Podcasts about Idolatry

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Pastor Levi Lusko joins Justin Roethlingshoefer on The OWN IT Show for a Holy Health conversation on health as worship (not performance), why the Church keeps falling into two extremes (neglect vs idolatry), and how “holy health” is ultimately surrendered health —built to carry your calling.In a world that turns “discipline” into the goal, Justin and Levi call out what most people don't see: you can quote Scripture, lead well, and still quietly run your body into the ground—until your peace, patience, and relationships begin to erode.This episode reframes the true metric of Holy Health: it's not your image, your biohacks, or your numbers—it's stewardship + obedience… because that's what builds long-term capacity.They also unpack:

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In this episode, Erin Warren and Rebecca George explore the biblical concept of turning from idolatry to surrender, emphasizing recognizing idols in our lives, understanding God's sovereignty, and practical steps to shift our focus back to Him. Keywords:idolatry, surrender, biblical truth, sanctification, God's sovereignty, Christian living, spiritual growthKey Topics:Understanding idolatry in modern lifeThe process of sanctification and spiritual growthRecognizing and confronting personal idolsThe importance of God's character in overcoming idolsPractical steps to shift focus from idols to GodChapters00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation04:18 Idolatry and Surrender: A Biblical Perspective07:22 Understanding Idolatry in Modern Life13:49 Navigating Longing and Waiting20:21 The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth24:16 Viewing God Through Our Circumstances30:03 The Radiance of Jesus and Our Response32:55 OutroSponsors:Ever AJ: If your quiet time often feels rushed or scattered, Ever AJ might be just what you need. They design beautiful, functional pieces, like thoughtfully made Bible cases that hold everything in one place, so you can sit down, open up, and actually be present. Check out Ever AJ here!Christian Standard Bible: With Father's Day coming up, I've been thinking about the men who've shaped me, leading with quiet faith, steady presence, and wisdom. If you're looking for a meaningful gift that points him back to truth, I love the Father's Day Gift Guide from Christian Standard Bible. Whether it's a Bible he'll read every morning or something to deepen his study, these are gifts that go beyond the moment and anchor his faith for the long haul. Check out the CSB Father's Day Gift Guide here!Live Oak Integrative Health: If you've been quietly carrying the weight of wanting to grow your family, you're not alone. Rebecca Belch at Live Oak Integrative Health walks alongside women through fertility challenges with a root-cause approach, looking at gut health, nutrition, and overall wellness to help your body support a healthy pregnancy. She's seen so many encouraging stories, including women who've gotten pregnant after finally getting the right support. If you've been looking for answers or just a place to start, this could be a beautiful next step. Learn more at liveoakintegrativehealth.com/radianceLinks:Speaking: https://www.radicalradiance.live/speaking Creative Business Coaching: https://www.radicalradiance.live/coaching Camp for Creatives: https://www.radicalradiance.live/campforcreatives Listen to Radical Radiance on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/radical-radiance/id1484726102?uo=4 Listen to Radical Radiance on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55N56VtU6q33ztgJNw7oTX?si=29648982bc91475f Take the FREE Waiting Personality Quiz: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/676d5c2884dd1e00159563f6 Take the Why Are You Stuck in Your Calling? Quiz: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/657326e6544f610014b40b67 Books:You're Not Too Late: Trusting God's Timing in a Hurry-Up World: https://amzn.to/44omO3kDo the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl: https://amzn.to/43IaFpMBefore Dawn: Knowing God's Presence in the Dark Seasons of Life: https://amzn.to/4pdsZjv 

Paul has been asked a question about eating meat that has been sacrificed to idols. In his response to the church at Corinth, he keeps bringing up their “Superior knowledge” about the subject at hand. Jews would have God's law concerning which food to eat and not eat, while the Gentiles didn't have any laws and ate whatever they wanted. Paul is comparing the stronger believer to the weaker believer and he tells the stronger believer that can't do whatever they want concerning eating this meat because it may cause the weaker believer to fall into sin! Then he really lowers the boom when he tells them that they should be showing God's love to the weaker believer which is a unconditional love.

What is standing between you and wholehearted devotion to Jesus? In this powerful message from the Half-Heartedseries, Pastor Joe Baker unpacks the Bible's warning against idolatry and reveals how modern idols—such as success, comfort, money, approval, relationships, and control—can quietly compete for our hearts. Through the story of Israel's repentance in 1 Samuel 7, we see that spiritual breakthrough begins when God's people stop managing their idols and start putting them away. This sermon is a call to repentance, wholehearted worship, and renewed devotion to Christ, reminding us that true freedom, victory, and revival are found when Jesus alone sits on the throne of our hearts.

