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Chuck Smith

I Kings 18

Chuck Smith

The sermon highlights the importance of faith and trusting in God, as exemplified by Elijah's challenge to the God who answers by fire.
Chuck Smith preaches on I Kings 18, emphasizing the dire spiritual condition of Israel, which had turned away from God and was influenced by 450 prophets of Baal. He highlights the need for a purging fire from the Holy Spirit to cleanse sin and reveal the true God, contrasting the futile efforts of Baal's prophets with Elijah's simple yet powerful prayer that called down fire from heaven. The sermon illustrates that before rain and restoration can come, there must first be a genuine return to God and a cleansing of the heart.

Text

"THE GOD WHO ANSWERS BY FIRE"

I. ISRAEL'S CONDITION.

A. Completely backslidden.

1. 450 Prophets for BaaI.

2. One for God.

B. Inward corruption about to ruin nation.

C. Hearts alienated from God.

D. Hearts hardened against God.

1. Three years no rain.

E. Elijah did not challenge the God who answers by rain.

1. Get hearts right & rain will come.

2. Needed fire first for purge.

II FIRE OF HOLY SPIRIT TWOFOLD EFFECT.

A. Purge out sin.

B. Convince of true God.

Ill BAAL'S PROPHETS.

A. Long Prayers.

B. Great demonstrations.

C. No fire.

Ill ELIJAH

A. Short prayer of faith.

B. Fire of God.

Sermon Outline

  1. Israel's Condition points: - Completely backslidden - Inward corruption about to ruin nation - Hearts alienated from God - Hearts hardened against God - Elijah's challenge to the God who answers by fire
  2. Fire of Holy Spirit points: - Purge out sin - Convince of true God
  3. Baal's Prophets points: - Long prayers - Great demonstrations - No fire
  4. Elijah points: - Short prayer of faith - Fire of God

Key Quotes

“THE GOD WHO ANSWERS BY FIRE” — Chuck Smith
“Completely backslidden.” — Chuck Smith
“Fire of God.” — Chuck Smith

Application Points

  • We must trust in God, even when things seem impossible, and rely on His power to accomplish great things.
  • The fire of the Holy Spirit has the power to purge out sin and convince people of the true God.
  • We must not rely on our own efforts or demonstrations, but rather on the power of God to achieve our goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for Israel to be backslidden?
It means they have turned away from God and are living in sin, which is causing them to suffer the consequences of their actions.
Why did Elijah challenge the God who answers by fire?
Elijah challenged the God who answers by fire because he knew that the people needed to be purged of their sin and convinced of the true God in order to be restored.
What is the difference between Baal's prophets and Elijah?
Baal's prophets relied on long prayers and great demonstrations, but Elijah relied on a short prayer of faith, which resulted in the fire of God.
What is the significance of the fire of the Holy Spirit?
The fire of the Holy Spirit has a twofold effect: it purges out sin and convinces people of the true God.
What can we learn from Elijah's example?
We can learn the importance of faith and trusting in God, even when things seem impossible.

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