Orchard Ridge Church

TONIGHT @ 7:00 PM ~ Prayer for needs local and global
followed by...
TIME in the WORD ~ 1 Samuel chapter 7 ~ discussion based teaching

Orchard Ridge Church, 64600 Mound Road, Washington, MI 48095

1 Samuel 6 ~ “Not By Chance” ~ Sunday morning, May 31, 2026

Now the people of Beth Shemesh were harvesting their wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they rejoiced at the sight. – 1 Samuel 6:13

The Ark of the Covenant had been captured by the pagan Philistines after the Israelites had been routed in a battle against them. The spiritual leadership in Israel was at an all time low. Many had failed by egregiously sinning against the LORD their God (see Samson, Eli, Hophni, Phinehas). But God is setting the stage for revival. He is cleansing hearts in the land and is raising up a true man of God named Samuel to lead Israel.

One thing stands out to me as I read 1 Samuel chapters 5-6. God doesn’t need an Israelite army to fight His battles. In chapter 5 He knocks down the Philistine god Dagon all by Himself. Also, God doesn’t need an Israelite army to return His Ark to its proper home in Israel! He orchestrates the Ark’s return all by Himself. He knows the way home.

It leaves me thinking how many times I’ve battled and strived trying to fix things when maybe I should’ve trusted God to handle it all by Himself. Because He’s pretty good at that! LORD, help me to trust you more and let you fight my battles and guide my paths.

1 Samuel 6 tomorrow at Orchard Ridge Church. Hope you can attend.



Orchard Ridge Church meets for worship every Sunday morning at 9:00 AM & 10:45 AM

LIVE Worship meets @ 64600 Mound Road, Washington, MI 48095

Online LIVE Streaming @ www.facebook.com/orchardridgechurch/

Online Giving: https://orcn.churchcenter.com/giving

Key Scriptures: (NIV) Romans 12:19; Matthew 27:45; Mathew 27:50-51; Hebrews 10:19-20; Psalm 34:19; Deuteronomy 29:29; 1 Corinthians 2:10; Ephesians 1:9; Colossians 1:26-27; Joshua 5:13-15

Find our worship songs for today on this Spotify worship playlist: Orchard Ridge Church 053126

Q: Do you want a better Sunday morning sermon experience?
A: Attend Wednesday Night Bible Study & Prayer

On Wednesday nights we read the Scripture that the Sunday sermon will be based upon. Tonight that'll be 1 Samuel chapter 6. It's discussion based. Teaching led by Pastors. Questions are encouraged! We also go to the LORD in prayer for needs local and global. We also offer up prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving!

JOIN US TONIGHT! WEDNESDAY NIGHT, MAY 27, 2026 @ 7:00 PM

Church Fireplace Room ~ Orchard Ridge Church, 64600 Mound Road, Washington, MI 48095

Church, come on out!!! This all community Christian night of worship will be our midweek gathering on Thursday, June 18. Bring yourself, your family and friends. Don’t forget outdoor folding chairs.

LET’S WORSHIP THE LORD TOGETHER!!! 🎶 🗣️ 🎶 🎸 🥁 🎹

6:30 pm - Romeo High School’s Barnabo Field, 62300 Jewel, Washington, MI 48094

1 Samuel 5-6 ~ “Down Goes Dagon!” ~ Sunday morning, May 24, 2026

4 But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD! His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained. – 1 Samuel 5:4

Perhaps of all the Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai (aka The Ten Commandments), #1 and #2 might seem to be in our grasp… No other gods before God, and no idols of worship. The days of overtly worshipping gods of ancient pagan civilizations, and their graven statues / images, seems to be in our rearview mirrors.

But these questions must be asked… what is a god? What are idols? The answer can be found from within. Whatever we LOVE with the affections of our hearts-these are our gods and idols.
There are many gods and idols in our modern world. Money, power, titles, possessions, s*x, education, substances, phones, people we love, on and on…

But here’s a universal truth: ALL gods and idols will fall (short time or long) before THE one true God who created everything.

We see a great illustration of this truth in 1 Samuel chapter 5. The Ark of the Covenant falls into the hands of Israel’s enemy, the Philistines, who then place it in front of their pagan god Dagon in his temple. The next day, Dagon has fallen from his pedestal and is face down before the Ark of the LORD. So they prop him back up on his pedestal. Day 2, same result. Down goes Dagon! Only this time his head and arms have broken off.

TIP for Philistines and all who have gods and idols (maybe some of us)… If your god/idol keeps crashing and breaking and you’re needed to prop the god/idol back up, IT MIGHT BE TIME TO GET A NEW GOD…. The Real One!

1 Samuel 5-6 tomorrow at Orchard Ridge Church. Hope you can attend.

Orchard Ridge Church meets for worship every Sunday morning at 9:00 AM & 10:45 AM

LIVE Worship meets @ 64600 Mound Road, Washington, MI 48095

Online LIVE Streaming @ www.facebook.com/orchardridgechurch/

Online Giving: https://orcn.churchcenter.com/giving

Key Scriptures: (NIV) 1 Samuel 4:21-22; 1 Samuel 5-6; Judges 16:20-23; Galatians 6:7; Amos 5:21-24; Jeremiah 10:14-15; Amos 9:7; Ecclesiastes 12:1; Proverbs 4:23;

Find our worship songs for today on this Spotify worship playlist: Orchard Ridge Church 052426