Podcasts about Idolatry

Verse by verse 

Can governments do whatever they want to do-- Can they take all your money at gunpoint-- Can they confiscate your children-- Can they engage in genocide at will-- Or is there a point at which they violate God's law-- The rise of statism or the embracing of the god-state has been devastating to the country and has affected the church and church leaders in the modern world. The question as to whether God is God or the state is God is an important one. Here are seven statist sins committed by the state today, and too often Christians become willing accomplices.--This program includes---1. The World View in 5 Minutes -Trump called DeSantis' pro-life Heartbeat Law -terrible-- Former Christian clerk fined -100,000 over sodomite -marriage- licenses, Earth's largest Lithium discovery in supervolcano---2. Generations with Kevin Swanson

The words for today are: Jocular, Idolatry, Vex, Glower VictorPrep's vocab podcast is for improving for English vocabulary skills while helping you prepare for your standardized tests! This podcast isn't only intended for those studying for the GRE or SAT, but also for people who enjoy learning, and especially those who want to improve their English skills. I run the podcast for fun and because I want to help people out there studying for tests or simply learning English. The podcast covers a variety of words and sometimes additionally covers word roots. Using a podcast to prep for the verbal test lets you study while on the go, or even while working out!  If you have comments or questions and suggestions, please send me an email at sam.fold@gmail.com

Open Forum – Questions Covered: 13:07 – In John it mentions 7 miracles. Did Jesus perform more miracles than recorded since Nicodemus recalls many miracles early on? 15:42 – What evidence do we have that the deuterocanonical books are a part of the original bible? 24:33 – Is Elijah in heaven? 34:06 – Does protestant baptism incorporate others into the Catholic Church? 45:15 – How are images and icons not idolatry? …

A new MP3 sermon from Generations Radio is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Statist Sins, Capital Vices of Civil Government - Accomplices to Statist Idolatry Subtitle: Accomplices to State Idolatry Speaker: Kevin Swanson Broadcaster: Generations Radio Event: Radio Broadcast Date: 9/20/2023 Length: 38 min.

A. Lamenting the Extensiveness of Idolatry. B. Lamenting the Expansiveness of Idolatry.

Real Christians would never worship idols... or would they? The answer may surprise you. Join us as we discuss.Hosts: Andy and Tina Hayner

Support the show

The following episode is a live recorded sermon from the Sunday gathering at The Heights Church Denver on 09/18/23 1 Corinthians 10 | Our Messy Life Together Corbin Hobbs Throughout the New Testament, we see a beautiful vision laid out for the church. A community of mutual love, care, healing, and devotion that ensures, as Acts chapter 2 states, “there was not a needy person among them.” However, it doesn't take long to look around and see a disconnect between the biblical vision for the church and the sad reality that these communities are often messy and broken. 1 Corinthians is, in many ways, a love letter to a messy community. A community full of broken people that are trying to follow Jesus together. What we see is that God doesn't abandon his church when things get messy -- but rather he leans in and calls them to something better. For more information about The Heights Church, or to contact us, visit our website at TheHeightsDenver.com

Drew Bennett | I & II Samuel: God's Presence

In this episode we talk about idols. Idols are defined as: "an image or representation of a god used as an object of worship". Whether we know it or not, anytime we put things or even people above God, we've made it an idol. We started off talking about The Cross and how it can be potentially idolized. Then we started to look at our lives and all the things that we may give our attention to. Highlights:-Is the cross an idol?-Tattoos-Pride-Social Media-Wedding Rings/MarriageGuests (Instagram):Lex: @ TheRoyalArtisteTari: @ Xarcito

