Kym Nixon

What was Elijah’s primary mission? To turn the hearts of a nation back to worshipping Yahweh. How successful was he at this mission? Partially. I'm sure many people are in heaven right now as a result of Elijah's ministry. How can we measure success in ministry? transformed lives bearing fruit. What are the dangers of self-assessment? Blind spots. When can an accurate assessment be made? Spiritual multiplication on earth and testimonies in heaven.

I do. I just need to be submitted to His will. His eyes are continually searching the earth for hearts that are turned towards Him. I want to be such a person. I have so many areas of my life that I sense are not fully submitted to His Lordship. I have areas of pride that continually rear their ugly heads. I struggle. My heart is willing, more than willing. But the flesh fails and is weak. Who can deliver me from this body of death?

John had the same humble dress, mission, and personality. They both preached a message of repentance and tried to turn people's heart back to God. John isn't literally Elijah reincarnated. But he came in the same spirit and assigned a similar mission to Elijah.

He's offended because Elijah had proven to a lukewarm, complacent, and compromised assembly that Yahweh is the one true God. That Ahaziah would bypass the God of Israel to consult with a pagan God is insulting. Consulting with mediums, so-called experts, and secular counsel. Yes I have. I think it's a tendency to think God has given me resources, common sense and the ability make decisions. But also, it comes from a place of I want what I want.

They can be compromised through fear of losing their status. A platform and support. Political leaders hope to gain validation of their policies. It can hurt true prophecy where people doubt there is true prophecy in this day and age. When leaders the church endorses are ungodly, it discredits their prophecy. Christians can support godly candidates and policies.

He considered them brothers and wanted reconciliation between the kingdoms. He is a people pleaser.

Micaiah ie pressured to agree with the false prophets because Ahab wants Jehoshaphat to join him in a war against Syria. He's looking only for a favorable report. His danger from men is imprisonment. His danger from God is judgment. Jesus revered OT prophets because they testified about Him.

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Jehoshaphat is a true follower of God and suspects the 400 are just telling Ahab what he wants to hear. They are false prophets. Their prophecies don't come true but just tickle ears. Ahab isn't interested in being obedient to God, only following his own wisdom and desires.

God forgave him, delayed His judgment against Ahab, and changed His mind. No, he was just sorry he got caught and threatened. Some people think God had made a decision - this one will go to hell and this one heaven. I think God just knows, doesn't cause.

Materialism, idol worship of celebrities, fame, power. Greed makes a person worship the object of their affection, which are things. They look to money as their provider and security instead of God. jesus said you can't worship God and mammon. You will love one and hate the other. They are polar opposite desires that clash with discipleship of Jesus.

God holds leaders accountable if they influence another to sin. An example is politicians. They legislate and pontificate. For example if abortion is voted on affirmatively, those politicians have blood on their hands every time a baby is killed. It is extremely serious. God's word says He holds those with more authority, position, resources accountable than others who are without. It's appropriate. If someone is leading, they need to be held to higher standards because they are influencing and making things happen.

Sin is a slippery slope leading to destruction in this life or in the next if we don't repent. We willingly come under the bondage that sin provides. Sin gives him the legal right to torment us.

I don't think he's depressed, I think he is an immature entitled elitist. Jezebel concocts a scheme to steal Naboth's vineyard. She hires two scoundrels who will bear false witness against Naboth, sends a invitation with the king's seal for a dinner party, arranges for Naboth to sit in a seat of honor with the two hirelings across from him, and crafts an accusation that will give them the legal authority to execute him and take possession of the land. Ahab is just as responsible for it, he is complicit, he allows her to use his seal, he doesn't say no. The elders did a poor job of investigating the accusation. A good interrogator can poke a hole in lies when the evidence is shoddy.

He wanted to have a garden close to the palace. There was not wrong with his offer. It was fair. But Naboth felt it would be a slight to his family inheritance. I understand that. When my dad died, I did not want his home to be sold to strangers, but keep it in the family. Maybe there's a little nostalgia there, or sentimental memories of one's childhood, or the knowledge that your parents want the land to stay in the family.