The Rival Religion Competing for Your Kids: Pride vs. the Cross of Christ

Jon Rhoades | Biblically Literate: Pride as the original sin exposed in Ezekiel 28. The rival religion of self-exaltation vs. Christianity’s self-denial at the cross. What every Christian parent and family leader needs to understand about the spiritual battle for your home in 2026.In this episode of Biblically Literate, Children and Family Minister Jon Rhoades walks through Ezekiel 28:12-17 and shows that the first sin in the universe was not disobedience in the garden — it was pride in heaven. Using the king of Tyre as a prophetic picture, Scripture pulls back the curtain on the fall of the anointed guardian cherub and reveals why pride is not merely a personality flaw but the original cosmic rebellion.Jon contrasts the two rival religious systems fighting for your allegiance today: one built on self-expression, self-exaltation, and the celebration of pride, and the other built on the self-denial of the cross. He explains why these two cannot peacefully coexist and shows how the humble love of Jesus at the cross remains the only power that defeats pride at its root.This teaching is especially urgent for husbands, dads, and parents who are trying to lead their families in a culture that is actively discipling their kids toward self as the highest authority.Key themes covered:Why pride is the original sin that predates EdenThe prophetic description of Satan’s fall as an anointed cherubSelf-exaltation vs. self-denial: the two irreconcilable systemsHow the cross of Christ defeats pridePractical application for Christian families and parentsDrop your biggest takeaway in the comments: Where do you see the spirit of pride showing up most in your own life or family right now?New episodes of Biblically Literate every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday around 7pm Eastern.Biblically Literate is a ministry of First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana.Follow us @fccbrazilQuestions or connection: [email protected]