Wednesday Bible Study

Oh, we serve. Oh, we serve. You know [music] the angels bow before You know [music] the angels bow before You know [music] the angels bow before him. Heaven and earth adore him. Heaven and earth adore him. Heaven and earth adore [music and singing] him. What a mighty [music and singing] him. What a mighty [music and singing] him. What a mighty God we serve. Jesus is Jesus is the God God we serve. Jesus is Jesus is the God God we serve. Jesus is Jesus is the God we serve. we serve. we serve. Jesus is [music and singing] the God Jesus is [music and singing] the God Jesus is [music and singing] the God we serve. we serve. we serve. You know [music] the angels bow before You know [music] the angels bow before You know [music] the angels bow before him. Heaven and earth adore [singing] him. Heaven and earth adore [singing] him. Heaven and earth adore [singing] him. Jesus is the God. him. Jesus is the God. him. Jesus is the God. Oh, faithful is faithful is the God Oh, faithful is faithful is the God Oh, faithful is faithful is the God [music] we serve. Faithful is the God. [music] we serve. Faithful is the God. [music] we serve. Faithful is the God. [music] Oh, we serve. [music] Oh, we serve. [music] Oh, we serve. You know the angels bow before [music] You know the angels bow before [music] You know the angels bow before [music] him. Heaven and earth adore him. Jesus him. Heaven and earth adore him. Jesus him. Heaven and earth adore him. Jesus is a God. Yes, God. Oh, [music] what a is a God. Yes, God. Oh, [music] what a is a God. Yes, God. Oh, [music] what a mighty God. mighty God. mighty God. We serve what a mighty God We serve what a mighty God We serve what a mighty God [music] we serve.

[music] we serve. [music] we serve. You know the angels bow before him. You know the angels bow before him. You know the angels bow before him. Heaven and earth adore him. What a Heaven and earth adore him. What a Heaven and earth adore him. What a mighty God. Yes [music] God. Oh what a mighty God. Yes [music] God. Oh what a mighty God. Yes [music] God. Oh what a mighty God mighty God mighty God we serve. we serve. we serve. What a mighty God. What a mighty God. What a mighty God. Oh yes. [music] Oh yes. [music] Oh yes. [music] I adore the angels bow before him. I adore the angels bow before him. I adore the angels bow before him. Heaven and earth angels bow. Angels Heaven and earth angels bow. Angels Heaven and earth angels bow. Angels [singing] bow [music] before him. Heaven [singing] bow [music] before him. Heaven [singing] bow [music] before him. Heaven and earth angels bow. Angels bow [music] and earth angels bow. Angels bow [music] and earth angels bow. Angels bow [music] before him. Heaven and earth adore him. before him. Heaven and earth adore him. before him. Heaven and earth adore him. What [singing] a mighty [music] God What [singing] a mighty [music] God What [singing] a mighty [music] God we serve. we serve. we serve. Do we serve a mighty God tonight? Do we serve a mighty God tonight? Do we serve a mighty God tonight? Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Glory to God. Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. You're a mighty God.

Great and mighty. You are. Great and mighty. You are. Thank you for being our father. For welcoming us into your family. For welcoming us into your family. Thank you for loving us, Thank you for loving us, Thank you for loving us, [music] [music] [music] for keeping us, for keeping us, for keeping us, guiding and directing us. guiding and directing us. guiding and directing us. Forgive us of our sins and creating us Forgive us of our sins and creating us Forgive us of our sins and creating us clean hearts, clean hearts, clean hearts, renewing us right [music] spirits. Now Lord, we pray [music] Now Lord, we pray [music] that you'll take me out of self and fill that you'll take me out of self and fill that you'll take me out of self and fill me with your Holy Spirit. [music] Speak to me and through me. Bless your Speak to me and through me. Bless your people [music] tonight. Now Lord, let the words of my mouth, Now Lord, let the words of my mouth, the meditations [music] the meditations [music] the meditations [music] of my heart be acceptable in your sight. of my heart be acceptable in your sight. of my heart be acceptable in your sight. [music] Lord, you are our strength and [music] Lord, you are our strength and [music] Lord, you are our strength and you're our redeemer. [singing] you're our redeemer. [singing] you're our redeemer. [singing] It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ [music] of God, we pray.

[music] of God, we pray. [music] of God, we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Thank [music] you, Lord. >> All praises be to God. He's worthy to be >> All praises be to God. He's worthy to be praised. is the year of manifested miracles along is the year of manifested miracles along with our thing. We want tonight to look at We want tonight to look at first Kings chapter 18. first Kings chapter 18. first Kings chapter 18. First Kings the 18th chapter.

Starting at verse 16 and concluding at Starting at verse 16 and concluding at verse 40. I want to lift up I want to lift up to begin with verses 19, to begin with verses 19, to begin with verses 19, 20, and 21. 20, and 21. 20, and 21. We'll talk about the rest of them as we We'll talk about the rest of them as we We'll talk about the rest of them as we go along. First Kings chapter 18 First Kings chapter 18 verses 16- 40. I'm reading verses 19, 20, and 21. Now I'm reading verses 19, 20, and 21. Now from the New International Version, now from the New International Version, now from the New International Version, now summon the people from all over Israel summon the people from all over Israel summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel to meet me on Mount Carmel to meet me on Mount Carmel and bring the 450 prophets of Baal and and bring the 450 prophets of Baal and and bring the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Ashira the 400 prophets of Ashira the 400 prophets of Ashira who eat at Jezebel's table.

So Ahab sent word throughout So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on all Israel and assembled the prophets on all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. Mount Carmel. Mount Carmel. >> Elijah went before the people and said, >> Elijah went before the people and said, >> Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver "How long will you waver "How long will you waver between two opinions? between two opinions? between two opinions? If the Lord is God, If the Lord is God, If the Lord is God, >> follow him." >> follow him." >> follow him." >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. But if Baal is God, But if Baal is God, But if Baal is God, follow him. follow him. follow him. But the people But the people But the people said nothing. said nothing. said nothing. My my my want to talk about Mike. Make up your want to talk about Mike. Make up your mind. This particular passage of scripture has This particular passage of scripture has to do with God dealing to do with God dealing to do with God dealing with and handling his idolatrous people.

