Preparing for the Lord's Day
Kingdoms in Conflict
Growing up during the Cold War era it felt as though the conflict with the Soviet empire was an unchanging reality. The evil of the atheistic communist government was so entrenched that its continuation seemed inevitable. However, almost overnight the empire crumbled, and Soviet rule was ended. What seemed to be an unconquerable foe collapsed under the weight of its own folly.
It is an encouragement to all, that wicked nations and kingdoms are not eternal. Their power is not unending. And while they may reign for a season, their wickedness will lead to their destruction. In our passage for this Sunday, we see the wickedness of the house of Omri has become entrenched in Israel. Omri has passed his kingdom on to his son Ahab, and Ahab is even more wicked than his father before him. He seems to take delight in disobeying the commands of the Lord. Yet what we will see is that those who trust in the word of the Lord will be delivered from the entrenched wickedness of this world. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon 1 Kings 16:29-17:1, Deuteronomy 6:14-15; 7:3-4, Joshua 6:26, Psalm 74:10-11, and Jeremiah 12:1.
As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Praise to the Lord the Almighty,” the Acclamation of Praise, “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less,” and the Hymn of Response “Come, Christians, Join to Sing.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: 1 Kings 16:29-17:1
Title: Wickedness Entrenched
Outline:
- Introduction: Wickedness Entrenched (1 Kings 16:29)
- Crisis: Ahab’s Wickedness and the Word of the Lord (1 Kings 16:30-34a)
- Wickedness Against God’s Lineage
- Wickedness Against God’s Lordship
- Wickedness Against God’s Land
- Resolution: The Word of the Lord Fulfilled (1 Kings 16:34b-17:1)