A Discussion on the “FORGOTTEN GOD” By Francis Chan (Part Vlll)

Jan. 22, 2014

A Discussion on the “FORGOTTEN GOD” By Francis Chan (Part Vlll)

“And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.” 1 King 18:29

My friends I need you to read 1 kings 16,17,18 and FOCUS on the main players in this Story in God’s WORD. And they are; Elijah, King Ahab, Jezebel, Baal and Jehovah. The bible also tells us “Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him.” 1 king 16:33

His wife is Jezebel a heathen and a worshiper of Baal. So now through the influence of Satan Baal is introduced as the god of choice to Israel instead of the I AM OF THE UNIVERSE. Now “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.” James 5:17

Oh my friends the power of prayer and let’s never forget we have access to this same power through God’s Spirit. But such a drastic punishment for God’s chosen. Sometimes God has to use drastic measures so that His Children can focus on Him and find our way back home.

Oh but how far our God will reach to save us. The showdown is “Mount Carmel a symbol of beauty and fertility. To be given the “splendor of Carmel” was to be blessed indeed (Isa 35:2).  Solomon praised his beloved: “your head crowns you like Mount Carmel” (Song 7:5).  But for Carmel to wither was a sign of devastating judgment (Nahum 1:4).”

Today God  will show Israel through Elijah that He is the only true God. As the 400 prophets of Baal were embarrassed and destroyed. All in one day. “Now when all the people saw God’s awesome power, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!” 1 kings 18:39

My friends where I need you to FOCUS on today is, when the Holy Spirit transforms your life into the image of God can your friends, family, love ones, co-workers, neighbor’s, and the world recognize a sharp contrast between you and the world.

Are the fruit Of God’s Spirit firmly embedded into your life, which are the fruits of LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS,FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS,AND SELF CONTROL. “ Do you Exhibit more KINDNESS and FAITHFULNESS then the MORMONS? More SELF CONTROL then your MUSLIM friends? More PEACE than the BUDDHISTS? And more JOY then the ATHEISTS? “

My friends remember we worship the ONLY TRUE GOD. So where do we stand as a Child of God when the world see’s us. Do they marvel at the vast difference and say “YOUR LORD, HE IS GOD” or do we blend in with our surroundings.

But my friends when everyone around you can see Christ in all you do, then you will know that self has died and only Christ and His Spirit lives in you. Remember often times our Journey takes us into many valleys along the way. God’s blessings and the fact that we still praise God in spite of our everyday challenges, let’s each of us know that our life is now all about God.

And one day his faithful will be rewarded for our ENDURANCE and FAITH for no “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Cor 2:9

So my friends today look back over your life and see where God has brought you from in each situation and circumstances. And like Elijah whose heartfelt prayers and supplication brought fire from heaven our continued faith in God’s promises each day and His response to us through His Spirit is our fire from heaven experience.

But like Elijah when He asked Israel, so the Holy Spirit is asking you today “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” 1 Kings 18:21 My friends we have many Baals we worship each day. But today my friends just stop and let God and His Spirit take full Control and “lay aside every weight, and the sin (Especially our SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE  SINS) which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY