Posts Tagged ‘idolatry’

Scripture reading for December 11th: Revelation 2:18-3:6

Have you ever been convinced that something was true, only to find out later that it was a lie?   The church at Sardis was given a timely word by Jesus through John that should have alerted them to truth.  The opinion of others and our past reputation are not the best indicators of our true spiritual condition!

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write:  “These are the words of Him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.  I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.  Wake up!  Strengthen what remains and is about to die,  for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of My God.  Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent.” (Revelation 3:1-3a)

The church at Sardis had a great reputation and had been a strong church.  They were known for their life in Christ!  But as Jesus evaluated this church’s current deeds, He found them non-existent–dead!  From this we can see that our past accomplishments, although good, cannot keep us alive in Christ’s kingdom.  We must continue walking in the good works that He has prepared for us!  (Ephesians 2:10)  As long as we live here on earth, Christ has work for His church to be doing!

The call of Christ was to ‘wake up!’  The enemy of our souls lulls us to sleep and rest on our past laurels.  Repentance requires a change of mind and then of attitudes and actions.  This church needed to seriously and quickly change its course.  Christ warned them that He would come like a ‘thief’ and that they would be caught unprepared for His appearance!  This is an echo of Jesus’ teaching and Paul’s teaching as well!  (Matthew 24:42-44; 1st Thessalonians 5:1-6)

The Bride of Christ must be prepared for Christ’s return.  “I know your deeds,” was the evaluation of Jesus.  As we look at Scripture later in Revelation, we find the Bride of Christ adorned with fine linen.  (Revelation 19:7-8)  We are told that this ‘fine linen’ is the righteous acts of the saints.   Our deeds and faithful obedience result in our clothing at the wedding supper.  Without the proper clothing, we are in danger of being thrown out!  (Matthew 22:11-12)  How important it is to listen with hearing ears to the living Word!

Scripture reading for June 10th:  Acts 7:30-50

Stephen’s sermon defense to the rulers of Israel who crucified Jesus and now were plotting to get rid of him was taken from their own Scriptures.  Stephen went on to show how the Moses that the Israelites had rejected was picked by God 40 years later to be their deliverer.  He was sent to them with signs and miracles and led them out of Egypt.  (Acts 7:35-36) Moses also prophesied that God would raise up another prophet like him from his own people.

While Moses was on the mountain of God getting the Ten Commandments, the people rebelled by making a golden calf.  They began to worship the works of their hands and turned away from God.  God gave them over to the worship of the creation and idols that they made.  Their rebellion would eventually send them to captivity in Babylon.  Stephen quoted Amos 5:25-27 showing that God knew about the rebellion and promised to punish them.

Stephen was being used by God to instruct these men, showing God held the Israelites accountable for their idolatry.  They had always rejected His prophets and refused to follow His ways.  Even now, these men were rebelling against the same God by persecuting those who were preaching Jesus Christ as Lord and performing signs and miracles in His name.  They had rejected God’s chosen leader Moses and had also rejected the prophet like Moses that God raised up, Jesus!  They were in danger of being given over themselves to their own idolatry of the Law and the temple!

Stephen used Isaiah 66:1-2 to show that God had already stated that He dwelled in heaven and that any earthly house could not contain Him.  These truths were made plain by Stephen’s preaching to those who were ruling in Jerusalem.  But truth will either bring conviction and repentance, or bring hardening and God’s judgment.  Stephen’s job was simply to present the truth in the power of the Holy Spirit and let the people choose their response.  How are you at listening to God’s truth when you are living outside of it?   Do you like it when God reveals an area of rebellion in your own life?  Is Jesus the leader you are following?

Scripture reading for April 7th: Luke 12:8-34

There’s an old bumper sticker that characterizes many people’s worldview: “He who dies with the most toys wins!” I used to subscribe to this line of thinking before I had my worldview altered by the Bible and an encounter with Jesus.  I was out to make a fortune and be rich.  I wanted to be one of the biggest farmers in my county and to be looked up to and recognized.  Although I am not proud of it now, I even went to church to help further that goal!

Jesus Christ challenged that worldview over two thousand years ago and it seems that many in the American church need to listen to Him again on this subject.  “Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”  Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbiter between you?  Then He said to them, “Watch out!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:13-15)

Greed takes many different forms and subtly can attach itself to people.  In a materialist society, we tend to identify success in life with what belongs to us.  It can start small, with wanting to wear the brand-name clothes and shoes!  We may feel that others won’t notice us unless we wear Nike and Wranglers for example!  Or it may be that we want to eat at the best restaurants to be seen by the rich.  Jesus warned them further, “Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes.  Consider the ravens:  They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.  And how much more valuable are you than birds!” (Luke 12:23-24)

Greed can easily become an obsession that takes our focus away from God.  It is equated with idolatry in another place in Scripture.  Jesus used the story of the rich farmer building bigger barns and making no preparations to meet God to drive His point home to those who would listen.  (Luke 12:16-21)  Death comes suddenly and all our possessions will be left behind and our soul left in hell if we are not rich towards God!  Dying with the most toys can mean the biggest loss of your life!  If necessary, repent and ask Jesus for mercy and a new vision of real living!

