WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.179 We're going to be in 1 Kings chapter 18 today, taking a little step away from Jonah this morning. 00:00:07.600 --> 00:00:10.720 I wasn't sure what this was going to look like as far as our setup. 00:00:11.080 --> 00:00:15.000 I wasn't sure if we would have a screen or a live stream broadcast or any of that. 00:00:15.120 --> 00:00:19.019 Thankfully, people got together and made that happen. 00:00:19.320 --> 00:00:22.500 And I'm grateful for the team who showed up this morning. 00:00:22.879 --> 00:00:25.660 We were up here. I did not look like this. 00:00:25.660 --> 00:00:31.640 We were just getting everything ready and over at the church, bringing some things over. 00:00:32.100 --> 00:00:34.659 And I'm grateful for that group as well. 00:00:35.219 --> 00:00:41.820 So we're taking a step away from Jonah this morning and we'll finish our series on Jonah next Sunday. 00:00:42.340 --> 00:00:44.980 So make sure you're in your place for that. 00:00:45.100 --> 00:00:46.679 But Jonah chapter 4 will be next Sunday. 00:00:47.120 --> 00:00:49.400 Today we're in 1 Kings chapter 18. 00:00:51.100 --> 00:00:55.179 I'm going to ask you, just so nobody falls asleep on this, if you can, 00:00:55.659 --> 00:01:01.659 If it's not too difficult for you where you're sitting, if you're able to just join us in standing, 00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:05.500 let's read 1 Kings chapter 18 together. 00:01:06.879 --> 00:01:08.780 You follow along as I read. 00:01:09.039 --> 00:01:11.060 I'm reading from the New Living Translation. 00:01:11.599 --> 00:01:14.459 Later on in the third year of the drought, 00:01:15.199 --> 00:01:18.719 this is happening in God's people of the nation of Israel. 00:01:18.719 --> 00:01:21.079 So the Lord said to Elijah, great prophet, 00:01:21.719 --> 00:01:23.579 Go and present yourself to King Ahab. 00:01:24.000 --> 00:01:26.000 Tell him that I will soon send rings. 00:01:26.159 --> 00:01:28.539 So Elijah went to appear before Ahab. 00:01:29.319 --> 00:01:33.700 Meanwhile, the famine had become very severe in Samaria. 00:01:34.120 --> 00:01:37.079 So Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. 00:01:37.640 --> 00:01:41.120 Obadiah was actually a devoted follower of the Lord. 00:01:41.120 --> 00:01:44.420 Once Jezebel had tried to kill all the Lord's prophets. 00:01:44.880 --> 00:01:47.620 And Obadiah had hidden 100 of them in two caves. 00:01:48.000 --> 00:01:51.020 So 50 prophets in each cave had supplied them with food and water. 00:01:51.680 --> 00:01:53.080 So Ahab says to Obadiah, 00:01:53.359 --> 00:01:57.340 We've got to check every spring and valley in the land to see if we can find enough grass 00:01:57.340 --> 00:02:00.500 to save at least some of my horses and mules. 00:02:01.600 --> 00:02:03.939 Great King Ahab there really worried about his people. 00:02:04.680 --> 00:02:07.280 Actually, he's worried about saving his own horses and mules. 00:02:07.280 --> 00:02:10.680 So he says in verse 6, it says, 00:02:10.800 --> 00:02:12.340 They divided the land between them. 00:02:12.460 --> 00:02:16.840 Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself. 00:02:16.979 --> 00:02:20.599 As Obadiah was walking along, he suddenly saw Elijah coming toward him. 00:02:21.060 --> 00:02:25.020 Elijah, Obadiah recognized him at once and bowed low to the ground before him. 00:02:25.280 --> 00:02:26.900 Is it really you, my lord, Elijah? 00:02:27.420 --> 00:02:27.920 He asked. 00:02:28.560 --> 00:02:30.259 Yes, it is, Elijah replied. 00:02:30.360 --> 00:02:32.920 Now go and tell your master, Elijah is here. 00:02:34.080 --> 00:02:36.060 Oh, sir, Obadiah protested. 00:02:36.060 --> 00:02:40.900 What harm have I done to you that you're sending me to my death at the hands of Ahab? 00:02:41.580 --> 00:02:48.539 For I swear by the Lord your God that the king has searched every nation and kingdom on earth from end to end to find you. 00:02:49.319 --> 00:02:51.340 And each time he was told, Elijah is here. 00:02:52.379 --> 00:02:56.920 King Ahab would force the king of that nation to swear to the truth of his claim. 00:02:56.919 --> 00:03:00.199 And now you tell me, go and tell your master, Elijah is here. 00:03:00.299 --> 00:03:04.500 But as soon as I leave you, the spirit of the Lord will carry you away to who knows where. 00:03:05.000 --> 00:03:07.779 When Ahab comes and finds you, he cannot find you. 00:03:08.019 --> 00:03:08.899 He will kill me. 00:03:09.659 --> 00:03:12.560 Yet I have been a true servant of the Lord all my life. 00:03:13.139 --> 00:03:16.619 As no one told you, my lord, about the time when Jezebel was trying to kill the Lord's prophet. 00:03:16.959 --> 00:03:19.659 I hid a hundred of them in two days and supplied them with food and water. 00:03:19.659 --> 00:03:23.620 And now you say, go and tell your master, Elijah is here, sir. 00:03:23.780 --> 00:03:26.979 If I do that, Ahab will certainly kill you. 00:03:28.579 --> 00:03:31.139 So he's stressing out, right? 00:03:33.219 --> 00:03:37.379 Elijah, you're sending me to my death because I know you're not going to wait around for him to come kill you. 00:03:38.060 --> 00:03:39.060 Please don't do this. 00:03:39.060 --> 00:03:47.640 But Elijah says in verse 15, I swear on the Lord Almighty, in whose presence I stand, that I will present myself to Ahab this very day. 00:03:48.259 --> 00:03:51.039 So Obadiah went to tell Ahab that Elijah had come. 00:03:51.379 --> 00:03:53.680 And Ahab went out to meet Elijah. 00:03:54.259 --> 00:04:02.219 When Ahab saw him, he explained, so is it really you, you troublemaker of Israel? 00:04:03.400 --> 00:04:06.879 Elijah says in verse 18, I have made no trouble for Israel. 00:04:06.879 --> 00:04:19.300 You and your family are the troublemakers, for you have refused to obey the commands of the Lord and have worshipped the images of Baal, this false god, instead. 