Podcasts about i kings

I Kings ch 17 vs 1-24 - Preacher Jeremy Martin - Sunday, June 7, 2026

Daily Dose of Hope June 1, 2026   Scripture: 1 Kings 1   Prayer:  Holy and Almighty God, We come to you today in humility but also with expectancy.  As we start a new reading plan, we need to hear a word from you.  We need to sense your presence and be reminded of how you walk alongside us.  We want to learn and grow.  Challenge us, Lord.  In these next few moments of silence, help us settle our mind and gather our scattered thoughts, focusing on you and you alone...In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Daily Bible reading plan.  For the summer, we are digging into 1 and 2 Kings.  This should be a really interesting and even challenging reading plan and I'm looking forward to journeying through it with all of you.    Let's start by talking a little bit about these two books.  There isn't conclusive evidence as to who actually wrote 1and 2 Kings.  Tradition credits Jeremiah as the author but there is little indication that is true.  What we do know is that the book was written before the Jews went into exile by someone very familiar with Deuteronomy, as well as other historical texts related to the monarchy.  Thus, it could have been any of the prophets. Regardless, 1 Kings covers roughly 120 years of ancient Israel's history.  2 Kings covers about 250-300 years.   I Kings follows the book of 2 Samuel, which covers the turbulent, 40-year reign of King David.  2 Samuel goes into detail about David's military and political victories and his rise to power as a "man after God's own heart."  David loved the Lord.  But the author of 2 Samuel also doesn't hide King David's moral failures (think about what happened with Bathsheba), and the devastating family drama and violence that follows.  It almost leads to the collapse of the kingdom.  If it's been awhile since you've read it, it's definitely an interesting read and it will help with this study.  2 Samuel reads almost like a soap opera at times.    And that leads us to the book of 1 Kings. This book is going to bring us from a thriving, united Israel under King Solomon to a divided nation which just cannot get along.  Solomon builds the first temple, asks for wisdom from God, but then gets caught up in womanizing and idolatry.  His downfall isn't pretty and leads to the split of the nation of Israel.  By the end of 1 Kings, we will be introduced to Elijah.    Let's move to chapter 1.  King David is now very old and sick.  David's history of poor/permissive parenting is continuing to cause problems.  Because David is weak and vulnerable, one of his sons, Abdonijah, decides to take control of the throne.  Abdonijah doesn't ask for his father's permission or his blessing.  Rather, he manipulates the situation to ensure that he gets to be king. His arrogance is a bit appalling but seems in line with David's other sons.  Abdonijah recruits powerful people to support him.    This whole scene creates a serious issue. David had promised Bathsheba that their son, Solomon, would be king.  The way things were going, it wouldn't be long before Abdonijah had Solomon killed to ensure that he would have no rivals for the throne.  Both Bathsheba and Nathan the prophet step in to inform King David.  They have to move quickly.  David summons equally powerful men to support Solomon.  Then, they place Solomon on David's own mule as a sign that he is the next king.  Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint Solomon as king and he is placed on David's throne.    Keep in mind that the previous kings were not chosen this way.  With both Saul and David, the prophet Samuel communicated God's choice for king.  With Solomon, things are different.  This is to signal the beginning of the Davidic dynasty, which will eventually culminate with Jesus Christ.  God has kept his promise to David.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

16:7-14God is ferociously and relentlessly attacking Job. God is the subject of almost all the verbs in this unit. The name El, God, is used in vs. 11. Most of the verbs are 3rd masculine singular with the subject being He (vs.7a, 8b, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14).  Verse 10 is the exception to this because it used 3rd person plural verbs translated they. Eliphaz stated that Job is attacking God in 15:25-26, but Job insists that it is God who is attacking him in these verses. 16:7  You have laid waste all my company- The word company is the same word used in 15:34. Eliphaz pictured the company of the godless as barren in 15:34 and God has certainly done that to Job laying waste his whole company. Job has lost his children and most of his servants (1:13-19; 19:13-20).  16:8 You have shriveled me up, It has become a witness;- The word for witness is used here and in vs. 19 of the chapter. His physical appearance screams of his guilt. 16:9 His anger has torn me and hunted me down- The word torn, taraph, indicates a wild animal tearing a person (Gen. 37:33) or another animal apart (Ex. 22:13). The verb is used in the picture of the wicked tearing the righteous in Ps. 7:2; 17:12. When God is portrayed as doing the tearing, it is a result of the people's sins (Hos. 5:14; 6:1). In 18:4 Bildad uses the same verb torn to say that Job has torn himself. He has gnashed at me with His teeth;- The phrase gnashing the teeth is used of the wicked's treatment of the righteous (Ps. 35:16; 37:12). This the only time God is pictured in Scripture as gnashing His teeth in Scripture.  My adversary glares at me- This line speaks of God as an adversary against His people (Lam. 2:4). .  16:10 They have gaped at me with their mouth,- Three verbs with 3rd common plural suffixes are used in 16:10 and are translated they. Job is attacked both from above and below. God's violent opposition lead to the crowds turning against Job. Since Job's sufferings were viewed as a result of his sins and God is viewed as the source of Job's sufferings, then his enemies would feel free to unleash their fury on Him. They have slapped me on the cheek with contempt;- To be slapped on the cheek is a great insult (I Kings 22:24; Ps. 3:7). The “loss of dignity is just as agonizing for Job as the excruciating physical pain.”16:11 God hands me over to ruffians- While God (El) is the subject of the verbs in this section (vs.7-14), this is the only instance where He is specifically mentioned. And tosses me into the hands of the wicked- Instead of the wicked suffering intensely as Eliphaz described in 15:17-35, Job as an innocent man has been handed over to them.  16:12 I was at ease, but He shattered me,- And He has grasped me by the neck and shaken me to pieces- God is the predator who has captured Job by the neck and destroyed him. Gen. 49:8; Ex. 23:27 show the powerful grabbing his enemy by the neck.16:13 His arrows surround me- The Almighty shots at Job with His arrows in Job 6:4; 30:12. We see the same idea of the LORD shooting at His people in Ps. 38:2; Lam. 3:12. In Ps. 64:7 He shoots at the wicked. Without mercy He splits my kidneys open;- The word mercy, chamal, sometimes describes God's mercy or compassion upon His people (II Chron. 36:15; Ezek. 16:5). More frequently it is used to describe God as having no compassion or

