I Kings overview I Kings 1-10 – Solomon’s reign Temple built – golden age I King’s 11 – apostasy and death Kingdom divides Israel (north) Judah(south) I kings 12- 15.25 Antagonism North V South I Kings 16-22 Elijah and Ahab The Church V Culture

“Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him. He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jereboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him.” 1 Kings 16;30-33

Ahab Jezebel Baal Asherah Baal Asherah Poles

“Elijah was a man with a nature like yours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain and the earth bore its fruit” James 5;18

Elijah to King Ahab “As the Lord the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”

“Depart from here…….I have commanded the ravens to feed you there”.

One widow A couple of sticks + A little cake

A story of unfailing love…………. The widow – destitute but generous Elijah – Loved God more than the King Our God of Grace…His amazing ways

“Day after day every priest …again and again offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins………….by one sacrifice he (Jesus) has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” Hebrews 10; 11 & 14 “O lamb of God your precious blood Shall never lose its power, Till all the ransomed church of God Be saved to sin no more.” W. Cowper