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Friday Bible Study (6/13/25) // 2 Kings 21 // Visit our website: https://mbchicago.org Follow us to remain connected: Facebook: / mbc.chicago Instagram: / mbc.chicago TikTok: / mbc.chicago Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others To support this ministry, you can donate via: Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Website: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch DAF Donations: https://every.org/mbc.chicago PayPal: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but... 2 Kings 21 (ESV)Manasseh Reigns in Judah21 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Hephzibah. 2 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel. 3 For he rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah his father had destroyed, and he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah, as Ahab king of Israel had done, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them. 4 And he built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, “In Jerusalem will I put my name.” 5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. 6 And he burned his son as an offering[a] and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger. 7 And the carved image of Asherah that he had made he set in the house of which the Lord said to David and to Solomon his son, “In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will put my name forever. 8 And I will not cause the feet of Israel to wander anymore out of the land that I gave to their fathers, if only they will be careful to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the Law that my servant Moses commanded them.” 9 But they did not listen, and Manasseh led them astray to do more evil than the nations had done whom the Lord destroyed before the people of Israel.Manasseh's Idolatry Denounced10 And the Lord said by his servants the prophets, 11 “Because Manasseh king of Judah has committed these abominations and has done things more evil than all that the Amorites did, who were before him, and has made Judah also to sin with his idols, 12 therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing upon Jerusalem and Judah such disaster[b] that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle. 13 And I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria, and the plumb line of the house of Ahab, and I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. 14 And I will forsake the remnant of my heritage and give them into the hand of their enemies, and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies, 15 because they have done what is evil in my sight and have provoked me to anger, since the day their fathers came out of Egypt, even to this day.”16 Moreover, Manasseh shed very much innocent blood, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another, besides the sin that he made Judah to sin so that they did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.17 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh and all that he did, and the sin that he committed, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 18 And Manasseh slept with his fathers and was buried in the garden of his house, in the garden of Uzza, and Amon his son reigned in his place.Footnotesa. 2 Kings 21:6 Hebrew made his son pass through the fireb. 2 Kings 21:12 Or evil#mbchicago #2kings #BibleStudy #DanielBatarseh #mbchicago #mbcchicago #Bible #livechurch #churchlive #chicagochurch #chicagochurches #versebyverse #church #chicago #sermon #bibleexplained #bibleproject #bibleverse #bookbybook #oldtestament #explained
Before America had Las Vegas, ancient Greece had a Sin City of its own. During his thirty-five-year ministry, the Apostle Paul shined the light of Jesus Christ in some very dark places. But none was darker than the city of Corinth. Idolatry, immorality and sexual sin ran rampant. And yet, Paul not only took the Gospel to this den of depravity, he stayed for eighteen months in spite of heavy opposition. It's a testimony of great faith and perseverance, and Ron takes shares it with you today in his continuing series, “Paul: Surprised by Grace.”
Hayley and Deepak talk with Ellen Dykas about the problems of relational idolatry. What can you do when you turn an important relationship into an idol? How can you find satisfaction in Christ rather than a person in your life?31 Day Devotional on Toxic RelationshipSexual Sanity for WomenSex and the Single GirlHarvest USAArticle: Close Friends and Entangled Hearts: Dykas and Powlison.
Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley explores the concept of God's wrath as presented in Romans, emphasizing its righteousness and necessity in response to human sinfulness. He discusses how society often rejects absolute truths and the implications of idolatry that arise from this rejection. The sermon calls for believers to recognize the importance of glorifying God and understanding the nature of His revelation in the world. Takeaways: We can respond to hard sayings in the Bible in various ways. God's wrath is not capricious or irrational; it is a reflection of His holy nature. Humanity is without excuse for rejecting God's revelation. The suppression of truth leads to ungodliness and unrighteousness. Idolatry is a result of failing to honor God as Creator. God's wrath is revealed against all forms of sin. Believers are called to glorify God in their daily lives. The evidence of God's existence is clear in creation. Rejecting God's truth leads to futile speculations and darkened hearts. Understanding God's wrath helps us appreciate His righteousness. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.
Pastor Kyle walks through 1 Kings 18:1-40, challenging us to confront the idols in our lives just as Elijah confronted Baal on Mount Carmel, calling God's people to have wholehearted devotion instead of divided loyalties.
The book of 1 John ends with John mentioning a word that he hasn't used for the entire letter: "idols." How does this relate to the rest of what he has said? What is idolatry, why is it dangerous, and how do we root it out?
