1 Kings 18:1-19 “A Word From the Lord…”

We're living in a moment of massive cultural change—U.S. cabinet members openly proclaiming the gospel, AI becoming part of daily life, the economy shifting, and society transforming before our eyes. Pastor Andy Falleur examines the story of Obadiah in 1 Kings 18—a man who feared the Lord from his youth but spent decades working as second-in-command under the wickedly evil King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, representing so many believers who grew up in church and learned to navigate both the church world and the secular world by living in a kind of dual existence.The entire narrative hinges on the Word of the Lord—it was God's Word that told Elijah to hide for three years. It was God's Word that said, "Go present yourself to Ahab," and invited Obadiah into the story, signaling a massive cultural change was about to happen at Mount Carmel. As we stand at the end of 2025, we need a Word from the Lord—not from AI or culture—and to remember that Jesus is the Word, who died to restore direct relationship with us so we can hear His voice for ourselves.Exact Scripture References:1 Kings 18:1-191 Kings 17:1-2John 8:59Matthew 12:9-13 (referenced - man with withered hand)Hebrews 13:13James 5:16-18 (referenced - Elijah's prayers)Matthew 22:37-39 (referenced - great commandment)Matthew 28:18-20 (referenced - great commission)John 1:12-14 (referenced - the Word became flesh)John 10:10 (referenced - life to the full)John 15:15 (referenced - I call you friends)John 10:27 (referenced - my sheep know my voice)1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (referenced - communion)Topics and keywords:Obadiah's dual existenceGrowing up in church (church kid experience)Hiding versus confrontingWord of the Lord as catalyst for changeTiming and God's sovereigntyLiving in two worlds (church and secular)Positions of power under wicked systemsCultural change in AmericaComing out of hiding in 2026Faith mixed with God's word releases powerHearing God's voice directlyMaking disciples in changing timesAI, technology, and societal shiftsCommunion and the gospelSalvation and relationship with God