I Kings 21 - Carlos Rodriguez - Sunday Evening, May 17, 2026 by First Baptist Church of Hammond

May is Mental Health Awareness month. It’s during this time that here is an increased emphasis on looking after one’s mental and emotional health. Last week on the podcast, we talked about our environment and needing to take an assessment of what voices and other things in our surrounding environment are affecting and impacting our mental and spiritual state. Today, we look at the ways that God meets us in the midst of our own mess. There are highs and lows in football, just like in life. There are moments when we take on the game’s greatest (like Lionel Messi) and moments when we can’t wait to shower and get out of the stadium because we (or the team) just laid an egg against an opponent. We can become exhausted working through the highs and lows. Today, we look at the life of Elijah (the prophet of Israel) and the moment that he was ready to give up on life — thinking that he had failed or just being fed up and too frustrated to go on. You can find this story I Kings 19. From the Touchline is a short-feature podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer). Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.

Room To Breathe pt. 2 | MAY 10, 2026Pastor Wes MorrisI Kings 19:1-9 (NIV) Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.”Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and spent the night.√ GOD MEETS US IN THE WILDERNESS, NOT JUST THE BREAKTHROUGH.I Kings 19:4-5 (NIV) “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him...√ GOD SEES WHAT NO ONE ELSE UNDERSTANDS.I Kings 19:6 (ESV) And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. √ GOD CARES ABOUT WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOU, NOT JUST WHAT'S HAPPENING THROUGH YOU.I Kings 19:9-12 (NIV) He came to a cave and camped there, and the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “Why are you here, Elijah?”And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, Lord of Hosts, for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, thrown down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword, and I alone am left, and they seek to take my life.”He said, “Go and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind split the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind, an earthquake came, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, a fire came, but the Lord was not in the fire, and after the fire, a still, small voice. THE GOD WHO SEESI. BE HONEST WITH GOD ABOUT WHAT'S HAPPENING INSIDE OF YOU.Psalm 62:8 (NLT) O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.Where we bring our honesty, God brings His healing.II. LET GOD CARE FOR YOU TOO.Matthew 11:28 (NIV) Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.III. TRUST THAT GOD IS STILL WORKING IN QUIET SEASONS.Isaiah 30:15 (TLB) For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, says: Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved; in quietness and confidence is your strength...

I Kings 3:1-17 // Jonathan NeefThis sermon covers the early reign of king Solomon and his humble encounter with God at Gibeon. Faced with the massive responsibility of leading a nation, Solomon recognizes his own limitations and asks for an understanding heart rather than wealth or long life. We look at the sincerity of his prayer and how his desire to discern between good and evil pleased the lord. This passage teaches us about the value of spiritual priorities and how God provides the tools necessary for the tasks he calls us to complete.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49604662 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new26.05.10

I Kings 3:1-17 // Brooks NesseThis sermon covers the early reign of king Solomon and his humble encounter with God at Gibeon. Faced with the massive responsibility of leading a nation, Solomon recognizes his own limitations and asks for an understanding heart rather than wealth or long life. We look at the sincerity of his prayer and how his desire to discern between good and evil pleased the lord. This passage teaches us about the value of spiritual priorities and how God provides the tools necessary for the tasks he calls us to complete.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49604663 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2509/responses/new26.05.10

I Kings 3:1-17 // Gabe CoyleThis sermon covers the early reign of king Solomon and his humble encounter with God at Gibeon. Faced with the massive responsibility of leading a nation, Solomon recognizes his own limitations and asks for an understanding heart rather than wealth or long life. We look at the sincerity of his prayer and how his desire to discern between good and evil pleased the lord. This passage teaches us about the value of spiritual priorities and how God provides the tools necessary for the tasks he calls us to complete.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49604664 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new26.05.10

I Kings 3:1-17 // Taylor FairThis sermon covers the early reign of king Solomon and his humble encounter with God at Gibeon. Faced with the massive responsibility of leading a nation, Solomon recognizes his own limitations and asks for an understanding heart rather than wealth or long life. We look at the sincerity of his prayer and how his desire to discern between good and evil pleased the lord. This passage teaches us about the value of spiritual priorities and how God provides the tools necessary for the tasks he calls us to complete.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49604665 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2546/responses/new26.05.10

I Kings 3:1-17 // Paul BrandesThis sermon covers the early reign of king Solomon and his humble encounter with God at Gibeon. Faced with the massive responsibility of leading a nation, Solomon recognizes his own limitations and asks for an understanding heart rather than wealth or long life. We look at the sincerity of his prayer and how his desire to discern between good and evil pleased the lord. This passage teaches us about the value of spiritual priorities and how God provides the tools necessary for the tasks he calls us to complete.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49604661 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2574/responses/new26.05.10

“Then the hand of the Lord came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.” (I Kings‬ ‭18‬:‭46‬)

1. The Practice of StillnessHe says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.I Kings 19:11-122. The Practice of Sabbath2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had doneGenesis 2:2-38 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.Exodus 20:8-103. The Practice of Boundaries4. Fix Your Eyes on JesusTherefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.Hebrews 12:1-2

