Big Idea:

God is the only true God who hears and answers.

Read Together

1 Kings 18:21– "If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him."

1 Kings 18:39– "The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God."

The Story

Israel's king Ahab and queen Jezebel worshiped false gods like Baal and Asherah. So God sent Elijah to show the people who the real God was.

On Mount Carmel, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal: "Let's see whose God will send fire!"

The prophets of Baal shouted, danced, and even cut themselves. Nothing happened. Elijah teased them: "Maybe your god is asleep—or using the bathroom!" Still no fire.

Then Elijah prayed to the Lord. He even poured water all over the altar to make it harder. And immediately—WHOOSH!—God sent fire from heaven! The people fell on their faces and shouted: "The Lord, he is God!"

Advent Connection

Elijah showed Israel that false gods are silent, but the true God listens and answers. At Christmas, we celebrate that Jesus is Emmanuel—God with us. He not only hears our prayers, He speaks, saves, and lives with us forever.

Talk About It

• Why didn't Baal answer his prophets? • What happened when Elijah prayed? • How does Jesus show us that God is real?

Activity

Fire on the Mountain

• Use paper, crayons, or Legos to build an "altar." • Cut strips of yellow, red, and orange paper for "flames." • Drop the "flames" on the altar as you shout: "The Lord, He is God!"

Prayer

Dear God, You are the only true God. Thank You for hearing us and for sending Jesus to be with us. Help us worship You alone. Amen.

Family Challenge

Tonight, each person share one "false god" people sometimes trust today (money, fame, stuff). Then say together: "Only the Lord is God."