Podcasts about Zarephath

This teaching from Pastor Elliot walks through 1 Kings 16 and 17, tracing Israel's kings from Baasha through Ahab and Jezebel while introducing the prophet Elijah. As each king turns further toward idol worship, the nation experiences the covenant curse of drought, just as God had warned centuries earlier through Moses. But even in judgment, God is working to draw his people back to himself. Elijah's time by the brook, his stay with the widow of Zarephath, and the raising of her son all show a God who provides daily bread, hears prayer, and holds power over life and death. Through famine and loss, the true character of God comes into focus as merciful, faithful, and utterly reliable, even when the surrounding culture worships gods who cannot deliver on a single promise.

If you were to sit in a quiet room with no distractions and honestly answer the question — what is your number one priority in life — what would you say? It is the kind of question most of us prefer not to sit with too long, because the honest answer is often more complicated than we would like. Children, careers, spouses, finances: these things are not wrong in themselves, but God does not compete for position in our lives. He simply waits, with long-suffering patience, for us to return to Him as our first love. The widow of Zarephath had reached the end of everything. One last meal for herself and her son, and then nothing. When the prophet Elijah arrived with what must have sounded like an absurd request — give me food first, before you feed yourself and your child — her decision to obey was an act of profound, costly faith. She put the man of God first, and as a result, the flour and oil did not run out for the entire duration of the famine. Her obedience was not a transaction. It was trust. Matthew 6:33 captures the principle her life illustrated: seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Putting God first is not about earning blessings. It is about living in honest acknowledgment that everything we have comes from Him, and that He alone is worthy of the first and best of what we have to offer — our time, our finances, our attention, and our hearts. Today's Bible Verse "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."— Matthew 6:33, KJV Ponder Today God does not compete for first place — but He deserves it. Every good thing in our lives is a gift from Him. Giving Him priority is not a burden He imposes on us. It is the natural and right response to who He is and what He has done. Obedience is the practical expression of putting God first. The widow of Zarephath's faith was demonstrated not in words but in action. Putting God first shows up in how we spend our mornings, our money, our time, and our attention. Our motives for seeking God matter deeply. We do not put God first in order to receive blessing upon blessing. We put Him first because He gave His only Son for flawed, undeserving humans. Pure motives honor Him far more than calculated obedience. Putting God first means removing compartmentalization from our lives. God is not meant to occupy one section of our schedule or one category of our budget. He is meant to be first in every area — no exceptions, no separation. The goal is to hear "well done, good and faithful servant." True success in this life is not measured by what we accumulate but by whether we sought first His kingdom and His righteousness. That eternal perspective changes how we order our daily priorities. A Prayer for You Today Our Father and our God, thank You for Your goodness that extends from generation to generation. There is no one like You, and no one deserves the honor and glory that is Yours alone. Help me to put You first in every area of my life. May my love for You grow each day as I think of Your sacrifice. Remind me that You are always with me, so that when I win it is You, and when I stumble You are there. Help me to seek first the kingdom of God, and help me to die daily to my flesh so that I do not idolize myself or anything You have given me. Each day You give, I choose to honor You by making You first priority. In Jesus' name, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer helped you reorder your priorities around the One who deserves first place in your life, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to keep your heart and your life oriented toward the kingdom of God every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

July 26, 2026 | Sunday AM Worship - The Widow Zarephath - Jordan Ware

Discover how the Lord wants to teach you prosperity beyond your natural limits! Jovan Smith explores biblical principles of provision through the exciting journey of Elijah and the widow at Zarephath.

“But I rejoiced in the Lordgreatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though yousurely did care, but you lacked opportunity.” Rememberwhere Paul is as he writes these words. He is under house arrest in Rome. Hehas been separated from the Philippian believers for several years. During thattime they had desired to help him, but because of distance, persecution, andlimited means of communication, they simply had no opportunity. Then God openeda door. The church gathered an offering and sent one of their own members,Epaphroditus, on the long journey from Philippi to Rome. It was a dangeroustrip of nearly eight hundred miles. Along the way Epaphroditus became seriouslyill and nearly died, yet he faithfully completed the mission God had given him.Through this faithful servant, the Philippian believers sent not only financialhelp but also encouragement, love, and fellowship to Paul. NoticePaul's first response. "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly." Hedid not merely rejoice because money had arrived. He rejoiced because he sawGod's hand behind the gift. His joy was centered "in the Lord." Thatlittle phrase appears throughout Philippians. Paul teaches us again and againthat our joy is never to be rooted in circumstances but in Christ Himself. Paulunderstood that people may give the gift, but God is always the Provider. Jamesreminds us, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, andcomes down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17). David declared inPsalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Paulsaw every provision of life as coming from the loving hand of his HeavenlyFather. Noticeanother beautiful expression. "Your care of me has flourishedagain." The word "flourished" pictures a plant thatblooms again after winter. The Philippians' love for Paul had never died. Ithad simply lacked an opportunity to express itself. Now their concern hadblossomed into visible action once more. How encouraging that must have been! Sometimeswe wrongly conclude that people no longer care because we have not heard fromthem for a while. But circumstances often prevent people from expressing whatis really in their hearts. Paul quickly removes any misunderstanding by saying," though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.” In other words,"I know you have cared all along. You simply had no way to help."What grace! Paul refuses to criticize them. He refuses to question theirmotives. He gives them the benefit of the doubt. Wouldn't our relationships behealthier if we did the same? How many misunderstandings could be avoided if weassumed the best instead of the worst? Remember 1 Corinthians 13: Love "believesall things" and "hopes all things." Love looks forreasons to trust rather than reasons to doubt. Thereis another wonderful lesson here. God's timing is always perfect. The gift didnot arrive early. It did not arrive late. It arrived exactly when God knew Paulneeded it. Our Heavenly Father is never in a hurry, but He is never behindschedule. Abraham learned that on Mount Moriah when God provided the ram. Israellearned it in the wilderness when manna appeared every morning. Elijah learnedit beside the brook Cherith and later through the widow of Zarephath. Paul nowexperiences that same faithful provision in a Roman prison. Perhapstoday you are waiting on God. You have prayed. You have trusted Him. Yet theanswer has not yet come. Take courage. If God knows how to feed the sparrowsand clothe the lilies of the field, He certainly knows how to care for His ownchildren. Often God's delays are not God's denials. He is preparing both theprovision and the person who will receive it.  When our eyes are fixed on Christ, every blessing becomes anotherreminder of His faithfulness. When we recognize that every good thing comesfrom His loving hand, gratitude replaces anxiety, and joy replaces worry.

Luke 4:20-26 New International Version 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked. 23 Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’” 24 “Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. 25 I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. 26 Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke 4:23-32 New International Version 23 Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’” 24 “Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. 25 I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. 26 Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. 27 And there were many in Israel with leprosy[a] in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.” 28 All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. 29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. 30 But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way. Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit 31 Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. 32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke 4:23-32 New International Version 23 Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’” 24 “Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. 25 I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. 26 Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. 27 And there were many in Israel with leprosy[a] in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.” 28 All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. 29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. 30 But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way. Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit 31 Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. 32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisdom in Practice | A Generous Life Proverbs 11:24–25 | 1 Kings 17:7–16 What if generosity isn't about losing something—but about discovering the life God designed us to live? Our world tells us that security comes through accumulating, protecting, and preserving what we have. But the wisdom of Proverbs points us toward a very different economy—one where those who refresh others are themselves refreshed. In this message from our Wisdom in Practice series, we explore the remarkable story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, discovering that generosity isn't first about money, but about trusting the God who provides. Together we'll discover: * God invites us to live by His economy, not the world's. * Generosity begins with trusting the God who provides. * We were created to both refresh others and be refreshed ourselves. Whether it's our time, relationships, abilities, finances, or hospitality, every resource we've received is an opportunity to participate in God's generous kingdom.

We hear people talk about little being much, when God is in it, yet many times when our circumstances seem bleak, we just throw up our hands in defeat. Join us in this program of Woman at the Well Ministries as Kim continues her discussion of God's presence in our problems. We will see that when God is added to the equation, things change. Things aren't always what they seem because God is not bound by natural laws. He is the law.   Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode John 6:1–14 (Feeding of the Five Thousand) www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6%3A1-14&version=KJV Sea of Galilee / Sea of Tiberias (John 6:1) www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6%3A1&version=KJV John 14:6 www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A6&version=KJV Isaiah 64:6 ("all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+64%3A6&version=KJV Romans 3:10 ("There is none righteous, no, not one") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3%3A10&version=KJV Ecclesiastes 1:9 ("there is no new thing under the sun") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+1%3A9&version=KJV Revelation 3:20 ("I stand at the door, and knock") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+3%3A20&version=KJV Hebrews 11:6 www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A6&version=KJV Matthew 6:8 ("your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A8&version=KJV Matthew 14:22–33 (Jesus walks on the water; referenced as Peter and the disciples in the boat) www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A22-33&version=KJV Psalm 121:4 ("He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+121%3A4&version=KJV 1 Samuel 17:47 ("the battle is the Lord's") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+17%3A47&version=KJV 1 Samuel 15:22 ("to obey is better than sacrifice") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+15%3A22&version=KJV Matthew 7:7 www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A7&version=KJV Philippians 4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ...") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A13&version=KJV John 6:35 ("I am the bread of life") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6%3A35&version=KJV Elijah and the widow of Zarephath (meal and oil) — 1 Kings 17:8–16 www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+17%3A8-16&version=KJV Luke 6:38 ("pressed down, and shaken together, and running over") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6%3A38&version=KJV Luke 15:3–7 (The Lost Sheep; "the ninety and nine...the one") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+15%3A3-7&version=KJV Acts 10:34 ("God is no respecter of persons") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+10%3A34&version=KJV 2 Corinthians 5:1 ("a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5%3A1&version=KJV Psalm 121:1–2 ("I will lift up mine eyes...my help cometh from the Lord") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+121%3A1-2&version=KJV 2 Timothy 1:12 ("I know whom I have believed...") www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A12&version=KJV Did you enjoy this episode? It would make a huge difference to us if you took a minute to leave us a review wherever you listen and share the episode on social media!  Have you listened to our new podcast, The Bible Bit Podcast? These short podcasts come directly from the Bible Bits Kimberly writes each week day and shares to our subscribers via text message. You can learn more about Bible Bits right here. Want the BIble Bits in print? Find them here:  Bible Bit books! Do you want to bring Kimberly Miller and Woman at the Well Ministries to your church, upcoming retreat, or conference? Contact us!  Special thanks to the gospel group Fudge Creek for allowing us to use their song Happy Girl. Woman at the Well Ministries is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving our Heavenly Father and it is through your loving and generous support that our ministry continues to bless others. To learn how to partner with Woman at the Well Ministries, please visit our website.  All of this and more is found on the Woman at the Well Ministries website.

