Idols

Psalm 106:34-38
They did not destroy the peoples,
Concerning whom the LORD had commanded them,
But they mingled with the Gentiles
And learned their works;
They served their idols,
Which became a snare to them.
They even sacrificed their sons
And their daughters to demons,
And shed innocent blood,
The blood of their sons and daughters,
Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; And the land was polluted with blood.

Demons are the invisible, malignant influence behind the worship of idols (literal, actual objects of worship). However an idol can encompass anything that is worshipped. Some cultures worshipped astronomical objects (stars, planets, the sun, the moon, etc.). Other nations worshipped earthly things (trees, the rain, the sky, birds, fish, animals in general, insects, other people, etc.). Nowadays people worship things like money, gold, diamonds, jewelry, cars, fame, power, status, etc. But demons are still the hidden presence behind the temptation to worship anyone or anything other than God Almighty. These demons know how to give these 21st century idols a harmless semblance and appeal. That is why God tells us in His Word not to love the world or the things in the world.

1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Contrary to popular opinion word lust is not limited to illicit sexual desire. The Greek word translated lust is epithumia, it denotes strong desire of any kind. The word takes on a negative connotation when we lust (i.e. strongly desire) those things that are forbidden by God or when our lust is misplaced. For example, we should strongly desire to commune with and fellowship with God. But, we should not lust for someone else's spouse. We should not lust for things just for the sake of it. We should view all material things as temporary things that we may or may not (it is up to the person) derive pleasure and delight from/in. You don't have to but you can if you choose to. But we should not ever worship anyone or anything other than God (i.e. the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit because this is Who God is). The thing or person becomes an idol as it were when we desire those things/persons over and above God.

Mark 12:30
And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.

We should love the Lord God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength in excess of anyone or thing. But we tend to do the opposite.

It is okay for us to love other people. God instructs us to.

Mark 12:31
And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these.”

But the problem is when we love people more than God. God must occupy preeminence in every area of our lives. Love your husband or wife, children, parents, relatives, friends, pets, and the stranger--but not more than God, if you can understand that. It makes sense, it does, just give it time.

What say you?

Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
[B]Psalm 106:34-38
They did not destroy the peoples,
Concerning whom the LORD had commanded them,
But they mingled with the Gentiles
And learned their works;
They served their idols,
Which became a snare to them.
They even sacrificed their sons
And their daughters to demons,
And shed innocent blood,
The blood of their sons and daughters,
Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; And the land was polluted with blood.

Demons are the invisible, malignant influence behind the worship of idols (literal, actual objects of worship). However an idol can encompass anything that is worshipped. Some cultures worshipped astronomical objects (stars, planets, the sun, the moon, etc.). Other nations worshipped earthly things (trees, the rain, the sky, birds, fish, animals in general, insects, other people, etc.). Nowadays people worship things like money, gold, diamonds, jewelry, cars, fame, power, status, etc. But demons are still the hidden presence behind the temptation to worship anyone or anything other than God Almighty. These demons know how to give these 21st century idols a harmless semblance and appeal. That is why God tells us in His Word not to love the world or the things in the world.

1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Contrary to popular opinion word lust is not limited to illicit sexual desire. The Greek word translated lust is epithumia, it denotes strong desire of any kind. The word takes on a negative connotation when we lust (i.e. strongly desire) those things that are forbidden by God or when our lust is misplaced. For example, we should strongly desire to commune with and fellowship with God. But, we should not lust for someone else's spouse. We should not lust for things just for the sake of it. We should view all material things as temporary things that we may or may not (it is up to the person) derive pleasure and delight from/in. You don't have to but you can if you choose to. But we should not ever worship anyone or anything other than God (i.e. the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit because this is Who God is). The thing or person becomes an idol as it were when we desire those things/persons over and above God.

Mark 12:30
And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.

We should love the Lord God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength in excess of anyone or thing. But we tend to do the opposite.

It is okay for us to love other people. God instructs us to.

Mark 12:31
And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these.”

But the problem is when we love people more than God. God must occupy preeminence in every area of our lives. Love your husband or wife, children, parents, relatives, friends, pets, and the stranger--but not more than God, if you can understand that. It makes sense, it does, just give it time.

What say you? [/B]

More useful information. I dont know what the religous forum would do without you. You always come out with thought provoking information. Just so you know im being sarcastic.

Originally posted by Alfheim
More useful information. I dont know what the religous forum would do without you. You always come out with thought provoking information. Just so you know im being sarcastic.

But why are you being sarcastic? Are you bitter?

Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
But why are you being sarcastic? Are you bitter?