00:04:20.219 --> 00:04:32.920 Verse 19, now summon all Israel to join me at Mount Carmel along with the 450 prophets of Baal, 400 prophets of Asherah who are supported by Jezebel. 00:04:33.139 --> 00:04:33.540 Let's pray. 00:04:33.540 --> 00:04:38.200 God, you're about to tell an incredible story of how you won today. 00:04:38.960 --> 00:04:45.540 I pray that you would win today, today, and in our hearts, and in our church, we'll give you all the glory in Jesus' name. 00:04:45.740 --> 00:04:45.920 Amen. 00:04:46.120 --> 00:04:46.800 You may receive it. 00:04:46.840 --> 00:04:48.080 Thank you for standing so long. 00:04:48.900 --> 00:04:49.980 Verse 20. 00:04:52.120 --> 00:04:57.320 We had to set the stage here, and now we're going to preach through the rest of this passage. 00:04:57.319 --> 00:05:03.279 This is one of my personal favorite Bible stories that we find in the Old Testament. 00:05:04.159 --> 00:05:06.339 Elijah on Mount Carmel. 00:05:06.339 --> 00:05:14.759 And we have some lessons that we can take away from this today that I believe will help all of us and help our church. 00:05:15.259 --> 00:05:16.899 So we left off. 00:05:17.560 --> 00:05:26.139 King Ahab, wicked King Ahab, had been seeking to find the prophet of God because he didn't worship the one true God. 00:05:26.139 --> 00:05:34.240 He worshipped Baal, this false god, this idol that had been made by man, and they lifted him up as though he was their creator. 00:05:34.399 --> 00:05:35.300 He was their God. 00:05:35.699 --> 00:05:45.659 And so, of course, they resisted and rejected anyone who was worshipping and telling others to worship the one true actual God, Jehovah. 00:05:45.660 --> 00:05:55.060 And so, Elijah was public enemy number one in Ahab's eyes. 00:05:55.680 --> 00:05:57.300 He'd been searching high and low for him. 00:05:58.320 --> 00:06:03.160 The word was out, bring the head of Elijah to King Ahab. 00:06:04.560 --> 00:06:08.660 So then Elijah says, King Ahab, here I am. 00:06:09.540 --> 00:06:10.480 Come find me. 00:06:10.920 --> 00:06:11.780 And he came. 00:06:12.120 --> 00:06:14.340 And Elijah stayed there and waited for him. 00:06:14.339 --> 00:06:17.179 And then Elijah issues a challenge. 00:06:17.560 --> 00:06:25.899 He says, go and bring all 450 prophets of Baal to meet me here. 00:06:26.299 --> 00:06:27.099 So what happens? 00:06:27.319 --> 00:06:27.879 Verse 20. 00:06:28.279 --> 00:06:29.579 Ahab does more than that. 00:06:32.759 --> 00:06:37.120 He obeys, actually, Elijah's request to summon all of Israel. 00:06:37.120 --> 00:06:44.420 He says, Ahab summoned all the people of Israel and those 450 prophets to Mount Carmel. 00:06:44.740 --> 00:06:51.579 Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, how much longer will you waver? 00:06:53.180 --> 00:06:56.439 Wavering between or hobbling between these two opinions. 00:06:56.439 --> 00:07:00.899 If the Lord is God, follow him. 00:07:00.899 --> 00:07:06.519 But if Baal is God, follow him. 00:07:07.600 --> 00:07:11.079 But the people were completely silent. 00:07:12.279 --> 00:07:13.740 Do you see this? 00:07:13.740 --> 00:07:16.240 These are God's people. 00:07:17.079 --> 00:07:18.800 These are God's chosen people. 00:07:19.519 --> 00:07:25.259 He's been walking with them, protecting them, leading and guiding them from their very beginning. 00:07:26.259 --> 00:07:30.500 But they have allowed people to sway them. 00:07:30.500 --> 00:07:38.959 They have allowed others to come in and get their attention off of the God who has always been there, never left, never failed. 00:07:39.420 --> 00:07:46.839 But they have allowed themselves to be seduced or drawn away by other false gods. 00:07:47.740 --> 00:07:49.579 King Ahab was a Baal worshiper. 00:07:50.920 --> 00:07:53.699 And Israel followed right along with him. 00:07:53.699 --> 00:07:57.779 So Elijah says, we're going to have a showdown. 00:07:58.899 --> 00:08:08.699 We're going to get together and we're going to win this battle and this battle once and for all between Baal and the one true God. 00:08:09.240 --> 00:08:11.339 So he issues a challenge. 00:08:12.199 --> 00:08:17.099 Some of you, I know Israel, want to worship God. 00:08:17.779 --> 00:08:21.599 Some of you know that God is real and Baal is not. 00:08:21.919 --> 00:08:23.500 But you're on the fence. 00:08:24.099 --> 00:08:29.300 You're sitting there and you won't make a decision because you don't want to be looked at in the wrong way. 00:08:29.879 --> 00:08:34.080 You don't want to have the wrong label attached to you. 00:08:34.659 --> 00:08:36.120 You don't want to be unpopular. 00:08:36.340 --> 00:08:39.139 You don't want to be canceled. 00:08:42.340 --> 00:08:45.960 Think we find ourselves in a similar situation in the world in which we live today? 00:08:47.960 --> 00:08:52.360 It is certainly not popular to be a Jesus follower today. 00:08:52.360 --> 00:08:55.279 And there's all kinds of reasons for that. 00:08:56.779 --> 00:09:01.759 But one of the biggest reasons is the struggle between light and dark. 00:09:02.759 --> 00:09:05.659 Between righteousness and unrighteousness. 00:09:06.360 --> 00:09:08.379 Between truth and lies. 00:09:09.460 --> 00:09:10.960 Between good and evil. 00:09:10.960 --> 00:09:16.980 It's the same struggle that was happening back in Elijah's day. 00:09:17.420 --> 00:09:21.440 As he was facing off against King Ahab and these prophets of Baal. 00:09:21.440 --> 00:09:26.980 And I believe this challenge from Elijah is still good for us today. 00:09:26.980 --> 00:09:32.220 How long, church, will we waver between two opinions? 00:09:32.740 --> 00:09:35.880 If God is God, then follow him. 00:09:36.620 --> 00:09:46.180 If man is God, if we are God, if the social culture of our world today is God, then follow it. 00:09:46.179 --> 00:09:49.519 But if not, then follow God. 00:09:50.539 --> 00:09:51.239 So what happens? 