Jesus loves you

@Livingwater Stidy10B.. ELIJAH’’ S GOD IS OUR GOD 2king2:14-17 Luke9:28-36 But not so with Elisha. He rolls the mantle and asks the question as he's striking the water. Elisha seems fully confident that the waters will part. And when they do, he does not hesitate, but walks across on dry land. Elisha's question is not a question at all but an exclamation of faith. The last point is 2 . ELIJAH’’ S GOD IS OUR GOD : When do we especially need to be reminded of this? When we have experienced the sorrow of separation and bereavement. Elisha knew Elijah was to leave him, but that did not lessen the blow when it actually happened. When bereavement comes to us, perhaps more than at any other time, we need to experience the power, presence and sufficiency of our God. Elijah’’s God, the mighty, comforting God, is our God. When we are about to undertake some new responsibility in service. Elisha was now commencing his ministry as Elijah’’s successor; the responsibility was grea...

@Livingwater Study 10A WHERE NOW IS THE LORD,THE GOD OF ELIJAH ? (Scripture Portions: 2 Kings 2: 14-17; Luke 9: 28-36) Elisha was Elijah’’s successor. For nine years he had understudied and worked with his master. Now Elijah had gone, and one question burned in Elisha’’s mind as he took up Elijah’’s mantle and walked to the bank of Jordan –- ““Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?”” (2 Kings 2:14). “Is Elijah’’s God with me, and is He still the same? That is the one thing that matters!” To seek positive evidence that God was with him, Elisha struck the waters with the mantle –- and immediately they were divided (v.14), and the onlookers saw the power of God (v.15). God was indeed with Elisha! What is the lesson for us? God is still the same, His power is undiminished. His servants may die, times may change, but He remains! He is our God, with us today –- look up Hebrews 13:8. 1 . ELIJAH’’ S GOD IS OUR GOD : What does this mean in a practical sense ? It means that the Lord G...

@Livingwater Study 9 THE HOME-GOING OF A SERVANT OF GOD (Scripture Portion: 2 Kings 2: 1-15) As believers (Ephesians 1:13), those who are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19), we have a glorious prospect. At present we live in the body, and we “groan” (Romans 8:23) and long for our Heavenly Home –- look up John 14:1-3; 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 and Psalm 23:6. Elijah finished his earthly life by being caught up to Heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11), and this story contains some valuable lessons for us. 1. EVERY SERVANT OF GOD, WHOEVER HE MAY BE AND HOWEVER IMPORTANT HIS WORK, MUST EVENTUALLY REST FROM HIS LABOURS 2.IN ELIJAH’’ S TRANSLATION WE HAVE AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE WAY IN WHICH A GENERATION OF BELIEVERS WILL 3.THE TIME , THE MANNER AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF OUR HOME- GOING ARE IN THE HANDS OF OUR LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER 4.ALTHOUGH GOD TAKES AWAY HIS SERVANTS, HIS WORK GOES ON 5.SOMETIMES GOD’’ S PEOPLE HAVE CERTAIN INDICATIONS THAT THE END OF THEIR ...

@Livingwater Study8B... Naboth ,the man of focus.. 1king 21:1-29,2king9:30-37 We have been discussing Naboth faithful habit and Ahab cunningness and covetousness,then we will be looking into Jezebel's part in this play and also how God took over through His faithful servant,Elijah...please,allow holy spirit to minister to even as you're this short message... 3 . JEZEBEL ’’ S SINISTER PLOT We see this in verses 5-14. Jezebel is one of the most sinister figures in the Bible. She not only wrought great evil, but she influenced Ahab to do evil. See how she acted when she heard of Naboth’’s refusal. She replied with a stinging taunt (verse 7); she resorted to forgery (verse 8).let check her reward quickly...  4 . GOD ’’ S SOVEREIGN ACTION Ahab and Jezebel had defied the Lord, but they could not get away with it, for He is sovereign in the affairs of mankind and He always has the last word. Now He acted – – and take note of this solemn record, for this God is the God with ...

@Livingwater Study 8 THE STORY OF NABOTH’S VINEYARD (Scripture Portions: 1 Kings 21: 1-29; 2 Kings 9: 30-37) This solemn story reveals two things of which we need to be reminded constantly, which are always true but which we so quickly forget: first, that God is sovereign, all-powerful and infinitely holy, and that He hates sin (Romans 1:18); and second , that man is wicked, wilful and deserving of God’’s wrath (Colossians 3:5-6). As you read 1 Kings 21, ask yourself: What does this chapter tell me about God and about men and women? Five personalities are brought before us in this story, and notice how each of them acted in this terrible drama. 1 . AHAB ’’ S SELFISH DEMAND Verses 1 and 2. Ahab, King of Israel, was very wealthy, but all his possessions did not satisfy him and he coveted the vineyard which belonged to Naboth. He offered to exchange or buy it, but to his surprise and anger Naboth refused –- see verse 3. So what did Ahab do? Verse 4: what a picture it is –- a king su...