This week, we feature the first half of a two-part interview we recorded in 2005 with the late Dr. Michael S. Heiser, a Bible scholar with a Ph.D. in Biblical Hebrew and Ancient Semitic Languages. This is P.I.D. 101, a primer in the nature of the spiritual war in which we find ourselves. To wit: What is the Divine Council?What implications does the Divine Council model have for Christian theology?How does this affect our lives? In a nutshell, the Divine Council is the group of divine beings -- seraphim, cherubim, and malakim -- who make up the court of God. It's referenced most notably in I Kings 22:19-23 and Psalm 82. The rebellion of the fallen angels has taken place in several stages: The “serpent” in Eden;The Watchers of Genesis chapter 6, whose interaction with human women produced the Nephilim;The seventy “sons of God” (bene elohim) who were placed over the nations after the incident at the Tower of Babel. Those 70 bene elohim became the gods of the nations around the ancient Hebrews: Marduk, Molech, Chemosh, Baal, Asherah, Dagon, and the rest. They are still with us, and their goal is the destruction of mankind. Next week, we'll discuss with Mike how this is all tied to the UFO phenomenon. Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, is fighting stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Follow us! X (formerly Twitter): @pidradio | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert | @gilberthouse_tvTelegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunkerSubstack: gilberthouse.substack.comYouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelationFacebook.com/pidradio JOIN US IN ISRAEL! We will tour the Holy Land October 11–23, 2026 with an optional three-day extension to Jordan. For more information, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! Our 1,200 square foot pole barn has a new HVAC system, epoxy floor, 100-amp electric service, new windows, insulation, lights, and ceiling fans! If you are so led, you can help out by clicking here: gilberthouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to this podcast, our weekly Bible studies, and our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker. The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at pidradio.com/app. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site: gilberthouse.org/video! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store/.

“and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.” (I Kings‬ ‭19‬:‭12‬)

“So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.” (I Kings‬ ‭19‬:‭8‬)

“And the angel of the Lord came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.”” (I Kings‬ ‭19‬:‭7‬)

“Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again.” (I Kings‬ ‭19‬:‭6‬)

Deuteronomy 6; I Kings 3, 11

Devotional Theme – "God Knows!"Scripture reference – Matthew 10:30: “And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”Intro and Outro Song - "We Give Thanks To Thee" by Marlene Jenkins CooperClosing Songs - "No, Not One" by Johnson Oatman, Jr. "He Knows Just How Much You Can Bear” by Roberta Martin.Scripture Mentioned in the Podcast: Luke 12:7, I Kings 18 & 19

Our passage today is all about self-discipline. In light of the last section of Proverbs 16 specifically addressed to kings, one might be inclined to ask if these verses are directed toward civil rulers as well? And if so, how do they apply to those wielding authority?  Astute philosophers through the ages have recognized the importance of self-government as a precondition of responsibility.  In a recent interview, Canadian politician: Pierre Poilievre spoke to his own philosophy of leadership by citing Confucius who said: "How will he who does not know how to govern himself know how to govern others?" Before Poilievre there was Confucius, and before Confucius there was Solomon who influenced great kings as the testimony of his wisdom spread far and wide 1000 years before Christ. I Kings 4:29-34 documents the reach and influence of Solomon's wisdom and renown. Timeless principles outlined in this chapter may well have spanned the inhabited world and endured for centuries, perhaps inspiring generations of leaders from the near east to China.

In Mark 3:13-19, Jesus forms His team - and it's a surprising one: a rockhead, two status-chasing brothers, and even a future betrayer. Yet Jesus still calls them, showing that He doesn't call the equipped - He equips the called. The pattern of discipleship is simple: be with Jesus first, then be sent by Jesus. Faithful ministry for the long haul isn't built on perfection, but on ordinary people who stay close to Jesus and keep taking the next step. // SCRIPTURE REFERENCES // Mark 8:33; 3:13-19; 10:35-37; 43; 3:19; 3:14; John 15:5; Mark 3:13-19; Genesis 2:10; 22:2; Exodus 24:12; I Kings 18:20–39; Mark 4:41; More info at the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/videos/mark/ // TAKE A NEXT STEP // Want to visit or discover more about Columbia View? Made a decision to follow Jesus or get baptized? Looking to get involved in growing and serving? VISIT HERE: https://columbiaview.org/ // FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA // Youtube Instagram Facebook

You are not powerless over your discerning your thoughts. But have you ever thought, is this me, Thee or the enemy I'm hearing? It can be difficult to determine if the voice we hear is God's voice, our own or the enemy's. Today, we hope to help you take the guesswork out of discerning God's voice so you can be confident in His guidance and the assignment He has for your life. I Kings 19:11-13

Scripture References: I Samuel 13:14, 15:7-9, 13-31; II Samuel 7:12-16; I Kings 4:20, 25; 5:13-15; 9:20; 11:1-8; I Corinthians 3:10-15 0:00-30:02: Opening Worship, Scripture and Prayer 30:02-1:19:10: Sermon and Closing Prayer 1:19:10-1:29:00: Closing Worship and Prayer

David is very old but still finds comfort in the Lord, even as people around him look to take advantage. Psalm 86; I Kings 1:1-31, 32-53; Psalm 65, 2 Peter 3:3-4. #everydaychristians

David gives a final charge to Solomon, taking care of loose ends. Solomon comes into his own by taking care of snakes. 2 Samuel 23:1-7; 1Kings 2:1-12; I Chronicles 29:29-30; II Chronicles 1:1; Psalm 2; I Kings 2:13-35, 36-46; Psalm 120, Ps 121. #everydaychristians

I Kings ch 18 vs 18-40 - Rev Brian Holt - Sunday, February 1, 2026

I Kings ch 18 vs 18-40 - Rev Brian Holt - Sunday, February 1, 2026

[I Kings 19: 1-21, 2 Kings 2: 1-18] Intro: How well do you cope with change? Do you change? Change … 1. Is normal (I Kings 19: 1-21) 2. Requires a process (I Kings 19:19-21, 2 Kings 2: 1-10). 3. Requires people participation (2 Kings 2: 11-18, 3: 11-12) - Pastor Joseph Thomas - Sunday, January 25, 2026

[I Kings 19: 1-21, 2 Kings 2: 1-18] Intro: How well do you cope with change? Do you change? Change … 1. Is normal (I Kings 19: 1-21) 2. Requires a process (I Kings 19:19-21, 2 Kings 2: 1-10). 3. Requires people participation (2 Kings 2: 11-18, 3: 11-12) - Pastor Joseph Thomas - Sunday, January 25, 2026

What does Bildad say that is right?1.He says God does not pervert justice.If this were not true, there would be no moral order to the universe. There would be no hope that righteousness would ultimately prevail. Thankfully, God's throne is built on righteousness and justice (Ps. 33:5; 89:14; 97:2; 99:4). These qualities are what God expects of His rulers (II Sam. 8:18; I Kings 10:9; Jer. 22:15-16) and His people generally (Isa. 5:7; Amos 5:24).Sin and suffering are connected Biblically. The blessings of the covenant in Lev. 26:6-13; Deut.28:1-14 and the curses of the covenant in Lev. 26:14-39; Deut. 28:15-68 illustrate the link between blessing and righteousness and sin and suffering. Much of the story of Israel's history recorded from Joshua- II Kings demonstrates the working out of those principles. But what does this mean to Bildad? Does he mean that a righteous person will not suffer? Ecclesiastes 3:16-17; 7:15; 8:14 show that this is no true. It is the very fact that things do not always work out in this life that drives us to a life beyond this one where wrongs are righted and the wicked and righteous are given the results of the different paths they have pursued.  2. He says that the godless will perish. He says that the confidence of the wicked is placed in things as fragile as spider's webThe fundamental question of life is Where is our confidence? On whom do we rely? On whom do we depend?Isaiah 36-37 deals with the days Assyria was attacking Jerusalem in the days of Hezekiah. Sennacherib asks Hezekiah why he is rebelling against him. Where is your confidence? Word “confidence” (36:4), “rely” (36:5, 6, 6, 9), “trust” (36:7, 15) are all from the same Hebrew root word. The word is used 8 times in Isaiah 36. It is used as a verb except in 36:4 where it is translated with the noun confidence. The question that the king of Assyria asks is a fundamental question in the book of Isaiah and to the Bible as a whole and it is the foundational question of our lives. To put our place in the wrong place means that we will inevitably be clothed with shame.  3. There will an ultimate separation of the righteous and the wicked in eternity8:18 Ultimately that the statement that it place does not know it anymore will be God's pronouncement on the wicked (Matt. 7:13-14, 23; 25:12).8:21 In God's presence our mouths will be filled with laughter.  Job 8 and JesusBildad says that God does not reject the blameless in 8:20. He anticipates those who will cry to Jesus, “He trusts in God. Let God deliver him” in Matt. 27:43. “Job has a lesser Calvary, and each person has his own. But when we know of God's rejection of Jesus, our dereliction can never be as dark as Job's again”[1]It is through the suffering of God's perfect servant, Jesus, that God ultimately showed His justice and righteousness (Rom. 3:21-26). Job's battle foreshadows the even greater battle and the more intense suffering that God's servant, Jesus, would endure.  [1] Anderson, 142-143.

Send us a textIsrael had run a long way in the wrong way and appeared to be far gone, but into that melee of pagan practices stepped the prophet Elijah. Pick up your Bible or device, and turn to I Kings 18 to hear the story.This episode is based on the God's Word for Life, Winter 2025–2026, Adult Lesson Guide entitled, "The Prophet Elijah" (January 11, 2026).Find an Apostolic church that preaches this glorious gospel and our response at UPCI.orgThis episode is produced by the Pentecostal Resources Group and is hosted by LJ Harry. To order resources of the God's Word for Life curriculum, visitPentecostalPublishing.com and PentecostalResourcesGroup.com. Share your God's Word for Life stories with me at pphcurriculum@upci.org.

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Jesus is certainly the center of it all, but the question remains: are we living lives truly centered on Him?Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? And who has ever given to God, that he should be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33-35 CSB The question isn't whether something is at the center of your life, but rather what or who that something is?For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see, such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Colossians 1:16-17 NLTIn geometry, the center point is the fixed reference from which distance and balance are measured.Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NLTWe often unnecessarily wobble our way through life.Ahab summoned all the people of Israel and the prophets to Mount Carmel. Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. I Kings 18:20-21 NLTIn a world cursed by the uncertainty of fallen humanity, Jesus at the center offers peace and stabilityTo be clear, there is a serious element of surrender involved in being centered on Jesus.I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESVMy old identity built on ego, pride, sin and selfishness has been put to death. Surrendering my life to Christ isn't self-destruction, it's Christ-centered transformation. When I'm centered on Jesus, my values, motives, strength, and direction come from Jesus. If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. Luke 9:23-24 NLTPoem - Christ The Center BeI think the fall knocked the world off it's axisCausing a wobble in humanity's walkAnd for Geometry's truth become praxisComing right will take more than talkPresently, beneath a cloud of doubt and fright,Mortal thoughts in a fog of confusion and chaos roam,While a gravitational force with prophetic mightDraws wandering souls who've strayed far from home.And just like the planets, that obey a pull they cannot see,So to hearts find peace and stability, when Christ the center be.-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Jesus is certainly the center of it all, but the question remains: are we living lives truly centered on Him?Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? And who has ever given to God, that he should be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33-35 CSB The question isn't whether something is at the center of your life, but rather what or who that something is?For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see, such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Colossians 1:16-17 NLTIn geometry, the center point is the fixed reference from which distance and balance are measured.Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NLTWe often unnecessarily wobble our way through life.Ahab summoned all the people of Israel and the prophets to Mount Carmel. Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. I Kings 18:20-21 NLTIn a world cursed by the uncertainty of fallen humanity, Jesus at the center offers peace and stabilityTo be clear, there is a serious element of surrender involved in being centered on Jesus.I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESVMy old identity built on ego, pride, sin and selfishness has been put to death. Surrendering my life to Christ isn't self-destruction, it's Christ-centered transformation. When I'm centered on Jesus, my values, motives, strength, and direction come from Jesus. If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. Luke 9:23-24 NLTPoem - Christ The Center BeI think the fall knocked the world off it's axisCausing a wobble in humanity's walkAnd for Geometry's truth become praxisComing right will take more than talkPresently, beneath a cloud of doubt and fright,Mortal thoughts in a fog of confusion and chaos roam,While a gravitational force with prophetic mightDraws wandering souls who've strayed far from home.And just like the planets, that obey a pull they cannot see,So to hearts find peace and stability, when Christ the center be.-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

