%3cdiv style%3d%27width%3a800px%27%3e%3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22text-align%3a center%3b margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cb style%3d%22mso-bidi-font-weight%3a normal%3b%22%3e%3ci style%3d%22mso-bidi-font-style%3a normal%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3eElijah and the Clash of the Gods%2c Pt. 1%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/i%3e%3c/b%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22text-align%3a center%3b margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cb style%3d%22mso-bidi-font-weight%3a normal%3b%22%3e%3ci style%3d%22mso-bidi-font-style%3a normal%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 12pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/i%3e%3c/b%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22text-align%3a center%3b margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cb style%3d%22mso-bidi-font-weight%3a normal%3b%22%3e%3ci style%3d%22mso-bidi-font-style%3a normal%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3eNo Rain for You%21%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/i%3e%3c/b%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22text-align%3a center%3b margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cb style%3d%22mso-bidi-font-weight%3a normal%3b%22%3e%3ci style%3d%22mso-bidi-font-style%3a normal%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3eI Kings 16%3a 29—17%3a 7%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/i%3e%3c/b%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22text-align%3a center%3b margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cb style%3d%22mso-bidi-font-weight%3a normal%3b%22%3e%3ci style%3d%22mso-bidi-font-style%3a normal%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 12pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/i%3e%3c/b%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cb style%3d%22mso-bidi-font-weight%3a normal%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3eFirst Presbyterian Church%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 5%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eJune 3%2c 2012%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/b%3e%3c/p%3e %3cdiv style%3d%22border-bottom%3a windowtext 1.5pt solid%3b border-left%3a medium none%3b padding-bottom%3a 1pt%3b padding-left%3a 0in%3b padding-right%3a 0in%3b border-top%3a medium none%3b border-right%3a medium none%3b padding-top%3a 0in%3b mso-element%3a para-border-div%3b%22%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22border%3a medium none%3b padding-bottom%3a 0in%3b margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b padding-left%3a 0in%3b padding-right%3a 0in%3b padding-top%3a 0in%3b mso-border-bottom-alt%3a solid windowtext 1.5pt%3b mso-padding-alt%3a 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in%3b%22%3e%3cb style%3d%22mso-bidi-font-weight%3a normal%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3eBaton Rouge%2c Louisiana%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 6%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eGerrit Scott Dawson%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/b%3e%3c/p%3e %3c/div%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cb style%3d%22mso-bidi-font-weight%3a normal%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/b%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 1%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eTo date%2c the movie %3ci style%3d%22mso-bidi-font-style%3a normal%3b%22%3eThe Hunger Games%3c/i%3e has sold more than %24635 million in tickets worldwide. The book by Suzanne Collins has sold several million copies. What is it about this story that attracts so many people%2c particular teenagers and young adults%3f The obvious answer is that it’s a cracking good adventure story.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eI found my heart pounding through the movie. But there’s got to be more to it than that.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThe story centers around a 16 year old girl named Catniss. The setting is an America many years from now%2c when our land has been divided up into twelve territories%2c each of whom exists to provide tribute to the capitol region.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThe common people barely have enough to eat while the citizens of the capitol revel in opulent luxury.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 1%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eWhen we meet Catniss%2c she is hunting in the woods. Here is an athletic%2c adventurous young woman. She is beautiful but wears no make-up. She loves the forest and the world. She loves her family.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eIn fact%2c when her younger sister gets chosen to represent their district at the deadly Hunger Games%2c Catniss steps up to take her place. The character of Catniss appeals to something in our teenage hearts.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eAt that very difficult age%2c I’d like to be authentic—no make-up needed. I’d like to do great deeds to protect my family. I’d like to have skills and show my prowess%2c even as I lived in harmony with the world around me.%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 1%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eBut when Catniss is taken to the capitol to prepare for the Hunger Games%2c she encounters a very different world.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThe movie shows us the absurdity of fashion%2c and how it enslaves us. Catniss is disgusted with the silly way she has to dress%2c even as she feels the lure of being called beautiful by the beautiful people.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eDoesn’t every girl feel the absurdity in all our culture asks a young woman to do%3a%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3emake up%2c shaving%2c hair styles%2c speaking and behaving a certain way%3f Even as she feels the allure of the power cultural beauty gives her%3f%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22text-indent%3a 0.5in%3b margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3eCatniss sees the horror of a culture that has gone crazy for entertainment.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThe Hunger Games are the ultimate reality TV show as 24 children must duel to the death while a nation watches in a frenzy of interest.