Stone stack with mountains in background at Joshua Tree National Park

Here I Raise My Ebenezer

A sermon on 1 Samuel 7:3–17

The hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” is a favorite for many. But a line in the second verse — “Here I raise my Ebenezer” — tends to confuse people.

What is an Ebenezer? Ebenezer is a Hebrew word meaning “stone of help.” After the LORD rescues the Israelites from the Philistines at Mizpah, Samuel builds a stone monument and names it “Ebenezer.” He explains why saying, “Till now the LORD has helped us.”

In this sermon, Ryan walks through the story, reflecting on the speed of God’s mercy and the importance of walking backward into the future.

This sermon was given on June 16, 2024, at Grace Bible Church in Escondido, California.

Ryan serves as a pastor at Grace Bible Church. His ministry ranges from preaching, teaching, and writing, to listening, being present, and walking with others through some of life’s most difficult experiences.

He lives with his wife and children in Escondido, California.

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Doctrine of Sin Part 2

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Prone to Wander

A sermon on 1 Samuel 8