Scripture reading for September 23rd: Nahum 1-3

Nahum was a prophet sent to declare God’s judgment on Nineveh.  Jonah had come about a hundred years earlier to give a message of judgment to this wicked city and to his surprise and dismay, all the city repented!  God was delighted to give this city more time to get their lives in order and spare the cattle.  (Jonah 4:11)  But as often happens, emotional repentance may work for a short time but sin’s grip takes hold and drags individuals and nations back into rebellion and wickedness.  Nineveh again had crossed the line and God had decreed destruction to those who failed to heed His earlier warning.

Nahum, like Micah, saw a vision of God coming in the awesome power of nature.  He saw God coming in a whirlwind and storm, with clouds as the dust of His feet.  He could almost feel the earth shake and tremble at His presence and see the hills melt.  People also trembled with fear as God’s wrath was poured out like fire and rocks split open at His coming!  (Nahum 1:3-6) (Micah 1:3-4)  Nahum declared that this coming would bring destruction upon Nineveh and all who oppose Him.

“From you, O Nineveh, has one come forth who plots evil against the Lord and counsels wickedness.” (Nahum 1:11)  There seemed to be one evil ruler who God cited as being behind this wickedness.  God promised to prepare his grave for him, because he was so vile! (Nahum 1:13)

“Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace!  Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, and fulfill your vows.  No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed.” Nahum 1:15  This God who would come walking on the high places would bring good news to God’s people!  Their enemy had been completely destroyed!  No more would he torment them!  God’s people could celebrate and fulfill their vows in joy!

This is truly good news for God’s people of all times!  Through Jesus Christ, Satan has been defeated at the cross!   The feet bringing “good news” were that of our Savior!  (Isaiah 52:7)  They were pierced with nails that we might be free to walk with God!  Our enemy, Satan has been totally defeated!  His end is sure–the Lake of fire prepared for the devil and his angels!  (Revelation 20:10)  True peace with God is ours forever!

Scripture reading for September 7th: Hosea 4-6

Israel had an amazing legacy of God’s revelation of His nature and character to them.  They had experienced God’s presence in their midst and knew personally of His love and mercy and powerful deliverance of the nation from slavery and bondage in Egypt.  Yet, in Hosea’s time, they lacked knowledge and were being destroyed!

“. . My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.  Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.” ( Hosea 4:6)   This lack of knowledge came from God’s priests ignoring and rejecting the law of God.  When a people willfully rejects knowledge that it has, blindness and judgment come their way.  Consequences of rejecting God’s law bring judgment on the people and their offspring.  Could this be happening in America today?

The consequences of the priests rejecting God’s law were evident in Israel.  “Hear the word of the Lord, you Israelites, because the Lord has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land. There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.”" In reading Hosea Chapter 4, seven of the ten commandments are listed as broken by the Israelites!

In America today, there is an assault on the law of God.  God’s word has been removed from the public school system and much of the business and political world.  Posting of the ten commandments was once common and it has now been declared illegal by many states and court systems.  Teaching the basic laws of God was once the foundation of our education system and it is now illegal in our public schools.  In fact, many of God’s laws can be “legally” broken because people and government have rejected the knowledge of God.

According to Hosea, the priests were to blame in Israel.  Christians must take responsibility in America!  We now have a knowledge of God through the Holy Spirit and must live and vote to keep God’s knowledge fresh in our country’s remembrance.  The rejection of knowledge resulted in judgment:  “Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone.” “A whirlwind will sweep them away,” (Hosea 4:17,19a) What will happen in our nation?

Scripture reading for July 17th: Isaiah 1-4

Isaiah is one of the major prophets of the Old Testament and his writing contains a rich treasure of revelation concerning God’s plans to redeem His people and send the Messiah.  He spoke and wrote these words from about 722 BC to 681 BC.  As we begin this book, it would be helpful to take a moment to ask the Lord for His guidance in understanding and applying it to our lives as 21st century followers of Christ.