Do you know the biblical story? What role does the Kingdom of God play in that story? How has the modern church in America become culturally irrelevant? What is the modern Western story and how does it absorb many of our salvation stories? And what is the Gospel? These are just some of the questions that Mike and Travis talk about today. Dr. Goheen, drawing on the work of Lesslie Newbigin, takes us into the heart of Western culture showing us that while the Western culture has brought many advances, it has also brought many dangers that are a threat to the propagation of the Christian faith. You will learn more about how we got to his place of having a secular society, the myth of objective secularism, and be able to identify many of the idolatries at work in the West and in the church. Mike also gives us a vision of the story of God's already/but not yet doctrine of the kingdom and our salvation. All of this and more can be found in Mike's book, The Church and Its Vocation: Lesslie Newbigin's Doctrine of Ecclesiology (Baker, 2018).Dr. Mike Goheen began his professional life as a church planter in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and pastor in the Toronto area. Then, for over two decades, he taught worldview studies, biblical theology, and missiology at Dordt College, Redeemer University College, Trinity Western University, Regent College, and Calvin Theological Seminary. For most of that time, he has held part-time pastoral and preaching positions in local congregations. Presently, he splits his time between Vancouver, Canada, and Phoenix, Arizona, where he directs the theological education program at the Missional Training Center (MTC). He also serves as scholar-in-residence for Surge Network of churches in Phoenix.Mike has authored, co-authored, or edited twelve books, including Introducing Christian Mission Today: Scripture, History, and Issues (IVP, 2014), and A Light to the Nations: The Missional Church and the Biblical Story (Baker, 2011). He spends time each year in Brazil, Chile, and Hungary training pastoral leaders.Mike has been married to Marnie since 1979. They have four married children and eleven grandchildren.Learn more about Mike and the Missional Training Center and check out his books.Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

Steve reacts to Donald Trump's interview with Megyn Kelly and says those continuing to coddle the former president's failures on COVID are doing him a disservice. Then, Dr. Pierre Kory joins the program to discuss the brand-new COVID MRNA jabs. In Hour Two, Theology Thursday is a study of Psalm 11. Finally, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis joins the show to discuss Florida's bucking of the federal government with its new COVID jab guidance.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Had a grand talk with my mom last week. Turning philosophical it was about the organ of vision, the sensus divinitatis, that characterizes human nature; we cannot help but spectate about transcendence. This episode's latter half touches on ancient copyists errors in the process of biblical formation; concerning truth it's better to be frank than pompous (re. covering up embarrassments). I also variously muse about politicians who go vacant in front of cameras, what to do when you're outgunned in a conversation, and how the Dems might play 81million's next roll out. Come laugh and think with me.

Idolatry might seem like something that ancient peoples of the Bible struggled with, but it might surprise you to find it lurking in your own life. Today Amy asks us to really think through the important commandment of having NO other gods before the one true God. References: Exodus 20:3-6; 1 John 5:21; Matthew 22:37-40; Ephesians 5:5-11; Colossians 3:5-6; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:6-8; Galatians 5:19-26; Romans 8:1; Romans 5:8-11; Jeremiah 24:7; 1 John 1:9 Contact us: devotedpodcast@atheycreek.com women@atheycreek.com https://atheycreek.com/ministries/women Follow us on IG: @atheywomen @ammcreynolds

We all know that cultures such as those in India have their own pantheon of false gods that we often think of as statues, but idolatry is more than the worship of statues. And demons are not only at work in Majority World cultures. Idolatry and the demonic are just as much at work in our Western culture, they just go by more socially acceptable names. In the West, we have idols of materialism, consumerism, unbridled autonomy, technology, and the like. The demonic work through them just as much as he does through statues and witch doctors. Dr. Goheen, drawing on the work of Lesslie Newbigin, takes us into the heart of Western culture showing us that while the Western culture has brought many advances, it has also brought many dangers that are a threat to the propagation of the Christian faith. You will learn more about how we got to his place of having a secular society, the myth of objective secularism, and be able to identify many of the idolatries at work in the West and in the church. Mike also gives us a vision of the story of God's already/but not yet doctrine of the kingdom and our salvation. All of this and more can be found in Mike's book, The Church and Its Vocation: Lesslie Newbigin's Doctrine of Ecclesiology (Baker, 2018).Dr. Mike Goheen began his professional life as a church planter in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and pastor in the Toronto area. Then, for over two decades, he taught worldview studies, biblical theology, and missiology at Dordt College, Redeemer University College, Trinity Western University, Regent College, and Calvin Theological Seminary. For most of that time, he has held part-time pastoral and preaching positions in local congregations. Presently, he splits his time between Vancouver, Canada, and Phoenix, Arizona, where he directs the theological education program at the Missional Training Center (MTC). He also serves as scholar-in-residence for Surge Network of churches in Phoenix.Mike has authored, co-authored, or edited twelve books, including Introducing Christian Mission Today: Scripture, History, and Issues (IVP, 2014), and A Light to the Nations: The Missional Church and the Biblical Story (Baker, 2011). He spends time each year in Brazil, Chile, and Hungary training pastoral leaders.Mike has been married to Marnie since 1979. They have four married children and eleven grandchildren.Learn more about Mike and the Missional Training Center and check out his books.Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

In this episode, the Chris Hilken shares a conversation he had with an FBI agent about crime scenes and the questions they ask. He explores the various ways we define ourselves as individuals and the multitude of personality tests that have become so popular. Chris discusses his experience leading premarital classes and the interesting phenomenon of couples having lists of qualities they desire in a partner.This episode will bring light to any dad hoping to grow as a husband. Join the free community: https://connect.dadtired.com/Shop the Dad Tired Store: https://shop.dadtired.com/We are a non-profit supported by our community. Help us keep going by partnering with us here: https://www.dadtired.com/donateWe are starting to put all our episodes on YouTube. You can watch those here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbOt8vnHUg8LAfxU8eMbgqwI love you, guys. In your corner.- JerradTime Stamps: [00:01:07] Defining ourselves through lists.[00:05:52] Idolatry explained.[00:08:45] Three categories of idolatry.[00:11:46] Three common idols of the human heart.[00:15:02] Coping with control idol.[00:17:30] The power of idols.[00:21:26] Money, power, and sex.[00:23:02] Insecurity and desire for validation.[00:26:19] Idolizing power and control.[00:29:28] Idols in marriage.

Romans 1:18-32 // Jonathan NeefAs counterintuitive as it may seem sometimes the worst thing that can happen to us is for us to get what we want. Our desires are so strong it can be blinding but when we finally get it, it can lead to death. Today's passage will reveal how God gave us over to what we want but now we are in desperate need of a rescue. Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49132475 Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new23.09.10

MEligion is when your faith is all about you. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how to ensure that you are not worshipping MEsus. When we engage in MEligion, we are worshipping MEsus. MEligion is idolatry. What is idolatry?An idol is anything or anyone we allow to take the place of God in our lives.Exodus 20:3 First commandment: You shall have no other gods before me or beside me.God doesn't want to be one of many, He wants to be your one and only. Worship is Attention, Affection, and Action."A person will worship something, have no doubt about that. We may think our tribute is paid in secret in the dark recesses of our hearts, but it will come out. That which dominates our imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives, and our character. Therefore, it behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshipping, we are becoming."― Ralph Waldo Emerson (19th Century American Philosopher) How do we defeat idolatry?Engage your blades! Cut down those things in your life that replace the Lord—especially yourself. Deuteronomy 12:1-3 Three blades to engage so you don't worship Mesus:1. Engage your focus.Mark 12:29-31 Jesus replied, "The most important commandment is this: 'Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." Current world population is just under 8.1 billion people. God loves you, and He is interested in you. If He were interested in only you, He would have created only you.Philippians 2:4 NLT "Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too." 2. Engage your humility.Humility is accurately determining who is really in charge. Understanding authority is key to humility. We can only do something good because He first did something good for us.Philippians 2:3 NLT "Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.We are to act as if others are better, not think they actually are better. James 4:6b NLT "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."Humility turns God from your adversary to your advocate. 3. Engage your service.Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."Service is God's pathway to our purpose. You won't be happy until you're helping.We assume that in order to be happy we have to focus on ourselves, when all along God wired us for happiness through helping others.Matt 25:37-40Engage the blade of service and watch selfishness turn into selflessness.  Are you worshipping MEsus?

In the Old Testament, King Josiah is grieved by the idolatry of the people and goes to work cleansing the temple of God. Fast forward to today, the Bible reveals that Christians are now the temple where the Holy Spirit dwells. Is it time for us to cleanse the temple?

