from what they were 3,500 years ago. But many of the “gods” are the same, and the reality that people serve things that are not God remains at the core of human problems. Not only do idols and lies infuriate and arouse jealousy in the true God, but they are empty and deceitful: “Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless” (1 Sam. 12:21). Any counseling and evangelism worthy of the name must deal with this core problem. Ministry