Text : I Kings 18:22-39.

Introduction.

- There was a great famine in Samaria.It didn't rain for 3 years.
- Ahab was trying to find water for his horses and mules.
- I Kings 18:17 . Ahab meets Elijah.
-"So,it's you,is it-Israel's troublemaker?Is it you that brings all this misfortune upon us?"
- But Elijah answered: "I have made no trouble for Israel.You and your family are the troublemakers,for you have refused to obey the commands of the Lord and have worshiped the images of Baal instead."
- Elijah gives Ahab a challenge.He wanted to get together with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.Ahab accepted the challenge.
- I Kings 18:21. Elijah challenges the people as well.
- The people wanted to worship Baal and the Living God.They were in silence.

A) Elijah's challenge.

- Then,he would lay the other bull on the wood.
- "And let us pray. The God who answers the prayer is the true God."
- It wasn't Elijah who was being challenged,but God himself.

B) They worship Baal.

- I Kings 18:26-29
- From the morning to noontime,they danced around the altar,but there was no reply.
- They cut themselves with knives,they shouted louder ( v 28 ) but nothing happened.
- Some evangelical groups do the same nowadays.

C) He worships the true God.

- I Kings 18:30-38.
- Elijah tells them to pour water on the altar twice.
- He doesn't dance,he doesn't shout.He prays that God may show his Glory.
- Why doesn't God reveal his glory like that nowadays?
- It's because we're praying seeking our own glory.

Conclusion.

Lessons:

1. God always reveals Himself,even if the powerful kings do not seek Him.

Ahab worshiped Baal.Elijah worshiped the true God. "
James 5:17. There is a lesson to us.

2. Ahab blamed Elijah. I Kings 18:17

Adam blamed Eve and she blamed the serpent. 
II Corinthians 5:10 "each one of us...

3. Faith keeps us calm.

I Kings 18:30-36. Elijah does everything calmly. 
Faith keeps the despair away. 
L Connegan: "To doubt is to believe in Satan."

4. Miracles don't break a rebellious heart.

I Kings 19:1-3. Jezebel's example. 
Illustration. Jesus's ministry. Luke 4:14-16 and 28-29.  
He didn't perform miracles where he didn't find faith. 
He spent most part of his ministry in Capernaum,not in Nazareth. 
Believe in the true God today. 
I Kings 18-39