No. I just dont understand why I should listen to anything you say. Its like you're telling me stuff and I should listen to you just because you say it. (Is going to try and reason with him but its going to be a waste of time).

Originally posted by Alfheim
No. I just dont understand why I should listen to anything you say. Its like you're telling me stuff and I should listen to you just because you say it. (Is going to try and reason with him but its going to be a waste of time).

😆

hysterical

I don't understand why you should listen to anything I say either--but you do.

Question: did I force you to read and/or respond to any of my posts? No? Oh, I see so then your excuse for reading my posts has nothing in the world to do with me but your own volitional choice (was I redundant just now?). So then why I are you so bitter (or why do you seem bitter)?

Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
😆

hysterical

I don't understand why you should listen to anything I say either--but you do.

Question: did I force you to read and/or respond to any of my posts? No? Oh, I see so then your excuse for reading my posts has nothing in the world to do with me but your own volitional choice (was I redundant just now?). So then why I are you so bitter (or why do you seem bitter)?

Uh I said wasn't bitter. 😕

P.S. You can see where this is heading.

Originally posted by Alfheim
No. I just dont understand why I should listen to anything you say. Its like you're telling me stuff and I should listen to you just because you say it. (Is going to try and reason with him but its going to be a waste of time).

Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
[B]Psalm 106:34-38
.....But they mingled with the Gentiles
And learned their works;
They served their idols,
Which became a snare to them.
They even sacrificed their sons
And their daughters to demons,
And shed innocent blood,
The blood of their sons and daughters,

Mark 12:31
And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these.”

But the problem is when we love people more than God. God must occupy preeminence in every area of our lives. Love your husband or wife, children, parents, relatives, friends, pets, and the stranger--but not more than God, if you can understand that. It makes sense, it does, just give it time.

What say you? [/B]

Originally posted by sonnet
You are so right. Even Christians have a problem with this because the things of this world( friends, responsibilities at home, work, our image at work and between friends) put so much pressure on people that they would rather feel in with the crowd than love God more and stand up for what they believe. Many would rather spend time with family on Sunday, using the excuse that they work so hard during the week, than going to church or just read from the Bible. Before we know it we have fallen in the trap where it is more important to us what peolpe think of us than how God sees us.

I have been guilty of yielding to the pressures of my peers. The reason why this pressure is so formidable is because we wrestle not against flesh and blood. In other words, if our lives were just impacted by other people we would have no trouble brushing off their negative influence. But this is not the case, we are constantly bombarded (in the spirit, the realm that we cannot see unless the Lord permits us to) by demonic ranks of evil spirits. These demons tempt us personally with thoughts and suggestions to compromise our walk with God in this one, tiny area whatever it is. These demons are experts in their field. They know what our proclivities are, so they tempt us in those areas. We are still ultimately responsible for our own actions. But the demons are an unwelcome influence against us, and they endeavor to get us to sin. They want to separate us from God's love. They will not succeed however, if we submit therefore to God and resist them. They will flee. But we must resist them by speaking the Word of God. Whatever temptation they present to us in our mind we must counter with a Scripture just as the Lord, our Savior, our Captain in this fight of faith did against the devil. Demons can oppress us as well as tempt us. Unbelievers are even more susceptible to demonic attack. They do not have the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit. They do not have the armor of God, the shield of faith, or the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God. One such woman had a spirit of infirmity. This spirit was not inside of the woman (in other words she was not demon possessed (some people are), but the spirit was somehow attached to this woman’s body. Demons have specialized functions in satan's kingdom. They only do what they are assigned and equipped to do by the enemy. This woman had this spirit of infirmity for eighteen years and, because of the demon, she was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. Jesus laid His hands on her and immediately she was made straight. There are demons of all kinds of shapes, sizes, colors, anatomical combinations (half-human and half-animal). Demons are organized in ranks as listed in Ephesians. The ranks are the principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, and finally the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (i.e. outer space). There are a great number of wicked spirits in the area around the earth. There are evil spirits on the earth and under the earth (i.e. in Hell). Some evil spirits (fallen angels) are presently in Tartarus (a region or part of Hell). They have been delivered into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment for their sin. Moreover, the very atmosphere is infested with demons. The devil who is the prince of the power of the air heads these wicked spirits. But we--through Jesus Christ--have defeated the devil, who walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Jesus has given us authority to walk on serpents and scorpions (figurative language for demons) and over all the ability of the enemy (satan) and nothing shall any means hurt us (nothing lasting or permanent).

Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
I have been guilty of yielding to the pressures of my peers. The reason why this pressure is so formidable is because we wrestle not against flesh and blood. In other words, if our lives were just impacted by other people we would have no trouble brushing off their negative influence. But this is not the case, we are constantly bombarded (in the spirit, the realm that we cannot see unless the Lord permits us to) by demonic ranks of evil spirits. But we--through Jesus Christ--have defeated the devil, who walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Jesus has given us authority to walk on serpents and scorpions (figurative language for demons) and over all the ability of the enemy (satan) and nothing shall any means hurt us (nothing lasting or permanent).

Originally posted by sonnet
I might be wrong but I am sure that I did not see that this thread was dedicated to you. You are taking this a bit personal. Hit a sensitif spot??? that one where Satan has been convincing you that you are doing alright without Jesus in your life???

yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever.

Hmmm.

I have a lot of religious idols - Hindu, Ancient Egyptian, Buddhist and so on - they are wonderful forms of art.

I pay a lot of attention to the important things in this life - since I believe it is the only one I have, so I better make it worth it.

I love this world - I love the people in it that are dear to me and nothing is higher then they. And it is worth it. I have yet to see any evidence giving a higher percentage of "love" to God has any profound effect on a persons happiness - since I am yet to meet a person of any religion happier then me. I live life, and I live it by the standards I believe right, and I enjoy it. And that will be a part of what defines me.

It is in no way idol worship. Nor are there demons hidden in it. The claim that there are does not ring true with my experiences. Nor with the experiences of people I know.

Originally posted by Imperial_Samura
Hmmm.

I pay a lot of attention to the important things in this life - since I believe it is the only one I have, so I better make it worth it.

I love this world - I love the people in it that are dear to me and nothing is higher then they. And it is worth it. I have yet to see any evidence giving a higher percentage of "love" to God has any profound effect on a persons happiness - since I am yet to meet a person of any religion happier then me. I live life, and I live it by the standards I believe right, and I enjoy it. And that will be a part of what defines me.

Yes, you only have one life on this earth, then after that it is you and eternity- in eternal pain and suffering without God just as you lived your life or with God and with eternal joy and peace if you accept Jesus as His son and Saviour.
I do not love this world or the things of this world. If I had to give it up now should God ask that of me, I would. Nothing is more important than being worthy of standing in God's presence one day and enter into heaven for my life on earth is but a moment compared to eternity. So I would be a idiot to measure a moment more important than where I would spend eternity.
I love my family and children too and take joy in the fact that they love Jesus and worship God too. For I know that we will be together for eternity

Originally posted by Alfheim
yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever.

Firstly, in some religions(assyrian and phoenician I think.... don´t remember well), people sacrificed children to the God Moloch, but not an idol(i. e. objects, animal, people....). To say that their sacrifice was to a statue is a rather primitive understand of the pagan religions.

Sacrifice in religion is interpreted as a way to sacrifice each individual animalistic or unspiritual nature so that he/she can be reborn into a spiritual life. For that they must sacrifice something pure, and that is why they sacrificed children... and virgins.(I am not approving sacrifice I am just describing it)

Christianism also believes in sacrifice.... Jesus was sacrificed because he was pure. In the same way children were sacrificed in other religions because they are pure.

Sacrifice is just not practiced in christianism because Jesus was pure enough for all the sins of mankind.

But sacrifice is still a valid way for purification in christianism, it is just not needed.

The evidence for this, is that Jesus was sacrificed.

Originally posted by Atlantis001

Sacrifice in religion is interpreted as a way to sacrifice each individual animalistic or unspiritual nature so that he/she can be reborn into a spiritual life. For that they must sacrifice something pure, and that is why they sacrificed children... and virgins.(I am not approving sacrifice I am just describing it)

Christianism also believes in sacrifice.... Jesus was sacrificed because he was pure. In the same way children were sacrificed in other religions because they are pure.

Sacrifice is just not practiced in christianism because Jesus was pure enough for all the sins of mankind.

But sacrifice is still a valid way for purification in christianism, it is just not needed.
The evidence for this, is that Jesus was sacrificed.

The sacrifice of Jesus can in no way be releted to that of children because they cannot save a soul and their blood means nothing to the souls of mankind. It was not just the fact that Jesus was pure, but that He was the Son of God - that made him pure. The only way that your spirit can be reborn is by accepting Jesus Christ, the Saviour and God's sacrifice to us. No child's or animals' s blood can do that for you.

Originally posted by sonnet
Yes, you only have one life on this earth, then after that it is you and eternity- in eternal pain and suffering without God just as you lived your life or with God and with eternal joy and peace if you accept Jesus as His son and Saviour.