I Kings 19 - Abdel Judeh - Sunday Evening, December 28, 2025 by First Baptist Church of Hammond

The IntermissionDecember 28, 2025Teacher: Pastor Leanne BentonGuest: Amanda MathesThe IntermissionBe still and know that I am God.(Psalm 46:10)BIBLICAL INTERMISSION #1:Israel Between Egypt and the Promised LandRemember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands.(Deuteronomy 8:2)He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna…to teach you that man does not live on bread along but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.(Deuteronomy 8:2)The wilderness was not punishment.It was preparation!BIBLICAL INTERMISSION #2:Elijah After the MountaintopThe Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.(I Kings 19:11-12)BIBLICAL INTERMISSION #3:Jesus Between Birth and MinistryFor to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.(Isaiah 9:6)And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.(Luke 2:52)In their hearts humans plan their course,But the Lord establishes their steps.(Proverbs 16:9)He who began a good work in youWill carry it on to completion.(Philippians 1:6)INTERMISSION #4: Redeemer Church

Send us a textDavid's son, Solomon, was chosen to be Israel's next king. When God asked him what he would like from God, Solomon wisely asked for wisdom. Pick up your Bible or phone and turn to I Kings 3 to hear the story.This episode is based on the God's Word for Life, Winter 2025–2026, Adult Lesson Guide entitled, "The Wisdom of Solomon" (December 21, 2025).Find an Apostolic church that preaches this glorious gospel and our response at UPCI.orgThis episode is produced by the Pentecostal Resources Group and is hosted by LJ Harry. To order resources of the God's Word for Life curriculum, visitPentecostalPublishing.com and PentecostalResourcesGroup.com. Share your God's Word for Life stories with me at pphcurriculum@upci.org.

5:8-16 The doxology of EliphazThere are similar doxologies in Job 9:4-12 and 12:13-25.5:8 But as for me, I would seek God- (Amos 5:4, 6) The Hebrew text actually says but I seek God.  Is seeking God in this passage to inquire of the LORD as the word sometimes means in Gen. 25:22; Ex. 18:15; I Kings 14:5; 22:8; II Kings 1:3, 6,16; II Kings 22:18; II Chron. 32:31; Ezek. 14:7; 20:1.  5:9 Who does great and unsearchable things- 9:10; Ps. 136:4. God's glory is beyond our ability to search or understand (Job 9:10; 11:7; 36:26; Isa. 40:28). Bildad will use the same word for searched in Job 8:8 in which he will say that former generations have searched out this problem of suffering and come to the same conclusions where he and his friends arrived.  5:10 He gives rain on the earth- Ancient people would have attributed the rain to the blessings of their God or gods. Modern man tends to view rain as a natural phenomenon and just as illustration of how the world works. The Bible does not attribute rain to Baal (the contest between Baal and Yahweh in I Kings 17-18). The Bible does not make rain simply a natural law that God built into the world. The Bible speaks of it as a blessing from God's hand, both in Job 36:27-28; 38:25-26. God sending rain on the just and unjust is a continual illustration of him doing good to those who are His enemies in Matt. 5:45.5:11 So that He sets on high those who are lowly- The word translated lowly, shakal, is translated humble in Prov. 16:19; 29:23. God often dramatically reverses a person's situation (I Sam. 2:7-8; Ps. 113:5-8; 147:6; Luke 1:46-56). God exalts the lowly (Matt. 23:12; Luke 14:11; 18:14). 5:12 He frustrates the plotting of the shrewd- God used the counsel of Hushai to thwart (same word translated frustrates here) the good counsel of Ahithophel (II Sam. 17:14).This word shrewd can be used in a positive sense (Prov. 1:4; 8:5; 12:16, 23; 13:16; 14:8, 15, 18; 15:5; 19:25; 22:3; 27:12) or in a negative one (Gen. 3:1; Job 5:12; 15:5). 5:13 He captures the wise by their own shrewdness- The idea is the wise man falling in his own trap he has set for others- Job 18:7-10; 36:8-10; Ps. 7:15; 35:7-8; 57:6; Prov. 26:27; 28:10; Esther 7:10. This verse is quoted by Paul in I Cor. 3:19 and introduced by the wording “For it is written." Does the fact that I Cor. 3:19 shows us that Eliphaz spoke truth demand that he used these words in a proper way? His words are truth, but he seems to place Job among the shrewd who will be brought down. 5:14 By day they meet with darkness- Job 12:24-25; Deut.28:29; Isa.  59:10. And grope at noon as in the night- In the brightest times of the day they will encounter complete darkness (Amos 8:9). 5:15 But He saves from the sword of the mouth- For the tongue as a weapon- Ps. 52:2,4; 64:3; Isa. 54:17; Jer. 18:18; Ps. 12:3-5; 31:21; James 3:5-6. 5:16 So the helpless has hope- 8:13; 11:18; 14:7; Jer. 31:17; Ezek. 37:11; Prov. 19:8; Ruth 1:12; Lam.3:29 The fact that God does these things is a reason for help for the broken. God will catch the world's expectations by surprise. And unrighteousness must shut its mouth- Ps.107:42.  Is Eliphaz placing Job among those who are lowly who will be lifted up or among those who are shrewd who will be brought down? The fact that he emphasizes more about the shrewd who are brought down (vs. 12-14) suggests to me that this is Eliphaz's emphasis here.  