00:09:51.879 --> 00:09:52.599 Let's read it. 00:09:54.179 --> 00:09:56.699 The people would not make a decision. 00:09:57.319 --> 00:09:58.120 They were silent. 00:09:59.219 --> 00:10:02.659 They were sitting back and waiting to see what happened. 00:10:03.359 --> 00:10:05.339 So, Elijah says in verse 22, 00:10:05.779 --> 00:10:07.879 I'm the only prophet of the Lord who has left. 00:10:08.239 --> 00:10:10.599 But there's 450 prophets of Baal. 00:10:11.000 --> 00:10:12.279 So, bring two bowls. 00:10:12.599 --> 00:10:15.000 Remember, this was the time of animal sacrifices. 00:10:15.000 --> 00:10:16.700 We talked about this a couple weeks ago. 00:10:17.519 --> 00:10:21.500 This was before the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ himself, 00:10:21.820 --> 00:10:25.399 had come down to be the final sacrifice that would ever be needed. 00:10:25.700 --> 00:10:28.759 So, we don't advocate animal sacrifices at all. 00:10:29.179 --> 00:10:31.100 But back then, before Jesus came, 00:10:31.200 --> 00:10:35.580 that's what they did to show repentance of their sins to their gods. 00:10:35.960 --> 00:10:39.700 So, Elijah says, bring two bowls. 00:10:39.820 --> 00:10:40.740 We're going to sacrifice them. 00:10:40.799 --> 00:10:42.980 The prophets of Baal can choose whichever one they want. 00:10:42.980 --> 00:10:46.740 And they cut it into pieces and they lay it on the wood of their altar. 00:10:47.139 --> 00:10:49.159 So, we've got an altar of Baal over here. 00:10:49.960 --> 00:10:50.960 They've got the big stones. 00:10:51.120 --> 00:10:52.960 They've got the wood on top that they're going to burn. 00:10:53.220 --> 00:10:55.220 They put the animal on top of that. 00:10:55.480 --> 00:10:58.680 And then they're going to burn that up and offer it as a sacrifice 00:10:58.680 --> 00:11:02.019 out of repentance for their sins to their god, Baal. 00:11:02.019 --> 00:11:07.500 So, he says, you can do that, but don't set fire to it yet. 00:11:07.659 --> 00:11:08.139 Hold off. 00:11:08.480 --> 00:11:12.399 I will prepare the other bowl and I'll lay it over here on my altar, on my wood, 00:11:12.539 --> 00:11:14.600 and I will not set fire to it yet. 00:11:14.939 --> 00:11:18.399 Then, verse 24, call on the name of the Lord your God. 00:11:18.799 --> 00:11:19.299 Your God. 00:11:19.399 --> 00:11:20.500 Call on the name of your God. 00:11:20.500 --> 00:11:25.019 And I will call on the name of the Lord God himself. 00:11:26.600 --> 00:11:33.080 The God who answers by setting fire to the wood is the true God. 00:11:34.340 --> 00:11:35.059 Sound fair? 00:11:36.340 --> 00:11:39.220 Well, the people would agree with you because all the people agree with you. 00:11:39.220 --> 00:11:47.879 So, verse 25, this is one of the most dramatic stages that we get to see set in all of life. 00:11:49.139 --> 00:11:53.660 Verse 25, Elijah says to the prophets of Baal, y'all go first. 00:11:54.480 --> 00:11:55.500 There's many of you. 00:11:56.000 --> 00:12:00.300 Choose one of your bowls, prepare it, call a name of the Lord your God, your God, 00:12:00.300 --> 00:12:02.480 and do not set fire to the wood. 00:12:03.500 --> 00:12:04.500 Baal's going to do that. 00:12:05.379 --> 00:12:08.740 So, they prepared one of the bowls and they placed it on the altar. 00:12:09.220 --> 00:12:15.720 Then, they called on the name of Baal from morning until noon time, shouting, 00:12:16.320 --> 00:12:17.180 Oh, Baal! 00:12:18.519 --> 00:12:19.860 Answer us, Baal! 00:12:21.580 --> 00:12:24.060 But, there was no reply of any kind. 00:12:25.120 --> 00:12:26.160 Anybody surprised? 00:12:26.960 --> 00:12:27.480 No? 00:12:28.840 --> 00:12:29.399 Me neither. 00:12:30.759 --> 00:12:33.019 But, they hadn't wrapped their heads around that yet. 00:12:33.639 --> 00:12:35.340 So, they keep shouting. 00:12:35.660 --> 00:12:38.560 They dance all around the altar that they had made. 00:12:38.559 --> 00:12:39.759 Oh, Baal! 00:12:40.500 --> 00:12:41.639 Baal, we love you, Baal! 00:12:42.159 --> 00:12:43.459 We worship you, Baal! 00:12:44.159 --> 00:12:46.299 Baal, you're the most awesome Baal we ever did know. 00:12:46.879 --> 00:12:47.899 We love you. 00:12:48.500 --> 00:12:49.739 We give our hearts to you. 00:12:49.839 --> 00:12:51.619 They probably had their own worship songs to Baal. 00:12:51.839 --> 00:12:54.639 They were having a little worship concert out there, singing to Baal. 00:12:54.979 --> 00:12:56.679 They were getting their worship on. 00:12:57.419 --> 00:12:59.699 But, y'all, nothing was happening. 00:12:59.700 --> 00:13:02.580 Baal, show yourself real. 00:13:03.580 --> 00:13:04.580 Burn this fire. 00:13:05.100 --> 00:13:06.000 Send fire down. 00:13:06.140 --> 00:13:07.400 Burn this altar up. 00:13:07.800 --> 00:13:08.920 Burn this bull up. 00:13:09.680 --> 00:13:13.720 Show this doubter, doubting Elijah, that you are real. 00:13:14.120 --> 00:13:14.759 You are God. 00:13:14.759 --> 00:13:19.559 So, they did this until around lunchtime. 00:13:21.059 --> 00:13:22.220 And then Elijah's had enough. 00:13:23.000 --> 00:13:24.159 And he starts making fun. 00:13:25.299 --> 00:13:29.120 And he says, about no time, Elijah began mocking them. 00:13:29.879 --> 00:13:31.240 You'll have to shout louder. 00:13:32.360 --> 00:13:34.539 Surely, he's a God. 00:13:35.259 --> 00:13:36.980 Perhaps he's daydreaming. 00:13:37.799 --> 00:13:38.899 Perhaps he's in the bathroom. 00:13:40.220 --> 00:13:40.899 We don't know. 00:13:41.539 --> 00:13:43.919 They all might be otherwise indisposed right now. 00:13:44.139 --> 00:13:46.320 You'll have to shout a little louder and get his attention. 00:13:47.759 --> 00:13:49.399 So, they redoubled their eyes. 00:13:49.399 --> 00:13:51.519 I mean, they're screaming at the top of their lungs. 00:13:52.200 --> 00:13:53.200 What does it say next? 00:13:53.560 --> 00:13:55.039 They raved all afternoon. 