Sermon Cloud

INTRODUCTION:  There had been a Civil War … 2 Kingdoms … Israel in the North … Judah in the South.

- Elijah was a Prophet to the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

1 Kings 16:30-31 – WHY is Jezebel mentioned?

            1.- Jezebel was the dominant partner in the marriage.

            2.- Jezebel brought Baal worship into prominence.

            - Baal was the chief male god of the Canaanites … the farm god of crops, rain and fertility.

16:32-33 – Elijah was born into evil, wicked times.

1 Kings 17:1 – Elijah means “Elohim Jehovah” = ‘My God Is Jehovah’ … a slap in the face to Jezebel.

            - Elijah makes his prediction – James 5:17

17:2-3 – Elijah gets his instructions … “hide”.

            - God wants to train Elijah for his mission and ministry – 17:24

17:4 – God provides for Elijah … a MIRACLE!

17:5 – Elijah sets up housekeeping.

17:6 – God never failed him … he’s content.

17:7 – Why would God allow the brook to dry up?

            - It SEEMS as if God has forgotten Elijah.

            - The God who PROVIDES water, can also WITHHOLD water.

            - Do you want “fair” … OR … “grace and mercy”?

            - God always has your best interest at heart – Romans 8:28

            - When your “brook dries up”, God hasn’t FORGOT you, He’s FOCUSING on you!

17:8-9 - Elijah was becoming too comfortable … it’s time to move on.

            - When we get too comfortable, we forget God, take Him for                                                       granted.

            - When we become “uncomfortable”, we get our focus back on                                                God.

            - God is leading Elijah on to greater things.

CONCLUSION:

            - God is in control … He never makes mistakes.

            - You are always in the center of God’s love.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH – Archer, Fl – Ray Scott, Pastor (09/17/06)