One of the great problems in the Lord’s churches today is that we have developed a “professional ministry.” Too many preachers are more concerned with pleasing the congregation than they are with pleasing God. And, too many congregations are happy to let them do it. We are going to look into the life of a man who “told it like it was.” Vance Havner said, “You can't tell it like it is until you believe it like it was.” Elijah didn’t mince words. He was plain spoken. He had not learned the art of saying something without saying anything -- of almost saying something. You didn’t have to wonder where he stood. Too many preachers almost bring a message from the Lord. They use a Bible (some version). They say something that sounds good. They talk about love and refusing to condemn any belief of others. They get their sermons from the book of “How To Make Friends And Not Alienate People.” They are an uncertain trumpet in an uncertain day -- I Corinthians 14:8. There is only one place I want to get the message I share -- the Word of God. I don’t want to be guilty of “preaching a sermon” – a performance to fill up time. In fact, I have told the Lord I want to be an Elijah! I want a preaching ministry that is unafraid and unashamed to stand up and confront sin today. If there ever was a time that God’s preachers and God’s people need to stand up and stand out in this nation, it is NOW! With some preaching and preachers today you almost have to wonder if they’re speaking FOR God or against Him. You didn’t have that problem with Elijah. We need Elijahs today – in the pulpit, yes, but in the pew as well. So, we are going to look at Elijah this morning, and the first thing we’re going to see is that:

I. HE WAS A COMMON MAN.

II. ELIJAH WAS A COURAGEOUS MAN.

III. ELIJAH WAS A COMMITTED MAN.

IV. ELIJAH WAS A CONFIDENT MAN.