Podcasts about Calvary

The mighty Roman Empire at one time was allied against the small fledgling Christian church. Pastor Ray Bentley gives us a glimpse of history. What happened to the Roman Empire? It came and it is no more. What happened to those little tiny Bible studies meeting in homes 2000 years ago? Today they're about 2.5 billion people. Not because of walls and institutions.

Life can give us so many things to worry about. Pastor Ray Bentley says believers don't have to fall victim to that. What can you do to reduce stress and that floating anxiety that attaches itself to anything negative that happens in your life? The spiritual antidote to that is a growing faith. If you could have a faith this year that would grow and that would reduce your anxiety level.

Hosted by Pastor Josh SorensenOriginating from GRACE FM in Aurora, Colorado, Calvary Live is a one hour program that answers questions about issues surrounding life, godliness, and living for Jesus Christ in our current ever changing culture.

Without faith, it is difficult to please God. No, that's not what the Bible says is without faith it is impossible to please God. Pastor Ray Bentley, how many of you want to please God in your life? I say you want to please God? Then believe in him not only intellectually, but by your choices and by your actions and by your obedience.

It's episode 264 of The Cavalry! Andrew needs backup that if Chick-fil-a is going to be at the airport, they have to be open on Sundays. Johnny needs backup that to comment on Youtube videos you must have posted at least one Youtube video. Enjoy!Remember to sign up for the Patreon for Post-Show Banter! https://patreon.com/thecavalrypodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Zephaniah rebukes Judah for their complacency about God—and reveals a terrifying vision of the end of the world…

Paul told the Philippian church, ‘Rejoice!’—then reminded them, as God’s people, just how much they need reminding—and why. An unusually potent message that hits very close to home…

Freedom Isn't Free #Nightlight #RTTBROS Freedom Isn't Free - The Price of Liberty in Two Realms"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Galatians 5:1 (KJV)The phrase "freedom isn't free" adorns monuments and memorials across our nation, reminding us that liberty always comes at a cost. Someone always pays the price for someone else's freedom.Our founding fathers understood this truth when they pledged "our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor" for independence. Generations of Americans have honored that pledge, paying freedom's price with their blood on foreign shores and domestic soil. They understood that some things are worth dying for, and liberty tops that list.But there's another freedom that came at an even greater cost—our spiritual liberty. "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:18-19, KJV).Christ paid the ultimate price to free us from sin's tyranny. His sacrifice on the cross broke every chain that bound us to spiritual death and eternal separation from God. The freedom He purchased isn't just for this life—it's freedom that lasts forever.As we honor our military heroes today, let us also honor the Hero of Calvary. Both freedoms demand our gratitude and our commitment to live as free people, not returning to the bondage from which we've been delivered.Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

Hebrews 4: There's No Place Like Home (Hebrews: Looking Unto Jesus) taught by Associate Pastor Justin Butorac on 05-25-25.

In this sermon, the Reverend Jacob Smith talks about the New Jerusalem and your name being written in the Lamb's Book of Life and why that is of such great comfort.

Benefits for the Believer • Part of our weekly Sunday morning study through Genesis.

Continuing with our series called "The Servant King," (A Study of the Gospel of Mark).... Mark CH 13 verses 14-27, The Great Tribulation If you are interested in attending our LIVE teachings (Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm & Sundays @ 10:00 am), you are invited to visit us at 4218 Boston Ave. Lubbock, Texas. To connect with us, you can call us at (806) 799-2227, email us at calvarylubbock@hotmail.com, or checkout our website at CalvaryChapelLubbock.church. You can also watch us on Facebook and contact us through Facebook Messenger. Please feel free to let us know about your walk with Jesus, as we would love to hear it and pray with you. If you'd like to partner with us to help us take the Gospel to the world, just click on the DONATE button on our website, let us know through Facebook Messenger, or in person. We pray that the rest of your week be blessed and that you share the love of Jesus with everyone that you encounter.

Pastor Seth Wetter Teaches us to Hear What the Holy Spirit says. Go and Do It. Be a man or Woman of Prayer. A Recap of East Coast Pastors Conference. On May 25, 2025. God's Word is Truth!

Pastor Will continues his series through the Book of 2 Chronicles with a message entitled "Sanctified Ignorance" - 2 Chronicles 20:10-20. Audio May 25th pm - "Sanctified Ignorance" - 2 Chronicles 20:10-20.mp3File Size: 23560 kbFile Type: mp3Download File [...]

