Knowing Truth From Lies (1 Kings 18:20-46)
In 1 Kings 18, Israel stands at a point of spiritual confusion, caught between the worship of the Lord and the false promises of Baal. Under the leadership of King Ahab, the nation has drifted into idolatry, and the people find themselves unable to answer Elijah’s challenge: Who is truly God?
This sermon walks through the dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel, where God unmistakably demonstrates His power and truth. Elijah exposes the emptiness of false worship and reveals that sincerity, passion, and religious devotion cannot make what is false become true.
As God answers by fire, the people are confronted with undeniable truth. This message emphasizes that true worship desires God to be known and that when truth is revealed, it demands a response—repentance, obedience, and a turning away from falsehood.
In a world where truth is often blurred, this sermon calls believers to stand firmly on the truth of God’s Word and to respond faithfully to His clear revelation.
Find Out More:
Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org.
This sermon was originally preached on 2/9/2020.
More sermon resources:
The promise of Christ’s return raises a searching question: Can we stand before Him with confidence when nothing will be hidden from His judgment? For those who belong to Christ, the gospel provides lasting hope. Through His saving work, those who were once enemies of God have become His children, welcomed into His presence and assured of His love. This hope changes both how we anticipate eternity and how we live today.
In this expository sermon on 1 John 2:28–3:3, Ben Smith explains three ways abiding in Christ transforms believers: it gives lasting hope, produces confidence in love, and creates a desire for holiness. The sermon distinguishes righteousness as the evidence of regeneration from human efforts to earn salvation, encouraging Christians to rest in the Father’s love, trust His promises, and grow in likeness to Christ.
How can the church endure when hostility is great and discouragement abounds? False teachers confuse the gospel, cultural Christianity offers false assurance, and the departure of those who once professed faith brings heartbreak to the church. In Enduring the Last Hour, 1 John 2:18–27 speaks directly to these concerns, calling believers to recognize those who oppose Christ and trust the provision God has made for His people.
Through careful exposition and pastoral application, this sermon examines the reality of antichrists, the difference between true saving faith and an empty profession, and the gracious work of the Holy Spirit in preserving believers in the truth. John’s warnings call the church to discernment, while his assurances direct our confidence to the Savior who knows and keeps all who are His. The church endures by the power of God alone.
Enhance your sermon engagement with this comprehensive 3-page study resource and listening guide for "Confident as Children" on 1 John 2:28-3:1.
Enhance your sermon engagement with this comprehensive 3-page study resource and listening guide for "Endure the Last Hour" on 1 John 2:18-27.
The world continually competes for our love, tempting us to devote our time, attention, possessions, and lives to things that cannot last. Although salvation transforms what Christians love, believers must remain watchful against sinful desires, rebellious thoughts, and arrogant pride.
This expository sermon from 1 John 2:15–17 explains what it means not to love the world or the things of the world. John calls believers to give their hearts to what God loves, guard against worldly temptation, and devote their strength to God's eternal will.
Enhance your sermon engagement with this comprehensive 3-page study resource and listening guide for "Love what Lasts" on 1 John 2:15-17.
How can Christians know that their faith is genuine? False teachers may claim spiritual knowledge while their lives remain marked by disobedience, pride, and hatred. John teaches that genuine salvation produces visible evidence: a growing desire to obey God’s commands, love others as Christ has loved us, and mature in the faith.
This expository sermon from 1 John 2:7–14 explains how Christ gives believers a new understanding of God’s commands, a life that increasingly reflects God’s character, and encouragement toward spiritual growth. These evidences do not earn salvation; they reveal the transforming work of Christ in those who walk in His light.
Enhance your sermon engagement with this comprehensive 3-page study resource and listening guide for "Reflect the True Light" on 1 John 2:7-14.
Christians who understand God’s holiness and recognize their own sin often wrestle with a painful question: How can I know that Christ is truly my advocate and that my sins are forgiven? The gospel neither minimizes sin nor grounds assurance in personal effort. It directs believers to Jesus Christ the righteous, whose atoning sacrifice satisfies God’s wrath and secures forgiveness for His people.
In this expository sermon on 1 John 2:1–6, Ben Smith explains how Christians receive assurance through an abiding relationship with Christ, obedience to God’s Word, and the transforming work of sanctification. The sermon distinguishes gospel obedience from legalism and encourages believers to find peace in what Christ has accomplished for their salvation and what He continues to do in their lives.
Church Bylaws and Parliamentary Consulting
Clear governing documents help a church carry out its ministry with consistency and care. When responsibilities are unclear, provisions no longer reflect present ministry, or meeting procedures are confusing, leaders can spend valuable time trying to determine what should happen next.
I help churches, associations, and nonprofit organizations examine their documents and address practical questions about how they conduct their work. Drawing on my pastoral leadership experience and work with church governing documents, I offer thoughtful review, parliamentary guidance, and written recommendations tailored to your organization’s needs and stated convictions.
How I can help
Review constitutions, bylaws, and policies for clarity, internal consistency, and practical ministry concerns.
Identify outdated provisions and discuss changes that support present ministry while respecting the organization’s beliefs and duly adopted rules.
Help committees organize a new document or revision project and develop proposed language within an agreed, permissible consulting scope.
Prepare meeting scripts for association moderators, church moderators, presidents, and chairpersons.
Help frame motions clearly and plan the parliamentary steps needed to consider them.
Assist clerks and meeting secretaries with preparing, submitting, and correcting minutes.
Research other parliamentary questions and explain recommendations in a written report.
Present findings to designated representatives or, by separate arrangement, to the full church or organization.
Begin with an initial consultation
The $75 initial consultation includes a 45-minute phone or video meeting and up to 15 minutes to review your intake answers and prepare a brief written next-step summary. We will discuss your needs, identify the relevant documents, and determine whether a focused service or a larger project is appropriate.
Detailed document review, substantive research, drafting, and presentations are quoted separately. You will receive the scope, fee, and anticipated schedule before additional work begins. Purchase starts the scheduling process; it does not reserve a particular appointment time. I will contact you within two business days to arrange our conversation.
About Ben Smith
I am a pastor with more than 25 years of pastoral leadership experience and a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians. My consulting focuses on practical ministry needs, clear documents, and orderly decision-making. I do not hold the Registered Parliamentarian credential.
This service provides ministry and parliamentary consulting, not legal advice or a legal compliance opinion. Legal drafting and questions about legal rights or obligations must be handled by qualified counsel. Your organization retains responsibility for its decisions and for adopting any proposed changes through the proper process.