Sunday Morning Message - "Battling Idolatry: Lessons from the Golden Calf"In this Father's Day message from June 15, Pastor Kyle reflects on Exodus 32, focusing on the episode of the golden calf. He emphasizes the critical role fathers play, likening it to leadership, where rejecting passivity and leading courageously aligns with God's call. Pastor Kyle discusses the Israelites' impatience that led to idolatry, comparing it to modern forms of idolatry that divert worship from God to other aspects of life. He highlights the consequences of idol worship, the importance of prayer in seeking God's mercy, and the necessity of actively dismantling idols in one's life. The narrative showcases Moses' righteous indignation and intercession for the people, contrasting with Aaron's passivity, and ends with a call for repentance and restoration.Key Takeaways:We are all vulnerable to idolatry, especially during slow seasons or times of waiting.Idolatry often leads to further immorality and sin.Prayer is a powerful tool for intercession and experiencing God's mercy.There is an ongoing war for our worship.The only right response to idols is destruction and repentance.Discussion Questions:The sermon states, "WE'RE ALL ONE SLOW SEASON AWAY FROM MAKING A BUNCH OF BAD DECISIONS." Can you relate to this? Share a time when you were tempted to make poor choices during a period of waiting or uncertainty.How would you define idolatry in today's context? What are some common idols people struggle with in our culture?The pastor quotes Tim Keller: "An idol is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give." Reflect on this. Are there any areas in your life where something may be competing with God for your devotion?"IDOLATRY ANYWHERE OPENS THE DOOR TO IMMORALITY EVERYWHERE." How have you seen this play out in your own life or in society?How does Moses' intercessory prayer for the Israelites inspire you? In what ways can we cultivate a more passionate prayer life for others?The message emphasizes that "THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN AND WILL ALWAYS BE A WAR FOR OUR WORSHIP!" How can we be more intentional about directing our worship towards God in our daily lives?Practical Applications:Take time this week to prayerfully examine your heart for any potential idols. Use the "REPENT/REMOVE/RESTORE" approach mentioned in the sermon to address any issues you identify.Choose one person or situation to intercede for in prayer this week, following Moses' example of passionate intercession.Identify one area of your life where you can be more intentional about worshipping God (e.g., in your work, relationships, or leisure time).For men: Reflect on the call to "REJECT PASSIVITY AND LEAD COURAGEOUSLY." What's one way you can step up and lead with courage in your family, workplace, or community this week?
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This is our third and final instalment of our series with Orthodox theologian and friend of the Cupboard, David Goa. This series has focused on the topic of fundamentalism, how it is expressed within the church, from several sides. If you haven't listened to the first two episodes in this series, we'd encourage you to go back and take a listen to them before diving into this conversation. In today's episode, Todd and David speak of the challenge that encountering the living God presents to fundamentalism and how this challenge is hopeful for those professing Christian faith. Discussing the work of William Cavanaugh in his recent book, The Uses of Idolatry, we consider how encountering the living God is fundamentally unmanageable. This unmanageability can be experienced as distressing and fearful for people as it can be at odds with that which we assume is certain, is foundational, that which we may hold sacred. But in this place, we can come to understand the presence of God rather than our presumptions about God. We hope that you have found challenge and encouragement, perhaps, hope in these conversations. Thanks for listening. If you'd like to explore these ideas more, we invite you to read the books that these conversations have largely centred around. Minds Wide Shut: How the New Fundamentalisms Divide Us, Gary Saul Morson and Morton Shapiro, 2021 Wonder Confronts Certainty: Russian Writers of the Timeless Questions and Why Their Answers Matter, Gary Saul Mortson, 2023 The Uses of Idolatry, Williams T. Cavanaugh, 2024
The Strawberry Moon (June 10-11) carries spiritual significance for witches and warlocks. The Lord is against all new moon celebrations; which are linked to witchcraft and idol worship. A prophetic dream revealed an enemy attack symbolized by eaten strawberries. God's message: "Our 'vineyard' is targeted without repentance!" This isn't about rejecting the beauty of God's creation, but about discerning the spiritual forces at play during this potent lunar cycle that is celebrated and idolatrous. A call for repentance, exposure, and prayer for the body of Christ! **Podcast Chapters:** **00:00:00 - Warning: The Strawberry Moon & New Moon Celebrations** *Prophetic warning against celebrating the June Strawberry Moon and other new moon festivals.* **00:02:00 - Dream Warning & God's Message** *Details a prophetic dream about an enemy attack symbolized by strawberries and the targeting of our "vineyard."* **00:04:00 - Biblical Context & Dream Interpretation** *Explains the spiritual significance of the Strawberry Moon, referencing relevant scriptures and cautioning against internet dream interpretations.* **00:06:00 - Spiritual Significance of the Moon** *Discusses the historical and spiritual significance of the new moon; celebrations to pagan practices and idolatry.* **00:08:00 - Idolatry, the Queen of Heaven, & God's Judgment** *Explores the dangers of moon worship, connecting it to the worship of the Queen of Heaven and referencing relevant biblical passages.* **00:10:00 - Protecting Yourself & Repentance** *Offers advice on protecting oneself from negative spiritual influences and calls for repentance for those involved in new moon celebrations.* **00:12:00 - Lilith, Generational Curses, & Future Podcasts** *Introduces the topic of Lilith and generational curses.* **00:14:00 - Separation from the World & Imminent Judgment** *Emphasizes the importance of separating oneself from worldly influences and warns of God's imminent judgment.* **00:16:00 - Healing, Deliverance, & Resources** *Recommends resources for healing, deliverance, and further understanding, including FEAR NOT book and Heal my Soul Wounds Trauma Program.* **00:18:00 - Prayer for Protection** *Concludes with a call to repentance and prayer for protection against impending negative influences of new moon festivals and events affecting various aspects of life.* Blessings xo- PARTNER w/ Vertical Relationship Ministries ->https://meliadiana.com/vertical-relationship-ministries Melia's Services -> https://meliadiana.com/our-services Melia's Books ->https://meliadiana.com/books Melia's Prophetic Mentorship-> https://meliadiana.com/vertical-ambassador-mentorship Melia's Courses -> https://meliadiana.com/vertical-relationship-academy
Judges 6:28-30, "28 And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.29 And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.30 Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it."