How to Help a Hurting Marriage: Idols of the Heart (part 4) :: [Ep. 180]When something is valuable, we guard it. We protect it. Your heart is something of huge value and God says guard it! If we are not on guard or careful, it is so easy to let things - other than God - become our priority and focus. When we have things in our life that have taken God's place and have let things rule us other than God...that makes us an idolator. And if we are struggling with Idolatry, our marriage WILL innevitably suffer! VowsToKeep is in week 4 of our series How to Help a Hurting Marriage. We will highlight common idols of the heart and how to better guard our hearts against these idols. Come join us!After you listen, come back and read our corresponding Blog article to learn more!https://www.vowstokeep.com/post/how-do-i-get-what-i-want-in-my-marriageSupport the showFor more marriage encouragement, visit: www.VowsToKeep.com | V2K Blog | Marriage Counseling | Insta | FBApple Podcast listener? Would you consider leaving us a review, as this helps more couple's to find our resources?! Leave your review HERE.

In this message Pastor Trenton Dorner teaches from Daniel 3:13-28. We fight the idolatry of our hearts by fighting to believe that Jesus is better. That is what we explore in this sermon. Let us know what stood out to you from the message in the comments below

Romans 1:18-25 // Ben BeasleyOur passage gives us three reasons why we need to be rescued. And that we need to be rescued from the things that God's wrath is directed against. When we refuse to acknowledge God for who He is, when our gratitude goes somewhere else when we show a lack of gratitude, or when we give our attention to false idols or counterfeit gods. Paul's claim here is that if we refuse to acknowledge God as the creator…then our gratitude is inclined to go somewhere other than to God. Paul is essentially saying: that if you don't start with God. If you don't start with the reality that God made the world….Then you are doomed from the beginning. What Paul is alluding to, is that sin from the beginning of its entrance into the world continues on the path of self-deception.Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49128953 Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2509/responses/new23.09.03

Romans 1:18-23 // Nathan MillerThe gospel is God's power to save us. What Jesus did for us. Not only are we rescued from God's wrath. Which is amazing enough. When Jesus died, He suffered all the wrath I deserve. He took all that upon Himself. So that anyone who is with Jesus, is forever protected from the wrath of God. But we are not just rescued from His wrath. We are also rescued from the things that cause His wrath. We don't have to live like that anymore! We don't have to run from God. We don't have to invent the good life on our own. We don't have to give our lives to that which will never fully satisfy. Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49128954 Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new 23.09.03

Romans 1:18-25 // Nydiaris Hernández-SantosSermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49128952 Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new23.09.03

Romans 1:18-25 // Brooks NesseSermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49128950 Prayer Requests:  https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2546/responses/new23.09.03

