roddie
08-30-02, - 12:44 AM
A research study on the development of idolatry in the Halley’s Bible Handbook states that, “In the beginning man had ONE GOD; and, in the Garden of Eden, had lived in rather intimate communion with God. But, with his sin and banishment, man lost his primeval knowledge of God; and, groping in his darkness for a solution of the mysteries of existence, he came to worship the powers of Nature which seemed to him to be the sources of life.” Sexual intimacy was also mentioned because it was the means through which life came. Likewise kings came to be deified as gods because they had power. “And to make their gods more real, images were made to represent the gods; and then the images themselves came to be worshiped as gods. Thus, man took his nosedive from Original Monotheism into the abyss of innumerable polytheistic idolatrous Cultures, some of which, in their practices, were unspeakably vile and abominable.”
My brothers and sisters, the worship of the various gods still exists today and many Christians are confused as to how to worship the true and living God. Though the word idolatry is rarely used, it has manifested itself into the Christian church worldwide. The world use words like freedom of speech, independence and constitutional rights, by which many have been brain washed into thinking that they have no Superior being to answer to but themselves and the laws of man. We all need some Divine intervention in our lives to be spiritually fulfilled. However, many people have allowed the ways of the world to take away their spirituality, leaving them with a carnal mindset to fall prey to the idolatry of the world.
The Bible says that the body is the temple of the Lord, however many persons even Christians has fallen for psychological forms of idolatry which were around for generations, namely Tattoos and the piercing of holes in various parts of their bodies for adornment with rings to please, and identify themselves with the ways of the world. The abuse of drugs and alcohol, are also practiced to enhance their pleasure in the ways of the world, destroying their bodies and contaminating their souls at the same time. Many have made themselves comfortable in the darkness of their iniquity by using the excuse that they did not know any better. There is a cliché in the legal system, which states, “Ignorance is no excuse in breaking the law.” To avoid such ignorance, the Bible asked us to study to show ourselves approved. These statements and other Religious beliefs and morals are brushed off by the minds of the world as opinionated and debatable thus creating doubt among believers. One has to be strong and faithful in their belief at all times to stay clear of idolatry.
The book of Exodus chapter 20 verse 2-6 states, “I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shall have no other gods before me. Thou shall not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shall not bow down thy thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and forth generation of them that hate me; And showing mercy unto thousands to them that love me, and keep my commands.” Having read these verses, one can find many Christian denominations and others worldwide are going contrary to the commands, inviting the art of idolatry to take place within the walls of the church.
Is it right for one to pay homage, to a man or woman, having lived and died, the same homage given to God, the creator of all? The only name that should be called in prayer or worship is the name of Jesus Christ or for any intercession with God the father, unless you are actually praying for someone, but not to them in a glorifying manner. There is also confusion in the Christian church as to which day is actually the Sabbath day in which to worship God. Since these forbidden practices seems to take place quiet frequently in various churches, one can conclude that all Christian denomination and religious beliefs appear to have flaws in their worship. In the Christian church one should not stick to tradition if it is wrong in the sight of God. The Holy Spirit has a way of leading one into all truth if the word is studied properly.
My brothers and sisters in closing, we as Christians are not to pass condemnation in our thoughts and deeds on others not of our faith. Other Religions and cults also see us as idolaters and infidels. First Timothy chapter 4 verse 1and 2 states, “Now the spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of the devils; speaking lies and hypocrisy: having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” The fact that so many persons lack the ability to comprehend life in the spirit, life in the flesh is their last resort therefore living a life of idolatry. To stay in a life of righteousness one must ponder this scripture in the book of Proverbs chapter 4 verse 23, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” My reading audience, as you go about celebrating the various festive seasons during the year, I pray that you will focus on the righteous aspect of the celebration and not idolize oneself into the pageantry of it all. God bless you all.
Roderick R McKenzie
My brothers and sisters, the worship of the various gods still exists today and many Christians are confused as to how to worship the true and living God. Though the word idolatry is rarely used, it has manifested itself into the Christian church worldwide. The world use words like freedom of speech, independence and constitutional rights, by which many have been brain washed into thinking that they have no Superior being to answer to but themselves and the laws of man. We all need some Divine intervention in our lives to be spiritually fulfilled. However, many people have allowed the ways of the world to take away their spirituality, leaving them with a carnal mindset to fall prey to the idolatry of the world.
The Bible says that the body is the temple of the Lord, however many persons even Christians has fallen for psychological forms of idolatry which were around for generations, namely Tattoos and the piercing of holes in various parts of their bodies for adornment with rings to please, and identify themselves with the ways of the world. The abuse of drugs and alcohol, are also practiced to enhance their pleasure in the ways of the world, destroying their bodies and contaminating their souls at the same time. Many have made themselves comfortable in the darkness of their iniquity by using the excuse that they did not know any better. There is a cliché in the legal system, which states, “Ignorance is no excuse in breaking the law.” To avoid such ignorance, the Bible asked us to study to show ourselves approved. These statements and other Religious beliefs and morals are brushed off by the minds of the world as opinionated and debatable thus creating doubt among believers. One has to be strong and faithful in their belief at all times to stay clear of idolatry.
The book of Exodus chapter 20 verse 2-6 states, “I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shall have no other gods before me. Thou shall not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shall not bow down thy thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and forth generation of them that hate me; And showing mercy unto thousands to them that love me, and keep my commands.” Having read these verses, one can find many Christian denominations and others worldwide are going contrary to the commands, inviting the art of idolatry to take place within the walls of the church.
Is it right for one to pay homage, to a man or woman, having lived and died, the same homage given to God, the creator of all? The only name that should be called in prayer or worship is the name of Jesus Christ or for any intercession with God the father, unless you are actually praying for someone, but not to them in a glorifying manner. There is also confusion in the Christian church as to which day is actually the Sabbath day in which to worship God. Since these forbidden practices seems to take place quiet frequently in various churches, one can conclude that all Christian denomination and religious beliefs appear to have flaws in their worship. In the Christian church one should not stick to tradition if it is wrong in the sight of God. The Holy Spirit has a way of leading one into all truth if the word is studied properly.
My brothers and sisters in closing, we as Christians are not to pass condemnation in our thoughts and deeds on others not of our faith. Other Religions and cults also see us as idolaters and infidels. First Timothy chapter 4 verse 1and 2 states, “Now the spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of the devils; speaking lies and hypocrisy: having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” The fact that so many persons lack the ability to comprehend life in the spirit, life in the flesh is their last resort therefore living a life of idolatry. To stay in a life of righteousness one must ponder this scripture in the book of Proverbs chapter 4 verse 23, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” My reading audience, as you go about celebrating the various festive seasons during the year, I pray that you will focus on the righteous aspect of the celebration and not idolize oneself into the pageantry of it all. God bless you all.
Roderick R McKenzie