Elder Barbara Messier from the Oceanside Presbyterian Church gave this morning's message.
She spoke about idol worship.
She suggested that some of our new ways of worshiping remotely are a blessing. It can bring people together who might not otherwise be able to join the church family.
She reminded us that in the Old Testament, many stories were written about plagues as a way for God to show his displeasure for idol worship. They returned to worshipping idols over and over and each time God showed his anger.
Today we are experiencing a pandemic. Is it a way to show us that God is displeased with us?
Do we worship idols?
Ms. Messier outlined ways that she believes we continue to worship idols.
1. We want to keep things the way they always were. We worship rituals and forget that God is the God of Growth and Change.
2. We are self centered. We think everything should be the way we want it to be, not the way that God is trying to guide us.
3. We want to be in control and tend to forget who us really in charge.
4. We have a tendency to judge others. It is hard for us to see our own failings. We set up expectations for how people should behave.
What is God telling us? She believes that God wants us to change our hearts and love and trust in him. We need to change ourselves and spread the news of great love.
Amen!