Oh yes, the big old "is all the wonder of earth worth it if you end up in hell, even though you don't believe and don't think there is evidence for it."

I have one life on earth. I am pretty much at peace with the realisation that when it ends there is unlikely to be anything else. That I will be gone.

As such I realise the importance of living this life right. Without giving into this whole "mortal life is less important then the promise of eternal life. This is just the proving grounds for the real life." And you know what? That mentality strikes me as a waste. With no proof (up to my standard) I will continue to assume this isn't a stage rehearsal - one has to make it count.

I do not love this world or the things of this world. If I had to give it up now should God ask that of me, I would. Nothing is more important than being worthy of standing in God's presence one day and enter into heaven for my life on earth is but a moment compared to eternity. So I would be a idiot to measure a moment more important than where I would spend eternity.

And it saddens me... that some people have such empty, unconnected lives. The idea nothing is important enough on this earth, that you'd give it all up at the drop of the hat.

Why bother living? Why bother with this life oh God if it is so pale and so easy to leave? Why not simply put the souls in heaven and forget this charade! Why not do away with the wonders of life and life's experience when they pale so!

Your followers oh God are so willing to accept the afterlife is so much better then this world based on nothing more then a promise! And that blinds them to the potential of life! And they call an atheist borderline Nihilistic!

I love my family and children too and take joy in the fact that they love Jesus and worship God too. For I know that we will be together for eternity

Good for you. I on the other hand have no real expectation of eternity - thus I will make my life on earth a testament to the people I live and who deserve it.

You God can't understand that? Then I don't want his salvation. He can't see the worth of what we do on earth is greater then merely "having faith" then I will have to give it a miss.

Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
I have been guilty of yielding to the pressures of my peers.

I guess you are going to hell then.

Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
[B]Psalm 106:34-38
They did not destroy the peoples,
Concerning whom the LORD had commanded them,
But they mingled with the Gentiles
And learned their works;
They served their idols,
Which became a snare to them.
They even sacrificed their sons
And their daughters to demons,
And shed innocent blood,
The blood of their sons and daughters,
Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; And the land was polluted with blood.

Demons are the invisible, malignant influence behind the worship of idols (literal, actual objects of worship). However an idol can encompass anything that is worshipped. Some cultures worshipped astronomical objects (stars, planets, the sun, the moon, etc.). Other nations worshipped earthly things (trees, the rain, the sky, birds, fish, animals in general, insects, other people, etc.). Nowadays people worship things like money, gold, diamonds, jewelry, cars, fame, power, status, etc. But demons are still the hidden presence behind the temptation to worship anyone or anything other than God Almighty. These demons know how to give these 21st century idols a harmless semblance and appeal. That is why God tells us in His Word not to love the world or the things in the world.

1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Contrary to popular opinion word lust is not limited to illicit sexual desire. The Greek word translated lust is epithumia, it denotes strong desire of any kind. The word takes on a negative connotation when we lust (i.e. strongly desire) those things that are forbidden by God or when our lust is misplaced. For example, we should strongly desire to commune with and fellowship with God. But, we should not lust for someone else's spouse. We should not lust for things just for the sake of it. We should view all material things as temporary things that we may or may not (it is up to the person) derive pleasure and delight from/in. You don't have to but you can if you choose to. But we should not ever worship anyone or anything other than God (i.e. the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit because this is Who God is). The thing or person becomes an idol as it were when we desire those things/persons over and above God.

Mark 12:30
And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.

We should love the Lord God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength in excess of anyone or thing. But we tend to do the opposite.

It is okay for us to love other people. God instructs us to.

Mark 12:31
And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these.”

But the problem is when we love people more than God. God must occupy preeminence in every area of our lives. Love your husband or wife, children, parents, relatives, friends, pets, and the stranger--but not more than God, if you can understand that. It makes sense, it does, just give it time.

What say you? [/B]

Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
I have been guilty of yielding to the pressures of my peers. The reason why this pressure is so formidable is because we wrestle not against flesh and blood. In other words, if our lives were just impacted by other people we would have no trouble brushing off their negative influence. But this is not the case, we are constantly bombarded (in the spirit, the realm that we cannot see unless the Lord permits us to) by demonic ranks of evil spirits. These demons tempt us personally with thoughts and suggestions to compromise our walk with God in this one, tiny area whatever it is.

For some reason, I doubt you've had many opportunities to stray from your faith... In "Batman," for example: "Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?" In other words, until you've done that, you haven't really lived. If you're not really tempted, you really can't be sure of your resolve. Of course, I could be wrong...