Sep 11, 2022
Elijah & the God Who Responds
Series: Elijah
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
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  • Sep 11, 2022Elijah & the God Who Responds
    Sep 11, 2022
    Elijah & the God Who Responds
    Series: Elijah
    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
  • Sep 4, 2022Elijah & the God Who Provides
    Sep 4, 2022
    Elijah & the God Who Provides
    Series: Elijah
    Our God is sometimes known as Jehovah Jireh, the God Who Provides.  We see this truth of God’s character revealed in the life and ministry of the Prophet Elijah.  Whether we are currently experiencing abundance or need, we need to know He is our Provider, as well.
    • God is the Provider when times are easy.
    • God is the Provider when times are hard.
    • God often makes provision for us in amazing and unexpected ways.
    Why does God allow us to experience times of need and hardship?
    • God uses times of need to teach us deeper faith.
    • God uses times of need to get us where He wants us to be.
    • God uses times of need to open our eyes to unexpected blessings.
    • God helps us differentiate between need and greed.
    • God teaches us the importance of kindness and generosity to others.
    • We learn we are never as “empty” as we think we are.
  • Aug 28, 2022The Philippian Jailer
    Aug 28, 2022
    The Philippian Jailer
    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)
  • Aug 21, 2022The Generous Widow
    Aug 21, 2022
    The Generous Widow
    Mark 12:41-44 While sitting in the temple courts, Jesus saw a poor unnamed widow put two pennies into the offering box.  I’m sure his comments surprised the disciples, but they taught valuable lessons about Christian stewardship.
    • God takes notice of our giving.
    • He cares more about the “how” than the “what.”
    • God expects and honors sacrifice and generosity for the cause of Christ.
    • God exalts the small when it represents our best.
    • If God commented on your giving, what would He have to say?
  • Aug 14, 2022The Man Born Blind
    Aug 14, 2022
    The Man Born Blind
    John 9 Jesus and his disciples came upon a man who had been blind from birth.  Through the physical healing Jesus offered, we are able to learn some valuable lessons about spiritual vision.
    1. Spiritual vision sees every challenge as an opportunity. (9:1-5)
    2. Spiritual vision helps us understand the importance of obedience. (9:6-7)
    3. Spiritual vision doesn’t focus on unimportant issues. (9:13-16)
    4. Spiritual vision helps us identify God’s work in our lives. (9:24-25)
    5. Spiritual vision shows us the value of pleasing God, not men. (9:28-34)
    6. Spiritual vision leads us to place our full faith in Jesus! (9:35-38)
  • Aug 7, 2022The Thief on The Cross
    Aug 7, 2022
    The Thief on The Cross
    Luke 23:39-42 The thieves crucified on either side of Jesus illustrate how every person makes decisions about their life and eternity based on their response to Jesus Christ.  Those decisions can be dramatically different.  It is of the greatest importance that we choose wisely.
    • One of the thieves chose to acknowledge his own sin.
    • He chose also to acknowledge the goodness of Jesus.
    • He then accepted Jesus as King and pleaded for His mercy. 
    • It was then that Jesus extended His amazing grace to the dying man.  The heart of the dying  criminal was changed, and his eternity was changed as well!
    How will you respond to Jesus?
  • Jul 31, 2022The Ethiopian Official
    Jul 31, 2022
    The Ethiopian Official
    Acts 8:26-39 The book of Acts records how the Lord led Philip the evangelist to a meet up with an Ethiopian official out on a lonely road.  The unnamed foreigner illustrates some wonderful characteristics of a person open to Christ’s life-changing power.
    • A Sincere Desire to Know God (8:26-28)
    • An Honest and Humble Approach to the Scriptures (8:29-35)
    • An Obedience to the Teachings of Jesus (8:36-38)
    • A New Outlook on Life (8:39)
  • Jul 24, 2022The Woman At The Well
    Jul 24, 2022
    The Woman At The Well
    John 4
    Every encounter with Jesus is personal, purposeful and intentional. 
  • Jul 17, 2022Naaman’s Servants Save the Day
    Jul 17, 2022
    Naaman’s Servants Save the Day
    2 Kings 5:1-17 Why did an un-named slave girl share hopeful words about her master’s condition of leprosy?
    • She knew something Naaman did not.
    • She was not overcome by bitterness and self-pity.
    • She had developed a trustworthy reputation.
    • She had a spiritual boldness.
    • She had an unwavering faith.
    What made Naaman listen to his servants advice when they had no more information than he did?
    • They were respectful.
    • They were logical and level-headed.
    • They cared about his condition.
    What opportunity has God given you to share words of life and hope?  Have you cultivated a relationship that will encourage them to listen?
  • Jul 10, 2022A Father’s Honest Faith
    Jul 10, 2022
    A Father’s Honest Faith
    A Father’s Honest Faith - Mark 9:14-27  Immediately after the Transfiguration, Jesus came down the mountain and encountered a father seeking help for his son who suffered from dangerous and debilitating seizures caused by an evil spirit.  We learn some valuable lessons from this un-named parent.
    • In the midst of fear, sorrow and confusion, he came to Jesus.
    • He came expectantly, though guardedly.
    • He came boldly, though humbly.
    The father’s response to Jesus is one we all can learn from:  “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.”  It is an honest confession of spiritual weakness and imperfect faith—one which opens our lives to the power of God.