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eAs readers%2c we are shocked that a culture would exploit children for entertainment.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eUntil we flip the channels and see mothers offering their five year olds up in beauty pageants. Until we realize the age of the models we’re putting on our magazines. Until we watch parents in our neighborhood living through their children’s sports%2c arts and academics. Until we realize the epidemic rates of depression%2c self-harm%2c and debilitating stress among our teenagers.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eNo wonder millions of us identify with Catniss.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eBreak free from the game%21%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eLive for what matters%21%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eBeat the absurdity of the culture by staying true and staying free.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22text-indent%3a 0.5in%3b margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22text-indent%3a 0.5in%3b margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3eThe Hunger Games takes on the reality of idolatry. That is%2c the embracing of a false value over a real one.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThe believing of a lie over truth.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eGiving ourselves to lesser gods who promise what the true God alone can deliver.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThe idols of entertainment promise fulfillment. The idols of achievement promise inner acceptance. The idols of fashion promise relationships where we are valued.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eEach can deliver an imitation of the real thing. But in our guts we know the truth. No casino delivers as much joy as the blond girl on the billboard on 1-10 is experiencing. No height of position can quiet the inner voice that says we’re not good enough.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eSurface attractiveness alone does not lead to relationships that end loneliness. And the demands of the false gods ever increase.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eIt costs more and more effort and money to maintain a shadow of the appearance we had in our youth. It takes more and more sacrifice of life to get satisfaction from achievement. It takes travelling further%2c or drinking more%2c or spending more just to get a smidgen more of consumer delight. Idolatry never works for the long term. %3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22text-indent%3a 0.5in%3b margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22text-indent%3a 0.5in%3b margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3eYet we are ever tempted to idols.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eWe want to be in control. We want to manage life according to our image of what would be good. We don’t want to bow the knee of our heart to the one true God. We don’t want to have to conform ourselves to who God really is and how he has made himself known. We want to do what we want to do when we want to do it. And if a lesser god offers us fulfillment%2c acceptance%2c pleasure%2c power%2c we want to check it out.%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22text-indent%3a 0.5in%3b margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 1%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThe LORD I AM’s people have a history of going after the gods of the people around them.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThat’s the set up for considering Elijah and the clash of the gods%2c the stories from I Kings that we are taking up over the next month. The kings who ruled over Israel led the nation into idolatry with ruinous results.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eLet’s look at three examples.%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e1-Solomon was the son of Israel’s great shepherd king%2c David.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eHe constructed the temple in Jerusalem.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eWhen he was a boy%2c the LORD God appeared to him and asked Solomon what he desired. Solomon did not ask for wealth or power but for wisdom. He wanted to know how to live the right way.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eGod was so pleased that along with great wisdom%2c he gave Solomon power and wealth unparalleled in the ancient world. Solomon had everything.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eBut Solomon had a weakness for foreign women. The LORD had told him specifically%2c “You shall not enter marriage with them…for surely they will turn away your heart after other gods.”%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eYet Solomon took 700 wives. The Scripture tells us “He clung to these in love.”%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eAnd so we read%3a%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0.2in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3eWhen Solomon was old%2c his wives turned away his heart after other gods%2c and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God. %28I Kings 11%3a 4%29%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3eSo he built altars for the false gods his wives loved%2c and caused the people to follow these other gods.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThe wisest man in the world%2c a man who knew better%2c let lust allure him away from the God who had given him everything. We are easily tempted.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThe evil one does not have to invent clever temptations. The old%2c obvious ones work just as well every time.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eSolomon grew old. He doubted his prowess.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eHe wanted to be attractive still.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThese lovely women loved other gods. Perhaps the LORD I Am was going out of fashion. Why not just add these other gods%3f%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 1%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eWithin just a few years of Solomon’s death%2c the prosperous nation of Israel was ripped apart by civil war. That’s where we meet our second king. The LORD raised up an industrious young man named Jeroboam to rule over the northern kingdom.