Elijah was God's prophet to a generation in Israel limping between Yahweh and other gods. They worshipped God in principle but worshipped Baal in practice. They looked to God as a people but to Baal for their needs. In this sermon, Pastor Cole looks at the temptation to compromise and trust in things other than God today. In the end, Elijah is a witness to us that God is the one true God and the only one we need.

By the world's standards, Jeremiah was an unsuccessful prophet. For 40 years he spoke God's word to the people of Judah but they did not listen. In the eyes of God, though, Jeremiah's ministry was a triumph. He lived out his calling, trusted God, and spoke of the day when God would fulfill his promises and make a new covenant. Today, we get to see what Jeremiah spoke about, and like him, we are encouraged to be faithful in difficult times.

Caleb is only mentioned in a few passages, but he is a hero of the faith. When the Israelites sent spies into the promised land, Caleb believed God would fulfill his promise and give them the land. After 45 years, he was still hoping to be a part of God's plan. Caleb is a model for anyone who wants to live wholeheartedly for God.

What do you do when you don't know what to do? Hezekiah found himself in a no-win situation. Jerusalem was under siege and he had a choice: listen to God or listen to the most powerful king in the world. We're often stuck between competing voices and opposing promises, and we have to choose who to go to. Hezekiah reminds us of the importance of listening for God's voice and trusting in his promises, no matter the alternatives. 

Daniel's story ends being saved from the lion's den, but how did it start? For almost all of his life, Daniel served God in a foreign land. He was never in the majority, but with God, he was never forsaken. What did he do to keep himself from compromising? The story of Daniel and the lion's den shows us how to live a godly life and to commit ourselves to God's ways, God's plans, and to prayer. 

When things weren't going right in Hannah's life, she turned to God. In the midst of her disappointment and discouragement, she poured her heart out to him. Even when God gave her the deepest desire of her heart, she continued to praise and serve him. Hannah is a hero of the faith and a model for us of going to God in our troubles and triumphs. 

We're often asked questions that linger with us and shape us spiritually. Jesus asked over three hundred questions in the New Testament. But the first question God asks in the Bible is one we all have to answer; "Where are you?" When God asked Adam and Eve where they were, he wasn't just talking about their location, he was talking about their hearts. Today, we still need to answer this question. Where are you spiritually? How are things in your heart?

He is risen! Now, what do we do? The announcement of the resurrection comes with a mission. We have been called to go make disciples of all the nations, but as we see at the end of John it can be hard to know where to start. Jesus gathers the disciples, presents the mission, prepares his people, and provides for the journey. We're on the same mission today and Jesus is still with us and empowering us as we go.

You were created for abundant life; perfect love, joy, and peace with God. But when Adam and Eve sinned, they lost sight of the glory of God and redirected it to themselves. Ever since then, we've been longing for the abundant life that comes through God. The message of Easter is that Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead to bring us back into perfect love, joy, and peace with God. He gave all glory to God and now we can be reunited with God through faith in Christ.

On Thursday night, Jesus gathered with his disciples for the Last Supper. The meal began familiarly, they had all been celebrating Passover for their whole lives. But this night, Jesus did something different. He made a new covenant and offered his life to the disciples. When we take communion now, we have the same offer; "My life for yours?"