Elijah confronts Ahab, provides food to a widow in Zarephath, and raises her son from the dead.

Generosity Series - When We Have Nothing, God Is Enough Steve Nicholson Through the stories of the widow of Zarephath, the feeding of the five thousand, Gideon, and personal testimony, we are reminded that God's power is most clearly displayed in our weakness. He rarely provides everything at once, but faithfully gives what we need each day as we continue to trust and obey Him. Whether we feel empty, inadequate, or at the end of our own resources, God simply asks for our “yes.” As we surrender what little we have into His hands, He transforms ordinary faith into extraordinary provision, revealing that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Scraping the Bottom of the Barrel by Autumn Dickson Do you ever feel like you're desperately scraping at an empty barrel? Maybe it's with physical resources to take care of your family, or maybe you feel emotionally or spiritually drained. Well this week holds a story that can give us the key to finding peace with our barrel. There is a huge famine in the land, and the Lord is providing for the prophet, Elijah. Elijah is living by a stream and getting water from it, and some birds are feeding him. When the stream dries up, Elijah is instructed by the Lord to go to Zarephath where a widow will take care of him. When he gets to Zarephath, he finds the widow. He requests water and a piece of bread. Here is where our story continues. 1 Kings 17:12-14 12 And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. 13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. 14 For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth. Elijah requests bread. The widow said she only has enough for her and her son before they die. Elijah tells her to get him some bread anyway and promises that if she does, she will have enough flour and oil until it rains again. HERE IS WHY I LOVE THIS STORY AND WISH IT WERE ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS STORIES IN THE BIBLE: There is always enough in the barrel. The widow of Zarephath chose to feed the prophet, and his promise was fulfilled. She had enough food for her and her son, and that food continued on. Absolutely incredible. But. What did the miracle look like? When the widow of Zarephath woke up in the morning and she lifted up the lid on her barrel, how much flour was there? Was the entire thing full? Did it always remain full? Did it empty over time and then one morning, she would awake to a full barrel again? Or…did it always stay almost empty? Was there always a slight tinge of fear that one morning, it would simply be gone? Every night when she used up the “last” of the flour, did it prick at heart and push her to pray for another day? How long did it take for her to trust the miracle? I'm going to highlight it again: There will always be enough in the barrel. But even more than always giving enough, the Lord is trying to teach us something important. I don't know how the Lord continued the miracle of flour, but I would feel pretty comfortable guessing that it was the last option. The barrel always had just enough. If we're going off of the Lord's past patterns in almost everything (not just physical and monetary resources but spiritually and emotionally), we see very clearly that the Lord likes to give us just enough. Here is my theory as to why I think the Lord chose the last option: that there was always just enough flour left. Let's say the Lord filled up the barrel and kept it perpetually full. There is not as much need, and therefore, there is not as much reliance upon the Lord. The widow always had plenty of flour. This is awesome, but there is an option that actually gives the widow more than just flour. Let's say the Lord filled up the barrel, let it empty, and then filled it up again. I don't know how big her barrel was, but let's say it took a week for her to empty the barrel. Once a week, the widow would go to bed with a prayer in heart that there would be more tomorrow. And then my personal theory: The Lord only ever gave the widow just enough. Every single time the widow opened the barrel, she was praying that there was enough. She had so much more need which meant there was more opportunity to rely on the Lord and learn to trust Him. There were way more opportunities to build trust, and so the widow had flour AND she gained trust. Some might argue it was cruel of a loving Father to not give her more flour and more security and confidence. I think the gift of trusting Him is one of the greatest gifts He can offer, and He's very limited in how He is able to build that trust. Hence, the withheld flour. So how does this relate to us? If He's withholding flour, it's not because He wants to torture you. It's because He wants a relationship with you. He wants you to trust Him, and giving you these repeated exposures builds trust even if it's stressful until you figure out that He's going to show up. So the solution? Trust! Trust that there will be enough. Perhaps the widow even had to scrape the bottom of the barrel to make sure there was enough, but the simple fact remained true: there was enough. Even if you're only ever receiving enough for your needs, your barrel might as well be overflowing because the Lord's resources are infinite. You don't have to worry about that part. The part you should really start to work on is trusting Him. Because even with a full barrel, there is never true security in this world. Everything could blow up tomorrow. But if you put your trust in the Lord instead of a full barrel, you never feel empty. In fact, I don't think scraping the barrel is the stressful part. I think worrying about whether you'll have enough is the stressful part. The real part that is killing you right now is not the physical motion of scraping the barrel; it's being terrified that there won't be enough tomorrow. If you can release that fear, the barrel will no longer feel tortuous. You'll see the miracle as it is. You will see infinite resources. If you can learn to trust, you won't feel empty. You will rejoice and trust in His infinite resources. You will feel confident as His heir. Your barrel will feel full. Every night, as you go to sleep, switch your thinking. Don't ask yourself, “Will there be enough tomorrow?” Instead, recount the many times there has always been enough. You will find that the worries begin to disappear on their own. The widow of Zarephath is one of my favorite stories because it teaches me that I don't have to be scared about what's in my barrel. I can look at my barrel and see the emptiness, or I can look up and see His infinite flour. Just because He's only giving me a scoop at a time doesn't mean I have nothing. It means I get as much flour as I need AND it means that I get to look up at Him everyday. I testify with all of my heart that there is enough for you. Autumn Dickson was born and raised in a small town in Texas. She served a mission in the Indianapolis Indiana mission. She studied elementary education but has found a particular passion in teaching the gospel. Her desire for her content is to inspire people to feel confident, peaceful, and joyful about their relationship with Jesus Christ and to allow that relationship to touch every aspect of their lives. Autumn was the recipient of FAIR's 2024 John Taylor Defender of the Faith Award. The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – 1 Kings 12–13; 17–22 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Luke 4:23-32 New International Version 23 Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’” 24 “Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. 25 I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. 26 Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. 27 And there were many in Israel with leprosy[a] in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.” 28 All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. 29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. 30 But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way. Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit 31 Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. 32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes(00:00) An overview of these chapters. The kingdom of Israel divides when Solomon's son Rehoboam refuses to reduce the burden on the northern tribes.(06:55) A brief history of the Lost Ten Tribes in the north and Judah in the south.(10:48) Jeroboam, worried that his people will turn their hearts towards the leaders in the south when they go to the temple in Jerusalem, decides to build rival sanctuaries in Dan and Bethel.(13:25) Do not take counsel from your fears or be fooled by an imitation.(19:18) A man of God warns Jeroboam against false worship, prophesying of a future day when Josiah will destroy it.(22:17) What happened to the Ark of the Covenant? Could Shishak of Egypt have taken this treasure from the Jerusalem temple?(29:13) Elijah, an embodiment of great power, is a type of many prophets. All prophets are types of Christ. (31:49) Elijah seals the heavens and is fed by a raven. He goes to Zarephath and asks a widow woman for her barrel flour and jar of oil, promising they will never become empty during the famine.(40:30) Elijah raises the widow's son from the dead. Jesus duplicates the miracles of Elijah.(43:28) Obadiah, part of Ahab's court, saves 100 prophets from Queen Jezebel and also helps Elijah.(47:29) Obadiah and Elijah's “50” can be seen as part of a bigger picture, as members of a choral arrangement that were connected to the temple and the sacred drama in many ancient cultures.(52:37) Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to call down fire from heaven. They fail.(57:14) At times the Lord will manifest miracles to show his might and prove that he is God. The Book of Mormon is that proof for us today.(1:03:40) The famine ends and Queen Jezebel seeks the life of Elijah. In his loneliness, Elijah experiences deep sadness, believing that the prophets are dead. At times, we may feel as Elijah did. Being with the Saints and remembering the truth of the gospel message can bolster our resilience.(1:11:44) Elijah's experience with the still small voice of the Lord.(1:18:17) Ahab, king of Israel, is attacked by the Syrian army. A prophet tells Ahab that Israel will win. Ahab later desires the vineyard of Naboth, who refuses to sell his land. Jezebel, Ahab’s wife, orchestrates a conspiracy to frame Naboth for blasphemy, and Ahab acquires the land through deceit. Elijah comes to inform Ahab that Ahab’s line will cease, that Jezebel will be eaten by dogs, and that Ahab’s blood will be licked up by dogs in the very spot where Naboth was killed. Time vindicates the prophets. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 378 | 1 Kings 12-22, Come Follow Me 2026 (June 29-July 5) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

This powerful teaching invites us to examine the systems and atmospheres we've created in our lives and asks a critical question: Are they conducive to our divine design? Drawing from Ephesians 2:10, we're reminded that we are God's masterpiece, His handiwork, created with intentionality and purpose. The message challenges us to move from frustration to focus by understanding that we're not accidents or afterthoughts—God planned us with His fullest creative abilities. Through the stories of Elijah at the brook Cherith and his transition to Zarephath, we see that different seasons require different systems. What worked at the brook won't sustain us in Zarephath. The dried-up brook isn't a sign of failure; it's an invitation to our next phase. Similarly, when Peter, James, John, and Andrew left their fishing nets to follow Jesus, they didn't just change careers—they shifted their entire system of living to align with their assignment. This teaching urges us to examine our daily routines, our environments, and our habits. Are they supporting where God is taking us, or are they keeping us stuck in a previous season? The small shifts we make today—waking up earlier, creating space for prayer, reorganizing our physical environment—can bring the acceleration we've been praying for. We're called to walk by faith, not leap by faith, taking consistent daily steps that align with the path God has prepared for us long ago.

