======================================================================== I KINGS 18 by Chuck Smith ======================================================================== Summary: The sermon highlights the importance of faith and trusting in God, as exemplified by Elijah's challenge to the God who answers by fire. Topics: "The Power of Prayer", "Spiritual Revival" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DESCRIPTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENT ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "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. ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/chuck-smith/i-kings-18/ ========================================================================