Episode 82

Rejecting God as King: Lessons from 1 Samuel 8

Published on: 12th July, 2026

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In this episode of TS Wright Speaks, TS Wright walks through 1 Samuel 8, where Israel demands a king “like all the other nations.” Samuel is displeased, but when he prays, the Lord reveals the deeper issue: the people are not merely rejecting Samuel’s leadership; they are rejecting God as their King.

This teaching examines the spiritual warning inside Israel’s demand. The people wanted visible, earthly control, but God warned them that the king they desired would take their sons, daughters, fields, servants, livestock, and freedom. What looked like security would become bondage.

TS Wright connects this passage to the believer’s daily walk with Christ. When life feels unstable, chaotic, or uncertain, the faithful response is not to demand our own solution, but to go before the Lord in prayer. Like Samuel, we must listen carefully, seek God’s will, and ask whether what we are requesting is truly what God desires.

This episode challenges listeners to consider a vital question: Have we embraced Jesus only as Savior, or have we also surrendered to Him as Lord and King?

Key Themes

1 Samuel 8 as a warning passage

Israel’s rejection of God as King

Samuel’s first response: prayer

The danger of demanding our own way

Unintended consequences of rejecting God’s rule

Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord, and King

Learning to ask God what He wants us to pursue

Surrender, obedience, and spiritual clarity

The difference between earthly rule and divine kingship

Key Scriptures Referenced

1 Samuel 8

John 16:33

Romans 1:18 and following

Psalm 100

Psalm 117

Psalm 91

Psalm 20

Matthew 6:9–13

Psalm 46:10

Episode Takeaway

Be careful what you ask God for when your heart is not surrendered to His will. Israel demanded a king and received one, but the consequences were severe. The call for believers today is to stop resisting the Lord’s rule and fully embrace Jesus Christ as King over every part of life.

Call to Action

This week, go before the Lord and ask:

“Lord, in what ways am I not making You King of my life?”

Then ask Him what He wants you to pursue, who He wants you to pray for, and what He wants you to focus on in this season.

Closing Encouragement

Go forth in total surrender to the One who owns and reigns over all creation and let the great harvest begin.

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About the Podcast

GOD CENTERED CONCEPT
TS WRIGHT SPEAKS
God Centered Concept
TS Wright, the voice of the God Centered Concept & Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast and author/TV host of the God Centered Concept.
For the past 33 years he has been involved in Christian ministry. Ranging from ministry, teaching and coaching in both public and private high schools and college, he has worked with students, athletes and adults from all walks of life. He has been involved with a host of Christian organizations included but not limited to CRU, FCA and other outreach & church affiliated ministries. Also being ordained in Christian ministry and being both a biblical and historical scholar he has focused on Discipleship, Biblical truth, prophecy & historical theology. He has also authored 4 books, a journal and a devotional series which are all now in the editing phase.
In 2003 and 2004 the Lord cast a series of visions on his life as to what would become the God Centered Concept.
In 2016, the Lord called him to start writing.
In 2019, He cast another series of visions that has led TS to now.
In 2023, he was led to starting Podcasting and through divine intervention found Pastor Bob. He became a frequent guest speaker on the Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast and being led by the Lord he has taken ownership of the Podcast.
Those who are a part of the Kingdom Cross Roads community as well as everyone who is just joining our community you are welcomed to this community of believers as we continue to work to advance the Gospel and spark a Great Harvest. By expanding our message to the NOW TV Network it is our prayer that we can maintain the same level of quality messages and engaging conversations that you have been accustomed to. We thank you for your commitment to this community and we ask for your support and prayers as we strive to glorify God in all that He calls us to do.
If you want TS Wright to speak at your event, church or you want a consultation then visit
tswrightspeaks.com
God Centered Concept Website
godcenteredconcept.com

About your host

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TS Wright

TS Wright is the President of Thend Mission, the voice of the Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast, and the author, teacher, and host of the God Centered Concept. For more than 34 years, TS has served in Christian ministry through teaching, coaching, discipleship, public speaking, and outreach in both public and private high schools, colleges, churches, and ministry organizations. As an ordained minister, biblical and historical scholar, and prophetic teacher, his work focuses on discipleship, biblical truth, prophecy, historical theology, and preparing believers to walk faithfully in God’s Word, God’s ways, and God’s purpose.

TS is the author and teacher of the God Centered Concept Discipleship Series, which includes Victory in 7 and Embracing the Truth. Through this series, he equips believers with Scripture-based teaching designed to strengthen faith, build spiritual maturity, and prepare disciples for real-world ministry. The God Centered Concept Academy is hosted on TUVU and broadcast on the GoodVue Network, expanding the reach of this discipleship movement to a broader audience. TS also continues as the voice of Kingdom Cross Roads, which airs on JesusSaid.tv, bringing Christ-centered conversations, biblical teaching, and Gospel-centered encouragement to listeners and viewers.

The foundation of TS Wright’s ministry was shaped by a series of visions in 2003 and 2004 that would become the God Centered Concept. In 2016, he was called to begin writing, and in 2023 he launched the God Centered Concept Podcast as part of a growing media and discipleship mission. His next release is God Centered Covenant: Walking Through Deuteronomy 6–12, with additional books scheduled for release in 2026 and early 2027. TS is now launching the Great Harvest Network, a prayer network designed to help spark the Great Harvest in this generation. Through his books, podcasts, television teaching, academy, speaking ministry, and prayer network, TS Wright is committed to advancing the Gospel, awakening authentic discipleship, and helping prepare believers for the harvest of this generation.