Luke 4:20-26 New International Version 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked. 23 Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’” 24 “Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. 25 I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. 26 Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Lynne Hilton Wilson as she explores the powerful and complex stories of the Old Testament women in 1 Kings 12–22, including the wife of Jeroboam, the infamous Queen Jezebel, and the faithful widow of Zarephath. In this study, we examine how these women influenced kings, confronted prophets, and revealed themes of faith, idolatry, power, and God's provision during one of Israel's most divided eras. Join us as we uncover the lessons and spiritual insights hidden within these remarkable Old Testament accounts.

The path we each walk between our birth and our death is filled with all kinds of trouble and sorrow and suffering. So how do we handle all of this pain? The world offers many methods to escape and cope, but to really deal with our sufferings rightly, we need a savior. The true meaning of suffering can only be found in Jesus Christ. In this sermon on 1 Kings 17:17–24, in which the widow of Zarephath's son dies and brought back to life, Pastoral Intern Luke Lustfeldt teaches us that God's grace will meet you in your suffering and he will strengthen your faith in the supremacy of Jesus Christ, which is the only real source of healing for our suffering. Listen as Luke unfolds this idea in three main headings: Crisis in Suffering God's Grace in Suffering Faith in Suffering From Sunday Evening Worship, July 12, 2026. ------------------------------- allsoulspca.org All Souls (Urbana, IL) is a part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), a Christian, Reformed denomination with historic and theological roots in the Protestant Reformation.

In this Bible Story, A great drought fills the land of Israel, yet God continues to meet Elijah's needs. The drought is a symbol of Israel's spiritual state as they have strayed away from the Lord and worshiped other gods. This story is inspired by 1 Kings 17. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 1 Kings 17:7 from the King James Version.Episode 122: As a drought was entering the land, Elijah looked around with sorrow. He received a word from God that this would be a lasting famine and was sent to King Ahab to share the message with him. After this Elijah followed God to a brook where he was miraculously provided for until the brook dried up. But God would not abandon His servant Elijah and He sent him to Zarephath to be provided for by a widow. Little did this widow know that she herself would experience God's miraculous provision in her obedience with what little she had.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd Haberkorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This video provides teaching ideas, discussion prompts, and activities to support the 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Kings 3, 6-9, 11 lesson in the Come, Follow Me manual.It is designed to serve as a practical resource for teachers, parents, missionaries, and anyone preparing to teach this week's Come, Follow Me lesson.My hope is that these ideas will help simplify your preparation, increase student engagement, and strengthen your confidence as you teach. Lesson Resources and Links Link to WORDLE game instructions:Mosiah 4-6, Come Follow Me  Link to "Widow of Zarephath" Video :https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2016-12-0016-widow-of-zarephath?lang=eng Link to “Elijah and the Priests of Baal" Video: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2021-11-1340-elijah-and-the-priests-of-baal?lang=eng Link to "You're Never Alone" Video:https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2009-08-33-youre-never-alone?lang=eng Teaching with Power ResourcesFor links to videos, lesson plans, subscriptions, weekly lesson materials, go to www.teachingwithpower.comTo sign up for a Full Old Testament Subscription, go to:  https://www.teachingwithpower.com/product-page/2026-old-testament-bundle-subscription-all-slides-handouts-and-lesson-plansContact: teachingwithpower@gmail.com Credits & NotesMusic provided by the YouTube Audio Library — Dancing StarSome illustrations in this video were generated using Chat GPT AI.Additional Bible illustrations are provided by Sweet Publishing( http://sweetpublishing.com) under the Creative Commons 3.0 Share-Alike License.All other images are in the public domain. DisclaimerThe content of this video reflects my personal insights and teaching ideas. It does not represent the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This video provides teaching ideas, discussion prompts, and activities to support the 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Kings 3, 6-9, 11 lesson in the Come, Follow Me manual.It is designed to serve as a practical resource for teachers, parents, missionaries, and anyone preparing to teach this week's Come, Follow Me lesson.My hope is that these ideas will help simplify your preparation, increase student engagement, and strengthen your confidence as you teach. Lesson Resources and Links Link to WORDLE game instructions:Mosiah 4-6, Come Follow Me  Link to "Widow of Zarephath" Video :https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2016-12-0016-widow-of-zarephath?lang=eng Link to “Elijah and the Priests of Baal" Video: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2021-11-1340-elijah-and-the-priests-of-baal?lang=eng Link to "You're Never Alone" Video:https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2009-08-33-youre-never-alone?lang=eng Teaching with Power ResourcesFor links to videos, lesson plans, subscriptions, weekly lesson materials, go to www.teachingwithpower.comTo sign up for a Full Old Testament Subscription, go to:  https://www.teachingwithpower.com/product-page/2026-old-testament-bundle-subscription-all-slides-handouts-and-lesson-plansContact: teachingwithpower@gmail.com Credits & NotesMusic provided by the YouTube Audio Library — Dancing StarSome illustrations in this video were generated using Chat GPT AI.Additional Bible illustrations are provided by Sweet Publishing( http://sweetpublishing.com) under the Creative Commons 3.0 Share-Alike License.All other images are in the public domain. DisclaimerThe content of this video reflects my personal insights and teaching ideas. It does not represent the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Podcast Title:Take It Upstairs | Anchored in Troubled Waters | Season 9 Episode 25Podcast Description:After God sustained the widow of Zarephath through famine, tragedy entered her home and her son died. Elijah took the child from her arms, carried him into the upper room, and cried unto the Lord. In this message, we look at what to do when trouble enters a place God has blessed, when pain raises difficult questions, and when the burden is beyond our ability to repair. When we cannot fix it downstairs, we can still take it upstairs in prayer.Alternate Podcast Description 2:The widow of Zarephath had already seen God sustain her home through famine, but then tragedy came and her son died. Elijah took the child into the upper room and cried unto the Lord. This message explores honest prayer, persistent faith, and what it means to carry burdens into God's presence when human strength and understanding have reached their end.Alternate Podcast Description 3:What do we do when pain enters a house God has blessed? In 1 Kings 17, Elijah takes an impossible burden upstairs and places it before the Lord. This message reminds us that prayer does not require polished words, grief does not disqualify faith, and no burden is too heavy to bring before the throne of grace.

Faith isn't just about what you gain from God; it's about what you are willing to surrender. Like the widow of Zarephath, discover how letting go of your ultimate earthly security and trusting the Multiplier unlocks a supernatural overflow of provision today.

Podcast Title:When There's Only a Handful Left | Anchored in Troubled Waters | Season 9 Episode 24Podcast Description:After the brook dried up, God sent Elijah to Zarephath, where a widow had only a handful of meal and a little oil left. What looked like the end became the place where God revealed His sustaining power. In this message, we look at trusting God when resources are low, obedience feels costly, and what remains seems too small to matter. The barrel did not waste, the oil did not fail, and God proved faithful day by day.Alternate Podcast Description 2:What happens when you are down to the last handful? In 1 Kings 17, Elijah meets a widow in Zarephath who has only a handful of meal and a little oil left. She thinks she is preparing her final meal, but God is preparing to reveal His sustaining power. This message looks at faith, obedience, and the God who can do more with what remains than we imagined.Alternate Podcast Description 3:A handful of meal and a little oil did not look like enough to survive a famine, but God had already spoken provision into that place. In this message, we look at the widow of Zarephath, the obedience that touched her last little bit, and the miracle of daily sustaining grace. What looks small in our hands can become enough when God puts His word on it.

When the Brook Dries Up | Anchored in Troubled Waters | Season 9 Episode 23Podcast DescriptionElijah was exactly where God told him to be, and yet the brook still dried up. In this message, we look at what happens when a season of provision begins to change, how God sustains His people in unexpected ways, and why a dried-up brook does not mean God has abandoned us. The brook may dry up, but the God who provided it is still faithful.Alternate Podcast Description 2What happens when the place God used to sustain you begins to dry up? In 1 Kings 17, Elijah is sent by God to the brook Cherith, fed by ravens, and sustained in a season of drought. But after a while, the brook dries up. This message looks at trusting God through changing seasons, unexpected provision, and the next word that often comes after the brook runs dry.Alternate Podcast Description 3A drying brook does not always mean God has abandoned you. Sometimes it means He is moving you into the next season of obedience. In this message, we follow Elijah from Cherith to Zarephath and learn to trust the Provider more than the provision. The method may change, but the Source remains faithful.

Matthew Dowling, preaching minister for the Plymouth Church of Christ, preached a message titled "Faith When You Have Nothing Left: The Widow of Zarephath" from 1 Kings 17:7-16. The May sermon series is titled "Courage in Her Bones: Women Who Shaped Redemption."