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eGod made an offer to Jeroboam%3a%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0.2in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3eIf you will listen to all that I command you…I will be with you and will build you a sure house…and I will give Israel to you. %28I Kings 11%3a 38%29.%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3eThe LORD kept his promise. A commoner named Jeroboam became ruler over the northern kingdom of Israel. God brought him from rags to riches.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eBut then Jeroboam went plumb stupid.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThe temple and Jerusalem were in the southern kingdom.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eJeroboam started to worry that if his people in the north followed the Word of God and went to make sacrifices in the temple in Jerusalem%2c they would follow the king in Jerusalem.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eJeroboam feared the people would turn against him if they saw the temple again%2c and topple him from power.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eHe forgot the LORD’s promise to him.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eJeroboam decided to take matters into his own hands.%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 1%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThink how crazy this is.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThe LORD God had raised Jeroboam from nothing to king of Israel. Now Jeroboam decided to rip a page out of Exodus and make two golden calves. He said to his people%3a%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0.2in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3eYou have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods%2c O Israel who brought you out of the land of Egypt.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%28I Kings 12%3a 28%29.%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3eReally Jeroboam%3f%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eYou made two calves of gold just like Aaron did and told the people that these idols had saved them%3f After all the LORD did for you%3f%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eAnd you think this is going to work out%3f%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eAs I said%2c the devil doesn’t need to invent new temptations. We fall for the old ones easily enough. Jeroboam made an idol of security.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eHe stopped trusting the LORD to keep his promises and decided to take matters into his own hands.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eHe figured if he was in control of worship%2c he’d be more secure. The rest of his reign is a tale of idolatry and violence. In the end judgment was visited on his son and not one member of Jeroboam’s family was left alive.%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 1%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThings did not get a whole lot better. The kings did not learn the lesson that idolatry doesn’t work. That leads us to our third monarch%2c the king in our series this month%2c Ahab. He decided to ratchet up the idolatry%2c choosing a particularly nasty idol to serve. In I Kings 16 we read%2c %3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0.2in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3eAhab did evil in the sight of the LORD%2c more than all who went before him…He took for his wife Jezebel…and went and served Baal and worshipped him. He erected an altar for Baal…and he made an Asherah. %28I Kings 16%3a 31-33%29.%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3eBaal was known as the god of the storm and rain.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eIn that arid country%2c the coming of the rain was vital to the crops for the year. And among the pagan peoples of the region%2c Baal was considered crucial to the regular arrival of rain in the rainy season. Baal needed to be placated with sacrifices and worship so the economy would work.%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 1%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eWe can see how Ahab might have wanted to adopt Baal into his worship.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eFor one to please Jezebel%2c whom we shall see was a very strong willed woman.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eBut also because the king needed the crops to have rain so the country could stay strong and fed.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eIn those days%2c people thought of gods as having power in certain regions.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThe Egyptians had Ra. The Syrians had Ashtoreth.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThey also saw the gods as connected with certain functions%2c such as Baal with the rain or Asherah with fertility.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 1%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eWe might think all that’s kind of silly. After all%2c we worship the God of the whole earth%2c indeed the One who is over the whole cosmos.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eWe don’t think we look for a god of a region or a function.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eUntil we realize how we compartmentalize our lives into regions with different rules.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eFor instance%2c I know that the Bible’s ethics are supposed to apply to all of life%2c but look%2c this is the region of business. If you don’t practice this way%2c you won’t stay in business.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eI know what the Bible says about talking bad about other people%2c but look%2c this is high school. If I don’t cut down people with my friends%2c I’ll get cut down.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eI know the Bible’s teaching on marriage%2c but this is the realm of modern relationships. If I don’t live with him%2c he’ll leave me.