Paul VanGorder

ID 54486Mar 1, 1991

Elijah's prayer on Mount Carmel, following his victory over the prophets of Baal, demonstrates the power of prevailing prayer based on God's promises. Despite the drought and Ahab's focus on feasting, Elijah's earnest, humble, and expectant prayer, characterized by persistent petitioning, led to the arrival of rain. This event underscores that God answers prayer when it aligns with His will and word, even after long periods of waiting, as illustrated by the story of Jack Flanagan, whose salvation was secured through years of a mother's intercession. The sermon concludes by urging believers to engage in similar persistent and humble prayer, trusting in God's faithfulness to answer.

ID 54485Feb 28, 1991

Elijah's obedience and faith are highlighted through his encounter with the widow of Zarephath, demonstrating God's provision during times of trial and purification. The sermon traces Elijah's journey from the drying brook Cherith to Zarephath, a place of affliction, emphasizing that God often isolates individuals for deeper reliance and transformation. The core lesson is that obedience, especially when God's plans are unclear or difficult, leads to unexpected provision and spiritual growth, mirroring Christ's own humility and obedience. Ultimately, the story of Elijah and the widow serves as a powerful example of God honoring faith and obedience, ensuring that needs are met when His commands are prioritized.

ID 54484Feb 27, 1991

Elijah the Tishbite's life demonstrates that God unfolds His will as we obey Him, often by isolating us to teach us dependence. After delivering God's message of drought to King Ahab, Elijah was commanded to hide by the brook Cherith, where ravens miraculously fed him. This period taught Elijah to trust God's provision even in difficult circumstances, highlighting that spiritual growth often occurs in solitude and requires leaning on God rather than His blessings. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that God's faithfulness remains even when our circumstances, like a drying brook, become challenging, urging listeners to trust in Him alone.

ID 52400Feb 26, 1991

Elijah the Tishbite, a man whose very name proclaimed "Jehovah is God," was God's chosen instrument to confront the spiritual decay of Israel under King Ahab. The sermon traces Elijah's emergence from Gilead, highlighting his prayerful preparation and bold confrontation with Ahab, a meeting that starkly contrasted moral strength with weakness and true faith with idolatry. The core lesson emphasizes that God raises up individuals, like Elijah, to stand in the gap during times of societal decline, equipped with divine authority and an overwhelming God-consciousness. Ultimately, the message calls believers to embrace their role as a "sweet savor of life" in a perishing world, trusting God's purpose and power.