In our society today, we are surrounded by a great many things. There is so much around us that gets our attention over our Lord, there is so much we "worship" over our Lord. The people in the days of Paul were in a similar situation. They worshiped things around them. They worshiped idols! There was no idol more revered in Ephesus than the goddess Diana. This statue was placed in a magnificent temple and was also recognized as one of the wonders of the world. Would you believe it if I told you that idol-making became a business? There was so much idolatry in the day that making them became a livelihood for many people.
"When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power." Acts 19:17-20.
We need to understand that Paul did not go to Ephesus to condemn people for worshiping idols, but rather, he went to unashamedly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Paul shared about the truths of God, and as people were set free from the bondage of sin, idol worship started to decline. The power of God to change lives became quiet obvious, such a stark contrast from worshiping carved images. The victorious Christian witness was so powerful and truthful that the economy of the entire city was thrown in disarray as idolatry diminished in favor of Christianity!
What is idolatry? Many people think that it is the practice of worshiping carved images. I tell you that idolatry is anything that diverts our attention from our Lord! Today our society is just as idolatrous as in the days of Paul. But, instead of worshiping statues and carved images, we choose to worship our possessions, pleasures, or careers as our gods and we pour all of our time, money, and energy into these things. I actually watched a neighbor bend down and kiss his car after washing it.
Friends, why are our marriages failing? Why are our relationships failing? Why is our society in such disarray and torment? It is because of idol worship! Many of you might say that I am being too harsh, or I going down a wrong direction, but I tell you to look around, look at yourself and your home--what is it that you or me are spending the most time, talent and treasure on? Many of our children are starving for our attention while we are focused on making a work deadline just to make more coin that will cause us to spend more of our finances and time getting more and more! It is a never ending cycle! By the way, how is your relationship with your spouse, or your Lord? Sadly, many of us have a better relationship with our employer than we do with our own spouse! And, how about your things? Do you worry too much about "stuff" you think you cannot replace when the most important thing we can't replace is right before our eyes? Yes, I am talking about life! We do not know when or where we or those around us will breathe our last. I would rather love and caress my wife and children and my Lord than to spend my life worrying over things that can be replaced. Jobs can be replaced, homes and cars can be replaced, all material things can eventually be replaced, but loved one can't.
Each of us is called to live a victorious, joyful, and purposeful Christian life in the midst of an idolatrous society. We do not have to seek out and condemn others or their idols. Instead, we should live out our Christianity, enjoying the abundant life God gives. We should fully turn our hearts to the Lord and enjoy the love and peace of our God and Savior! Our lives will discredit the idols around us. We might also face opposition and hostility from those around us who are angered at the contrast between our God and theirs. Remember, many of us, and those around us do not like to have our idols dethroned! But friends, we need to uphold Christ in our lives, in our hearts, in our homes, in our witness, everywhere we find ourselves! Others around us will see the difference of our life in Christ and will be drawn to Him through us. Do you want to change society, your relationship? Then take off of the throne whatever you have been putting on the throne, and put the rightful owner on the throne in your life---Jesus!
May God Richly Bless You Today!! H Trent!
"When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power." Acts 19:17-20.
We need to understand that Paul did not go to Ephesus to condemn people for worshiping idols, but rather, he went to unashamedly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Paul shared about the truths of God, and as people were set free from the bondage of sin, idol worship started to decline. The power of God to change lives became quiet obvious, such a stark contrast from worshiping carved images. The victorious Christian witness was so powerful and truthful that the economy of the entire city was thrown in disarray as idolatry diminished in favor of Christianity!
What is idolatry? Many people think that it is the practice of worshiping carved images. I tell you that idolatry is anything that diverts our attention from our Lord! Today our society is just as idolatrous as in the days of Paul. But, instead of worshiping statues and carved images, we choose to worship our possessions, pleasures, or careers as our gods and we pour all of our time, money, and energy into these things. I actually watched a neighbor bend down and kiss his car after washing it.
Friends, why are our marriages failing? Why are our relationships failing? Why is our society in such disarray and torment? It is because of idol worship! Many of you might say that I am being too harsh, or I going down a wrong direction, but I tell you to look around, look at yourself and your home--what is it that you or me are spending the most time, talent and treasure on? Many of our children are starving for our attention while we are focused on making a work deadline just to make more coin that will cause us to spend more of our finances and time getting more and more! It is a never ending cycle! By the way, how is your relationship with your spouse, or your Lord? Sadly, many of us have a better relationship with our employer than we do with our own spouse! And, how about your things? Do you worry too much about "stuff" you think you cannot replace when the most important thing we can't replace is right before our eyes? Yes, I am talking about life! We do not know when or where we or those around us will breathe our last. I would rather love and caress my wife and children and my Lord than to spend my life worrying over things that can be replaced. Jobs can be replaced, homes and cars can be replaced, all material things can eventually be replaced, but loved one can't.
Each of us is called to live a victorious, joyful, and purposeful Christian life in the midst of an idolatrous society. We do not have to seek out and condemn others or their idols. Instead, we should live out our Christianity, enjoying the abundant life God gives. We should fully turn our hearts to the Lord and enjoy the love and peace of our God and Savior! Our lives will discredit the idols around us. We might also face opposition and hostility from those around us who are angered at the contrast between our God and theirs. Remember, many of us, and those around us do not like to have our idols dethroned! But friends, we need to uphold Christ in our lives, in our hearts, in our homes, in our witness, everywhere we find ourselves! Others around us will see the difference of our life in Christ and will be drawn to Him through us. Do you want to change society, your relationship? Then take off of the throne whatever you have been putting on the throne, and put the rightful owner on the throne in your life---Jesus!
May God Richly Bless You Today!! H Trent!
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