January 12, 2025
The Story | Who Are You Following? | Chapter 15
The Unraveling: The Kings Drop The Ball
Elijah lived at odds with his culture. An evil king (and queen!) wanted him dead, so he went into hiding. After 3 years, God prompted him to set up a showdown: Yahweh vs. Ba’al, good vs. evil, a battle to the death. Sadly, good’s triumph barely left a mark on the life of his country. Thankfully, there was another good vs evil showdown years later, and its impact is still being felt around the world.
Songs for this week: Spotify
Chapter 15: 1 Kings 18:16-39
- Was God saying something that day on Mount Carmel? If so, what?
- Have you ever tried to bargain with God: “If you do this, then I’ll… (believe in you, join the ministry, marry that guy.)”? How is what Elijah did different from making a bargain with God?
- Fire from heaven must have been unforgettable. Have you had an unforgettable experience with God? Has that memory kept you strong in your faith? Explain why or why not.
- How is the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel similar to Jesus on Golgotha? How is it different?
- In what way(s) has God commanded you to stand apart from your culture? How is that going?
Share with a friend
Recent Sermons
Acts 2:40-47 - As a church, we’re taking some time to talk about our vision and strategy. We’re hoping to add clarity to why and how we do what we do in this season.
Psalm 129 is a bit of a nasty Psalm! The writer has been oppressed and doesn’t hold back in expressing what that feels like. You might think being a believer means your troubles disappear, but that has never been the case. The good news is that God is neither blind nor indifferent to our struggles.
Psalm 131 - The Psalms of Ascent have it all: anguish, anger, encouragement, and wild joy. Psalm 131 is all about contentment. Where does contentment come from? What ruins it? What does it feel like? How can I be content in an age where marketing, social media and mirrors breed discontent?
Psalm 133 - The Psalms of Ascent were songs for the journey—worshippers sang them as they travelled together toward Jerusalem and the Temple. These Psalms give voice to the sorts of things that go through worshippers' hearts as they prepare to worship.
Psalm 104 is a song of praise that marvels at the beauty and order of God’s creation. From mountains to seas, seasons to creatures great and small, it reveals a world sustained by His power and care. This psalm invites us to stand in awe, give thanks, and consider our role as stewards of His handiwork.
Psalm 121 - We humans need help! The question is, where will we turn for it? Psalm 121 invites us to look to God for true help.
