Preparing our Hearts to Worship
Elijah An Ordinary Man
In an effort to help you prepare for the April 23rd, 2017, Sunday morning corporate worship gathering and to aid you in your own reflections on the Life of Elijah. I wanted to pose a few questions and provide a few resources to prayerfully consider over the coming days. Our sermon is entitled, “Elijah: An Ordinary Man used to do Extraordinary Things”. The main Scripture for the day is 1Kings 17:1-7. The other passages are either referenced in the message or provide additional insight for reflection.
(Pick and choose from the many resources and options, which I have tried to make available for your devotional life.)
From the Scriptures
Read and prayerfully reflect upon some or all of these Scriptures. Ask God to shape your life and your church’s life to match the heart of God:
Read or listen to 1Kings 17:1-7, 19:10, Deuteronomy 11:16-17, John 7:17
(You can read or listen to all of these passages in a variety of translations at Bible.is.)
From the Creeds and Confessions
Heidelberg Catechism Q27- What dost thou understand by the Providence of God?
- The almighty and every where present power of God (Acts 17:25-27; Matt 17:27; Ps 94:9-10; Isa 29:15-16; Jer 23:23-24†; Ezek 8:12), whereby, as it were by his hand, he still upholds heaven and earth, with all creatures (Heb 1:2-3), and so governs them that herbs and grass (Ps 104:14†), rain and drought (Jer 14:22†), fruitful and barren years (Lev 26:4-5†; Ps 145:15-16†), meat and drink (Jer 5:23-24; Acts 14:17), health and sickness (John 9:2-3; Ps 71:20†; Job 5:18†), riches and poverty (Prov 22:2; 1 Sam 2:7†; Job 1:21†), yea, all things, come not by chance (Prov 16:33), but be his fatherly hand (Ps 139:16; Matt 10:29†; Eph 1:11†).
† This symbol indicates references added in later editions of a confession or catechism
‡ This symbol indicates references added by editors of the RSB project
From the songs, hymns and spiritual songs of the Church
How Firm a Foundation: Lyrics, Video
Elijah’s Example Declares (Hymn by John Newton): Lyrics
When God’s own people stand in need: Lyrics
For Thoughtful Reflection, Prayer, or further Study
How is Jesus’ life similar and different to Elijah’s life in this story?
Read this article from the Jewish Encyclopedia on Elijah
Read and Reflect on this short sermon on Elijah
Read and Reflect on Chris Moen’s short article, Elijah the Prophet
The Sermon will be available online on April 23, 2017 at 12:30 pm.
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