First Sunday of Advent teaching on Luke 2:8-143; I Kings 19:11-12; and John 1:14. 

The Bible is God's message, God's word (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20-21). However, in the Bible there are speakers that say things that are incorrect or particularly designed to deceive. For example, the words of the serpent, the devil in Gen. 3:4-5; Matt. 4:1-11. The words of false prophets are recorded in I Kings 22:9-12 or Jer. 28:1-4 and false accusations against John and Jesus are recorded in Matt. 11:18-19 and Luke 7:33-34. When the Bible reports something happening it is true but there are those in its pages who do not speak on God's behalf.  Job is the most difficult book of the Bible to determine whether the spokesman is from God or not. In the epilogue the LORD says that Eliphaz and his two friends have not spoken of Him what is right (Job 42:7). The LORD plainly says it, these men do not speak for Him. Does that mean that everything they say is wrong? In Job 5:13 Eliphaz says, “He captures the wise by their shrewdness.” Paul quotes these words in I Cor. 3:19 and introduces them with “For it is written.” The only time that Job is specifically quoted in the New Testament it is the words of Eliphaz. Obviously, not everything that Eliphaz and his friends said was wrong. On the other hand, Job was said to speak of God what was right in Job 42:7. While Job spoke what was right, does that mean that all he spoke was correct? The LORD said that Job, “Who is this who darkens counsel with words without knowledge?” (Job 38:2) and Job repeats these words confessing his sin of speaking of the things “which I did not understand” in 42:3. After this confession, he retracts and repents in 42:6. Clearly, Job says things that are not right. Also, how do we take the words of Elihu? Elihu is not mentioned at all by God at the end of the book. Does that mean that he said nothing different from the friends or does it mean that God approves of his words? The question is how do we know what the various speakers say that is from God and what is not? These factors make Job an extremely difficult book. 

Sometimes there is the “Not Yet” response from God where you have been praying about something for an extended period of time.  It may be 30 minutes, 30 days, or 30 years, but without an answer, we are called to PRAY THROUGH, and Trust God for the results.  In this message, We are looking at I Kings 18, and learning how Elijah Prayed Through when he didn't get the immediate answer. We pray this message encourages you with your unanswered prayers. 

3:13 For now I would have lain still and been quiet- When Job lays down he gets no rest (7:4). Job's point “not that death is so wonderful, but that life has become intolerable. Wilson. Again, the term Sheol is not used in the passage but that is clearly the idea. I would have been asleep then I would have been at rest- Rest is a great blessing of God tied with receiving the land of promise Ex. 33:14; Deut. 3:20; 12:10; 25:19; Josh. 1:13, 15; 21:44; 22:4; 23:1; II Sam. 7:1, 11; I Kings 5:4. This  word translated rest will also be used in 3:17, 26. Job believes the same kind of rest associated with the promised land is available in Sheol. Here “Job does not hope that death will rectify the injustice of his undeserved sufferings. It will be enough that it ends them” Anderson, 106.This roll call of Sheol includes the powerful, kings, counsellors of the earth, princes and great men (14-15, 19). It also includes the weak and powerless like infants, stillborn children, the weary, and the slaves, the small (16, 19). This list also has those who are ungodly like the wicked and prisoners (17-18). All together are united in Sheol. Death and Sheol are great equalizers for all kinds of people (Eccl. 9:2-6). Job speaks of Sheol as a place of rest (13, 17), ease (18), and freedom (19). How much of Job's words here can be trusted? When the LORD speaks, He will ask Job how much does he really know about these things he speaks about with such authority (38:16-18)?" Smick, 891.Job's view of Sheol is not consistent throughout the book. For example, the words of Job 10:18-22 and 17:13-16 are much gloomier than the picture in 3:11-19. Job uses at least three of the five terms used in 3:4-6 to describe darkness in speaking of Sheol in Job 10:21-22. Other passages of the OT do not portray Sheol or death in the positive terms seen here (Ps. 6:5; 30:9; 88:11-13; 115:17; Isa. 38:18). In Ecclesiastes in particular it is death itself that renders life's pursuits vanity (Eccl. 2:12-17, 18-23; 9:5, 10)    It is probably best to see Job's positive view of life after death in 3:11-19 not as representing his final word on Sheol, but as a manifestation of his state of mind at that time. Anything looks better to Job than his present condition. 3:21 Who long for death, but it does not come- The word long for is used for longing or waiting on God in Ps. 33:20; Isa. 8:17; 30:18; 64:4 and of God's longing to be gracious in Isa. 30:18. God longs to be gracious to those who are longing for Him. The longing for God is most common object of such longing in the biblical account. However, here the object of longing is death and that thought appears only here in the Bible. 3:26 I am not at ease, nor am I quiet- The word for at ease was used in 3:18 and is used later in Job 12:6. In 12:6 the destroyers and those who provoke God are at ease but Job has none. The word quiet was used in 3:13. Here Job has no quiet in contrast to what he envisioned for those who are in Sheol- 3:13. I have no rest, for trouble comes- The word for rest was used in 3:13, 17. The point is the same as that made above about the word quiet. While Job has no rest, those who are in Sheol do in 3:13, 17. The word trouble in vs. 26 is the same word translated raging in vs. 17. Interestingly, in vs. 17 the word is said to characterize the wicked. Job raging is not from his wickedness but from his depth of pain. 

