"I WILL LEAVE ME..." I Kings 19:18 I. Introduction. A. Review background of statement. B. Have you ever felt you were the only one... 1. Who had a problem? 2. That had been mistreated? 3. Standing for principles? 4. Who cared for others? 5. Afflicted and abused? 6. Then--you know how Elijah felt. C. Elijah needed assurance from the Lord. 1. It was forthcoming. 2. Told to appoint two new kings for Israel and Judah. 3. Found also a plowboy: I Kings 19:19. 4. Elijah was not alone--he had Jehovah, Elisha, 7000 who were still loyal. D. Somewhere, somehow there were people loyal to God in Elijah's day--the same holds true through the centuries and to the present moment. II. Body. Jehovah will leave Christians today who... A. Respect the word of God. 1. When some depart--it should give even stronger convictions to those who remain. 2. Even Paul, at times, had a sense of loneliness: II Timothy 4:16. a. But--he found those who would stand: Philippians 2:22. b. And...most of all: II Timothy 4:17. 3. There are conscientious brethren today: they want to do right. 4. A deep respect for God's word exists in many hearts. 5. It is still: "What saith the scripture?": Galatians 4:30. 6. There are those who do not put too much stock in the writings of men--only in what Jehovah teaches. B. Demonstrate moral integrity and uprightness. 1. It looks as if, at times, it would be impossible to find 7000 in America! 2. But...I know those who do...they are present in this assembly. 3. Not all of us have sold ourselves to the flesh. 4. Holiness still prevails: I Peter 1:13-16. 5. Our society seems to be rousing from a long sleep... 6. Christians have always been awake: I Corinthians 15:34. C. Respect the family: its relationships and obligations. 1. All the world seems intent on destroying God's lifestyle and relationships. 2. Yet--the family has existed from Eden. 3. Fortunately--every effort to destroy has failed. 4. There are still Christians untouched by unscriptural divorce, homosexuality, depraved lifestyles, and relationships that oppose God's order. 5. And...many of those in unscriptural relationships are trying to replace with their own solutions. 6. Note: Ephesians 6:1-4; 5:22,25, 33. D. Rear their children following God's standard. 1. As been true from the beginning: many do and many do not. 2. Children follow the example of parents/adults! 3. Christians "nurture" their children; love their children; care for them; see to their needs, etc. 4. Illustrate: Mark 7:27(not actual topic of verse) 5. Among early disciples: Acts 21:5-6. 6. Qualifications of elders. 7. Observe: Psalm 127:3-5. E. Care for others. 1. Every newspaper includes those who hurt and harm others. 2. Little notice given to efforts of disciples. 3. "Good" Samaritan would not have made the "who's who" list.(Sought no publicity.) 4. Not "token"--not thru "organization"--but those who care- -from the heart. 5. "Care enough to send the best." 6. An example: II Corinthians 8:16-17. 7. Remember: I Peter 5:7. F. Believe they can go to heaven and there are others who want to go to heaven. 1. It is too easy to give up. 2. Anything worthwhile requires sacrifice. 3. Realized: I Peter 1:4. 4. Led to: Hebrews 10:34. 5. Acquiring a physical house requires effort and sacrifice: should be any different from an eternal home? Hebrews 11:16 III. Conclusion. A. Elijah was not alone; he did not have to feel he was alone. B. One who is faithful to God today is not alone.-jy