00:13:55.039 --> 00:13:58.980 Maybe, Elijah says, maybe he's away on a trip. 00:13:59.299 --> 00:14:01.379 Maybe he's asleep and you'll have to wake him up. 00:14:02.079 --> 00:14:03.679 Elijah says, have fun at this point. 00:14:04.719 --> 00:14:05.559 And what happens? 00:14:06.539 --> 00:14:07.579 They shouted louder. 00:14:08.339 --> 00:14:10.819 And following their normal custom, 00:14:11.740 --> 00:14:14.839 they cut themselves with knives and swords 00:14:14.839 --> 00:14:16.659 until the blood gushed out. 00:14:17.199 --> 00:14:19.339 Y'all, what kind of a religion was this? 00:14:20.860 --> 00:14:23.860 Jesus does not ask us to cut ourselves. 00:14:23.860 --> 00:14:27.100 Actually, he says, your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. 00:14:27.180 --> 00:14:28.399 You're supposed to take care of it. 00:14:29.320 --> 00:14:31.960 He does not require you to do anything like that. 00:14:32.840 --> 00:14:35.519 So, these guys are following this religion 00:14:35.519 --> 00:14:38.080 that is literally causing them bodily harm. 00:14:39.039 --> 00:14:42.360 So, they're trying to show their devotion to faith 00:14:42.360 --> 00:14:44.860 by cutting themselves, 00:14:45.440 --> 00:14:47.300 making themselves bleed and hurt. 00:14:47.299 --> 00:14:51.959 So, they raved all afternoon 00:14:51.959 --> 00:14:54.679 until the time of the evening sacrifice. 00:14:55.559 --> 00:14:57.599 But there was no sound, 00:14:58.000 --> 00:14:59.099 no reply, 00:14:59.639 --> 00:15:00.699 no response. 00:15:02.699 --> 00:15:04.579 Can we pause the story here just for a second? 00:15:04.580 --> 00:15:12.620 Y'all will never do 00:15:12.620 --> 00:15:14.720 what these prophets are doing. 00:15:15.460 --> 00:15:17.780 I'll never do what these prophets are doing. 00:15:19.220 --> 00:15:20.720 But you know what we do? 00:15:20.720 --> 00:15:25.220 We try and try 00:15:25.220 --> 00:15:28.300 to make something else our God 00:15:28.300 --> 00:15:30.000 instead of Jesus. 00:15:30.960 --> 00:15:33.420 And we devote ourselves to it 00:15:33.420 --> 00:15:36.200 and we keep going back to it 00:15:36.200 --> 00:15:37.840 time and time again 00:15:37.840 --> 00:15:39.980 thinking it will give us hope, 00:15:40.540 --> 00:15:42.180 thinking it will give us fulfillment, 00:15:42.820 --> 00:15:44.300 thinking it will give us joy, 00:15:44.299 --> 00:15:47.639 whether it's an unhealthy appetite 00:15:47.639 --> 00:15:49.459 that we have 00:15:49.459 --> 00:15:50.419 for alcohol, 00:15:50.740 --> 00:15:51.319 for drugs, 00:15:51.419 --> 00:15:52.519 for prescription drugs, 00:15:52.699 --> 00:15:53.699 for pornography, 00:15:53.939 --> 00:15:56.319 whatever it is that scratches the itch 00:15:56.319 --> 00:15:58.399 that you just can't give it up 00:15:58.399 --> 00:16:00.039 because you're devoted to it. 00:16:00.659 --> 00:16:02.099 Just like these prophets 00:16:02.099 --> 00:16:04.359 were devoted to their false God. 00:16:04.599 --> 00:16:05.839 But I can promise you, 00:16:06.379 --> 00:16:09.379 just like Baal was never going to answer them, 00:16:09.779 --> 00:16:11.659 whatever that pursuit is, 00:16:11.919 --> 00:16:13.059 other than God, 00:16:13.059 --> 00:16:14.839 it will never fulfill you. 00:16:15.399 --> 00:16:16.659 It will never give you 00:16:16.659 --> 00:16:18.059 what you're looking for. 00:16:19.039 --> 00:16:21.659 It will never provide 00:16:21.659 --> 00:16:23.699 what God promises 00:16:23.699 --> 00:16:25.679 to provide for you. 00:16:27.119 --> 00:16:28.519 It might be family. 00:16:29.559 --> 00:16:31.239 You might have an unhealthy obsession 00:16:31.239 --> 00:16:32.339 with family. 00:16:33.339 --> 00:16:35.000 It might be a toxic relationship 00:16:35.000 --> 00:16:37.819 that you just can't give up. 00:16:40.299 --> 00:16:42.199 It might be toxic traits 00:16:42.200 --> 00:16:44.379 that you portray toward others. 00:16:45.540 --> 00:16:46.980 And that's just how you've been 00:16:46.980 --> 00:16:48.680 for so long, 00:16:48.840 --> 00:16:50.960 you feel like you just can't change. 00:16:52.180 --> 00:16:53.740 This is just who I am. 00:16:54.900 --> 00:16:57.500 And you're all in on being that person. 00:16:58.980 --> 00:17:00.500 It will always hurt you. 00:17:00.860 --> 00:17:02.120 It will never help you. 00:17:02.460 --> 00:17:03.800 It will never give you 00:17:03.800 --> 00:17:05.259 what you're looking for. 00:17:05.259 --> 00:17:08.180 So I don't think anybody in here 00:17:08.180 --> 00:17:09.259 is going to go worship Baal. 00:17:09.759 --> 00:17:11.680 But there's a whole lot of other things 00:17:11.680 --> 00:17:13.539 besides God himself 00:17:13.539 --> 00:17:15.200 that you and I do worship 00:17:15.200 --> 00:17:17.059 on a daily basis. 00:17:17.720 --> 00:17:18.619 Maybe it's sports. 00:17:19.579 --> 00:17:21.119 Maybe it's living the dreams 00:17:21.119 --> 00:17:22.559 that you never saw fulfilled 00:17:22.559 --> 00:17:23.299 through your children. 00:17:24.140 --> 00:17:25.240 Whatever it is, 00:17:26.220 --> 00:17:28.339 don't let it become God 00:17:28.339 --> 00:17:29.720 in your life. 00:17:29.720 --> 00:17:31.420 because that God 00:17:31.420 --> 00:17:33.299 will always let you down. 00:17:34.220 --> 00:17:35.460 It'll never fulfill you. 00:17:36.200 --> 00:17:36.539 So, 00:17:36.940 --> 00:17:38.180 let's pick up the story. 00:17:39.600 --> 00:17:40.559 Elijah finally 00:17:40.559 --> 00:17:42.180 was done with it. 00:17:42.720 --> 00:17:43.680 Verse 28. 00:17:44.640 --> 00:17:45.039 I'm sorry, 00:17:45.140 --> 00:17:45.620 verse 30. 00:17:46.400 --> 00:17:47.400 Then Elijah called 00:17:47.400 --> 00:17:47.860 to the people. 00:17:47.960 --> 00:17:48.360 He said, 00:17:48.460 --> 00:17:48.960 My turn. 00:17:49.720 --> 00:17:50.519 Come on over here. 00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:51.980 Y'all come over here now. 00:17:52.660 --> 00:17:53.940 They all crowded around him 00:17:53.940 --> 00:17:54.680 as he prepared 00:17:54.680 --> 00:17:55.839 the altar of the Lord 00:17:55.839 --> 00:17:57.360 that had been torn down. 00:17:57.719 --> 00:17:57.939 Man, 00:17:58.000 --> 00:17:58.759 this was significant. 