Elisha: Living the Impossible Life
About This Series:
This sermon series delves into the life and ministry of the prophet Elisha as recorded in the book of II Kings. It explores various "impossible situations" faced by Elisha and the people around him, demonstrating that God is real, involved in believers' lives, and alive and well, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. The series highlights key truths about faith, obedience, God's power, judgment, and the call to share the good news, revealing how God's hands are at work even when our own hands are tied.
Sermons In This Series
(2 Kings 2:19–25) When Your Hands Are Tied
When Your Hands Are Tied: This introductory message examines several initial "impossible situations" in Elisha's ministry, including purifying poisonous water at Jericho and the judgment on the mocking young men at Bethel. It introduces the idea that when God is in charge, plans should not degenerate into panic and that predicaments are designed to develop trust.
(2 Kings 4:8–44) Impossible!
Impossible!: Continuing the theme of facing impossible situations, this sermon explores challenges like the Shunammite woman's barrenness and loss of her son, poisonous food, and a lack of sufficient food. It emphasizes that faith involves believing without seeing evidence and obeying without feeling emotion, moving believers from crisis faith to contagious faith.
(2 Kings 5:1–15) Seven Dips to Forgiveness
Seven Dips to Forgiveness: This message focuses on Naaman, a powerful general afflicted with leprosy, who sought healing from Elisha. It highlights Naaman's initial reliance on wealth and human solutions before demonstrating that physical healing (and spiritual forgiveness) requires humbly following God's specific plan, symbolized by dipping seven times in the Jordan River.
(2 Kings 5:1–14) Out of the Mouths of Babes
Speaking for God from the Back Pew: Focusing on the anonymous servant girl in Naaman's story, this sermon emphasizes the power of a quiet, compassionate testimony. It shows that being an effective witness requires heartfelt compassion for spiritually sick people and obedience, regardless of the amount of public exposure God ordains.
(2 Kings 5:15–27) Catching Golden Apples
Catching Golden Apples: Using the example of Gehazi, Elisha's servant, this message warns against the dangers of greed and selfish desires, symbolized as "golden apples". It reveals that closeness to spiritual people does not guarantee personal integrity and that hidden greed will eventually surface, leading to loss and dishonor.
(2 Kings 6:1–23) Of Axes and Angels
Of Axes and Angels: This sermon recounts Elisha's miracles of making an iron axe head float and opening his servant's eyes to see the angelic hosts surrounding them. It teaches that God intervenes in both major national issues and small personal concerns, demonstrating that no one is insignificant in the family of God and the hero is always Almighty God.
(2 Kings 6:24–33) The Sound of Silence
The Sound of Silence: Focusing on the siege of Samaria and the discovery by four lepers, this message contrasts the despair within the city with the good news found outside the gate. It powerfully argues that having received the good news of God's provision and grace, believers have a responsibility to break the "sound of silence" and share that message with others.
(2 Kings 8) A Widow and a Would-be King
A Widow and a Would-be King: This message contrasts the stories of the Shunammite widow, who receives restoration through obedience and trust, with Hazael, who seizes the throne through hidden temptation and murder. It illustrates that God works in the lives of those willing to accept the difficulties of obedience and trust Him with their future.
(2 Kings 9–10) A House of Cards
A House of Cards: Examining God's judgment on the wicked house of Ahab and Jezebel through Jehu, this sermon asserts that God's word of judgment will be fulfilled, even if delayed. It emphasizes the principle of reaping what you sow, warning that rejecting God's word leads to unbelievable wickedness and consequences, while obeying His plans brings unmistakable positive difference.