Sermon from Pastor Jim Stultz on May 10, 2026

In this powerful message, Pastor B.explores the incredible story of the widow of Zarephath and discovers how God works miracles through unlikely people, impossible situations, and simple acts of faith. During a devastating famine, God sent the prophet Elijah to a widow who had almost nothing left, just a handful of flour and a little oil. Yet through her obedience and trust, God provided daily miracles that never ran dry.This message reminds us that miracles often begin with a command from God, are sustained by His promises, and require us to take a step of faith even when resources seem limited. The widow's story teaches that surrendering what little we have into God's hands can lead to supernatural multiplication and provision.We also look at Elijah's journey during the drought, God's unexpected provision through ravens and enemy territory, and the resurrection of the widow's son as a powerful sign of God's authority over both physical and spiritual needs. Ultimately, this message points to Jesus Christ as the true and eternal provision, the greatest miracle of all.If you've ever wondered how God can provide in difficult seasons, strengthen your faith in uncertainty, or work through impossible circumstances, this message will encourage and challenge you to trust Him daily.

Don't let _________________, _________________, or _________________ set limits to your faith...

Share a commentThey invited Jesus to preach because he was famous. They tried to kill him because he told the truth. We open Luke 4 and follow Jesus back to Nazareth for what becomes his first sermon at home and his last one there, a moment that exposes how quickly “we love that verse” can turn into “we hate that message” when Scripture presses on pride.We watch Jesus take the Isaiah scroll and read a prophecy about the Spirit-anointed Messiah bringing good news to the poor, freedom for captives, sight for the blind, and God's favor. Then he makes the shocking claim that it is fulfilled as they hear him. The crowd initially marvels, but everything changes when they demand hometown miracles and special treatment. Jesus refuses to perform for applause, names their unbelief, and reminds them that no prophet is accepted in his hometown.From there we trace two explosive Old Testament examples Jesus chooses on purpose: Elijah sent to a Gentile widow in Zarephath and Elisha cleansing Naaman the Syrian. Both stories spotlight outsider faith and insider resistance, and both confront the idea that proximity to religion equals trust in God. Finally, we draw out the practical takeaway: how Jesus responds to rejection with calm, courage, and mission focus, giving us a model for handling ridicule, injustice, and disappointment without losing control, heart, or sight.If Luke 4 has ever confused you or unsettled you, this conversation will clarify why. Subscribe for more Bible teaching, share this with a friend who needs perspective on rejection, and leave a review with the line that challenged you most.Get instant, biblically faithful answers to your Bible questions. https://www.wisdomonline.org/ask Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

What do you do when God's instructions seem confusing, difficult, or even impossible? In this message, Pastor Jeff Schreve explores Elijah's surprising command to leave Cherith and travel to Zarephath—enemy territory—where a poor widow would somehow provide for him. Through this remarkable story, we learn that miracles begin when we step out in obedience, even when the path doesn't make sense. If you're facing a difficult step of faith, this episode will challenge and encourage you to trust and obey.

Share a commentThey invited Jesus to preach because he was famous. They tried to kill him because he told the truth. We open Luke 4 and follow Jesus back to Nazareth for what becomes his first sermon at home and his last one there, a moment that exposes how quickly “we love that verse” can turn into “we hate that message” when Scripture presses on pride.We watch Jesus take the Isaiah scroll and read a prophecy about the Spirit-anointed Messiah bringing good news to the poor, freedom for captives, sight for the blind, and God's favor. Then he makes the shocking claim that it is fulfilled as they hear him. The crowd initially marvels, but everything changes when they demand hometown miracles and special treatment. Jesus refuses to perform for applause, names their unbelief, and reminds them that no prophet is accepted in his hometown.From there we trace two explosive Old Testament examples Jesus chooses on purpose: Elijah sent to a Gentile widow in Zarephath and Elisha cleansing Naaman the Syrian. Both stories spotlight outsider faith and insider resistance, and both confront the idea that proximity to religion equals trust in God. Finally, we draw out the practical takeaway: how Jesus responds to rejection with calm, courage, and mission focus, giving us a model for handling ridicule, injustice, and disappointment without losing control, heart, or sight.If Luke 4 has ever confused you or unsettled you, this conversation will clarify why. Subscribe for more Bible teaching, share this with a friend who needs perspective on rejection, and leave a review with the line that challenged you most.Explore all of our Biblically Faithful Resources at https://www.wisdomonline.org Learn more: https://www.wisdomonline.org/Support the show

A weekly class at OAG taught by Chaplain Lou Parker.** Edited to remove personal information shared in the class and extended pauses **Title: Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath: Faith, Obedience, and God's ProvisionSummary: Through the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, we see how faithful obedience — even in desperate circumstances — opens the door to miraculous provision and lasting blessing.Approximate Lesson Outline:00:00 - Introduction03:26 - Reading from 1 Kings 1706:57 - Elijah's Obedience and the Drought09:59 - Into Enemy Territory13:37 - Why This Widow?18:27 - The Widow's Character23:02 - Confidence in God's Word27:26 - First Fruits and Faithful Giving30:52 - Long-Term Blessings of Obedience33:01 - Closing and Next Week's Preview

Life Transformations with Michael Hart Aired: May 04, 2026 on CHRI Radio 99.1FM in Ottawa, Canada. For questions or to schedule an appointment with Elim Counselling Services, call 1-877-544-ELIM(3546) or email mhart@elimcounsellingministry.com. Visit elimcounsellingministry.com for more information. For more CHRI shows, visit chri.ca

What happens when money, fear, or comfort takes first place in your heart instead of Jesus? In Week 1 of our Above All series, Pastor John S. Dickerson opens Matthew 6:33, Matthew 7:24-27, 1 Timothy 6, Ecclesiastes 5, and 1 Kings 17 to show what it really means to seek first the Kingdom of God and put Christ above all in every area of life. This message reveals why trust in God is the foundation for spiritual breakthrough. Through the contrast between building on rock or sand, the offerings of Cain and Abel, and the faith of the widow of Zarephath, Pastor John S. Dickerson shows that what we place first reveals what we trust most. When money, comfort, or control become our foundation, our lives eventually crack. But when Jesus is above all, God forms a deeper faith, a stronger foundation, and a life marked by peace, generosity, and joy. If you are wrestling with fear, uncertainty, finances, obedience, or the question of what it means to truly put Christ first, this sermon will challenge and encourage you to trust God with every part of your life. Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27, Mark 12:30, Genesis 4:3-5, 1 Timothy 6:9-19, Ecclesiastes 5:9, 19, 1 Kings 17:8-16, Matthew 6:33 #AboveAll #PastorJohnSDickerson #TrustGod #ConnectionPointeChurch NEXT STEPSHave you made a decision to follow Jesus and now wondering what your next step is? We want to help! https://www.connectionpointe.org/nextsteps/ ABOUT CONNECTION POINTEAt Connection Pointe, our mission is to connect people to Jesus and each other. Whether you've been around church your whole life or this is a brand new journey, we have a place for you and we hope your journey will include joining us at a Connection Pointe location or online at https://connectionpointe.org/live Find locations, videos, and more info about us at https://www.connectionpointe.org/ FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/connectionpointeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/connect_cp Find out more about our lead pastor, John S. Dickerson: https://www.connectionpointe.org/leadpastor

What does it mean for God to be your portion? In this powerful message from Dwelling House Church, Pastor Jeremiah Genin teaches on one of the most challenging and transformative areas of the Christian life: trust, surrender, and giving. Through powerful biblical stories—including the widow of Zarephath, the widow's offering, the Levites' inheritance, and the teachings of Jesus—this sermon reveals that biblical giving is not ultimately about money, but about the condition of the heart. Pastor Jeremiah explains how God uses worship, generosity, and obedience to draw believers into deeper trust and dependence on Him. In a culture driven by fear, possessions, success, and financial security, this message calls Christians back to the truth that God Himself is our inheritance, our treasure, and our portion. Whether you've struggled with trusting God financially, wrestled with fear about provision, or simply want to grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus, this sermon offers biblical wisdom, encouragement, and conviction rooted in Scripture. Dwelling House Church is a Spirit-filled, Christ-centered church passionate about the presence of God, biblical truth, worship, discipleship, and helping people encounter Jesus in a real and transformative way. If you're searching for sermons about trusting God, biblical giving, Christian generosity, tithing, worship, faith, or Spirit-filled teaching, this message will encourage and challenge you. This sermon answers: What does it mean for God to truly be your portion? Why does the Bible connect giving and worship so closely? How can Christians trust God instead of relying on money, success, or possessions?

Faith Under Fire – Week 31 Kings 17 | Pastor Craig TurnbullWhat happens when faith collides with heartbreak?In Week 3 of Faith Under Fire, Pastor Craig Turnbull continues Elijah's story through one of the most emotional moments in 1 Kings 17. A widow who had already experienced God's miraculous provision suddenly faces devastating loss when her son becomes sick and dies.This message wrestles honestly with the questions many believers carry in seasons of suffering:Where is God when life falls apart?Why does pain still come after obedience?Can faith survive disappointment and grief?Through Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, we see that real faith is not shallow positivity or pretending everything is fine. Faith wrestles. Faith cries out. Faith brings pain honestly before the Lord.And even in the darkest moments, God is still at work.If you've been carrying disappointment, confusion, loss, or unanswered questions, this message will encourage you to keep bringing your heart honestly before God.Because even in suffering… God is still faithful.If you need prayer or want to take a next step in your faith, we would love to connect with you:bannockburnchurch.com/prayer

Episode Summary Are you limiting what God wants to release in your life? This faith-filled teaching reveals powerful biblical examples of miracle provision—from Elijah being fed by ravens to the widow's oil that never ran dry. Learn how faith, obedience, and expectation expand your capacity to receive. This is essential for every Kingdom entrepreneur ready to trust God as their source and walk in supernatural provision. Key Moments 00:00 – Introduction to miracle provision00:45 – Elijah fed by ravens (1 Kings 17)01:20 – The widow at Zarephath and supernatural supply01:50 – Elisha and the multiplying oil (2 Kings 4)02:20 – Expanding capacity: nets and vessels02:50 – Faith activates provision03:10 – God supplies all your needs (Philippians 4:19)03:30 – Ask in faith and believe04:00 – Abundant life and prosperity promises04:30 – Stewardship and sustained blessing Get the book: Not Just Paper: Principles for Financial Success: https://www.chontahaynes.com/offers/JHF2dzZu Connect with Dr. Chonta Haynes Book a call https://chontahaynes.com/destiny YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ChontaHaynes Instagram: https://Instagram.com/ctahaynes LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/chonta-haynes Support the Mission Heart 2 Heart Truth Foundation Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=UZG5B9KX59U4S

In 1970s Soviet Union, pastor Sergei Petrovich was imprisoned for his faith and placed in solitary confinement without food. For three days, a mysterious cat brought bread to his window - later revealed to be the warden's own cat carrying bread from the warden's wife's kitchen. This miraculous provision convinced the warden that God truly provides for all our needs. Like the biblical accounts of Elijah being fed by ravens and the widow of Zarephath whose flour never ran out, God continues to provide for His people in unexpected ways. We are challenged to look for God's provision in our daily lives, trusting that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and will meet them through both obvious miracles and subtle blessings.