with and handling his idolatrous people. with and handling his idolatrous people. Israel, Israel, Israel, the northern kingdom portion of God's the northern kingdom portion of God's the northern kingdom portion of God's covenant people covenant people covenant people had broken their covenant with God had broken their covenant with God had broken their covenant with God by worshiping the idol god Baal. This Hebrew word baal appears in the Old This Hebrew word baal appears in the Old Testament with a variety of meanings. Testament with a variety of meanings. Testament with a variety of meanings. Originally it was not used as a proper Originally it was not used as a proper Originally it was not used as a proper noun. Yet later on it became to be used as Yet later on it became to be used as such. such. such. Bale became the proper name for the most Bale became the proper name for the most Bale became the proper name for the most significant god of the Canaanite significant god of the Canaanite significant god of the Canaanite pantheon pantheon pantheon or company of gods if you will. or company of gods if you will. or company of gods if you will. He was the presiding deity in many He was the presiding deity in many He was the presiding deity in many localities. localities. localities. This Bale This Bale This Bale was considered to be the god of the land was considered to be the god of the land was considered to be the god of the land owning and controlling it.

owning and controlling it. owning and controlling it. And the increase of crops, fruits, and And the increase of crops, fruits, and And the increase of crops, fruits, and cattle cattle cattle was supposedly under his control. was supposedly under his control. was supposedly under his control. The farmers were considered to be The farmers were considered to be The farmers were considered to be completely dependent on Baal. Baal was considered by Baal was considered by the Phoenicians the Phoenicians the Phoenicians not only to be the god of rain and crops not only to be the god of rain and crops not only to be the god of rain and crops but of fertility and life. And the religious rights connected with And the religious rights connected with his worship his worship his worship were unspeakably immoral. Incense and sacrifice, even human Incense and sacrifice, even human sacrifice sacrifice sacrifice were offered to Baal. were offered to Baal. were offered to Baal. But the worship of Baal was chiefly But the worship of Baal was chiefly But the worship of Baal was chiefly marked by fertility rights.

marked by fertility rights. marked by fertility rights. The main function of Baal was thought to The main function of Baal was thought to The main function of Baal was thought to be to make the land, be to make the land, be to make the land, animals, and people fertile. animals, and people fertile. animals, and people fertile. To prompt the God of Baal to perform To prompt the God of Baal to perform To prompt the God of Baal to perform these functions these functions these functions of making land, animals, and people of making land, animals, and people of making land, animals, and people fertile, fertile, fertile, worshippers themselves worshippers themselves worshippers themselves perform human sexual acts perform human sexual acts perform human sexual acts of fertility of fertility of fertility in their temples and shrines. in their temples and shrines. in their temples and shrines. The Bale shrines or temples were even The Bale shrines or temples were even The Bale shrines or temples were even actually staffed actually staffed actually staffed with male and female attendants with male and female attendants with male and female attendants or prostitutes or prostitutes or prostitutes for the very purpose of their worship. As we discovered last week in first As we discovered last week in first kings chapter 16 kings chapter 16 kings chapter 16 29-33, 29-33, 29-33, it tells us that King Ahab and his wife it tells us that King Ahab and his wife it tells us that King Ahab and his wife Jezebel, the daughter of the heathen Jezebel, the daughter of the heathen Jezebel, the daughter of the heathen king of the Sidonians, king of the Sidonians, king of the Sidonians, the worship of the Lord in the northern the worship of the Lord in the northern the worship of the Lord in the northern kingdom had been totally supplanted kingdom had been totally supplanted kingdom had been totally supplanted by the worship of Baal by the worship of Baal by the worship of Baal And Jezebel was going about killing or And Jezebel was going about killing or And Jezebel was going about killing or having killed the prophets of God.

both prophet and priest, we learned last both prophet and priest, we learned last week, was God's representative sent to week, was God's representative sent to week, was God's representative sent to tell Ahab, "Hey, there's going to be a tell Ahab, "Hey, there's going to be a tell Ahab, "Hey, there's going to be a drought in the land." As a matter of drought in the land." As a matter of drought in the land." As a matter of fact, there will be no due or rain until fact, there will be no due or rain until fact, there will be no due or rain until I say differently I say differently I say differently except by my word, says the New except by my word, says the New except by my word, says the New International Version. International Version. International Version. At the time of today's text, At the time of today's text, At the time of today's text, about three and a half years of drought about three and a half years of drought about three and a half years of drought have passed. have passed. have passed. Elijah, who had disappeared from the Elijah, who had disappeared from the Elijah, who had disappeared from the scene, is back on the scene to confront scene, is back on the scene to confront scene, is back on the scene to confront Ahab, Jezebel, and the prophets of Baal. Ahab, Jezebel, and the prophets of Baal. Ahab, Jezebel, and the prophets of Baal. So, what does all this have to do with So, what does all this have to do with So, what does all this have to do with us? us? us? I'm glad you asked. I'm glad you asked. I'm glad you asked. You ask all the right questions. You ask all the right questions. You ask all the right questions. It's because of the fact that all of us It's because of the fact that all of us It's because of the fact that all of us either have been or are currently participants in or are currently participants in idolatry.

idolatry. idolatry. I did say all of us. >> Many of you probably disagree with what >> Many of you probably disagree with what I just said. So, let me substantiate my I just said. So, let me substantiate my I just said. So, let me substantiate my claim. claim. claim. The battle of the flesh. The battle of the flesh. The battle of the flesh. >> It's the battle of the flesh. You got it >> It's the battle of the flesh. You got it >> It's the battle of the flesh. You got it right. right. right. Reformation theologian and pastor John Reformation theologian and pastor John Reformation theologian and pastor John Calvin wrote that the human heart is an Calvin wrote that the human heart is an Calvin wrote that the human heart is an idol factory. He didn't mean it as an insult aimed at He didn't mean it as an insult aimed at pagans bowing before statues. He meant pagans bowing before statues. He meant pagans bowing before statues. He meant it as a sober description of what every it as a sober description of what every it as a sober description of what every one of us does whenever God does not one of us does whenever God does not one of us does whenever God does not genuinely occupy the center of our genuinely occupy the center of our genuinely occupy the center of our hearts. I'm aware I'm aware that we usually relate that we usually relate that we usually relate idolatry to negative things only.

idolatry to negative things only. idolatry to negative things only. And we talk about how cars, cash, and And we talk about how cars, cash, and And we talk about how cars, cash, and cribs, etc. become our idols. That's why I believe God literally That's why I believe God literally allowed me, I mean, just dropped it in allowed me, I mean, just dropped it in allowed me, I mean, just dropped it in my lap my lap my lap uh an article entitled, "What happens uh an article entitled, "What happens uh an article entitled, "What happens when good things become everything?" What happens when good things become What happens when good things become everything? The author of this article everything? The author of this article everything? The author of this article is Scott Sauls. And Scott Sauls wants us is Scott Sauls. And Scott Sauls wants us is Scott Sauls. And Scott Sauls wants us to know to know to know what I want to argue tonight, and that what I want to argue tonight, and that what I want to argue tonight, and that is that anything that takes first place is that anything that takes first place is that anything that takes first place in our lives over and above God is an in our lives over and above God is an in our lives over and above God is an idol. idol. idol. Anything Anything Anything that we literally feel like we cannot that we literally feel like we cannot that we literally feel like we cannot live without, live without, live without, good, bad, or indifferent, good, bad, or indifferent, good, bad, or indifferent, is an idol.

