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Lesson 4 Elijah: Prepare the Way of the Lord "Showdown on Mount Carmel"

When Yahweh chose Israel to be his treasured possession, he made a covenant with them at Mt. Sinai. In a sense they were “married.” Israel responded by saying, “We do!” One of the parts of the marriage covenant was the 10 commandments. The very first commandment, thou shall have no other gods before me, was already broken, during the honeymoon. Moses and Joshua, carrying the holy tablets of God, entered into the camp of Israel to find the people worshiping a golden calf, crafted by Aaron himself! 


I guess you could make a case that the people of Israel have always been double minded. They wanted to follow Yahweh, especially when he blessed and provided for them, but they wanted to follow other gods, too. They whined in the wilderness, played the harlot with the Baal of Peor, and worshiped the idols of the Canaanites. Over and over the Israelites  sinned… setting up idols at Bethel and Dan, and worshiping false Gods “under every green tree” as the Bible says. 


 But our God is a God who requires unconditional loyalty. He is not willing that his “wife” commit harlotry, following other gods one minute, and Him the next! He is an all in or all out God. Hence the famous question, “  How long will you waver between two opinions?  If Yahweh is God, serve Him. If Baal is god, serve him.But make up your mind!” The Bible says, “ A double minded man is unstable in all his ways!”  (James 1:8) 


For Lesson Plans for this Lesson, Click Here!


(14:37)



Scriptures: 1 Kings 18, James 1:8, Hosea 10:2, Matthew 17: 1-2, Revelation 11, Proverbs 4:8

Discussion Questions: 


  1. What was the most interesting part of this lesson to you?

  2. Why do you think it is so easy for us to become double minded? Why do you think the scriptures say that a double minded person is unstable? (James 1:8)

  3. Elijah has been fleeing from Ahab and Jezebel now for 3 ½  years. Would you say he was depressed or afraid during these years? How do you know?  

  4. Why do you think Ahab agreed to the showdown on Mt. Carmel?

  5.  Is it possible for “false gods” to do miracles? Do they have any real power? What were the prophets of Baal doing out of desperation in hope that  their “god” would  answer? What things do people do to appease false gods in our culture?

  6. Why did Elijah pray when he did? What was he trying to accomplish? Reread from the scriptures the prayer he prayed. 1 Kings 18:36. What does this prayer tell you about Elijah?

  7. Why do you think the fire fell exactly at the time of the evening sacrifice? How might this be symbolic? Why is it important to follow God’s instructions exactly?

  8. God not only answered Elijah’s prayer by fire and also with rain! God truly did show his superiority over Baal Melqart, supposed God of the weather. Elijah was then full of joy, and the power of the holy spirit!  How can we run in front of our enemies with joy, like Elijah?

  9. Is your church double minded? How do you know? 

  10. What do you think of the proposal that the two witnesses of Revelation could be Elijah and Moses? Both the law (Moses)  and the prophets (Elijah)  testify that Jesus is the Christ! 



Heavenly Father,


 Let it be known today in America that Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Let it also be known today that we are your servants– that we do all things through Christ who gives us strength! Hear us, Oh, Lord, as we pray to you for Godly leaders! Let the people know, father, that You are the LORD GOD! Turn the people’s hearts in America back to you again! 


Help us to repent of double mindedness!  We vow to follow you wholeheartedly. Help us put aside the idols in our own lives. Give us supernatural strength to not waver in our love for you. We have made up our minds! Fill us with joy, knowing you are coming again! Help us to run, like Elijah, ahead of the chariot of our enemies, all the way home.


Thank you, God, for sending the fire! The fire of the holy spirit to light our world. Continue to answer the false gods in our day with fire! Jesus is the light of the world. HE is God! Baptize us, Lord, with the Holy Spirit and Fire so that we, too, can be witnesses for your glory. Help us to walk in the light of Christ.


Father,  prepare our hearts for the return of Messiah, Jesus, , and give us ears to hear your truths so that we may continue to walk in the light. Help us to walk in righteousness, knowing that the path of the righteous gets brighter! 


We ask  that the spirit of Elijah will fall in a greater measure upon our sacrifices. We believe that your true and pure fire will fall. Help us to be witnesses for your glory, that the world will know that You are the true god.


Help our churches to repent of double mindedness! Allow them to also see your glory, so that they can declare, “The Lord, He is God!”


In the mighty name of Jesus,  Amen!

2 minutes



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