Sermon Central
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Team God
Contributed by Je Layugan on Jan 6, 2021 (message contributor)
Summary: Elijah (meaning “My God is Yahweh”) challenges the 450 prophets of baal (and other prophets) in a “my God, your gods face-off". Like Elijah, teaming up with God when facing battles in life will be a win-win situation.
STORY PRELUDE
Elijah confronts King Ahab and challenges baal. He sets the basic rule of the face-off, that is to use woods and a bull to be consumed by their gods as they call them. Though he seems alone, Elijah is on the offense. In his turn to call his God, he prepares the Lord’s altar using 12 Stones, pile of woods, cut bull, and trench filled with water.
36 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37 Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”
38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.
39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The LORD—he is God! The LORD—he is God!”
Elijah asks the people - “Which team are you in?
In our battles in life today, which team are you in?
You are in “TEAM GOD.” if in the midst of challenges, you;
#1 STEP FORWARD IN FAITH
Stepping forward in the midst of challenges is a sign of an unprecedented faith in God.
Martin Luther King Jr. says – “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase”.
In James 2 it says – faith without works is dead.
The bible is clear that we are to work and put our best (excellence) effort. Our work is one of our greatest testimonies for others that we are teaming up with God.
You are in “TEAM GOD.” if in the midst of challenges, you;
#2: RELY ON GOD’S UNRIVALED POWER
When nothing happened after his first prayer, Elijah just pressed on.
We might think God does not hear us, but He has been paying extremely close attention. God answers your prayer, He is always on time, you will be surprised how great His power is.
You are in “TEAM GOD.” if in the midst of challenges, you;
#3 YOU HAVE AN UNRIVALED POWER TO DO SUPERNATURAL THINGS
God’s unrivalled power through Jesus and by the Holy Spirit is at our disposal. Just as Elijah did, we can rely on His power to protect us, to fight for us, and more.
Philippians 4:13 tells us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthen us.
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Your challenges may not require you to challenge 450 prophets of gods, but your challenges may have greatly affecting your life. Challenges that have been robbing you of joy, hope, victory, and the capacity to live the life God planned for you; that you end up asking "where are you God?"
He is just waiting for us to team up with Him. The Lord is saying - “As I team up with you, I’m ending drought in your life. I am gathering clouds and I will bring a heavy rain of blessings in every aspect of your life. Step forward and pray, and rely on my unrivalled power.”
Decide to be part of "Team God" now!
