Anchor My Faith

Facilitator: Stephen Weller
1,018 words, 5 minutes read time
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The Lord Alone Is God

Old Testament Reading

1 Kings 18:1-46 – Elijah and the Contest on Mount Carmel

Overview:
After a prolonged drought, God sent Elijah to confront King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. On Mount Carmel, Elijah challenged the people of Israel to stop wavering between the Lord and Baal. God answered Elijah’s prayer by sending fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice, proving that He alone is the true God. The people responded in repentance, the false prophets were judged, and God ended the drought by sending rain upon the land.

Theological Themes:
• God’s sovereignty over creation and nature
• The exclusivity of true worship
• Repentance and covenant renewal

Key Verse:
1 Kings 18:21 – “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What can believers learn from Elijah’s prayer?
   Answer:
   Elijah trusted God completely and prayed according to God’s will. His example teaches believers to rely on God’s promises, seek His glory, and trust His timing even during difficult circumstances.
2. Why did Elijah challenge the people to choose between the Lord and Baal?
   Answer:The people of Israel were attempting to worship both God and Baal. Elijah exposed their divided loyalty and called them to wholehearted commitment. God does not accept divided worship but desires complete devotion from His people.
3. What did the fire from heaven demonstrate?
   Answer:
   The fire demonstrated God’s power, authority, and presence. Unlike Baal, who could not answer his prophets, the Lord responded immediately, proving that He alone is the living and true God.

New Testament Reading

Acts 11:1-30 – The Gospel Extends to the Gentiles

Overview:
Peter defended his ministry to Gentiles by recounting the vision God gave him and the conversion of Cornelius and his household. The Jerusalem believers recognized that God had granted repentance and salvation to the Gentiles. Meanwhile, believers scattered by persecution preached the gospel in Antioch, where many came to faith. Barnabas and Saul ministered there, and the disciples were first called Christians. The chapter concludes with the church providing relief for believers in Judea during a coming famine.

Theological Themes:
• Salvation is offered to all people through Christ
• The unity of the church across ethnic boundaries
• Christian generosity and mutual care

Key Verse:
Acts 11:18 – “When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. How did the Antioch church respond to the prophecy of famine? Answer:
   The believers willingly gave according to their ability to support fellow Christians in Judea. Their generosity reflected Christian love and unity across geographic and cultural boundaries.
2. Why was Peter criticized when he returned to Jerusalem? Answer:
   Some Jewish believers questioned Peter because he had entered the home of Gentiles and eaten with them. They struggled to understand how God’s plan now included Gentiles as equal recipients of salvation.
3. What was significant about the church in Antioch?
   Answer:
   Antioch became a major center for Gentile Christianity. It was there that believers from different backgrounds worshiped together and where the disciples were first called Christians, demonstrating the transforming power of the gospel.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 135:1-21 – Praise the Lord Above All Gods

Overview:
The psalmist calls God’s people to praise the Lord because of His greatness, His sovereign rule over creation, and His faithful dealings with Israel. The Lord demonstrated His power through the Exodus, His judgments upon nations, and His provision of the Promised Land. In contrast, idols are lifeless and powerless. The psalm concludes with a call for all God’s people to bless and praise the Lord.

Theological Themes:
• God’s supremacy over all false gods
• God’s faithfulness to His covenant people
• The futility of idolatry

Key Verse:
Psalm 135:5 – “For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What encouragement does this psalm provide believers today? Answer:
   Believers can trust the Lord because He rules over all creation and remains faithful to His promises. Unlike the empty substitutes offered by the world, God is living, active, and worthy of worship.
2. Why does the psalmist call God’s people to praise the Lord? Answer:
   God deserves praise because He is sovereign, powerful, faithful, and good. His mighty works throughout history reveal His character and His care for His people.
3. How are idols described in this psalm?
   Answer:
   Idols are portrayed as powerless objects made by human hands. Though they have eyes, ears, and mouths, they cannot see, hear, or speak. They are unable to help those who trust in them.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 17:12-13 – The Danger of Folly and Evil

Overview:
These proverbs warn against the destructive consequences of foolishness and evil behavior. Solomon teaches that confronting a fool in his stubbornness can be more dangerous than encountering a bear robbed of her cubs. He also warns that repaying good with evil brings lasting trouble. These sayings emphasize the importance of wisdom, gratitude, and righteous conduct.

Theological Themes:
• The danger of persistent foolishness
• The principle of moral accountability
• The value of righteous character

Key Verse:
Proverbs 17:13 – “Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What lesson should believers learn from these proverbs? Answer:
   Believers should pursue wisdom, respond to others with gratitude, and treat people righteously. God calls His people to reflect His character by rewarding good with good and avoiding the destructive path of folly.
2. Why is a fool compared to a dangerous bear?
   Answer:
   A fool who rejects wisdom and acts recklessly can cause great harm. The comparison highlights the seriousness of unchecked foolishness and the dangers it creates for others.
3. What does it mean to repay evil for good?
   Answer:
   It refers to responding to kindness, generosity, or faithfulness with wrongdoing or betrayal. Such behavior violates God’s standards of justice and gratitude.