Does the Second Commandment forbid Christian art? Or is there something deeper going on there? Join us as we explore a critical component to "the good life": access to the presence of God.1) The motive2) The commandText: Exodus 20:4-6
How does God's grace break through even in our failures? We look at 2 Kings 3 and how King Joram's half-hearted rejection of idolatry and King Jehoshaphat's questionable alliance leads to crisis. But God miraculously provides anyway. Listen now to hear how Jesus also makes us recipients of undeserved grace.
Listen along as we continue through Acts. Notes//Quotes: Acts 4:23-37 “If we allow the Bible to become fragmented, it is in danger of being absorbed into whatever other story is shaping our culture, and it will thus cease to shape our lives as it should. Idolatry has twisted the dominant cultural story of the secular Western world. If as believers we allow this story (rather than the Bible) to become the foundation of our thought and action, then our lives will manifest not the truths of Scripture, but the lies of an idolatrous culture. Hence, the unity of Scripture is no minor matter: a fragmented Bible may actually produce theologically orthodox, morally upright, warmly pious idol worshippers! - Mike Goheen John 17:20-23 ”We must have hearts that are harder than iron if we are not moved by the reading of this narrative. In those days the believers gave abundantly of what was their own; we in our day are content not just jealously to retain what we possess, but callously to rob others.... They sold their own possessions in those days; in our day it is the lust to purchase that reigns supreme. At that time love made each man's own possessions common property for those in need; in our day such is the inhumanity of many, that they begrudge to the poor a common dwelling upon earth, the common use of water, air and sky.” John Calvin 1 Cor 6:19-20
Idolatry is powerfully attractive, but at the same time it is deeply offensive to God. How should we treat the idols of our hearts?
SEND US A MESSAGE! We'd Love to Chat With you and Hear your thoughts! We'll read them on the next episode. The American Church is at a crossroads, with many wondering if revitalization or decline is on the horizon. As church attendance and cultural relevance continue to dwindle, congregational health is suffering. Urban ministry efforts are struggling to connect with millennials and their shifting views on faith. Meanwhile, the Black Church, once a beacon of spirituality and community, is grappling with its own identity crisis. Henry Louis Gates' work has highlighted the rich history of the African American Church, but what about its future? The Sinners movie may have raised important questions about Idolatry and Sin, but what about the role of the Church in modern society? In this video, we explore the complex issues facing the American Church and ask the tough questions: can it regain its footing, or is decline inevitable? Get ready for a powerful and insightful discussion w/ Shawn Crenshaw of The Biblical Conservative that will challenge your faith and inspire you to seek a deeper relationship with God.Support the showPlease FILL OUT THIS SURVEYHosts: Brandon and Daren SmithWebsite: www.blackandblurred.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/blackandblurredPaypal: https://paypal.me/blackandblurredYouTube: Black and Blurred PodcastIG: @BlackandBlurredPodcastX: @Blurred_Podcast
Title: Overcoming Idolatry by the TruthText: 1 John 5:19-21Chris HefnerThree Questions about Idolatry1. What are idols? a. Anything in our lives that occupies the place reserved for God alone.2. Why we must keep ourselves from idols? a. Who we are: children of God. b. Whom we believe: Jesus Christ, the truth. c. Where we're going: eternal life.3. How we keep ourselves from idols? a. Identify and repent of idols. b. Know and believe Jesus. c. Experience Jesus in corporate worship and personal devotion.
Wednesday night teaching by Pastor Darryl Hall of Lifewell Church in Garland, TX.www.lifewellchurch.comView Full Streamhttps://www.youtube.com/lifewelldGive Onlinewww.lifewellchurch.com/donate.htmlDaily Biblehttps://lifewell.flocknote.com/Twitterhttps://twitter.com/lifewelld
"Exodus, Exile and Redemption" is a study of the profound significance of Judaism's history. Written essays are published bi-weekly here. Please subscribe!This series is made possible by the Jacob Lights Foundation. To support this and other ongoing foundation initiatives, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Substack newsletter or making a tax-deductible donation via Zelle to jacoblightsfoundation@gmail.com.
Celebration Service Date: 01-06-25 Topic: Understanding Blessings and Curses Part 1 Preacher: Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Ebenezer Okronipa SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATION Jeremiah 30:19, Matthew 6, Isaiah 1:19, Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 30:19 UNDERSTANDING BLESSINGS Blessings are supernatural empowerment for people to do well (Proverbs 10:22, Ephesians 1:3) Knowing the truth sets you free UNDERSTANDING CURSES A curse is a pronouncement that causes people and things to fall (Deuteronomy 28:15-16) Curses can frustrate, dry up, and waste your life (1 Samuel 2:22-34, 2 Kings 5:25-2) Examples: curses on seed time and harvest (Proverbs 26:2) CAUSES OF CURSES Disobedience to God's voice (Deuteronomy 28:15) Idolatry and occult practices (Psalm 60:4, Exodus 20:3-5, Deuteronomy 27:15) Stealing and lying (Zechariah 5:1-4, Malachi 3:8) Stealing from God's house and men of God (Deuteronomy 27:14-24) Rebellion against parents (Deuteronomy 27:16) BREAKING CURSES Repentance Prayer Deliverance Fasting The Blood of Jesus[ The Use of the Holy Communion ] CONCLUSION Understanding blessings and curses is crucial for living a victorious life. Knowing the causes of curses and how to break them can help you live a life free from their effects.