Pastor Will continues through the Book of John with a message entitled "A God Who Sees" - John 9:35-41. Audio May 25th am - "The God Who Sees" - John 9:35-41.mp3File Size: 22317 kbFile Type: mp3Download File [...]

The Bible's Faith Hall of Fame includes the name of a harlot. Pastor Ray Bentley says that's not the only surprise about Rahab. Do you realize Rahab is in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the incarnate God, manifest in the flesh? So, wow. An MRI harlot becomes a believer. What does that tell you about our king and about his kingdom spreading?

Sometimes we find surprises in the Bible where man focus is on one thing. God sometimes focuses on something else. Pastor Ray Bentley brings us a case in point. Here is a woman, Rahab, the harlot, whose faith is so great that she is included in the Hall of Fame or the Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11. Rahab is right along with Moses, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and all the rest spread.

We all have people who've shaped our story, and God calls us to do the same for others. In this message, Charles Zimmerman unpacks how to live with gospel purpose: avoiding distractions, building discipline, and living like Jesus, the ultimate influencer. Watch the full service: https://youtube.com/live/dCEGSXMHh7k BIBLE VERSES IN THIS EPISODE: 2 Timothy 2:1-8 2 Timothy 3:14-15 THIS SERIES: Legacy: How You Live Matters We're all building a legacy—whether we realize it or not. Our values and priorities don't just shape our lives; they shape the next generation. Join us for our new series, Legacy: How You Live Matters, where we'll look at 2 Peter and 2 Timothy, exploring what it means to leave a Gospel legacy. NEXT STEPS: Submit a Prayer Request: https://www.calvary-church.com/prayer New to Calvary? Start Here: https://www.calvary-church.com/new Give Financially to Support Our Mission: https://www.calvary-church.com/give Get Baptized: https://www.calvary-church.com/baptism Join a Group: https://www.calvary-church.com/groups WHO WE ARE: We're so glad you're listening today! At Calvary Church, we believe that as we connect with God and he impacts our lives, we are sent to connect with others and impact their lives with the gospel. With a new message each week, we have a ton of videos to help you connect and impact as you join in on our mission to continue what Jesus started. Subscribe to let us know you're here, and get ready to worship with us this Sunday at 9:30am in Souderton or Quakertown, Pennsylvania, as well as online. FOLLOW US: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@calvarychurchpennsylvania Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calvarychurchpennsylvania Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calvarychurchpennsylvania Website: https://www.calvary-church.com

Send us a textDr. Randy Davis, Pastor of Zion Word Church USA and Founder/Overseer of Zion Word Ministries International USA brings a powerful message to the church about the forgiveness of God and how our Lord and Savior Jesus forgave us fully and completely on the Cross of Calvary!  We are to not take that lightly and should be serving God all the days of our lives. To hear more inspiring messages by Dr. Randy Davis visit and subscribe to:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@zwmiusaTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@zwmiusaPodcasts: https://www.buzzsprout.com/40604Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zion_word/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zionwordministriesint

Send us a textThe concept of atonement sits at the very heart of Christian faith, yet many believers struggle to fully grasp its transformative power. Through Christ's sacrifice, we aren't merely forgiven—we're completely reconciled to God, standing before Him as guiltless and righteous beings.This powerful exploration begins by establishing what true atonement means: being made one with God through faith in Jesus Christ. We examine how Christ's death at Calvary accomplished something extraordinary—securing both reconciliation and justification for those who believe. Through reconciliation, peace is established between God and His people after sin's devastating separation. Through justification, believers are legally declared righteous, with no sin remaining for judgment.Perhaps the most difficult truth for many Christians to accept is that they stand before God as completely sinless creatures. Despite knowing all our failures and transgressions, faith allows us to embrace this extraordinary reality—we are treated by the Father exactly as He treats His own Son.The conversation then shifts to sanctification—that ongoing process of transformation into Christ's image. Unlike justification's one-time declaration, sanctification involves dying daily to self, progressive separation from sin, and growth in holiness. Crucially, this process looks different for each believer, with varying rates of growth and fruit production.Understanding sanctification's individualized nature should fundamentally reshape how believers interact. Since we're all at different stages spiritually, with different struggles and growth rates, judgment must give way to grace. We're called to meet fellow believers where they are, extending the same patience Christ shows us, while still offering gentle accountability when necessary.What would change in your walk with God if you truly believed you stand before Him completely guiltless? How might your relationships with other believers transform if you viewed their struggles through the lens of individualized sanctification? Join us as we unpack these life-changing truths and discover how the atonement of Christ offers both immediate justification and ongoing transformation.Support the show

Pastor Ray Bentley takes us to a critical moment in Joshua's life, when he faced an overwhelming obstacle and cried out to the Lord and Joshua begged and sought God for wisdom. What are we to do? What is the plan? I need divine guidance. As you were with Moses. You said you would be with me. Help me Lord. Suddenly Joshua saw something that made him freeze.

