Podcast appearances and mentions of king ahab

By the time the LORD sends Elijah back to Israel, the famine has grown so severe that King Ahab himself has to go and look for grass to graze his animals. This provides the opportunity for faithful Obadiah, the man in charge of the king's household, to be alone and meet Elijah. Obadiah initially thinks that announcing Elijah's return to Ahab will prove deadly if the Spirit takes Elijah away suddenly again. In his lament, Obadiah gives faithful voice to his prayer before the LORD. Elijah promises that he will be present to meet Ahab, and so it happens. Although Ahab attempts to label Elijah as the troubler of Israel, Ahab's idolatry is the real source of Israel's trouble. Elijah prepares to bring the LORD's solution by setting up a contest with the false prophets who are being supported by the royal house. Rev. Ned Moerbe, pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church in Houston, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 18:1-19.  To learn more about Memorial Lutheran, visit www.mlchouston.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

There Is Still Good Ahead1 Kings 19:3-9 ““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.”I heard an episode of the Big Life Podcast last week, and it reminded me of the story about the prophet Elijah that I just read to you. As soon as I heard it, I felt the Holy Spirit wanted me to share it with all of you this week.What came to mind when I heard this verse is that it might be helpful to know that Elijah wanted to give up. In case you don't know who Elijah is, let me summarize who he was. Elijah was a prophet of God in the Old Testament, known for his bold faith, miraculous acts, and deep emotional struggles. He lived during the reign of King Ahab in 9th century B.C. Israel, a time when the nation had turned away from God to worship false gods like Baal. Here are some Key Highlights of Elijah's Life:Confronted King Ahab and JezebelElijah boldly declared a drought as God's judgment (1 Kings 17:1) and later challenged the corrupt leadership promoting idolatry.Miracles by God's PowerMultiplied flour and oil for a widow (1 Kings 17:14–16)Raised her son from the dead (1 Kings 17:22)Called down fire from heaven to prove God's power on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:36–38)Ran for His Life and Struggled with DespairAfter his great victory, Queen Jezebel threatened his life. Elijah fled, became discouraged, and asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4).God met him in a gentle whisper, showing that God's presence isn't always dramatic—it's personal and close (1 Kings 19:11–13).Taken to HeavenElijah never died—God took him to heaven in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11), making him one of only two people in the Bible (with Enoch) who didn't experience death.Symbol of the ProphetsElijah later appears with Moses during Jesus' Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3), representing the prophets alongside the law (Moses).Elijah did a lot for the Lord. He was close to the Lord, and the Lord used him to do amazing things! He knew how mighty the Lord was, yet he felt he wanted to die. He felt like what the Lord asked him to do was too great. Sometimes, when we feel like giving up, we feel weak. We feel like we have failed or let the Lord down because He trusted us, yet we feel we can't go on anymore. If you feel this, I want you to know that you are not alone. There are several people in the Bible—deeply faithful, even heroic people—who reached a breaking point and felt like they couldn't go on. Some even asked God to take their lives. These moments show that God isn't afraid of our despair—He meets us in it, and He restores. Here are some of those people and where you can find their stories in the Bible in case you want to look them up and read more about them.Throughout Scripture, we see that even God's most faithful servants reached moments where they felt like they couldn't go on. Elijah,1 Kings 19:4 “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.'” Elijah, after boldly confronting false prophets, fled in fear and isolation, collapsing under a tree and begging God to take his life. He felt completely alone—yet God met him not with punishment, but with rest, nourishment, and a quiet whisper of presence. Like Elijah, when we are drained and overwhelmed, God offers compassion, not condemnation.Moses, Numbers 11:14–15 “I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me…” Moses, exhausted by the emotional and logistical burden of leading a complaining people through the wilderness, cried out to God, saying he'd rather die than continue carrying the weight alone. God didn't take his life—He sent help. For us, this reminds us that we don't have to carry everything ourselves; God provides support in community.Job, Job 3:11 “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?”Job, who lost everything—his children, health, and livelihood—wished he'd never been born. He poured out bitter questions and deep grief. And yet, God patiently listened, answered with presence and power, and ultimately restored him. Like Job, our suffering doesn't disqualify us from God's love.Jeremiah 20:14, 18 “Cursed be the day I was born! … Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame?”Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, was mocked, beaten, and ignored. He cursed the day of his birth, feeling like his life was wasted. But God never revoked his calling—He reassured Jeremiah that his voice still mattered. When we feel like our lives have no impact, God sees eternal value in our faithfulness.Jonah, Jonah 4:3 “Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” Jonah, bitter that God showed mercy to his enemies, sulked under a plant and asked to die. God responded not with wrath, but with a question, inviting Jonah to see the world through a lens of compassion. This shows us that God works with us even when our attitudes fall short.Finally, Paul, 2 Corinthians 1:8 “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.” Paul confessed that he and his companions were burdened beyond their ability to endure—so much so that they "despaired of life itself." And yet, this deep despair drove Paul to deeper reliance on God. His story reminds us that feeling overwhelmed is not the end—it can be the beginning of a deeper trust. In every story, God meets brokenness not with rejection, but with grace, purpose, and presence, offering the same to us today.The point of the Big Life podcast that I listened to is that there is life after this hard season that you are going through. None of the people listed above stayed in the difficult season forever, even thought it might have felt like they were going to. They had moments when they called out to the Lord saying they couldn't make it any longer, and yet they all made it through the hard time. God showed up for each one of them and showed them how loved they are. He will do the same for you.After their breaking points, each of these men went on to live with renewed purpose, proving that God can bring beauty out of despair. Elijah, after begging God to take his life, was gently restored by God's presence and went on to train Elisha, his prophetic successor, leaving a lasting legacy. He even became one of only two people in Scripture who never died—he was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire.Moses, after pleading for death under the burden of leadership, received help through 70 elders and continued to lead Israel toward the Promised Land. He experienced God's presence in deeper ways, even speaking to Him “face to face,” and was honored at the end of his life for his faithfulness.Job, after cursing his birth, encountered God in a deeply personal way. God didn't just restore what Job had lost—He blessed him with double what he had before and gave him a new chapter of joy, family, and peace.Jeremiah, though weary and rejected, faithfully kept speaking God's truth. His words endured, and we still read his laments and prophecies today—proof that even painful obedience has eternal value.Jonah, despite his anger and desire to give up, still completed his mission. The entire city of Nineveh repented and turned to God, one of the greatest mass revivals in Scripture, even if Jonah struggled to celebrate it. God still used him, flaws and all.Paul, after saying he “despaired of life itself,” continued his missionary journeys, wrote most of the New Testament, and encouraged countless believers, many while in chains. His despair didn't disqualify him—it became the soil on which deeper trust and greater impact grew.These stories remind us that our lowest moments are not the end of the story. God doesn't discard us when we're weak. Instead, He draws near, strengthens us, and leads us into a future still full of purpose, impact, and hope. There is life after the breaking point—and with God, it can be more meaningful than before.Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless everyone listening. Lord, I ask you to come in a special way to all those who feel like they can't go on. To all those who feel like life is too hard, or what you are calling them to do is too hard. We ask you to send the Holy Spirit to strengthen them and renew their hope. Show them that there is life after this challenging season. Please show them you are there with them and that they can do everything through you. Lift them, Lord, and help them persevere through whatever they are going through until they get to the other side. Help them climb this mountain they are facing. We love you and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name, Amen!!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. It is that time of year again when I start to mention the retreat I will be holding in October. It is not open for registration yet, but I would like to mention it early so people can start thinking about it. It is always the second weekend in October. This year's theme will be Identity: Who does God say you are? It will be great, and I hope you can join me! More details to follow. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are and so do I! Have a blessed day!Today's Word from the Lord was received in October 2024 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “Give yourself to me always. I will renew you each day. You are mine and I love you.”  www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