Send us a textThe Big Three. Start here. Victory in Jesus in these three areas set the stage for victory in every part of your life. And so long as they go unaddressed, no other effort in Jesus' name can please the Lord. Take down the big three, and the adversary's team falls apart. Idolatry:Addressed by Jesus and Paul (Seen in I Thessalonians 1:6-10)Bitterness:Addressed by Jesus and Paul (seen in I Thess. 3:11-13; 4:9-12)Immorality:Addressed by Jesus and Paul (seen in I Thess. 4:1-8)Dailly Bible Devotional (Volumes 1 and 2):Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Sponsors: Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com Phone: 205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide MortgageWebsites: https://statewidemortgage.com/https://tylercain.floify.com/Phone: 813-380-8487
Idolatry is real and it is more destructive than anything we can imagine. Idolatry is believing that social media is actually social when it fact is is constantly tearing us apart. Idolatry is believing the number at the bottom of our bank statements is indicative of our true worth and value in the world. Idolatry is believing that if our kids get on the right team, or the right score on a test, or into the right college everything will finally be forever perfect. Idolatry is believing that the names on our bumper stickers are more important and determinate than our relationship with people who happen to have a different name on their bumper sticker. Idolatry is believing we can know everything we ever need to know about another person by what type of music they listen to. And God says, “I am tearing down your idols, I'm busting them up into a million tiny little pieces. Nothing can ever get between us.” Faith in the Lord is a crazy thing. Keep at it long enough, keep singing these songs and praying these prayers, and all the sudden the idols don't wield the power they once held over us. Faith is the antidote to idolatry. Faith, the faith gifted to us by and through the church, will keep us from putting all of our hope and effort in things that just aren't up to the task. Faith teaches us to cherish and build and rejoice in small things. Faith, which is just another word for trust, tastes like raspberries and cream, it sounds like Bach's cello suite No.1 in G major, it looks like the stars stretched across the night sky, it smells like freshly baked chocolate brownies, it feels like someone holding our hand when we don't have anything else to hold onto.
Have you ever been in a situation where you were trapped? When I was a child I remember crawling under a shelf in the shape of an elephant. There was a cool “cave-like” feel to the space underneath, and I had ventured there many times before, but this time was different. I had grown, and when I twisted myself into the hole, I realized I was not going to be able to turn around and crawl out… Panic set in as I felt like I may never escape this.. At that moment our family dog stuck her head in the entrance hole, and began bearing her teeth and growling at me, as she could not see who I was, but I was in her favorite place… I knew I was a goner! I was trapped, with no way out, and the one opening I could possibly make it through was blocked by an angry animal… This is what Idolatry does to us. We seek some sort of feeling or experience that promises to be fulfilling, only to find that it was a lie to trap us in a painful, dangerous, and shame filled cycle of giving into our sinful nature. Idolatry is the root sin that leads to every other. If we don’t deal with it at the root, we will find it very hard to avoid the traps. The beauty of God’s word shows us a way of escape even when there seems to be none, and reminds us that God Himself is on our side! Even if it means discipline to correct us, exposure of our sin to bring light to our eyes, or stepping in to do what we cannot and freeing us. His way’s are always for our good! Join us for a service this weekend to look at the idolatry of Israel that led them to become captives, just in the same way we fall captive to sin today. THERE IS FREEDOM FROM IT IN CHRIST! See you Sunday! -Pastor Ben Key Verse: Romans 8:5 (NIV) - "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." For Scripture, notes, upcoming events, & more: http://bible.com/events/49437895
In his message at TGC's 2009 National Conference, Tim Keller introduces gospel ministry through the lens of 2 Timothy, highlighting the critical but often implicit task of confronting idols. Drawing from Acts 19 and Paul's example, Keller shows how gospel preaching challenges both personal and cultural idols—ranging from money and family to truth and morality—by disrupting the systems built around them. He emphasizes that only the gospel has the power to expose, confront, and ultimately destroy these idols, urging pastors and ministry leaders to apply its truth for genuine transformation.