RVL MENTALITY: GENEROSITY | A GENEROUS MENTALITY | SZN 2: Revival Through LovingMSG: GENEROUS MENTALITYSCRIPTURE: 1 KINGS 17:9–16 NLTFrom our founding pastor, Bishop Courtney McBath, this message establishes GENEROSITY as a defining RVL MENTALITY—where transformed thinking produces open hands, not closed fists. Through Elijah and the widow at Zarephath, we see that what feels like lack becomes overflow when placed in God's hands.A GENEROUS MENTALITY shifts us from consumers to producers, from keepers to givers. Scripture shows that generosity is intentional—and those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.OBEDIENCE UNLOCKS PROVISION. When we trust God with what we have, even when it feels small, He responds with more than enough.

This sermon draws profound spiritual insight from Elijah's time at Cherith, emphasizing that God's commands are personal, precise, and purposeful, even when they lead to seemingly isolated or inconvenient places. It highlights how God provides miraculously—through the ravens and a brook—not only to sustain but to prepare His servant through dependence, trust, and obedience. The drying up of the brook symbolizes life's inevitable trials, reminding believers that hardship is not abandonment but a divine invitation to rely on God rather than on temporary blessings. The message calls for gratitude for past provision, acceptance of life's impermanence, and unwavering trust in God's sovereign plan, which includes even greater provision—such as the widow at Zarephath—after the trial. Ultimately, it challenges listeners to remain obedient, trusting, and hopeful, knowing that God's care and purpose endure through every season of scarcity or change.