Who's on the Throne? • We take a break from our midweek study through 1 Corinthians as Joseph Haire teaches from 1 Samuel 14.

David Ferrari updates us on Mexico Missions 2025. On May 21, 2025. God's Word is Truth!

Wednesday night Bible Study. Building Our Foundations, a verse by verse study through the Book of Ezra Chapter 6 v 1 - 22, Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy If you are interested in attending our LIVE teachings (Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm & Sundays @ 10:00 am), you are invited to visit us at 4218 Boston Ave. Lubbock, Texas. To connect with us, you can call us at (806) 799-2227, email us at calvarylubbock@hotmail.com, or checkout our website at CalvaryChapelLubbock.church. You can also watch us on Facebook and contact us through Facebook Messenger. Please feel free to let us know about your walk with Jesus, as we would love to hear it and pray with you. If you'd like to partner with us to help us take the Gospel to the world, just click on the DONATE button on our website, let us know through Facebook Messenger, or in person. We pray that the rest of your week be blessed and that you share the love of Jesus with everyone that you encounter.

Many wonder whether the Mass is a true sacrifice or just a memorial. We explain what the Church teaches about the Eucharist, how it’s tied to Calvary, and why it's not a re-crucifixion. Help us reach our goal by donating! Catholicanswersradio.com Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 07:45 – Is the sacrifice of the mass the sacrifice of Jesus being perpetuated or is it just symbolic? 30:14 – What’s the difference between actual grace and sanctifying grace? 40:52 – How do you defend the claim that the Catholic Church is the oldest governance body in history? 47:55 – How does 1 Tim 2:5 relate to the pope?

52:12- John Ashbrook, Founding Partner of Calvary and Co-Host of the Ruthless Podcast Topic: Joe Biden's diagnosis, other political news of the day 1:03:09- Will Chamberlain, Senior Counsel at the Article III Project Topic: Supreme Court allowing the Trump Administration to end legal protections for some Venezuelan migrants 1:29:07- Jim Hanson, President of WorldStrat, Chief Editor for Middle East Forum who served in the U.S. Special Forces Topic: Latest in Israel and the Middle East 1:42:13- Storm Paglia, Vice President of Brand Operations at Townhall Media and host of the "Triggered" podcast Topic: Latest from the Trump administration 2:08:09- Julie Kelly, Journalist and the host of "Declassified with Julie Kelly" Topic: Latest from the Supreme Court, other news 2:20:16- Selena Zito, Reporter for the Washington Examiner, Special Correspondent for the Washington Post and the author of "Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America's Heartland" Topic: Her upcoming bookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Ray Bentley points out, in the midst of a difficult life, remember we serve a powerful God. Life and real faith will stretch, challenge you, and will take you to the end of yourself. Life and its test will reveal what do you really believe and what do you really love about your father in heaven? But we are to ascend, to believe and obey a God who can even raise the dead.

Pastor Jeremy continues his in-depth study through Zephaniah—a short book by one of the most influential Old Testament prophets. Check it out…!

The Value of HumilityTo judge others is to acknowledge that we know what sin is, yet often times we sin against the light that we have been shown. Patient continuance in faith leads to immortality, but obeying unrighteousness leads to God's wrath.

