Thrones

Have you ever been in a situation where you were trapped? When I was a child I remember crawling under a shelf in the shape of an elephant. There was a cool “cave-like” feel to the space underneath, and I had ventured there many times before, but this time was different. I had grown, and when I twisted myself into the hole, I realized I was not going to be able to turn around and crawl out… Panic set in as I felt like I may never escape this.. At that moment our family dog stuck her head in the entrance hole, and began bearing her teeth and growling at me, as she could not see who I was, but I was in her favorite place… I knew I was a goner! I was trapped, with no way out, and the one opening I could possibly make it through was blocked by an angry animal… This is what Idolatry does to us. We seek some sort of feeling or experience that promises to be fulfilling, only to find that it was a lie to trap us in a painful, dangerous, and shame filled cycle of giving into our sinful nature. Idolatry is the root sin that leads to every other. If we don’t deal with it at the root, we will find it very hard to avoid the traps. The beauty of God’s word shows us a way of escape even when there seems to be none, and reminds us that God Himself is on our side! Even if it means discipline to correct us, exposure of our sin to bring light to our eyes, or stepping in to do what we cannot and freeing us. His way’s are always for our good! Join us for a service this weekend to look at the idolatry of Israel that led them to become captives, just in the same way we fall captive to sin today. THERE IS FREEDOM FROM IT IN CHRIST! See you Sunday! -Pastor Ben Key Verse: Romans 8:5 (NIV) - "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." For Scripture, notes, upcoming events, & more: http://bible.com/events/49437895