Andrew is Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the Association of Religion Data Archives (theARDA.com) at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at IUPUI, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Here'sAndrew's SubstackHis first book in 2020, Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States, with Samuel Perry, was a data-heavy sociological book that was, in their words, "the first comprehensive empirical analysis of Christian nationalism in the United States."Andrew's new book, American Idolatry, is a more personal look at Christian nationalism. It's still written with the rigor of an academic, but it conveys Andrew's personal convictions about what the Christian faith teaches and asks of its adherents, and how Christian nationalism "betrays the gospel and threatens the church."Andrew is a Christian who writes of his upbringing in small-town conservative America, going to church every week. And he says that when he learned the history of Emperor Constantine, he wondered "was it God's plan all along to win over the most powerful person in the world at that time to ... help Christianity flourish?" And he also wondered, "Why didn't Jesus use this same tactic and embrace imperial power?"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we're honored to have Dr. Andrew Whitehead, a leading sociologist and esteemed author, join us for an enlightening discussion about his newest book American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church. Dr. Whitehead kicks things off by sharing his dual journey—both as a scholar and a keen observer of American society. He discusses his unique interest in understanding how religion plays a crucial role in shaping America's sociopolitical landscape.As the conversation continues, Dr. Whitehead gives his scholarly understanding on the intricate relationship between American culture and religion. He discusses his research on the impact of religious beliefs on individual behaviors and public opinion, providing an academic backdrop to everyday experiences and current events. The episode delves into some of the critical questions that have been the focus of Dr. Whitehead's work, such as the implications of religious affiliations on voting patterns, social justice, and more. His insights add an academic layer to the discussions, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the complex relationship between faith and politics.Will and Josh examine how Dr. Whitehead's observations resonate with contemporary events and how they can be applied in a broader context. Whether you're coming from a background in politics, religion, or just curious about the world around you, this episode offers a nuanced view that will leave you wanting to hear more. And you can if you read Dr. Whitehead's fantastic books: American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church: https://a.co/d/fNIKmBm Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States: https://a.co/d/0J5yMtAGuest Bio:Andrew Whitehead is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). He has been interviewed on NBC News, NPR, and the BBC. He has also written for the Washington Post, Time, NBC News, and the Religion News Service, where he examines Christian nationalism, religion and American culture, and childhood disability and religion.His work has won several awards including the 2021 Distinguished Book Award from the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion for his book Taking America Back for God. He has also won distinguished article awards from the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion and the Association for the Sociology of Religion. In 2017, he was awarded an Excellence in Research award from the College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences at Clemson University.Andrew Whitehead is also a Project Director at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at IUPUI, and a co-Director of the Association of Religion Data Archives (theARDA.com), the world's largest online religion data archive.Support the showTo learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below: Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/ Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics

Idolatry

On today's podcast, David and Leslie Nunnery are addressing an important topic in homeschooling. A couple of years ago, they did an episode called "Catalysts vs. Calling". That episode has been listened to and shared quite a bit since then. In that episode, David mentioned that sometimes your catalyst can become an idol—and even begin to suck the life out of you. On today's episode, David and Leslie will revisit that idea and talk more specifically about that aspect of "Catalysts vs. Calling", because we believe that it will be really helpful as you're embarking on a brand new school year—and for some of you, your very first homeschool year.  Topics Covered In This Episode: The Catalysts vs. Calling Concept The Danger of Catalysts Becoming Idols Signs to Watch For Nurturing a Healthy Perspective Finding Balance and Purpose Practical Steps to Overcoming Idolatry   Podcast Sponsor: The AWARD WINNING CSB Explorer Bible for Kids helps kids place God's Word in the middle of God's world. Within its engaging, full-color pages, kids will interact with the people, places, and things of the Bible and God's creation. Fascinating images, illustrations, timelines, and study helps show archeological evidence, introduce key characters, explain new concepts, and help kids experience the wonder and truth of the Bible. QR codes placed throughout the Bible bring educational videos, discussion questions, and activity pages to life, helping kids apply key truths of the Bible to real world experiences.  Click HERE to find out more. Additional Resources: "Catalyst vs Calling" Podcast Episode Heart School CourseHeart School Book Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

James and Shawn try to figure out what modern idolatry looks like. Do you have a temple in your town that holds the idol that all your neighbors worship? Who is the patron saint of your community? Of your culture? Or maybe there really aren't idols in our modern, enlightened world. We'd like to hear from you. What do you think about modern idolatry? Send us an email. Email: lookingoverlife@gmail.com  Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠lookingoverlife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/lookingoverlife⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Invisible Things Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠ Modern Idolatry - Invisible Things Blog

1 Corinthians 8:1-13 - Lesson Notes

In our continuing study of the book of Romans today Pastor Mark brings us to the last part of chapter 11. Consider with us the mystery of God's salvation plan; what God's salvation plan reveals about his character; and the proper response of believers to God's salvation plan in humble worship and praise, bearing in mind that doxology without theology is idolatry and theology without doxology is religiosity.