THE SHOWDOWN on Mount Carmel is even more spectacular than we've been taught. The story is sensational on its surface: The prophet Elijah, one of the few prophets of God still active in the northern kingdom of Israel, tells King Ahab to his face that there will be no rain until Elijah says so. Then he flees from the king and hides out for three years. During that time, the prophet was fed by ravens at the brook Cherith somewhere east of the Jordan until the drought caused the stream to dry up. Then Elijah traveled to Phoenicia and lodged with a widow of Zarephath in the region of Sidon. Because of the famine, she was prepared to make one last meal and then starve to death with her son (or children, according to the Septuagint). Miraculously, the woman did not run out of flour or oil during the entire time Elijah stayed with her. The account of the miracle of Elijah bringing the widow's son back from the dead has a deeper meaning when you understand a little of the religion of the Phoenicians (who were Canaanites, which in turn is just a geographic designation for the Amorites in Canaan). The patron deity of Sidon was Eshmun, the Phoenician name for the Greek demigod Asclepius. The Greeks believed Asclepius was the half-divine son of Apollo, a healer of such skill that he was able to cure death. (This led Hades to complain to Zeus that Asclepius was disrupting the natural order of things, so Zeus killed Asclepius.) The point is this: God, through Elijah, demonstrated that He, Yahweh, was the one God who truly has power over life and death. Likewise, Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal has a deeper meaning. This was a literal battle between Yahweh and the Baal worshipped by Jezebel and her pagan father, Ethbaal, king of Tyre. Ethbaal was a priest of Astarte, the Canaanite version of Ishtar, the Babylonian goddess of sex and war (which explains a lot about Jezebel). The kicker is that the Baal of Tyre was probably Melqart, which was the Phoenician name for Herakles—better known to us as Hercules. This explains some of Elijah's taunts while Jezebel's prophets danced, shouted, and cut themselves to summon their small-G god. It also helps us understand why Elijah had twelve vessels of water poured over the sacrifice and the wood on the altar. It didn't just represent the twelve tribes of Israel and make the sacrifice more difficult to burn, it mocked a libation (drink offering) ritual called yarid that is documented in Jewish and Roman texts and inscriptions as late as the 3rd century AD, when Emperor Diocletian performed the yarid at Tyre for Hercules! This also connects to Mount Hermon, where scholars Edward Lipiński and Charles Clermont-Ganneau noted, based on the site drawing by Sir Charles Warren in 1869 (when he discovered the Watcher Stone in a temple near the peak of the mountain), that the summit of Hermon is scooped out like a giant bowl—probably to receive these offerings. Lipiński wrote that this means the Watchers, led by Shemihazah, did not descend in the days of Jared, but in the days when the yarid was performed on the mountain. So, Elijah's actions on Mount Carmel were directed not just at Baal or Melqart/Hercules, but at the “sons of God” who long ago tried to take dominion of Earth away from the children of Adam and Eve. Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Derek's new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! If you are looking for a text of the Book of 1 Enoch to follow our monthly study, you can try these sources: Parallel translations by R. H. Charles (1917) and Richard Laurence (1821)Modern English translation by George W. E. Nickelsburg and James VanderKam (link to book at Amazon) Book of 1 Enoch - Standard English Version by Dr. Jay Winter (link opens free PDF)Book of 1 Enoch - R. H. Charles translation (link opens free PDF) The SkyWatchTV store has a special offer on Dr. Michael Heiser's two-volume set A Companion to the Book of Enoch. Get both books, the R. H. Charles translation of 1 Enoch, and a DVD interview with Mike and Steven Bancarz for a donation of $35 plus shipping and handling. 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Have you ever stood firm for what's right when powerful forces pushed against you? In the story of Naboth's vineyard, we witness a humble man who valued God's covenant promises more than a king's wealth. This ancient narrative reveals how God sees our struggles against worldly powers and corrupt systems. His justice may not be immediate, but it is certain. Listen now and be inspired to hold fast to your spiritual inheritance in Christ—a treasure far more precious than anything this world can offer or take away.

Pastor Jim unpacks the story of Naboth and King Ahab in 1 Kings 21–22, highlighting the spiritual battle between righteousness and corruption. Naboth stands firm on God's promises, refusing to trade away his inheritance—even at the cost of his life. Ahab's abuse of power and Jezebel's manipulation lead to judgment, but not before exposing how the schemes of the enemy mirror our own modern temptations. Jim points us to Jesus, the better Naboth, who stood firm in obedience, was falsely accused, and secured victory through the cross and resurrection.

King Ahab faces Ben Hadad's overwhelming threat, but God intervenes with a miraculous provision. This ancient story reveals how God preserves His people and repeatedly invites us to truly know Him through His powerful Word, not just acknowledge Him. Listen now and be inspired to embrace complete obedience to God's Word. Because victory comes not from our strength, but from recognizing Him as the one true LORD.

Pastor Jim explores the surprising grace God extends to King Ahab in 1 Kings 20, despite Ahab's corruption and idolatry. Through prophetic warnings, unlikely military victories, and divine patience, God continues to pursue Ahab, offering opportunities for repentance. Jim emphasizes that God still uses the small and unexpected—junior officers, obscure prophets, even our own mustard seed faith—to accomplish His purposes. The message points to Jesus as the true King who defeats sin and death, calls us to repentance, and invites us into a kingdom that belongs to the Father.

Send us a textMiracles at the Brook — When God Provides in Unlikely WaysHave you ever stood at the edge of your own personal drought, where survival felt uncertain and hope seemed impossible? In this powerful episode, we explore the story of Elijah at the brook Cherith and how God's miraculous provision arrives in the most unlikely ways.Elijah had just delivered a bold prophecy of drought to King Ahab, yet God led him into the very wilderness affected by that same drought. Alone by the brook Cherith, Elijah faced starvation—but God intervened in an extraordinary way. He sent ravens—unclean animals by Jewish law—to deliver bread and meat twice daily. Water came from the brook, but the source of nourishment came from something Elijah would have never expected.This message reveals something profound: God will use what religion calls unclean to show that His ways are not ours. He meets us not always through tradition or structure, but through raw, unconventional miracles. And sometimes, He lets the drought touch us—not to destroy us, but to deepen our dependency on Him.We draw strong parallels between Elijah's experience and the current spiritual drought across the UK and much of the Western world. While church services may continue, many believers are spiritually parched—longing for an authentic move of God rather than religious routine. The surge in Bible sales reveals a hunger for personal connection with God, not just polished performance.The brook Cherith moment is when we realize that our strength, strategies, or systems cannot save us. It's here, in isolation and vulnerability, that we encounter divine provision that defies logic. The three essentials Elijah received—water (refreshment), bread (Word), and meat (strength)—mirror what many believers need today. And God is still delivering these through surprising people, unexpected sources, and sovereign timing.Are you in your brook season? Has the stream dried up, and now you're watching for ravens? Take heart: this is where God shows off His glory most clearly. The drought didn't end Elijah's ministry—it prepared him for Mount Carmel. Likewise, your current wilderness isn't the end; it's your staging ground for breakthrough.

 “What are you planning?” He stretched his neck, trying to decipher from where he sat what she was writing. She did not reply.  He did not ask again; instead, he rubbed his beard, deep in thought. Jezebel folded the scroll, placed his seal over it, and rang the gong. Elana watched in fascination as a soldier entered from the side door and bowed. Jezebel stretched her arm with the scroll. “Take this to the elders and nobles who live in Naboth's city, and tell them I command they do as this says.” The man took the scroll, bowed, and left the room. Jezebel rubbed her hands together. A satisfied look registered on her face, her amber eyes slanted and malicious. Ahab reached for her hand and pulled her with force onto his lap. “What did you write?” She placed her hand around his neck and leaned her embellished head onto his. “I have proclaimed a day of fasting and have requested they seat Naboth in a prominent place amongst the people so—” “Prominent?”  She placed her index finger on his lips. “Shh. Once he is seated, two vagabonds will accuse him in front of everyone that he has cursed both God and the king.” An ominous smile crept over her red lips. “The town will be horrified to know Naboth has turned against you, and they will stone him to death—when that happens, you are to take possession of your vineyard!” Ahab stared at his wife with his mouth agape. He blinked a few times......                                 ____________________________________________________ This week we are looking at the story of evil queen Jezebel and King Ahab. You can find their story in your Bibles in 1st and 2nd Kings. Tune in to listen to this episode - and don't forget to share with your friends.                                      ___________________________________   Read story on the blog Visit our website Shop our books - The Royal Palace Artist of the Month: We The Kingdom Artist on Spotify music Keep in the loop by signing to our GIGI Notes HERE DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE  Hosts: Esther & Steph Mix & effects: Stephanie Giselle Purple Planet Music https://www.purple-planet.com/ email us: writegigi5@gmail.com Write by post GIGI Teen Radio PO BOX 6505 Upper Mt Gravatt QLD 4122 music credit: Purple planet music All music played on the podcast radio is covered under the APRA AMCOS Online Mini Licence.

