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.”

#GoldenCalfReckoning #IllusionsOfControl #1Kings12 #ModernIdolatry #ChristianPodcast #SermonSeries #FaithOverFear #TrustGod #HealingJourney #BiblicalTruth #PastorDanHarrison

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.

#GoldenCalfReckoning #FalseImages #ModernIdolatry #Exodus32 #BiblicalTruth #ChristianPodcast #SermonSeries #RavennaAssembly #PastorDanHarrison #FaithRenewal #SpiritualGrowth #IdolatryToday #BibleTeaching

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.”

In “Where We Are Going,” Pastor Dan walks through John 14:1–31, where Jesus comforts anxious hearts: “Let not your hearts be troubled.” He promises the Father’s house with a prepared place, reveals Himself as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, teaches what it means to ask in His name, and gives the Holy Spirit as our Helper. This table-side conversation shows the Father’s heart—belonging, access, and peace—even when life feels uncertain.

You’ll hear about:

• The best part of the Father’s house (the Father Himself)

• How Jesus answers panic with presence and identity

• Praying in Jesus’ name as alignment with the Father’s business

• The Spirit who teaches, reminds, and anchors peace

Scripture: John 14:1–31 (series lens: John 14:7)

Lean In (Conclusion):

As you listen, lean in and pray, “Father, speak to me through Your Word today.”

Takeaway/Challenge: Write down one anxiety you’re carrying. Next to it, write a truth from John 14 (e.g., “He prepared a place for me,” “Jesus is my Way,” “The Spirit helps me.”). All week, replace the worry with that truth and pray in Jesus’ name for what advances the Father’s heart.

Hashtags: #TheHeartOfTheFather #WhereWeAreGoing #John14 #FathersHouse #HolySpirit #Peace #Faith #Hope #ChristianPodcast

In “Adopted,” Pastor Dan explores how the Spirit of adoption (Romans 8:12–17; Galatians 4:1–7) replaces fear and slavery with belonging, identity, and inheritance. Through Christ, we receive a new name, full rights as sons and daughters, and confident access to our Abba, Father. This message calls us out of shame and back into the family business—living by the Spirit and carrying the Father’s heart to our world.

You’ll hear about:

• Moving from fear to family: what adoption really means in Scripture

• Why “Abba” signals intimacy, access, and trust

• Inheritance now: the Holy Spirit and authority to do the Father’s work

• Practicals for resisting old labels and living from your new identity

Scripture: John 14:7; Romans 8:12–17; Galatians 4:1–7

As you listen, lean in and pray, “Father, speak to me through Your Word today.” Invite Him to rename places where fear, shame, or old labels have defined you.

Takeaway/Challenge: Write the phrase “I am a child of God—Adopted” somewhere you’ll see daily. Each time fear speaks, answer aloud with Romans 8:15 and Galatians 4:6. This week, approach your Abba boldly—ask, receive, and step into the family business.

#TheHeartOfTheFather #Adopted #AbbaFather #Romans8 #Galatians4 #ChildOfGod #ChristianPodcast #Faith #Hope #Healing

In “Not Abandoned,” Pastor Dan unpacks Jesus’ invitation to approach God as a good Father (Matthew 7:7–11) and anchors our identity in Psalm 139:13–17—fearfully and wonderfully made, seen, and wanted from the womb. If your story includes rejection, neglect, or trauma, this message shows how the Father heals the places where you asked for bread and received a stone, and why Jesus calls us to keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking—not because God is reluctant, but because He is trustworthy.

What you’ll hear:

• Moving from fence-focused religion to Father-focused relationship

• Learning to trust the Father’s voice above anxiety and lies

• Practical steps for persevering prayer when answers seem delayed

Scripture: John 14:7 (series), Matthew 7:7–11, Psalm 139:13–17

As you listen, lean in and ask, “Father, speak to me through Your Word today.” Invite Him into the places that feel abandoned or anxious. Takeaway/Challenge: Identify one area where you’ve stopped praying. This week, return to the Father and keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking—trusting His goodness even before you see the outcome.

#TheHeartOfTheFather #NotAbandoned #AskSeekKnock #Psalm139 #ChristianPodcast #Faith #Hope #Healing

In today’s message, Relationship = Reflection, special guest Rusty Nottingham from the Akron Dream Center shares a powerful word on how our relationships reveal the depth of our walk with Christ. Drawing from John 13:34-35 (NLT), 1 John 3:17-18 (NLT), and Romans 5:6-8 (NLT), Rusty reminds us that love is not only commanded but demonstrated—through Jesus and through us.

When we love one another, we reflect Christ to a world desperate for hope. Just as Jesus laid down His life while we were still sinners, we are called to live sacrificially in our relationships, showing compassion, action, and authentic faith.

✨ Takeaway Challenge: This week, ask yourself—do my relationships reflect the love of Christ? Look for an opportunity to show love in action, not just in words, whether it’s serving someone in need, offering forgiveness, or being present for a friend.

Lean in as Rusty Nottingham encourages us to let our lives become mirrors of God’s love. As you listen, pray and ask God to speak directly to you through today’s message, and be ready to act on what He calls you to do.

#RelationshipReflection #AkronDreamCenter #LoveInAction #ChristianPodcast #Romans5 #John13 #BibleTeaching #FaithPodcast #LoveOneAnother #ChurchPodcast

In this powerful conclusion to the RUN | FIGHT | KEEP series, Pastor Dan Harrison steps into the role of Timothy, Paul’s young disciple and ministry partner, delivering a heartfelt and sobering message to the church. The sermon, “Timothy: Courage in Dangerous Times”, unfolds as Timothy shares the final words and legacy of the Apostle Paul, who wrote two deeply personal letters before his execution in Rome.

As Timothy reflects on Paul’s boldness, endurance, and unwavering faith, we’re invited to consider our own lives: Are we running our race with courage? Are we fighting the good fight? Are we keeping the faith in a culture of compromise?

Drawing from 2 Timothy 1:1–12 and 2 Timothy 4:6–8, Pastor Dan reveals the heart of a spiritual father and the burden of a spiritual son who must now carry the torch forward. Through this creative and emotional portrayal, we are reminded that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s moving forward in faith despite it.

🔑 Whether you’re facing pressure from the outside world or discouragement within, this message will challenge you to stand firm in your calling, rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, and live a life worthy of your Savior’s name.

As you listen to today’s message, we invite you to lean in—ask God to speak directly to your heart. Let the example of Paul inspire you, and let the voice of Timothy awaken a boldness in you. Don’t just listen for inspiration—listen for transformation.

This week’s challenge:

➡️ What will you do with the legacy that’s been handed to you?

➡️ Will you run your race with integrity, fight the right battles, and keep the faith—even when the world is watching?

Let this message stir your spirit to live out your faith with purpose and perseverance.

#RunFightKeep #Timothy #FaithInHardTimes #2Timothy #CourageInChrist #LegacyOfFaith #PastorDanHarrison #SpiritualLeadership #ChristianPodcast #ChurchOnline