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  CATO CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

October 27, 2013 Sunday Sermon - Idolatry The Sin That Entangles

10/28/2013

 
We have seen that God is able to keep us from stumbling, and we have seen areas of our lives that need to be in order to keep us from stumbling, but what are some of the obstacles, or stumbling blocks we must be aware of and overcome? 

Please turn to Hebrews 12:1-2 (pg 1008 in the pew Bible)

One big hindrance to our walk with Jesus can be the trials and tribulations we face as our present problems cloud the view of future promises.
  • Take heart, I have overcome the world! John 16:33

There is another more persistent and prevalent stumbling block that has always plagued God’s children.

Hebrews 10:36- you have need of endurance... We have a need/requirement to persevere.  This is something we must do with God's help.

Hebrews 11- great examples of enduring faith (list of faith examples)  Life changing faith is available to all of us and should transform our lives.  Stories of today's faithful are becoming fewer.

Hebrews 12:1- let us also lay aside… (like the examples in Hebrews 11)
  • Every weight – anything that prevents you from trusting, obeying, and honoring Jesus
  • Sin that clings so closely- Idolatry
These things cause us to wander.  The Christian Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Can we sing the chorus: "In all I do, I honor you", is it true of you?  If not, can you honestly pray: "I want to want it to be true of me"?

Idolatry- letting mini gods and non-gods rule in our hearts
  • Persistent and present threat throughout the church age- Revelation 3:16-22
  • Revelation 3:20 pertains to revival 
Idolatry is more than some graven image.  When we pick and choose obedience, we put ourselves before God and that is idolatry.  Anything that rules in our heart other than God is idolatry. 

There is a growing apathy in our churches today. The need is for revival and that starts with God's people individually and corporately seeing the need and earnestly seeking God for it.    
larry
10/28/2013 12:22:46 pm

that was a powerfully convicting message. I found myself meditating on it through out the day Sunday. re-read Hebrews chapter 10-12 this morning. Then I had to get down on my knees before the most Holy and Righteous God in weeping and repentance. Our God is long suffering, but He will only tolerate the wandering of His children for so long.

Have mercy upon me, O God,
According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
Blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You.

Tim
11/1/2013 03:05:39 am

As I pondered the sermon and my response, I realize that I have to be vigilant in continuously fighting sin and idols that wish to rule in my heart. Life is far, far better with Jesus at the center of my life and far, far worse when people or things become my idols. Circumstances in life can and will change but Jesus remains my rock and only sure hope. The peace that Jesus brings to my life gives me comfort in this fragile world and I look forward to the day when I truly arrive home.

Jim
11/1/2013 09:17:02 am

As I have been thinking through this past week’s message a number of questions have come to mind. Perhaps we can compare thoughts on them in the Adult Sunday School Class this week.

When we pray for revival what result are we expecting?

How might my life look different?

How might my church look and function differently?

When we think about the idea of “weights” from Hebrews 12 what might those be in my life and the life of others in my church?

After counting the cost, do I really want my life to be one that clearly communicates: Jesus is my king… It’s my joy to honor Him.. In all I do I will honor Him?

How can we help one another in this pursuit?


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