Elisha lived in a time when few in Israel worshipped the true God or sought to live for him. As we look at our society today, things are not so different. In the ministry of Elisha, we see that God had not abandoned his people. In dark times, he brought God’s unchanging word, preaching a message of God’s grace. As we study this great prophet’s life, we will see that there are striking parallels between his ministry and the ministry of Jesus. By God’s Spirit, he fed the hungry, healed the sick and raised the dead. Just as Elisha brought the message of salvation in a Godless time, today God speaks salvation and hope through Jesus in his word for all who trust in him.
The Life of Elisha: God's Grace in Dark Times
2 Kings 2 - Elisha replaces Elijah: God's word continues - Ian Naismith
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Morning Service, Sunday, June 26, 2022
In 2 Kings 2 we see the prophetic succession from Elijah to Elisha. Elisha has been following Elijah and learning from him, and now as Elijah is miraculously taken to heaven Elisha is ready to take over and demonstrate his prophetic authority. In this message we look at the importance of preparing young Christians to take over leadership, and summarise what the chapter teaches about judgement, grace and authority.
2 Kings 3 - No hope without the word of the Lord - David Knowles
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Morning Service, Sunday, July 3, 2022
The Kings of Judah, Israel and Edom go into battle with Moab. When they find themselves in dire straits, without water for their armies, King Jehoshaphat of Judah belatedly asks that the Lord might be enquired of. Elisha is sought and he brings a word of hope to the kings. God will provide water and will grant victory in battle. God carries out his word as promised. The Moabites only save themselves by an horrific act of human sacrifice.
God’s people are reminded that God’s word is powerful, that it promises salvation and that God always carries out his saving promises. In comparison false religion has no power, other than to bind people cruelly in sin.
2 Kings 4:1-7 - The Lord who meets our needs - David Knowles
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Morning Service, Sunday, July 10, 2022
This series overall is about ‘God’s Grace in Dark Times’. In today’s passage we read of the impact of these dark times on the life of a particular individual, a widow. This story shows us God’s concern for the poor and vulnerable. The story also shows us what faith in God looks like, what it demands from us, and the blessing that comes in response to it.
2 Kings 4:8-37 - The God who defeats death - Alex Warren
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Morning Service, Sunday, July 17, 2022
In difficult and dark times we might wonder whether God cares about us, and whether He will provide for our needs. In this passage, we see God at work extending his grace and practical care towards a woman who has no son. We are challenged to trust in the God who gives, trust in the God who takes away, and to trust in the God who defeats death.
Through the miracle of a son raised from the dead, we are pointed to Jesus who defeated death for his people. If we have trusted in him, we know that we will be raised from the dead never to die again. This is our great hope even in the most difficult times of life.
2 Kings 5 - God's Grace to a Syrian Commander - Alex Warren
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Morning Service, Sunday, July 24, 2022
In 2 Kings chapter 5, God's grace reaches beyond the boundary of Israel. Naaman, is the commander of the army of Israel's great enemy, Syria, and yet God heals him of his leprosy and graciously saves him. The healing and conversion of Naaman show us: that there is one God over the whole earth; that every human has a sinful nature that leaves them condemned before God; but that there is a message of hope offered to all people regardless of background. God offered Naaman one way to cleansing from leprosy. Today he offers us one way for forgiveness of sins and relationship with him, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Kings 6:8-23 - Protected by the Lord's unseen armies - Alistair Chalmers
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Morning Service, Sunday, July 31, 2022
In this passage we learn that there's no safe place to be, than in the arms of a God who sees us, who protects us, and who dies for us.
2 Kings 13:10-25 - Good keeps His Covenant Promises - David Knowles
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Morning Service, Sunday, August 7, 2022
As Elisha's life ends he brings God's Word to the new King, its a word of challenge to wholehearted commitment that victory would and could be there's. Sadly because his trust in God is halfhearted his response to Elisha's command is also halfhearted. The story reminds us that God's power of life comes to those who trust His Word and |Obey it wholeheartedly.