We were made to reflect God's image in the world – but something quietly shifts when we give our focus, trust, and devotion to the wrong things. Idolatry isn't just an Old Testament problem. It's a modern-day reality that shapes us in ways we often don't recognise. Whatever fills our minds, captures our fear, holds our hope, and directs our lives – that is what we worship. And we become what we worship. Join us as Pastor Natasja explores the nature of idolatry – from the ancient warnings of Scripture to the subtle ways idols still ensnare us today. We look at how misplaced reliance, wrong thoughts, and drifting devotion can slowly draw us away from God, until we look but no longer see, and listen but no longer hear. Because freedom begins with recognising what – or who – truly holds our hearts. And the good news? We were made for more than the things we've been bowing to.

Idolatry is powerfully attractive, but at the same time it is deeply offensive to God. How should we treat the idols of our hearts?

Daf Yomi Chullin 39Episode 2347Babble on Talmud with Sruli RappsJoin the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LMbsU3a5f4Y3b61DxFRsqfMERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BabbleOnTalmudSefaria: https://www.sefaria.org.il/Chullin.39a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/babble_on_talmudFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Babble-on-Talmud-100080258961218/#dafyomi #talmud00:00 Intro 01:57 Slaughtering for an ovaid kochavim15:18 Mechashvin m'avodah l'avodah for chullin01:02:40 Conclusion

The word "radiant" reflects a profound biblical truth: those who look to the Lord reflect His glory (Psalm 34:5). Becoming radiant is not achieved by human effort, but by encountering the presence of God. This sermon outlines the spiritual progression of beholding God's glory, removing the things that substitute His presence, and reflecting His brilliance to the world.Key Points1. Remove God SubstitutesIn Exodus 32, the Israelites created a golden calf out of impatience. The human heart is an "idol factory" that frequently elevates comfort, control, power, or approval to the place of God. Becoming radiant begins with recognizing and renouncing these functional idols.2. Crave the Presence of GodIn Exodus 33, God offers Israel the Promised Land but states He will not go with them. The people mourn this prospect. True freedom from idolatry is evident when God ceases to be a means to an end and becomes the ultimate end. A promised land is worthless without the presence of the King.3. Experience God's CharacterExodus 34:6-7 functions as the "John 3:16 of the Old Testament." God reveals Himself as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. These divine attributes are not merely intellectual facts; they are realities meant to be intimately experienced.4. Respond in WorshipUpon seeing God's glory, Moses immediately bowed down. Worship is the natural, inevitable response to a revelation of God's worth. If worship feels difficult, the solution is not to try harder, but to pray, "Show me your glory."5. Be Ruined for the OrdinaryAn authentic encounter with God disrupts the mundane. It fundamentally changes how people work, celebrate, and live. True encounters do not allow for compartmentalized lives; they shift everyday realities and demand total transformation.ConclusionMoses served as an incredible mediator for the Old Covenant, but he ultimately points to Jesus. Jesus is the exact representation of God's being and the true radiance of God's glory. Through Christ, the veil is removed. By beholding Him, believers are progressively transformed into His glorious image.Calls to ActionIdentify and renounce the functional idols (comfort, control, power, approval) currently operating in your life.Shift your prayers from asking for favorable outcomes to asking God, "Show me your glory."Allow your encounters with God's presence to actively reshape your daily routines. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

2026-06-07 -Isa 44:6-20 -"The Absurdity of Idolatry" by Imperial Berean

Dr. Richard Caldwell addresses the subtle danger of idolizing pastors. Learn how to respect spiritual leaders and maintain a proper view of biblical church leadership without elevating men to a place that belongs to Christ alone.

Are we inadvertently worshiping church leaders instead of Christ? In this episode, Dr. Richard Caldwell addresses the subtle danger of idolizing pastors and explains how true Christian living requires a biblical balance. By examining scriptural examples from Acts 14 and 1 Corinthians, we learn that elevating leaders often stems from a desire to exalt ourselves. A healthy church recognizes that pastors are simply laborers saved by grace, and believers must esteem them highly in love for their work without elevating them to a place that belongs to the Lord alone.

Are we inadvertently worshiping church leaders instead of Christ? In this episode, Dr. Richard Caldwell addresses the subtle danger of idolizing pastors and explains how true Christian living requires a biblical balance. By examining scriptural examples from Acts 14 and 1 Corinthians, we learn that elevating leaders often stems from a desire to exalt ourselves. A healthy church recognizes that pastors are simply laborers saved by grace, and believers must esteem them highly in love for their work without elevating them to a place that belongs to the Lord alone.

