Obedience - Keith Charles

Idolatry is a recurring theme in Christian teachings that urges believers to examine their hearts and lives. While it is generally considered the worship of physical idols, it can also refer to any devotion that competes with the worship of the one true God. In this exploration of idolatry, we will examine disobedience as a subtle yet powerful form of idol worship, uncovering its presence in our lives and challenging us to reevaluate our priorities. The theme of idolatry, which warns against the worship of anything other than God, is prevalent in the Bible. The Old Testament contains many instances where the Israelites strayed from God’s commandments and turned to idols made by human hands. However, idolatry is not just a thing of the past and can also manifest in modern forms, often disguised as success, wealth, relationships, or even personal goals. The Bible draws a significant connection between disobedience and idolatry. In 1 Samuel 15:23, the prophet Samuel warns King Saul … [Read more...] about Unmasking Idolatry: A Christian’s Call to Obedience

What does it mean to be obedient and respond to God with “Here I am” when He calls? Obedience often poses challenges for many Christians due to our sinful nature. Prior to the Lord saving me, I resisted involvement with the church, fearing that accepting Jesus Christ would require giving up all the things I enjoyed. However, those who have wholeheartedly embraced Jesus know that instead of sacrificing anything, they gain so much more. God’s call for us is to be obedient and love Him with all our hearts, soul, and mind. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (ESV Matthew 22:37). To be obedient, as God calls us, is to commence on a fascinating expedition of the soul. In this quest, we surrender ourselves to His guidance wholeheartedly and entirely, just as Abraham did in Genesis. We can observe Abraham’s unwavering trust in God through his response during the test. When God called out his name, Abraham … [Read more...] about Here I Am: Embracing Obedience and Loving God with All Your Heart