In Today's episode of the CBL Podcast, William Wolfe sits down with Dr. Willy Rice, Senior Pastor of Calvary Church in Clearwater, Florida, to discuss what has gone wrong with the ERLC, the need for renewed trust through financial transparency, the law amendment, and what's in store for this year's SBC annual meeting in Dallas, Texas.   Dr. Willy Rice, and his wife, Cheryl, are invested in building relationships to bring people to dynamic life in Christ! Willy has pastored churches in the south eastern United States for more than 35 years, and he has a passion for teaching the Word of God in an engaging and understandable way. Willy was called, licensed and ordained to preach at Calvary under the leadership of Dr. Bill Anderson, who pastored Calvary Church for 27 years. Willy Rice returned to Calvary in 2004 to lead the church he considered his home. Dr. Willy Rice is a graduate of Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama with a B.A. degree (1985) and the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree (1990) and a Doctor of Ministry degree (1996). Willy and Cheryl have three children, Amanda, Anna, and Stephen, and six beautiful grandchildren.   Learn more about Dr. Willy Rice's work: https://calvary.us/about/our-team https://erlc.com/people/willy-rice/   ––––––   Follow Center for Baptist Leadership across Social Media: X / Twitter – https://twitter.com/BaptistLeaders Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-For-Baptist-Leadership/61556762144277/ Rumble – https://rumble.com/c/c-6157089 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@CenterforBaptistLeadership Website – https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/   To book William for media appearances or speaking engagements, please contact him at media@centerfor­baptistleadership.org.   Follow Us on Twitter: William Wolfe - https://twitter.com/William_E_Wolfe Richard Henry - https://twitter.com/RThenry83   Renew the SBC from within and defend the SBC from those who seek its destruction, donate today: https://centerforbaptistleadership.org/donate/   The Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast is powered by American Reformer, recorded remotely in the United States by William Wolfe, and edited by Jared Cummings.   Subscribe to the Center for Baptist Leadership Podcast: Distribute our RSS Feed – https://centerforbaptistleadership.podbean.com/ Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/center-for-baptist-leadership/id1743074575 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0npXohTYKWYmWLsHkalF9t Amazon Music // Audible – https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9ababbdd-6c6b-4ab9-b21a-eed951e1e67b BoomPlay – https://www.boomplaymusic.com/podcasts/96624 TuneIn – Coming Soon iHeartRadio – https://iheart.com/podcast/170321203 Listen Notes – https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/center-for-baptist-leadership-center-for-3liUZaE_Tnq/ Pandora – Coming Soon PlayerFM – https://player.fm/series/3570081 Podchaser – https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-center-for-baptist-leaders-5696654 YouTube Podcasts – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFMvfuzJKMICA7wi3CXvQxdNtA_lqDFV

astor Ray Bentley says, our walk of faith today is reminiscent of the walk of faith of the father of the faith, Abraham. When we heard the gospel itself, we heard the Word of God. And through the word we heard the voice of the Lord himself calling us, saying, come, follow me. Every single one of us. Who then said, yes, Lord, I will follow you began a holy pilgrimage.

When Paul sang the praises of Timothy and Epaphroditus to the Philippians, he also defined what it meant to be a Christian. It became their resumes. Ours, too…