Throughout history, mountains have held deep spiritual significance—serving as meeting places between heaven and earth, battlegrounds of supernatural warfare, and stages for divine encounters. From the Garden of Eden to Mount Sinai, from the transfiguration of Christ to the crucifixion, the Bible is filled with moments where mountains play a pivotal role in God's plan for humanity. But why? What is the deeper connection between these sacred heights and the cosmic battle between good and evil? In this episode of the Revelations Podcast, host Reagan Kramer welcomes pastor, author, and theologian Doug Van Dorn for an eye-opening discussion on biblical mountains, the divine council, and the supernatural forces that have shaped human history. Together, they explore how God uses mountains as places of revelation, how fallen entities have sought to corrupt them, and how Jesus' ministry strategically reversed the destruction caused by the enemy. Whether you're a seasoned Bible scholar or just beginning to explore the deeper spiritual dimensions of scripture, this episode will leave you with a greater understanding of God's plan and the victory we have in Christ. Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode: Gain a deeper understanding of the biblical significance of mountains and their connection to the supernatural realm. Learn about the concept of the divine council and how it relates to mythological entities like Zeus and Baal, and their connection to Satan. Reflect on the practical implications of understanding the supernatural worldview, particularly in terms of overcoming worry and trusting in God's control. Become Part of Our Mission! Support The Revelations Podcast: Your support fuels our mission to share transformative messages of hope and faith. Click here to learn how you can contribute and be part of this growing community! Resources More from the Revelations Podcast hosted by Reagan Kramer: Website | Instagram | Apple Podcast | Youtube "Rings of Revelation" by Doug Van Dorn "Giant Sons of God" by Doug Van Dorn "The Unseen Real" — by Dr. Michael Heiser Doug Van Dorn: Website | Instagram | https://www.facebook.com/dvd.vandorn.3 Giant Steps Podcast - Apple Podcast | Spotify Podcast Bible Verses Psalm 82:1 Isaiah 14:12-14 Ezekiel 28 Genesis 3:1 Ezekiel 31 Psalm 91 Psalm 24 Psalm 68 Daniel 4 2 Peter 2:4 Jude 1:6 This Episode is brought to you by  Advanced Medicine Alternatives Get back to the active life you love through natural & regenerative musculoskeletal healing: https://www.georgekramermd.com/ Episode Highlights [3:20] Significance of Mountains in the Bible Biblical events unfold on mountains, from Noah's Ark resting on Mount Ararat to the giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. [4:46] Doug: “"Mountains are all over the place. And the question becomes, why would that be? And that's where you need to understand first of all, that God is meeting with people on all of these mountains.” The "axis mundi," a concept describing mountains as divine meeting points, reveals their role as a bridge between heaven and earth. Mountains hold significance not only in the Bible but also in global mythologies, including Mount Olympus and sacred Native American sites. Isaiah 14 introduces the “mount of assembly,” linking biblical mountains to divine councils where heavenly beings gather. [5:10] Divine Council and Mythological Connections Mountains serve as the setting for the divine council, where God meets with angels and heavenly beings to rule over creation. Ancient mythologies mirror biblical narratives, with figures like Zeus and Baal representing the same rebellious entity—Satan. Mount Zaphon, recognized as Baal's sacred mountain, connects directly to the divine council and the spiritual battle against false gods. The fall of Lucifer in Isaiah 14 echoes the rebellion of spiritual beings, linking the serpent in Eden to later deceptions throughout history. [17:42] Eden and the Divine Council The Garden of Eden is depicted as a mountain, a place where heaven and earth intersect. Adam and Eve's use of fig leaves for covering may symbolize an early attempt to seek refuge in fallen supernatural beings. Satan's jealousy over humanity's God-given authority fueled his deception in Eden, setting the stage for spiritual warfare. The Edenic narrative connects to a larger biblical pattern of rebellion, redemption, and the ongoing struggle between good and evil. [24:01] The Post-Flood Rebellion and the Return of the Nephilim Following the flood, fallen angels were imprisoned in "gloomy chains of darkness," as described in 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 6. Despite this judgment, the Nephilim reappear after the flood, indicating a renewed rebellion by supernatural forces. Ancient texts, including the Book of Enoch, describe how 200 fallen angels conspired to corrupt humanity. The struggle between God's people and these rebellious beings continues throughout Scripture, reinforcing the need for spiritual vigilance.. [40:16] The Golden Calf and Idolatry The Israelites, fearing God's presence, attempted to worship Him through an idol, reshaping Him into something they could control. [41:02] Doug: “Idolatry is we're going to make that God that's up there come and be in this calf, so that we can somehow manipulate him because that's too terrifying for us.” The golden calf represented a common struggle—seeking to domesticate God rather than submitting to His true nature. Idolatry in all forms distorts faith, leading people to trust in tangible symbols rather than divine truth. Understanding this historical moment sheds light on the continuous human tendency to replace God with lesser things. [43:58] Jesus' Ministry and Supernatural Battles Each phase of Jesus' ministry strategically dismantles Satan's authority over the world. [48:27] Doug: “Jesus's ministry is a multiple phased attack on Satan, and you have to understand some cosmic geography, and some of the motifs we've been talking about here are also very helpful.” The region of Bashan, known as "the land of the serpent," becomes the battleground where Christ begins His campaign against darkness. Key moments—including His temptation in the wilderness, His healing miracles, and His transfiguration—symbolize a reclaiming of territory from the enemy. Through these events, Jesus openly declares war on the forces of darkness, establishing His dominion over both heaven and earth. [52:48] Jesus' Death, Resurrection, and Ascension Calvary stands as the cosmic mountain where Jesus' sacrifice defeats sin and death. Descending into Hades, Christ proclaims victory and liberates those who awaited redemption. His resurrection seals His triumph, securing authority over all spiritual forces. By ascending to the right hand of God, Jesus asserts His role as the ultimate conqueror over evil. [57:10] Practical Implications of a Supernatural Worldview    

