Tag: idols

Foundational Triumph! Treason to Trust. Part 2

“…His truth to triumph through us…”, Martin Luther, ‘A Mighty Fortress is Our God’, 1527-1529.

CONTINIUATION

I am assuming that you have read Part 1.

In the New Testament, Jesus addressed the topic of idols and idolatry of the heart in the Sermon on the Mount.

See Matthew 5:27-30; Matthew 6:19-21; Matthew 6:24.

Jesus also answered Satan explicitly about idols in the wilderness in Matthew 4:10 (context Matthew 4:1-11); and addressed the topic of idolatry with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:24 (context John 4:1-26).

Jesus’s position on idolatry is clearly stated.

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Q: Is the Church, the Body of Christ, the Ekklesia , the Bride of Christ worshiping the Father in spirit and truth?

Q: If the answer is questionable, then are idols and idolatry of the heart a real issue in the lives of followers of Jesus Christ?

The Apostle Paul warned the first century Churches about idols and idolatry of the the heart.

See I Corinthians 8, 10; Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 5:5-6.

The Apostle Peter addressed idolatry in 1 Peter 4:1-5.

The Apostle John poignantly addressed idolatry in 1 John 5:21.

This verse was part of the catalyst for teaching on idols and idolatry of the heart.

1 John 5:21, NKJV, says, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”

Q: As a follower of Jesus Christ, are there idols in your life? Do you struggle with idolatry in your heart?

This is what the Spirit of God is searching out today in the Church.

If we have idols in our life and/or idolatry in our heart, then we cannot worship God in spirit and truth.

Q: Are you bold enough to pray to following verses of scripture?

Psalm 139:23-24, NKJV, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

I encourage you to read Psalm 139.

Reflect personally upon what is written.

Replace your name for David’s name.

Respond to the Lord as He speaks directly to your heart.

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Note, for your own personal study of idols and idolatry of the heart, it is easy to Google these words. You will be shown many different sources of commentary and lists of Bible verses. Using Google is a short-cut. I understand that. However, remember to use discernment regarding references found on Google. Do not rely just on Google, use your own Study Bible, a concordance, or other personal references you may have in your library.

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At this time, I want to focus our attention on the Apostle Paul’s Epistle to the Romans.

The Book of Romans is a theological store house of truth.

I am not a theologian.

I am asking that you bear with me, and allow me to use ‘vocabulary’ used in other posts and interject those words and thoughts into the teaching of Romans.

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I propose that the Apostle Paul outlines for us the doctrine of going from ‘Treason to Triumph’ from Romans 1:1 -Romans 8:39.

I submit that Romans 8:1,2 summarizes for us what transpired at the cross defeating “cosmic treason” (R.C.Sproul).

Christ’s resurrection, and subsequent ascension validates the complete ‘triumph’ over the ‘doctrine of original sin’; satisfying the wrath of God (Romans 5:9; I Thessalonians 1:10, 5:9); providing eternal salvation for as many as “call upon the name of the Lord”.

Romans 10:11-13, NKJV, ” For the Scripture says, “Whosoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” “

Romans 8:1-2, NKJV, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” [both italicized emphasis and boldness are printed in the text of the NKJV Bible.]

In the NKJV Study Bible, WORD WEALTH 8:2 made free, eleutheroo (el-yoo-ther-ah-oh); Strong’s #1659. To liberate, acquit, set free, deliver. In the NT the word is used exclusively for Jesus’ setting believers at liberty from the dominion of sin.” (page 1561, Spirit Filled Life Bible, 2002)

Therefore, as a believer in Christ Jesus, we are ‘eleutheroo’ (made free) from the consequences and the condemnation of sin, which is controlled by the law of sin and death; but now, because of the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, we are eternally grateful for the grace of God, alive in Christ Jesus, governed by the Holy Spirit according to the Word of God.

Selah.

