Short sermons of the United Pentecostal Church of Mannheim Short Sermons Index

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Theme: The old way of prayer

"Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six month. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit." James 5:17-18

If we seriously consider for one moment what is being said here by Elias in his prayer to the God of Israel (the one and only God who is the same God of the Christians ) as he prays and earnestly requests in faith that it will not rain, we are amazed that God answers such a prayer.

Why? It was after all a country in which the people no longer sought and obeyed God. There was no longer any fear of God to be found, everything had become so easy-going and modern. Seeking God and persevering in prayer was too difficult for them, but not for Elias.

"God, I can't see him; He existed once in the minds of the old people, today it's a different story. Our knowledge is the source which makes and changes things." Really? - This is the modern spiritual death.

Many great spiritual people have emerged from the nation Israel. Abraham and Isaak, then Jakob, who in faith did not give up praying until he received the desired blessing from God. Fighters of faith, men who realized that their God is able to do more than that which the world can do and knows. Was it just a coincidence that David went from being a shepherd boy to end up as a king sitting upon the throne? No, already in his early years and during the whole time of being in need and under persecution he learned to pray and to seek God's will.

Samuel and Daniel were a blessing for many who sought God on account of their devout dedication to God. They were men who shone like lights in this dark world. People who clearly stood out in the crowd and meant it seriously with God. All these people had one thing in common, they put God first and the welfare of their creator, with whom they had contact and transformed their enviroment. If we think about Moses, Elisha, and Eliah who received great power, authority and support from God, we really should ask the question -- how did that happen and where do I stand? God equipped and gave them all that they needed. The old way of fervent unceasing prayer which touches God is now necessary today for us and our country.

Our nation does not need any religious actors and actresses but men and women who have got power with God to lead his people into the living way and in contact with God via the whole gospel. The spiritual ship Germany will sink if nobody moves God, only a few will be saved as a result. Jesus is capable of being the Captain, for he is still able to do everything. There are enough critics, unbelievers and failures but where are the Elias of today? (rw)

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