A new MP3 sermon from Founders Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Church Leaders: How to Respect Pastors Without Idolatry Subtitle: 01 Straight Truth Podcast Speaker: Richard Caldwell Jr. Broadcaster: Founders Baptist Church Event: Podcast Date: 6/5/2026 Bible: Acts 14:12; 2 Corinthians 12:11 Length: 13 min.

“Why Aren’t You Catholic?” addresses the reasons some individuals hesitate to embrace Catholicism, including concerns about unanswered prayers and the role of saints. The discussion also touches on the perception of praying to saints as idolatry and the scriptural basis for understanding prayer as worship. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:26 – I'm Not Catholic because after years of prayer, research, and personal conversations, God Has not allowed me to become Catholic 32:58 – I'm Not Catholic Because Prayer to Saints seems to be a type of Idolatry. I believe scripture makes it clear that prayer is a form of worship.

I was recently reading about the Old Testament king of Judah named Asa. In Second Chronicles two, verses two to four, we read this about King Asa: “He took away foreign altars and the high places and broke down the pillars and cut down the Asherim and commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, and to keep the law and the commandment.” Asa was commended as a leader who did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord. As I read, I was struck by the fact that Asa modeled what it means for us as parents and youth workers to lead our children and teens well. We live in a world full of idols. As parents, we are given a unique position, responsibility, and opportunity to lead our kids into God's Word, teaching them how to recognize and tear down idols, while fostering their love for the One true God. Parents, teach your kids to tear down the idols that are derailing them from seeking the Lord and keeping His commandments. This is your high calling. 

Aled Cousins continues on our 1 Corinthians preach series this week looking Idolatry from 1 Corinthians 8 & 9.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE Speaker: Josh MitchellScripture: Exodus 32:1-6 Big Idea: Wholly Worship a Holy God 1. My heart is an idol factory2. Idolatry is God on my terms3. Worship God as He truly is

