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Days of Elijah pt1—God Uses Obscure People to Do Amazing Miracles

[Jas 5:17 NASB95]

[1Ki 17:1-7 NASB95]

Some people believe that President Trump is being mistreated by the government through lawfare. Many experts agree. It causes some to think that we are powerless against an adversarial government.

Whether it’s large-scale national governmental direction or individual lives, people can feel powerless to face the opposition.

This summer, we are focusing on miracles in the lives of Elijah and Elisha.

What is a miracle? Definition: a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency. (Oxford Dictionary)

As we renew our minds to God’s miracle power by focusing on the miracles He did through these men, faith will arise, and we will experience miracles. God did not leave us powerless.

What do we learn about God using obscure people to do extraordinary miracles from I Kings 17:1-7?

Here are five lessons we learned about God using obscure people to do extraordinary miracles.

God wants to use obscure people to do extraordinary things.

V.1

Who? From where? We have no background information about Elijah. He came out of nowhere.

James 5 – mentions that he was a man with “a nature like ours.” He did not have a miracle conception, nor was he divine. He was a human.

[1Co 1:26-29 NASB95]

Quit saying that you are not enough. God will use you as you trust Him.

Know that God can use anyone to do amazing things, including you.

God wants to be alive to us and served by us.

V.1

Elijah lived as though God was alive. He served God as the Lord of his life.

Paul points out these “foolish” ones as having their identity in Christ. [1Co 1:30-31 NASB95]

Our identity must come from our belief that God is real and that we have surrendered to Him.

Christianity is not about getting God to bless our plans, but we surrender to His plans.

God wants us to use His authority to combat our environment.

V. 1

[Luk 10:19-20 NASB95]

Use the authority.

Remember, it comes from your relationship with a God of grace and mercy.

God does not want you to be a victim. We are not powerless.

Use the authority that comes from being a believer to stand against the forces of darkness in this world.

God wants to guide us.

V.2-3

God guided this man every step of the way.

[Psa 37:23 NASB95]

You are not a victim. Your life is not dictated at the whim of man or government.

Trust that God’s ability to speak to you is bigger than your inability to hear Him.

If you call on Him, He will tell you where to go.

God wants to provide for us.

V. 4-7

Elijah not only angered King Ahab but also, due to his word concerning a lack of rain, there are no provisions for him to get his needs met.

Yet, Elijah’s obedience opened the door for provision and prosperity.

Notice “THERE.” Supernatural provision is THERE.

[Isa 1:19 NASB95]

As you consent (become willing) and obey, you will be well provided with the best.

God wants to use ordinary people to do extraordinary miracles as we live for Him, release His authority, follow His direction, and trust in His provision for us.

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Speak the Word Only

[Eph 6:17 NASB95] 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The Word of God is powerful. Here the word translated “word” is “ῥῆμα” (rhema). It is different from another word translated “word,” “λόγος” (logos). Logos is a word primarily written. Rhema is a word spoken.

The spoken Word (Rhema) of God is powerful against the enemy.

Side NOTE:

Harper Collins now owns Zondervan (1988) and Thomas Nelson (2012). So, they publish the NIV, KJV, NKJV, NASB, NET, NLT, and ESV. They did NOT translate any of them. They only publish (print and distribute) them.

As far as “missing” words, that would be too long to explain. The fact is that words were “added” in the variants used to translate the KJV. Many words that were not original. When you have centuries of variants that do not include verses or words, only to have them appear centuries later. What happened? Those words were “added” and not likely original. The KJV translator (Erasmus) received any text (Textus Receptus), even if it were questionable. So yes, it would be terrible to “take away” words. It is also wrong to “add” words, as observed in the KJV. The KJV translators were more liberal in what words they accepted. The other translators were more conservative in what words they accepted.

Matthew 17:21 – does not appear for centuries after the earliest manuscripts.

What do we need to know about the spoken Word?

The spoken Word does the three things.

The spoken Word affects this life.

Ephesians 6:17. The spoken Word becomes a sword against the enemy.

Jesus vs Satan. [Luk 4:4, 8, 12 NASB95]

[Psa 91:1-2 NASB95]

We speak the Word against Satan’s attack.

The spoken Word accomplishes God’s Will on the earth.

The spoken Word is a seed that produces. [Luk 8:11 NASB95]

[Eze 37:3-14 NASB95]

When we speak God’s Word, we will see God’s Will.

The spoken Word is our partnership with God.

See also Ezekiel 37.

[Joe 3:10 NASB95]

[Psa 35:27 NASB95]

Get into partnership with God concerning your words.

God wants us to speak His Word to experience His victory in our lives.