Chapters 1,2,3 of Romans, Paul outlines the consequences of mankind’s “cosmic treason” disobeying God; and Paul argues in opposition to mankind’s attempt to justify their position, logically refuting each excuse of not knowing God.

Paul also dramatically warns of the consequences of “seeing God”, yet “ignoring the truth”; “…because, although they knew God, they did not glory Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile (made empty, vain, useless, confused) in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”(Romans 1:21, NKJV) {emphasis-text} (insert mine)

The consequences of mankind’s futility of thought is… “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

Paul concludes Romans 3, declaring that mankind is “being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, [boldness in text] Romans 3:24 NKJV.

In Romans 4, Paul outlines what it means to be ‘justified by faith’.

Roman 4, shares a historical account of Abraham who is Israel’s patriarchal father.

Paul, writes, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” (Romans 4:3, NKJV)

Abraham walked by faith. See Hebrews 11:8-12.

As Paul continues his Epistle to the Church at Rome, he summarizes Chapters 1-4 with this statement in Romans 5:1, NKJV, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul explains how a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ has been transformed from ‘treason to triumph’.

For a believer to live in triumph is realized by living in trust.

Hence, the title of the post.

Foundational Triumph! From Treason to Trust.

Trust is faith.

WORD WEALTH [Mark] 11:22, faith, pistis (pis-tis) Strong’s #4102, Conviction, confidence, trust, belief, reliance, trustworthiness, and persuasion. In the NT setting, pistis is the divinely implanted principle of inward confidence, assurance, trust, and reliance in God and all that He says. The word sometimes denotes the object or content of belief. Act 6:7; 14:22; Gal. 1:23.) [insert mine]

I share the following acronym: F.A.I.T.H.

Following Adonai I Trust Him

Note: The word Adonai is a Hebrew transliteration of the word for the unspeakable NAME of God. It is used in the Tree of Life Bible, that has a Hebraic emphasis. (The Holy Bible, Tree of Life Version, 2015 by the Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society.)

Summarizing, Romans 1,2,3 reveals the treason of mankind, and its universal consequences.

Romans 4 explains the trust of faith.

Romans 5 focuses on understanding our position of triumph as a result of our trust of faith.

Paraphrasing Romans 5:1-5, we have been justified (justification-work of the cross); we are given access by faith into the grace in which we stand; we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God; we learn to glory in our trials and tribulations; why? because of the work of sanctification (way of the cross) in our life; all of this working in our life is for strengthening our hope; and this hope will not disappoint us; why? because (the fruit of the work of the cross is agape) the love of God is being poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

[This paragraph is a personal paraphrased understanding of Romans 5:1-5]

Continuing in Romans 5:6-21, Paul outlines what Adam did that resulted in “cosmic treason”; and what God, the Father did, through Christ, His Son, to turn “cosmic treason” into ‘triumph’.

Quoting verses 6-11, Paul writes, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die, yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own (agape) love toward us, in that while we yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His (Christ’s) blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him(Christ). For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son (Christ), much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His(Christ) life(resurrection). And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through Our Lord Jesus Christ(The Ascended Christ, Hebrews 3:1; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1) through whom we have now received reconciliation.” (boldness and inserts mine)

This is the message of the Gospel.

The Gospel necessitates Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.

Christ’s death is the ‘finished work’ of the cross. (John 19:30, NKJV)

Verses 6-11 pictures the substitutionary atonement of Jesus (Son of God/Son of Man) who died as the Lamb for God for the sin of the world. (Romans 6:23) (see Got Questions: What is the substitutionary atonement?)

Continuing in Romans 5:12-21, Paul compares the disobedience of Adam to the obedience of Christ.

Adam’s disobedience resulted in the “the law of sin and death”.

Christ’s obedience resulted in “the law of the Spirit of life” in Christ Jesus.

The fruit of Adam’s sin is ‘control and condemnation’, self-governing your life.

