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1 Kings 13

Good Morning “Demanders of Where Stands It Written.”  Today we are in 1 Kings 13.

Jeroboam was a Master Cult Leader.  Just call him what he is.  He’s rebranded the “Bull Worship” that cost Israel so much.  Like any cult leader Jeroboam likely exaggerated elements of worship that appealed to Israel and downplayed elements that did not.  We see this evidenced at the end of the chapter.

We would consider any movement of worship that doesn’t find its basis in Scripture, or otherwise distorts Scripture - a cult.  Cult leaders are like some Politicians.  They tell people what they want to hear, while denying the Truth.  In fact the “Actual Truth”, plays little role.

Some cults are obvious, using as their guide a whole new or different “holy book”, with one thing in common.  Supposedly God presented Himself, and revealed a whole new text to one man.  Deceived by desires of their own flesh, masses bite and follow this new leader with this new text.  Why?  Because it is made appealing in some way that True Worship is not.  It’s not that hard to get people to follow when you promise something the flesh already wants. Generally speaking we’re already looking for easier, less demanding worship.

But there are even more subtle heresies within The Church, all promising to make your worship easier, more culturally relevant, or personally engaging. Remember: the 1st step away from God’s Word is the 1st step toward apostasy (Psalm 1:1-2).  We MUST be students of The Word.  “Where stands it written?”  “Where do you find that in The Most Reliable Book in All of Antiquity” - The Bible.  The original, not the recently re-written, newly revised “Holy Book”.

God doesn’t play.  Ultimately playing fast and loose with Word of God, denying it’s Truth and proclaiming it to say what you want it to say doesn’t end well.  It won’t end well for Jeroboam either.  God showed Jeroboam what He was capable of.  Didn’t matter… “Even after this, Jeroboam did not change his evil ways, but once more appointed priests for the high places from all sorts of people. Anyone who in wanted to become a priest he consecrated for the high places.” 1 Kings‬ ‭13‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Interesting… do you remember why the Levites were chosen as the Tribe of Priests?  (Review Exodus 32:25-29)

Love you all!  Dig in!