Category: Elijah (Prophet)

A Savior Between Two "Thieves"

R. Mangold

Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. Matthew 27:38

The account of Christ’s crucifixion never gives the identities of the two thieves or malefactors, but it dawned on me, the position of Christ between them has significance on several levels. It brings to mind an Old Testament showdown of Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal.

In I Kings 18:21 Elijah issues a challenge to Israel, “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.”

It occurred to me, people who have yet to be fully convinced of Christ’s redemptive work at Calvary find themselves in a similar quandary, almost persuaded (Acts 26:28) allowing their opinions to become the thieves of their salvation, with our Dear Savior hanging in the middle!

The two thieves surrounding Christ may not have had names in the Gospels, but in today’s message they do. For some they could be…

  • Pride and Arrogance
  • Greed and Power
  • Complacency and Apathy

Friend, how long will YOU stall in your valley of decision (Joel 3:14) to live for Christ? Will you continue to allow thieves to distract and rob you of choosing the blessed Savior hanging between them?

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute.  One Minute Spiritual Sermonettes and Sermon Ideas  for Busy Christians, Pastors, Teachers, and Bible Students!  Visit our ABOUT PAGE  for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you.  Rev. RD Mangold

Mountaintop Experiences – It is Good for us to be Here

R. Mangold

And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. 4Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. Matthew 17:3-5

Another gospel says Peter was “afraid” and wasn’t quite sure what to say at the sight of Jesus’ transfiguration, and watching Him converse with Moses and Elijah! I feel, if you want to get the best read on someone, see how they respond under duress. With no time to prefabricate a fitting response, you just say the first thing that comes to mind. Peter’s response was, “It is good for us to be here…something needs to be done here to commemorate this momentous occasion…let’s pitch a few tabernacles or tents!” Seems a bit strange, but consider Peter witnessed a once in a millennia event!

Recognizing it was good for them to be there and the fact Peter wanted to make tabernacles is significant. Tabernacles are temporary by nature. Peter knew the experience was one to cherish and enjoy, but not one which was meant to be permanent. We relish moments of power, revelation, and anointing, but they’re not meant to be a permanent position – mountaintop experiences are transient; they’re mingled with valleys, desserts, and wilderness. Each station is of value, yet temporary nonetheless. Lastly, wherever you’re at, as long as Jesus is with you, you’re in the right place at the right time!

Part of the Mountaintop Experiences Serminute Series

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold

Big Lessons in Small Packages – The Cloud

R. Mangold

And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare [thy chariot], and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. (I Kings 18:44)

Prior to this passage, Elijah decreed, “There is a sound of abundance of rain.” A spiritual precedent ensues. What you hear, God’s Word, will precede what you see…the miracle! The “sound” meant that rain was on its way. After 7 failed attempts at seeing the incoming precipitation, Elijah’s servant finally came back with news of a “little cloud.” It wasn’t rain, but it contained the rain.

This “little” cloud represented faith to a prophet who knew the 3-year-long drought was about to end. Faith is the substance of things hoped for. The cloud contained the substance, or evidence of the unseen rain. That’s why as Christians, we walk by faith, not by sight.

Sight says, “That’s just a cloud.”

Faith says, “That’s no ordinary cloud, that cloud contains the tangible substance and evidence we’re hoping for…rain!”

Don’t underestimate the worth of a “little” cloud, it could be saturated with a deluge of promised life-giving rain! If God plants His Word in you, no matter how long your drought, don’t stop looking for rain. For those who love God, His Word is enough. If God has spoken it, listen for and anticipate the showers of abundant rain!

“Serminute” Series – Big Lessons in Small Packages

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold

Revival God's Way

R. Mangold

Many years ago Pastor Jeff Arnold preached a sermon titled “Formula for a Cloudburst”.  What a message it was!  I believe it stands today as a landmark Word from God to His people, concerning the “nuts and bolts” mechanics of how to start and sustain revival in ANY church.  It will work, if we will!

7 Points to ponder…from 1 Kings 18:1, 30-46….

1.     Learn to hear from God for yourself.

2.     Repair everything of God that’s broken down in your life.

3.     Put it all back into God’s order.

4.     Pray with proper motives.

5.     Let His fire fall in your life.

6.     Kill all the false!  All the phoniness.

7.     Pray!  And GO AGAIN!


By Guest Author Rev. James Willoughby is an Evangelist and Bible Teacher, as well as a published author. His teaching ministry, Focal Points carries him into many different venues. Emphasizing…discipleship training, small group development, structures and strategies for leadership, and ministry mentoring for young men and women. His evangelistic ministry has been blessed of God with great anointing, and powerful demonstration of the Spirit in healings and miracles as he ministers the Word of Faith. View all posts by jswilloughby →


“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians!  Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold