Over the last few weeks, we've been looking into why the Israelites turned to idols and how we are similar in the way that we turn to the world and the ways of the world to get what we want. Much of Israel's idolatry was as a result of political alliances with other nations. In the turbulent Middle East (it was even more turbulent then than it is now, if you can believe it), they were looking for assurances that they would not be overwhelmed by their enemies, while at the same time securing economic prosperity through beneficial trade partnerships.
Many secular historians will look at these actions and say they were necessary or even shrewd, but the prophets had a different perspective: they would not trust God enough to be faithful to him alone, so they committed spiritual adultery by seeking out the help of other nations and other gods.
In James 4:1-10, he sees the same problem emerging in the church. "Don't you know," he writes, "that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?" This week we looked about how we can reject these "back-up plans" that dishonor God and trust God as we submit completely to him.
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First Baptist Church is a loving community of believers in Jesus Christ. Our history goes back for about a century of serving Jesus in our community. We have exciting ministries for people of all ages, including youth and children. You can keep up with us here for sermons, podcasts, blogs, and events.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Take Personal Action to Protect Children Worldwide
Our Hevenly Father is the rescuer of orphans. We should take actions that reflect God's heart for children. Sunday's message challenged you to take personal action to help children worldwide against the forces of evil that are destroying them. These are three of the organizations I challenged you to consider:
Compassion International.
Gospel for Asia's Bridge of Hope.
International Justice Mission
The cost to sponsor a child with Compassion is about $40/month (exact amount depends on where your child lives). A child sponsorship with Gospel for Asia is $28/month. Becoming a Freedom Partner with IJM is $24/month.
Compassion International.
Gospel for Asia's Bridge of Hope.
International Justice Mission
The cost to sponsor a child with Compassion is about $40/month (exact amount depends on where your child lives). A child sponsorship with Gospel for Asia is $28/month. Becoming a Freedom Partner with IJM is $24/month.
Monday, July 18, 2011
The Spirit of Molech
In the ancient Middle East, Israel had two neighboring countries who worshiped two gods, Molech and Chemosh, who called for child sacrifice. The children offered to Molech were seered on superheated bronze arms before being lifted into the fire, with drums beating and cymbals crashing to drown out their cries. These practices were horrifying and barbaric. And what did these gods offer in return? Power.
We are disgusted by these ancient pagan rituals and we gasp in horror at the stories of Jaycee Lee Dugard and Caylee Anthony. But where else does the "spirit of Molech" live on today? Where else do people trade or discard children for their own power, pleasure, or wealth? If we take the time to look, the hellish face of Molech can be clearly seen all over our world... our nation... and even in our own hearts.
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We are disgusted by these ancient pagan rituals and we gasp in horror at the stories of Jaycee Lee Dugard and Caylee Anthony. But where else does the "spirit of Molech" live on today? Where else do people trade or discard children for their own power, pleasure, or wealth? If we take the time to look, the hellish face of Molech can be clearly seen all over our world... our nation... and even in our own hearts.
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Monday, July 11, 2011
Baal: Trust or Manipulation?
When we really look into the reasons people were led away from the Lord to Baal and other gods, we can see the same pull in our own culture. When it gets down to it, it's the pull to be like everyone else, to not look like a fool by living by a different set of concepts of success and how to get there that everyone else has. Baal was a god of rain and fertility, and, to the people of the region, to refuse to worship Baal was to deny "the latest in agricultural science" and doom yourself to no crops, animals that don't successfully bear their young, and a barren wife. Baal worship was designed to take the mystery and uncertainty out of agricultural life and put success in their own hands.
The American Dream promises that life is what we make of it--that success if within our grasp if we just work hard enough. And the world pushes us to work or be available all day, every day. But God has put a tool in our hands that says, "Success is not in your hands; it's in Mine. But you can trust Me if you let Me show you." This tool is called the Sabbath.
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The American Dream promises that life is what we make of it--that success if within our grasp if we just work hard enough. And the world pushes us to work or be available all day, every day. But God has put a tool in our hands that says, "Success is not in your hands; it's in Mine. But you can trust Me if you let Me show you." This tool is called the Sabbath.
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Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Putting a Curse on Yourself
"If God is for us, then who can be against us?" - Romans 8:31
There's a tragic story in the book of Numbers where a king, who is worried about the Israelites, who have left Egypt and are beginning to move toward his land, hires a sorcerer to curse the Israelites. The problem is that the sorcerer finds that he can't curse those God has chosen to bless. The Lord is far too powerful for this kind of head-on attack against his people. But the enemy finds a back-door through sensual temptation and the worship of Baal, and even though it was impossible for someone to curse God's people, through their own actions, they end up cursing themselves.
We do the same thing. God is for us, and he has given us a new heart and a new spirit that is loyal to him. But there is a traitor within us, always ready to open the back door and let the enemy in. This traitor is the sinful nature that resides in our flesh. Today we look at how the lure of Baal lives on in our own culture, how this idol lures us away from the true worship of God and controls our affections and actions. We put a curse on ourselves.
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Saturday, July 2, 2011
We Had a (Beach) Blast at VBS!
We averaged about 50 kids per night, had several decisions for Christ, and raised more than $200 for the outreach center and Compassion International. We even had a great slide show for Parents' Night!
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