • If the church ever becomes so carnal or sophisticated that God’s presence isn’t welcome, even faithful leaders may walk away.

Key Takeaways:

  • God is our unwavering stone of help, no matter how far we’ve strayed.

  • The church must stand firm in holiness and righteousness, rejecting compromise.

  • Revival comes when God’s people acknowledge their offense, seek His face, and return to Him.

  • The presence of God is not automatic — it rests where He is honored and welcomed.

  • Leaders and believers alike must have courage to stand, intercede, and trust in the blood (points the preacher planned to expand on).

This sermon is a stirring exhortation for the church to wake up, repent, and remember that God still helps those who call on Him.

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