The Syrian king was drinking himself drunk while God's small army led by King Ahab was preparing for battle. After the victory, the Lord told them to strengthen thyself for the next battle to come. Grab your Bible, turn to 1 Kings 20, and follow along with Pastor Mike.

King Ahab coveted after Naboth's vineyard even though he had the palace and servants and cooks. It led to Naboth's death and God sent the prophet to bring word of judgment, which was God showing mercy. Grab your Bible, turn to 1 Kings 21, and follow along with Pastor Mike.

The king of Syria wants all the gold, wives and children of Israel. King Ahab gives in at first, then when the enemy wants more, he resists. There is a spiritual application of the enemy always wanting to take and destroy and we cannot compromise. Grab your Bible, turn to 1 Kings 20, and follow along with Pastor Mike.

When someone commits a crime, we want that person "brought to justice" because justice is a divine desire. While we often say "God is love," His most fundamental attribute is holiness. Because God is both holy and loving, He must also be just. In a world where money, bribes, and sometimes crooked judges allow criminals to go free, we're learning through Elijah's story that there is a God who is just, and justice will always be served. Even in Elijah's time in history, when the people of God worshipped idols and ignored the prophets, God consistently reveals His Word and holds them to account.   As Dr. R.G. Lee famously preached in "Payday Someday," because God is just, justice is a must. From one of the most important chapters in the Bible, observe God's justice in action in the life of King Ahab, learning to revere and expect this aspect of God's character to be revealed to us and to the world.   

     Fallen angels are involved in the affairs of mankind. The person who operates by negative volition aligns himself with Satan and his forces. Negative volition leads to idolatry, and idolatry leads to immorality (Rom 1:18-32), both individually and nationally. The worship of idols is the worship of demons (Lev 17:7; Deut 32:17; 1 Cor 10:19-21). Demons generally led the pagan nations into idolatry, which God's people were not to practice (Deut 18:9-14). However, when God's people mingled with them, they learned their idolatrous practices (1 Ki 11:1-8), and even created their own idols (1 Ki 12:26-33), which eventuated in human sacrifice (2 Ki 17:7-23; Psa 106:35-38; cf. 2 Ki 16:1-4; 21:1-9; Jer 32:30-35; Ezek 16:20-21; 20:31; 23:37). When human rulers turned away from God, He would use evil spirits to discipline them (Judg 9:23; 1 Sam 16:14-15). This resulted in the disciplined person experiencing mental madness and murderous behavior (1 Sam 18:10-12; cf. 1 Sam 19:9-10). God used an evil spirit to bring about the military defeat and death of King Ahab (2 Chron 18:18-22).      Some angels who were once free, are now kept in “eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day” and appear to have forfeited their freedom altogether due to some unnamed sinful violation (Jude 1:6), perhaps the account described in Genesis 6:1-5. And some very destructive angels (described as metal-like locusts) are now kept in the Abyss—a temporary spiritual prison—and will be released and led by a powerful angel whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon and in Greek Apollyon (Rev 9:1-12). Four unnamed, but very dangerous angels, are said to be bound under the River Euphrates (Rev 9:13-16). These four angels will kill one third of mankind during the Great Tribulation. Other evil spirits will be used to gather world rulers and their armies together for the Battle of Armageddon (Rev 16:13-14; cf. Rev 19:11-21).      As Christians, we face social, political and religious attacks in our day, and there are dark spiritual forces at work driving much of what we see. Scripture is very clear when it says, “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12). These demonic forces are behind every act of terror the world has ever known, and their activity is tireless. Thankfully, God has given us armor and a weapon to protect us, which also serve to aid in the rescue and defense of others who face spiritual attacks (Eph 6:13-18). Satan's Strategies      Christians are always under threat of attack by Satan and his demonic forces and we must “be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Eph 6:11). Our enemy, the devil, is a brilliant commander who has manufactured schemes or strategies he employs against the human race, and God's people in particular. The word strategy translates the Greek noun methodeia (μεθοδεία) which, according to Louw-Nida, refers to “crafty scheming with the intent to deceive.”[1] The same term (methodeia) is used of false teachers who engage “in deceitful scheming” (Eph 4:14), in order to trap immature Christians with false doctrine. Christians can be deceived and neutralized by false teaching, which was Paul's concern for the Christians at Corinth (2 Cor 11:3). MacDonald states, “The devil has various stratagems—discouragement, frustration, confusion, moral failure, and doctrinal error. He knows our weakest point and aims for it. If he cannot disable us by one method, he will try for another.”[2] Satan has many demons and carnally minded people on his side, and he fights dirty. As Christians, we don't go hunting for the devil; rather, we “stand firm” (Eph 6:11) against his attacks when he comes against us.      Knowing Satan's strategies enables us to identify an attack and to defend ourselves by taking up the armor of God. Learning God's Word and living by faith is the key to victory. Wiersbe states, “Everybody in this world lives by faith. The difference between the Christian and the unconverted person is not the fact of faith, but the object of faith. The unsaved person trusts himself and other humans; the Christian trusts God. It is your faith in God that is the secret of victory and ministry.”[3] Dr. Steven R. Cook   [1] Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 759. [2] William MacDonald, Believer's Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1952. [3] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Strategy of Satan: How to Detect and Defeat Him (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1996), 95.

What does faith look like in enemy territory? Follow Elijah from his bold confrontation with King Ahab to his humble dependence on God's unusual provisions. Discover why God placed him in the heart of Ba'al worship and what it teaches about authentic faith. Listen now and be inspired to face your own challenges with courage, knowing God is preparing you for greater purpose.

     Fallen angels are involved in the affairs of mankind. The person who operates by negative volition aligns himself with Satan and his forces. Negative volition leads to idolatry, and idolatry leads to immorality (Rom 1:18-32), both individually and nationally. The worship of idols is the worship of demons (Lev 17:7; Deut 32:17; 1 Cor 10:19-21). Demons generally led the pagan nations into idolatry, which God's people were not to practice (Deut 18:9-14). However, when God's people mingled with them, they learned their idolatrous practices (1 Ki 11:1-8), and even created their own idols (1 Ki 12:26-33), which eventuated in human sacrifice (2 Ki 17:7-23; Psa 106:35-38; cf. 2 Ki 16:1-4; 21:1-9; Jer 32:30-35; Ezek 16:20-21; 20:31; 23:37). When human rulers turned away from God, He would use evil spirits to discipline them (Judg 9:23; 1 Sam 16:14-15). This resulted in the disciplined person experiencing mental madness and murderous behavior (1 Sam 18:10-12; cf. 1 Sam 19:9-10). God used an evil spirit to bring about the military defeat and death of King Ahab (2 Chron 18:18-22). Dr. Steven R. Cook

What are we to make of the Lord permitting lying spirits to deceive people? How can God send a lying spirit? Who or what is the lying spirit? And what are we to make of King Ahab's life?  In today's episode, Emma Dotter walks us through the over arching story of King Ahab's life and takes a look at a few of the toughest verses in today's reading in 1 Kings. Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

If we obey the Word of God, what we have will not run dry until God fulfills every promise. There is a great responsibility on us to obey God; our obedience will affect unbelievers. If we as individuals, and collectively as the Church, are disobedient as King Ahab was in 1 Kings 16:33, then God's anger is roused. We are called to be 'salt and light'. Salt is a purifer and preserver; if the salt loses it's saltiness, it is of no use anymore. There is a danger today that the Church is abandoning the commands of the Lord to adjust to society; I cannot overemphasise this need to obey God's Word.  '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.” 'Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. 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. 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.” So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don't have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” 'Elijah said to her, “Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.'”' (1 Kings 17.1-14, NIV)  

