The mount of challenge

1 Kings 18:19-24 NKJV

Now therefore, send and gather all Israel to me (Elijah) on Mount Carmel, the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table." [20] So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel. [21] And Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people answered him not a word. [22] Then Elijah said to the people, "I alone am left a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men. [23] Therefore let them give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it. [24] Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD; and the God who answers by fire, He is God." So all the people answered and said, "It is well spoken."

Which god is the real and living God? That was the test about to be performed on Mount Carmel in the passage before us today.

Israel had fallen into Baal worship under the evil influence of Ahab's wife Jezebel. She had imported her foreign idol worship, confusing and influencing the people, who had forgotten the first and most important commandment:

Exodus 20:2-3 NKJV

"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. [3] "You shall have no other gods before Me.

Elijah is so confident in the Lord that he challenges the 450 prophets of Baal to a competition to see which god is real.

"Make up your mind, decide which god is real - the god who answers - who actually responds - serve that god!"

Today, we live in such an "inclusive" era - everyone creating a god in their own image - even forming a "pseudo-Jesus" in such a way - outside the confines of Scripture.

The world is crying out for modern day Elijahs with a living relationship and heart for the Lord, who will stand up and challenge the foreign gods of today. Those unafraid to stand on "Mount Carmel" in full view to test other religions and those of none.

Such a one is Bob of Speakers' Corner in London. He is unafraid to challenge other faiths with the Truth of Jesus Christ.

How well do you and I know Jesus? Are we so confident that He will answer as we stand up for Him?

It's time for Truth, it's time for boldness and bravery in Jesus. It's time to challenge the false narratives that have polluted the Good News of Jesus in our world.

Ephesians 4:14-15 NKJV

that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, [15] but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ-

In Donald Trump's recent Middle East trip we saw him visit the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. This project seeks to promote multi-faiths Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Superficially it sounds so sensible and peaceful.

However, it is a mega deception, from the father of lies himself.

Jesus clearly states that anyone that tries to come to God in any other way but through Him is a thief and a robber (John 10:8).

There is only one true faith and that is in Jesus Christ as described in the Bible:

Ephesians 4:4-6 NKJV

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism; [6] one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.