RESURRECTION SUNDAY 2026Scripture: Romans 8:11 ESV IF the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.Title: The IF AdvantageIf he dwells in you You have an advantage Not over others, over the non-IF version of youJesus don't raise himself, the Spirit raised himIf that same spirit dwells in you… LIFEBiblical Resurrections Before Jesus'The Widow of Zarephath's Son: 1 Kings 17:17-24The Shunammite Woman's Son: 2 Kings 4:32-37The Man Placed In Elisha's Grave: 2 Kings 13:20-21Lazarus: John 11:1-44After Jesus' Death: In Matthew 27:52-53The Truth About DeathDeath Was/Is Not The Will Of God - Genesis 2:17 (ESV) but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”Death Is The Work Of Satan - John 10:10 (ESV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.We Invited Death's Into Our Lives VIA Sin - Romans 5:12 (ESV) Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—Jesus Came To Destroy Death - 1 John 3:8 (ESV) The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.Death Will Be Destroyed in The Future 1 Corinthians 15:26 (ESV) The last enemy to be destroyed is death.The IF Factor…Romans 8:11 ESV IF the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.The SPIRIT Will Give You FREEDOM2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV) - the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.The SPIRIT Will Give You POWERRomans 8:26 (ESV) Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.Ephesians 3:16 (ESV) that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,The SPIRIT Will Give You FullnessActs 1:8 (ESV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Audio Transcript Are glad you’re with us today. I just didn’t know what today would look like with the weather. And I know some were not able to come in because of the weather, but I’m glad that you’re, you’re here today. So if you have a Bible with you, if you’d open up to the Gospel of Luke and continue our study of Luke today, the text from chapter 7, verses 11 through 17. So Luke 7, 11:17, which is on page 503 on the Pew Bibles. If you didn’t have a Bible with you this morning, if you want to grab one of those, page 503. And so let me read the sacred text and then I’ll pray, ask for the Lord’s blessing on this time, and then we’ll get to work. So Luke 7, starting verse 11 through 17, please hear the words of our God. Luke wrote this. Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain and Disciples, and a great crowd went with him. And he drew near to the gate of the town. Behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother. And she was a widow. And a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, do not weep. Then he came up and touched the briar, and the bearers stood still. And he said, young man, I say to you, arise. And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorify God, saying, a great prophet has risen among us and God has visited his people. And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country. So that’s God’s word for us this morning. Would you please pray with me? Lord, it is good to be here. And Lord, we’re here this morning on this cold, wintry day because we want to hear from you in your word. And so, God, I pray for the glory of Christ that you would indeed speak through the folly of my preaching and ways that you just fill our hearts with Christ. And I pray song in Jesus name. Amen. Okay, so perhaps my favorite passage in the Gospel of Luke is actually found at the end of the gospel account. So this is one that came after the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, where I read a story of two men on a road to Emmaus who are trying to figure out all the things that just took place concerning Jesus Christ and specifically his death and then resurrection from the dead. And if you’ve Read through Luke before you may remember that these two men are having this discussion, you know, trying to process these events, trying to process reports that were circling around that the risen Christ actually showed up and he entered into their conversation with the two men at the beginning of the story, actually not able to recognize the Lord. Then after some back and forth between Jesus and the two men, Jesus actually rebuked them for being foolish, for not understanding and believing that which was taught in the Old Testament through the prophets concerning the Christ and the suffering that was to come on him to rebuke. Starting with the old test teachings from Moses, which are the first five books of the Bible, and then continuing through the rest of the Old Testament Scripture and the various prophets, Jesus interpret for these two men how all the scriptures are about him, to show them that he is indeed the fulfillment of the Scriptures as God’s word in the end is about Him. It points us to him. Then, after doing this incredible Bible study with these two men, appears that the Lord celebrated the Lord’s supper with them as he broke bread, as he celebrated the meal. Finally the man’s eyes were open, and they’re open in ways they were able to recognize Jesus as the one they were talking to over as their eyes were open. From there, Jesus actually vanishes from their sight, where he went off to appear to some of his disciples. But after he vanished in the story that I love, the two men started to process all that Jesus had told them, how he opened up their eyes to the Scripture, where they’re in dismay, how they didn’t recognize the Lord at first, primarily because of how their hearts burned within hearts burned of the truth of Scripture that Jesus taught to them. Truth of scripture that is mentioned points us to him. Now I tell you that story, it’s a story that we eventually get to in our study of Luke and the months to come. Not simply because it’s actually one of my favorite stories in the Gospel account, but I wonder how important this story of Jesus testifying to all the Old Testament is about him, how important that story was actually to Luke, the author of this gospel that we’ve been studying. Where I’ve wondered, as Luke was going around interviewing eyewitnesses to the life, the death, resurrection of Jesus Christ as he was told this story of the two men on the road to Emmaus, which I have wondered, maybe told directly from them. I’ve wondered how Luke’s heart was like burning inside as he heard the story, as he was starting to see more and more how the scriptures in the End are about Christ. The Scriptures became even more alive to him when he understood them in light of Jesus Christ. I wonder how the truth of Moses, the truth of all the prophets, ultimately speaking about Jesus became so important to Luke that as he wrote this orderly account, that he desired to do so in such ways that he would share stories to help his readers, including us, see how indeed all of the Old Testament is there to point us to Christ, including our text today, which is a text where we’ll continue to see the power and the authority of Jesus Christ on display. So this is something that we’ve seen multiple times in multiple passages that we’ve looked at recent, as Jesus has power and authority even over demons and sickness. Now today we’ll see that the power and authority of Jesus is even over death. So that’s one of the things we’ve seen in the text. Addition, our text today, perhaps even more primary to the passage, is we’re actually going to see the compassion of the Lord Jesus Christ, where Jesus used his power, his authority, in direct correlation to his compassion, where we see his good heart towards his people who are suffering. And in the text, we’re going to see how Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament, which I think to me is clear that Luke is wanting us to see how we’re to see that two of the more important characters of the Old Testament, two of the greatest prophets, Elijah and Elisha, ultimately were there to point us to Christ, as they were types of Christ to come, who is the great and true prophet. Now, before we dive back into text, just a quick reminder where we left off last week so you may remember. Jesus just finished one of his most famous sermons recorded in Scripture. Sermon mentioned many times, referred to as a sermon on the plain. And after Jesus dismissed that congregation from the plain, he himself left the plane and headed towards a city called Capernaum, which is a place that he previously ministered at, at least on two occasions, where he did some incredible acts of ministry. In fact, Capernaum actually seemed to be Jesus like, almost like his home base during his earthly ministry. So in our text last week, if Jesus returned to that city, we learned that there was a wealthy, influential Roman military officer, a centurion, who sent for Jesus. And. And he sent for Jesus because he wanted Jesus to come heal his favorite servant who was at the point of death. In our story last week, the centurion sent a delegation of Jewish elders to go get Jesus, doing so with the belief that he was worthy of Jesus coming to do this for him to heal his servant because of the authority that he carried. However, as Jesus responded to this request by starting to make his way to the house, somewhere in the short time between sending for Jesus and Jesus drawing near to the house, somewhere in that short period of time, the centurion has like a major change of heart and a tone towards the Lord Jesus. Or for me, I think the centurion actually was converted. Because as Jesus Christ came near the house, the centurion sent a second group of delegates, some of his friends, to tell Jesus to come no further. Because the centurion now understood he actually was not, not worthy of Jesus Christ, even though he was a man of great wealth and authority. As Jesus came near, the man understood and he testified that he actually was a man under authority, specifically the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. And upon hearing the centurion make this declaration, which the man who I should mention was a Gentile, Jesus had his own declaration in response, saying that nowhere in all of Israel did he find such faith, a faith that rightly understands the lordship of Christ over all of our lives. But I should mention here that some actually connect this story of the centurion to a famous Old Testament story of a different gentleman who had power, remember Naaman, who had leprosy on the end of that story, professed faith in God. So some connect that story of centurion to him. And finally, where we ended our text last week, after Jesus making the declaration about the centurion, the second group of delegates then returning back home and they found the sick servant healed, where Jesus healed a man, where he continued to show power, authority over sickness. Now today, as we continue in our study with Luke, we actually come to an even greater healing, even greater then the healing of the centurion. Who’s the point of death where text today is mentioned, Jesus actually raises a young man from the dead. And this morning I hope that this increases the burning in our hearts as Jesus puts his power and authority and compassion on display as he proves that all the scriptures are about him. So that is the intro if you want to look back with me, starting in verse 11. So if you’re visiting with us. So what we do here is I’m just going to walk us back through the text verse by verse. So if you have your Bible open, please keep them open. So starting verse 11. So we read these words so soon after this refers to the interaction that Jesus had with the centurion, which is the start of chapter seven. So soon after that we see that Jesus was back on the move and we See that he traveled maybe 25 or 30 miles or so to the south, you know, a good day’s walk. And he now came to a town called Nain. Now when it comes to this town, this is actually the only time it’s mentioned in scripture. But where we gather through archaeology, this town seems at one point to be a town that had some size to it, but perhaps maybe to like a change in economy, something like that by the time of Christ. This is now a smaller, more insignificant town that’s located in the southern part of Galilee, which is where Jesus spent much of his public ministry. Now what’s interesting about N is that this little town was really close to a more familiar town in scripture. A town to seem to be the location like a large cemetery of like tombs and caves that served this area. A town called Endor. No, for Star wars fans, not that Endor, but if you’ve read the Old Testament, maybe this town is familiar to you. There’s a very famous yet very odd story about a witch who was from Endor who practiced divination which where in this odd Old Testament story, Saul, who was the king of Israel, began to understand that his like kingdom was slipping out of his hands because of his own sinful practices where like he rejected the Lord and his authority over him. I mean unlike the gentile centurion, Saul was not a man under authority. And as Saul rightly understood, the king was slipping away. In his desperation he came to this witch in Endor, asking her to speak to the dead on his behalf, specifically to speak to the former prophet and priest who anointed Saul as king, a man named Samuel. As Saul wanted to get some advice from him. Now in this odd story, really much to the surprise of the witch, when she called upon Samuel, he responded to her, communicating to her, communicating to Saul through her that soon the kingdom will be taken from him. Now we don’t have time to work through that story, but various scholars I read this week do wonder how this story in Luke perhaps has that story of the witch and Endor like kind of running in the background in subtle ways in the text here. So Jesus entered into Nain, it appears that he is about to run into those who are headed towards endorphins. So not sure if that should be running in the background as we think through this passage, but is it interesting to consider back to verse 11 of our text. As Jesus went to Nain, we say he did not make this 20 file 25 mile walk alone. Rather we see that his disciples are with him. Along with a great crowd, which this really had to be an interesting sight to see for those who are along the route from Capernaum to Nain. You know, just think like, maybe like out working your field and you look up and you see a large caravan people headed towards this little insignificant town, which didn’t seem to be part of any like major traveling route for this time period. Rather seemed like this little town was like fairly isolated, fairly removed from much of the world around it. However, we see it’s not isolated or removed from the heart of the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 12. As Jesus and his great crowd drew near to the gate of the town, this time they’re about to end, we see that they were met at the gate by a considerable crowd who’s about to head out of the city, headed seemingly towards Endor. As this crowd that Jesus met was part of a funeral procession. And in this procession there would have been people there that we assumed would be there, like family and friends. But culturally, during this time this procession also probably included like hired mourners as well as hired musicians, making this like a huge crowd which as these two crowds, the crowd of Jesus and crowd of mourners, they meet here. This would have made a huge group like converging at the gate, perhaps well into the hundreds, all at the city gate. Verse 12. See that this procession of mourners was there because of a man, a man who was being carried out, a young man who died, who was the only son of his mother, who now was, or who also was a widow. Okay, now just a few things on this just to interest you. So first, for this woman, I mean, this would have been awful, a really awful thing for her to endure and have to process through hard enough to have your only son die and all the pain associated with death. But culturally this would have put her in like the most vulnerable of places where culturally women would have been dependent upon either her husband or her sons like, to provide and support and protect. But now for this woman who was a widow, she’s now culturally void of those realities. So for those who read the Old Testament book of Ruth and the story of Naomi, remember how she like, basically considered herself like, good as dead when her husband’s, her husband and sons died. That’s the woman here in this text. All of the pain, all of the hurt of losing her only son, as well as all the fear, all the concern, all the worry on what was before her, to have no husband or son, provide, support, protect her. This woman was in desperate need of grace and Mercy. She was desperate for someone to show her some compassion. Second, a widow losing a son. This is actually where her mind should be taken back to the great prophets Elijah and Elisha. So you may remember this. In the ministry of Elijah in First Kings 17, there’s a widow from a town called Zarephath who had a son who died, who God brought back to life through the prayers of Elijah, who laid upon the boy three times as he prayed that God would give back his Life. Then in second Kings 4, there’s another young boy who died, who Elisha also prayed for doing so with laying on top of his dead body. And in both these stories, not only did the Lord give back to life, each of these boys as the sons were brought back from the from the dead to the land of living. The prophets then brought the sons back to their moms. Which we’re going to see in just a bit is our text in verse 15. But for now, just know the story of Jesus here in Luke 7. This is tied with like strong allusions to Elijah and Elisha and the stories that’s mentioned, particularly the one of Elijah in 1st Kings 17. Third, I also want to just mention here something I read in one of the commentaries that I thought was actually pretty insightful. This came from the John Phillips commentary where Phillips wrote concerning verse 12, concerning two different crowds, two different processions that met at the city gates. Philip wrote, one was being led by the angel of death, but the other by the Lord of life. And that reality of being led by the angel of death or the Lord of life was not just true of the scene here, but that reality is true of all of us where either we all are dead in our sin being led by the angel of death, or we are walking by faith in Christ as he leads us as the Lord of life, as he leads us into eternal life that is to come. So by the way, just kind of on this, I just do have to ask, as you walked in this morning, what procession are you following right now? Keep going. Verse 13. As the true processions met each other, as this large crowd was forming at the city gate, we see that the eyes of Jesus found the one in the crowd who was hurting the most as his eyes were taken to the mother who was mentioned again would be carrying like overwhelming pain with the loss, incredible stress on what would be for her coming next. And as the eyes of Jesus fell upon this woman, we see that his eyes were filled with compassion towards her, which is important for us to see in this passage as well in our own lives. So, yes, Jesus is the Lord. He’s the one filled with all power, all authority, where all things exist by him and for him. And in his power and in his authority, he will justly judge all things. But within those truths, what we see in the text, we see throughout Scripture, is that towards his people, Jesus sees them with eyes filled with compassion, where he sees his hurting people, our pain is not absent from Him. And as the Lord sees our pain, he sees us with his tender heart. One of my favorite passages in Scripture, a bruised reed he will not break, a smoking flax he will not quench. And that is so true in this passage here. For this mom, who is hurting, who is grieving, Jesus did not come to her to break her, to quench