Satan's Demonic Forces      In addition to all that Satan is doing, he has at his disposal an army of fallen angels to help him execute his plans in the world. Of course, these fallen angels are restrained by God in what they can accomplish. Still, like people, they are given a modicum of freedom to act and to influence the affairs of this world.      Angels are basically classified as either righteous or evil. The former retain their holy state and service to God and are called elect angels (1 Tim 5:21), whereas the latter have defected from their original state and continue in constant rebellion against God. Satan is the leader of all fallen angels (Matt 25:41; cf. Rev 12:7, 9), which Scripture designates as evil spirits (1 Sam 16:14; Luke 7:21), demons (Matt 8:31), and unclean spirits (Mark 5:1-4). These have been operating for millennia trying to frustrate the purposes of God.      All angels, whether good or bad, are organized for service and effectiveness. Michael is called an archangel (Jude 1:9), a chief prince (Dan 10:13), and is assigned the task of guarding Israel (Dan 12:1). Gabriel is a messenger angel who was sent to deliver important messages to God's people (Dan 8:16; 9:21-22; Luke 1:19; 26-38). Both Michael and Gabriel are recorded in Scripture as battling fallen angels who appear as commanders of regions of the world (Dan 10:12-13, 21). One fallen angel is called “the prince of Persia” and the other “the prince of Greece” (Dan 10:20). These last two angels function as Satan's emissaries to promote his purposes, and are part of a larger group that Paul called the forces of darkness (Eph 6:12). Demons have the ability to possess the bodies of men (Luke 11:24-26), animals (Gen 3:1-5; Mark 5:11-13; 2 Cor 11:3), and sometimes cause physical and mental illness (Matt 9:32-33; Luke 8:27).      Demons have some freedom, but not beyond the boundaries God has established (Job 1:1-21). God sometimes uses fallen angels to accomplish His sovereign purposes (1 Sam 16:14-16; 2 Cor 12:7-10), just as He sometimes uses sinful people to bring about His will (Acts 2:23-24; 4:27-28). The final destiny of Satan and demons will be the Lake of Fire, which God created as a special place of punishment for them (Matt 25:41). Those who reject Christ as Savior will join Satan in the Lake of Fire (Rev 20:11-15). Those who accept Jesus as Savior are forgiven all their sins (Eph 1:7; Heb 10:10-14), given eternal life (John 3:16; 10:28), and will spend forever in heaven (John 14:1-3).      Fallen angels are involved in the affairs of mankind. The person who operates by negative volition aligns himself with Satan and his forces. Negative volition leads to idolatry, and idolatry leads to immorality (Rom 1:18-32), both individually and nationally. The worship of idols is the worship of demons (Lev 17:7; Deut 32:17; 1 Cor 10:19-21). Demons generally led the pagan nations into idolatry, which God's people were not to practice (Deut 18:9-14). However, when God's people mingled with them, they learned their idolatrous practices (1 Ki 11:1-8), and even created their own idols (1 Ki 12:26-33), which eventuated in human sacrifice (2 Ki 17:7-23; Psa 106:35-38; cf. 2 Ki 16:1-4; 21:1-9; Jer 32:30-35; Ezek 16:20-21; 20:31; 23:37). When human rulers turned away from God, He would use evil spirits to discipline them (Judg 9:23; 1 Sam 16:14-15). This resulted in the disciplined person experiencing mental madness and murderous behavior (1 Sam 18:10-12; cf. 1 Sam 19:9-10). God used an evil spirit to bring about the military defeat and death of King Ahab (2 Chron 18:18-22). Dr. Steven R. Cook

Join us as we read about Jehoshaphat helping King Ahab. This was a foolish decision for him, but Yah spared him. We also see how the king of Israel was angry at the prophet who spoke to the truth, and we relate these lessons to our lives.

SummaryPastor Lobato discusses the biblical story of Naboth and the implications of his refusal to sell his vineyard to King Ahab. He emphasizes the importance of guarding one's heritage and the dangers of compromise, particularly in the context of church leadership. Chapters00:00 The Spirit of the Conference03:02 The Call to Ministry and Mission05:57 The Power of Expectation and Response08:59 The Responsibility of the Church12:01 The Importance of Generosity14:58 Heritage and Inheritance in Faith21:02 Preserving Our Heritage35:06 The Story of Naboth and Ahab37:03 The Death of Naboth and Its Consequences39:18 The Danger of Compromise46:02 Guarding Our Heritage54:37 The Jezebel Spirit and Its Influence01:02:42 The Importance of Standards in MinistryTakeawaysGod has a purpose for each individual in ministry.Conferences can be a place of spiritual awakening.The church has a responsibility to reach the lost.Generosity is essential for church growth and missions.Heritage in faith is a valuable asset to preserve.Expectancy in ministry can lead to miraculous outcomes.The church must invest in the harvest field.Every church launched is a victory for the fellowship.The importance of leadership in guiding the church.Preserving our heritage is crucial for future generations. Naboth's refusal to sell his vineyard highlights the importance of heritage.Compromise can lead to devastating consequences in leadership.Guarding our spiritual inheritance is crucial for future generations.The Jezebel spirit represents manipulation and control within the church.Standards in ministry are essential and should never change.Incremental loss of heritage can occur if not actively guarded.Immediate obedience to God's commands is vital for spiritual health.The influence of culture can threaten the integrity of the church.Pastors must be vigilant about what they allow into their congregations.The fight for our spiritual inheritance is ongoing and requires diligence.Show NotesALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD EVANGELISMLocate a CFM Church near you: https://cfmmap.orgWe need five-star reviews! Tell the world what you think about this podcast at:Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3vy1s5bPodchaser: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/taking-the-land-cfm-sermon-pod-43369

A key question we all have to answer is “Who is our authority?” The “gods” of our day or the Lord of the Bible? These questions have been asked for millennia and today we'll read a powerful account of how the Lord answers this question through His prophet Elijah. Join us!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    Three years have transpired between 1 Kings 17 and 1 Kings 18. What has been happening since 1st Kings 17? How should this have affected the spiritual climate in Israel during this time?  2.    What does verse 3 say about Obadiah's fear of the Lord? What kind of spiritual effort would it have required to follow the Lord in the midst of King Ahab's reign? Do you know anyone in today's day and age who follows the Lord faithfully in a hostile situation? What keeps them going?  3.    In verse 17, how was Ahab's greeting of Elijah as the “Troubler of Israel” a tacit admission that Elijah was having an impact on Ahab and the nation? How should he have responded to Elijah's rebukes over the past couple of chapters? How did he respond instead? 4.    In verse 18, where does Elijah lay the blame for Israel's difficulties? What truths do these words contain about what has happened to the spiritual life of Ahab and the people?  5.    What was Elijah's suggestion in verse 19? What was Mount Carmel? According to the podcast, why was Elijah's suggestion to have this “duel” at Mount Carmel a demonstration of his spiritual courage? Where do you think this courage came from? Do you have this kind of courage? Why or why not?  6.    According to verse 22, what were Elijah's odds? Why was he still in the “majority” (spiritually speaking), even with these numbers?  7.    What did Elijah have the prophets of Baal do in verses 23-26? What was Baal's “response” to his prophet's cries of distress? What did they try to do in verses 28-29? What does all of this tell us about Baal's true nature? 8.    What did Elijah say to the Baal prophets in verse 27? Why could he be so confident, while so outnumbered?  9.    What did Elijah do in verses 30-35? Why?  10.    What did Elijah pray in verses 36 & 37? What does this prayer show that Elijah was trusting in?  11.    How did the Lord answer his prayer in verse 38?  12.    How did the people respond in verses 39 & 40? The podcast gave some reasons why, in their day, this wasn't a severe reaction. What were some of those reasons?  13.    What was the Lord's final demonstration of His power in verses 41-45? What should this have caused Ahab to do? Does Ahab respond this way? Why or why not?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