Fr. Mike shares one of his favorite Bible verses, and guides us through the story of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah as they are thrown into the fiery furnace. He also emphasizes the significance of their Hebrew names, and how powerful name changes are in Scripture. Today's readings are Jeremiah 22, Daniel 3, and Proverbs 15:29-33. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Preacher: Jeremiah Fyffe Scripture: Romans 1:28–32 2023-08-27 | ProPresenter TITLE: Idolatry is Evil SCRIPTURE: Romans 1:28–32 THE ORDER OF IDOLATRY They didn't see fit to acknowledge God. God gave them up to a debased mind. They did what ought not be done IDOLATRY IS EVIL WE NEED A CHURCH GROUNDED IN REALITY THE GOSPEL We must see that the evil is real. We must begin to connect how the evils in our moment are rooted in suppression of the truth. We must see that idolatry is not only personal and individual but corporate. Ephesians 2:1–2 (ESV) And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—

Jeremiah 42–45 Jeremiah 42–45 (Listen) Warning Against Going to Egypt 42 Then all the commanders of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least to the greatest, came near 2 and said to Jeremiah the prophet, “Let our plea for mercy come before you, and pray to the LORD your God for us, for all this remnant—because we are left with but a few, as your eyes see us—3 that the LORD your God may show us the way we should go, and the thing that we should do.” 4 Jeremiah the prophet said to them, “I have heard you. Behold, I will pray to the LORD your God according to your request, and whatever the LORD answers you I will tell you. I will keep nothing back from you.” 5 Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act according to all the word with which the LORD your God sends you to us. 6 Whether it is good or bad, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God to whom we are sending you, that it may be well with us when we obey the voice of the LORD our God.” 7 At the end of ten days the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah. 8 Then he summoned Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces who were with him, and all the people from the least to the greatest, 9 and said to them, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your plea for mercy before him: 10 If you will remain in this land, then I will build you up and not pull you down; I will plant you, and not pluck you up; for I relent of the disaster that I did to you. 11 Do not fear the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid. Do not fear him, declares the LORD, for I am with you, to save you and to deliver you from his hand. 12 I will grant you mercy, that he may have mercy on you and let you remain in your own land. 13 But if you say, ‘We will not remain in this land,' disobeying the voice of the LORD your God 14 and saying, ‘No, we will go to the land of Egypt, where we shall not see war or hear the sound of the trumpet or be hungry for bread, and we will dwell there,' 15 then hear the word of the LORD, O remnant of Judah. Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: If you set your faces to enter Egypt and go to live there, 16 then the sword that you fear shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine of which you are afraid shall follow close after you to Egypt, and there you shall die. 17 All the men who set their faces to go to Egypt to live there shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence. They shall have no remnant or survivor from the disaster that I will bring upon them. 18 “For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: As my anger and my wrath were poured out on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so my wrath will be poured out on you when you go to Egypt. You shall become an execration, a horror, a curse, and a taunt. You shall see this place no more. 19 The LORD has said to you, O remnant of Judah, ‘Do not go to Egypt.' Know for a certainty that I have warned you this day 20 that you have gone astray at the cost of your lives. For you sent me to the LORD your God, saying, ‘Pray for us to the LORD our God, and whatever the LORD our God says, declare to us and we will do it.' 21 And I have this day declared it to you, but you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD your God in anything that he sent me to tell you. 22 Now therefore know for a certainty that you shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence in the place where you desire to go to live.” Jeremiah Taken to Egypt 43 When Jeremiah finished speaking to all the people all these words of the LORD their God, with which the LORD their God had sent him to them, 2 Azariah the son of Hoshaiah and Johanan the son of Kareah and all the insolent men said to Jeremiah, “You are telling a lie. The LORD our God did not send you to say, ‘Do not go to Egypt to live there,' 3 but Baruch the son of Neriah has set you against us, to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans, that they may kill us or take us into exile in Babylon.” 4 So Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces and all the people did not obey the voice of the LORD, to remain in the land of Judah. 5 But Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces took all the remnant of Judah who had returned to live in the land of Judah from all the nations to which they had been driven—6 the men, the women, the children, the princesses, and every person whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had left with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan; also Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch the son of Neriah. 7 And they came into the land of Egypt, for they did not obey the voice of the LORD. And they arrived at Tahpanhes. 8 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah in Tahpanhes: 9 “Take in your hands large stones and hide them in the mortar in the pavement that is at the entrance to Pharaoh's palace in Tahpanhes, in the sight of the men of Judah, 10 and say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and I will set his throne above these stones that I have hidden, and he will spread his royal canopy over them. 11 He shall come and strike the land of Egypt, giving over to the pestilence those who are doomed to the pestilence, to captivity those who are doomed to captivity, and to the sword those who are doomed to the sword. 12 I shall kindle a fire in the temples of the gods of Egypt, and he shall burn them and carry them away captive. And he shall clean the land of Egypt as a shepherd cleans his cloak of vermin, and he shall go away from there in peace. 