9-15-2014 - Chariots of Fire (2 Kings 2)

Days Of Elijah

Chariots of Fire – 2 Kings 2

1          A day comes when Elijah will be ‘taken’.  The discussion starts with Elijah inviting Elisha to stay behind several times.  What do you think this is about? 

2.         Any idea why Elijah parts the water with his cloak?

3.         Elisha asks for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit – what is he asking for?  And how does Elijah answer?  Why not a yes or no?

4          Elijah leaves in a very unique way…. Why do you think God did it like this?

5          The prophets don’t believe Elijah is gone – even though Elisha tells them.  Can we relate to their thinking? 

6.         Elisha heals some water – how does this problem and miracle fit in the story?

7.         The kids making fun of Elisha face some pretty serious consequences – is this extreme and vengeful?

For Next Time – Pornography… how do we live with this reality?  What is normal?  What effect is this issue having on us?  What can we do about it?  What should we do about it?

8-18-2014 Trusting the Wrong God (2 Kings 1)

Days Of Elijah

Trusting the Wrong God – 2 Kings 1

1          Ahaziah becomes king following the death of Ahab, and you’d think that would make his life pretty awesome.  You’re rich, you’re in charge, and our human way of thinking would believe that these circumstances really eliminate most of the problems of life.  What happens to him – does this challenge our normal way of thinking?

2.        Why does Ahaziah want his men to go to Baal-Zebub instead of God?  The motivation for idolatry is not uncommon.  What kind of stuff do we go to (instead of God) to find what we want?

3.        Did you notice that God answers anyway?  What does God say to explain why Ahaziah is going to die?  Is God a vengeful God?

4          Elijah dressed weird… hipster?

5          Why did the 102 men need to die? 

6.        What is different about the third captain with 50 men?

8-3-2014 - Naboth's Vineyard (1 Kings 21)

Days Of Elijah

Naboth’s Vineyard – 1 Kings 21

1          Seems like Ahab starts off with a pretty fair deal – why didn’t Naboth want to sell his vineyard?  Is there anything wrong or dumb about Naboth’s decision?  Why did it anger and frustrate Ahab?  Application??

2.         Jezebel fixes the problem – why did she choose this method?  Why not just seize it?

3.         God sends Elijah to Ahab to pronounce judgment – what is the price to be paid?

4          Ahab’s response to Elijah – so you have found me, my enemy – what does this tell us about how Ahab viewed this storyline so far

5          We hear that Ahab was the worst king Israel had (up to that point).  What is called out as the primary reason for his wickedness?  Are there foundational decisions or small decisions that we make that can change the direction of our lives? 

6.         What does Ahab’s repentance and God’s response at the end of the chapter tell us?