It's difficult to have faith when we're surrounded by a faithless world, and yet that's not uncommon for God's people. Today we're looking at 1 Kings 17 and the account of Elijah and Ahab. We'll see how Elijah stands for the Lord and how the Lord blesses him and those around him. Join us!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    According to the podcast, what happened to the nation of Israel 55 years earlier? Which kingdom did Elijah preach to? 2.    Although King Ahab was a king over the northern kingdom, by his mode of life, which God did He really worship? How did this come about? 3.    The podcast mentions that the name “Baal” meant “master”. How might this have been a temptation for God's people who often referred to the Lord as “Adonai” which also meant “Lord, master”?  4.    The podcast mentions that “Baal” was the god of nature and fertility and rain. How important were these elements to the Jewish agrarian economy? Why might this have been tempting for the Jewish people to worship Baal instead of the Lord? 5.    Into this scene came Elijah. Elijah's name meant “The Lord is God”. Why was this message so radical in Elijah's day and age? 6.    What does the Lord tell King Ahab in verse 1? What kind of intestinal fortitude did this take, given the situation of the Northern Kingdom at this time? How was this taking on the false god Baal?  7.    What does the Lord have Elijah do after this, in verses 3-7? How does the Lord provide for Elijah in these verses? How do you think that would have strengthened his faith? 8.    Where does the Lord send Elijah in verse 9? Was this a region inhabited by Jews? Whose hometown was this? Why would that have been a problem for Elijah? 9.    What does the widow say to Elijah about the Lord in verse 12? What does this indicate about her faith in the Lord? What miracle does the Lord provide for her an answer to her faith? 10.    What happens to her son in verse 17? What does the Lord do through Elijah in verses 19 to 22? What did the podcast say about why this is a “resuscitation” rather than a “resurrection”? 11.    Look up Malachi 4:5. What does this verse say about Elijah? How did this verse factor into Jesus's ministry in the New Testament? 12.    What does Elijah's life show the people of the Northern Kingdom regarding God's covenant with them during this time? Why is this surprising given the spiritual climate of Elijah's day? 13.    In Luke 4, verses 26 and 27, Jesus refers to the events of this chapter. What was His point in saying what He says about what happened here? 14.    Finally, James 5:17 refers to these events as an example of prayer. What was James's point about Elijah? How does that relate to us today? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

How low can you go? King Ahab was more evil than all the Kings of Israel who reigned before him... and the kings who reigned before him were guilty of rebellion, treason, murder, idolatry and immorality. Elijah was sent by the Lord to be a light in the midst of this darkness. Join us as we dig into the background of this Old Testament prophet who ministered in a time just like the time in which we live... a time when God's Law was broken and God's Word was not was heard. Like a Elijah we can be a light in the midst of the darkness!

The Bible is full of vivid, fascinating characters: heroes and antiheroes, tricksters and villains. One of the most memorable biblical villains is Queen Jezebel, wife of King Ahab in Kings 1 and 2. Jezebel shows up in multiple stories: persecuting the prophet Elijah, trying to institute the worship of the god Ba'al, conniving to steal a vineyard, and finally dying a gruesome death. She is mentioned in the book of Revelation, too, when the author refers to a woman in the church at Thyatira who “calls herself a prophet and is teaching and beguiling my servants to engage in sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols” (Rev. 2:20).   Because she lured her husband to worship a false god, and because she is remembered as wearing makeup and finery, she has come to be associated with ideas about women as dangerous, immoral temptresses. The name “Jezebel” has become a slur for a promiscuous woman who leads men astray, and this slur has been used especially to demean and demonize Black women.   But who was Jezebel really? Was she the sexually promiscuous character these slurs imply, and why does scripture depict her as a super-villain?    On this episode of Glad You Asked, theologian and biblical scholar Stacy Davis talks to the host about the character Jezebel and the history of using her as a weapon against Black women. Davis is a professor of religious studies and Theology at Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana, and the author of Haggai and Malachi in the Wisdom Commentary Series (Liturgical Press). She is an associate editor of The Africana Bible: Reading Israel's Scriptures from Africa and the African Diaspora, as well as for the forthcoming Westminster John Knox Bible.   You can learn more about this topic in these links: “Jezebel from an African-American Perspective,” by Stacy Davis  whc.bibleodyssey.com “The Jezebel Stereotype,” by David Pilgrim The Jezebel Stereotype - Anti-black Imagery - Jim Crow Museum “Who Exactly Was the Original Jezebel?” by Wednesday Martin Who Exactly Was the Original Jezebel? ‹ Literary Hub “Jezebel Isn't Who You Think She Is,” by Nyasha Junior Jezebel Isn't Who You Think She Is - Dame Magazine “Naming the 333 women in the Bible,” by Alice Camille Naming the 333 women in the Bible - U.S. Catholic   Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries.

In this eye-opening episode, T. Louise shares a timely and necessary reminder: not every voice speaking “in the name of God” is actually sent by Him.Drawing from 1 Kings 22, she breaks down the story of King Ahab, King Jehoshaphat, and the 400 prophets who spoke falsely—exposing how easy it is to be led astray when we only want to hear what feels good. Through personal reflections and biblical truth, T. Louise reveals how "itching ears" can lead to spiritual deception, disobedience, and missed blessings.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by voices—online, in church, or even within your own circle—this episode will challenge you to seek sound doctrine, test every word, and stay aligned with God's truth.

In this powerful episode, Pastor Alex explores 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 and the dramatic showdown between Elijah and King Ahab from 1 Kings 18. Discover the fundamental difference between "natural" thinking and "spiritual" thinking, and why Christians are called to be unnatural in the best possible way.https://amenpodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com

In this powerful episode, Pastor Alex explores 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 and the dramatic showdown between Elijah and King Ahab from 1 Kings 18. Discover the fundamental difference between "natural" thinking and "spiritual" thinking, and why Christians are called to be unnatural in the best possible way.https://amenpodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com

Pastor Jonathan continues to share on the spirit of abdication and brings out  biblical examples to provide keys on how to overcoming this spirit. Abdication leads to us avoiding the real issues, never taking responsibility and sulking when things don't go our way. We can see this with King Ahab, who abdicates his role and allows Jezebel to take control which ultimately leading to Israel's destruction. It is time to walk free from this spirit to have Holy Spirit leadership operating in our marriages, homes and daily lives!Our heart at Celebration Church Rarotonga is that this message will greatly bless your walk with Jesus and help bring you closer to Him. We pray that you would be stirred to live a life that is passionate about loving Jesus!We would love to hear from you! Connect with us through the links below:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celebrationraroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/celebrationchurch_rarotonga/Website: https://www.celebrationrarotonga.com/

This episode features a full length Bible study taught by Pastor Jack Abeelen of Morningstar Christian Chapel in Whittier, California.If today you prayed with Pastor Jack to receive the Lord, we'd love to hear about it and get you started on the right foot. Visit us online at: https://morningstarcc.org/born-again/To see more of Pastor Jack's Bible studies, visit our Morningstar Christian Chapel channel at https://www.youtube.com/@morningstarcc.To subscribe to our Podcast newsletter go to http://eepurl.com/iGzsP6.If you would like to support our electronic ministry, you may do so by going to our donations page at https://morningstarcc.churchcenter.com/giving/to/podcast.Visit our church website at https://morningstarcc.org.

I thought Trump and JD's interaction with Zelenskyy was delightful. It's a reminder that we need to be bold when speaking the truth, like Micaiah was to King Ahab. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I thought Trump and JD's interaction with Zelenskyy was delightful. It's a reminder that we need to be bold when speaking the truth, like Micaiah was to King Ahab. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pastor Snook preaches from 1 Kings 18:17-39 on the amazing account of Elijah and and God's great power at Mount Carmel - and how Elijah stood tall alone against King Ahab and the false prophets.

Send us a textHello, may I have five minutes of your time? Almost everyone is going through a life challenge right now. And if you're not going through something, you probably know someone who is. My name is Stephanie Wright, and I want to briefly discuss how we can help one another through these challenges. Many Christian denominations will observe Lent from March 5th until Easter or Resurrection Sunday, April 20, 2025. This is when we commemorate Jesus' 40 days and nights in prayer and fasting in the desert. Afterward, he began his dynamic ministry in which multitudes were healed in their bodies, minds, and souls.Would you consider dedicating 40 days or a portion of 40 days sacrificing one thing leading up to Resurrection Sunday? For most people, it is food—the way Jesus fasted. Or perhaps it would be consecrating yourself from a favorite pastime like television or social media. Whatever you decide, be sure you give time to God in prayer. He is looking for a sincere and believing heart.If you fast from food, be sure to be wise and follow your healthcare provider's instructions. You might think that your fasting and praying is like dropping a teaspoon of water in the ocean. You would be wrong. There are numerous biblical and real-life examples where one person changed the outcome of circumstances and even saved a nation because they fasted and prayed.In Exodus chapters 24, 32, and 34, Moses went on at least two 40-day fasts. God was going to wipe out the Israelites for worshiping a golden idol. But after Moses' fast, God spared their lives.In the book of Jonah, the king of Nineveh put his country, himself, and even the animals on a fast of unspecified days. Jonah warned him of their downfall if he did not repent. God saw their works and spared Nineveh.Queen Esther declared a three-day fast with no food or water for all Jews in 127 provinces covering 2,700 miles in Persia. God delivered her people from annihilation by an evil man named Haman.The last Old Testament example I will give you is the prophet Elijah in I Kings chapters 20 and 21. Elijah fasted 40 days and nights, which led to the death of the evil queen, Jezebel, and her husband King Ahab.I will close with Jesus and the works He did after His 40-day fast. He healed the brokenhearted, set people free from physical afflictions, opened the blinded eyes, and more. Fasting and prayer bring spiritual, physical, and financial blessings.God is no respecter of persons. Therefore, you are no less important than the Bible personalities we discussed today. And your prayers are no less powerful than theirs. So, consider the impact you could have if you commit yourself to a fast and prayer during the days leading up to Resurrection Sunday.If you want an extended version of this presentation, listen to our podcast Episode 5, “H Stands for The Holy Spirit, Our Helper,” in our series, “Stay in His Presence.”  Thank you for joining me today, and may you have a blessed time in preparation for Resurrection Sunday.Now, let's go to Apostle Charles, who will close us out with contact information and tell you how to acces | ReplyForwardAdd reactionIf you want to contact us or comment on this podcast, please visit our website at cgmissions.com/podcast, where all episodes are available by category in series format. You can see the most recent video and audio podcasts at: www.youtube.com/@cgmissionsinc then select from the video or podcast"Playlist." CGM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations may be made on our website: https://www.cgmissions.com/donate-here/