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Foundations pt13—Jesus is Coming

[Heb 6:1-3 NASB95]

[1Th 5:2 NASB95]

[2Pe 3:10 NASB95]

A thief is coming.

The Apostles Paul and Peter gave the exact description of the “day of the Lord.” What is the day of the Lord? While not wanting to go into the theological hair-splitting arguments of the statement, consider that 1 Thessalonians 4 and 5 are talking about the rapture, the return of Christ. Peter (2 Peter 3:4) also writes about the coming of the Lord. Therefore, from the context of scripture, it is not a stretch to believe that the “day of the Lord” would include the return of Christ, among other end-time events.

Since “the day of the Lord” refers to the return of the Lord, consider the description: a thief in the night. This description gives us some clues as to the manner of His return. The return of Christ will be unexpected. It will be sudden. It will come when many people are asleep. It will require people to prepare for the event as one might lock the doors or have an alarm system.

What are some important things to remember about His Coming?

Here are three important things to remember about His Coming.

THE MANNER OF HIS COMING – [Jhn 14:1-3 NASB95]

PRE-EMINENT v.1, “. . . believe in God, believe also in Me.”

Jesus prefaces His comments on His second coming by affirming His deity. Jesus is coming to complete our redemption–He is coming victoriously as God. If you deny the Second Coming of Jesus, you deny faith in Christ.

In Matthew 26:64 In this passage, Christ reveals that He is God by affirming His Second Coming.

PERSONAL v. 2-3

PROPHETIC [1Co 15:51 NASB95]

The details of the Rapture were not revealed until this time. The word “MYSTERY” refers to something in the plan of God that, up to this time, was not divulged.

PRECIPITATE v. 52,

Literally, ’in an atom of time.” It is a point of time that cannot be cut or divided. It is THAT SUDDEN and UNEXPECTED!! Jesus likened His coming to that like a “thief in the night.”

Rain is called precipitation because it is sudden and unexpected! Can you imagine planning a wedding outdoors and not having a backup place to go? You must because rain could pour unexpectedly!

PROFITABLE v. 53

Our redemption will be complete!

[Rom 8:22-23 NASB95]

PREVAILING v. 54,

THE MISSION OF HIS COMING. [1Th 4:16-17 NASB95]

TO RESURRECT HIS SAINTS v.16

TO RECEIVE HIS SAINTS v.17, The word “caught up” implies that an external power will raise us into the clouds. We will not slowly ascend to Christ–He will pull us out of this wicked world to be with Him.

TO REWARD HIS SAINTS

[Rev 22:12 NASB95]

[1Jo 2:28 NASB95]

[1Pe 5:4 NASB95]

I Cor. 3:11-15 says that in that day our works will be tried, and we have two options: RECIEVE REWARD or BE SAVED AS BY FIRE!

THE MOTIVATION FROM KNOWLEDGE OF HIS COMING.

PERSPECTIVE [Tit 2:13 NASB95]

We need to be looking for Jesus!

PURITY [1Jo 3:2-3 NASB95]

PERSEVERANCE [1Co 15:58 NASB95]

Jesus came into this world for the first time as a baby– He will return as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

He came to purchase our redemption–He will come to complete our redemption.

When He came the first time, He died for all mankind. When He comes again, He will come to claim those who have accepted His SACRIFICE!!!

Prayer for Lost – Family, Friends, and Area

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Foundations pt12—Jesus is Baptizer:

The Importance of Spirit Baptism.

[Heb 6:1-3 NASB95] 1 Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits.

Fundamentals/foundations are what separates the successful from the unsuccessful.

To Jesus, it was important for the disciples to be Spirit baptized before they preached the Gospel. [Luk 24:49 NASB95]

Paul lists some fundamentals, one of which is baptisms (plural).

One baptism: Into Christ, [Gal 3:27 NASB95]

Second baptism: Water, [Act 1:5 NASB95]

Third baptism: With the Holy Spirit, Acts 1:5

3rd of the Four Cardinal Truths is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Why is the Spirit baptism important?

Here are five reasons why Spirit baptism is important.

Gives us a promise.

Jesus – [Act 1:4-5 NASB95]

Peter – Acts 2:14-18 (Joel 2:28-29)

Not a new idea, some strange happening, God has promised it a long time ago.

We are in the “LAST DAYS”, directly talking about the Baptism with the Holy Spirit

Gives us a Person.

Acts 19:1-6 – They were Christians, then baptized in water, Holy Spirit.

First, baptism with the Holy Spirit subsequent to Salvation

Secondly, a deeper knowledge of the Holy Spirit.

John 14:26 – Him, not it. Not tongues, not the baptism, but the Holy Spirit.

Gives us a purpose.