is an idol. is an idol. Remember that Hebrews chapter 12 the 8 Remember that Hebrews chapter 12 the 8 Remember that Hebrews chapter 12 the 8 portion of verse one says, "Therefore, portion of verse one says, "Therefore, portion of verse one says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great since we are surrounded by such a great since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off cloud of witnesses, let us throw off cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that everything that hinders and the sin that everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Therefore, Therefore, what that means for us is that there are what that means for us is that there are what that means for us is that there are some things in our lives that are not some things in our lives that are not some things in our lives that are not sinful or bad, but they still hinder us. sinful or bad, but they still hinder us. sinful or bad, but they still hinder us. >> There are good things that become our >> There are good things that become our >> There are good things that become our everything everything everything and therefore they become idols. I want to read to you an extensive quote I want to read to you an extensive quote by Scott Sauls from this article. by Scott Sauls from this article. by Scott Sauls from this article. He says it so well I decided not to put He says it so well I decided not to put He says it so well I decided not to put it in my own words but to read what he it in my own words but to read what he it in my own words but to read what he wrote.

wrote. wrote. That's what makes what the Bible calls That's what makes what the Bible calls That's what makes what the Bible calls idolatry so difficult to see. He said idolatry so difficult to see. He said idolatry so difficult to see. He said it rarely begins with something that is it rarely begins with something that is it rarely begins with something that is obviously evil. obviously evil. obviously evil. More often it begins with something that More often it begins with something that More often it begins with something that is genuinely good. is genuinely good. is genuinely good. Work, family, success, influence, Work, family, success, influence, Work, family, success, influence, comfort, reputation, security, a dream, comfort, reputation, security, a dream, comfort, reputation, security, a dream, a relationship, or even a calling. a relationship, or even a calling. a relationship, or even a calling. The danger is not he says that these The danger is not he says that these The danger is not he says that these things matter deeply to us. things matter deeply to us. things matter deeply to us. The danger is that they become our The danger is that they become our The danger is that they become our everything. He speaks of the idol factory and he He speaks of the idol factory and he says the idol factory never shuts down. says the idol factory never shuts down. says the idol factory never shuts down. It doesn't only produce crude or It doesn't only produce crude or It doesn't only produce crude or obviously shameful things.

obviously shameful things. obviously shameful things. It also turns out sophisticated It also turns out sophisticated It also turns out sophisticated products, products, products, especially for people who have spent especially for people who have spent especially for people who have spent decades of their lives achieving and decades of their lives achieving and decades of their lives achieving and winning. winning. winning. Their idols rarely look like rage or Their idols rarely look like rage or Their idols rarely look like rage or drunkenness or reckless self-indulgence. drunkenness or reckless self-indulgence. drunkenness or reckless self-indulgence. They look more like accomplishment, They look more like accomplishment, They look more like accomplishment, legacy, legacy, legacy, relevance, relevance, relevance, control, control, control, being needed, being needed, being needed, being admired, being admired, being admired, and being the one who still has the and being the one who still has the and being the one who still has the chops. chops. chops. Finally, he says they feel like virtues, Finally, he says they feel like virtues, Finally, he says they feel like virtues, which is precisely what makes them so which is precisely what makes them so which is precisely what makes them so hard to detect and so costly to hard to detect and so costly to hard to detect and so costly to surrender back to God." End of quote. He's talking about good things He's talking about good things that become our everything that become our everything that become our everything that become idols in our lives.

that become idols in our lives. that become idols in our lives. When we put the gift When we put the gift When we put the gift higher higher higher in category than we put the giver in category than we put the giver in category than we put the giver which is God. which is God. which is God. That means it become the gift becomes an That means it become the gift becomes an That means it become the gift becomes an idol. idol. idol. So now I repeat So now I repeat So now I repeat all of us all of us all of us every last one of us every last one of us every last one of us either have been participants in either have been participants in either have been participants in idolatry idolatry idolatry or we are actively participating in or we are actively participating in or we are actively participating in idolatry. Now that I've established that I'm Now that I've established that I'm talking to everybody, talking to everybody, talking to everybody, we can start walking through the text. The first thing we want to talk about is The first thing we want to talk about is the conflict.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yes, sir. Well, if worship becomes Well, if worship becomes bigger than God, bigger than God, bigger than God, that answer is yes. that answer is yes. that answer is yes. If it becomes more important than God If it becomes more important than God If it becomes more important than God himself because worship is for God, himself because worship is for God, himself because worship is for God, right? right? right? >> Amen. God bless you. >> Amen. God bless you. >> Amen. God bless you. I need to move on quickly so I can try I need to move on quickly so I can try I need to move on quickly so I can try to finish. to finish. to finish. >> I love being here. >> I love being here. >> I love being here. >> Love you being here. >> Love you being here. >> Love you being here. We're going to talk about the conflict. We're going to talk about the conflict. We're going to talk about the conflict. First Kings chapter 18 16- 21. Obadiah Obadiah runs up on Ahab on runs up on Ahab on runs up on Ahab on the governor of the the land the governor of the the land the governor of the the land runs into Elijah rather and Elijah tells runs into Elijah rather and Elijah tells runs into Elijah rather and Elijah tells him go tell Ahab that Elijah is here.

Verse 16 says, "Obadiah went to meet Verse 16 says, "Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him, and Ahab went to meet Ahab and told him, and Ahab went to meet Ahab and told him, and Ahab went to meet Elijah. Elijah. Elijah. When he saw Elijah, he said to him, "Is When he saw Elijah, he said to him, "Is When he saw Elijah, he said to him, "Is that you, you troubler of Israel?" that you, you troubler of Israel?" that you, you troubler of Israel?" "I'm not made trouble for Israel," "I'm not made trouble for Israel," "I'm not made trouble for Israel," Elijah replied. But you and your Elijah replied. But you and your Elijah replied. But you and your father's family have. father's family have. father's family have. You have abandoned the Lord's commands You have abandoned the Lord's commands You have abandoned the Lord's commands and have followed the bales. and have followed the bales. and have followed the bales. Now some of the people from all over Now some of the people from all over Now some of the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel and Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel and Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel and bring the 450 prophets of Baal and the bring the 450 prophets of Baal and the bring the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Ashira who eat at 400 prophets of Ashira who eat at 400 prophets of Ashira who eat at Jezebel's table. Jezebel's table. Jezebel's table. So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount and assembled the prophets on Mount and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. Carmel. Carmel. Elijah went before the people and if I Elijah went before the people and if I Elijah went before the people and if I might add rather boldly said to them, might add rather boldly said to them, might add rather boldly said to them, "How long "How long "How long will you halt between two opinions?

