At Old New Hope Baptist Church, we are "A Bible Believing Church". We have a page on our website (OUR BELIEFS) that gives a summary. But today, I will begin a series to explain what you will find in a true Southern Baptist congregation. Spiritual guidance is found in the Holy Bible. In this introduction sermon, I will discuss our unique attitude toward scripture, our unique doctrinal positions, and 7 points that provide a description of what you will find when you come. It is my hope that you will come and stay!

2 Kings 2:1-18 . . . . Live right now as if it is your last day to live. Pray, read the Bible, and tell others about Jesus. We come to the end of Elijah's life of service to the Lord when he is taken up to heaven. Elisha is to take on the role of Elijah and carry on the work he learned from his teacher. The two of them were very close and Elisha stayed with Elijah to the very end. The Lord used His prophet, Elijah, to turn people back to the one true God. As he was taken up to heaven, 50 men watched and were amazed. They couldn't believe what they had seen and began looking for him for three days, finally accepting that what they had seen really happened. Listen to these verses that document this event and consider what it says to you.

. . . 2 Kings:1-14 . . . We are living in difficult times, but God calls us to keep moving forward in our faith. Elijah was old and ready to go up to God. He was going to travel and told Elisha not to follow him. However, Elisha was determined to stay with him. Even though old, Elijah was still doing God's. Did you know that you are never too old to work for God? Be a new creature (Christian) and don't hang out in your past life. As a Christian, you know that the harvest is plenty but the laborers are few. God did not save you to go back where you were before you were saved. Get busy for God and continue the work as Elisha did when Elijah went up to heaven. Don't dream about it, just do it!

Today we have our Homecoming Service with Bro. Tommy Hugins from Mt. Zion Baptist Church and with special music by Mt. Zion Trio. We have all been a prodigal child some time and strayed from our faith. But, when the spirit touches us, God always brings us back. Our Father God always looks for His child to return to Him, the ultimate Homecoming. We have many blessings and they all come from God. Let's all try to thank Him for these blessings and plant the seed of faith wherever we go.

Where Can I Go? . . . 2 Kings 1 . . .

Our world is a mess! Where do we go from here? Idol worship is useless. Elijah gives a message to King Ahaziah that he will die if he does not turn back to the God of Israel. Many of the king's soldiers tried to capture Elijah, but they were all consumed by fire. Ahaziah's world was in a mess. God judged King Ahaziah and he died because he refused to worship the true God, the Lord Almighty. When tough situations happen unexpectedly many people turn to false idols. Hard times bring unique opportunities. The greatest opportunity they bring is the chance to take it to the Lord in prayer. And, praise God, that is where we should go.

. . . You Can't Outsmart God! . . . I Kings 22

Many people do not want to hear the truth when it isn't what they want to hear. Trust in God gives us hope and confidence. Here are ten things I want you to consider in your walk with the Lord. God's counsel is crucial. Beware of false prophets. Stand firm in truth. God is sovereign over everything and everybody. Disobedience brings consequences. Prayer is powerful. Humility invites God's favor. Pride invites disaster. We all need accountability. God is faithful. He fulfills His Word.

. . . . 2 Kings 2:1-18 . . . . Live right now as if it is your last day to live. Pray, read the Bible, and tell others about Jesus. We come to the end of Elijah's life of service to the Lord when he is taken up to heaven. Elisha is to take on the role of Elijah and carry on the work he learned from his teacher. The two of them were very close and Elisha stayed with Elijah to the very end. The Lord used His prophet, Elijah, to turn people back to the one true God. As he was taken up to heaven, 50 men watched and were amazed. They couldn't believe what they had seen and began looking for him for three days, finally accepting that what they had seen really happened. Listen to these verses that document this event and consider what it says to you.

The Bill Always Comes Due . . . 1st Kings 21:1-29 . . . .

Sometimes what seems to be a great offer turns out to be a terrible deal. Naboth refused to give his inheritance to Ahab. This really upset Ahab. So, Jezebel decided to take action against Naboth. Having him wrongly accused of blaspheme, he was stoned to death. The Lord sent Elijah to Ahab to tell him of his punishment for such an evil act. But, Ahab repented and the Lord redeemed him. However, for Jezebel, the "bill came due" for her sins and she was not spared. God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to us for redemption. When the bill of sin comes due, on which side will you be?

"The Bill Always Comes Due" . . . . 1st Kings 21:1-3 . . .

Our heritage is important. In Chapter 21 of 1st Kings, we learn the story in which Naboth, Jezebel, and Ahab are the main characters. Ahab wanted to negotiate with Naboth for a piece of land next to the palace. This land had been in Naboth's family for many years as a family heritage and blessing. Naboth had to make a choice to give up his heritage or not. Our heritage as Christ-followers is a blessing. It is something we need to hold on to. What will you do when your Christian heritage is threatened?

. . . . The Joy Of Discipleship . . . . 1 Kings 19:1-19 are verses that tell how Elijah adopted Elisha to be his disciple and successor prophet. Elijah needed help and he needed hope. He worried that there would be not followers of God even though there were around 7,000 in Israel who did not follow Baal. So, Elisha stopped what he was doing and gave up his life of wealth to continue the work of God. We all get busy, but we all need to work for God. So many people do not have help or hope. God calls us at a price and we should serve Him in all we do. A disciple is a learner, follower, and reproducer. What kind of disciple are you?