“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”  — Ephesians 2:6

• To “sit” with Christ acknowledges that he has accomplished everything necessary for our salvation.
• To “sit” with Christ indicates that we accept the rest he offers.
• To “sit with Christ  expresses that we have put the fullness of our faith in him.

“Be still and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10a

1 Kings 19:19-21 & 2 Kings 2:1-15 Our God is eternally active.  As He worked in past generations, so He still works in our lives today—and will continue even when we are gone.  He calls us to learn from those who have gone before us, and to do our part in training up a new generation of faithful believers. Before Elijah’s earthly ministry came to an end, God directed him to anoint the young man Elisha as the prophet to succeed him.  In Elisha’s response, we can find direction in carrying on God’s ministry.

• Walk a little closer to those who are setting a godly example.
• Go on a little further, building on the foundation already laid.
• Ask for a little more of God’s power and grace in order to make a difference in this world.

1 Kings 18:30-39 In the days when evil King Ahab ruled the northern tribes of Israel, God called on His prophet Elijah to summon the people back to Himself.  On Mount Carmel, Elijah faced off against 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah to see whose deity would send fire to burn the sacrifice upon the altar.  Only Elijah’s God was able to respond—and in a very convincing way! Isaiah 46 illustrates the problem with idols—whether statues or anything else people honor above the One True God:

• They must be created by people.
• They must be sustained by people.
• They have no power to respond to the needs of people.

But we serve a living, loving and powerful God!

• He is able to hear every prayer.
• He is able to care about every need.
• He is able to respond with wisdom and power.

“Listen to Me...you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth.  Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”  - Isaiah 46:3-4

Acts 16:25-34 This is the story of a transformation that took place for an unnamed jailer in Philippi and his whole family.  How did it come about?

• There’s a Question that must be asked.
  • • “What must I do to be saved?” (v.30)
• There’s a Word that must be heard.
  • • They spoke the word of the Lord to him… (v.32)
• There’s a Truth that must be believed.
  • • “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (v.31)
• There are Priorities that must be changed.
  • • He took them and washed their wounds… (v.33)
• When the transformation takes place, make way for JOY!
  • • He was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family! (v.34)