Rejoice in the Lord...Always!

Baptism and the Lord's Table - 2 Symbols of a Beautiful Picture . . . Water is an important symbol from God. We are people of the water. In the beginning, God created water. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Jesus Christ. Our transformation takes place with baptism. Under the water we die to our old person and are raised to a new person. The bread represents Christ's body and the cup His blood. The Lord's Table is a symbol of our communion with Jesus Christ. It reminds us of the presence of God and the provision God gives His people. Through His sacrifice, He pays our sin debt. As a result, we belong to God.

I am a little under the weather this morning so this sermon is brief, but I consider it to be a message that we need every day.Written around AD 30, the Disciple John sets it straight and confirms that Jesus is God. John explains WHO Jesus is, WHY He came, and WHAT it means. In John 1:1, we learn that the WORD is Jesus. In Verse 14, he reminds us that the WORD became flesh and dwelt among us. Verse 15, reminds us that John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus is the One of whom he spoke in his ministry. Sadly, most of the world rejects Jesus. Believers have a way to God, and that way is Jesus Christ. We are truly blessed to have it all documented in the Holy Bible. Praise God!!

The Bible is the very WORD of God. The Bible is not just a suggestion. Baptists believe the Bible is truly the Word of God. Inspired by God, written by the Holy Spirit, without error, and the facts are accurate. It consists of 66 books (Genesis through Revelations), has been preserved throughout about 1,500 years of history, and was written by 40 special men with various backgrounds. The Bible is God-breathed and infallible. The Bible is the foundation of all true Bible-believing Baptists.

At Old New Hope Baptist Church, we are "A Bible Believing Church". We have a page on our website (OUR BELIEFS) that gives a summary. But today, I will begin a series to explain what you will find in a true Southern Baptist congregation. Spiritual guidance is found in the Holy Bible. In this introduction sermon, I will discuss our unique attitude toward scripture, our unique doctrinal positions, and 7 points that provide a description of what you will find when you come. It is my hope that you will come and stay!

2 Kings 2:1-18 . . . . Live right now as if it is your last day to live. Pray, read the Bible, and tell others about Jesus. We come to the end of Elijah's life of service to the Lord when he is taken up to heaven. Elisha is to take on the role of Elijah and carry on the work he learned from his teacher. The two of them were very close and Elisha stayed with Elijah to the very end. The Lord used His prophet, Elijah, to turn people back to the one true God. As he was taken up to heaven, 50 men watched and were amazed. They couldn't believe what they had seen and began looking for him for three days, finally accepting that what they had seen really happened. Listen to these verses that document this event and consider what it says to you.

. . . 2 Kings:1-14 . . . We are living in difficult times, but God calls us to keep moving forward in our faith. Elijah was old and ready to go up to God. He was going to travel and told Elisha not to follow him. However, Elisha was determined to stay with him. Even though old, Elijah was still doing God's. Did you know that you are never too old to work for God? Be a new creature (Christian) and don't hang out in your past life. As a Christian, you know that the harvest is plenty but the laborers are few. God did not save you to go back where you were before you were saved. Get busy for God and continue the work as Elisha did when Elijah went up to heaven. Don't dream about it, just do it!

Today we have our Homecoming Service with Bro. Tommy Hugins from Mt. Zion Baptist Church and with special music by Mt. Zion Trio. We have all been a prodigal child some time and strayed from our faith. But, when the spirit touches us, God always brings us back. Our Father God always looks for His child to return to Him, the ultimate Homecoming. We have many blessings and they all come from God. Let's all try to thank Him for these blessings and plant the seed of faith wherever we go.

Where Can I Go? . . . 2 Kings 1 . . . Our world is a mess! Where do we go from here? Idol worship is useless. Elijah gives a message to King Ahaziah that he will die if he does not turn back to the God of Israel. Many of the king's soldiers tried to capture Elijah, but they were all consumed by fire. Ahaziah's world was in a mess. God judged King Ahaziah and he died because he refused to worship the true God, the Lord Almighty. When tough situations happen unexpectedly many people turn to false idols. Hard times bring unique opportunities. The greatest opportunity they bring is the chance to take it to the Lord in prayer. And, praise God, that is where we should go.

. . . You Can't Outsmart God! . . . I Kings 22Many people do not want to hear the truth when it isn't what they want to hear. Trust in God gives us hope and confidence. Here are ten things I want you to consider in your walk with the Lord. God's counsel is crucial. Beware of false prophets. Stand firm in truth. God is sovereign over everything and everybody. Disobedience brings consequences. Prayer is powerful. Humility invites God's favor. Pride invites disaster. We all need accountability. God is faithful. He fulfills His Word.

The Bill Always Comes Due . . . 1st Kings 21:1-29 . . . . Sometimes what seems to be a great offer turns out to be a terrible deal. Naboth refused to give his inheritance to Ahab. This really upset Ahab. So, Jezebel decided to take action against Naboth. Having him wrongly accused of blaspheme, he was stoned to death. The Lord sent Elijah to Ahab to tell him of his punishment for such an evil act. But, Ahab repented and the Lord redeemed him. However, for Jezebel, the "bill came due" for her sins and she was not spared. God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to us for redemption. When the bill of sin comes due, on which side will you be?

"The Bill Always Comes Due" . . . . 1st Kings 21:1-3 . . . Our heritage is important. In Chapter 21 of 1st Kings, we learn the story in which Naboth, Jezebel, and Ahab are the main characters. Ahab wanted to negotiate with Naboth for a piece of land next to the palace. This land had been in Naboth's family for many years as a family heritage and blessing. Naboth had to make a choice to give up his heritage or not. Our heritage as Christ-followers is a blessing. It is something we need to hold on to. What will you do when your Christian heritage is threatened?

. . . . The Joy Of Discipleship . . . . 1 Kings 19:1-19 are verses that tell how Elijah adopted Elisha to be his disciple and successor prophet. Elijah needed help and he needed hope. He worried that there would be not followers of God even though there were around 7,000 in Israel who did not follow Baal. So, Elisha stopped what he was doing and gave up his life of wealth to continue the work of God. We all get busy, but we all need to work for God. So many people do not have help or hope. God calls us at a price and we should serve Him in all we do. A disciple is a learner, follower, and reproducer. What kind of disciple are you?

......What Are You Doing Here? . . . . . In 1 Kings 19:1-18 we find Elijah in a bad place mentally and spiritually after his confrontation with Jezebel. He is discouraged, paralyzed by fear, isolated, and feels like a victim. His life was full of drama. To help him get out of that mood, an angel of the Lord gave him food and drink then sent him to Mt. Horeb (about 40 days away). That's how God got Elijah's attention. Have you ever felt that way? Try seeing things from God's perspective. He will speak to you in "a still small voice" that reminds you it is all a part of His plan. God will get you to a better place with His presence and His purpose for you.

.......1 Kings 19:1-5......When Life Throws a Curveball......In our study of the prophet Elijah, we find that he was like us in his humility, heroism, and humanity. Depression affected him like it sometimes affects us. As a result, he runs away, gives up his fight for God, and is ready to die. This happens to many people at times. We cut off from others, feel sorry for ourselves, and give up hope. Then, in verse 5, God sends an angel to encourage him and let him know that He will not forsake Elijah. Cling to your faith when those times come and trust that God won't forsake you either.

.....Elijah, Ahab, and Obadiah......Continuing our study of Elijah in 1 Kings 18:20-40, we find the question, "Who is God? The TRUE God?" They would learn that Baal was NOT a true god. When Elijah issued a challenge to the followers of Baal to prove their god they tried several times, but came up empty. When Elijah asked the Lord God to show they His power, He did and they were amazed. Quickly they turned from the false Baal to the God of Abraham. Do you falter between God and your desires? False gods will abandon you because they aren't real. It can be lonely sometimes. But, God is serious about sin. Keep on praying even when God has already answered your prayers. There are always others who are in need of prayers and you can help provide.

2 Timothy 1:5 ........This verse, written by Paul to Timothy, is about the importance of mothers and grandmothers. Paul understands the role that they play in the faith development of every child. Sincere Christ-followers stand out. They focus on family first and teach their children about God's word and pass on to them the ministry of serving. Although it can be a challenge, mothers and grandmothers pass on the values of salt and light. Remember, the values we leave to our children are more important than the valuables we leave. Happy Mother's Day!

What to Do When the Bottom Drops Out.....1 Kings 17:17-24.........For about three years God provided Elijah, the woman, and her son with food and drink when there was no rain. Then her son became deathly ill and she blamed it on her previous sins. Elijah prayed over the boy to be revived and God answered his prayers. Crisis averted. But, don't we all experience a crisis sometimes? It can happen quickly. Mountains and valleys are inevitable and we do not always understand what God is doing and why. Don't let emotion rule the day, don't attack others, just be there for them. Be consistent and specific with your prayers. God does answer prayers!

1 Kings 17:8-16 - From the Wilderness to the Widow ........In earlier verses, we learned that Elijah was a man who followed God's instructions. This was during a time when there was no rain so there was little food or water. God sent him to another city to seek a widowed Gentile woman who was down to her last meal and preparing to die along with her son. When she did as Elijah told her, the three of them were able to eat and drink abundantly for the duration of the famine. How is it that God always knows what we need? When we follow His plan, He provides. When God commanded Elijah to go "THERE" he did so. Trust God. He knows where we should be and what we need and He always keeps His promises.

1 Kings 17:1-7 " From the Palace to the Wilderness"........Continuing our study of Elijah, we learn in First Kings Chapter 17 Verses 1-7 about being "THERE". Elijah was a just like us. He knew that God is alive, that we are God's representatives, and we believe in God's power and word. But, do we believe God's Word? Do we seek God's kingdom first? (see Matthew 6:33) Elijah waited for God's word alone in an isolated place beside a brook called Cherith as he hid from Ahab and Jezebel. God told him to get "THERE" and stay "THERE" until He told Elijah to move. As he was "THERE" he was to shut out the world so he could here God. That is great advice for us today. God is alive. We are linked to God in our private life. A Christian life is not without challenges. But, we need to do like Elijah and take time to shut out the noises of our world and listen for God to speak to us. Our "THERE" is rarely permanent, but by listening to God, we can know what to do next. Take time to listen to God while you are "THERE".

First Kings 13 - Introduction to the Life Of Elijah........In the Old Testament, we see that the people of God were historically seeking a king. Elijah was a prophet for King Ahab at a time when the king's wife, Jezebel, convinced the king to worship Baal, a Canaanite god . They were often persuaded to worship various gods by different kings. Elijah reminds them that the God of Israel was always their only God and that He was in charge. How does this relate to us? God looks for special people in difficult times. We are living in dark times and are cursed with sin. It is time to turn back to the God of Israel. As Christ followers, we can be advocates for returning to God's fold and trusting in why He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, as our redeemer when we fall away.