Carmel

The Ascent

By Dean Fulks, March 26, 2023

God’s purpose for You is established in His provision for You



1 Kings 18:19 – “Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table.”



1 Kings 18:21 - And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him. And the people did not answer him a word.”



The Hebrews had a monotheistic theology with polytheistic lifestyle



False gods promise what only the true God provides





1 Kings 18:26-29 - And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made. And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention.



1 Kings 18:37 - Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering…And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.”



Knowing God personally beats seeing God miraculously



Luke 12:49-50 – “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished.”



Instead of bringing God’s judgment, Jesus received God’s judgment



Good things make bad gods



RSVP here for the 8am Easter Service



36 Hours of Prayer link