her. Rather, text, with his eyes and heart filled with compassion, we see Jesus, like, walked up to the woman to console her with the words, woman, do not weep, saying this because he knew he’s about to dry her tears in the most incredible ways, which, by the way, is what he promised to do for all his people as they enter into eternal life, where Jesus will dry every tear that we shed with kindness, with compassion, we heal, dry our tears in such a way that we actually will never cry painful tears ever again, as he removes all pain and hurt and tears from his people forever. In text, verse 14, after consoling the woman, see, Jesus went to the brier, which is a frame that a coffin or a deceased body is laid upon. As the body being carried to the tomb, as he approached the dead body of the young man, we see that it stopped the bears, you know, the ones carrying the briar, and stopped them in their tracks. And they stood still before the Lord, you know, just waiting to see what he was going to do. As the bear stood still, assuming everyone else, and both parties at the gates stood still silent before the Lord. We see in the story that Jesus spoke up in the text, young man, I say to you, arise. Which is notice here. Jesus is speaking to the dead man with all of his power, all of his authority, doing so in such a way that Jesus knew that the dead man would hear him. Which is a stark contrast to the witch of Endor as mentioned, was shocked with her divination. As Samuel responded from the dead, Jesus spoke up to this man. Jesus knew that his word would not return to him void, but he knew that the dead man would hear and respond to his sovereign voice. So in verse 15, as the word of Jesus went forth, we see the dead man head no choice, but he had to Respond. And he sat up and began to speak. Alive, risen. And this had been an incredible sight to behold for those at the scene. But even more for this young man, this scene, as the first thing he sees after his resurrection is Jesus. Just a couple things on this. So Pillar commentary points out that this face of Jesus would have been most likely unfamiliar to this young man. Most likely. He probably did not meet Jesus prior to this. But as he saw the face of Jesus as he rose again, he saw the face to which he belonged. Second, while this story is unique in scripture, there’s not many who were raised from the dead. In fact, in the ministry of Jesus, we only see three such occurrences. So there’s this one, there’s his friend Lazarus we can read about in John 11. And then there’s a daughter of a man named Jairus we’re actually gonna get to when we get to Luke chapter 8. So while this reality of being raised from the dead to see Jesus is unique in this life. But for those who are in Christ, friends, this will be your reality, where one day, yes, you will come to your last breath, where to this life you will be dead. But the promise of scripture, for all those who have faith in Jesus Christ, as we die to this life, our eyes will be open to the eternal life that is to come. And the first thing that we’re going to see is Jesus. So for us right now, yes, we have to imagine what this must have been like for this young man. But for those who are in Christ, one day, you will not have to imagine what this was like because you’re going to experience it yourself. You will see Jesus face to face, the very one to whom you belong. Keep on the text with more compassion, more kindness from our Lord Jesus Christ. As Jesus resurrected this man we see, he now turns back to the mother to give her her son. As mentioned earlier, this action is very similar to what Elijah did in 1st Kings 17. For us. Once again, with imagination, we can only imagine the joy this had to be for the mother to have Jesus return to her her only son. However, one day, because of eternal life that Jesus offers friends, we don’t have to imagine what that would be like either, to be reunited with a loved one who had died. For all who are in Christ, not only will we see Jesus with our eyes, but we will see each other as we will live with Christ and each other throughout all eternity. Keep going. Verse 7 or 16. For those that have seen, they didn’t have to imagine what this all looked like because they were there to Experience. And as he experienced the power and the authority of Jesus to raise the dead, as well as he experienced the kindness, the compassion of Jesus to care for this woman who was in deep pain. In the text we see that they were like seized by fear. And this fear here is not like fear of danger. It’s not like a fear tied to some type of worry or anxiety. Rather, this is a fear that’s filled with like awe. As both crowds that met at the gate stood almost dumbfounded with awe by that which they just witnessed. You know, for the crowd to arrive at Jesus of the gate. Yeah, most likely they would have witnessed some incredible things beforehand. You know, various hearings that Jesus did, casting out of demons, but now raising the dead, that’s next level for the crowd who was there as part of the funeral procession. Right. This would have been the last thing they would expect as they’re proceeding out to the graveyard, as they headed to Andor, they’re expecting to place the body in the tomb, not seeing the body raised up from the dead. Going into the theme of imagination for us does not take a lot of imagination, our part to see and understand why the crowd stood seized with fear, with awe and the text as this awe filled crowd, as they witness all this that Jesus did, we see they did the only thing that they could do in response to the Lord and what he did. And they began to worship and they began glorifying God in the text, saying, a great prophet has risen among us and God has very visited his people. Now, just a couple things and these two phrases said by the crowd. The first phrase, the declaration, the great prophet has risen among us sends a crowd like understanding that indeed Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. The Old Testament is written about him. In the Old Testament there’s a few passages speaking towards a great prophet who was to come that you’re connecting now here to Christ. One they probably most likely had in mind is Deuteronomy 18, where Moses wrote this says, the Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers. It is him you shall listen. I also wonder, perhaps you’re thinking about Malachi 4, which says this. So behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes, you will turn the hearts and fathers of their children, and the hearts of their children, and children in the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest they come and strike the land with a decree and utter destruction. Which that passage of Elijah to come we do see is first pointing to John the Baptist, who is a forerunner Christ. But I do think that both Elijah as well as John the Baptist are there for us to see Jesus as the great and true prophet. As mentioned our text, as a crowd stood seized with awe, it seemed like they were understanding. Their hearts were burning inside as they were recognizing that Jesus indeed is the prophet. Promised from old then the second phrase that people declared, the phrase God has visited his people. And for us this is such a rich and such an encouraging reality when it comes to our God. Most religions worldviews, their deity is like just distant, pretty aloof to what’s going on in the world around them. So for many, they’re just hoping to do enough good things to somehow capture the attention of their false God. They might feel compelled like to entertain them with his presence. But this understanding, this type of religion, this is so far different from the truth that we see in Scripture concerning the one true and living God. But He’s a God who’s near, who’s present, who’s active in the world around us, including in our own hearts. He is a God who indeed visits his people. In fact, we’ve learned in our study of Luke, in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, God visits His people in such a way that he actually lived among us, Emmanuel, God with us. Furthermore, we see in Scripture, particularly in the book of Acts, which is volume two of this work of Luke, in the person of the Holy Spirit, God continues to visit his people in such a way that he lives and he dwells in the hearts of his people. Meaning for his people, God could not be more near than he is, as he promises that he will forever be near to us, as he will never leave us, never forsake us. And finally, we’re going to end in our passage today, verse 17, as his entire crowd came to this conclusion, as he understood the worship that Jesus deserves, we see the groups went their different ways. And as they left the scene, we see that reports about Jesus raising the young man from the dead started spread throughout the whole region of Judea, along with all the surrounding country, which no doubt only added to the buzz and excitement and the interest of the growing conversation of Jesus and Nazareth, if indeed he was the Messiah, which He is now. As I close this time here, I just want to give you just a few kind of summary statements from what we see in the text and then we’ll be done. So first, as we think through this text, so let the power, or the authority and power of Jesus, let that burn deeply within your heart and this Power, this authority, the Lord Jesus Christ. This is something we continue to see throughout Luke, throughout the public ministry of Jesus Christ that Luke records for us or his ministry is not like one of a charlatan, like he didn’t minister in weakness. Jesus didn’t minister with like false promises where he like oversell but then vastly under deliver. Rather the ministry of Jesus was filled with real authority, with real power where Jesus was able to do that only God’s Eternal Son can do in text today. This authority, this power is found in the greatest miracle of Jesus that he performed to this day. Where according to this authority, to this power, Jesus raises the dead. And friends, let that authority, let that power burn in your hearts knowing that only did Jesus raise the dead in this text along as with the others that I mentioned earlier, but he has the authority, the power to raise all of his people from the dead so for all time they can dwell with him in eternity. You know, there’s plenty of things in this life that appear to have some type of authority, some type of power. Friends, let your heart burneth in burneth hope that in the end there’s only one authority. There’s only one power that’s gonna win out. It’s the Lord Jesus Christ and the power of his resurrection. Second, let the compassion of Jesus also burn deeply within your heart. Yes, Jesus has all power, he has all authority, but he also has all compassion. Where it’s mentioned in the end of time, as his people enter into eternal life, he’s gonna meet us with his compassion, where he’s gonna dry every tear that we have ever shed, including our most painful and grief filled tears. He’s gonna dry them with all of his compassion for us today. While no doubt the resurrection power and authority of Jesus is very present in the text, but I think even more what Luke wants us to see in this passage is the compassion, the tender heartedness of Jesus Christ who is filled with compassion towards this moment, who just lost her only son, this mom who is at the point of desperation, who needed someone to show her compassion, which in the text Jesus does with his grace upon grace. And friends, I do hope that the compassion that Jesus has for his people does burn in your hearts where it burns in ways that we feel it, particularly in our times of need. We’re in our times of need. We trust that Jesus is not aloof to your pain, to your reality. Rather he is present. He’s present in ways that he is there to visit you in your pain. As your great High Priest who ministers with compassion and Kindness and grace upon grace. Which by the way, I do wonder if maybe that’s true for some of you here this morning, that you did come in carrying just pain and grief. Jesus is here to minister to you with his compassion. Third, let Jesus fulfilling the Scripture, let that reality also burn deeply within your heart. Just back to the passage I started to share from the end of Luke, where in the end, all of scripture, all of it, is there to point us to Christ. So as you read God’s holy word, let me encourage you to do so in ways where you’re like actively engaging your mind and heart, where you’re reading, in ways you’re like actually studying it, where you’re meditating upon it, memorizing it, where you’re asking the Lord through the power of his spirit to help you see whatever you’re reading, how that is to lead you to Jesus, whether it be through promises, through types, through failures, through prophecy, or wherever it may be. May we read Scripture in ways that it’s leading us to see how all of God’s yes and Amen are all taking us to Jesus, the One who sets our hearts on fire. Back to our text, I do think it’s worth considering the odd story of the witch in Endor and her false divination, which just shows us like the sin and folly of mankind, how they’re there or that story is meant to stand in contrast to this story here in the truth and the wisdom found in Christ. Clearly in our text today, as we read about the great prophets Elijah and Elisha, as yes, we see the great things that the Lord did through them, but ultimately they’re types, pointers to the one true great prophet, the Lord Jesus, the one who raised the dead. So for us it would read God’s sacred word. May we read them in ways that they’re seen. We’re seeing how they take us to the truth that is Christ and may that truth burn deeply in our hearts in ways that we worship him, which actually leads to the next thing. Let your burning heart lead you to worship the Lord Jesus Christ, where your heart is set on fire in ways that you’re seized with awe of who Jesus is, where all that you do is done as an act of worship of him, as you pour out your life as a living sacrifice that’s holy and acceptable to him, where you’re pouring out your life in ways that shows worship of love towards him, love towards others, starting with others. Here in the church, we’re in this worship. You’re giving your time and your Treasure and your talents to prove that indeed Jesus is the Lord of your life, the great treasure of your soul. One more Let your burning heart lead you to spread reports about Jesus. So another favorite passage in Scripture comes from a different prophet. Different prophet is also there to point us to Christ Prophet named Jeremiah. Jeremiah wrote this. If I say I will not mention him speaking of God or speak any more in his name. There is in my heart as if it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary of holding it in and cannot. And church. May that be true of us as well, that our hearts burn in the worship of Jesus Christ with a burning that’s so intense, so white hot, that we can’t help but share reports about him, starting with a report of his gospel found in his death, which Jesus, God’s only son, died on a cross, which he did out of great love, according to his great kindness and compassion and mercy, which he did in accordance with the scriptures that he came to fulfill as he, Jesus took on the punishment of our sin in our place where he died. But unlike the Son in the text who was stopped before he reached the tomb, Jesus actually was buried outside of the city gates where he lay dead for three days. However, as we know, Jesus did not stay dead, but in accordance with his great authority and power, which is authority, power even over death, in accordance with the Scripture, according to the sign of the great prophet Jonah that was given to us in the Old Testament, on the third day, in his greatest of all miracles, the Lord Jesus picked back up his own life as he rose again from the dead, where he now lives eternally. And this report of Jesus crucified and risen, that has been passed down to us is a truth that is meant to seize our hearts, to seize in ways that penetrates like every fiber of our being, where our hearts are now burning so intensely inside that we cannot help but share the report in ways that we pass it down to others for us, sharing with others throughout the whole of Madison and then to the surrounding country and not stopping until we reach all the way to the ends of the earth. And by the way, if you’re looking for like a very real practical way to satisfy this burning in your heart, the sharing a report of him we know in a few weeks it’s Easter, where we’ll be even more intentionally remembering the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So if I can encourage us, let’s invite others to come join us at that service. And who knows how on that Sunday, those who might walk in dead, dead in sin on that Sunday, maybe they hear the voice of Jesus in ways that they have no choice but respond to him, so that by faith he would believe in him. That they be risen, having their hearts set on fire for the Lord of life. By the way, I actually did wonder this morning if this may actually be true. Maybe if some of us here, or even this morning, perhaps you walked in dead to Jesus, dead in sin for sure, you might know things about him, but you’ve never met Him. He’s not the vision of your life. I do wonder that maybe today, maybe even this moment, for the first time, you would actually trust in Jesus so that through the eyes of faith you would see him. That you be raised to life with him, the new and eternal life that he offers. My friend, if that is actually true of you today, just know we would love to rejoice with you in that truth. So please share that report with us. Knowing that reports like this, that you trusted in Jesus for the first time, that only adds to the fire in our own hearts. So, yes, Redville Church, may the truth of God found in his Word, the truth that leads us to Christ, may that set our hearts on fire today and always, that all of our days are filled with the joyful worship of him and the sharing of the reports about him. That by the grace of God, others might have their hearts burned within as well. Let’s pray. Lord, I do pray that you would do a great work in our hearts. That even in this time, in this moment, that you would fan the flame within. Lord, I pray for those here who may have not yet trusted in you. That today, through your sovereign voice, that you would call them to yourself, that you would open up their eyes, that they may see the Lord Jesus Christ, the very one who died for them, to take on the punishment of their sin, only to rise again from the dead so they may have life in you. Life abundantly, both now and throughout all eternity. And Lord, we need your help to be faithful, to eagerly spread the news of reports of Christ crucified and risen. Lord, far too often our hearts are cold to share this report. Far too often we make excuse on why we are slow to share. So, God, not only do I pray you forgive us for falling short, but particularly the next few weeks, that you would just help us to be faithful witnesses. That we’d faithfully share the report. And Lord, our deep prayer is that you would use our little church to draw many to faith in Christ. And we pray that you would do that even within the next few weeks. And lastly, Lord, I just do want to pray if there’s any here that are that walked in just carrying the weight of grief, that in this moment that today you would meet them with your compassion and your kindness. That indeed you would prove to be their great high priest, who can sympathize with them in all weakness yet without sin. And that you would minister to them in their time of need with your grace upon grace. Pray song Jesus name, Amen. The post Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son – Luke 7: 11-17 appeared first on Red Village Church.