In this conversation, we sit down with Ben Greenfield- biohacker, entrepreneur, father, and follower of Christ- for his most raw and revealing interview to date. We dive deep into the evolution of Ben's life philosophy: from chasing peak performance to building a legacy rooted in faith, family, and simplicity. If you've followed Ben for his cutting-edge health protocols, this episode will show you the man behind the metrics- and how he's choosing the narrow road. This is a conversation about realignment, redemption, and what it means to live a truly optimized life- not just in body, but in soul.Ben Greenfield is a world-renowned health expert, New York Times bestselling author, and host of the Ben Greenfield Life podcast. Known for his pioneering work in biohacking and performance optimization, Ben has more recently become a voice for spiritual realignment and intentional fatherhood. He's the founder of Kion, a dedicated husband and father of twin boys, and a man on a mission to live—and leave—a legacy that goes far beyond fitness.What we cover:- The Dark Side of Optimization- Faith Over Metrics- Rebuilding the Family Home- Creative work as spiritual discipline- Raising children with purposeTimestamps:(00:00) Legacy and fatherhood shift (08:42) Family crest and constitution (14:15) Optimization leads to burnout (21:30) Morning routine and scripture (29:06) Idolatry of hustle culture (37:18) Rites of passage for sons (45:02) Marriage conflict and prayer (53:40) Faith over data obsession (01:05:50) Letting go of metrics (01:14:33) Living liturgically for legacy*** LINKS***Check out our supplement company - Noble Origins- 100% grass-fed beef protein with added collagen, colostrum and organs- Use code MAFIA25 for 25% OFF your orderCheck out our Newsletter - Food for Thought - to dramatically improve your health this year!Join The Meat Mafia community Telegram group for daily conversations to keep up with what's happening between episodes of the show.Connect with Ben:InstagramWebsiteConnect with Brett:InstagramConnect with Harry:InstagramXConnect with Meat Mafia:Instagram - Meat MafiaX - Meat MafiaYouTube - Meat MafiaConnect with Noble Protein:Website - Noble ProteinX - Noble ProteinInstagram - Noble ProteinAFFILIATESLMNT - Electrolyte salts to supplement minerals on low-carb dietThe Carnivore Bar - Use Code 'MEATMAFIA' for 10% OFF - Delicious & convenient Pemmican BarPerennial Pastures - Use CODE 'MEATMAFIA' 10% OFF - Regeneratively raised, grass-fed & grass-finished beef from California & MontanaFarrow Skincare - Use CODE 'MEATMAFIA' at checkout for 20% OFFHeart & Soil - CODE ‘MEATMAFIA' for 10% OFF - enhanced nutrition to replace daily vitamins!Carnivore Snax - Use CODE 'MEATMAFIA' Crispy, airy meat chips that melt in your mouth. Regeneratively raised in the USA.Pluck Seasoning - 15% OFF - Nutrient-dense seasoning with INSANE flavor! Use CODE: MEATMAFIAWe Feed Raw 25% OFF your first order - ancestrally consistent food for your dog! Use CODE 'MEATMAFIA'Fond Bone Broth - 15% OFF - REAL bone broth with HIGH-QUALITY ingredients! It's a daily product for us! Use CODE: MAFIAMaui Nui- 15% OFF. Use CODE: MEATMAFIA
Casey Jordan digs in to chasing the carrot of idolatry. This isn't new folks. Idolatry is as old as sin. It goes back to the Garden and along the way between then and now we encounter Jeroboam, an Israel King famous for turning from God and worshiping other idols. What can we learn from him and this story that is thousands of years old? It turns out, a lot. Tune in to week 4, our final week, of Chasing Carrots.
Pastor Collin preaches about idolatry. Idolatry is making anything but God the ultimate thing. Collin explains how addressing sin is less about treating symptoms and more about determining the root cause, and this cause is often idolatry. One pernicious form of idolatry is the seduction of success. Collin tells the story of Naaman being healed in the Jordan River, and explains how this story illustrates the simplicity of following Christ. The simplicity of following Christ challenges our idolatry of achievement and success.
How should we respond to the hardships of God's discipline? I. Help the weary and wounded, vv12-13. II. Pursue harmony and holiness, v14. III. Don't miss grace or grow bitter, v15. IV. Flee immorality and idolatry, vv16-17.
Romans Vol. 1 - Coming Under GracePaul shows that God's wrath against idolatry is expressed by giving people over to their own desires—seen most clearly in sexual sin—and that this is not merely a matter of personal preference but a rejection of God's design. Yet, the gospel offers hope and transformation to all sinners, including those caught in sexual brokenness, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace.Sermon Preached by Chris Lewis on May 25, 2025Foothill Church exists to glorify God by living as disciples of Jesus who make disciples of Jesus. https://foothill.churchLearn about our For the Sake of His Name 2-Year Discipleship Journey: https://foothill.church/FTSOHN
What happens when life's pressures tempt us to seek the help of "lesser gods"? In this sermon, we move from the end of 1 Kings to 2 Kings and see how King Jehoshaphat's compromises and King Ahaziah's idolatry led to devastating consequences. But God intervenes in all of our desperate moments to offer opportunities for repentance rather than judgment. Most importantly, we see how Jesus perfectly walks with God where these kings failed. Listen now and be inspired to choose God's voice over the false promises of shortcuts!
Have you ever heard of FOMO? It's the “fear of missing out,” and it's something we all experience in different seasons for different reasons. But what if you're not missing out at all? What if—even if you're not quite where you want to be—you're exactly where you're supposed to be? In this episode, Meghan Ryan Asbury will help you see that the life you have is the life you actually want. She'll equip you to cast off the pressures of comparison, mitigate the disappointment that comes with unmet expectations, and embrace the in-between of where you are and where you want to be. Spoiler Alert: You might be surprised by how much joy is available to you on this day, in this season! So, if you've ever felt like life is passing you by and you're falling behind, listen in, and get ready to build a life you love with the one you already have. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/351 Read the episode TRANSCRIPT in the show notes. Get my weekly email, Java with Jennifer, to be notified when a new podcast episode releases. Subscribe HERE.
