Some may ask, “Why should we study the missionary methods of Paul? Surely, in all this time, we have grown beyond his old ways and have found better ways of accomplishing ministry.”
To this I would say, look around at the condition of the church at large throughout the world today, and see if you can find a model of success that compares to Paul. Yes, we have our “mega-churches.” They have huge congregations and lots of money, but are they successful in the sight of God? Are they raising up a generation of mature, Bible-instructed believers? I think not. The ignorance of the average believer today is astounding. Many cannot even give a clear presentation of the Gospel message.
In a recent survey across the United States, only about 13% of regular church goers said that they believe in hell, and about the same number doubted the inspiration and infallibility of the Bible. The church as a whole is in a shambles, and the reason is that we have forsaken the God-given way—exemplified by Paul—to achieve the great commission of “making disciples of all nations” (Mat 28:19).

Gene Cunningham - September 11, 2000

Elijah #7

Jesus found the time an place to pray; He taught by example; "teach us to pray" not "how to pray" (Luk 11:1-4). It's more important we pray than how we. Jesus puts God's concerns first; He prays corporately. We need to awake as believers - revival of "sleeping" (Eph 5:14). Revival evidence: (1) restoration of obedience to God; (2) God's power is vindicated; 3) repentance among God's people (1Ki 18:39). A nation in crisis needs praying people (1Ki 18:41-46). Elijah is a standard of powerful prayer. "Prayer is not preparation for ministry, but the ministry itself "(Oswald Chambers). We should pray because of helpless dependence (2Ch 20:12). We need to pray because God urges us to pray (Psa 91:15) There's a time for effective prayer (Isa 55:6, Isa 30:18, Mat 7:7, Jam 4:3) . God has promised He'll answer prayer (Mat 7:11, Joh 15:16, Joh 16:23). The attitudes and actions of Elijah are instructive (1Ki 18:41-46): (1) Elijah sends Ahab to go eat while he goes to the mountain to pray. Elijah isolated himself to pray; Jesus also did (Mat 14:23, Mar 6:46, Mat 6:6). Prayer gets it power from the word of God (1Ki 18:41-42, Jam 5:18). Elijah prayed claiming God's promises 1(Ki 18:1). God controls the weather (Zec 12:1). We need to pray in obedience to His word(Joh 15:7, Joh 15:6). Before you pray get into God's word, and ask for guidance, then pray according to His word and will (1Jo 5:14-15). Prayer expresses humble dependence on God (1Pe 5:6, Jam 4:10, Pro 4:34).

Scripture References: John 15:7, Psalms 91:15, John 15:16, Zechariah 12:1, Ephesians 5:14, Matthew 7:11, James 5:18, Luke 11:1-4, Proverbs 4:3, James 4:3, Matthew 6:6, James 4:10, Matthew 7:7, Mark 6:46, John 5:14-15, Isaiah 30:18, Matthew 14:23, John 15:6, Isaiah 55:6, John 16:23

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From Series: "Elijah"

Elijah's life shows us the keys to spiritual power: the power of God's Word faith prayer revival and failure.

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