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Today's episode will help us move from self-reliance to Spirit-empowered living by embracing daily surrender and rediscovering the power of the Holy Spirit in our walk with Jesus. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Empowering Every Believer: Activating the Priesthood of All Believers - Disciple Maker's Podcast Ep. 7   Unlocking the Power of the Holy Spirit: A Call to Bold Witness and Total Surrender   In this impactful episode, Josh Howard and Jason dive deep into the significance of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. They discuss the challenges modern Christians face, including the startling statistic that 98% of Christians in America never share their faith outside of their immediate families. They highlight two main problems: the lack of witnessing and the often forgotten role of the Holy Spirit in many churches. Through scriptural examples, particularly from the Book of Acts, they showcase the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the necessity of full surrender and consecration to experience true spiritual empowerment. They argue that without daily dying to oneself and being filled afresh with the Spirit, believers cannot effectively witness or make disciples. The conversation underscores the critical need for revival and a personal challenge to be a true burnt offering for God's glory. Join them in a heartfelt prayer of surrender, and take the first steps toward becoming a vessel for the Spirit's power in your life.   Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Key Takeaways    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 00:52 The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Church 03:01 The Power of Witnessing and the Holy Spirit 05:57 Daily Surrender and Empowerment 12:18 Living Sacrifice and Community Support 22:35 The Demands of Discipleship 23:14 The Reasonableness of Total Surrender 24:27 Living as a Burnt Offering 30:02 The Power of the Holy Spirit 32:17 A Call to Radical Transformation 37:42 Prayer of Surrender 45:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/  See Below for a longer description: Podcast Recap: S3 Ep. 2 – Life in the Spirit In this episode, Jason and Josh dive into a real, honest conversation about what it means to live a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. They go back and forth between light-hearted banter and weighty truths, creating a natural rhythm that feels both grounded and inspiring. They kick things off with a laugh, joking about how hard it can be to start episodes smoothly—before easing into the heart of the conversation. The big focus? The Church's need to make more room for the Holy Spirit—not just in Sunday services, but in everyday life. Jason shares how some churches unintentionally sideline the Spirit, joking about the tendency to worship “God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Bible.” Josh jumps in to remind us that real power—boldness, witness, and transformation—comes from the Holy Spirit. They unpack Acts 1:8, where Jesus tells His followers they'll receive power when the Holy Spirit comes. Josh points out a sobering stat: 98% of American Christians never share their faith outside their family. The answer isn't trying harder—it's surrendering deeper. Josh describes how the disciples went from hiding in fear to boldly preaching the gospel after being filled with the Spirit. He draws from Romans to say the same power that raised Jesus now lives in us—meaning we're equipped for far more than we realize. A key theme in the episode is daily surrender. Josh shares a vivid metaphor: believers “leak,” so we need to keep coming back for a fresh filling. They talk about how true revival starts when we lay ourselves down—day after day—like living sacrifices. They also explore the idea that you can't have Pentecost without Calvary. In other words, the power of the Spirit comes through death to self. Drawing on Old Testament sacrifices, they paint a picture of what it means to live fully surrendered—acknowledging our tendency, like a goat, to crawl off the altar. Community plays a big role here too. Josh emphasizes how we need each other to keep living that surrendered life—through encouragement, accountability, and prayer. Toward the end, they call out how the Western Church often gets caught up in debates and performance, losing sight of the simple, powerful truth: Jesus rose, and His Spirit lives in us. They warn against letting the flesh take the lead again and call for a return to Spirit-led living. The episode wraps with lyrics from a Casting Crowns song that challenge superficial faith and call for genuine heart change. It's a fitting close to a conversation all about real transformation—from the inside out. Jason and Josh finish with a heartfelt prayer, asking for the Spirit's guidance, power, and presence to shape every part of our lives. Bottom line: If you're hungry for deeper discipleship and lasting impact, it all starts with surrender—and the Holy Spirit is ready to lead the way.

Hosted by Pastor Jeff FiggsOriginating from GRACE FM in Aurora, Colorado, Calvary Live is a one hour program that answers questions about issues surrounding life, godliness, and living for Jesus Christ in our current ever changing culture.

Hosted by Pastor Jeff FiggsOriginating from GRACE FM in Aurora, Colorado, Calvary Live is a one hour program that answers questions about issues surrounding life, godliness, and living for Jesus Christ in our current ever changing culture.

Hosted by Pastor Ed TaylorOriginating from GRACE FM in Aurora, Colorado, Calvary Live is a one hour program that answers questions about issues surrounding life, godliness, and living for Jesus Christ in our current ever changing culture.

Hosted by Pastor Ed TaylorOriginating from GRACE FM in Aurora, Colorado, Calvary Live is a one hour program that answers questions about issues surrounding life, godliness, and living for Jesus Christ in our current ever changing culture.

Support the showFind us at! Calvary.us

Hebrews 3: The Heart of the Matter (Hebrews: Looking Unto Jesus) taught by Pastor Dave Rolph on 05-18-25.

The distance between an immortal God and mortal humanity ought to be insurmountable. But our God longs to dwell with us forever. He shows us that first in the Garden of Eden, he makes it possible through his incarnation, and at the end of everything, he promises to give us a new Jerusalem for eternity.

