The StoryFinding Your Story in God’s Story

“God’s Messengers”

Series 2 - God Pursues His People

Review Chapter 14

“The Kingdom Torn in Two”

Series 2 - God Pursues His People

I. Showdown at Mt. Carmel – 1 Kings 18

Start with 1 Kings 16:29-33

King Ahab rules Israel

Married Jezebel

Built a temple and worshipped BaalDid more to provoke the anger of the Lord than any kings before him

Elijah declares no rain – 17:1

James 5:17-18 (NLT) 17  Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! 18  Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.

Elijah is directed by God to live by a brook – raven bring food

Elijah is directed by God to go and be fed by a widow

Who is the True God? – 1 Kings 18:17-40

The God who answers by setting fire to the wood of the sacrifice is the True God

O Lord prove that you are God and that I am your servantSo these people will know that you are God

The fire of the Lord burned up the offeringThe people cried out – the Lord, He is God

Elijah prays for rainElijah meets with God on Mt Sinai 1 Kings 19

Anoint kingsAnoint Elisha your replacementElisha serves as Elijah’s assistant

Elijah is Raptured – 2 Kings 2

Elijah – what can I do for youElisha – a double share of your spirit

II. God’s Love for Unfaithful Israel

Hosea 1Marry a prostituteIllustrate how Israel has acted turning against the Lord and worshiping other gods

Hosea married GomerChildren – named by God

Gomer goes back into prostitution

Hosea 3 – Redeem your unfaithful wife

The people will go into exileThey will return and devote themselves to GodThey will tremble in awe of God and his goodness

III. Are You Listening?

God speaksBy his Word and by his SpiritInstruction, direction, correctionEars to hear

Matthew 11:15 (NLT) 15  Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!Matthew 13:9 (NLT) 9  Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”Matthew 13:15 (NLT) 15  For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’

2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT) 3  For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.

Application - God is still speaking today. Will we listen, or will we ignore his