Today we will be taking a look at 25 chapters that are both exciting and complex. The 25 chapters: 1 Kings 15 - 22 2 Kings 1 - 11 2 Chronicles 17 - 22 A period of approximately 33 years. As our study begins we see Ahab (874-853 BC) - is the ruler of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and Jehoshaphat (870-848 BC) - is ruler of Judah, the Southern Kingdom. There's good news and bad news from this period of 33 years… There was an alliance made between Israel and Judah. Bad news: 2 Chronicles 18:1 tells us, "Now Jehoshaphat (Judah) had great wealth and honor, and he allied himself with Ahab  (Israel) by marriage." As we dig into this we see Ahab (Israel's worst King) was married to Jezebel, they had a daughter named Athaliah.  We also see that Jehoshaphat had a son named Jehoram. Athaliah and Jehoram marry. This is the alliance between Israel and Judah, but the marriage brought great tragedy. Ahab invites Jehoshaphat to Samaria in Israel. Ahab tells him he wants land back that had taken from him and he wants Jehoshaphat to help him fight to get it back. Ahab has 400 false prophets that say he should attack Judah because he will be victorious. Jehoshaphat listens but requests a 2nd opinion. That 2nd opinion comes from a prophecy of Micaiah son of Imlah a prophet of the Living God. Micaiah tells them, "I saw all Israel was scattered on the hillside because the shepherd was gone." And what happens is that he is thrown in jail. Judah and Israel go to battle and attack Remoth Gilead and the bettle ends in great defeat for Israel and Judah. King Ahab is killed and one of his sons takes over his throne.  About 5 years later we read in 2 Chronicles 21:1 that Jehoshaphat dies and his son Jehoram succeeds him as king of Judah. Additionally, in 2 Chronicles 21:4-5 we see Jehoram puts all his brothers to death in order to protect his throne. And now we see Elijah stepping in with a letter to King Jehoram. 2 Chronicles 21:12-13 we see Elijah tell Jehoram that he has not followed the way of his father and grandfather in following God and instead follows the worship and practices of idolatry of the Northern Kingdom. Jehoram has turned away from the God of David. Vs 13-14 he holds Jehoram accountable for killing his brothers, and tells him that he will become sick and die of disease.  This is a warning to the way Jehoram is headed and it's God's call to stop and to come back to Him. But Jehoram continues to do what he had always done. So he dies and his son, Ahaziah, becomes King of Judah.   Reminder: Athaliah is King Ahab and Jezebel's daughter. Ahab and his wife led Israel away from God. Their daughter Athaliah is married to Jehoram (King of Judah) and when Jehoram dies their son Ahaziah becomes King of Judah. The spiritual pollution of Israel has not only come down to Judah, it has taken the throne. The line of Ahab is on the throne in both Israel and in Judah. In Israel Ahaziah's uncle, Joram, is King.  There is a second Battle of Remoth Gilead at this time. Ahaziah (King of Judah) and his uncle Joram (King of Israel) decide to do the battle again, expecting to win this time. Joram, King of Israel is severely injured in the battle, Ahaziah, King of Judah, goes to check on his uncle. 2 Kings 9:1-3 Elisha has a man go to Remoth Gilead and anoint Jehu as King over Israel. The result is found in 2 Kings 9:22-23, Jehu confronts the Joram King of Israel and Ahaziah King of Judah at the bedside of Joram, Ahaziah's uncle, where he and Ahaziah are talking. Jehu says there can be no peace as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of Ahaziah;s mother Jezabel abounds. Joram flees and Jehu pulls out his bow and arrow and hits Joram in the back killing him.  Jehu then chases Ahaziah wounding him. Ahaziah dies, too, and now both the King of Israel and the King of Judah are dead. I Kings 11:1 tells us that when Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah saw he son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family of Judah. She desired to eliminate the whole line of David through which the Messiah was to come.  2 Kings 11:2 but the Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash, son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal princes, who were about to be murdered.  She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah; so he was not killed. And as a result a godly king will ultimately come to the throne against the desire of Ahaziah. Join us next week as our story continues! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

We continue our sermon series The Prophets and the Kings, a series based on the Elijah and Elisha stories. Pastor Jonker will preach on the story of Naboth's vineyard which is found in I Kings 21.

Are you desperate to hear from God? Many times we have found that when we are simply going about our business that God speaks to us. I Kings 19:11-13

  1:1 And that man was blameless and upright- Job will be described as blameless and upright in 1:1, 8; 2:3. The emphasis in this verse is not on the time Job lived nor where he lived but on his character. “Job's blameless is given precedent over the more external description of Job's family and wealth" (Clines, 9) His character both begins (vs. 1) and ends (vs. 4-5) this section. The word translated blameless is a pivotal word in the book (8:20; 9:20, 21, 22). The same root word appears in 12:4; 36:4; 37:16 and its feminine form appears in 27:5; 31:6. In 9:20 the word blameless (or guiltless in the NASB) is used in parallelism with the word righteous and an antonym for blameless is to declare guilty. In 9:22 blameless or guiltless is the opposite of the wicked. Blameless is not sinless. Job acknowledges “iniquities of my youth” in 13:26; 14:16-17. This root word for blameless is used of Noah (Gen. 6:9), Abraham (Gen. 17:1), and to describe the sacrificial animals in Ex. 12:5; 29:1; Lev. 1:3. In Ps. 19:13 blameless is defined as being kept back from great transgression.1:5 “With such an expression of Job's concern, his own still-future temptation would be foreshadowed" (Clines, 16). The very thing that Job feared his children would do, curse God in their hearts, is what the Satan says that Job will do if his blessings are taken away in 1:11; 2:5. It will also be what his wife encourages him to do in 2:9. The word translated curse is actually the Hebrew term for bless. We know that it means curse because of its connection with the word sinned in 1:5. Why was the term for bless used when curse is its meaning? While we can only speculate on the why it is possible that the thought of cursing God was so abhorrent that the scribes could not bring themselves to write these words and used bless as a euphemism for curse. (Alter, 12). The same phenomena appears where Naboth is accused of blessing (cursing) God and the king in I Kings 21:10, 13; Psalm 10:3. The weakness with this argument however is that there are places in the Old Testament that speak of cursing God and use the word generally rendered curse- Exodus 22:28; Lev. 24:14, 15, 23; Isa. 8:21. Each time the word bless is used we must examine whether it means bless or its opposite. (Seow, 254-255). 

