Elijah and Elisha are among the earliest and most influential prophets of Israel. They were both used to call Israel and Judah back to the Lord. Yet, their impact extended far beyond the boundaries of Israel in both space and time, impacting other nations and later times. Their stories form the framework of 1 and 2 Kings. Additionally, their accounts also inform and shape later Jewish biblical and religious texts. Quite significantly, the Elijah-Elisha historical pattern plays an important role in the structure and substance of the texts of the Gospels. Important people are pictured against the background of these two key figures in Israel's history. Not only that, but the Elijah-Elisha narrative serves as part of the structure of key sections of the Gospels, themselves. Welcome to the adventure of exploring these key figures-- Elijah and Elisha--with Dr. Walter C. Kaiser. Enjoy!

At the time the Lord brought Elijah on the scene, the kings of Israel and Judah were in serious trouble with the Lord. Their many years of worshiping Baal and golden calves, listening to Jezebel, and killing the prophets was catching up to them. Their earthly kingdoms were coming to an end, and the Lord would move quickly when he moved. What appeared to be harmless details to them was, in fact, rebellion in the sight of God. While the kings served the gods of this world, Elijah and Elisha did not. Rather, they were dedicated only to the Word of the Lord, and if the Lord didn’t speak directly to them, they didn’t move at all. When they did move, it was with the power and authority of the Lord, resulting in the dramatic calling down of fire from heaven, a three-year drought, people raised from the dead, and many other miraculous events. But did Elijah and Elisha take any glory? No, Elisha didn’t even accept Naaman’s token of appreciation – so completely was he relying only on the Lord’s provision. The lives of Elijah and Elisha, as well as the corrupt lives of the kings, serve as important lessons for us today. In addition, there are many prophecies in 1 and 2 Kings that are now being fulfilled. In fact, the entire account is filled with living parables that are relevant for today. The last Chapter of 1 Kings ends with the prophetic ministry facing serious jeopardy. The first Chapter of 2 Kings opens with an awesome supernatural vindication of God's prophet. Even Elijah seems to have been unaware of exactly when the timeline went past a tipping point into a new day in which the true prophets were never forced to retreat. We seem to be approaching a similar tipping point today. Your own life will be changed forever if you heed the truth that the Lord reveals to you in this book.

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Most Christians take an honest look at themselves and conclude that their limited talents, energy, and knowledge mean that they don't amount to much. Francis A. Schaeffer says that the biblical emphasis is quite different. With God there are no little people! This book contains sixteen sermons that explore the weakness and significance of humanity in relationship to the infinite and personal God. Each was preached by Schaeffer at L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland to the community that gathered there to work, learn, and worship together. The focus of this collection is the lasting truth of the Bible, the faithfulness of God, the sufficiency of the work of Christ, and the reality of God's Spirit in history. The sermons represent a variety of styles-some are topical, some expound Old Testament passages, and still others delve into New Testament texts. No Little People includes theological sermons and messages that focus specifically on daily life and Christian practice. Each sermon is a single unit, and all are valuable for family devotions or other group study and worship. Readers will be encouraged by the value that God places on each person made in His image.

Now, more than ever, we're in need of men and women who aren't afraid to live courageously. Thankfully, the Bible gives us timeless examples of great leaders who gracefully stood up for what they believed in, including God's mighty prophet Elijah. Join bestselling author Charles Swindoll as he explores the life and legacy of this incredible man of faith. Exploring the depths of Elijah's fascinating life as a prophet of God, Swindoll doesn't gloss over his human weaknesses; rather, he presents an honest picture of this ordinary man who God transformed into His personal spokesman to confront idolatry and evil in the ancient world. In Elijah, renowned Bible teacher Swindoll analyzes the impact of the Old Testament prophet. Elijah was uncompromisingly strong, yet self-controlled. Disciplined, yet forgiving. Audaciously courageous, yet kind. Heroic in the heat of battle, yet humble in the aftermath. The fifth book in Swindoll's Great Lives series, Elijah will give you the encouragement you need to: Walk humbly on the path that God has set out for you Exhibit heroism under pressure Uncover the life-changing power of prayer Within the pages of Elijah, you're sure to find a life worth emulating.

This commentary on 1 and 2 Kings demonstrates the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of the Bible for today's church.

The Contemporary Bible series covers the most essential stories and teachings of the Bible. Colorful and dramatically illustrated, the new series gives children an opportunity to experience inspiring accounts from the Bible.