That may sound like a strange statement? Most people, who have heard the stories of the Bible, remember the one about the golden calf. While the leader was away the people turned to other gods and began to play and out came this golden calf. God would tell the children of Israel not to worship other gods. There seems to be a default mechanism in mankind that goes to this.
So you are probably thinking how does this apply to me? I would never worship a statue. While that may be true, what would you worship? First, let’s define idolatry. What is idolatry? The basic definition is “the worship of images that are not God.” What the children of Israel did was resort to the oldest human nature impulse after the fall and the very thing that did cause the fall. They did it their way. They didn’t keep their faith in God exclusively.
So is their a New Testament counterpart to the Old Testament Law-the Ten Commandments? I believe there is. It is called “another Jesus.” It looks like Jesus, but it is not Jesus.” What if the world do I mean by this? You make up a version of God that you like whether you are a believer or not. It would kind of be like grading your own test. Well, this is just what I believe about God and that’s good enough for me. NO! You can’t do it. Let me rephrase that. You shouldn’t do that. Have you ever thought about this? Who cares what you believe. That could be made up from your own mind. Find ten people and ask them for their opinions, you might get ten different ones. Now we must be respectful, people do have a right to have an opinion, but their opinion must always be help up to the light and standard of the Word.
II Corinthians 11:2-4 says it this way: “For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!
Here are some examples: “I just believe a loving God wouldn’t send anyone to hell.” “I think God understands our weaknesses.” Now that is a half truth-While he understands our hurts and is touched by them, scriptures say, he doesn’t condone them or bless them. He gives us strength to overcome them. Even warped understanding can lead us to the wrong conclusion. I can’t count how many times that something evil has happened and people will say “God will never put more on you than you can handle.” First of all, God didn’t do it. The devil did it or the evil in man’s heart drove him to do it or both. I do believe that God will grant anyone grace to help them through it and to overcome it. Absolutely!
But it is important to know who is behind things. The basic rule is this: If its bad-it’s from the devil and if it’s good it’s from God. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10)
Now there are times at first appearance things aren’t as they appear and that must be factored in.
We should always remember that anything that we put in from of God in importance is an idol, and will hinder our growth at the very least and could destroy our soul at the worst. Putting your job, your hobbies, or any of your
interests before God is wrong. We need to examine ourselves and really ask God to reveal our priorities to us if we truly want to be a disciple. So how do you stay on track and keep that golden calf out of your house and heart. You must line everything up according to the Word of God. If it doesn’t line up, no matter how good it sounds, throw it out.
"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31, 32)
So you are probably thinking how does this apply to me? I would never worship a statue. While that may be true, what would you worship? First, let’s define idolatry. What is idolatry? The basic definition is “the worship of images that are not God.” What the children of Israel did was resort to the oldest human nature impulse after the fall and the very thing that did cause the fall. They did it their way. They didn’t keep their faith in God exclusively.
So is their a New Testament counterpart to the Old Testament Law-the Ten Commandments? I believe there is. It is called “another Jesus.” It looks like Jesus, but it is not Jesus.” What if the world do I mean by this? You make up a version of God that you like whether you are a believer or not. It would kind of be like grading your own test. Well, this is just what I believe about God and that’s good enough for me. NO! You can’t do it. Let me rephrase that. You shouldn’t do that. Have you ever thought about this? Who cares what you believe. That could be made up from your own mind. Find ten people and ask them for their opinions, you might get ten different ones. Now we must be respectful, people do have a right to have an opinion, but their opinion must always be help up to the light and standard of the Word.
II Corinthians 11:2-4 says it this way: “For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!
Here are some examples: “I just believe a loving God wouldn’t send anyone to hell.” “I think God understands our weaknesses.” Now that is a half truth-While he understands our hurts and is touched by them, scriptures say, he doesn’t condone them or bless them. He gives us strength to overcome them. Even warped understanding can lead us to the wrong conclusion. I can’t count how many times that something evil has happened and people will say “God will never put more on you than you can handle.” First of all, God didn’t do it. The devil did it or the evil in man’s heart drove him to do it or both. I do believe that God will grant anyone grace to help them through it and to overcome it. Absolutely!
But it is important to know who is behind things. The basic rule is this: If its bad-it’s from the devil and if it’s good it’s from God. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10)
Now there are times at first appearance things aren’t as they appear and that must be factored in.
We should always remember that anything that we put in from of God in importance is an idol, and will hinder our growth at the very least and could destroy our soul at the worst. Putting your job, your hobbies, or any of your
interests before God is wrong. We need to examine ourselves and really ask God to reveal our priorities to us if we truly want to be a disciple. So how do you stay on track and keep that golden calf out of your house and heart. You must line everything up according to the Word of God. If it doesn’t line up, no matter how good it sounds, throw it out.
"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31, 32)
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