The sin of idolatry ruins people in a unique way. People choose to worship images created in their own minds or by their own hands. Worshipping an object that we form and that needs us to move it is foolish. The specific impact of idolatry is forgetfulness. We forget who we are; we forget who God is; we forget what God has done; and we forget that we are finite and helpless. These realities are essential to the gospel message. The ground of the gospel rests in God’s glory in creating and sustaining all things. The need for the gospel highlights the sinfulness of humanity and our failure to give God the glory He deserves. The solution of the gospel shines in the grace of God abounding toward helpless sinners. In spite of seeing these things in a personal way in their history, Israel forgot these things. They forgot who they were and gave in to the lusts of their heart as they worshipped idols. They forgot who God is and what He had done to deliver them from Egypt and give them the land in which they dwelt. They forgot their need for God, thinking they could save themselves in their own power. We are susceptible to the same forgetfulness. But God gives us ways to remind ourselves. The spiritual disciplines of reading Scripture, seeking God, worshipping with God’s people, and coming to the Lord’s table remind us of what we often forget. This helps us avoid the ruin that came upon Israel and find ourselves able to stand before God in Christ. – Pastor Rory
Sunday at Liberty
9AM: Stewarding Our Poor Health-Romans 8:19-23
10AM: Pastor Rory–Idolatry Ruins–Amos 2:6-16 (sermon notes)
11:45AM Potluck and Members’ Meeting