Today’s Topics: Father Thomas Czeck, OFM Conv., joins Terry 1) Gospel – Luke 4:24-30 – Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove Him out of the town, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built,  to hurl Him down headlong. But He passed through the midst of them and went away. Memorial of Saint Frances of Rome, Religious Saint Frances, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Terry and Father Thomas discuss Saint Bonaventure, his spirituality and his role in the Franciscan Order  

Gospel Luke 4:24-30 Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away. Reflection When the people of Nazareth realized that Jesus had a gift, he spoke with authority and they recognized him as the young boy that grew up in their midst, and he was even by many, considered to be illegitimate. So they didn't have any way of accepting the uniqueness that he displayed. And their response was anger, because he simply said, You aren't listening to me. It's interesting how anger can be a response to a criticism when we're afraid of what it's demanding of us. Jesus demands we change. And when we are seeing in Scripture ourselves being examples of what we shouldn't be, we need to receive it generously, and open hearted desiring to change. Closing Prayer Father, our daily lives are often filled with situations where we are criticizing ourselves or being criticized by others, and let us always have an open heart to that. Make sure that we listen to see if there's any truth in that criticism and not be like the people of Nazareth who became angry and attacked the one who brought the criticism to light. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Holy Waste | A Sermon on Extravagant Grace What if the most meaningful acts of faith look wasteful to the world? Reflecting on 1 Kings 17:7–16 and Luke 7:36–50, this sermon explores how God's grace moves us beyond careful calculation into lives of generous love and gratitude. In this sermon, Holy Waste, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on moments when faith calls us beyond practicality into something generous, extravagant, and deeply sacred. Drawing from the story of the widow of Zarephath who shares her last meal with the prophet Elijah, and the unnamed woman who pours costly perfume on Jesus' feet, this message invites us to consider how encounters with God's grace inspire acts of courageous generosity and devotion. In this episode, we reflect on: The meaning of "holy waste" in the life of faith How gratitude for God's grace leads to extravagant love Why faith sometimes calls us beyond practicality How generosity and worship reshape our understanding of time and value When we encounter God's grace, we are invited to pour out the "alabaster jar" of our lives—the gifts, time, and love we have been given—in acts of gratitude and compassion. Preached on March 8, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.

J.I. Packer once wrote, “What matters in life is not what you make of it, but what God makes of it for you.” That contrast becomes especially clear when it comes to money. When circumstances shift, and uncertainty rises, the quiet question surfaces: Will there be enough? Our culture tells us peace comes through self-provision—earning more, saving more, planning better. But Scripture invites us into a different posture: resting in a Father who provides. Look at the Birds: Provision Begins with Relationship In Matthew 6:26, Jesus directs our attention upward: “Look at the birds of the air…your heavenly Father feeds them.” Birds don't build financial models or stockpile reserves. Yet God sustains them. Jesus' point isn't irresponsibility—it's relationship. Behind every plan, paycheck, and effort stands a God who sees, knows, and provides. Throughout Scripture, this truth repeats like a steady drumbeat: Abraham climbs Mount Moriah in obedience, and God provides a ram (Genesis 22:13–14). The widow of Zarephath runs out of resources, and God sustains her jar of flour and jug of oil (1 Kings 17:14–16). Peter wonders how to pay the temple tax, and Jesus provides the exact coin in a fish's mouth (Matthew 17:27). From Genesis to Revelation, God's provision is precise, purposeful, and personal. Every Need, Not Every Wish Paul echoes this promise in Philippians 4:19: “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Notice what Paul doesn't say. He doesn't promise every want, preference, or wish list. He promises to meet every need. And that supply doesn't flow from our economy, our income, or our investments—it flows from God's riches. Provision is not sourced in us. It's sourced in Him. Jesus Is Our Provision The truth goes even deeper. Jesus doesn't just provide—He is our provision. In John 6:35, He says, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger.” Peace, then, is not found in financial comfort or problem-free living. It's found in the presence of Christ. When we forget this, we drift into two familiar traps: Fear: What if there isn't enough? Self-reliance: I'll make sure there's enough. Both pull us away from trust. The Source Behind Everything We Have Scripture reminds us that God provides not only resources but the ability to obtain them. Moses tells Israel, “Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18). Our skills, opportunities, work ethic, and even our capacity to earn—all come from Him. When that truth settles in, something shifts. Financial security stops being something we manufacture and becomes something we receive. Trusting God as provider doesn't lead to inactivity. It frees us to work, plan, save, and give with joy. Our efforts become acts of stewardship rather than self-provision. Money becomes a place of spiritual formation rather than fear. That's why Jesus teaches us to pray for “daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). Not because God lacks resources—but because our hearts need daily dependence. Daily bread cultivates daily trust. Where Are You Looking for Provision? Take a moment to ask: Am I looking to my paycheck for security? My savings? My plans for the future? Or the hand of a Father who feeds the birds and calls me His child? Whether you're in a season of abundance or a season of need, Jesus doesn't just promise provision—He gives Himself. And He invites you to trust Him day by day. When we trade fear for faith, striving for surrender, and self-reliance for dependence, we discover the deep joy of resting in a Father who sees and provides. Go Deeper: A Daily Journey of Trust This is the journey explored in Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Devotional to Faithful Stewardship. It's an invitation to trust God as Provider, Owner, and Treasure in every financial decision. You can pick up a copy—or place a bulk order for your church or small group—at FaithFi.com/Shop. And if you're using the FaithFi app, you'll find excerpts woven into the first 21 daily Rhythms, helping you connect your financial decisions with your spiritual life each day. Start today by establishing a new rhythm—seeing your money not as your security, but as an opportunity to trust the God who provides. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 65 and plan to work for another 5 to 6 years. I have $65,000 in a Roth IRA that hasn't been invested. I've heard suggestions ranging from corporate bonds and CDs to an ETF. How should I think about investing this money? I'm 60, with a $700,000 pension lump sum, and am considering a buffered-income variable annuity for a few years before taking withdrawals. Is that a wise move? My husband and I are pastors with small 401(k)s. We're curious about crypto—can we move funds directly from a 401(k) to invest in it, and is that advisable? When financing a car, is it better for a married couple to put the loan in one spouse's name or both—and does that change later in life? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship List of Faith-Based Investment Fund Families IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF | Fidelity® Wise Origin® Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://bibli...