Sermon - Pastor Tim Johnson | 1 Samuel 16:1-13

In this week’s message from The Avenue Community Church, we journey through 1 Samuel 16—a pivotal moment in redemptive history where God rejects Saul and anoints David as Israel’s next king. Pastor Tim unpacks how God’s standards for choosing leaders are radically different from ours: while people look at outward appearance, the Lord looks at the heart.

Through vivid stories—from childhood trips to farmer’s markets to modern lessons in leadership—we’re reminded that obedience is better than sacrifice, sin is never harmless, and the fear of the Lord is the foundation of faithful living. This episode calls us to examine not just what we do but the heart behind it, and to trust in God’s unstoppable purposes that extend far beyond our understanding.

If you’ve ever wrestled with questions of calling, leadership, or why God chooses the unlikely, this message will encourage and challenge you to see through God’s eyes, not your own.