Transfiguration of Our Lord March 2, 2025 Faith, Okemos Exodus 34:27-35, Psalm 99, 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2, Luke 9:28-43a   Changed From Glory into Glory   Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heaven to earth come down! Fix in us thy humble dwelling, all thy faithful mercies crown. Jesus, thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love thou art; Visit us with thy salvation, enter every trembling heart.   Breathe, oh, breathe thy loving Spirit into every troubled breast; let us all in thee inherit; let us find thy promised rest. Take away the love of sinning; Alpha and Omega be; End of faith as its being, set our hearts at liberty.   [Today, called the Transfiguration of Our Lord, is, in the church year, the last Sunday in the season of Epiphany.  Epiphany - the season of the Father revealing to us the glory of his Son, at once fully divine and fully human.  Today we see Jesus, together with Peter and John and James, going up on a mountain to pray.  And there Jesus is “transfigured.” ]       And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed and his clothes became dazzling white.   And suddenly talking with Jesus were two ancient figures, Moses, to whom, on a mountain, was  entrusted with the Ten Commandments and Elijah, prophet of the Lord, who, fleeing for his life, hid in a cave on a mountain after publicly naming the gross transgressions and idol worship of King Ahab and the evil deeds of his wife, Jezebel, who had ordered the killing of the prophets of the Lord.  It was there that he heard the still small voice, the sound of sheer silence calling him to rise up and continue his prophetic ministry   [Moses, Elijah, and Jesus] appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem     His departure…  [The word “departure” in the Greek , the first language in which our New Testament was written, is the same word for “exodus.”]  For the Hebrew people living centuries before, it was the absolutely pivotal moment in which God made a way for them to escape from 400 years of slavery in Egypt.  For Jesus the exodus would be his suffering and death on the cross, through which God would make a way for all the world to be set free from bondage, set free from its slavery to all the false, deceitful gods that wreck our lives, that wreck our relationships with each other, that destroy our communities and God's good creation, and yes, would wreck the very hope for justice and civility and  righteousness in a nation.   Jesus' death on the cross was God taking on to himself all the suffering and barbarism, all the personal and sometimes government-sanctioned use of power to crush our very souls.  In the words of scripture, Jesus became sin who knew no sin.  Jesus' departure, his exodus thus made possible our freedom, made possible our liberation from all the evil soul-destroying, community-destroying powers of this world.   In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul put it this way:  Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  Therefore, we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.  (Romans 6:3-4) Do you not know?  Do you not know that when you were baptized into Jesus' death, into Jesus' exodus, you were set free, free every day for the rest of your life to walk in newness of life?    Listen now to these words from our Second Reading:  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Since then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness…all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, we are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.   In the hybrid Bible Study this past Tuesday, we reflected on the glory Peter, John, and James witnessed when they looked at Jesus, at his face, his dazzling white clothing and at the two men standing with him.  They saw his glory!    This is Jesus who on the day of his baptism [which we celebrated on the first Sunday in Epiphany], while he was praying, the heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him…And a voice came from heaven, ”You are my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”  And now on this day of the transfiguration a cloud came and overshadowed them, enveloping Jesus and his disciples and from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen, listen to him!”   During the Bible study I began to see my fellow participants a little differently.  I saw all of them as “exodus” sons and daughters of God, as honest, open and freed, fully human children of God. [In our shared reflections on the Word, I saw them, in my mind if not with my physical eyes, being changed, with new insights, new understandings, moving from one degree of glory to another.]   [I shared with them my father's blessing to me one night just before his death, these words from Numbers 6:24-26:  The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.]   And now I see you, all of you made in the image of God, each of you in your own distinctive way reflecting the glory of God; all of you by the grace of God being transformed from one degree of glory to another.  This glory is the gift of the Holy Spirit freely given in and through you every day of your life, a life lived in words and deeds of love, until at last you and I see Jesus face to face in all his shining glory.   This glory is the freedom to walk more and more in newness of life, a freedom to trust that Jesus meant it when in your baptism into his death, he was calling you and equipping you, to become a good listener, listening to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit in your very soul, gently calling and equipping you day by day to love appropriately everyone whom God brings into your mind, everyone whom God lays on your heart.   But I have a confession.  I don't always listen very well, either to that quiet, gentle voice of the Spirit within me or the words of inspired wisdom coming from my sisters and brothers .  So, I am very grateful for God's patience.  I know I'm not alone in my failure to listen.  Peter, John, and James didn't do so hot at listening either, even after just hearing that commanding voice from the cloud: This is my Son, listen to him!  On the very next day, after coming down from the mountain they, with Jesus, encounter a father whose son, his only child, was critically and dangerously ill.  He had asked the disciples for help.  The 12 disciples, including the three with Jesus on the mountain, had earlier been empowered by Jesus to have authority over all demons and to cure diseases.  And they had been incredibly successful.     But they grew lax in their calling.  They apparently forgot to listen both to the Spirit's voice within them and to the father's urgent plea for help.  The father of the little boy said, “I begged your disciples to cast out the demon, but they could not.”   Jesus is clearly frustrated, giving his disciples a holy balling out: “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you?” But then moving on from his frustration, he said to the father, “Bring your son here.”…Jesus in a sign of what he would do for whole world on the cross healed the boy and gave him back to his father.   Some days we too will forget to listen.  And Jesus will at times be frustrated with us.  But we are still and always will be his beloved sisters and brothers.  By the wonderful gift and presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, Jesus will remind us again and again that throughout the course of our lives we are becoming more and more like him, growing from one shining, grateful, joyful degree of glory to another expression of glory.   Come, Almighty, to deliver, let us all thy life receive; Suddenly return, and never, never more thy temples leave. Thee we would be always blessing, serve thee as thy hosts above, Pray and praise thee without ceasing, glory in thy perfect love.   Finish then thy new creation, pure and spotless let us be; let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee! Changed from glory into glory, till in heav'n we take our place, Till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise! Amen

