David’s psalms are like his personal prayer journal. When you put them together, we can learn a lot about what David thought. In the rest of the posts this week, we’re going to look at how David writes about the heart in his psalms. Through David’s comments on the heart, we will learn more aboutContinue reading “The active life choices of a heart like God’s – David’s heart after God, Part 2”
Tag Archives: idols
How to rightly submit to God – 1st Samuel 4:1b-7:17, Part 5
After the first three chapters of 1st Samuel focusing on Samuel’s birth and childhood, we’ve now read through more chapters, 4 through 6, with no mention of Samuel. Where is Samuel through all the craziness of the Ark of the Covenant’s capture? The narrative doesn’t tell us, so we can safely guess that during thoseContinue reading “How to rightly submit to God – 1st Samuel 4:1b-7:17, Part 5”
Examining the acts of the sinful nature – Galatians 5:16-26, Part 4
In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul lists some examples of what he calls “the acts of the sinful nature.” It is not a comprehensive list, as that could potentially fill multiple volumes. Instead Paul mentions a dozen or so examples to illustrate how all humans have a sinful nature. In this post we’ll examine his list. I’mContinue reading “Examining the acts of the sinful nature – Galatians 5:16-26, Part 4”
When leaders turn their backs on God – Ezekiel 11, Part 2
Editor’s Note: Thanks to David Hundert who is our guest blogger this week, continuing our series through Ezekiel. Do you find it difficult to trust in God? If so, you’re not alone. People of all shapes and sizes can find it difficult to trust in God. Leaders struggle with this just as much as non-leaders.Continue reading “When leaders turn their backs on God – Ezekiel 11, Part 2”
A billionaire pastor’s replica of Solomon’s temple, and God’s unsettling tour of the original – Ezekiel 8, 9 and 10, Part 2
Brazilian billionaire pastor, Edir Macedo, built a church designed to look like Solomon’s temple. See the picture above. You can read more about it here. It has a sanctuary for worship, a museum, and a helipad for Macedo’s convenience. I wonder what it would be like tour that building? How similar or different is itContinue reading “A billionaire pastor’s replica of Solomon’s temple, and God’s unsettling tour of the original – Ezekiel 8, 9 and 10, Part 2”
Idolatry in the church? – Ezekiel 6, Preview
Earlier this year in one of the Current Events sermons, I talked about Ravi Zacharias and his moral failure, which came to light over the last few years. (You can read the sermon blog posts starting here.) He was deeply abusive to many women, and there was a leadership culture in his organization that didContinue reading “Idolatry in the church? – Ezekiel 6, Preview”
Do You Worship These American Idols? – Ezekiel 4 & 5, Part 5
What do you think are some American idols? Sex and money are probably the first that come to mind, and for good reason. Next in line and perhaps more tempting for some people are two potential idols related to money, and that is materialism and consumerism. Love of money, Paul writes, is the root ofContinue reading “Do You Worship These American Idols? – Ezekiel 4 & 5, Part 5”
What does idolatry look like in America? (or Why God is jealous and that is a good thing)
Here in America we have a popular television show called American Idol. It went off the air, but it is coming back! Did you have any favorite American Idols? Yesterday I mentioned that we don’t have idols in America like some other countries where Buddhism or Hinduism is prominent. But do we have other kindsContinue reading “What does idolatry look like in America? (or Why God is jealous and that is a good thing)”
Dealing with the harsh reality of God’s invisibility
Do you ever wish God would show himself? Ever feel jealous of the disciples who got to walk and talk with Jesus for three whole years? I do. I’m not always certain that God’s idea to be invisible was a good one. Why not just manifest yourself and prove to everyone you’re alive and well? Continue reading “Dealing with the harsh reality of God’s invisibility”
On taking a sabbatical to get ripped abs… – 1st Corinthians 10:14-22
I debated talking about American Idols in this post. Not the show American Idol, but the idols that we Americans worship, no matter if we are Christians or not. Money, consumerism, material things. I think it is important to mention those, but I’ve talked a lot about them already. Might there be other forms ofContinue reading “On taking a sabbatical to get ripped abs… – 1st Corinthians 10:14-22”
Engaging Scripture 