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The StoryFinding Your Story in Gods Story

Gods Messengers

Series 2 - God Pursues His PeopleReview Chapter 14

The Kingdom Torn in Two

Series 2 - God Pursues His People

I. Showdown at Mt. Carmel 1 Kings 18

Start with 1 Kings 16:29-33

King Ahab rules Israel

Married Jezebel

Built a temple and worshipped BaalDid more to provoke the anger of the Lord than any kings before him

Elijah declares no rain 17:1

James 5:17-18 (NLT) 17 Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! 18 Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.

Elijah is directed by God to live by a brook raven bring food

Elijah is directed by God to go and be fed by a widowWho is the True God? 1 Kings 18:17-40The God who answers by setting fire to the wood of the sacrifice is the True God

O Lord prove that you are God and that I am your servantSo these people will know that you are God

The fire of the Lord burned up the offeringThe people cried out the Lord, He is GodElijah prays for rainElijah meets with God on Mt Sinai 1 Kings 19Anoint kingsAnoint Elisha your replacementElisha serves as Elijahs assistant

Elijah is Raptured 2 Kings 2

Elijah what can I do for youElisha a double share of your spiritII. Gods Love for Unfaithful Israel Hosea 1Marry a prostituteIllustrate how Israel has acted turning against the Lord and worshiping other gods

Hosea married GomerChildren named by GodGomer goes back into prostitution

Hosea 3 Redeem your unfaithful wifeThe people will go into exileThey will return and devote themselves to GodThey will tremble in awe of God and his goodness

III. Are You Listening? God speaksBy his Word and by his SpiritInstruction, direction, correctionEars to hear

Matthew 11:15 (NLT) 15 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!Matthew 13:9 (NLT) 9 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.Matthew 13:15 (NLT) 15 For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.

2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT) 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.

Application - God is still speaking today. Will we listen, or will we ignore his