As part of our Above All Else series on the Seven Deadly Sins, Joseph Yasso teaches on greed — or avarice — not merely as a love of money, but as a disordered heart posture that replaces trust in God with trust in wealth. Through personal storytelling, Jesus's Parable of the Rich Fool, and the writings of Paul, this message traces where greed comes from, what it's really serving, and how simplicity, generosity, and gratitude can loosen its grip."Greed is the disordered hope that money can give us the security, significance and satisfaction only God can give. And it leads to a lack of faith, generosity, and gratitude, while also adding anxiety to our lives."What Greed Is NOT:- Greed is not wealth — it's not the same as having money- Greed is not enjoying good gifts — God made a world full of beauty meant to lead us back to him- Greed is not materialism only — it includes craving experiences, status, or comfort at any cost- Greed is not saving — stewarding money wisely is commended in ScriptureWhat Greed IS:- A condition of the heart, not the bank account- Functional worship of money as a surface idol serving deeper idols: Approval, Power, Comfort, or Control/SecurityThree Roots of Greed:- Injury from our past — money stories pressed into us by how we grew up- Idolatry in the present — money as a functional savior- Anxiety over our future — stockpiling against uncertainty rather than trusting God's provisionThree Antidotes:- Simplicity — hold things loosely; give, lend, and acquire less freely- Generosity — surrender ownership; let generosity reorder the heart- Gratitude — receive life as gift rather than grasping for more"We can recognize our excessive attachments in both our dreams and our broken dreams.""The line gets crossed when money stops being a tool in your hand and becomes the place your heart runs to feel safe." — Joseph Yasso"Money is a useful servant, but a terrible God." — Joseph Yasso"Many have called this the experience economy. We've gone from buying things to doing things. A sign of status used to be the logo on your jacket or handbag. Today it's the location of your latest Instagram post." — Josh Butler"Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status. Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you. Learn to enjoy things without owning them. Shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the kingdom of God." — Richard Foster"We can identify virtues like generosity and spiritual disciplines like simplicity not by percentages given, but by their yields in freedom, lightness and joy." — Rebecca DeYoung, Glittering VicesVerses:- Proverbs 4:23- Proverbs 21:20- 1 Timothy 6:7–10- 1 Timothy 4:4–5- Luke 12:13–34- Philippians 2:3–8- 2 Corinthians 8:9- Hebrews 13:5

Kyle Kauffman | May 31 2026 Worship is not optional. It is something every human being is engaged in on a regular basis whether we realize it or not. Worship is in some sense hard-wired into what it means to be human. The main question we must ask in our lives is not “Will I worship?” but “What will I worship?” And our daily decisions and actions in this life are giving an answer to that question over and over again. Idolatry was not just a temptation for the Corinthian believers living among all sorts of temples dedicated to other gods. It's a constant temptation to American believers living in a world that seeks to direct our attention and desires to anything other than God. As a result, worship is not just something we do on Sundays, but it is something we are engaged in 24/7 throughout our weeks. It involves all of life and it affects all of life. 1 Corinthians 10 is meant to help us see and experience what it means to find life as we worship God in all of life.

What does the whole Bible teach about which acts, attitudes, and attributes receive God's approval? In Lesson 30, Dave Rich shifts the class into Normative Ethics — the search for answers — and announces the organizing framework for the rest of the series: the Ten Commandments.Dave opens with a survey of biblical ethics summaries, from Ecclesiastes 12 and Micah 6:8 to the Golden Rule and Paul's charge to do all things to the glory of God. These summaries, he shows, are consistent with one another — and consistent with the Decalogue, which offers exactly the right level of detail to cover virtually everything the Bible addresses in ethics.The lesson centers on the prologue and First Commandment of Exodus 20. God's self-identification — "I am Yahweh your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt" — is not mere historical background. It is the ground of all obligation. Rescue precedes command. Grace motivates obedience. Israel's redemption from slavery is a type of the Christian's redemption from sin, death, and the devil — which means the rationale of the prologue applies fully to every believer today.The First Commandment, Dave argues, is not merely one commandment among ten. It includes all the rest. Every sin is, at its core, an act of disloyalty to God — a manufactured idol placed before Him. The commandment still confronts us. The names of ancient gods may have faded, but the human heart, as Calvin observed, remains a perpetual forge of idols. ★ Support this podcast ★

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In the powerful opening episode of the new series Mary in the Dock: Ordinary or Extraordinary?, host Greg Smith puts the Catholic practice of Marian devotion on trial. Are prayers like the Hail Mary and the Rosary, asking for Mary's intercession, and venerating her images really idolatry — or are they biblical, Christ-centered honor for the Mother of our Lord? Greg gives the strongest Protestant objections a full, fair hearing (sola scriptura, the one-mediator objection, and claims of late pagan corruption), then delivers a robust Catholic defense rooted in Scripture, the Greek of the New Testament, and the earliest Church Fathers — including evidence of Marian prayers from the third century, long before Constantine. Listeners serve as the jury in this conversational yet intellectually sharp courtroom-style discussion that tackles one of the most common stumbling blocks for Protestants investigating Catholicism. Whether you're a curious non-Catholic, a Protestant pastor wrestling with these issues, or a cradle Catholic wanting to explain the faith more clearly, this episode will challenge you to decide: is Mary simply an ordinary woman, or the extraordinary New Eve the Church has always proclaimed? SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who's curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