@Livingwater Study7B...Arise and eat more... 1king 19:1-18 Elijah did not consider the opinion of God, so he arose and ran for his life. He went as far as Beersheba the southernmost city, left his servant there and still began to walk for another day into the desert. He later became exhausted. At this point, he gave up on life and living. Both master and servant became weary in running, master became fainting in walking. That will not be your portion in life in Jesus name. Let's consider this remaining point... 2 . NOTICE HOW ELIJAH GOT INTO THIS CONDITION OF DEPRESSION AND BREAKDOWN He was MENTALLY overstrained. For 3 ½ years he had experienced terrific tension, culminating in the great victory on Mount Carmel and the slaughter of the priests (1 Kings 18). Is it to be wondered that he was exhausted mentally and nervously? He was PHYSICALLY exhausted. Not only had the experiences of the past years made heavy demands upon his body, but now he had just taken an 18-mile cros...

@Livingwater Study 7 WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, ELIJAH? (Scripture Portion: 1 Kings 19: 1-18) Our studies thus far have shown Elijah to be a man of deep devotion, unquestioning obedience and daring faith. But then there comes a chapter describing breakdown, humiliating failure and defeat –- 1 Kings 19. A sad chapter –- yet, so up-to-date and applicable to our own experience. ““A man just like ourselves!”” (James 5:17). Do you ever get discouraged, depressed and despondent? Do you ever find yourself in the grip of despair? Does fear ever possess you? Do you ever have doubts? Do you ever experience loneliness and a feeling that nobody understands? Do you ever feel at the end of your tether? Do you ever go to sleep and wish you need not wake up? 1 . NOTICE THE DESPERATE CONDITION IN WHICH ELIJAH FOUND HIMSELF He was suddenly gripped by fear and alarm. Is this the courageous man of 1 Kings 18:17-18 and 40, the same man of which 1 Kings 19:2-3 speaks? Elijah –- running for his ...

@Livingwater Study6B...Sound of abundant of Rain.. 1king 18:41-46,James5:16-18.... Immediately Elijah finished showing God to people on the mount Carmel,he did not stopped there and be taking glory ,he returned the glory to God and went on praying for  abundant of rain for same country.people of God ,your calling fire down is never enough move to solving of the people in your country,church ,world,family ,school,family and your friends.Remember Elijah did that...see Elijah's qualities in the place of prayer for abundant rain... 4 . IT WAS A PRAYER WHICH WAS DEFINITE AND TO THE POINT See what Zechariah 10:1 says. This is exactly what Elijah did; he only had one petition as he came before the Lord – – “Lord, send the rain! Send the rain! Send the rain!”” In the Upper Room they prayed for only one thing –- the coming of the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:13-14). When Peter was in prison the church prayed for only one thing –- his deliverance (Acts 12:5). See also Luke 11:5 and 1...

@Livingwater Study 6A.. A SOUND OF ABUNDANCE OF RAIN (Scripture Portions: 1 Kings 18: 41-46; James 5: 16-18 When Elijah told Ahab that there was “a sound of abundance of rain” (KJV), there had as yet been no sound audible to the human ear. Elijah had only heard this sound by the hearing of faith –- look up Galatians 3:2, and compare Psalm 25:14; Amos 3:7; Acts 22:9. 1 Kings 18 records two prayers that Elijah prayed: one was in public –- for fire (verses 36-37), and the other was in private –- for water (verses 42-46). In this study we shall look at Elijah on the mountain top, alone with God and praying for the showers to be poured out upon the thirsty land. What kind of prayer was this prayer? 1 . IT WAS A PRAYER OF FAITH , FOR IT RESTED UPON GOD ’’ S OWN SURE PROMISE When we pray we need to make sure that our petition is founded upon the promise of God, so that we are praying in accordance with His will. Without such a promise we may well demand things contrary to His will, whi...

@Livingwater Study5B..Fire on the Altar. 1king 18:17-40 We stopped at number one prerequisite of fire on the Altar,you can't afford to go on like this in this present world without His fire on your altar,so Arise...,here we are Study it diligently... God bless you 2 . IT WAS WHEN THE SACRIFICE WAS OFFERED Verse 33. The sacrifice was a bullock, which Elijah cut up and placed, piece by piece, on the altar. Compare Romans 12:1 and 6:13, and ask yourself: How many of the pieces of my life have I really offered to the Lord upon the altar, and how many of my members are yielded fully to Him ““as instruments of righteousness””? What about my hands, feet, eyes, ears, lips, my home, job, pleasures and friendships? Have I yielded all the ““pieces”” or “”members”” to Him? 3 . IT WAS WHEN THE WATER WAS POURED Verses 33-35. The pagan priests were notorious for their trickery in deceiving the people with false signs and lying wonders. Elijah was preparing to offset this, so after plac...

