The Great Ones is our theme through November. Each month has a different sub-theme:
September = Commands
October = Chapters
November = Choices

In September we looked at four disciple-making Commands Jesus gave to His followers and which continue for us at Grace Church today.
In October we looked at four key Chapters of the Bible and explored their relevance to our life today.
During November our 3rd sub-theme will be - CHOICES
We are looking at four individuals in the Bible and learning from some of their poor and good choices.

As American consumers, we've come to expect a lot of choices when it comes to products and services. Every moment of every day we are making choices. It's estimated that American adults make about 35,000 remotely concious decisions each day, including about 226 decisions each day on food alone.
Choices always have short and long range effects for us and the lives of others.
John Maxwell said, "Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make - makes you."

The first character in this month's series is Elijah. He made the decision to "stand up". We are looking at the phrase "stand up" in verb form defined as "to face something boldly, to defend against attack or criticism, to remain sound and stable under stress, attack, or close scrutiny."

Our key passage is 1 Kings 17:1. The reading text involves chapter 17 and 18.

1. Elijah was a COMMON man.
James 5:17

Elijah's life communicates an important truth: God can take a nobody from nowhere and is able to call anybody and make somebody out of him.
Our faithful obedience to God's will can allow the Lord to do some amazing and significant things through us.
Availability, not ability, is what God looks at as he chooses His servants.

2. Elijah was a COURAGEOUS man.
1 Kings 17:1

During the time of Elijah the king of Israel was Ahab. According to 1 Kings 16:29-33, Ahab was the most wicked king that ever took the throne of Israel. Worship of Ba'al was prevelant and in 1 Kings 17 &18 we see a "contest" between Elijah and the prophets of Ba'al. Elijah delivered the message of the Lord and told Ahab there would be no rain or dew until he said there would be. It took courage to stand up to these wicked rulers!
What will it take for us to stand up and represent the Lord?
Courage has a cost and consequences...but so does compromise.

3. Elijah was a COMMITTED man.
1 Kings 17:1

-Elijah gave evidence of his faith
-Elijah gave evidence of his relationship
-Elijah gave evidence of his loyalty

Elijah was ready for "game time" because he had put in the effort during "practice time". Grace Church offers Mentoring, H.O.M.E. Groups, Grace U classes, and Bible reading programs for you to "practice" and grow in your faith.
If God wanted to use someone in this church to stand up for Him, would He choose you? Would you care if He wanted to?

Elijah was a man sent from God.
He was sent as a representative of God to STAND UP to wickedness.
He was sent to warn people that God’s judgment was coming.
He was sent as a role model of how a person is to live by faith.
He was sent to demonstrate fearlessness in the face of evil and injustice.

Standing up for what is right and what God has told us, can often bring uncertainty and difficulty into our lives. But you will also see that God STOOD UP for Elijah. And this is where miracles take place, where lives are saved, where cultural change takes place, and where real growth in our faith takes place.
"Thoughts become choices, choices become actions, actions become habits, habits become character, and your character is your destiny."

Application and Discussion Questions:

1. Read and think about this statement: “Choices always have short and long range effects for us and the lives of others.” Would you agree with this? Where have you seen examples of this?

2. Read 1 Kings 17-18 so you have the big picture in mind. What did you learn, how were you challenged, and are there any questions that are lingering?

3. Read 1 Kings 17:1. Has there been a time in which you had to make a choice about “standing up” against evil, injustice, tyranny, sin, etc. What were the issues and what exactly did you do? What were the results? What did you learn from doing so?

4. How might God be leading you to “stand up” for Him and others over the next few months?

5. Read Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 16:13 and try to memorize it. “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.”

Birthdays and Anniversaries:

Sunday, November 1 - Elesha Smith, Jeremy Odette, Barrett Byers
Tuesday, November 3 - Kevin & Michele Erb
Wednesday, November 4 - Michael Sanchez, Gary & Angie Hogle, Brian & Jenny Krauss
Saturday, November 7 - Braylon VanDeMoortel, Allison Kerby