How does one of the greatest men of God crater so quickly?I Kings 18:46 The power of the Lord came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak intohis belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.I Kings 19:3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.Elijah didn't stop believing in God.Elijah stopped connecting with God's people.I Kings 19:3-4 When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servantthere, while he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to abroom bush,  sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have hadenough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” I Kings 19:9 And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here,Elijah?”I Kings 19:10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty.The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put yourprophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left,I Kings 18:12b-13 Yet I your servant have worshiped the Lord since my youth.Haven't you heard, my lord, what I did while Jezebel was killing the prophets ofthe Lord? I hid a hundred of the Lord's prophets in two caves, fifty in each, andsupplied them with food and water. 3 Reasons We Isolate1. We grow comfortable with ISOLATION and being ALONE.God may PREPARE you in solitude, but He will SUSTAIN you in community.The root cause of most issues in our life a lack of a strong CHRISTIANCOMMUNITY.Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 ‘Two are better than one, because they have a good return fortheir labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyonewho falls and has no one to help them up.'Hebrews 10:24–25 ‘And let us consider how we may spur one another on towardlove and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit ofdoing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Dayapproaching.'CONNECT GROUP QR code slide on screen2. We believe the LIE that no one can RELATE to my situation.Your feelings are REAL, but they are not always RIGHT.1 Corinthians 10:13 ‘No temptation has overtaken you except what is common tomankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you canbear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you canendure it.'James 5:17 ‘Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that itwould not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.'3. We forget how many PEOPLE God has FOR US.I Kings 19:13 Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah.”I Kings 19:14 “I am the only one left.”1 Kings 19:15 “The Lord said to him, ‘Go back the way you came,I Kings 19:18 Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have notbowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.'”Proverbs 27:17 ‘As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.'Galatians 6:2 ‘Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the lawof Christ.'1 Kings 19:11–12 “The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in thepresence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.' Then a great and powerfulwind tore through the mountains and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but theLord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lordwas not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was notin the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”

Robert Morgan is a Bible teacher, associate pastor and podcaster. He speaks at church conferences and conventions across the country and around the world. He was a caregiver for his wife, Katrina, who battled MS and went home to be with the Lord in 2019. He is the author of numerous books including The Red Sea Rules, Then Sings My Soul, The 50 Final Events in World History, and 100 Bible Verses That Made America. His most recent book is titled God Hasn't Forgotten You in which he presents "24 Remarkable Ways God is Working in You and Through You." Have you ever felt abandoned by God? Perhaps you've gone through a time of depression, discouragement or despair and wonder, "God where are you?" Perhaps you have felt all alone and isolated thinking that God doesn't care or doesn't remember you. You may feel He is unaware of the circumstances you're going through which causes you to feel that you've been abandoned. If that's the case, you're not alone. In the Scriptures we learn of people like Job who experienced great suffering and loss. He no doubt felt abandoned. Here's what is said in Job 30:20: "I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not." At times Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, felt abandoned by God. Then there was Elijah who had a great victory on top of Mt. Carmel against the prophets of Baal. But after Jezebel threatened his life, he was discouraged and ran and said as recorded in I Kings 19:10b, "I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." In each of these cases God let them know that they were not abandoned by Him.

Exodus 20:3 “You must not have any other god but me.”Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.idols made of gold and clay and silverAn IDOL is anything YOU VALUE more than God.IDOL: anything you seek to GIVE YOU what only God can.Colossians 3:5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Idols are not always BAD THINGS.Idols are often GOOD THINGS we put in GOD'S PLACE.Satan will do EVERYTHING to get you to put ANYTHING in God's place. False gods always PROMISE what only the true God can PROVIDE.It's time to STOP WAVERING!I Kings 18:17-20 When he (Ahab) saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, you troubler of Israel?” “I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “But you and your father's family have. You have abandoned the LORD's commands and have followed Baals. Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table.” So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel.ONE is always a MAJORITY with God. I Kings 18:21a Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you WAVER between two opinions?”When you RIDE THE FENCE with God, all you end up with is a SPLINTERED LIFE.I Kings 18:21b “If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”“If you're going to be saved, be saved all the way!”—Charles SpurgeonI Kings 18:21c But the people said nothing.I Kings 18:24 Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire—he is God.”I Kings 18:24b Then all the people said, “What you say is good.”I Kings 18:26-29 So they took the bull given them and prepared it. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made. At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice.  But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.I Kings 18:36-38 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. I Kings 18:39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”It's time to STOP WAVERING!

I Kings 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”Before God can do something big THROUGH YOU, he often times needs to work ON YOU.God will often humble you PRIVATELY before using you PUBLICLY.Usually this happens during a painful season of WAITING.I Kings 17:2-3 Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan.”KERITH: Hebrew—“Cut off” or “Cut down”“It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply.”—A.W. TozerDuring your WAITING, God wants to develop your DEPENDENCE on Him.I Kings 17:4-6 “You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.If DEPENDENCE is the goal, WEAKNESS is an advantage. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Each time he (GOD) said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Finally, God will call you to radical OBEDIENCE.I Kings 17:7-9 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”I Kings 17:9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”I Kings 17:10 So he went to Zarephath.What has God been preparing you for that you need to STAND UP, MOVE and be RADICALLY OBEDIENT to?Successful people do CONSISTENTLY what average people do OCCASIONALLY.