Tolerance, compromise or contextualisation?

“he is all things to all people, so that by all possible means he might save some” 1Cor.9:22  

The story so far....

“Rule with an Iron fist” 1 Kings 12:12-14

Israel descends into idolatry and division

Part 1: Who is in Charge?

“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 Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him. He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of  Baal that he built in Samaria. Ahab also made an Asherah pole and did more to arouse the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, than did all the kings of Israel before him.” 1 Kings 16:30–33

God plus...

"As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word." 1 Kings 17:2

Part 2: Who is more powerful?

Fast forward

"Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the land." 1 Kings…

"Is that you, you troubler of Israel?" 1 Kings 18:17

Elijah's response.!

"I have not made trouble for Israel. But you and your father’s family have. You have abandoned the Lord’s commands and have followed the Baals."

“How long will you waver between two opinions?    If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” 1 Kings 18:21

But the people said nothing!

The prophets of Baal

1 Kings 18:27 "Shout louder! Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened!"

But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention. 1 Kings18:20             

Elijah

“Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” 1 Kings 18:36–37:

"The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!"

Part 3: Who is worthy of our obedience?

1 Kings 19-20

Firstly we need more than a great prophet, or even a human King.

Secondly We need to make Him, Jesus God’s appointed ruler and king – our King.

“How long will you waver between two opinions?”

       You cannot serve two masters.

Will you make Jesus your King?