@Livingwater Happy new month! Study 5 THE CHALLENGE ON MOUNT CARMEL (Scripture Portion: 1 Kings 18: 17-40) The Holy Spirit has certainly led the writer to give us a vivid and dramatic record of Elijah’’s great challenge on Mount Carmel. He is there in the presence of Ahab, the 450 prophets of Baal, 400 prophets of the groves and a company of people from all Israel. The question was: Is Baal the real God? or is Jehovah the true God, and is Elijah His servant? No one present that day was left in any doubt as to the answer to these questions when ““the fire of the Lord fell…”…” (verse 38). These biblical records are actual history, and in 1 Kings 18:17-40 we read of fact, not fiction. The whole story is intensely dramatic. What a great God we have! Perhaps the most important value of the incident, however, is that it is permanently challenging. The lessons of the incident abide. What are they? Let us answer this question by asking: What is the greatest need in the Church today? Is i...

@Livingwater Study4B...Faith in action 1King 17:17-24 The widow had provided for his prophet and had exercised faith. Apparently, God allowed the boy’s illness to take its course, knowing that a resurrection—the first one recorded in the Scriptures— would take place and would give hope to future generations. When Elijah entreated Him, Jehovah brought the child back to life. Just imagine the widow’s delight when Elijah said: “See, your son is alive”! The widow then told Elijah: “Now I know that you truly are a man of God and that Jehovah’s word in your mouth is truth.”— 1 Ki. 17:22-24 Let's see the operation of her faith and its fruit... 3 . THE OPERATION OF FAITH Whereas the woman’’s faith collapsed, Elijah’’s faith went into action! It began to work – – look up James 2:17-20. How did it work? How does faith operate in a time of crisis? It keeps calm when the blow falls. Look at Elijah: although he is deeply moved because of what has happened he is trusting God in spit...

@Livingwater Study 4A. RAISING THE WIDOW’S SON (Scripture Portion: 1 Kings 17: 17-24) Now that Elijah was safely installed in her home and God was daily providing for all their needs, it would have been easy for the widow of Zarephath to think that at last all her troubles were over. But were they? Read 1 Kings 17:16, and then compare verse 17. Notice that both these people, Elijah and the widow, were believers; they were living by faith, faith in God, and faith is always tested . In other words, if we are believers we must expect to be tested –- look up Philippians 1:29 and Hebrews 12:6-11. Think how much testing the psalmist, the apostles, the early believers and the Puritans experienced, and how much testing God’’s people on every hand are experiencing today. This whole matter of faith’’s testing is brought before us in the story of the death of the widow’’s son and of Elijah’’s great prayer. This is the record of God’’s loving dealings with two of His people who lived at Zarep...

@Livingwater Study3B...Faithful even among unfaithful. 1king17:8-16 Not all the inhabitants of Baal-worshipping Zarephath were completely corrupt. By sending Elijah to this widow, Jehovah showed that He takes note of well-intentioned individuals who are not yet serving Him. Indeed, “in every nation the man who fears [God] and does what is right is acceptable to him.”​— Acts 10:35 . Let's consider the remaining points... 2 . THE PROPHET’ ’ S UNDAUNTED FAITH Any man of smaller faith would have faltered and failed when the brook dried up, but not Elijah! His faith was evident in that: He had faith to take God at His word. Look at verses 8-10. Elijah lived on the word of the Lord, as we should –- Matthew 4:4, and compare 1 Kings 17:8, 14 and 16. When our actions are regulated by the Word of God and our lives are lived in the centre of His will, we have nothing whatsoever to fear. Elijah’’s faith was very strong, as was Abraham’’s –- look up Romans 4:17-21. He had faith to ma...

@Livingwater Study 3A IN THE WIDOW’S HOUSE AT ZAREPHATH (Scripture Portion: 1 Kings 17: 8-16) There are three matters that constantly exercise God’’s people. The first has to do with God’’s guidance. “”Does God guide?”” we ask. In these studies we see clearly that He does. Elijah was divinely led, a step at a time –- Psalm 37:23. The second matter has to do with God’’s discipline. Why do troubles and trials come to the Christian? Study Deuteronomy chapter 8, and Hebrews 12:3-11, and see also the answer to your questionings in the incident before us. The third matter has to do with God’’s provision –- look up Genesis 22:14: “”The Lord will provide””. Will He? Does He today? This study supplies the answer to that question. After Elijah had been at the brook Cherith for about a year it dried up. Did that mean God had failed? No, it meant God was about to lead him on. Where to? To Zarephath, where He had commanded a widow to sustain him. Read 1 Kings 17:8-16 several times, and notice...