The fruit of Christ’s obedience is living a life centered in Christ, governed by grace, guided by the Holy Spirit, according to the Word of God, “…so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:21b, NKJV)

In this we rejoice with a grateful heart to God, the Father; God, the Son; and God, the Holy Spirit.

Let us read the text.

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned–(For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) [That is a mouthful to digest] Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” [insert mine]

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Let’s put ourselves in a classroom setting.

I am the teacher and you are a student in the class.

Your homework is a writing assignment.

You are to read Romans 5:12-21; identify the key words and concepts; then compose a written summary of Paul’s teaching based upon this passage of scripture.

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End of Part 2.

to be concluded in Part 3.

a brother in Christ, deo

Foundational Triumph! Treason To Trust. Part 1

INTRODUCTION

As I begin this post, it is necessary to make a statement regarding ‘getting back on track’ with a series of posts that began May 5, 2026 and came to a halt the first week of July.

I needed a break.

Let me rehearse what was written.

The recent teaching series began in May with the post Foundational Thoughts. It continued with the following: Foundational Truth; next Habakkuk’s Headlines-The Just Shall Live by Faith (an interjection of a previous post); then Foundational Treason, Parts 1,2,3; and finally, Foundational Teaching (the interjection of a study of Deuteronomy 8 highlighting the idolatry of the heart in Israel, July 1.)

All of these posts were written to awaken followers of Christ to hear what the ‘Spirit is saying to the Church’ in this hour.

It has been a month of silence since I started this post, Foundational Triumph! Treason to Trust.

In previous posts, parts of an article written by Peter Nittler were shared.

He acknowledged that in his own life ‘words’ had become an idol.

He realized this truth because of his personal habit of beginning his day “plugging myself into the news machine” and in doing so, it set his ‘mood’ for the day.

The ‘words’ that the news experts were espousing were “telling me how to think and feel about” the headline news.

In his article he wrote the following, that in light of Dwight Foster Wallace’s quote, who is not a Christian, said, “Because there’s no such thing as NOT worshipping, everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship.”

Nittler recognized that he worshiped the news.

I personally believe that many people Christian and non-christian worship the news.

At the close of his article, Nittler says, “And if the things we worship remake us in their image, how does worshipping the news eat us alive? It will convince us of our rightness, train us on anxiety, addict us to outrage, make us bored when things get quiet, and produce a slight glee when our enemies stumble.”

Q: Have you experienced any of these types of reactions?

Consider the truth of Nittler’s insight, that what “we worship make us in their image”.

Q: Is that true or false?

A. I believe it is true.

Therefore, as we focus on the Lord, and worship Him, who is our God, we are being made into His image.

What does God’s Word say about ‘idols’?

A lot.

END OF INTRODUCTION

The Spirit of God has been searching the hearts of believers.

The Holy Spirit has been asking the followers of Christ to examine their hearts to see if there are any idols in their lives and/or if they have idolatry in their heart.

Where does this inquiry take us?

Do I have, do you have, does the Church have anything in their life more precious to them than God alone?

Throughout the entirety of Scripture, God’s people have wrestled with idols in their midst, and succumbed to worshiping those idols, and struggling with idolatry in their hearts.

God’s people have believed that they could live as a covenantal people with God and worship the idols of the nations in which they lived.

That was not only true of the nation of Israel ,then; but is also true of the Church, now

Strong words, but true.

God’s Word says emphatically, NO!, to this type of living arrangement.

There will be ‘no mixed worship’.

If there is any ‘mixed worship’, then you cannot have an ‘unshared love’ for God and God alone.

This is what the Spirit of God is speaking and sharing with followers of Christ in this hour.

The bumper sticker, ‘coexist’ is anathema to Christianity.

The Word of God is replete with God dealing with His people about idolatry.

God used the prophets to confront His covenant people about the dangers of worshiping idols because these idols will turn their hearts to be unfaithful to Him. (Isaiah 44:6-48).

Q: What are the opening words of the 10 commandments?

Exodus 20: 1-6.

