Confronting Modern Idolatry With God's Unyielding Truth

Introduction

Good morning. Today, we're not going to explore Bible stories but also deeply examine the choices we make daily. The scripture takes us back to a challenging moment for the people of Israel. Back then, they were facing a significant drought, not just missing rain but also moving away from God and starting to follow Baal, all because of King Ahab's and Queen Jezebel's influence.

In the middle of all this, there's Elijah, a man who believed in God, standing firm against Baal's prophets. His story is a lot like ours. We might not be praying to Baal, but we've got our things pulling us away from God, whether chasing after money, wanting to be famous, or spending too much time on our phones.

Joshua 24:15 throws down a challenge, just like the one the Israelites faced, making us ask ourselves: "Who am I going to serve today?" It's a wake-up call to consider whether we're getting too caught up in what the world wants from us or sticking with the truths God has shown us.

Imagine you're standing where two roads split. One is busy and exciting but might not take you where you want to end up. The other is more peaceful and might take a bit more work to walk, but it leads to a place of absolute peace and truth. That's the decision in front of us: Do we follow the crowded path of distractions around us, or do we choose the quiet road that leads to a life with God?

This story is telling us here and now. Where do we find ourselves? Are we getting swept up in what everyone else thinks is important, or are we staying focused on the real truths that God has laid out for us?

Point 1: Making the Choice - Elijah's Lesson for Us

In a critical moment from 1 Kings 18:21, Elijah asks a question that still rings true today: "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." This moment wasn't just about picking a side back then; it's a profound reminder to be true to our beliefs.

Picture everyone watching Elijah, holding their breath to see what would happen. This isn't just an old story; it's like looking at today's challenges in a mirror. We might not be dealing with Baal, but we've got our issues—chasing after money, wanting to be noticed, or spending too much time glued to our screens. These things might make us happy, but they often make us feel empty inside at the end.

Solomon once said in Ecclesiastes 1:14, "I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind." It's a reminder that running after these things doesn't get us anywhere.

Psalm 16:11 tells us that real happiness isn't about the quick fixes but about living a life connected with God: "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." The difference between the short-term happiness the world offers and the deep, lasting joy we find with God is enormous.

Even though our gadgets are super useful, they can distract us from connecting with others and having meaningful experiences. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to build a community and support each other, something we might forget if we're too caught up online.

Jeremiah 6:16 gives us a straightforward but powerful choice: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." Walking with God is the path to true peace and happiness.

Here are some simple ways to keep on God's path:

- Start each day with God by reading His Word, setting a positive tone for what's ahead.

- Make time to step away from tech and reconnect with God and the people around us.

- Show kindness and Christ's love to others, which brings real joy.

- Count on our church family for support, especially when things get tough, helping us stay focused on what's important.

Like Elijah, we're at a crossroads in life. The choice is ours: get lost in what the world throws at us or choose God and His promise of a life filled with meaning and happiness. Let's put God first and find our true purpose and joy with Him.

### Point 2: The Empty Promises of Idols Versus the True Power of God

While we dive deeper into Elijah's story in 1 Kings 18:25-29, we come across a moment that's not just about an old-time religious showdown. It's a lesson for all times about how empty worshipping false gods is compared to the true power of God.