The first vision of Isaiah recorded in today’s readings concerned Judah and Jerusalem.  “Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption!  They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him.” (Isaiah 1:4)  People reap what they sow and God does nothing without warning His people by the prophets.  (Amos 3:7)  God sent Isaiah various visions to warn these backslidden people of the coming wrath.  He told them of the desolate land and burned cities that would result.  (Isaiah 1:7-9)  He warned them that only God’s mercy could save them from becoming like Sodom and Gomorrah!

These people attended to the temple and sacrifices, but God was not honored or pleased!  They offered prayers and sacrifices, but did evil in His sight.  They oppressed the widow and orphan and shed innocent blood.  Religion without repentance is hypocrisy and only wearies the Lord.  (Isaiah 1:11-15)  God’s warning was clear and concise!

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord.  “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.  If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.”  For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 1:18-20)

God’s people needed to listen and use their heads.  God offered cleansing from these deep stains of sin if they would be humble and willing to change.  If they refused and rebelled, they would be devoured by the sword.  God is offering to reason with people today as well.  Many need to heed His offer of grace through Jesus Christ.  The way is narrow that leads to life and blessing but broad that leads to destruction.  Let those crimson stains be made white as snow!

Scripture reading for April 14th: 2nd Kings 13-17

God had warned Israel and Judah that certain activities would result in their being taken captive by their enemies and taken out of their wonderful inheritance, the land of Israel.  Like children who hear their parent’s instruction but soon forget, the nation of Israel turned a deaf ear to God and His word.  They hardened their hearts and reaped the consequences.

What did they do that angered the Lord?  God is a jealous God who will not tolerate idolatry.  These Israelites made two golden calves and bowed down to them.  (2nd Kings 17:7-13)   They burned incense to these idols and did wicked things that were immoral.  The prophets warned them, but they refused to listen!  They rejected God’s laws and did their own thing in following their worthless idols and became worthless to God.  God could not use them as a testimony of His goodness when they brought a curse on themselves!

In their idolatry, they sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fires made for these idols.  They practiced divination and sorcery.  (2nd Kings 17:16-17)  They would not consult the Lord but sought demons in direct rebellion to God’s instructions.  God had forbidden them to do these things that the other  nations were doing.

As we contemplate the causes of Israel’s captivity, it is easy to see how our nation is going down the same path!  We are now a nation of idolaters.  We worship gods of our own making.  Idols are an attempt to make god in a form that we can control and define.  The idols of Israel were made of gold because money is often related with idolatry.  The love of money and power is a consuming force in our country.

We are also a nation that sacrifices our children in the fires of abortion and abuse.  Children are a favorite target of Satan because they represent the heritage of the Lord.  Our idols of pleasure and convenience say we should have a right to choose whether or not a baby should live or be sacrificed!  Finally, sorcery and divination are also present in our land.  False doctrines and seeking man or Satan for insight to the future are growing more and more popular.  These are all signs of a nation headed for captivity!  Take time to pray for our nation today!

Dear Friends,

Greetings on this day of rest and reflection!  May the Lord bless you with refreshing as you worship Him and honor Him by listening to His holy word!  Your pastor has a word from the Lord this day that you and your family need to hear and heed!  Please don’t miss out on being in the presence of the Lord as His people gather for worship today!

As I reflect on the reading of this past week, yesterday’s reading about Saul’s partial obedience comes quickly back to mind.  I find that I, too,  can make excuses like Saul did and seek to justify my own way of obeying God.  Saul easily got rid of all the damaged goods, but kept the best.  He still felt that he had obeyed the Lord’s instructions because he had won the battle and had gotten rid of most of the goods.  When confronted, he said he was going to offer the rest as a sacrifice to the Lord.  This sounded like a good idea, but was not in line with God’s instructions to destroy everything!  What difference could it make if they would be offered to the Lord as a sacrifice?  They would still be destroyed?

God doesn’t take pleasure in sacrifices and offerings that are made in disobedience!  Our sin shouts loudly against us and grieves God’s heart!  He really wants His people to simply obey!  This is the best sacrifice we can give Him.  A heart of obedience to fully comply with His word brings God more pleasure than any other sacrifice!

As you chose what path you will take today, reflect on your heart!  Are you being obedient to what God has shown you is right?  Are you completely following God’s instructions, or making up your own rules and thinking God will understand your intentions?  Read 1st Samuel 15 again and reflect on Saul and his great loss because of rebellion and idolatry.   In His Love, Pastor John

Scripture reading for November 24th:  1st Corinthians 7-10

I chose my life theme from going through Army officer’s leadership school.  A key leadership principle that stuck with me was “Set the Example!”  I was taught that one of the most powerful influences that a leader can have on others is their example.  I find this to be biblical as well.  Jesus Christ modeled for us and his disciples the way to live.  He lived a life centered on doing God’s will and serving others.   The Bible records many examples that are not so good as well.  Someone has said, “if you are not good for anything else, you can always be a bad example!”  In today’s reading the Apostle Paul reminds the church at Corinth of examples that should help them and us to live a blessed life.

