What did the repairing of the twelve stones of the Lord’s altar represent?
(1 Kings 16:29-18:46; Mal. 4:5-6; Lu. 1:13-17; 4:25-26; James 5:17-18; Matt. 11:7-15; Mark 9:11-13) Blog 23-29 June 2019
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: This life is made up of relationships – some closer than others. There are physical, mental, and moral factors that influence and at times enhance or destroy these relationships. Those relationships based on covenants have the best chance of being maintained and enjoyed. Covenants provide stability and predictability because a person’s obligations and privileges are clearly stated and entered into by making vows in the presence of witnesses. Enjoyable companionship and communion has much to do with the character and ability of those involved. For this reason it is imperative to understand and follow God’s principles of loving conduct as outlined in the Ten Commandments. But before all else we must believe the Gospel of God’s grace that makes us free to love others as he has loved us. Then we receive his indwelling Holy Spirit and are enabled to subdue our sinful natures and form relationships that last and give glory to God.
The Promise of Elijah’s Return (1 Kings 16:29-18:46; Mal. 4:5-6; Luke 4:25-26; James 5:17-18)
1. What three things characterized Elijah’s relationship to God? He prayed earnestly to God, he listened to God’s commands, & he obeyed God’s commands.
2. How was Elijah regarded by the civil authorities? As an enemy of the state.
3. According to 1 Kings 18:18 what was King Ahab’s sin? That of forsaking the Commandments of the Lord & following Baalim.
4. What test of the true God did Elijah propose to the people gathered on Mount Carmel? That the god that sent fire to consume the sacrifice would be the true God.
5. What did the repairing of the twelve stones of the Lord’s altar represent? Respect for God’s organized church.
6. Why did Elijah have water poured all over his sacrifice and altar? To ensure that no human ingenuity could light the fire, but only God’s Spirit.
7. When confronting the prophets of Baal what did Elijah pray God would do for the children of Israel? Turn their hearts back to the true God.
8. In the very last two verses of the Old Testament what does God promise to do? To send Elijah before the great & dreadful day of the Lord.
9. What does God say Elijah would do in order to prevent God’s curse? He would turn the hearts of the parents to their children & those of the children to their parents.
The Elijah Ministry of John the Baptist (Matt. 11:7-15; Mark 9:11-13; Luke 1:13-17)
10. Did Jesus believe that Malachi’s prophesy concerning Elijah could be fulfilled without the personal appearance of the prophet Elijah? Yes, he saw in John the Baptist a partial fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy.
11. Did Elijah, the prophet, personally appear in Christ’s day? Yes, on the mount of transfiguration.
12. Besides bringing parents and children together what else did the angel tell Zacharias that John the Baptist would do? He would also turn the disobedient to the wisdom of God & prepare a people for the Lord.
13. What other thing would Elijah do according to Jesus in Mark 9? He would restore all things.
14. What habits of life characterized the way John the Baptist lived? He wore simple clothing, ate simple food, & lived far from the cities.
15. What was Elijah’s message? Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. & Behold the Lamb of God that takes away sin.
The Elijah Ministry in our Day (Mal. 4:5-6; Luke 4:25-26; James 5:17-18)
16. What can we expect the predicted Elijah to do before the second coming of the Lord if John the Baptist gives us an example of that work? We can expect him to reunite families, turn the disobedient to the wisdom of God, restore all things, & prepare a people for Christ’s second coming.
17. If God’s people today are called to prepare a people for Christ’s second coming what practices of Elijah should they imitate? Fervent prayer, listening to God’s commands, doing what God commands, confronting evil rulers & God’s people with their sins, living a simple, temperate lifestyle, and standing alone for righteousness.
18. If God’s people today are called to prepare a people for Christ’s second coming what will their message be? Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. & Behold the Lamb of God that takes away sin.
19. In order to proclaim the Elijah message today is it necessary that our sinful nature be removed first? No, Elijah was a man with a sinful nature also but God used him to turn the hearts of the people.
20. What response can God’s people expect who give the Elijah message today? That they will be regarded as enemies of the state and of perverted religion, be exiled, & be hunted and that unity with God & family unity & worship will be restored.