Book of Eli | Part 2
Finishing Strong
August 27, 2023 • Pastor Chris Ross • 2 Kings 13:14–21
We’ve all been tempted to give up and shrink back in our spiritual life at times. We all experience spiritual apathy. How do we finish strong and give our all to God and the spiritual fight before us? Elisha’s last moments give us both a warning and an example to follow to run our race well and finish strong.
Jehu & Justice
August 20, 2023 • Pastor Eldon Fehr • 2 Kings 9
It is difficult to believe in and trust a loving God when there is so much evil in the world, especially if we believe that He is responsible for it. And it is also tempting to take matters into our own hands by seeking revenge when evil things happen. But when we understand God’s justice, and how that is fully displayed at the cross, it is possible to fully trust Him.
Are You Fully Committed To Christ?
August 27, 2023 • Dr. Jorge Salazar • 2 Kings 13:14–21
We love people that are passionate about something, we reward their passion, their commitment… we put gold medals around their necks, or pay lots of money to see them play, or sing, or perform… sometimes we look up to those people as if they were a rare breed, and they are. Very few people are truly committed to an activity, but those who are stand out from the rest. And so, we value that, but we think we don’t have what it takes. And most of us would say “I know I don’t have what it takes or I’d be doing something else”, and you may be right, but today we are going to learn that God is passionate about His covenant, He’s passionate about rescuing us from our sin and debauchery, and He is also passionate about making you passionate about Him. And as we study this last chapter in the life of Elisha, my prayer is that at the end of this service you will be able to be fully committed to Christ.
Is God’s Judgment Just?
August 20, 2023 • Matt Shantz • 2 Kings 9
Not only is this passage extremely violent and bloody, it is carried out at God’s command. The Bible is clear that God will judge evil, but is He just in doing so? The cross is the place where His love and justice meet (also violent and bloody), where God took injustice upon Himself so that we could receive salvation.
Encountering God
August 13, 2023 • Guest Speaker: Rich Kopanke • 2 Kings 8
Opinions abound as to God's character: Gullible deity...Domineering tyrant...Loving father...Impotent potentate? Often, the best way you can really get to know a person is to watch them in action...and that's what we'll do as four stories reveal to us the true nature of the God we serve!
Powerful To Restore
August 13, 2023 • Dr. Jorge Salazar • 2 Kings 8
People are different and we all have our own ideas and preferences; some people cook with olive oil, others with butter, and yet there are some that we’d prefer they didn’t cook at all! The problem comes when we talk about things that truly matter. Some hold very vague concepts about God, while others would show their teeth when defending their agnosticism, but in the final analysis we will all come before His throne and deal with the consequences of what we have done with the truths that He has revealed in Scriptures. So, why should we care about what we read today, a woman leaving his house, a conversation with the prophet’s aid and the king, wars and rebellions with the eastern kingdoms in a far away land…? Well, because they all reveal our God to us! That’s why we call Scriptures: the special revelation of God, because if we truly want to have an accurate image about God, we must come to the Bible with eagerness to see His face, hear His voice and feel His touch. And this morning we’ll learn that the God of the Bible is powerful to restore and faithful to the promises He has made for you and me.
The (Seemingly) Complicated Will of God
August 13, 2023 • Pastor Kurtus Niessen • 2 Kings 8
Do you truly want God’s will for your life? Most of us would say “Yes!” But before you answer, consider that God’s will doesn’t often follow our plan or agenda. Today’s passage vividly proves that out. But even through imperfect and even sinful circumstances, God’s will remains just and right. And when we consider God’s kindness, judgement, and faithfulness, we find that the (seemingly) complicated will of God isn’t that complicated after all.
Desperate Times, Divine Deliverance
August 6, 2023 • Pastor Kurtus Niessen • 2 Kings 6:24–33, 2 Kings 7
Desperate times call for desperate measures, but how far is too far? And what do we do when we are so far down the road of self-indulgence and disregard for God? As sinners, we need divine deliverance from the mess our sin has created, but thankfully liberation is never far off. Simply humble yourselves before a holy God and be amazed at His provision of freedom for His children.
God’s Unbelievable Promise
August 6, 2023 • Pastor Jonathan Neufeld • 2 Kings 6:24–33, 2 Kings 7
The reality of sin is ugly. As we continue the series in the life of Elisha we are given a snapshot into how ugly sin can really get. And yet, even as we see the horror of what sin can cause, we also see the beauty of what God can do. God saves his people out of their sin and he calls us to trust his promises and share this good news.
Delivered From Death
August 6, 2023 • Pastor Jeremy Isaak • 2 Kings 6:24–33, 2 Kings 7:20
What would happen if you gave into every temptation and embraced sin at every turn? In short, death. Samaria’s dire situation in 2 Kings 6 offers us a portrayal of a nation continually living in opposition to God and the repercussions of living in such a way. It’s a horrendous, atrocious situation. But while sin has deadly consequences, God is still able to bring supernatural deliverance to those who place their faith in him.
A Love that Delivers
August 6, 2023 • Speaker: Dr. Jorge Salazar • 2 Kings 6:24—7:20
In some cultures, it is unthinkable to die for someone else, but that’s exactly what Jesus did for us. He died on the cross so that we may live. And it’s not like we were the nicest people towards God; we rebelled against His Word, we lied, we cheated, we worshipped other gods… but He still took our place before the judgement throne of God so that we would have life. And that’s the story we’ll read today. A king, a nation who continues to run away from God, who turned their backs at their Creator, and instead of repenting and asking for forgiveness, they continue to shake their fist at God. But the Lord will love them, deliver them, give them another chance, simply because of His love, mercy, and grace. A love that chases you, a love that transforms you, a love that delivers.
Pray For Everything
July 30, 2023 • Pastor Jonathan Neufeld • 2 Kings 6:1–23
How often do you pray? We tend to think that we should only pray about things when it is important. That we can only “bother” God when it is a big deal, yet God tells us to come to God with everything, from the least to the greatest. That is exactly what we see in the life of Elisha and with good reason, because God is sovereign and because he is merciful.