Golden Calf Reckoning – Part 2: Illusions of Control

Pastor Dan Harrison | Main Text: 1 Kings 12:25–33

In Part 2 of the Golden Calf Reckoning sermon series, Pastor Dan Harrison exposes a modern form of idolatry that often hides in plain sight: the illusion of control.

Teaching from 1 Kings 12:25–33, Pastor Dan walks through the story of Jeroboam, a king who was given a promise by God—yet allowed fear and insecurity to drive his decisions. Instead of trusting God’s Word, Jeroboam tried to control outcomes, control people, and even control worship—creating “convenient” golden calves and a man-made system that replaced obedience with self-protection.

This message confronts three powerful “Golden Calf tendencies” that still show up today:

• Clinging to control over things we were never meant to carry

• Fear-based thinking that rewrites God’s promises

• Victim identity that turns pain into a permanent label and builds walls no one can enter

Pastor Dan also shares a personal, heartfelt illustration about trusting God with what we love most—and invites every listener to surrender what’s out of their control into the hands of a trustworthy Father. If anxiety, control, fear, or emotional walls have been shaping your decisions, this message is a call to freedom, healing, and deeper trust.

Key theme: Modern idolatry doesn’t always look like statues—it can look like grasping for control.

As you listen, don’t just absorb information—lean in. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal where fear has been calling the shots. Ask God to show you what you’ve been gripping too tightly—relationships, outcomes, finances, approval, safety—and place it back into His hands.

Takeaway Challenge:

This week, write two columns: “What I can control” and “What I can’t control.” Then pray through the second list, one item at a time, and surrender it to God. Pray simply: “Father, I trust You.”

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Golden Calf Reckoning – Part 1: False Images

Preached by Pastor Dan Harrison

Series Launch – February 8, 2026

In Part 1 of the Golden Calf Reckoning sermon series, Pastor Dan Harrison opens Exodus 32:1–6 and challenges us to confront a powerful and uncomfortable truth: it is possible to create an image of God that looks close to the real thing—but isn’t.

Drawing a striking parallel between artificial intelligence–generated images and modern idolatry, this message exposes how easily we can reshape God into something that fits our expectations, preferences, or impatience. Just as Israel grew restless while Moses delayed on the mountain, we too are tempted to take matters into our own hands when God doesn’t move on our timeline.

This sermon explores:

• The danger of spiritual impatience

• How modern idolatry often begins with distorted expectations

• Why false images of God are more subtle than golden statues

• The importance of aligning our perception of God with His revealed truth

The golden calf wasn’t simply rebellion—it was a replacement. Israel attached God’s name to something they created. Today, we must ask ourselves: Have we shaped an image of God that reflects culture, experience, or convenience rather than Scripture?

If our image of God does not match who He has revealed Himself to be, realignment is necessary. As Psalm 139 reminds us: “Search me, O God… and lead me in the way everlasting.”

This message calls the Church to spiritual reckoning—recognizing false worship, confronting distorted beliefs, and returning to true, biblical worship of the living God.

Don’t listen passively. Lean in. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Invite God to reveal any false images you may have formed—whether through impatience, disappointment, or misunderstanding.

Takeaway Challenge:

Pray Psalm 139:23–24 this week. Ask God to realign your view of Him with who He truly is, not who you want Him to be. Let today be the beginning of your own Golden Calf Reckoning.

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In “Discipline,” Pastor Dan walks through Hebrews 12:1–17 (with Ephesians 6:4; James 1:2–4; Romans 8:16–17, 28–29) to show that the Father’s discipline is loving formation, not angry punishment. God trains His children for our good, producing endurance, holiness, and the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Learn how to welcome correction, avoid bitterness, and see trials as the refinery where the Spirit forms Christ in us.

You’ll hear about:

• What biblical discipline includes: instruction, correction, training

• Why discipline confirms sonship/daughterhood and belonging

• Counting it joy in trials and letting endurance finish its work

• How God uses every season to conform us to Jesus (Romans 8:28–29)

• Practical steps to respond without anger, shame, or despair

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1–17; Ephesians 6:4; James 1:2–4; Romans 8:16–17, 28–29 (series lens: John 14:7)

Lean In (Conclusion):

As you listen, lean in and pray, “Father, speak to me through Your Word today.” Invite Him to show where His loving discipline is at work.

Takeaway/Challenge: Identify one current trial. Write: (1) the lie it tempts you to believe, (2) the truth from today’s scriptures (e.g., “He disciplines me for my good”), and (3) one obedient action you’ll take this week. Pray daily: “Form Jesus in me through this.”