GOLDEN GODS Exodus 32 Unveils the tragic anatomy of idolatry: Only pure intent towards God can wait on God. If God be not our sole desire we will settle for something else, something less. Even something we claim to be Him. Aaron made a God from his own hands and presented it as Yaweh. They eat at the table of the Lord and then rise up to sin against Him. God has every right to destroy them Moses, as a type of Christ, intercedes for mercy even placing himself in their judgment. When confronted Aaron made little of his evil and excused it with a lie. Moses with holy jealousy burned the idol and cast it upon the waters. This chapter is a divine photograph of the kind of rebellion in our natural human hearts. We must remember that these are not pagans but pilgrims. These are God's people. They heard the thunder of God. They saw the smoke of Sinai. They tasted the manna of heaven—They had passed through the sea on dry ground. They saw Pharaoh drown. They stood under the pillar of fire by night and cloud by day. They know His presence and power. Even still, they made an idol of our own hands.  Waiting has a way of exposing the idols in their hearts. Their idolatry did not spring from ignorance, but from impatience. Only pure intent towards God will refuse to settle for anything that is not exactly Him.  And thus, the human heart is  revealed. And the sad truth remains— man would rather have a visible idol than an invisible God. Something we can control. Something that serves our interest. Something that we shape from our own substance. Behold Aaron, yielding to their desires, melting their gold and forged a god!  O tragic sight—the hands once anointed for the tabernacle, now fashioning an idol image! Aaron defended his spinelessness -  “I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.” He shifted the blame suggesting that idolatry is something uninvited, and innocent.  So often our rebellious heart seek to disguise itself in the garments of accident. So as not not take the full credit for out revolt. Can you believe that they named this idol Yaweh? Even today, men create their own way and call it Yaweh. Delirium!  Oh the evil of the human heart when it ceases to bow before the living God. The human heart, if it be not set upon God for God alone, will always forge a substitute. So often we settle for religion in place of relationship, we perform services that ignore the Savior. It is important to note that the golden calf is not merely an object—it is a theology: a God we can touch, manage, control. A god made by the manipulation of man for man.  A religion without the presence of God. Without the voice of God.    May we read and tremble. For this story is not an ancient Israel problem; it is alive in every age. John Calvin is famous for saying,  “heart is an idol-factory.” I like to say “The unsatisfied heart is an idol factory.” We learn from this instant that idolatry often begins when we are no longer aware of God's presence. When the soul is distracted from God's presence, it is tempted to shape a counterfeit—sometimes of gold.  When the soul wants something more than God it will not wait for Him.  It will recreate Him and move on without His presence and voice. In these days the idol takes the form of carnal desires, worldly ambitions, material possessions, success in ministry, self-absorption. But, while the people danced, led and defiled, Moses prayed. He pleaded with the Lord, arguing not with sentiment but covenant: “Why should the Egyptians say…?” “Remember Abraham…!” He speaks to men for God, but also to God for men. And herein we find a the cream of the chapter—a sacred shadow of Christ. Jesus has stood in the gap for us. He is our great intercessor. Moses prays “Blot me out rather than blot them out.” The echo of Calvary in that cry! Jesus is the final mediator who would come, not only to plead, to bear the wrath, and to restore a covenant broken by rebellion. Oh, that we would see our modern idols for what they are! They are not golden calves, but they are equally God-eclipsing. Some bow to the shrine of platform and ministry; others adore the opinions of men or the pleasures of the world. Even sound doctrine, when divorced from love and presence, is a lifeless image. Oh the great danger of—orthodoxy without intimacy! Paul the Apostle warns us in 1 Corinthians 10 that “these things happened as examples for us,” and that “we must not be idolaters as some of them were.” He does not speak to pagans, but to believers! To those who “ate the same spiritual meat” and “drank of the spiritual Rock.” He says, “let him who thinks he stands take heed, lest he fall.”And there is something more dreadful still - some early Jewish scholars believed that golden calf may have moved—animated by demonic power, or dark enchantment. Whether fable or fact, the truth remains: We empower what we adore. What we give our hearts to will rule us. And what we desire more God will one day mock us. Let us hold fast to the invisible, and refuse the golden glitter of lesser gods. Let us hate that which we make for ourselves and receive only Him sent from above. Let us, like Moses, dwell in the cloud, face to face with God, even when everyone else dances in self gratification. Let us, like Christ, be found interceding for the guilty, rather than condemning with stones. Let us cast down our idols!  Let not our ministry, our reputation, our theology, our pleasures, nor our own wills rise up to take His place. May we grind each competitor to powder and scatter them on the waters. For what we have made with our hands could never satisfy like He who made us with His hands. I once had a dream in which my eyes were fixed upon the lovely Lamb of God.  My heart was full of joy and peace.  I cannot describe the bliss I felt in looking at Him.  When I removed my eyes from him, and fastened them on other things, the longer I looked at them the more they gradually turned to gold. My kids, my wife, my house and books and friends. The most terrifying of all was as I looked at my own hands gold was slowly taking over my flesh.  I came out of the dream realizing that whatever takes my  hearts affection from the Lord will turn to gold and become an idol. I know that my heart, like theirs, is constantly tempted to shape gods of our own. Even now, our own selves can turn to gilded calves.  Yet amidst the ashes of rebellion, the mercy of God calls again—covenant restored, tablets rewritten, fellowship renewed.