In this episode, we chat: What it's like when being single no longer feels like a problem to solve, a challenge to overcome, or something to trevail. In this episode, we discover the confidence, security, contentment, and PEACE that comes from arriving in singlehood and we confront the idolatry of marriage and relationships that... may be preventing you from getting there. What you'll learn in this episode: The difference between arriving in singlehood and treating being single like something to "get through" The 4 things that can indicate idolatry of Marriage and/or relationships The 4 things that indicate your arrival into singlehood (and contentment in it!) IG: @clearernotlouder

Join Stephen Streett in a compelling exploration of Ezekiel 17, delving into themes of disobedience and divine judgment. This lecture discusses the parable of the eagles, the vine, and the tree, highlighting the dangers of idolatry and the importance of contentment in faith. Discover how the message of destructive discontentment remains relevant today, inspiring a return to spiritual fulfillment and obedience to God.

In this episode, Douglas Wilson considers signs of populist unrest in the UK, California, and Alberta, reflects on Molech and idolatry from Stephen's speech in Acts, and reviews Glenn Reynolds's Seductive AI with warnings about deception, dependence, and worship. For more from Doug, subscribe to Canon+: https://canonplus.com/  

Send us Fan MailIdolatry is one of those Bible words that can feel obvious until you try to use it carefully. We live far from Baal temples, yet we still talk about idols constantly and sometimes we label everything as an idol until the word loses its bite. Derek and Alastair slow down and rebuild the category from the ground up, starting where Scripture starts: the Ten Commandments, the golden calf, and the question of what it means to worship the true God rather than a controllable substitute.—Mere Fidelity is a podcast from Mere Orthodoxy and is listener-supported. If you would like to support this work, become a Mere Orthodoxy Member today at http://mereorthodoxy.com/membership.Get 30% of the Baker Book of the Month, Classical Theism: A Christian Introduction, by going to: http://bakerbookhouse.com/pages/mere-fidelityApply for fall 2026 admission to Beeson Divinity School's MDiv and be considered for a full-tuition scholarship. https://bit.ly/beesonscholarships

In this Wednesday Live, I take you with me into some of the deepest and most painful questions many believers are wrestling with in their mental, emotional, and relationship journey. At the same time, I had an opportunity to bring some exhortations to encourage you in your healing and freedom! I address salvation OCD and […]

This sermon from the Celebration CA camp series confronts the idol of expressive individualism in modern Western culture. It explores the tension between the modern desire to constantly innovate and the biblical call to submit, imitate, and reproduce proven models of faith.Scripture References1 Thessalonians 11 Thessalonians 2Key PointsThe Danger of the "Spin": There is a strong cultural tendency, particularly on the West Coast, to take a functional model and immediately add a personal spin to it. This relentless desire to be unique can often hinder a church's effectiveness.The Fruit of Submission: True growth often comes from radical submission to authority. A group of men experienced decades of trauma healed in just four days by submitting entirely to scripture and trusted leaders.Imitation over Innovation: A pastor from the Midwest successfully implemented a leadership track by simply copying a functioning model exactly as it was, demonstrating that straightforward imitation often yields better results than forced creativity.The Thessalonian Model: The early church in Thessalonica became an exemplary model to all of Macedonia and Achaia. They achieved this not by innovating, but by strictly imitating the apostles and the Lord despite facing severe affliction.The Idolatry of Independence: The ultimate, unquestioned value in Western civilization is often personal freedom and total independence, which can severely hinder the advancement of the Kingdom of God.ConclusionThe church is called to be a unified body of imitators. By laying down the prideful need to uniquely innovate every aspect of faith, believers can experience the profound power that comes from submitting to God's word and replicating faithful, proven models.Calls to ActionReflect on areas where expressive individualism and the need for independence have hindered spiritual growth or leadership.Identify faithful, working models of leadership in your church community and commit to imitating them without unnecessary alterations.Share this sermon with other leaders seeking to build healthy, unified church cultures. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

Idolatry is more than just worshipping statues that don't and can't respond. This episode explains that it's a heart issue. 