will you halt between two opinions? will you halt between two opinions? How long will you waver between two How long will you waver between two How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow opinions? If the Lord is God, follow opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him. But if Baal is God, follow him. him. But if Baal is God, follow him. him. But if Baal is God, follow him. But the people said nothing. But the people said nothing. But the people said nothing. In First Kings chapter 18, Israel has In First Kings chapter 18, Israel has In First Kings chapter 18, Israel has reached a spiritual crossroad, a place reached a spiritual crossroad, a place reached a spiritual crossroad, a place of conflict, of conflict, of conflict, a conflict between God and Baal. a conflict between God and Baal. a conflict between God and Baal. The nation was suffering under a three The nation was suffering under a three The nation was suffering under a three and a half year drought because of their and a half year drought because of their and a half year drought because of their own spiritual rebellion. own spiritual rebellion. own spiritual rebellion. As you have seen, the drought not merely As you have seen, the drought not merely As you have seen, the drought not merely was a weather problem, it was a worship was a weather problem, it was a worship was a weather problem, it was a worship problem. problem. problem. As a matter of fact, it was the worship As a matter of fact, it was the worship As a matter of fact, it was the worship problem that brought about problem that brought about problem that brought about the weather problem, the weather problem, the weather problem, the worship of Baal.

Before God could send back the rain, Before God could send back the rain, he had to first settle the issue of he had to first settle the issue of he had to first settle the issue of allegiance allegiance allegiance before the miracle of rain could come. before the miracle of rain could come. before the miracle of rain could come. And we'll talk about that next week. The And we'll talk about that next week. The And we'll talk about that next week. The people had to make up their minds who people had to make up their minds who people had to make up their minds who they were going to serve, whether it was they were going to serve, whether it was they were going to serve, whether it was going to be God or Baal. going to be God or Baal. going to be God or Baal. I believe that there were at least three I believe that there were at least three I believe that there were at least three groups of people in Israel at that time. groups of people in Israel at that time. groups of people in Israel at that time. Number one, first group were the Number one, first group were the Number one, first group were the worshippers of Baal. The second group were those who were The second group were those who were true servants of Jehovah alone. They true servants of Jehovah alone. They true servants of Jehovah alone. They served and worshiped God. served and worshiped God. served and worshiped God. But there was a third group But there was a third group But there was a third group who worshiped Baal Baal or tried to worship Baal and God or tried to worship Baal and God or tried to worship Baal and God simultaneously.

My my my. My my my. Now I'm under the impression that this Now I'm under the impression that this Now I'm under the impression that this group probably made up the majority of group probably made up the majority of group probably made up the majority of the folk in Israel. the folk in Israel. the folk in Israel. And the reason is And the reason is And the reason is is because by human nature, is because by human nature, is because by human nature, folk have a tendency to like to keep folk have a tendency to like to keep folk have a tendency to like to keep their options open. >> Yeah, they do. >> Yeah, they do. You ask folk things like, "Who you You ask folk things like, "Who you You ask folk things like, "Who you pulling for in this game?" pulling for in this game?" pulling for in this game?" And if they're honest, they'll tell you And if they're honest, they'll tell you And if they're honest, they'll tell you the truth. It depends on who's winning. the truth. It depends on who's winning. the truth. It depends on who's winning. We just finished the NBA finals. There are some folk who didn't have a There are some folk who didn't have a dog in the fight dog in the fight dog in the fight and didn't care who won, and didn't care who won, and didn't care who won, >> but all of a sudden they become New York >> but all of a sudden they become New York >> but all of a sudden they become New York Knick fans Knick fans Knick fans >> cuz they wanted to be on the winning >> cuz they wanted to be on the winning >> cuz they wanted to be on the winning team.

team. team. So they kept their options open. That's why Elijah raises the question, That's why Elijah raises the question, how long will you waver how long will you waver how long will you waver or halt between two opinions? or halt between two opinions? or halt between two opinions? That Hebrew word for halt That Hebrew word for halt That Hebrew word for halt suggests limping suggests limping suggests limping or hobbling or hobbling or hobbling or as is put in the NIV, the New or as is put in the NIV, the New or as is put in the NIV, the New International Version, wavering. In other words, Israel was spiritually In other words, Israel was spiritually crippled because they were trying to crippled because they were trying to crippled because they were trying to serve two masters. serve two masters. serve two masters. Listen to what Jesus says in Matthew Listen to what Jesus says in Matthew Listen to what Jesus says in Matthew 6:24 6:24 6:24 rendered from the New International rendered from the New International rendered from the New International Version. No one can serve two masters.

Version. No one can serve two masters. Version. No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love Either you will hate the one and love Either you will hate the one and love the other or you will be devoted to the the other or you will be devoted to the the other or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. They weren't completely They weren't completely serving Baal, serving Baal, serving Baal, but they weren't completely serving God but they weren't completely serving God but they weren't completely serving God either. either. either. They were trying to stand at on two They were trying to stand at on two They were trying to stand at on two foundations at once. foundations at once. foundations at once. They were, as my grandmother said, They were, as my grandmother said, They were, as my grandmother said, that's one of them, middle of the road. that's one of them, middle of the road. that's one of them, middle of the road. Or my grandmother used to put it like Or my grandmother used to put it like Or my grandmother used to put it like this. They were straddling the fence. >> Let me tell you what the problem with >> Let me tell you what the problem with straddling the fence is. straddling the fence is. straddling the fence is. The owner of the fence is the devil. The owner of the fence is the devil. The owner of the fence is the devil. He's the owner of the fence. He's the owner of the fence. He's the owner of the fence. Many people think that we can sit on the Many people think that we can sit on the Many people think that we can sit on the fence between God and the world.

fence between God and the world. fence between God and the world. But neutrality, But neutrality, But neutrality, neutrality neutrality neutrality is a decision. is a decision. is a decision. When you decide to be neutral When you decide to be neutral When you decide to be neutral or you decide to be agnostic, or you decide to be agnostic, or you decide to be agnostic, there might be a God and there might not there might be a God and there might not there might be a God and there might not be one. be one. be one. You've actually decided to be against You've actually decided to be against You've actually decided to be against God. My my my many of us want God's My my my many of us want God's blessings, but we don't want God's blessings, but we don't want God's blessings, but we don't want God's lordship. >> We want heaven, but we want to flirt >> We want heaven, but we want to flirt with the world. with the world. with the world. >> We want God's power, but we refuse God's >> We want God's power, but we refuse God's >> We want God's power, but we refuse God's authority. Amen. >> Not choosing God is choosing against >> Not choosing God is choosing against God. Jesus said it in Matthew Jesus said it in Matthew 12 in the A portion of verse 30 he says 12 in the A portion of verse 30 he says 12 in the A portion of verse 30 he says whoever is not with me is against me.