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eWe look to false gods for immediate%2c practical success in compartments of our lives. We don’t want to acknowledge the one true God in those areas. We want to mix and match%2c and be fluid with how we treat the different compartments of life.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 1%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eSo when the LORD I Am decided he’d had enough%2c he went right for the throat.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eHe sent his prophet Elijah to confront Ahab.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eHe told him%2c “There will be neither rain nor dew these years except by my word.”%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eYou think Baal brings the rain%3f Watch this. No rain for you%21%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eWe’ll see who the real God is.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThe LORD sent Elijah the prophet to set up a clash of the gods.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eHe would show the people the truth about their idols.%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 1%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThey had come to think that Baal was the rainmaker.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThat’s a great phrase for us because we use it today to be about more than raindrops. The rainmaker in your firm is the one who brings in the most clients. The rainmaker on your sales team moves the most merchandise. The rainmaker is the one who makes things happen.%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 1%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eAnd that raises the question that strikes us to the heart%3a%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3ewho do I say is the real rainmaker in my life%3f In my gut of gut%2c who makes life work%3f Who leads me to fulfillment and peace%3f Who gives me hope for the next life%3f%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eIs it the Lord Jesus alone%3f%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eOr is it the LORD plus%3f The LORD plus the little lies I have to tell to make a sale%3f The LORD plus the security I create for myself%3f The LORD plus my drinks%2c my pornography%2c my pills%2c my trips%2c my investments%2c my skill%3f Is Jesus enough%3f%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 1%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThe LORD withheld the rain from Israel to show them the truth dramatically.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eIn the end%2c idols cannot save us. Idols cannot fulfill us.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eSolomon traded the LORD I Am for pleasure. Jeroboam traded God for supposed security. Ahab traded the LORD in hopes of prosperity and sophistication.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eEach king thought he could add a god and get it to rain on his realm the way he wanted.%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 1%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eBut there’s only one rainmaker.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eAugustine said it so well%2c “You have made us for yourself%2c O God%2c and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.” False gods prove to be harsh masters. Only one God delivers.%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 1%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eNow as we close%2c we have to consider the final episode in this opening story.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eAfter Elijah delivered his prophecy%2c he was a wanted man. A culture full of idols does not appreciate the truth.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eServing popular idols is one form of going along to get along.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eWe cleave to the truth that there is only true God and determine that we will serve him alone. Then we have to be prepared to live from a different source than most of the people around us.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eThe distractions and treasures of the world will not satisfy us. We will have to rely on God to sustain us day by day. With daily bread. With emotional strength. With spiritual fortitude. He must keep us with his Word. %3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 1%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eElijah drank from the trickle of a brook%2c and ate the tiny morsels the ravens brought him. This morning%2c we will eat a tiny scrap of bread and take a miniature sip of wine.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eIt’s laughable in a loud%2c noisy%2c excessive culture to think that this is what could sustain the abundant life.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eBut we know the truth. This indeed is daily bread. We know the truth of Psalm 16%2c “Apart from you%2c O God%2c I have no good. But in your presence is fullness of joy%2c and in your right hand are pleasures forever more.”%3co%3ap%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cp class%3d%22MsoNoSpacing%22 style%3d%22margin%3a 0in 0in 0pt%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14pt%3b%22%3e%3co%3ap%3e%3cspan style%3d%22font-size%3a 14px%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3e%3c/o%3ap%3e%3c/span%3e%3c/p%3e %3cspan style%3d%22font-family%3a %27times new roman%27%2c%27serif%27%3b font-size%3a 14px%3b mso-fareast-font-family%3a calibri%3b mso-ansi-language%3a en-us%3b mso-fareast-language%3a en-us%3b mso-bidi-language%3a ar-sa%3b%22%3e%3cspan style%3d%22mso-tab-count%3a 1%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eAs we move through this series%2c turn on your idol detector this week. Try to identify what people are looking to for acceptance%2c assurance%2c security and hope.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eExamine yourself to see the ways you are looking to God plus something else%2c adding an idol to your devotion to God who demands to be worshipped alone.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eTake a look at how idols can never be rainmakers%2c how these false gods have failed you.%3cspan style%3d%22mso-spacerun%3a yes%3b%22%3e %3c/span%3eAnd let’s get ready to get radical in relying on Christ alone%2c our hope and our life. %3c/span%3e%3c/div%3e
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