Every human heart operates like a well-oiled idol factory, cranking out new tools to help us defect from the True God. That's basically what John Calvin said in the 16th century. And it's also the theme in this week's sermon—"Keep Yourself from Idols"—by Albert Mohler Jr. It's a theologically rich analysis of a tiny verse at the very end of 1 John—"Little children, keep yourself from idols."

This week we also feature:

• Featured Illustration: Man Risks His Life to Bring Adopted Daughter Home
• Sermon Series: Thorns in the Flesh, by Rich Hansen
• Video Illustration: Idol Worship

In Christ,

Matt Woodley
Managing Editor, PreachingToday.com
mwoodley@christianitytoday.com

P.S. If you're preaching on Martin Luther King Jr. Day check out the new illustration about his approach to Christian civility. And if you're addressing the sanctity of human life, check out the two items in our News That Illustrates column.

Matt Woodley is the pastor of compassion ministries at Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton, Illinois.