Idolatry
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Chapter 4: No Other Gods — Idolatry in a Secular, Consumerist, and Technological Age
Kingdom Ethics and the Ten Commandments Today Relevance for the Church, Culture Wars, Law vs. Grace, and Christian Discipleship This chapter focuses on the First Commandment — “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exod. 20:3) — and its Kingdom ethics implications for Christians living in a secular, consumerist,…
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6: No Graven Images – Visible Idols vs. Invisible God
The Ten Commandments and the Teachings of Jesus: A Theological, Cultural, and Political Exposition 1. Introduction The second commandment addresses the manner in which God is to be worshipped. While the first commandment prohibits false gods, the second prohibits the false representation of the true God. It establishes that God…
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The Idol of Efficiency: When AI Becomes a False God
1. Introduction: Worshipping at the Altar of Optimisation In the age of artificial intelligence, efficiency has become a dominant cultural value. AI systems promise to make everything faster, smarter, more productive—sermon writing, pastoral care, church operations, discipleship, and even spiritual formation. But when efficiency is elevated above truth, love, and…
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Against the Idols and the Restoration of Wholehearted Worship in Christ (Contents)
1: What Is True Faith in Jesus? – Beyond Belief to Devotion 2: What Is Idolatry? – Statues, Systems, and Substitutes for God 3: Can I Believe in Jesus and Still Bow to Idols? – Theological Contradictions 4: Old Testament Warnings – God’s Jealousy and Covenant Loyalty 5: Jesus and…
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2: What Is Idolatry? – Statues, Systems, and Substitutes for God
1. Introduction The word idolatry often evokes images of carved statues and ancient temples, but the biblical concept of idolatry is far broader and more penetrating. Idolatry is the elevation of anything—whether physical, ideological, emotional, or spiritual—to a place that belongs to God alone. This entry explores the biblical definition…
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3: Can I Believe in Jesus and Still Bow to Idols? – Theological Contradictions
1. Introduction A pressing question for many believers—especially in culturally pluralistic societies—is whether one can claim faith in Jesus while simultaneously participating in acts of idolatry. This issue arises not only in overt idol worship (such as bowing to images) but also in syncretistic practices that blend Christianity with traditional…
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6: New Testament Idolatry – Greed, Image, Power, and False Religion
1. Introduction While the Old Testament often portrays idolatry in overt, physical forms—statues, shrines, and rituals—the New Testament unveils a more subtle and internalised form of idolatry. Though Greco-Roman idols remained visible in Jesus’ and Paul’s day, the Holy Spirit, through the apostles, expands the definition to include greed, status,…
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7: Idolatry in the Church Today – Cultural and Religious Blending
1. Introduction While ancient idols were often visible—wood, stone, gold—the idolatry of today is often invisible, subtle, and even cloaked in religious language. Within the modern Church, cultural values and non-Christian beliefs can quietly blend with Christian doctrine, creating a form of syncretism that dilutes devotion to Christ. This entry…
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10: Walking in Purity – How to Guard Your Heart from Idols
1. Introduction Turning from idols is not a one-time event but the beginning of a lifelong walk of spiritual vigilance and purity. The Christian journey requires constant guarding of the heart against anything that would dethrone Christ. This final entry offers biblical instruction and practical wisdom for cultivating a lifestyle…
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77. Idol
Genesis 31:19 19 And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father’s. Exodus 20:3-6 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in…
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Article 14: Elijah and King Ahab – Confrontations Over Idolatry
1. IntroductionThe prophetic ministry of Elijah is marked by direct and confrontational interactions with King Ahab, who led Israel into idolatry under the influence of his wife, Jezebel. These confrontations highlight the tension between covenant faithfulness and royal apostasy within the same generation. 2. Historical and Biblical ContextKing Ahab reigned…