The Chariot of Israel: Exploits of the Prophet Elijah

by William Varner

Publisher:

Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry

, 1984

Overview

Elijah is one of the most compelling personalities of all human history. His life combined frailty and faith in unusual measure. When Elijah was caught up to Heaven, his disciple Elisha cried out, "the chariot of Israel, and its horsemen" (2 Ki. 2:12). It was not, as some suppose, that Elijah was caught up in a chariot. Rather, it was his intimate relationship with God which gave the prophet his title. Author Will Varner will help you understand Elijah's unique life and ministry with his clear insights and the aid of maps illustrating the physical geography of Israel. The Chariot of Israel is truly a significant book for an age in history when mankind so desperately needs an example of a man of God.

Contents

Top Highlights

“In each of the accounts, there’s a command, a promise, an obedience and a supply.” (1 Kings 17:2–6)

“Elijah was a person just like you and me. But the way he differed from us was in that he was willing to do what we often are not willing to do—trust God even when it means taking a risk before others. The secret of this strength was that he lived in the presence of God. He did not quake and fear as he stood in the presence of Ahab because he knew what it was to stand in the presence of a far greater King—the Lord of Hosts. It is the practice of the presence of God that enables the child of God to stand before an unbelieving world in the boldness of fearless faith!” (1 Kings 16:29–17:1)

“Instead of the church going into the world, the world is coming into the church! We do need to relate to the world. But the best way for the church to relate to the world is to maintain its sharp edge so the world can tell the difference between darkness and light. The more the church becomes like the world, the less effect it has on the world (Rom. 12:2; Jas. 4:4).” (1 Kings 16:29–17:1)

“The difference in Elijah was not in his genes, but in his faith. He was a man who was sold out to God.” (1 Kings 16:29–17:1)

“The discipline of loneliness teaches us things that we can never learn in the public place.” (1 Kings 17:2–6)

Product Details

• Title: The Chariot of Israel: Exploits of the Prophet Elijah
• Author: Will Varner
• Publisher: Friends of the Gospel Ministry
• Publication Date: 1984

About William Varner

Dr. William Varner is Professor of Bible and Greek at The Master’s College in Santa Clarita, California. After earning degrees from Bob Jones University and the Biblical Theological Seminary, he served as a pastor in Pennsylvania for seven years, during which time he earned another master’s degree and took his first trip to Israel—an experience that would leave an indelible mark on his ministry. While serving for 17 years with The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry in New Jersey, he earned a third master’s degree (in Jewish Studies at Dropsie College, now the Center for Advanced Judaic Studies at the University of Pennsylvania) and a doctorate (at Temple University in Philadelphia).

Besides teaching Bible exposition courses and Greek Exegesis at The Master’s College, Dr. Varner is Director of IBEX, the college’s overseas campus in Israel, and has led 46 study trips to Israel. He has also pastored the Sojourners fellowship in Grace Community Church for 16 years.

Dr. Varner is the author of several books, including The Chariot of Israel: Exploits of the Prophet of Elijah, Awake O Harp: A Devotional Commentary on the Psalms, and The Letter of James. He has also written over 100 articles appearing in academic journals and popular magazines.  He loves participating in Civil War reenactments, reading the fiction of J.R.R. Tolkien and Daniel Silva, and traveling overseas with his wife Helen.