whoever is not with me is against me. whoever is not with me is against me. Wow. Wow. Wow. Many people who profess Christianity Many people who profess Christianity Many people who profess Christianity today are divided. today are divided. today are divided. They're saved, but they have not They're saved, but they have not They're saved, but they have not surrendered. surrendered. surrendered. They're believing They're believing They're believing or they claim to be believing, but they or they claim to be believing, but they or they claim to be believing, but they don't obey. don't obey. don't obey. They're attending church, but they're They're attending church, but they're They're attending church, but they're loving the world. loving the world. loving the world. Just like Israel, Just like Israel, Just like Israel, it's obvious it's obvious it's obvious they need to make up their minds. they need to make up their minds. they need to make up their minds. [snorts] Next, after the conflict, we want to Next, after the conflict, we want to talk about the contest. talk about the contest. talk about the contest. The contest The contest The contest is found in First Kings chapter 18:es is found in First Kings chapter 18:es is found in First Kings chapter 18:es 22-37. We don't have time to read it and then We don't have time to read it and then walk through it. So, I'm just going to walk through it. So, I'm just going to walk through it. So, I'm just going to kind of walk through it for you and tell kind of walk through it for you and tell kind of walk through it for you and tell you the story.

Now that Elisha has called them together Now that Elisha has called them together and he's got their undivided attention, and he's got their undivided attention, and he's got their undivided attention, he calls for a bit of a contest. he calls for a bit of a contest. he calls for a bit of a contest. says, "We're going to set up two altars, says, "We're going to set up two altars, says, "We're going to set up two altars, get two bulls, get two bulls, get two bulls, and we're going to let the prophets of and we're going to let the prophets of and we're going to let the prophets of Baal Baal Baal choose one for themselves. choose one for themselves. choose one for themselves. You cut it into pieces and prepare it You cut it into pieces and prepare it You cut it into pieces and prepare it and put it on the wood, but don't set it and put it on the wood, but don't set it and put it on the wood, but don't set it on fire. on fire. on fire. As a matter of fact, I'll take the other As a matter of fact, I'll take the other As a matter of fact, I'll take the other bull. I'll cut it up and prepare it and bull. I'll cut it up and prepare it and bull. I'll cut it up and prepare it and put it on the wood, but I won't set a put it on the wood, but I won't set a put it on the wood, but I won't set a fire either. What we'll do is we'll fire either. What we'll do is we'll fire either. What we'll do is we'll leave it up to the gods. We'll leave it up to God or we'll leave We'll leave it up to God or we'll leave it up to Baal. Then the people said, Then the people said, "Bet.

"Bet. "Bet. That sounds like a plan. That sounds like a plan. That sounds like a plan. That's a good idea." So Elijah said to That's a good idea." So Elijah said to That's a good idea." So Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "Choose one of the the prophets of Baal, "Choose one of the the prophets of Baal, "Choose one of the bulls and you prepare it first. Then bulls and you prepare it first. Then bulls and you prepare it first. Then since there are so many of you, since there are so many of you, since there are so many of you, you call on the name of your God but don't like the fire. but don't like the fire. So they took the bull that was given to So they took the bull that was given to So they took the bull that was given to them. They prepared it and then they them. They prepared it and then they them. They prepared it and then they called on the name of Baal. called on the name of Baal. called on the name of Baal. They called on Baal from morning till They called on Baal from morning till They called on Baal from morning till noon. noon. noon. Bale answer us. Bale answer us. Bale answer us. They kept calling but Baal didn't They kept calling but Baal didn't They kept calling but Baal didn't answer. answer. answer. They shouted again louder, Bale answer They shouted again louder, Bale answer They shouted again louder, Bale answer us. But there was no response. us. But there was no response. us. But there was no response. They even danced around the altar crying They even danced around the altar crying They even danced around the altar crying out and shouting out, "Ba answer us."

out and shouting out, "Ba answer us." out and shouting out, "Ba answer us." But there was no answer made. So about noon, So about noon, Elisha decided he's going to start Elisha decided he's going to start Elisha decided he's going to start throwing shade. Maybe y'all need to shout louder. Maybe y'all need to shout louder. Surely he is a god. Maybe he's in deep sleep Maybe he's in deep sleep and needs to be awakened. and needs to be awakened. and needs to be awakened. Shout louder. Shout louder. Shout louder. So they did. They shouted louder. And So they did. They shouted louder. And So they did. They shouted louder. And then they began to cut themselves with then they began to cut themselves with then they began to cut themselves with swords, swords, swords, bleeding all over the place.

bleeding all over the place. bleeding all over the place. No one answered. No one responded. No one answered. No one responded. No one answered. No one responded. No one paid attention. Then it was evening time. Then it was evening time. Time for the evening sacrifice. Elijah said to all the people, Elijah said to all the people, "Stop paying attention to them. You all "Stop paying attention to them. You all "Stop paying attention to them. You all come over here to me." come over here to me." come over here to me." So they came to him and he repaired the So they came to him and he repaired the So they came to him and he repaired the Bible says the altar of the Lord. Bible says the altar of the Lord. Bible says the altar of the Lord. They had allowed the Lord's altar to be They had allowed the Lord's altar to be They had allowed the Lord's altar to be in disrepair. in disrepair. in disrepair. He took 12 stones He took 12 stones He took 12 stones representing the 12 tribes descended representing the 12 tribes descended representing the 12 tribes descended from Jacob. from Jacob. from Jacob. the 12 tribes of Israel to whom the word the 12 tribes of Israel to whom the word the 12 tribes of Israel to whom the word of the Lord had come, of the Lord had come, of the Lord had come, saying, "Your name shall be Israel."

saying, "Your name shall be Israel." saying, "Your name shall be Israel." With the stones, he built an altar in With the stones, he built an altar in With the stones, he built an altar in the name of the Lord. the name of the Lord. the name of the Lord. And then And then And then if that wasn't enough, after putting the if that wasn't enough, after putting the if that wasn't enough, after putting the wood on the altar wood on the altar wood on the altar and putting a bull on the altar, and putting a bull on the altar, and putting a bull on the altar, he dug a trench he dug a trench he dug a trench around the altar. A trench deep enough to hold about 24 A trench deep enough to hold about 24 pounds of seed. He arranged the wool wood. He cut the He arranged the wool wood. He cut the bull into pieces and laid everything on bull into pieces and laid everything on bull into pieces and laid everything on the altar. And then the altar. And then the altar. And then he called out to the folk and said, "I he called out to the folk and said, "I he called out to the folk and said, "I need you to bring me four large jars of need you to bring me four large jars of need you to bring me four large jars of water. Just big huge jars of water.

Just big huge jars of water. And I want you to pour all four of them And I want you to pour all four of them And I want you to pour all four of them on the sacrifice. So they did it. So they did it. He tells them, "Go back, fill them up, He tells them, "Go back, fill them up, He tells them, "Go back, fill them up, do it again." do it again." do it again." They do it. He says to them, "Go back. He says to them, "Go back. Do it again." Do it again." Do it again." So for the third time, they fill up the So for the third time, they fill up the So for the third time, they fill up the jars, these big jars of water, and they jars, these big jars of water, and they jars, these big jars of water, and they pour it over the altar until the pour it over the altar until the pour it over the altar until the sacrifice is drenched, the wood is sacrifice is drenched, the wood is sacrifice is drenched, the wood is drenched, the altar is drenched, the drenched, the altar is drenched, the drenched, the altar is drenched, the dirt has turned to mud. It's all dirt has turned to mud. It's all dirt has turned to mud. It's all drenched, and there's water in the drenched, and there's water in the drenched, and there's water in the trench. It is God using Elijah It is God using Elijah to expose to expose to expose Ba.

Ba. Ba. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. We need to simply ask God, Lord, expose We need to simply ask God, Lord, expose We need to simply ask God, Lord, expose my idols. We need to ask God on a daily basis. I We need to ask God on a daily basis. I even believe, Lord, expose any idols even believe, Lord, expose any idols even believe, Lord, expose any idols that may be in my life and expose their that may be in my life and expose their that may be in my life and expose their insufficiencies. So what happened? So what happened? >> I'm about to tell you >> I'm about to tell you >> I'm about to tell you verses 38 and 39 verses 38 and 39 verses 38 and 39 are the conclusion of the matter. I'm going to back up to verse 36 I'm going to back up to verse 36 where Elijah prayed. Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let thou that let it be known today that let thou that let it be known today that let thou that let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your you are God in Israel and that I am your you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things servant and have done all these things servant and have done all these things at your command.

at your command. at your command. Answer me, Lord. answer me so that these Answer me, Lord. answer me so that these Answer me, Lord. answer me so that these people will know that you, Lord, are God people will know that you, Lord, are God people will know that you, Lord, are God and that you are turning their hearts and that you are turning their hearts and that you are turning their hearts back to you again. God will ultimately show his supremacy God will ultimately show his supremacy and his sufficiency and his sufficiency and his sufficiency above the idol gods. above the idol gods. above the idol gods. Listen to verse 38. Listen to verse 38. Listen to verse 38. Then the fire of the Lord Then the fire of the Lord Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, fell and burned up the sacrifice, fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the wood, the wood, the stones, the stones, the stones, the soil, the soil, the soil, and it also licked up the water in the and it also licked up the water in the and it also licked up the water in the trench. Now that's what I call the allconsuming Now that's what I call the allconsuming fire of God.

God rained down fire and it consumed God rained down fire and it consumed everything, everything, everything, even the dirt and the water. even the dirt and the water. even the dirt and the water. Now that's some kind of miracle. Now that's some kind of miracle. Now that's some kind of miracle. Verse Verse Verse 39. 39. 39. Then all the people when they saw this, Then all the people when they saw this, Then all the people when they saw this, they fell prostrate on their faces they fell prostrate on their faces they fell prostrate on their faces before the Lord and cried out, "The before the Lord and cried out, "The before the Lord and cried out, "The Lord, he is God." Lord, he is God." Lord, he is God." The Lord, he is God. The Lord, he is God. The Lord, he is God. Listen, I want to tell you something Listen, I want to tell you something Listen, I want to tell you something just in case you didn't know. Anytime just in case you didn't know. Anytime just in case you didn't know. Anytime you see words like this repeated in the you see words like this repeated in the you see words like this repeated in the Old Testament in particular, Old Testament in particular, Old Testament in particular, it's because in the Hebrew there were no it's because in the Hebrew there were no it's because in the Hebrew there were no punctuation marks. They didn't have any punctuation marks. They didn't have any punctuation marks. They didn't have any exclamation points. So to show exclamation points. So to show exclamation points. So to show exclamation, exclamation, exclamation, to show the importance of a thing, they to show the importance of a thing, they to show the importance of a thing, they would repeat it. That's why the angels would repeat it. That's why the angels would repeat it. That's why the angels cried out, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord cried out, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord cried out, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts. The whole earth is full of his of hosts. The whole earth is full of his of hosts. The whole earth is full of his glory." In Isaiah chapter 6, glory." In Isaiah chapter 6, glory." In Isaiah chapter 6, it is because of this that they cry out it is because of this that they cry out it is because of this that they cry out twice, "The Lord, "The Lord, he is God."

he is God." he is God." The Lord, he is God. They Elijah calls on God and God rains They Elijah calls on God and God rains down fire. He wants to show his down fire. He wants to show his down fire. He wants to show his sufficiency and supremacy. is the consequences. is the consequences. That's verse 40. That's verse 40. That's verse 40. Now, we have problem with verse 40. Now, we have problem with verse 40. Now, we have problem with verse 40. Some of us do anyway. Some of us do anyway. Some of us do anyway. It's difficult for some readers It's difficult for some readers It's difficult for some readers because it reflects God's covenant because it reflects God's covenant because it reflects God's covenant judgment against false prophets Listen to the verse. Then Elijah Listen to the verse. Then Elijah commanded them, "Seize the prophets of commanded them, "Seize the prophets of commanded them, "Seize the prophets of Baal.

Baal. Baal. Don't let anyone get away." Don't let anyone get away." Don't let anyone get away." They seized them, and Elijah had them They seized them, and Elijah had them They seized them, and Elijah had them brought down to the Kishan Valley and brought down to the Kishan Valley and brought down to the Kishan Valley and slaughtered them there. My God. My God. in Deuteronomy chapter 13-18. and then in Deuteronomy chapter 17 and then in Deuteronomy chapter 17 verses 2-5 in verse in chapter 13 in particular it in verse in chapter 13 in particular it talks about not only killing talks about not only killing talks about not only killing the prophets of the idol god the prophets of the idol god the prophets of the idol god it talks about gathering all the stuff it talks about gathering all the stuff it talks about gathering all the stuff and burning down the city and burning down the city and burning down the city where idolatry is practiced.

where idolatry is practiced. where idolatry is practiced. Aren't you glad you didn't live back Aren't you glad you didn't live back Aren't you glad you didn't live back then? >> Yeah. No other gods before they. the >> Yeah. No other gods before they. the test test test that had been a fair one. that had been a fair one. that had been a fair one. And the prophets of Baal had been And the prophets of Baal had been And the prophets of Baal had been exposed as idoltors exposed as idoltors exposed as idoltors who deserve to be killed according to who deserve to be killed according to who deserve to be killed according to the laws of God back then. the laws of God back then. the laws of God back then. The law required that idoltors be stoned The law required that idoltors be stoned The law required that idoltors be stoned to death. to death. to death. But Elisha had killed the prophets with But Elisha had killed the prophets with But Elisha had killed the prophets with the sword. Well, I know that's kind of hard to deal Well, I know that's kind of hard to deal with, but it's the fact of the matter with, but it's the fact of the matter with, but it's the fact of the matter for those days. Not only for us does sin have Not only for us does sin have consequences and is repentance necessary, and is repentance necessary, >> but the idols have to be removed.

