God is too Alive The Fire of the LORD Fell

1 Vision 2019: Looking 4-1 God is too Alive to have a Dead Church Hosea 6:3 Introduction: 2 SING: This is a Move I. Hashem A. We may not know or understand the “Name” of God, but we use words describing His character, nature & holiness. We cry out to the One Who holds the wind in His fist & wraps the rain in His cloak. a. We call Him {ABC’s of His Name} b. We call Him Adonai, Jehovah, Yahweh, Elohim, Creator, Giver of Life. B. Remember, the Invisible God vs. the unknown god; Jehovah vs. the gods of Egypt & there is no relationship with a false dead god. Today we will look at a time in Israel when they worshipped a dead, lifeless idol & one man, Elijah brought the Word of the LORD & the fire of God fell. 3 1 Kings 18:36-39 (BIBLE) II. The Fire of the LORD Fell Three years of drought, as prophesied by Elijah, which produced a famine in the land. The number 3 The number three is the number of divine fullness, completeness, or perfection. Remember the application: No power in the worship of idols. {Relate scripture of where the prophets of Baal tried to get Baal to answer by fire.} 4 Why we need the Fire of the LORD to fall: A. He is a Jealous God a. Israel backslid to worship Baal under the leadership of King Ahab. Vs. 18 b. Baal was known as the "sky-god" who controlled the rain, it was important that Elijah destroy the prophets of Baal so the people would know the rain came from YHWH. c. Israel wanted to divide their attention between YHWH & Baal. The God of Israel was not interested in such divided devotion. What does James say about a “doubleminded man?” 1. "In the minds of many, there was not a great difference – the only important thing was to have some kind of religion, and to be sincere about that, following your heart to whatever god your heart might lead you to." -David Guzik 5 d. Elijah asked Israel, “How long?” “How much longer will you waver {are you going to jump back & forth CJB}, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. NLT Elijah was saying, “How many more sermons do you want? How many more Sundays must roll away wasted? How many warnings, how many sicknesses, how many toilings of the bell to warn you that you must die? How many graves must be dug for your family before you will be impressed? How many plagues and pestilences must ravage this city before you will turn to God in truth? How long halt ye between two opinions?” (Spurgeon). This is a similar question to what Joshua asked in Joshua 24:15. NEXT Page - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6 e. Hashem – The Existing One – Eternal One – Exalted One – The Holy One. There is none other… Yet, they worshipped a dead, lifeless, breathless god. Israel knew YHWH was their Deliverer, Defender & Diety, yet they turned their back on Him. They knew their ancestors had seen the mighty acts of Yahweh, Jehovah; though they had never experienced anything miraculous from Baal they placed their allegiance to a god promoted by a wicked king & queen. f. Do not allow the voices in this world, in America to convince you to worship a lifeless god, Hashem, the Almighty, Adonai – He is Jealous. 7 B. Bring His People to Knees of Humility a. Hashem is jealous but not without mercy. He is holy but not unforgiving. He is undefiled but not touched by the feelings of our infirmities. He is indescribable but His presence is not unattainable… b. Teshuva - Elijah prayed for Adonai to hear his prayer & answer by fire so that the hearts of His people would turn back to Him. Falling prostrate on the ground is evidence of a broken spirit & contrite heart which God will not spurn, reject or despise. God is not willing that any should perish. He wants you saved, your family, your friends, this city. Just as the nation of Israel returned to YHWH-Hashem, He wants America to turn to Him. 1 Kings 18:39 Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God! (Jehovah Elohim) The Lord, He is God!” NKJV 8 III. Conclusion A. The reason we can do this is because of the resurrection of Christ. - He asks us to: * * * * Repent Live by Faith Be Baptized Be Filled with His Spirit Conclusion: PRESENT THE GOSPEL FOR SALVATION – EVERY WEEK – AND THE NEED TO COME FORWARD IN PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE OF CHRIST