00:17:59.579 --> 00:18:00.240 God's altar 00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:01.219 had been torn down 00:18:01.219 --> 00:18:02.219 as the nation turned 00:18:02.219 --> 00:18:03.179 toward Baal worship. 00:18:03.579 --> 00:18:05.240 And Elijah takes this opportunity 00:18:05.240 --> 00:18:06.719 to build it back up. 00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:07.379 He said, 00:18:07.500 --> 00:18:08.799 This is where we're going 00:18:08.799 --> 00:18:09.879 to offer sacrifices 00:18:09.879 --> 00:18:11.299 to the one true God 00:18:11.299 --> 00:18:12.679 who actually hears us. 00:18:12.679 --> 00:18:13.059 So, 00:18:13.199 --> 00:18:14.799 he builds it back up. 00:18:14.879 --> 00:18:15.899 He takes 12 stones. 00:18:16.240 --> 00:18:16.979 One to represent 00:18:16.979 --> 00:18:18.299 each of the tribes of Israel. 00:18:18.539 --> 00:18:19.819 And then he uses those stones 00:18:19.819 --> 00:18:21.039 to rebuild the altar 00:18:21.039 --> 00:18:23.059 in the name of the Lord. 00:18:23.279 --> 00:18:24.519 And then he dug a trench, 00:18:24.919 --> 00:18:25.719 big hole in the ground, 00:18:25.720 --> 00:18:28.160 all the way around the altar, 00:18:28.420 --> 00:18:29.339 big enough to hold 00:18:29.339 --> 00:18:30.440 about three gallons. 00:18:31.259 --> 00:18:33.000 Then he piled the wood 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:33.819 on the altar, 00:18:34.299 --> 00:18:35.860 cut the bowl into pieces, 00:18:36.000 --> 00:18:37.059 and laid the pieces 00:18:37.059 --> 00:18:38.380 on the wood. 00:18:38.539 --> 00:18:38.720 Now, 00:18:38.799 --> 00:18:39.880 he's not done yet. 00:18:40.720 --> 00:18:41.480 This story's about 00:18:41.480 --> 00:18:42.160 to get crazy. 00:18:43.019 --> 00:18:43.920 Then he said, 00:18:44.019 --> 00:18:46.460 Fill four large jars 00:18:46.460 --> 00:18:47.279 with water 00:18:47.279 --> 00:18:50.259 and pour the water 00:18:50.259 --> 00:18:52.139 over the offering, 00:18:52.819 --> 00:18:53.240 the bowl, 00:18:53.599 --> 00:18:54.359 and the wood. 00:18:56.700 --> 00:18:57.099 Now, 00:18:57.299 --> 00:18:58.680 how many people in here 00:18:58.680 --> 00:18:59.759 know how to build a fire? 00:19:01.680 --> 00:19:02.200 How many of y'all 00:19:02.200 --> 00:19:02.940 have watched that show 00:19:02.940 --> 00:19:03.500 on Netflix 00:19:03.500 --> 00:19:04.319 called Alone? 00:19:06.339 --> 00:19:06.740 Yes, 00:19:06.899 --> 00:19:07.839 I'm all about it, man. 00:19:08.259 --> 00:19:08.980 It is great. 00:19:09.299 --> 00:19:10.139 This thing about to go off 00:19:10.139 --> 00:19:10.440 before. 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:11.480 Hey, 00:19:11.700 --> 00:19:12.139 there we go. 00:19:13.220 --> 00:19:14.059 We need those in the church. 00:19:14.240 --> 00:19:14.639 That's pretty cool. 00:19:14.640 --> 00:19:16.780 Yeah, 00:19:16.860 --> 00:19:18.140 so I watched this show 00:19:18.140 --> 00:19:18.840 called Alone. 00:19:19.020 --> 00:19:20.259 Holly watched it with me some, 00:19:20.340 --> 00:19:20.940 and it's these people 00:19:20.940 --> 00:19:21.580 who get dropped off 00:19:21.580 --> 00:19:22.440 in this remote location, 00:19:22.560 --> 00:19:23.380 and they've got to survive. 00:19:23.560 --> 00:19:24.320 They've heard the people 00:19:24.320 --> 00:19:24.900 and spread out 00:19:24.900 --> 00:19:26.320 into different areas, 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:27.340 and whoever survives 00:19:27.340 --> 00:19:28.340 the longest wins 00:19:28.340 --> 00:19:29.300 this massive amount. 00:19:30.360 --> 00:19:30.720 So, 00:19:30.840 --> 00:19:31.460 they're all out there 00:19:31.460 --> 00:19:32.160 survivalists. 00:19:32.259 --> 00:19:33.080 They know how to do it, 00:19:33.100 --> 00:19:33.800 but it's amazing 00:19:33.800 --> 00:19:34.640 to watch these people 00:19:34.640 --> 00:19:36.020 start breaking down. 00:19:36.140 --> 00:19:36.580 These people who are 00:19:36.580 --> 00:19:37.759 so confident going in. 00:19:37.920 --> 00:19:38.740 I've got all the skills. 00:19:38.860 --> 00:19:39.480 I've got all the training. 00:19:39.560 --> 00:19:40.520 I know what I'm doing out here, 00:19:40.840 --> 00:19:42.060 and sometimes they can't 00:19:42.060 --> 00:19:42.540 build a fire 00:19:42.540 --> 00:19:43.440 for whatever reason. 00:19:43.880 --> 00:19:44.620 Sometimes the wood 00:19:44.619 --> 00:19:45.319 gets too wet, 00:19:45.500 --> 00:19:45.759 right? 00:19:46.659 --> 00:19:47.579 Sometimes their shelter 00:19:47.579 --> 00:19:48.359 falls apart. 00:19:48.459 --> 00:19:49.199 Something bad happens, 00:19:49.279 --> 00:19:50.159 and they're just done. 00:19:50.279 --> 00:19:50.779 They tap out. 00:19:50.939 --> 00:19:51.259 They go on. 00:19:52.419 --> 00:19:54.219 You can't build a fire 00:19:54.219 --> 00:19:55.439 with wet wood, 00:19:55.719 --> 00:19:56.019 right? 00:19:56.119 --> 00:19:56.839 Everybody know that? 00:19:57.519 --> 00:19:57.739 Like, 00:19:57.779 --> 00:19:58.199 if you're trying 00:19:58.199 --> 00:19:59.000 to build a fire, 00:19:59.379 --> 00:20:00.619 find tri-wood. 00:20:01.159 --> 00:20:01.799 The older, 00:20:01.919 --> 00:20:02.219 the better, 00:20:02.500 --> 00:20:02.759 right? 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:04.959 You can't build a fire 00:20:04.959 --> 00:20:05.799 with wet wood. 00:20:05.859 --> 00:20:06.459 What does it do? 00:20:07.559 --> 00:20:08.539 It just smokes, 00:20:08.799 --> 00:20:09.119 right? 