Three Behaviors seen in the life of Ahab that perpetuated his rebellion and brokenness. CompromiseAbout that time King Ben-hadad of Aram mobilized his army, supported by the chariots and horses of thirty-two allied kings. They went to besiege Samaria, the capital of Israel, and launched attacks against it. He sent messengers into the city to King Ahab of Israel and said to him, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘Your silver and your gold are mine! And your best wives and children are mine as well.” The king of Israel answered, “Just as you say, my lord the king: I am yours, along with all that I have.” 1 Kings 20:1-4 NLTEvery time you compromise on truth, you're making a deal with the devil, and you're giving something up God meant for you to keep.But then the envoy returned a second time, saying, “On second thought, I want it all, your silver and gold and all your wives and sons. Hand them over, the whole works. I'll give you twenty-four hours; then my servants will arrive to search your palace and the houses of your officials and loot them; anything that strikes their fancy, they'll take.” 1 Kings 20:5-6 MSGDon't give in to any more demands, all the elders and the people advised. 1 Kings 20:8 NLTAfter their defeat, Ben-hadad's officers said to him, “The Israelite gods are gods of the hills; that is why they won. But we can beat them easily on the plains.” 1 Kings 20:23 NLTIt's not your geography, demography or circumstance that determine your destiny, it's your Savior. If you're negotiating with the devil, you're the one being manipulated! Ben-hadad told him, “I will give back the towns my father took from your father, and you may establish places of trade in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” Then Ahab said, “I will release you under these conditions.” So they made a new treaty, and Ben-hadad was set free. 1 Kings 20:34 NLTNeither the mountain nor the valley limit God's blessing, but compromise certainly does.SelfishnessNow there was a man named Naboth, from Jezreel, who owned a vineyard in Jezreel beside the palace of King Ahab of Samaria. One day Ahab said to Naboth, “Since your vineyard is so convenient to my palace, I would like to buy it to use as a vegetable garden. I will give you a better vineyard in exchange, or if you prefer, I will pay you for it.” But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance that was passed down by my ancestors.” So Ahab went home angry and sullen because of Naboth's answer. The king went to bed with his face to the wall and refused to eat! 1 Kings 21:1-4 NLTSo Ahab immediately went down to the vineyard of Naboth to claim it. 1 Kings 21:16 NLTIf you love you more than you love others you're not very much like Jesus.The LORD said to Elijah, “Go down to meet King Ahab of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He will be at Naboth's vineyard in Jezreel, claiming it for himself. Give him this message: ‘This is what the LORD says: Wasn't it enough that you killed Naboth? Must you rob him, too? Because you have done this, dogs will lick your blood at the very place where they licked the blood of Naboth!” 1 Kings 21:17-19 NLT“So, my enemy, you have found me!” Ahab exclaimed to Elijah. “Yes,” Elijah answered, “I have come because you have sold yourself to what is evil in the LORD's sight. So now the LORD says, ‘I will bring disaster on you and consume you. I will destroy every one of your male descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel! 1 Kings 21:20-21 NLTThe Gospel isn't the gospel without including the truth of God's judgement and justice. No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the LORD's sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife Jezebel. 1 Kings 21:25 NLTWhen we set selfishness aside, much of the other sin we struggle is subdued by the power of Grace! Deceit Never try to regain something God has taken away! But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not also a prophet of the LORD here? We should ask him the same question.” The king of Israel replied to Jehoshaphat, “There is one more man who could consult the LORD for us, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me! His name is Micaiah son of Imlah.” 1 Kings 22:7-8 NLTIf you have to hide what your doing or thinking from the Godly people in your life, what your doing or thinking probably isn't Godly and might cost you your life.Then Micaiah told him, “In a vision I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘Their master has been killed. Send them home in peace.'” 1 Kings 22:17 NLTSo the king died, and was brought to Samaria. And they buried the king in Samaria. Then someone washed the chariot at a pool in Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood while the harlots bathed, according to the word of the LORD which He had spoken. 1 Kings 22:37-38 NKJV God doesn't use deceit to accomplish his will, it's the devil that does that! 

Three Behaviors seen in the life of Ahab that perpetuated his rebellion and brokenness. CompromiseAbout that time King Ben-hadad of Aram mobilized his army, supported by the chariots and horses of thirty-two allied kings. They went to besiege Samaria, the capital of Israel, and launched attacks against it. He sent messengers into the city to King Ahab of Israel and said to him, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘Your silver and your gold are mine! And your best wives and children are mine as well.” The king of Israel answered, “Just as you say, my lord the king: I am yours, along with all that I have.” 1 Kings 20:1-4 NLTEvery time you compromise on truth, you're making a deal with the devil, and you're giving something up God meant for you to keep.But then the envoy returned a second time, saying, “On second thought, I want it all, your silver and gold and all your wives and sons. Hand them over, the whole works. I'll give you twenty-four hours; then my servants will arrive to search your palace and the houses of your officials and loot them; anything that strikes their fancy, they'll take.” 1 Kings 20:5-6 MSGDon't give in to any more demands, all the elders and the people advised. 1 Kings 20:8 NLTAfter their defeat, Ben-hadad's officers said to him, “The Israelite gods are gods of the hills; that is why they won. But we can beat them easily on the plains.” 1 Kings 20:23 NLTIt's not your geography, demography or circumstance that determine your destiny, it's your Savior. If you're negotiating with the devil, you're the one being manipulated! Ben-hadad told him, “I will give back the towns my father took from your father, and you may establish places of trade in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” Then Ahab said, “I will release you under these conditions.” So they made a new treaty, and Ben-hadad was set free. 1 Kings 20:34 NLTNeither the mountain nor the valley limit God's blessing, but compromise certainly does.SelfishnessNow there was a man named Naboth, from Jezreel, who owned a vineyard in Jezreel beside the palace of King Ahab of Samaria. One day Ahab said to Naboth, “Since your vineyard is so convenient to my palace, I would like to buy it to use as a vegetable garden. I will give you a better vineyard in exchange, or if you prefer, I will pay you for it.” But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance that was passed down by my ancestors.” So Ahab went home angry and sullen because of Naboth's answer. The king went to bed with his face to the wall and refused to eat! 1 Kings 21:1-4 NLTSo Ahab immediately went down to the vineyard of Naboth to claim it. 1 Kings 21:16 NLTIf you love you more than you love others you're not very much like Jesus.The LORD said to Elijah, “Go down to meet King Ahab of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He will be at Naboth's vineyard in Jezreel, claiming it for himself. Give him this message: ‘This is what the LORD says: Wasn't it enough that you killed Naboth? Must you rob him, too? Because you have done this, dogs will lick your blood at the very place where they licked the blood of Naboth!” 1 Kings 21:17-19 NLT“So, my enemy, you have found me!” Ahab exclaimed to Elijah. “Yes,” Elijah answered, “I have come because you have sold yourself to what is evil in the LORD's sight. So now the LORD says, ‘I will bring disaster on you and consume you. I will destroy every one of your male descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel! 1 Kings 21:20-21 NLTThe Gospel isn't the gospel without including the truth of God's judgement and justice. No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the LORD's sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife Jezebel. 1 Kings 21:25 NLTWhen we set selfishness aside, much of the other sin we struggle is subdued by the power of Grace! Deceit Never try to regain something God has taken away! But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not also a prophet of the LORD here? We should ask him the same question.” The king of Israel replied to Jehoshaphat, “There is one more man who could consult the LORD for us, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me! His name is Micaiah son of Imlah.” 1 Kings 22:7-8 NLTIf you have to hide what your doing or thinking from the Godly people in your life, what your doing or thinking probably isn't Godly and might cost you your life.Then Micaiah told him, “In a vision I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘Their master has been killed. Send them home in peace.'” 1 Kings 22:17 NLTSo the king died, and was brought to Samaria. And they buried the king in Samaria. Then someone washed the chariot at a pool in Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood while the harlots bathed, according to the word of the LORD which He had spoken. 1 Kings 22:37-38 NKJV God doesn't use deceit to accomplish his will, it's the devil that does that! 

We journey through the life of the prophet Elijah during a rebellious reign in the northern kingdom of Israel. Elijah stands against the idolatry of King Ahab and his wife Jezebel, delivering God's judgment of drought upon the land. We discuss God's miraculous provision for Elijah, including his time in Zarephath with a widow and her son, and the epic showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. We end with a reflection on the downfall of the northern kingdom and its exile by the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC.Bible Readings1 Kings 16:29-331 Kings 17:1-241 Kings 18:22-40Philippians 4:10-13Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgOur sessions use various translations including the ESV, BSB, CSB, NASB,...

I KINGS 20-21Four Events of King Ahab's Life1. The First Syrian Battle – I Kings 20:1-222. The Second Syrian Battle – I Kings 20:23-433. Naboth's Vineyard – I Kings 21:1-294. The Third Syrian Battle – I Kings 22:1-53Teaching by pastor Jason Duff at The Garden Fellowship on 2.12.25.More teachings and information online at thegardenfellowship.com.

I KINGS 20-21Four Events of King Ahab's Life1. The First Syrian Battle – I Kings 20:1-222. The Second Syrian Battle – I Kings 20:23-433. Naboth's Vineyard – I Kings 21:1-294. The Third Syrian Battle – I Kings 22:1-53Teaching by pastor Jason Duff at The Garden Fellowship on 2.12.25.More teachings and information online at thegardenfellowship.com.

