Sunday, March 22, 2020

Here are some suggestions on how to do church virtually with the West Side Church of Christ.

HOME BIBLE STUDY

1. Read the story before the message:
   1. Start around 9:00am
   2. Things you need: Bible, maybe some pencil and paper to take some notes or to write down your thoughts and questions.
   3. Read “Set up the story” then 1 Kings 18.

• • When we step up God steps out in view.
    • Today we are reflecting on a moment when the prophet Elijah was challenged by the King Ahab, the King’s wife Jezebel, and all the people in the community. Elijah was seemingly alone except the fact that he had the greatest companion.  The creator God would make his presence known when everything seemed to not be in favor of Elijah.   When Elijah stepped up God stepped out in plan view.
  • Set up the story
    • • The setting is in the Old Testament when King Ahab ruled over Israel along with his wife Jezebel.  During this time King Ahab had turned to a different god known as Baal (pronounced “Bail or “Ba all”). Ahab was not a good man, the bible says he ”did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him.”  He and Jezebel sought out to kill and eliminate the prophets of our God.  Elijah being a man of God told Elijah told Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few weeks except at my word” (1 Kings 17:1).   At the Lords direction Elijah took a couple of journeys away from Ahab.  There was a great drought in the land during this time.  This brings us to 1 Kings 18, take the next few moments and read this next chapter.
    • Read the Story: 1 Kings 18 - The showdown between Elijah’s God and Baal
      • • Consider breaking up the chapter with others in the room and reading the chapter aloud.
        • Pause and discuss what you know about this story.
        • Discussion questions:
          • Go around the room and discuss your first thoughts about the story.
          • Additional questions
      • [Children] Who are the main characters in this story?
      • [Children] Was Obadiah a good or bad person in this story?
      • [Children - Adults] Have you ever been blamed for doing something bad when you know you did right?   Why did Ahab refer to Elijah as “you troubler of Israel”? What is Elijah’s response? (vs16 - 18)
      • [Children - Adults] The showdown between the two gods is about to take place. The setting truly has the world against Elijah.    Have you every felt like the world is against you?   Has God ever “showed up” and changed the perspective of the others? If so, share that with the group.
      • [Children]  When the people called upon Baal to burn up the offering what happened?
      • [Children] Does something wet catch fire very easily?  Did you notice that Elijah had the people pour water all over his burn pile?   If you were to pour water over a camp fire before an adult lights it up, what would happen?
      • [Teens - Adults] Why do you think Elijah had the people pour water all over the offering?
      • [Teens - Adults] Vs 39, when the people saw the power of Elijah’s God, what was their reaction?  Was this in awesomeness or out of fear?  Explain why.
      • [Teens] Vs 41, This is likely the ultimate mic drop.  Remember the drought conversation between Ahab and Elijah?    Elijah has all the confidence with him at this moment.  In reading this story we get the sense that Elijah has a humbleness and a fearful respect towards God.  Have you ever had a time when you saw the presence of God and you were humbled to not speak or to just pray?
      • [Children - Adults] What’s your over all thoughts about this story? Is there something new you haven’t considered before?

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VIRTUAL CHURCH SERVICE

Virtual Church at 10:00AM

• Worship
• Communion
• Biblical Message
• Message from the Elders

West Side Church of Christ Facebook

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​CONTINUE THE STORY

As you go through out the rest of your day look around to where God is in plan view.   Discuss this with your friend and family. ​

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Online giving