13 He shall break the obelisks of Heliopolis, which is in the land of Egypt, and the temples of the gods of Egypt he shall burn with fire.'” Judgment for Idolatry 44 The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Judeans who lived in the land of Egypt, at Migdol, at Tahpanhes, at Memphis, and in the land of Pathros, 2 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: You have seen all the disaster that I brought upon Jerusalem and upon all the cities of Judah. Behold, this day they are a desolation, and no one dwells in them, 3 because of the evil that they committed, provoking me to anger, in that they went to make offerings and serve other gods that they knew not, neither they, nor you, nor your fathers. 4 Yet I persistently sent to you all my servants the prophets, saying, ‘Oh, do not do this abomination that I hate!' 5 But they did not listen or incline their ear, to turn from their evil and make no offerings to other gods. 6 Therefore my wrath and my anger were poured out and kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, and they became a waste and a desolation, as at this day. 7 And now thus says the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel: Why do you commit this great evil against yourselves, to cut off from you man and woman, infant and child, from the midst of Judah, leaving you no remnant? 8 Why do you provoke me to anger with the works of your hands, making offerings to other gods in the land of Egypt where you have come to live, so that you may be cut off and become a curse and a taunt among all the nations of the earth? 9 Have you forgotten the evil of your fathers, the evil of the kings of Judah, the evil of their1 wives, your own evil, and the evil of your wives, which they committed in the land of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? 10 They have not humbled themselves even to this day, nor have they feared, nor walked in my law and my statutes that I set before you and before your fathers. 11 “Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will set my face against you for harm, to cut off all Judah. 12 I will take the remnant of Judah who have set their faces to come to the land of Egypt to live, and they shall all be consumed. In the land of Egypt they shall fall; by the sword and by famine they shall be consumed. From the least to the greatest, they shall die by the sword and by famine, and they shall become an oath, a horror, a curse, and a taunt. 13 I will punish those who dwell in the land of Egypt, as I have punished Jerusalem, with the sword, with famine, and with pestilence, 14 so that none of the remnant of Judah who have come to live in the land of Egypt shall escape or survive or return to the land of Judah, to which they desire to return to dwell there. For they shall not return, except some fugitives.” 15 Then all the men who knew that their wives had made offerings to other gods, and all the women who stood by, a great assembly, all the people who lived in Pathros in the land of Egypt, answered Jeremiah: 16 “As for the word that you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we will not listen to you. 17 But we will do everything that we have vowed, make offerings to the queen of heaven and pour out drink offerings to her, as we did, both we and our fathers, our kings and our officials, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. For then we had plenty of food, and prospered, and saw no disaster. 18 But since we left off making offerings to the queen of heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have lacked everything and have been consumed by the sword and by famine.” 19 And the women said,2 “When we made offerings to the queen of heaven and poured out drink offerings to her, was it without our husbands' approval that we made cakes for her bearing her image and poured out drink offerings to her?” 20 Then Jeremiah said to all the people, men and women, all the people who had given him this answer: 21 “As for the offerings that you offered in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, you and your fathers, your kings and your officials, and the people of the land, did not the LORD remember them? Did it not come into his mind? 22 The LORD could no longer bear your evil deeds and the abominations that you committed. Therefore your land has become a desolation and a waste and a curse, without inhabitant, as it is this day. 23 It is because you made offerings and because you sinned against the LORD and did not obey the voice of the LORD or walk in his law and in his statutes and in his testimonies that this disaster has happened to you, as at this day.” 24 Jeremiah said to all the people and all the women, “Hear the word of the LORD, all you of Judah who are in the land of Egypt. 25 Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: You and your wives have declared with your mouths, and have fulfilled it with your hands, saying, ‘We will surely perform our vows that we have made, to make offerings to the queen of heaven and to pour out drink offerings to her.' Then confirm your vows and perform your vows! 26 Therefore hear the word of the LORD, all you of Judah who dwell in the land of Egypt: Behold, I have sworn by my great name, says the LORD, that my name shall no more be invoked by the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, ‘As the Lord GOD lives.' 27 Behold, I am watching over them for disaster and not for good. All the men of Judah who are in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by famine, until there is an end of them. 28 And those who escape the sword shall return from the land of Egypt to the land of Judah, few in number; and all the remnant of Judah, who came to the land of Egypt to live, shall know whose word will stand, mine or theirs. 29 This shall be the sign to you, declares the LORD, that I will punish you in this place, in order that you may know that my words will surely stand against you for harm: 30 Thus says the LORD, Behold, I will give Pharaoh Hophra king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies and into the hand of those who seek his life, as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who was his enemy and sought his life.” Message to Baruch 45 The word that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he wrote these words in a book at the dictation of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah: 2 “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, to you, O Baruch: 3 You said, ‘Woe is me! For the LORD has added sorrow to my pain. I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest.' 4 Thus shall you say to him, Thus says the LORD: Behold, what I have built I am breaking down, and what I have planted I am plucking up—that is, the whole land. 5 And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the LORD. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go.” Footnotes [1] 44:9 Hebrew his [2] 44:19 Compare Syriac; Hebrew lacks And the women said (ESV)