In 1st Corinthians 10, Paul uses the bad examples as warning for us today.  There were three main things that Paul exhorted the Corinthians to remember about the Israelites of the Old Testament.  They had some great spiritual experiences with the Lord leading them by the cloud and fire and taking them through the Red Sea in a type of baptism.  They got to eat “manna” from heaven and drink water from the “Rock” for forty years while they wandered in the desert.  They had God’s appointed leader, Moses, praying for them.  However, God was not pleased with them!  (1st Corinthians 10:1-5)

In spite of being supernaturally delivered by God from idolatrous Egypt, many of them brought their idols with them!  They were taught by God to be true to their wives and to Him, but many were sexually immoral as they worshiped these idols and lived in fleshly indulgence.  Most grumbled against God and His provision and died from the bite of poisonous snakes and by the destroying angel of death that they had opened the door to.  Their hearts were not right with God in spite of all the supernatural power that they witnessed.  They thought they were alright with God because of God’s blessings.  They became examples for us!

We should learn from their example. (1st Corinthians 10:8-10)  They did not keep God first.  Idolatry and sexual immorality always go hand in hand.  America is a land of idols!  Sports stars, entertainment figures, soap operas, movie stars, popular music stars and the like all serve as idols.  We are sexually immoral and glorify sexual freedom that mocks God and His word because we are idolatrous!  The church is even full of idolatrous behavior and sexual immorality!

Grumbling against God because of unbelief was also a characteristic of the Israelites.  That grumbling kept them out of the land of promise and got a whole generation killed off in the desert.  The destroying angel, Satan, killed them because of their greed, idolatry, and sexually perversion.  These examples should warn us today and drive us to Christ Jesus.  He is our escape from sin, death and temptation.  He is always faithful and delivers those who depend on Him!

Scripture reading for September 5th: Hosea 1-3

Hosea was a unique prophet called by God to let his whole life, his marriage, and his children be a prophetic word to God’s people.  Hosea was told by God to marry an adulterous woman named Gomer.  God’s plan was to show Israel how they behaved toward Him and give them a visual picture of His love for them. (Hosea 1:2)   The children’s names also were prophetic and would remind the people of the consequences of their sins.  God’s ways are often above our ways and He will go to great lengths to reach His people.  Those whom He called to be His prophets had to be willing to obey His instructions, even in their personal lives.  We are not our own, we are bought with a price!  (1st Corinthians 6:19-20)

Hosea married Gomer and took her as his wife.  She conceived and bore him a son.  The Lord told Hosea to call the son “Jezreel”, because He was going to punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel and put an end to the kingdom of Israel.  (Hosea 1:4)  Gomer also had two daughters and they were also named by the Lord.  One was Lo-Ruhamah which meant “no love left” and the other was “Lo-Ammi” which meant “not my people”.  God was telling the Israelite about a coming judgment on their nation because of their sins of idolatry and spiritual adultery against Him.  He wanted them to be reminded every time they saw the prophet and his family of their own state and God’s word spoken through those children’s names. (Hosea 1:4-8)

As I reflect on this story, I am reminded we are just like Gomer in our ways.  We have been in spiritual adultery and unfaithful to God in many ways.  We have not obeyed His command to be filled with His Spirit and to go out into the world and be His witnesses.  We have run after other gods of pleasure and ease instead of wholeheartedly keeping ourselves for Him.  Just as Gomer ran after other lovers who offered her food, and clothes and drinks, so we have not walked faithfully before our God.  (Hosea 2:5-6)  We have not recognized that God is the real provider of all the good things that we have and instead have used them to serve ourselves instead of Him.  (Hosea 2:8)

However, as Hosea was commanded to take back his unfaithful wife and buy her back from the slave market, so God has done the same for us!  (Hosea 3:1-2)  He died for us in payment for our sins and deliverance from slavery to demonstrate His love for us! (Romans 5:8)   Hosea did tell Gomer to leave her life of adultery and live free from that bondage and he would live with her.  God tells us to depart from sin and live a holy life.  Without holiness, no one will see the Lord!  (1st Peter 1:14-15)

Jesus Christ is coming back for His Bride, the Church!  She is to be a glorious Church, without spot or wrinkle, clothed in the white linen of His righteousness!  Check your life today and check your robes!  Your loving Husband could come today!