>> Throughout scripture, revival is often >> Throughout scripture, revival is often accompanied by the removal of idols. Moses destroyed the golden calf Moses destroyed the golden calf in Exodus 32 and 20. in Exodus 32 and 20. in Exodus 32 and 20. Josiah Josiah Josiah when he became king when he became king when he became king removed pagan worship removed pagan worship removed pagan worship in 2 Kings chap 23:es in 2 Kings chap 23:es in 2 Kings chap 23:es 1-2. New believers in the New Testament in New believers in the New Testament in Acts chapter 19 Acts chapter 19 Acts chapter 19 18 19 and 20 18 19 and 20 18 19 and 20 destroy the objects of the occult. It's kind of like this. It's kind of like this. A doctor cannot cure an infection A doctor cannot cure an infection A doctor cannot cure an infection without removing or eradicating the without removing or eradicating the without removing or eradicating the source of the infection.

Likewise, spiritual renewal requires Likewise, spiritual renewal requires dealing with the source of our spiritual dealing with the source of our spiritual dealing with the source of our spiritual compromise. compromise. compromise. We need God to expose We need God to expose We need God to expose whatever idol there may be in our lives whatever idol there may be in our lives whatever idol there may be in our lives because that idol needs to be removed. Therefore, we must remove Therefore, we must remove or eradicate or eradicate or eradicate certain actions in our lives. certain actions in our lives. certain actions in our lives. Certain words in our lives, certain Certain words in our lives, certain Certain words in our lives, certain thoughts in our lives need to be removed thoughts in our lives need to be removed thoughts in our lives need to be removed or eradicated. Certain activities, or eradicated. Certain activities, or eradicated. Certain activities, certain things need to be eradicated or certain things need to be eradicated or certain things need to be eradicated or removed. Certain people need to be eradicated or removed from need to be eradicated or removed from our lives. Why? Because if they hold a our lives. Why? Because if they hold a our lives. Why? Because if they hold a place of idolatry in our lives, they place of idolatry in our lives, they place of idolatry in our lives, they must be removed.

Well, I usually end with a story Well, I usually end with a story and I found about two or three But I'm not going to end with a story But I'm not going to end with a story tonight. tonight. tonight. >> I'm going to end with the words of a >> I'm going to end with the words of a >> I'm going to end with the words of a song. I believe that it's imperative, I believe that it's imperative, important important important that we leave here with these words on that we leave here with these words on that we leave here with these words on our lips. our lips. our lips. The song says, "I'll say yes, Lord. Yes The song says, "I'll say yes, Lord. Yes The song says, "I'll say yes, Lord. Yes to your will and to your way. I'll say to your will and to your way. I'll say to your will and to your way. I'll say yes Lord. Yes. I will trust you and obey yes Lord. Yes. I will trust you and obey yes Lord. Yes. I will trust you and obey >> when the your spirit speaks to me with >> when the your spirit speaks to me with >> when the your spirit speaks to me with my WHOLE HEART. I'll agree [snorts] and my WHOLE HEART. I'll agree [snorts] and my WHOLE HEART. I'll agree [snorts] and my answer will be yes, my answer will be yes, my answer will be yes, Lord. Yes. Lord. Yes. Lord. Yes. Make up your mind Make up your mind Make up your mind to give God a yes. Oh yes.

to give God a yes. Oh yes. to give God a yes. Oh yes. >> Father, we thank you tonight for your >> Father, we thank you tonight for your >> Father, we thank you tonight for your word. to remove all idols from our lives. to remove all idols from our lives. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Anything that takes your place, Now Lord, we pray that if there's Now Lord, we pray that if there's anybody here who has not accepted Jesus anybody here who has not accepted Jesus anybody here who has not accepted Jesus Christ as savior and lord of their life, Christ as savior and lord of their life, Christ as savior and lord of their life, [music] that you'd move on them even [music] that you'd move on them even [music] that you'd move on them even now. now. now. Bring them down the aisle. Bring them down the aisle. Bring them down the aisle. If there's somebody here who If there's somebody here who If there's somebody here who has already accepted Christ but is has already accepted Christ but is has already accepted Christ but is looking for a church home, looking for a church home, looking for a church home, help them to realize that they found a help them to realize that they found a help them to realize that they found a good place. good place. good place. >> Yes.

>> Yes. >> Yes. >> A place where they can grow in the >> A place where they can grow in the >> A place where they can grow in the wisdom and the knowledge of our Lord and wisdom and the knowledge of our Lord and wisdom and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Savior Jesus Christ. Savior Jesus Christ. And then last but not least, if there's And then last but not least, if there's And then last but not least, if there's somebody here in town on a temporary somebody here in town on a temporary somebody here in town on a temporary assignment for school, for work, assignment for school, for work, assignment for school, for work, for health concerns, for health concerns, for health concerns, we pray that you would give them we pray that you would give them we pray that you would give them the insight to know that we'll watch the insight to know that we'll watch the insight to know that we'll watch over their souls over their souls over their souls while they're here in town. Lord, as we extend the invitation, Lord, as we extend the invitation, moved by your spirit is our prayer. It's moved by your spirit is our prayer. It's moved by your spirit is our prayer. It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ of God, in the name of Jesus, the Christ of God, in the name of Jesus, the Christ of God, we pray. we pray. we pray. Amen. And thank God. I'll say yes, Lord, Amen. And thank God. I'll say yes, Lord, Amen. And thank God. I'll say yes, Lord, [singing] [singing] [singing] yes to your will and to your way. yes to your will and to your way. yes to your will and to your way. I say yes Lord. Yes. I will trust you I say yes Lord. Yes. I will trust you I say yes Lord. Yes. I will trust you and obey.

