A. GOD’S LONE RANGER AT MOUNT CARMEL
1. Tishbite means strong or alone. “I am the only prophet of the LORD … left” (18:22).
2. Big crowd. “All the people of Israel gathered … 400 prophets of Baal … 450 prophets of Asherah” (v. 22 ff).
3. They expected rain, but will get fire. Now rain for 3 ½ years. “The God who answers by fire, He is God” (v. 24).
4. Elijah’s faith took complete command. “Choose one bull … prepare it … call on the name of your god … put no fire under it” (v. 25).
5. Decision. “How long halt you between two opinions (v. 21). Hebrew Totter. “People answered … not a word” (v. 21). Jehovah and Baal face to face.
6. Could satan answer false prophet’s prayers? “Fire ... has fallen … and burned up all your (Job’s ) sheep” (Job 1:16). Satan can do only what God allows.
7. Elijah’s sarcasm. “Shout louder … perhaps he is daydreaming … asleep ... cut themselves … raved all afternoon … no sound, no reply, no response” (v. 28-29).
8. God’s time. “Time of the evening sacrifice” (v. 29). God’s place “twelve stones … rebuild the altar” God’s method, “Cut the bull … laid … on the altar” (v. 30-32). Sin must be dealt with God’s way.
9. Power in obedience. “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob … prove today that you are God … so people will know … prove that I have done at your command” (v. 36-37).
10. Expectant. “Came near” (v. 36, KJV). “Walked up to the altar” (NLT).
11. Proof. “Twelve barrels” (v. 33-35).
12. God has been grievously dishonored. “God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29).
B. TEN APPLICATIONS FOR YOUR LIFE
1. When you need to find God, revisit the place where He last manifested Himself. “Repair the altar.”
2. When you expect the usual (rain), God does the unusual (fire).
3. God usually allows for human extremities before He demonstrates His power.
4. Religious worship (no matter how extreme) does not get God’s attention.
5. God delights in symbols; 12 stones, evening offering, slain animals.
6. God usually demonstrates Himself in ways that are opposite to what we expect: 12 barrels, soak the altar, etc.
7. Blessings always comes when we approach God His way.
8. To have the blessing of God, we must get rid of sin and judge apostasy. “Seize all the prophets, of Baal, don’t let a single one escape … killed them” (v. 50).
9. God always shows up through a blood sacrifice. “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22).
10. Fire always burns upwards, but God’s way. “The fire of the Lord fell” (v. 38). “Flashed down from Heaven” (v. 32) Have you ever had God’s fire fall on you?
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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