Overcoming Idolatry: Finding Your Purpose and Breaking the Cycle

Fr. Mike shows us from our reading of Jeremiah that when we give our hearts and minds over to idols we become foolish. The way of man is not in himself, we need the Lord to guide and correct us. In Ezekiel, we read about the vision of the measuring of the temple and Fr. Mike shows us how the early Church Fathers would read the Old Testament in light of the New Testament. Today's readings are Jeremiah 10-11, Ezekiel 40, and Proverbs 15:5-8. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike reviews one of the most powerful verses in Proverbs, dealing with personal discernment and wanting to follow our own will instead of God's. He also goes into a deeper explanation of the prophet, Jeremiah, and how we ourselves can reflect the actions of Israel in the Old Testament. Today's readings are Jeremiah 2, Ezekiel 28, and Proverbs 14:9-12. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike explains the relationship between idolatry and adultery, and how one can easily lead to another, especially in our relationship with God. He also talks about the difference between discipline and abuse, as we cover some tough topics today. Today's readings are Isaiah 65, Ezekiel 23-24, and Proverbs 13:21-25. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike reflects on some of the ways that people turn away from God, including: worshipping idols, fasting for selfish reasons, and not honoring the sabbath. He also highlights the passage from Ezekiel 18 that tells us that each person will be judged by their own actions, and not by those of their parents or children. The readings are Isaiah 57-58, Ezekiel 17-18, and Proverbs 13:5-8. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike highlights the works of King Cyrus, who we met yesterday, and how he is able to contribute to the will of God without actually knowing him. Cyrus not only shows us that no soul is ever too far for God's grace, but that God makes all things new, and is able to bring beautiful blessings from the most desperate situations. Today's readings are Isaiah 45-46, Ezekiel 6-7, and Proverbs 12:9-12. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike explains the three ways the people are tempted to turn away from God while in exile: by not worshipping God the way He has asked, by worshipping false idols, and by being superstitious and fearful of false gods. Today's reading are Isaiah 37-38, Baruch 5-6, and Proverbs 11:25-28. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As we begin reading the Book of Zephaniah, Fr. Mike draws our attention to the first five accusations Zephaniah declares against the people of Judah; idolatry, lack of prayer, poor leadership, superstitions, and lack of belief in God's judgment. Today we read Isaiah 28-29, Zephaniah 1-2, and Proverbs 11:9-12. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.