Psalm 135 (NKJV)Andrew and Edwin consider the judgment upon, consequences for, and punishment of idolatry: we become like the idols. That is, we die. If we wish to live, we need to worship the living God.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here. Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org. Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here. Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=21460The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/
You naughtn't to look, missus, so you naughtn't when a lady's ashowing of her elemental.Topics in this episode include Old Ben's critique of Shakespeare, bardolatry, Shakespeare as a symbol of English supremacy, how Plato is like Charybdis, formless spiritual essences, seeing ourselves as others see us, the paintings of Gustave Moreau, and so much theosophy.On the Blog:Decoding Dedalus: Horseness is the whatness of allhorse. Blooms & Barnacles Social Media:Facebook | Twitter | InstagramSubscribe to Blooms & Barnacles:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
What is wisdom? What is righteousness? Who are the primary role-models in wisdom and righteousness in the Old Testament, and how do they point us to Christ? As we conclude our last episode in our Gospel Spice Proverbs series, Stephanie invites us to take a final look at what righteousness and wisdom truly are, and then we will gaze at the Face of Him who is our righteousness. We ponder perseverance and endurance in the faith in our struggle against lust--in whatever form. Make sure to check out the optional-but-oh-so-helpful mini e-book to go along with the series at gospelspice.com/wisdom On righteousness: Proverbs talks a lot about the righteous and the wicked, the lazy, the fool. It teaches by example—what is righteous by showing what is wicked. The moment you accept Christ, life does not become a stroll in the park. Perseverance in your faith is the hallmark of your faithfulness. Your authenticity is proven by your walk. The walk of faith is a slow transformation with lots of roadblocks and dead-ends and detours, many coming from the past – past idols trying to trip you up in guilt and shame. But you are a new creation in Christ. You are the Bride of Christ, pure and blameless and spotless and righteous—not on your own strength but HIDDEN IN HIM. If you think that conversion is a fast-pass to transformation, you are in for a deception. Faith is slow-cooked more often than it is pressure-cooked, though both happen. Righteousness is valuing God above all else. It means that ethics and morality find their source in respecting God as the ultimate worth. Righteousness is more than doing the “right” thing: righteousness is valuing God as ultimate in all things. Valuing God as ultimate in all things is the ultimate right thing, and that is what makes you righteous in His eyes. Our righteousness is exhibited when we too value and respect the worth of God without wavering and upholding it in all that we do, to the nest of our strength in Christ. In other words, We as humans are to practice righteousness towards the goal of obtaining it, knowing it is already ours in Christ. On wisdom: Solomon was the wisest king who ever lived, yet we have seen that he didn't end so well. The consequences cannot be overstated. Proverbs extols wisdom associated with a man who, by everyone's judgment, was considered wise and is so to the present day. Yet he failed to live by wisdom. The result is further affirmation of the testimony of the Law, that our hope is in One. Even so great a force as wisdom, when it is nurtured and embraced, cannot rescue us from the evil that resides in our hearts. Solomon's details and bad ending, moral of the story: even the wisest man, apart from Christ, is not wise enough. “The universal Voice of God was by the ancient Hebrews often called wisdom.” (A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God) “This habit of explaining the Voice by appeals to natural law is at the very root of modern science. In the living, breathing cosmos there is a mysterious Something, too wonderful for any mind to understand. The believing man does not claim to understand. He falls to his knees and whispers, “God.” The man of the earth kneels, too, but not to worship. He kneels to examine, to search, to find the cause and the how of things.” A.W. Tozer Folly is looking for an explanation in the dirt of the earth, under the sun. Wisdom is knowing that God will be found above the sun. And so, wisdom, the voice of God, calls and searches the one who wants to cultivate their spiritual heart. If you have ever experienced inexplicable loneliness, or otherworldly longing, or a feeling of awe and wonder, a moment of light and lightness – that is the Voice of God guiding your spiritual heart to find your rest in Him. On wisdom from above, in the Face of Christ Jesus: Jesus describes the wisdom that is from above in His Sermon on the Mount. Take the Beatitudes and write them in reverse – you will get the wisdom from the world: accumulate riches. Be selfish. Be on the lookout for Number One. Live for this world alone. Jesus is not offering an opinion here. Jesus never gives opinions. He gives truth. HE KNOWS. His wisdom is not from under the sun like Solomon's. His wisdom is not the result of his study of human nature or nature itself. Jesus gives truth because He is fully God. He is speaking from within the intimacy of the Trinity. His words are not opinions. They are truth. The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus' definition of wisdom that is from above. So, worship God, who is from above the sun. Worship Christ, the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature. This is taken from Hebrews 1:1-5, which tells us that God spoke wisdom through the Old Testament, in Proverbs for example, but that He went all out in Christ: "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs." ---------------Note to PARENTS--------------- We CARE about your family!! As usual, Stephanie brings in a fictitious character to illustrate our theme. This week's trait is lust. Therefore, the initial illustration, while not