00:20:09.319 --> 00:20:10.119 It's not going to work. 00:20:10.119 --> 00:20:12.000 So Elijah's trying 00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:13.619 to burn this stuff up, 00:20:13.619 --> 00:20:15.139 and he says, 00:20:15.259 --> 00:20:16.419 let's pour water 00:20:16.419 --> 00:20:17.179 all over it. 00:20:17.939 --> 00:20:19.079 That'll make it better. 00:20:20.679 --> 00:20:21.679 He's proven a point, 00:20:21.779 --> 00:20:21.919 y'all. 00:20:23.119 --> 00:20:23.559 So, 00:20:23.779 --> 00:20:25.359 that's what happens. 00:20:26.359 --> 00:20:27.179 They did it. 00:20:27.459 --> 00:20:28.239 They poured water 00:20:28.239 --> 00:20:29.000 all over the offering 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:29.419 in the wood, 00:20:29.500 --> 00:20:30.439 and after they'd done it, 00:20:30.579 --> 00:20:31.059 he said, 00:20:31.139 --> 00:20:31.679 do it again. 00:20:32.680 --> 00:20:33.480 So they'd go 00:20:33.480 --> 00:20:34.580 fill up the jars again 00:20:34.580 --> 00:20:35.200 and dump water 00:20:35.200 --> 00:20:35.940 all over it again. 00:20:36.460 --> 00:20:37.539 And when they were finished, 00:20:37.779 --> 00:20:38.220 he said, 00:20:38.299 --> 00:20:39.279 do it a third time. 00:20:40.000 --> 00:20:40.900 So he went. 00:20:41.000 --> 00:20:41.799 They went and did 00:20:41.799 --> 00:20:42.480 as he said, 00:20:42.660 --> 00:20:43.640 and the water ran 00:20:43.640 --> 00:20:45.019 all over the altar 00:20:45.019 --> 00:20:46.060 and filled up 00:20:46.060 --> 00:20:46.580 that trench 00:20:46.580 --> 00:20:47.200 that he had dug. 00:20:47.259 --> 00:20:47.960 He knew what he was doing. 00:20:49.039 --> 00:20:49.980 This altar, 00:20:50.220 --> 00:20:50.860 this bowl, 00:20:51.000 --> 00:20:51.600 this wood 00:20:51.600 --> 00:20:53.500 is completely drenched, 00:20:53.840 --> 00:20:54.779 soaked through. 00:20:56.420 --> 00:20:57.799 And at the usual time 00:20:57.799 --> 00:20:59.000 for offering 00:20:59.000 --> 00:21:00.019 a leading sacrifice, 00:21:00.180 --> 00:21:00.580 Elijah, 00:21:00.579 --> 00:21:01.859 the prophet, 00:21:02.339 --> 00:21:03.740 walked up to the altar 00:21:03.740 --> 00:21:04.500 and prayed, 00:21:05.559 --> 00:21:06.339 O Lord, 00:21:06.619 --> 00:21:07.740 God of Abraham, 00:21:07.980 --> 00:21:08.339 Isaac, 00:21:08.460 --> 00:21:08.980 and Jacob, 00:21:09.399 --> 00:21:10.539 prove today 00:21:10.539 --> 00:21:12.839 that you are God 00:21:12.839 --> 00:21:14.339 in Israel 00:21:14.339 --> 00:21:16.379 and that I 00:21:16.379 --> 00:21:17.799 am your servant. 00:21:18.539 --> 00:21:19.939 Prove that I have done 00:21:19.939 --> 00:21:20.720 all of this 00:21:20.720 --> 00:21:21.759 at your command. 00:21:22.019 --> 00:21:22.500 O Lord, 00:21:22.759 --> 00:21:23.500 answer me. 00:21:24.159 --> 00:21:24.859 Answer me 00:21:24.859 --> 00:21:26.199 so these people know 00:21:26.199 --> 00:21:26.980 that you, 00:21:27.220 --> 00:21:27.460 O Lord, 00:21:27.519 --> 00:21:28.019 are God 00:21:28.019 --> 00:21:28.699 and that you 00:21:28.699 --> 00:21:29.779 have brought them back 00:21:29.779 --> 00:21:30.779 to yourself. 00:21:31.779 --> 00:21:32.619 And what happens? 00:21:33.000 --> 00:21:33.619 Immediately, 00:21:34.099 --> 00:21:35.359 the fire of the Lord 00:21:35.359 --> 00:21:36.240 flashed down 00:21:36.240 --> 00:21:36.720 from heaven 00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:37.899 and burned up 00:21:37.899 --> 00:21:38.619 the bull, 00:21:38.940 --> 00:21:39.639 burned up 00:21:39.639 --> 00:21:40.299 the wood, 00:21:40.539 --> 00:21:42.119 the soaking wet wood, 00:21:42.720 --> 00:21:43.440 burned up 00:21:43.440 --> 00:21:44.299 the stones, 00:21:44.660 --> 00:21:45.639 and burned up 00:21:45.639 --> 00:21:46.559 the dust. 00:21:47.099 --> 00:21:47.579 It even 00:21:47.579 --> 00:21:48.420 lit up 00:21:48.420 --> 00:21:49.339 all the water 00:21:49.339 --> 00:21:50.299 in the trench. 00:21:50.299 --> 00:21:52.119 and when all 00:21:52.119 --> 00:21:53.059 the people saw it, 00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:54.019 they fell 00:21:54.019 --> 00:21:54.799 face down 00:21:54.799 --> 00:21:55.480 on the ground 00:21:55.480 --> 00:21:56.319 and cried out, 00:21:56.460 --> 00:21:57.039 The Lord, 00:21:57.460 --> 00:21:59.460 He is God. 00:22:00.159 --> 00:22:00.639 Yes, 00:22:01.200 --> 00:22:01.859 the Lord 00:22:01.859 --> 00:22:03.379 is God. 00:22:04.460 --> 00:22:05.259 For the sake of time, 00:22:05.339 --> 00:22:06.059 we'll stop there. 00:22:06.779 --> 00:22:07.279 But listen, 00:22:08.700 --> 00:22:09.740 my testimony 00:22:09.740 --> 00:22:10.519 to you 00:22:10.519 --> 00:22:11.180 is that 00:22:11.180 --> 00:22:11.759 the Lord 00:22:11.759 --> 00:22:13.000 is God. 00:22:13.240 --> 00:22:13.779 The Lord 00:22:13.779 --> 00:22:14.500 came through 00:22:14.500 --> 00:22:15.139 for Elijah 00:22:15.139 --> 00:22:15.779 that day 00:22:15.779 --> 00:22:16.619 and the Lord 00:22:16.619 --> 00:22:17.559 will come through 00:22:17.559 --> 00:22:18.059 for you. 00:22:18.059 --> 00:22:18.419 Now, 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:19.659 He may not always 00:22:19.659 --> 00:22:20.139 come through 00:22:20.139 --> 00:22:21.159 the way you ask Him. 00:22:21.579 --> 00:22:22.359 He may not always 00:22:22.359 --> 00:22:22.819 come through 00:22:22.819 --> 00:22:23.700 just as He did 00:22:23.700 --> 00:22:24.259 for Elijah 00:22:24.259 --> 00:22:25.099 when Elijah 00:22:25.099 --> 00:22:25.720 builds up 00:22:25.720 --> 00:22:26.419 this altar, 00:22:27.200 --> 00:22:28.139 lays out the plan 00:22:28.139 --> 00:22:28.460 and says, 00:22:28.539 --> 00:22:28.759 God, 00:22:28.859 --> 00:22:29.559 now it's your turn 00:22:29.559 --> 00:22:30.619 and God came through 00:22:30.619 --> 00:22:31.960 just as Elijah 00:22:31.960 --> 00:22:32.460 had hoped. 