Behold the Army of God - Part 3: Jealous Love ​Why is God jealous for your heart? The secret to spiritual victory. ​In this third installment of our series, Behold the Army of God, we uncover the most critical requirement for every soldier in His ranks: Exclusive, undivided love. ​God delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt—they were wealthy, healthy, and "harnessed for war"—yet they carried their idols with them into their freedom. This act of spiritual adultery posed a massive problem then, and it remains the primary obstacle for the modern-day church today. ​In this message, Pastor Mark A. Stroud explores the dangerous intersection of idolatry and spiritual fruitfulness. From the first commandment given to the Old Testament church to the stern warning sent to the church at Ephesus in the book of Revelation, one truth remains: We have abandoned our first love. ​God is not distant; He is pursuing us with a Jealous Love. He desires the fullness of our devotion, not because He is insecure, but because He knows that as long as we hold onto our idols, we cannot be effective against the enemy or fully glorify Him. ​In this video, we discuss: ​The First Commandment Mandate: Why exclusive worship is the foundation of the "Army of God." ​The Ephesus Warning: What happens when the Church loses its "first love." ​The Anatomy of Jealous Love: Understanding the Father’s pursuit of your heart. ​Practical Consecration: How to identify and cast away the idols hindering your effectiveness. ​Scripture Reference: ​Ezekiel 20:7: "...do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt; I am the Lord your God." ​Revelation 2:4: "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first." ​Ready to align your heart? Getting rid of our idols isn't just about giving things up—it’s about preparing ourselves to be productive, victorious, and fully devoted to the one who loves us most. ​#BeholdTheArmyOfGod #jealouslove #PastorMarkAStroud #firstlove #spiritualwarfare #ephesus #consecration #christianvictory #spiritualgrowth #idol #idolatry

Wherever you are today, this biblical meditation, narrated by Ben Little, offers a quiet space to pause and reconnect with God. Ready to run? Meditate on 1 Corinthians 10:14. Abide is a Christian meditation app that helps you experience peace and grow in your relationship with Christ through Scripture, prayer, and reflection. Try Abide free for 30 days and explore our premium, ad-free meditations here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

FAITHBUCKS.COM

Defending/destroying "democracy"?; Rights from God?; Declaration of Independence; Which "god"?; Who is YOUR creator?; Truth, and relating to it; Pennsylvania; Social Security "trust"; Voting?; "disciples"; First republic; American Creed; Democracy within a republic; Socialism?; Institutions within the United States; "IRGC"?; Knowing what Christ instituted; Founding fathers on "democracy"; Federalist 10; Social welfare through the state?; Signing up for socialism; Waiving access to rights by obligation; Logos (right reason) of Christ; Democracy - source of tyranny; Obey the Lord, or the majority?; Deut 16:19; Motivation for doing good - affirmation?; "People persons"; Knowing what the bible is really about; "Mystery Babylon"; Welfare snares; Deut 28:1; Reading the bible with Holy Spirit; Meditation; Deut 28:15; Deut 28:27 "botch" of Egypt = Leprosy; Contracting with government; "Israel"; Listening the voice of God; Preferring bondage to liberty; Love of receiving praise; Prov 1:10; One purse; Gathering with kingdom purposes; Seeking His kingdom and righteousness; Christ's "command"; Appetites for benefits; Your consent; Debt obligation; Democracy bad?; Changes during war; Who condemned Jesus?; US Nation of servants; "Vote" = Vow, agree with terms; Tree of Life; Remaining individuals; Binding by righteousness, love, sacrifice; Mt 7:22; Commandments; Blind guides; Accepting lies; Repentance = changing your mind; "Over justification"; Believing you are free; Rewiring your brain; Capgras; Listening to Holy Spirit - step by step; Humility; Admitting you've become merchandise - why?; Covetousness; Idolatry; Take responsibility; Forgiveness; Sacrifice; Intention for voting; Taking the journey back to God's kingdom; Loving truth; Voting in the kingdom; Votive offering; Bible - for government of, for and by the people; God's ministers; Melchizedek; Voting as part of the government; YOU are in the trust fund; No ruling over your neighbor; Only ruling over what you have; Buddy-system times 10; Jud 8:22; What's God telling you?; God is a giver of live; Family = autonomous unit; Undermining family; Your choice; Perfect law of liberty; Defending your right to choose; Covering for covetousness; Waiting upon the Lord; Forming/managing congregations; Listening to God's opinion; Is it a sin to vote?; Are you regulated by approval?; What's important to you?

Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 05/22/2026) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CARM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, and other issues! You can also email questions to Matt using: info@carm.org, Put "Radio Show Question" in the Subject line! Answers will be discussed in a future show. Topics Include: Praying in the presence of God/ What it means to be still and know God/ Heresies and false teachings/ Nephilim and Idolatry that would destroy the Messianic Line/ The Church and American Culture/Anti-Christian rhetoric promoting sin/ Socialism, an ungodly government system/ May 22, 2026

Message by Pastor Blake Andrews 

Wherever you are today, this biblical meditation, narrated by Tyler Boss, offers a quiet space to pause and reconnect with God. Do you feel trapped? Meditate on Psalm 135:15-18. Abide is a Christian meditation app that helps you experience peace and grow in your relationship with Christ through Scripture, prayer, and reflection. Try Abide free for 30 days and explore our premium, ad-free meditations here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

One survey found that one third of 11 year-old boys had gambled in the last year. Smartphones and gambling apps are now driving the numbers up among children and teens. As Christians we need to embrace a biblically-faithful theological perspective that not only informs our personal behaviors and choices, but which we can pass on to our kids as they grow up in a world that is doing everything it can to nurture them into a lifetime of gambling. That's what we talk about in this episode of Youth Culture Matters.

Andy Root is back, and this time he's got a fertility god on the cover of his book — which, if you've been paying any attention to his work, is not actually a detour. Baal and the Gods of More is what happens when Andy takes the background hum of economic critique that's been running through all his previous books and turns it all the way up, then runs it through First and Second Kings, Hartmut Rosa's theory of dynamic stabilization, Robert Gordon's economic history of the American special century, and Luther's commentary on the Magnificat, and comes out the other side with something genuinely uncomfortable and genuinely useful. The argument in brief: the church's anxiety about decline is not primarily a spiritual problem or a missional problem. It is a fertility cult problem. We have, like the Israelites under the Omride dynasty, decided that Yahweh needs a little help from the gods of growth — and we've done it so thoroughly that we can barely tell the difference anymore between faithful ministry and escalatory capital accumulation. Andy doesn't spare himself, or Tripp, or the emerging church movement, or the academic publishing world, or anyone who has ever refreshed their social media numbers and felt something. The conversation got real fast and stayed there. And yes, there is a Counting Crows footnote. Also: Tripp and Andy are going back to Bonhoeffer's house in Berlin in summer 2027 — two different tracks, one for personal and vocational formation, one for the theology nerds who want to read Bonhoeffer intensely and argue about it in his actual house. Go to BonhoefferTrip.com to get on the list to get info and early access to tickets. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Andrew Root is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary. Previous podcast visits with Andy include: Two Books, One Night: Finding Beauty in What We Can't Control with Diana Butler Bass & Andy and Kara Root Incarnation as Resistance Life Together in Turmoil & Bonhoeffer's Experiment in Community Resonance in an Accelerated Age Secular Mysticism & Identity Politics the Church after Innovation Churches and the Crisis of Decline Acceleration, Resonance, & the Counting Crows Ministry in a Secular Age Christopraxis with Andy Root Faith Formation in a Secular Age the Promise of Despair Join our upcoming online class – THE FUTURE OF RELIGION⁠ Tripp and Ilia Delio are teaming up for a brand-new four-week online class, ⁠The Future of Religion ⁠— for everyone who's read the books, asked the questions, and realized the faith they inherited doesn't quite fit anymore. Together they'll trace religion's evolutionary arc and map what's emerging on the other side. Includes 4 video lectures, 4 live Q&As (replays available), and a community of fellow travelers. Donation-based, pay what you're able (including $0). Live sessions start this month — register at ⁠www.thefutureofreligion.com⁠ ⁠⁠Theology Beer Camp 2026 — The God-Podcalypse — hits Kansas City October 8–10, exactly one month before the election⁠⁠⁠. Thirty scholars (Ilia Delio, Cornel West, Diana Butler Bass, Gary Dorrien, and a stack more), thirty God-pods, four post-apocalyptic stages, and the community everyone keeps telling us is the real reason they come back. Come find your people at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Beer Camp ⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 75,000 other people by joining our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 50 classes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Pastor Ralph Castillo continued the FREED series with a teaching on freedom from idolatry. Drawing from Jeremiah 2, Pastor Ralph traces God's grief over a people who abandoned Him for lesser things. The passage is startling in its intimacy. God isn't issuing a legal verdict, He's asking a relational question. "What happened between us?" He speaks in the language of a wounded covenant, the devotion of youth, the love of a bride. Idolatry, in God's framing, isn't just disobedience, it's betrayal. The quickest route into it is simply forgetting who God is and what He's done. The text calls us to respond to idolatry the way God does, appalled, heartbroken, undone. Jeremiah 2:13 gives us the clearest picture of why. God is a fountain of living water, and our idols are cracked cisterns that can barely hold what they promise. The sermon concludes by saying that in God's wrath, He remembers mercy. Like the father in Luke 15, He doesn't wait for us to close the whole distance, He runs.