Present Day Idolatry
David Wilkerson's sermon warns against the dangers of modern idolatry and emphasizes the importance of centering the gospel on the cross of Christ.
David Wilkerson addresses the issue of present-day idolatry, drawing parallels between the ancient worship of idols and the modern distractions that can lead believers away from the true gospel. He emphasizes that just as God condemned idolatry in the Old Testament, He continues to despise it today, warning against being misled by false teachings that deviate from the message of the cross. Wilkerson urges discernment in the face of a new wave of idolatry sweeping across America, highlighting the importance of centering worship and messages on the cross of Christ. He references Paul's warning about turning to a different gospel, affirming the need for true ministers who uphold the integrity of the gospel. Ultimately, he calls for vigilance against the perversion of the gospel that threatens to undermine faith.
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In this sophisticated age, we find it hard to understand the idolatry of the Old Testament. It is incredible to read of intelligent people being so blinded that they offered worship to hand-carved images of wood, stone and precious metals. Yet it was the sin of idolatry that brought down God's awful wrath on his own people. "Therefore do not pray for this people ... for I will not hear you" (Jeremiah 7:15).
This is God's declaration against idolatry in the Old Testament. And yet he hates idolatry just as much today. A new idolatry is sweeping across America right now. There are reports of God moving in different parts of the country but you must be careful of where you go and what spirit you sit under. You must have discernment in order to avoid being swept up into an idolatry that will turn you away from the cross of Christ.
The cross -- including its demands and hopes -- is the very heart of the gospel and any message or worship must be centered on it. Without the cross, all that is left is chaff -- a perverted gospel that is insulting to the Lord. There are ministers who are intense, articulate, pleasant and very resourceful, but they preach "a different gospel."
Paul saw this beginning to happen even in his day: "I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:6-8).
Praise God for true ministers of Christ who boldly proclaim the gospel of the cross. They are the bulwark against idolatry of in these last days!
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding Old Testament Idolatry
- The consequences of idolatry
- God's declaration against idolatry
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II
- The relevance of idolatry today
- Discernment in spiritual matters
- Identifying new forms of idolatry
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III
- The centrality of the cross in the gospel
- The dangers of a perverted gospel
- The role of true ministers in combating idolatry
Key Quotes
“Therefore do not pray for this people ... for I will not hear you.” — David Wilkerson
“Without the cross, all that is left is chaff -- a perverted gospel that is insulting to the Lord.” — David Wilkerson
“Praise God for true ministers of Christ who boldly proclaim the gospel of the cross.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Regularly evaluate your beliefs and practices to ensure they align with the true gospel.
- Seek out and support ministers who preach the unaltered message of the cross.
- Cultivate discernment to recognize and resist contemporary forms of idolatry.