00:22:33.899 --> 00:22:35.299 But I can promise you 00:22:35.299 --> 00:22:36.259 the Lord 00:22:36.259 --> 00:22:37.039 is God 00:22:37.039 --> 00:22:37.940 and the Lord 00:22:37.940 --> 00:22:38.740 will prove 00:22:38.740 --> 00:22:39.859 that He is God 00:22:39.859 --> 00:22:41.259 time and time again 00:22:41.259 --> 00:22:42.019 all throughout 00:22:42.019 --> 00:22:43.039 the pages of Scripture 00:22:43.039 --> 00:22:44.440 time and time again 00:22:44.440 --> 00:22:45.119 all throughout 00:22:45.119 --> 00:22:46.379 the history of church 00:22:46.379 --> 00:22:47.599 all around this world 00:22:47.599 --> 00:22:48.939 and time and time again 00:22:48.939 --> 00:22:49.539 in the history 00:22:49.539 --> 00:22:50.639 of your lives 00:22:50.639 --> 00:22:51.619 of my life 00:22:51.619 --> 00:22:53.139 God has come through 00:22:53.139 --> 00:22:54.659 God has made Himself 00:22:54.659 --> 00:22:55.099 real 00:22:55.099 --> 00:22:57.379 God has proved 00:22:57.379 --> 00:22:59.000 that He is 00:22:59.000 --> 00:23:00.819 the one true God 00:23:00.819 --> 00:23:02.339 and there is nothing else 00:23:02.339 --> 00:23:03.759 that makes God 00:23:03.759 --> 00:23:05.039 want to prove Himself 00:23:05.039 --> 00:23:05.459 more 00:23:05.459 --> 00:23:06.939 than His people 00:23:06.939 --> 00:23:08.179 calling out in faith 00:23:08.179 --> 00:23:08.939 and saying, 00:23:09.139 --> 00:23:09.379 God, 00:23:10.379 --> 00:23:12.000 show that you are God. 00:23:12.459 --> 00:23:13.939 Show to a lost world 00:23:13.939 --> 00:23:14.699 without you 00:23:14.699 --> 00:23:16.000 that you are God. 00:23:16.000 --> 00:23:16.359 listen, 00:23:16.480 --> 00:23:17.500 that gets God's attention 00:23:17.500 --> 00:23:19.539 that makes God work 00:23:19.539 --> 00:23:21.119 that makes God 00:23:21.119 --> 00:23:21.799 come through 00:23:21.799 --> 00:23:23.240 that makes Him intervene 00:23:23.240 --> 00:23:24.180 last Sunday 00:23:24.180 --> 00:23:24.859 we talked about 00:23:24.859 --> 00:23:25.880 how God can do 00:23:25.880 --> 00:23:26.660 anything 00:23:26.660 --> 00:23:28.799 God can work 00:23:28.799 --> 00:23:29.740 on hard hearts 00:23:29.740 --> 00:23:30.660 God can turn 00:23:30.660 --> 00:23:31.579 hard hearts 00:23:31.579 --> 00:23:33.819 just like He did 00:23:33.819 --> 00:23:34.480 with the men of them 00:23:34.480 --> 00:23:36.500 just like He did 00:23:36.500 --> 00:23:37.059 right here 00:23:37.059 --> 00:23:38.839 for these 00:23:38.839 --> 00:23:39.839 Baal worshipping 00:23:39.839 --> 00:23:43.099 wandered far away 00:23:43.099 --> 00:23:45.279 children of Israel 00:23:45.279 --> 00:23:47.519 and He can do it 00:23:47.519 --> 00:23:48.419 for you 00:23:48.419 --> 00:23:50.199 maybe you've wandered far 00:23:50.199 --> 00:23:51.859 maybe your heart 00:23:51.859 --> 00:23:53.099 is far from God 00:23:53.099 --> 00:23:54.220 maybe this is your 00:23:54.220 --> 00:23:55.000 first time to church 00:23:55.000 --> 00:23:55.740 in a long time 00:23:55.740 --> 00:23:56.859 maybe you've been 00:23:56.859 --> 00:23:57.599 coming to church 00:23:57.599 --> 00:23:58.319 for a long time 00:23:58.319 --> 00:23:58.879 but your heart 00:23:58.879 --> 00:23:59.659 has still wandered 00:23:59.659 --> 00:24:00.240 far away 00:24:00.240 --> 00:24:02.519 God can bring it back 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:04.639 God can get your attention 00:24:04.640 --> 00:24:06.400 call out to Him 00:24:06.400 --> 00:24:06.780 today 00:24:06.780 --> 00:24:08.259 just as Elijah did 00:24:08.259 --> 00:24:09.080 call out 00:24:09.080 --> 00:24:09.920 to God 00:24:09.920 --> 00:24:10.540 today 00:24:10.540 --> 00:24:11.700 and the fire 00:24:11.700 --> 00:24:12.860 will fall 00:24:12.860 --> 00:24:13.700 the fire 00:24:13.700 --> 00:24:14.600 will come through 00:24:14.600 --> 00:24:16.040 God will show 00:24:16.040 --> 00:24:16.960 Himself real 00:24:16.960 --> 00:24:18.020 in your heart 00:24:18.020 --> 00:24:18.840 would you bow your heads 00:24:18.840 --> 00:24:19.200 with me? 00:24:19.580 --> 00:24:20.680 God, I don't know 00:24:20.680 --> 00:24:22.300 what people need 00:24:22.300 --> 00:24:23.160 from you today 00:24:23.160 --> 00:24:24.660 Elijah needed 00:24:24.660 --> 00:24:25.280 a big old 00:24:25.280 --> 00:24:26.300 flashy miracle 00:24:26.299 --> 00:24:29.259 maybe there's people 00:24:29.259 --> 00:24:30.139 that just need 00:24:30.139 --> 00:24:30.940 a reminder 00:24:30.940 --> 00:24:31.899 that you are real 00:24:31.899 --> 00:24:33.339 that you are present 00:24:33.339 --> 00:24:34.759 that you are with them 00:24:34.759 --> 00:24:36.839 God, whatever it is 00:24:36.839 --> 00:24:39.000 show yourself 00:24:39.000 --> 00:24:39.700 real today 00:24:39.700 --> 00:24:42.599 turn our hearts 00:24:42.599 --> 00:24:43.960 away from Baal 00:24:43.960 --> 00:24:45.419 turn our hearts 00:24:45.419 --> 00:24:46.279 away from whatever 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:47.339 Baal substitute 00:24:47.339 --> 00:24:48.519 we have put into 00:24:48.519 --> 00:24:49.139 our lives 00:24:49.139 --> 00:24:50.500 turn our hearts 00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:51.259 away from our 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:51.919 selfishness 00:24:51.919 --> 00:24:52.859 our pride 00:24:52.859 --> 00:24:53.700 our ego 00:24:53.700 --> 00:24:54.680 our dishonesty 00:24:54.680 --> 00:24:55.480 our fear 00:24:55.480 --> 00:24:57.079 whatever it is 00:24:57.079 --> 00:24:57.819 our addictions 00:24:57.819 --> 00:25:00.140 God, turn us 00:25:00.140 --> 00:25:01.019 from that 00:25:01.019 --> 00:25:02.220 and turn us 00:25:02.220 --> 00:25:03.200 back to you 00:25:03.200 --> 00:25:04.120 you didn't give up 00:25:04.120 --> 00:25:04.720 on your people 00:25:04.720 --> 00:25:06.960 you didn't give up 00:25:06.960 --> 00:25:07.920 on them just because 00:25:07.920 --> 00:25:08.799 they turned their backs 00:25:08.799 --> 00:25:09.259 on you 00:25:09.259 --> 00:25:10.880 you used your prophet 00:25:10.880 --> 00:25:12.000 to get their attention 00:25:12.000 --> 00:25:12.900 and say 00:25:12.900 --> 00:25:13.299 no 00:25:13.299 --> 00:25:14.720 God is God 00:25:14.720 --> 00:25:16.839 Baal is not God 00:25:16.839 --> 00:25:20.620 God, use your scriptures 00:25:20.620 --> 00:25:21.779 once again this morning 00:25:21.779 --> 00:25:23.039 to get our attention 00:25:23.039 --> 00:25:24.480 to remind us 00:25:24.480 --> 00:25:25.240 that you are 00:25:25.240 --> 00:25:26.079 God alone 00:25:26.079 --> 00:25:29.920 you will always come 00:25:29.920 --> 00:25:30.059 to 00:25:30.059 --> 00:25:33.380 churches 00:25:33.380 --> 00:25:34.140 Jared plays 00:25:34.140 --> 00:25:34.960 would you keep your heads 00:25:34.960 --> 00:25:35.220 bowed 00:25:35.220 --> 00:25:35.960 would you remain in your 00:25:35.960 --> 00:25:36.240 seats 00:25:36.240 --> 00:25:37.259 and let's enter into 00:25:37.259 --> 00:25:37.960 a time of prayer 00:25:37.960 --> 00:25:40.819 before we leave this place 00:25:40.819 --> 00:25:42.000 and we go back to our day 00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:46.839 would you let the music 00:25:46.839 --> 00:25:47.740 wash over you 00:25:47.740 --> 00:25:49.380 let the preaching 00:25:49.380 --> 00:25:50.240 of your word 00:25:50.240 --> 00:25:51.200 convict you 00:25:51.200 --> 00:25:53.099 where the Holy Spirit 00:25:53.099 --> 00:25:54.140 wants to point 00:25:54.140 --> 00:25:54.720 your attention 00:25:54.720 --> 00:25:58.980 every man 00:25:58.980 --> 00:25:59.279 woman 00:25:59.279 --> 00:25:59.779 and child 00:25:59.779 --> 00:26:00.500 in this room 00:26:00.500 --> 00:26:01.839 man it's an entertaining 00:26:01.839 --> 00:26:02.359 story 00:26:02.359 --> 00:26:03.759 what does it mean 00:26:03.759 --> 00:26:04.160 for me 00:26:04.160 --> 00:26:06.940 it means there's 00:26:06.940 --> 00:26:07.940 something in your life 00:26:07.940 --> 00:26:10.279 it's probably 00:26:10.279 --> 00:26:12.460 has a bigger place 00:26:12.460 --> 00:26:13.140 than God 00:26:13.140 --> 00:26:15.700 it's an idol 00:26:15.700 --> 00:26:17.799 we've kind of given up 00:26:17.799 --> 00:26:21.740 something in your life 00:26:21.740 --> 00:26:22.880 that's distracted you 00:26:22.880 --> 00:26:24.019 from your love 00:26:24.019 --> 00:26:24.759 and your commitment 00:26:24.759 --> 00:26:26.059 to the one 00:26:26.059 --> 00:26:26.960 true 00:26:26.960 --> 00:26:28.160 almighty God 00:26:28.160 --> 00:26:31.000 and he wants to 00:26:31.000 --> 00:26:31.880 remind you today 00:26:31.880 --> 00:26:32.640 that he is real 00:26:32.640 --> 00:26:33.440 he is powerful 00:26:33.440 --> 00:26:35.340 he can do 00:26:35.340 --> 00:26:36.779 anything 00:26:36.779 --> 00:26:39.080 maybe you need 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.960 God to intervene 00:26:39.960 --> 00:26:42.779 I know I need 00:26:42.779 --> 00:26:44.940 there's things 00:26:44.940 --> 00:26:45.480 in my life 00:26:45.480 --> 00:26:46.059 I need God 00:26:46.059 --> 00:26:46.539 to intervene 00:26:46.539 --> 00:26:47.600 I need him to step in 00:26:47.600 --> 00:26:48.940 and show that he is God 00:26:48.940 --> 00:26:49.500 and maybe you have 00:26:49.500 --> 00:26:50.120 the same thing 00:26:50.120 --> 00:26:51.580 God at this moment 00:26:51.580 --> 00:26:52.100 right now 00:26:52.100 --> 00:26:53.299 convict hearts 00:26:53.299 --> 00:26:55.380 draw people to yourself 00:26:55.380 --> 00:26:57.740 we'll give you 00:26:57.740 --> 00:26:58.200 all the glory 00:26:58.200 --> 00:27:01.920 there's someone 00:27:01.920 --> 00:27:02.360 here today 00:27:02.360 --> 00:27:03.180 who doesn't know 00:27:03.180 --> 00:27:05.240 that they're a child 00:27:05.240 --> 00:27:05.700 of God 00:27:05.700 --> 00:27:07.259 I'm going to ask you 00:27:07.259 --> 00:27:08.100 to slip your hand up 00:27:08.100 --> 00:27:08.560 right now 00:27:08.560 --> 00:27:09.340 and say I'd like to 00:27:09.340 --> 00:27:10.200 give my life to Jesus 00:27:10.200 --> 00:27:10.580 today 00:27:10.580 --> 00:27:12.000 before we leave this place 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:12.820 I'd like to give my life 00:27:12.820 --> 00:27:13.180 to Jesus 00:27:13.180 --> 00:27:14.080 would you slip your hand up 00:27:14.080 --> 00:27:14.799 and I'll pray for you 00:27:14.799 --> 00:27:18.019 thank you 00:27:18.019 --> 00:27:20.820 church is there anybody 00:27:20.820 --> 00:27:21.519 else who would say 00:27:21.519 --> 00:27:22.140 I need prayer 00:27:22.140 --> 00:27:23.320 God's working on me 00:27:23.320 --> 00:27:23.980 about something 00:27:23.980 --> 00:27:25.060 would you just pray 00:27:25.060 --> 00:27:25.519 for me 00:27:25.519 --> 00:27:27.960 God's working with me 00:27:27.960 --> 00:27:28.340 right now 00:27:28.340 --> 00:27:29.240 would you slip your hand up 00:27:29.240 --> 00:27:29.900 and I'll pray for you 00:27:29.900 --> 00:27:30.560 thank you 00:27:30.560 --> 00:27:31.340 thank you 00:27:31.339 --> 00:27:32.319 thank you 00:27:32.319 --> 00:27:33.480 thank you 00:27:33.480 --> 00:27:35.240 God you see those hands 00:27:35.240 --> 00:27:36.059 you know what's going on 00:27:36.059 --> 00:27:37.259 going on in our hearts 00:27:37.259 --> 00:27:37.539 God 00:27:37.539 --> 00:27:38.599 make yourself 00:27:38.599 --> 00:27:40.379 so real to them 00:27:40.379 --> 00:27:40.919 in this moment 00:27:40.919 --> 00:27:42.619 show us how big you are 00:27:42.619 --> 00:27:44.659 how kind you are 00:27:44.659 --> 00:27:45.819 how gracious you are 00:27:45.819 --> 00:27:47.240 and how powerful you are 00:27:47.240 --> 00:27:48.959 so much more powerful 00:27:48.959 --> 00:27:50.279 than anything else 00:27:50.279 --> 00:27:52.279 for you 00:27:52.279 --> 00:27:53.619 . 00:27:53.619 --> 00:27:54.139 . 00:27:54.139 --> 00:27:54.740 . 00:27:54.740 --> 00:27:55.240 . 00:27:55.240 --> 00:27:55.899 . 00:27:55.899 --> 00:28:13.420 . 00:28:13.420 --> 00:28:13.859 . 00:28:13.859 --> 00:28:14.139 . 00:28:14.139 --> 00:28:16.420 .