Elijah once again is in hot water with the king: King Ahab is dead, and his son Ahaziah is now king Ahaziah fell several stories and inquires of Baalzebub if he will recover God sends Elijah to the king to tell him he will die The king is angry and sends captains to take Elijah, but God sends fire from heaven Ahaziah dies   Hey! Don't leave before looking at other P40 stuff:   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries  Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries  Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com  Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869  Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk  Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop  YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle    Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee  https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40   This ministry is only made possible due to your generous support https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries

Elder Gowens' 1/26/25 sermon looks at 1 Kings 18:1-16. After three years in hiding, Elijah is sent back to King Ahab in lieu of ending the drought. From this passage, Gowens extracts a number of practical lessons as well as a doctrinal lesson concerning the encouraging doctrine of the remnant.

Episode 230: Before You Take Off Your ArmorIn this episode of Mavericks & Misfits, we examine the undiagnosed issue of pride and arrogance in many Christians' hearts., We are challenged to examine our own hearts, and to confront the subtle ways we may be living with undiagnosed presumption. Drawing from the story of King Ahab and Ben-Hadad in 1 Kings 20, we are reminded of the danger of boasting before the battle has even begun. The key phrase, 'Let not him who straps on his armor boast of himself as he who takes off his armor,' serves as a wake-up call to our often complacent faith. This message urges us to consider how our cultural context, particularly in prosperous nations, may have bred a false sense of invincibility in our spiritual lives. We're encouraged to embrace the biblical truths of suffering, self-denial, and humility as essential components of authentic discipleship. By confronting our latent arrogance and hyper-victorious mentality, we can cultivate a more genuine, battle-ready faith that's prepared for the spiritual warfare we face daily.

King Ahab willingly goes off to die: 400 prophets lie to Ahab and tell him to go to battle Macaiah, the only real prophet, reveals that the prophets were lying because God sent a lying spirit How can God send a lying spirit if He doesn't cause people to sin? Macaiah gets thrown into prison and Ahab disregards what he warns God saves the life of Jehoshaphat Ahab dies from a randomized arrow   Check out all these links from P40: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries  Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries  Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com  Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869  Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk  Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop  YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle    Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee  https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40   This ministry is only made possible due to your generous support https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries

The prophet Elijah wrought a glorious victory over the 450 prophets of Baal, but all that was soon forgotten as he fell into a deep depression after his encounter with King Ahab and his wife Jezebel. The LORD gave him rest, food, drink, and a new commission to get back in the battle with. Elijah thought he was the only one left, right up to the moment God revealed to him He had 7,000 hidden soldiers standing in the wings, waiting to be called in. My message today is on God's Hidden Soldiers. Christian, do you ever get weary and tired on the battlefield for the LORD? Do you sometimes fall into a state of depression? If you do, you're in good company, the prophet Elijah experienced those things as well. I want to give you a word of encouragement today from the scriptures on the hidden soldiers God has waiting to assist you in your walk with Him. 

King Ahab takes what he wants—at the cost of an innocent man's life. Justice should be swift, right? But then… God forgives him. Wait, what?! How is that fair? Because grace isn't fair. And that's the gospel. If God can forgive Ahab, what does that mean for you and me?

Preached at Faithway Baptist College of Canada, Ajax, ON.

Later on, in the third year of the drought, the LORD said to Elijah, “Go and present yourself to King Ahab. Tell him that I will soon send rain!” So Elijah went to appear before Ahab. 1 Kings 18:1-2 NLTWhen Ahab saw him, he exclaimed, “So, is it really you, you troublemaker of Israel?” “I have made no trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “You and your family are the troublemakers, for you have refused to obey the commands of the LORD and have worshiped the images of Baal instead. 1 Kings 18:16-18 NLTChoosing to blame God for the trouble our broken choices cause is a foolish waste of time.If you carefully obey the commands I am giving you today, and if you love the LORD your God and serve him with all your heart and soul, then he will send the rains in their proper seasons, the early and late rains so you can bring in your harvests of grain, new wine, and olive oil. He will give you lush pastureland for your livestock, and you yourselves will have all you want to eat. But be careful. Don't let your heart be deceived so that you turn away from the LORD and serve and worship other gods. If you do, the LORD's anger will burn against you. He will shut up the sky and hold back the rain, and the ground will fail to produce its harvests. Then you will quickly die in that good land the LORD is giving you. Deuteronomy 11:13-17 NLTThe prodigal perspective will separate you from God's provision and protection.Now summon all Israel to join me at Mount Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah who are supported by Jezebel.” 1 Kings 18:19 NLTSo 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. 1 Kings 18:20-21 NLTOur choosing to be neutral on worship to Baal isn't a blessing to anyone. Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20 ESVThen Elijah said to them, “I am the only prophet of the LORD who is left, but Baal has 450 prophets. Now bring two bulls. The prophets of Baal may choose whichever one they wish and cut it into pieces and lay it on the wood of their altar, but without setting fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood on the altar, but not set fire to it. Then call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The god who answers by setting fire to the wood is the true God!” And all the people agreed. 1 Kings 18:22-24 NLTThen Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “You go first, for there are many of you.” 1 Kings 18:25 NLTSo they prepared one of the bulls and placed it on the altar. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning until noontime, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no reply of any kind. Then they danced, hobbling around the altar they had made. 1 Kings 18:26 NLTAbout noontime Elijah began mocking them. You'll have to shout louder,” he scoffed, “for surely he is a god! Perhaps he is daydreaming, or is relieving himself. Or maybe he is away on a trip, or is asleep and needs to be wakened! 1 Kings 18:27 NLTSo they shouted louder, and following their normal custom, they cut themselves with knives and swords until the blood gushed out. 1 Kings 18:28 NLTThe life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the LORD. Leviticus 17:11 NLTYou can't make sacrifices to a false god without on some level sacrificing your own life.They raved all afternoon until the time of the evening sacrifice, but still there was no sound, no reply, no response. 1 Kings 18:29 NLTIt's sad to sacrifice anything to a false god, when in the end all you offer is offered in vain.Then Elijah called to the people, “Come over here!” They all crowded around him as he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been torn down. 1 Kings 18:30 NLT Just because you have an altar doesn't mean it's ready for a sacrifice. Disobedience, distraction and disregard will always leave the altar in a state of disrepair. The altar must be an honored and intimate place of communion with and dedication to God.He took twelve stones, one to represent each of the tribes of Israel, and he used the stones to rebuild the altar in the name of the LORD. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold about three gallons. He piled wood on the altar, cut the bull into pieces, and laid the pieces on the wood. Then he said, “Fill four large jars with water, and pour the water over the offering and the wood.” After they had done this, he said, “Do the same thing again!” And when they were finished, he said, “Now do it a third time!” So they did as he said, and the water ran around the altar and even filled the trench. 1 Kings 18:31-35 NLTAt the usual time for offering the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet walked up to the altar and prayed, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. O LORD, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.” 1 Kings 18:36-37 NLT Sacrifices made to Jehovah are never wasted. Immediately the fire of the LORD flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! 1 Kings 18:38 NLTTruly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew 18:18 ESVAnd when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, “The LORD, he is God! Yes, the LORD is God!” 1 Kings 18:39 NLTWhen the score is tallied in an honest way the outcome will always say that Jehovah alone is God.Poem

The emperor challenged Rabban Gamliel with several questions about God's actions and God's power as described in the Tanach, including verses that seemingly suggest the existence of multiple deities. While the emperor's daughter addressed the first question, Rabban Gamliel responded to the remaining ones. The text also describes similar debates between heretics and other rabbis. The discussion then relates to verse quotes in the Mishna about rejoicing when evil people fall. Rabbi Acha applies this concept to the celebration following King Ahab's death. However, this interpretation raises a conflict, as Rabbi Yonatan explains that God does not rejoice at the downfall of evil people, since they too are His creations. This principle is derived from multiple sources, including a verse related to the splitting of the Red Sea. The resolution offered is that while God Himself does not rejoice, God permits humans to do so. The text then examines Ovadia, who served as the supervisor of Ahab's household and was known for his devotion to God. This raises several questions: Why does the text specifically mention his devotion to God? What textual evidence demonstrates that his fear of God surpassed even that of Abraham? Furthermore, what factors led to his selection as a prophet, and why was he specifically chosen to prophesize about Edom?