and obey. and obey. When your [music] spirit speaks to me When your [music] spirit speaks to me When your [music] spirit speaks to me with my whole heart I'll agree with my whole heart I'll agree with my whole heart I'll agree and my [singing] answer will be yes Lord and my [singing] answer will be yes Lord and my [singing] answer will be yes Lord yes. yes. yes. Oh, I'll [singing] say yes, Lord. Yes to Oh, I'll [singing] say yes, Lord. Yes to Oh, I'll [singing] say yes, Lord. Yes to your [singing] will and to your way. I your [singing] will and to your way. I your [singing] will and to your way. I say yes, [music] say yes, [music] say yes, [music] Lord. Yes. I will trust you and [music] Lord. Yes. I will trust you and [music] Lord. Yes. I will trust you and [music] obey. obey. obey. When your spirit speaks to me with my When your spirit speaks to me with my When your spirit speaks to me with my whole heart, I'll agree. whole heart, I'll agree. whole heart, I'll agree. And my answer will be yes Lord yes. And my answer will be yes Lord yes. And my answer will be yes Lord yes. [music] [music] [music] Oh I [singing] say yes Lord yes to your Oh I [singing] say yes Lord yes to your Oh I [singing] say yes Lord yes to your will and to your way. I say yes Lord will and to your way. I say yes Lord will and to your way. I say yes Lord yes. I will trust you and obey. When yes. I will trust you and obey. When yes. I will trust you and obey. When [music and singing] your spirit speaks [music and singing] your spirit speaks [music and singing] your spirit speaks to me to me to me with my whole heart, I'll agree.

with my whole heart, I'll agree. with my whole heart, I'll agree. And my answer [singing] And my answer [singing] And my answer [singing] will be yes, Lord. Yes. will be yes, Lord. Yes. will be yes, Lord. Yes. >> Hallelujah. Amen. >> Hallelujah. Amen. >> Hallelujah. Amen. Amen. [applause] Church family, that's Peter. Church family, that's Peter. That's my new friend. [applause] >> He came and he asked God to bless me. >> He came and he asked God to bless me. >> And he told God he was rededicating his >> And he told God he was rededicating his >> And he told God he was rededicating his life life life >> to a life. >> to a life. >> to a life. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Of serving God and doing God's work. >> Of serving God and doing God's work. >> Of serving God and doing God's work. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Amen. [applause] >> Amen. [applause] >> Amen. [applause] >> Amen. God bless you, Peter. >> Amen. God bless you, Peter. >> Amen. God bless you, Peter. >> Yes, indeed. All right. All right. >> Yes, >> Yes, >> Yes, >> there's a funeral service being held >> there's a funeral service being held >> there's a funeral service being held tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow at 11:00 here in the uh sanctuary. I at 11:00 here in the uh sanctuary. I at 11:00 here in the uh sanctuary. I don't have the information, don't have the information, don't have the information, but we pray for that family. Amen.

but we pray for that family. Amen. but we pray for that family. Amen. >> And we pray that God would strengthen >> And we pray that God would strengthen >> And we pray that God would strengthen that bereaveved family. We want to that bereaveved family. We want to that bereaveved family. We want to remember all of our bereaveved families remember all of our bereaveved families remember all of our bereaveved families as well as those in our church and those as well as those in our church and those as well as those in our church and those who are friends and loved ones with who are friends and loved ones with who are friends and loved ones with health concerns. Amen. health concerns. Amen. health concerns. Amen. >> Amen. We thank God for doctors and for >> Amen. We thank God for doctors and for >> Amen. We thank God for doctors and for nurses and for everybody in the medical nurses and for everybody in the medical nurses and for everybody in the medical profession, but God is the healer. profession, but God is the healer. profession, but God is the healer. >> Yes, he is. >> Yes, he is. >> Yes, he is. And so we ask that God would do his work And so we ask that God would do his work And so we ask that God would do his work and heal. and heal. and heal. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> In the name of Jesus. >> In the name of Jesus. >> In the name of Jesus. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Let us stand. >> Let us stand. >> Let us stand. >> I say yes, Lord. >> I say yes, Lord. >> I say yes, Lord. >> Lord, yes. I will trust you and obey. >> Lord, yes. I will trust you and obey. >> Lord, yes. I will trust you and obey. When your spirit speaks to me with my When your spirit speaks to me with my When your spirit speaks to me with my whole heart, [singing] whole heart, [singing] whole heart, [singing] I will agree and my answer I will agree and my answer I will agree and my answer will be yes, Lord. Yes.

will be yes, Lord. Yes. will be yes, Lord. Yes. >> Father, we thank you. We praise you and >> Father, we thank you. We praise you and >> Father, we thank you. We praise you and we magnify your name. we magnify your name. we magnify your name. We pray for the bereaveved families. We pray for the bereaveved families. We pray for the bereaveved families. We lift them up name by name, person by We lift them up name by name, person by We lift them up name by name, person by person, just asking that you give them person, just asking that you give them person, just asking that you give them what they need. Give them your strength. what they need. Give them your strength. what they need. Give them your strength. Give them your peace. Grant them your Give them your peace. Grant them your Give them your peace. Grant them your comfort. comfort. comfort. Give them everything that they stand in Give them everything that they stand in Give them everything that they stand in need of. Lord, in the [music] name of need of. Lord, in the [music] name of need of. Lord, in the [music] name of Jesus, we ask that you would heal. Jesus, we ask that you would heal. Jesus, we ask that you would heal. You're the only one who can. You're the only one who can. You're the only one who can. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. So heal in the name of Jesus. So heal in the name of Jesus. So heal in the name of Jesus. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> You've done it before. Now, Lord, do it >> You've done it before. Now, Lord, do it >> You've done it before. Now, Lord, do it again. again. again. >> Do it again, God. >> Do it again, God. >> Do it again, God. >> We've watched you do miracle after >> We've watched you do miracle after >> We've watched you do miracle after miracle in the life of our church. So now, Lord, do it again So now, Lord, do it again in the lives of others. in the lives of others. in the lives of others. Now Now Now [music] [music] [music] it's unto you it's unto you it's unto you cuz you're able to keep us from falling.

cuz you're able to keep us from falling. cuz you're able to keep us from falling. You're able to present us faultless You're able to present us faultless You're able to present us faultless before your throne with exceeding joy. before your throne with exceeding joy. before your throne with exceeding joy. You're the only wise God. To you be You're the only wise God. To you be You're the only wise God. To you be power and majesty, glory, and dominion. power and majesty, glory, and dominion. power and majesty, glory, and dominion. Now, henceforth, and forever more. Now, henceforth, and forever more. Now, henceforth, and forever more. [music] It's in the name of Jesus, the [music] It's in the name of Jesus, the [music] It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ of God, we pray. Amen. Christ of God, we pray. Amen. Christ of God, we pray. Amen. >> And thank God. >> And thank God. >> And thank God. Amen. God bless you.