Idolatry is when we take a good thing and turn it into a God thing--and that's a bad thing. Why? Because it is an affront to the true God. But Isaiah also reminds us that we desire out of an idol what it can never give: help and fulfillment. Idols always disappoint. God, however, always keeps His promises.
One and Only
1st Commandment
January 29, 2023 • Pastor Chad Ott • Isaiah 44:9–20, Exodus 20:3–6
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The Ten(der) Commandments
Tall Tales
March 19, 2023 • Pastor Chad Ott • Genesis 20:1–12, James 4:11–12
Everyone lies. But just because everyone’s doing it doesn’t make it right. Abraham lies about his relationship to Sarah because of fear. He also tries to justify his lie by pointing out how it is partially true. We do many of the same things. Yet, because Christ is the truth (cf. John 14:6), we are called to be truthful.
Beg, Borrow, But Don't Steal
March 12, 2023 • Pastor Chad Ott • Leviticus 19:9–14, Romans 13:8–10
God loves to provide for us (cf. 2 Corinthians https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkhf54bzv1e&t=550s). Stealing takes what God has provided for someone else and tries to commandeer it for oneself. Therefore, stealing distrusts God’s provision. Theft, of course, is not just a crime of the poor. As the story of Zaccheaus demonstrates, even the rich can fall prey to distrusting God’s provision.