@Livingwater Study2B...Elijah by the Brook 1King17:4-7 Brook experience is a must for every faithful Christian.... In verse 4 God promised to supply Elijah’s needs while by the brook. How gracious of the Lord! It is a wonderful truth to know He never sends us anywhere to do anything without His presence and provision. The promise of Scripture is always “my God shall supply all your need . . .” (Phil. 4:19 ). Below are remaining points... 2 . THE PROMISE THAT HE RECEIVED Verse 4. With God’’s command will come His promise –- always. The promise was certain – – it shall be”. It was sufficient –- God’’s supply always is. It was conditional. God says, ““If you will……, I will…”…”; or, ““I will……if you…”…” The important word in verse 4 is the word “”there””. “”Elijah, if you want the water and the food you must go there –- into the place of My choice.”” Are you “there”, in the place of God’’s will? for “there” is the place of God’’s provision. Compare Psalms 23:1; 34:10; Luke 22...

@Livingwater Study 2A HIDDEN BY THE BROOK CHERITH (Scripture Portions: 1 Kings 17: 2-7; Psalm 34: 1-10) The announcement to Ahab that there would be no rain (1 Kings 17:1) was a terrible one for Elijah to have to make. Yet he had prayed that it might not rain (James 5:17). Some might ask: Was this not a cruel prayer? Did Elijah not realise the suffering and loss of life that would ensue? The answer is that Elijah was only praying for God to honour His own word –- look up Deuteronomy 11:16-17. More terrible than the judgment itself would be for God not to do what He had said. Thus Elijah, knowing God’’s mind, prayed for a fulfilling of His word, and spoke boldly to Ahab. The Lord then graciously sent him away to a quiet place to experience Psalm 91:1 to the full (and indeed, the whole psalm). This story of Elijah revolves around two God-given commands: “Go, HIDE thyself……”” (KJV) –- the private aspect of his life and service; the going “in” (John 10:9); the “prayer” ministry (A...

@Livingwater Study1B...Elijah,A man like us... (Scripture Portions: 1 Kings 16: 28-34; 17:1; James 5: 17-18) Elijah’s ministry marked the beginning of the end of Baal worship in Israel. Elijah’s life was filled with turmoil. At times he was bold and decisive, and at other times fearful and tentative. He alternately demonstrates victory and defeat, followed by recovery. Elijah knew both the power of God and the depths of depression. Below are the remaining peculiarities of Elijah.... 3 . ELIJAH LIVED IN A DAY OF SPIRITUAL DECLENSION AND APOSTASY A succession of seven wicked kings had reigned over Israel: (1) Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:28-33); (2) Nadab (15:25-26); (3) Baasha (15:27-28); (4) Elah , a drunkard and a murderer (16:8-9); (5) Zimri, guilty of treason (16:20); (6) Omri (16:25-26); and (7) Ahab (16:28-33), with whom must be linked his notoriously wicked wife Jezebel. Worship of the true God had all but ceased; Baal-worship had become the national religion. Only 7000 Israeli...

@Livingwater Series 17 Happy Sunday! Ruminate on this as you prepare for service Study 1 ELIJAH, THE MAN AND HIS MINISTRY (Scripture Portions: 1 Kings 16: 28-34; 17:1; James 5: 17-18) Elijah was a mighty man of God –- in some respects the greatest of all the prophets since Moses and until the advent of John the Baptist (Matthew 11:11). Although he lived 3000 years ago and his period of ministry was comparatively short, he is by no means a forgotten character –- look up Malachi 4:5; Matthew 11:14; 27:47; Luke 1:17; John 1:21. As we study his life and ministry the Holy Spirit will teach us valuable lessons which will enable us to live for and serve the Lord more effectively. Elijah’s sudden appearance upon the page of scripture centres upon the tremendous announcement he made to Ahab –- read 1 Kings 17:1, and compare James 5:17-18. However, before we look more closely at this remarkable man, let us suggest several classes of people to whom this series of studies will make a sp...

@Livingwater Study 12B...Ambassador 2 corinthians 5:1-21 In a letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul discusses the ministry of reconciliation, and he uses the term “ambassadors” for Christ: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us ” (2 Corinthians 5:18-20, emphasis added). We stopped at point 1 in the part A..... 2 . The MESSAGE of an Ambassador of God This is clearly defined in 2 Corinthians 5:19-21. We are to proclaim the fact that at infinite cost to Himself God has made a way of reconciliation possible; that He has done this by sending His own Son to die for sin; and that through His sacrifice the barrier of sin has been removed and God and man have been brough...