Acts 1:8 – Be My witness.

Leviticus 14:14,17 – blood first act of cleansing; oil then applied over blood symbolic of being prepared for service.

Gives us power.

Acts 1:8 – Power to be My Witnesses.

I Corinthians 2:4-5.

There is a level of power that God works through people who have received Spirit baptism.

Gives us a prayer language.

There is a spiritual language of prayer that accompanies Spirit baptism.

[Rom 8:26-27 NASB95]

[1Co 14:14-15 NASB95]

Praying in the Spirit is different from speaking a message to the church in tongues.

Praying and singing with the spirit is appropriate in church services and in private times to engage God.

It is important to God that we experience Spirit baptism, as evidenced by praying in tongues as part of His end-time promise to fulfill His purpose with power as we walk with the Holy Spirit.

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Foundations pt11—Jesus is Healer

[Heb 6:1-3 NASB95]

[Act 10:38 NASB95]

[Mat 4:23-24 NASB95]

[Mat 9:35 NASB95]

[Heb 13:8 NASB95] 8 Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and forever.

Jesus cares deeply about our plight on earth. He cares about every aspect including the pain and suffering we live with daily.

Jesus’ earthly ministry greatly involved healing people. His death, resurrection, and ascension made divine physical healing available.

What are some important aspects of knowing Jesus is healer?

Here are 7 important things to know about healing.

Method

Natural

[1Ti 5:23 NASB95]

[2Ki 20:7 NASB95]

Supernatural – numerous references – spiritual laws must be applied.

Responsibility

Care for the temple – [1Co 6:19 NASB95]

Care for others –

Mark 16:18 – just as we are commanded to preach the Gospel, we are commanded to lay hands on the sick

Progression

Some instant – Woman with the issue of blood

Some progressive

[Luk 17:14 NASB95]

[Mar 8:23-25 NASB95]

Manifestation

Gifts of Healings – as the Spirit wills – I Corinthians 12:7-11

Live by faith – as we respond –

[Heb 10:36-38 NASB95]

[Mar 11:22-24 NASB95]

Authority – [Luk 5:24 NASB95]

If He can forgive sin.

He can heal sickness.

Atonement – Isaiah 53:4 & Matthew 8:16-17; Psalm 103; James 5:14-15

He paid for your sin.

He paid for your healing.

Hearing the preached Word can help you receive healing.

The Word is medicine. [Pro 4:20-22 NASB95]

Hear and be healed.

[Luk 5:15 NASB95]

[Luk 6:17-18 NASB95]

Jesus healed while on earth and has made healing available to every person who calls on Him in faith.

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Foundations pt10—Jesus is Savior

[Heb 6:1-3 NASB95] 1 Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits.

[1Jo 4:14 NASB95] 14 We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son [to be] the Savior of the world.

Who is Jesus? Knowing who Jesus is gives us a greater understanding of His work in our lives.

We are going to look at four aspects of who Jesus is: Savior, Healer, Baptizer in the Holy Spirit, and Soon Coming King.

Today, we are going to look at the fact that Jesus is Savior.

What does it mean for us that Jesus is Savior?

Here are four attributes of Jesus being Savior.

Needed Savior – Wages of Sin

Sin brings death.

Sin is not a small, insignificant thing.

Genesis 2:17 – God declared sin to be a death.

Romans 5:12 – We are all guilty because of original sin.

Sin is taken seriously by God, and it would behoove us to take it seriously, too.

You might not want Him, but you need Him.

Sacrificial Savior – Gift of God

He did not have to do it.

[Jhn 3:16 NASB95]

Romans 5:8 – we did not earn His wanting to die for us. [Rom 5:8 NASB95]

Jesus’ sacrifice for us was His choice.

Complete Savior – Eternal life

Whole life.

Past – All your sins are forgiven. [2Co 5:17 NASB95]

Present – Victory over sin – [Rom 6:6 NASB95]

Future – He will complete the work – [Phl 1:6 NASB95]

Whole being.

[1Th 5:23 NASB95]

Jesus saves your spirit and soul and body. He does not compartmentalize your salvation.

Only Savior – in Christ Jesus our Lord

No other way

[Jhn 14:6 NASB95]

Not being good, not going to church, not being religious. Complete and total surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord.

All roads don’t lead to heaven.

Jesus is a needed Savior, a sacrificial Savior, a complete Savior, and the only Savior.

But is He YOUR Savior?

[Rom 6:23 NASB95]

Romans 6:23 – notice our salvation is based on the position of Him as LORD.

And again, Jesus must be Lord for Him to be Savior. [Rom 10:9-10 NASB95]

To be Lord means that He is the boss, the priority, and the foundation of all that we do.

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