Elements City Church
Old School - The Story of Elijah
Some things stand the test of time. Some things that are vintage dramatically increase in value. Join us as we glance back into the Old Testament for some ancient stories that hold some timeless truth, principles, and practical insights for us in our apprenticeship after Jesus and God's best for us. We're looking into a few characters from the Old Testament to discover that these aren't just stories from long ago -- they hold ancient truths for us in our spiritual journey today. May you find your faith spurred on by their story.
Locations & Times
Elements City Church
1825 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712, USA
Sunday 5:00 PM
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Whether you're on-site or online, we are praying that tonight will be an encouragement to you! If you're new, we'd love to have you fill out our connection card as we seek to help you connect in our church family.
https://connect-card.com/yr4Y0g8VLBSqzKXeubjbWhen you study the lives of individuals, you must look at history. You can’t separate people from the context of their times…
The story of Elijah (see 1 Kings ch. 16-19)
The story of Elijah (see 1 Kings ch. 16-19)
1 Kings 16:31-33
31 Then, as if following the sin of Jeroboam son of Nebat were not enough, he married Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and then proceeded to serve Baal and bow in worship to him. 32 He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. 33 Ahab also made an Asherah pole. Ahab did more to anger the Lord God of Israel than all the kings of Israel who were before him.
31 Then, as if following the sin of Jeroboam son of Nebat were not enough, he married Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and then proceeded to serve Baal and bow in worship to him. 32 He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. 33 Ahab also made an Asherah pole. Ahab did more to anger the Lord God of Israel than all the kings of Israel who were before him.
No matter how great the darkness, God brings the light.
God is not at a loss. When the time is right, God sends Elijah to bring light into the darkness and call people back to himself.
God is not at a loss. When the time is right, God sends Elijah to bring light into the darkness and call people back to himself.
The Bible's WWE showdown... 1 Kings 18
1 Kings 18:22-24
22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men. 23 Let two bulls be given to us. They are to choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. 24 Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The God who answers with fire, he is God.”
1 Kings 18:22-24
22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I am the only remaining prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men. 23 Let two bulls be given to us. They are to choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. 24 Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The God who answers with fire, he is God.”
1 Kings 18:21
Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him. But if Baal, follow him.” But the people didn’t answer him a word.
Choose a side - we try to ride the fence in a culture of pluralism, but we are not allowed a create your own plan; we're given a choice.
Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him. But if Baal, follow him.” But the people didn’t answer him a word.
Choose a side - we try to ride the fence in a culture of pluralism, but we are not allowed a create your own plan; we're given a choice.
Quote:
“The key to a beautiful life is not self-management; it is to put Jesus first over everything, where He belongs.” -Lisa Whittle
There will always be a wide array of things calling for our attention, allegiance and devotion. And in a culture that drifts they will call to us always and forever…
But Jesus deserves our devotion and attention the most.
He’s the One who has earned your heart's allegiance.
QUESTIONS:
So — has there been wavering within your heart, your life?
Is there any realignment that you sense God calling you toward?
There is a cost to following Jesus (take up your cross and follow me Jesus said). That’s why so many want to just stay a FAN of Jesus; because it doesn’t challenge or call you to choose…
BUT REAL LOVE IS ALWAYS A CHOICE. (More than a feeling)
“The key to a beautiful life is not self-management; it is to put Jesus first over everything, where He belongs.” -Lisa Whittle
There will always be a wide array of things calling for our attention, allegiance and devotion. And in a culture that drifts they will call to us always and forever…
But Jesus deserves our devotion and attention the most.
He’s the One who has earned your heart's allegiance.
QUESTIONS:
So — has there been wavering within your heart, your life?
Is there any realignment that you sense God calling you toward?
There is a cost to following Jesus (take up your cross and follow me Jesus said). That’s why so many want to just stay a FAN of Jesus; because it doesn’t challenge or call you to choose…
BUT REAL LOVE IS ALWAYS A CHOICE. (More than a feeling)
2 other good insights from this early part of Elijah’s journey:
In a culture that continually and naturally drifts – intentionally seek God and stand firm
1 Thessalonians 2:15
“so then, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”
No matter how great the darkness, God always brings the light.
The story of Elijah reminds us that no matter how great the darkness, God always brings the light. He shines through Jesus still.
He longs to USE YOU to shine his light to the world around you! (Mt. 5:16)
In a culture that continually and naturally drifts – intentionally seek God and stand firm
1 Thessalonians 2:15
“so then, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”
No matter how great the darkness, God always brings the light.
The story of Elijah reminds us that no matter how great the darkness, God always brings the light. He shines through Jesus still.
He longs to USE YOU to shine his light to the world around you! (Mt. 5:16)
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If you partner with us financially, thank you for enabling us to be the church in our city. Your tithes and offerings help fuel the mission of Elements City Church, as well as our capacity to function as a church on a daily basis. You can give online at the link below, or through the Elements app.
http://elementscitychurch.org/giveJoin us next weekend as we launch into a new series!
Reminder: there's still time to make plans to join us at Roadrunners Hockey at the TCC this coming Friday - all the info and link to tickets is in the app.
Check out the Elements City Church app to stay up-to-date with upcoming events, listen to playlists of the songs we sing in worship, and more. Find it in your smartphone's app store.
Reminder: there's still time to make plans to join us at Roadrunners Hockey at the TCC this coming Friday - all the info and link to tickets is in the app.
Check out the Elements City Church app to stay up-to-date with upcoming events, listen to playlists of the songs we sing in worship, and more. Find it in your smartphone's app store.