explicit, might not be for the youngest ears--unless you are ready to answer spicy questions about intimate relations. Stephanie's mention is brief, but an inquisitive little heart may pick up on questions worth asking! Decide for yourself when to best listen to the first 5 minutes of this episode! Make sure to check out the optional-but-oh-so-helpful mini e-book to go along with the series at gospelspice.com/wisdom MORE ABOUT OUR FICTIONAL GUESTS Over the last few weeks, we have sought to cultivate God-centered hope, faith and joy by pondering wisdom from the Book of Proverbs. We have followed fictitious characters who have role-modeled various options open to us as believers. Today, we will conclude our series by highlighting key takeaways from each one. Samantha has shown us what foolishness is, so that we could know what wisdom from above means. We have seen that embracing Wisdom will bring us knowledge and discernment. We have learned how wisdom undergirds our God-breathed process towards deeper hope, faith and joy. Brian has exemplified the danger of refusing to let God be God. We called this “spiritual adultery,” and discovered guilt that leads to repentance and restoration. We have chosen to embrace integrity and truth in order to enjoy a clear conscience. Brian has shown us that our quest is rooted in our identity. Jessica lived a life rooted in fear and anxiety. She is learning to replace them with faith and trust. With her, we have chosen to embrace faith, as it will lead to peace and serenity. She would tell us that God's love for us is where our heart finds its rest. Lauren's life moved from self-pride to genuine humility. With her, we have embraced a Christ-centered humility that leads to God-honoring gratitude. With Lauren and Jessica, we have pondered this truth: fear stems from a delated view of God; pride stems from an inflated view of self. Eve chose to move away from her self-centered lifestyle, and towards selfless love. She has discovered that true God-grounded love leads to compassion. With her, we have identified the God-given challenge of the Christian life: to nurture our craving for the One who will never disappoint. John's life was deeply rooted in self-destructive greed. Idolatry happens when we love something—anything—more than God. We are all guilty. We all rob ourselves of joy when we choose greed. Because greed robs us of joy, we choose generosity and a purpose rooted in hope, faith and joy. Finally, Lizzie indulged in a lifestyle of selfish numbing and comfortable little pleasures. She created for herself a bubble that isolated her from the real world God had been inviting her to take her place in. We pondered the importance of self-control as the means to the life of freedom that God has for us. Hope, faith and joy are the expression of this God-given, God-glorifying freedom. Through all of them, we have seen that, when we become serious about our intimacy with God, distractions, dangers and hindrances will come knocking. Our life is a spiritual battleground. Our hearts will either side with God, or with the enemy of our soul. Hope, faith and joy lie in the balance. They are the means to the great Reward of life itself: intimacy with God. Worship is the secret of a vibrant relationship with God. Worship is valuing Him as ultimate in all things. First, it means that hope, faith and joy will not grow in the soil of your life without cultivating a heart of gratitude. Also, it means that there cannot be true worship without complete surrender to God's sovereignty. That is spiritual wisdom. Surrender is not adopting a martyr's pose in submission; it is the glad agreement that God is right. Such faith is cheerful, joyful, and approving. Worship is embracing the truth that God is wise, and that we grow in hope, faith and joy under the shadow of His wings, His wisdom, His guidance. Make sure to check out the optional-but-oh-so-helpful mini e-book to go along with the series at gospelspice.com/wisdom We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ God's glory, our delight https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/ Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
Day 35 - 6 Verbs You Can't Avoid Jeremiah 1:1-10 Stop trying to rebuild what God already removed. God is making room for the new, but you have to let go of the old. Maybe your excuse is not an excuse—but an engine. Your insufficiency is the X that marks where you stop and Christ begins. Comparison murders creativity. Idolatry ruins ingenuity. You are called to something dope! You've never been a cookie-cutter anything. And remember this—God only anoints the authentic you. Group Discussion Questions “God only anoints the authentic you.” In what ways do we sometimes try to imitate others rather than walk in the authenticity of who God created us to be? How can we be more intentional about embracing our unique purpose? Personal Reflection Question What “excuses” have I been making about my purpose? How can I reframe them as opportunities to trust God more?
Idolatry is one of the primary things that hold the American Church back from following Jesus. The rich young ruler is told to sell everything because wealth was his idol, and he ultimately could not relinquish it. Following Jesus isn't about discarding things we own, but breaking free of the things that own us. To be a disciple, no earthly possession, status, or comfort can come before our relationship with Christ. Speaker: Mike Slayden
In today's devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef explains how Christ came to free us from self-worship.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, you can learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon Treasure That Lasts: Giving Up Gold for Glory, Part 6: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW
Week 1: SacramentsThe Lord's Table & Idolatry • 1 Corinthians 10:14-22Read 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 together. Focus on recurring themes, words, and phrases. As you reflect on this passage and Pastor Caleb's message, what are your initial impressions or takeaways? What stood out to you most?
