Great Lives: Elijah

Another great Charles Swindoll book. We all need to stand as Elijah did. 4 star rating because the font is too small.

One of our favorite authors and speakers, this title does not disappoint. Thought provoking and brings new thoughtsd to old verses with humor and sensitivity, all in the truth of God's Holy Word

Charles Swindoll has a unique way with words and relaying history to those of us who may struggle with pulling events together. This book identifies characteristics of Elijah that made him one of God's chosen and his obedience to doing what God told him to do. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.

Love the author. Haven't read yet!

I am preaching a sermon series on Elijah and got this book to help me learn about him as a character. This book did not work for me because:1. It is written too much like a Max Lucado-esque devotional book and is not a scholarly study of Elijah. It is simplistic and frequently uses colloquial language and analogies. The book's point is to help you relate your personal faith life to Elijah's, but focuses on the personal faith relationship with God and neglects the political, communal, more challenging side of the texts, for example about Elijah fighting for God against the powers-that-be and seeking to bring God's justice to Israel.2. The book gives two examples of more recent historical characters who the author claims are comparable to Elijah. They are Tom Landry, former football coach with the Dallas Cowboys, and Gen. Robert E. Lee. Both of these may have been very nice guys with a strong personal faith. Both were obviously great leaders and warriors. But, unlike Elijah, neither one, at least in what he was most famous for doing, fought for God's purposes against the Baals of this world. Landry led men to play a violent game just for the sake of winning games, and Lee led men into battle and many thousands to death for the sake of defending the south, states' rights, and the institution of slavery. And apparently Lee fought for the south rather than the north, even though he opposed slavery and wanted the Union to remain together, because he wanted to defend his family and homeland of Virginia. This seems to me to be the opposite of what Jesus calls us to do when he asks us to hate our families and even our own lives for His sake. I think you could find many, many saints of the church who actually did fight for God's purposes against the Baals of this world and would be much better comparisons for Elijah. But Swindoll only seems concerned about picking prototypical strong male leaders who have personal faith (and who would be heroes to white southerners, who I suppose are his primary audience) and neglects the bigger picture of how a person like Elijah serves God.Update: I changed my rating from 1 to 3 stars because as I read further, the book actually does a very good job with the personal faith aspect and gave me insight. The comparisons to Landry and Lee really turned me off, but the book is still worthwhile, and I am happy I read it.

Elijah arrives on the scene in such a subtle and quiet manner that no one sees him coming. Elijah comes to Israel and declares a drought in front of King Ahab (1 Kings 17). After Elijah delivers his news, The Lord tells him to go hide by Brook Cherith where he will supply all his needs. Elijah remains there until The Lord instructs him to go find this widow who will take care of him. The widows son becomes ill and Elijah must use his divine powers to bring her son back to life.The Lord instructs Elijah to go back to Samaria where he must prove The Lord is God. The people of Israel are worshippers of Baal, therefore Elijah is given the task of showing how powerful his god is. Elijah brings their God to shame, then is threatened by Jezebel, so The Lord instructs him to go to Horeb where he gives a servant Elisha.There is so much power given to Elijah but he never uses it for his own glory. He really tried to help the people of Israel because by serving idol Gods this will lead to their destruction. After Elijah has done the work of The Lord, he is taken to heaven by a whirlwind.The book itself is very informative but there is A LOT of unnecessary information that drags the book along. I appreciate the added information provided but I would love to have the book stay on topic.

Charles Swindoll is an inspired pastor and author. Elijah’s life is worth studying and his importance has been understated. In this book you’ll learn about his amazing life as a fearless prophet and miracle worker, and feel the depth of his humility before God. The first step was to submit to God, then be trained, then refined, then face death, which was for Elijah a trip in a chariot of fire straight to the Lord’s presence. Amazing book. Read it!

I have always loved the Elijah of the Word of God. Swindoll really makes the character come alive with his easy to read style. He truly does remind us that our Bible heroes are simply men that yielded themselves to the will of Almighty God. They have flaws and weak moments, but our Master works in those weaknesses and flaws. He used them for our good and for the world to see His Grace and glory.

The book is informative and inspiring.I was looking for a book for our study of Elijah and it is just right for us.It's great, easy to read and we are enjoying our study.I ordered another copy that I am waiting for.Thanks for the helpful reviews.

a most interesting book.

Beautifully written and easy to read. Highly recommend.

Very helpful. Discusses the life in a way that`s relevant to today. Would go well with a study on elijah

Charles Swindoll is awesome. This is the fifth book from his great life series that I’ve read and it’s wonderful. Highly recommend