Big idols or little idols they are all the same

We don't bow down and worship little statues like the folks in Acts but we do need to evaluate what we worship. The way we spend our time and money reveal what we worship. What we think about all day long also gives us a clue as to what our heart is set on having or serving. Oh may our hearts worship and praise the one true living God!

Goddess Artemis

Interesting how this "woman" the goddess Artemis, who was an idol, affected so many lives from many places. This passage in Acts 19:23-37 is a fascinating account and you don't want to miss our conversation. Be sure to read for yourself how God's Word was changing the world. The contrast between Paul and Demetrius is worth investigating and helpful in checking my own motives for what I worship.

Real Life~Real Answers

Idols of the Heart

Bonnie calls you just sobbing, “It was negative, again!!!” You quickly realize she is talking about the results of the pregnancy test you knew she was excited to take.  You sigh and quickly pray that God would give you the right words to comfort your friend. Bonnie and her husband have been trying to have a baby for quite some time. Bonnie so desperately wants a baby. She stares at the other young women in church who have children and can’t wait until she can have a child of her own. When you talk with her, ALL she talks about is getting pregnant. She has ideas for names, for the nursery, how to raise the child. She even has started picking up maternity clothes and things for the baby. Her husband is supportive but is growing weary of the constant emotion involved. Bonnie is your best friend and you are grieved to see her so disappointed every month.

*As Bonnie’s friend, how should you answer this desperate phone call?

*What is unbiblical about Bonnie’s thinking?

*What must Bonnie focus on more than having a baby?

Idolatry, part 2

Today and tomorrow, we will each share personal examples of what modern "idols" we are tempted by. We pray that by sharing our struggles, that it will encourage you to identify any idols you may have and be honest in dealing with them biblically. Would you share what you are tempted with? How do you use Scripture to overcome the temptation? How have you grown spiritually because of this struggle? Please share!

Idolatry

As we end our study of 1 John, we read John's words, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols." What is an idol? It is anything that draws our attention away from God. What occupies my heart's desires - is it God? Or do I desire something else? So think through this with us for the next few days. What consumes you? What are you willing to sin to get? Hopefully you can use these questions to determine if you desire something other than our loving God.