Idolatry is one of the primary things that hold the American Church back from following Jesus. The rich young ruler is told to sell everything because wealth was his idol, and he ultimately could not relinquish it. Following Jesus isn't about discarding things we own, but breaking free of the things that own us. To be a disciple, no earthly possession, status, or comfort can come before our relationship with Christ. Speaker: Mike Slayden
SEND US A MESSAGE! We'd Love to Chat With you and Hear your thoughts! We'll read them on the next episode. The Shilo Hendrix controversy has poured gasoline on a division that needed no accelerant. Explore the alarming trend of "confronting culture" that we seem to be experiencing and its devastating impact on our society. There is a callousness that has been brewing for some time regarding the gaslighting and perpetuated ethnic idolatry in America. Have we lost our capacity for sympathy in the process? In this thought-provoking video, we delve into the consequences of elevating ethnic identity above human connection and examine the repercussions on our collective humanity. We'll be reacting to a video from Matt Walsh and sharing our thoughts on how he misses the point. Join the conversation and discover the importance of reclaiming empathy in our increasingly divided world.Support the showPlease FILL OUT THIS SURVEYHosts: Brandon and Daren SmithWebsite: www.blackandblurred.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/blackandblurredPaypal: https://paypal.me/blackandblurredYouTube: Black and Blurred PodcastIG: @BlackandBlurredPodcastX: @Blurred_Podcast
In the aftermath of Planned Parenthood's annual report showing record-breaking baby killings, Steve wonders what the post-Roe pro-life industry's plan actually is. Then, Cliff Maloney of the PA Chase joins the program to discuss the new frontier of ballot chasing and what to do about it. In Hour Two, Idolatry or Not includes responses to Steve's thoughts on Trump's effort to bring down the cost of prescription drugs. Finally, Pop Culture Tuesday is a Todd rant on the sorry state of collegiate athletics. TODAY'S SPONSORS: RELIEF FACTOR: VISIT https://www.relieffactor.com/ OR CALL 800-4-RELIEF PREBORN: https://give.preborn.com/preborn/media-partner?sc=IABSD0123RA BEAM: https://shopbeam.com/products/sleep-powder?discount=steve&variant=40436356710455&selling_plan=787415095&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=sponsorship&utm_campaign=steve and use code STEVE at checkout FIELD OF GREENS: https://brickhousenutrition.com/ use promo code STEVE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today, Stephanie invites us to discover the wisdom and peace that come from being deeply immersed in God's Word, learning to frame our lives from His perspective, and embracing the power of “dreaming small” in a world obsessed with performance, productivity, and success. She invites us to dream small, because we serve a big God. She begins by reflecting on the abundance of Christian resources addressing contemporary anxieties—productivity, body image, success—yet she points out many solutions don't truly immerse us in Scripture. She urges us to ask, “What does God say about these issues?” When we view our lives through God's eyes, many problems become smaller and less urgent. Immersion in Scripture doesn't only heal us; it often prevents problems from taking root in the first place. When we passionately pursue God, our unhealthy attachments and distractions are “pushed to the periphery.” Making God our central “affection” leads to a natural displacement of the lesser things demanding our attention. It's what Thomas Chalmers calls the “expulsion power of a new affection”, Stephanie shares her journey from aspiring to “dream big”—as culture demands—to finding relief and purpose in “dreaming small.” This isn't about stifling ambition, but about setting aside others' expectations and enjoying God's bigness by being “comfortably nestled” in our own smallness. True success, she argues, isn't found in big achievements, but in daily delighting in God. She challenges common cultural idols: · Anxiety: Rooted in control issues; cured by deeply trusting God's sovereignty. · Body Image: Healed by adopting God's view of our bodies, rather than striving for ever-changing cultural standards. · Productivity & Performance: Our society idolizes doing more and being at the top, but Jesus offers rest; God calls us to steward well, but not to endless striving. Scripture encourages letting go of measuring worth by output or appearance and instead valuing peace, humility, and unbroken fellowship with God. God often calls us to faithfulness in small, seemingly mundane opportunities. Life-changing moments may never arrive, or they may find us unprepared if we haven't practiced with the “little things.” God's kingdom often advances not through grand gestures, but through humble, everyday obedience. Lasting change is God's work. Desiring God and framing our priorities around Him requires deep, slow transformation—a “renewing of the mind” (Romans 12:2)—which happens through soaking in God's Word and presence. Only then are we freed from endless striving to embrace peace and joy anchored in Christ. Stephanie encourages us to let go of chasing worldly standards of success, productivity, and performance. Instead, pursue deeper intimacy with God through Scripture—allowing Him to redefine what truly matters, transform your mind, and fill your life with the peace, love, and humility that only He can give. Dream small, because you serve a big God. We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ God's glory, our delight https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/ Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
Steve discusses North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis' overt rejection of Trump's nominee for U.S. attorney for D.C. and why people like him are legion within the GOP. Then, Oklahoma education chief Ryan Walters joins the program to discuss his ongoing efforts in the Sooner State to improve education opportunities for students and what he's up against. In Hour Two, Idolatry or Not reacts to an essay written by a pastor in Ohio regarding the "validation thirst trap" phenomenon among right-wing men. Finally, Pop Culture Tuesday is Steve's review of "Sinners." TODAY'S SPONSORS: BIRCH GOLD: Text STEVE to 989898 REAL ESTATE AGENTS I TRUST: https://realestateagentsitrust.com/ SELECT QUOTE: https://life.selectquote.com/termlife?sCode=HATQTRUST & WILL: Protect what matters most in minutes at https://trustandwill.com/?utm_source=arm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q32023&utm_content=deace and get 10% off plus free shipping PATRIOT MOBILE: https://patriotmobile.com/STEVE or call 972-PATRIOT for your FREE MONTH of service Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices