First Kings

1 Kings 18:21

Theme: The Kingdom United, then Divided

Key Chapter: 12

Key Verse: 11:11

22 chapters, 816 verses, and 24,513 words

Author: The Holy Spirit of God by inspiration (2 Tim 3:15-16) through Jeremiah.

Date Written: 630 B.C.

Outline:

I. The Calmness in Israel. chs.1-11

II. The Conflict in Israel. chs.12-22

1 Kings 18:21

21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

Here are the REASONS why churches lose their shout:

I. A Real Preacher Shows Up. v.21a

1 Kings 18:21a

21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

Prior to Elijah showing up in v.21 they were with false prophets.

God warns us not to keep company with them.

Romans 16:17–18

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

God warns us not to listen to them.

Proverbs 19:27

Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

II. A Real Problem Shows Up. v.21b

1 Kings 18:21b

21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

KJV or not?

Church services or not?

Christian service or not?

Jesus is the only way or not?

Godly friends or godless reprobates?

III. A Real Proclamation Shows Up. v.21c

1 Kings 18:21c

21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

We must respond now.

Joshua 24:15

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

We must repent now.

John 20:28

28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

We must respond now.

Luke 9:23–26

23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.

Conclusion:

Are you a shouter or pouter?