Q: Please turn to Exodus 32 and read the account of God, Moses, Israel, and Israel’s ‘golden calf’.

(Note: it is very easy to research the Biblical discussion of idols and idolatry of the heart. Just Google the words; you will find many sources. Choose your sources wisely.)

The Psalms speaks of the harm and foolishness of idols, and idolatry.

Psalm 81; Psalm 115; Psalm 118.

Proverbs address one’s ‘heart of idolatry’, which is a picture of spiritual unfaithfulness; as it relates to an adulterous woman.

“It also warns of trusting in wealth, human pride, and deceptive paths” (www.crossway.org-10 Key Bible verses on Idolatry)

The seriousness of this is that God addressed His people as an adulterous nation through the mouths of his prophets.

Jeremiah 2:23-5:19-Israel, an Unfaithful Wife.(www.biblegateway.com)

Q: What is God’s heart for His people?

A. He loves them greatly. He is a ‘jealous God’ over His people.

Exodus 34:14; Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 4:24; Deuteronomy 5:9; Deuteronomy 6:15.

Q: What does the Song of Solomon reveal to us about God’s love for mankind?

Q: What does the Book of Haggai explain to us about the depth of God’s heartfelt cry of love for His people?

I commend to you the reading of the Book of Haggai.

Q: Does God love His people any less today?

A. Absolutely NOT!

The ultimate manifestation of the love of God for humanity is not hidden.

It is completely on display at the cross.

“For God-so loved-the world-that He have-His only Begotten Son-that whosoever believes in Him- should not perish-but have everlasting life. (John 3:16, NKJV) [hyphenated emphasis mine]

John 3:16 was spoken by the Son of God/ Son of Man, Himself, Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah.

See John 3:1-21, for context.

The ultimate expression of God’s love for mankind, is Jesus, the Lamb of God (John 1:29) who came to sacrificially give His life on the cross as an Atonement for humanity’s treason against God.

This is the G.O.S.P.E.L. of Jesus Christ.

God’s Only Son Purchased Eternal Life

END OF PART 1.

tbc: Foundational Triumph! Treason To Trust. Part 2

your brother in Christ, deo

Foundational Treason! Part 3

Foundational Treason Part 2, began with a quote spoken by David Foster Wallace who said, in reality there is no such thing as Atheism because everybody worships something. (paraphrase)

I believe that is true; do you?

Wallace concluded, “The only choice we get is what to worship.” (emphasis mine)

Q: ‘What’ do you worship?

John 4:1-26, records a verbal discourse between Jesus and a Samaritan woman at a well at mid-day.

Near the conclusion of their conversation, Jesus says (vs.21-24), “…Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither worship on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But* the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” (NKJV) (emphasis mine) [italicized mine]

Jesus made it clear Who is to be worshipped, God, the Father.

Q: *BUT do followers of the Lord Jesus Christ worship God, the Father, “in spirit and truth”?

If there is an idol (a what) in your life, a literal, hand made object; or an idol of the heart, then that prevents you from worshipping God “in spirit and truth”.

Why?

Because worshipping an idol represents the sin of treason against God. (See Foundational Treason! Part 1.)

As a Christian, I can worship God in spirit because I am born again by the Spirit of God; but I cannot at the same time worship God in truth if I have an idol or an idol of the heart.

At the conclusion of the previous post, the following statement was made. (Foundational Treason! Part 2)

God, the Father, is seeking your ‘unshared love’.

Q: What does that mean?

In order to worship God “in spirit and truth,” there cannot be any other gods (idols)in your life that you are ‘seeking’, ‘desiring’, ‘coveting’, ‘pursuing’, or ‘worshipping’.

As a Christian, any attention given to an idol is sharing your love and affection between that idol and God.

Why?

Because, idols are other ‘gods’.

Remember Satan’s words of Adam and Eve, “you shall be like God”, and because of their treason against God, mankind has become their own god, a , self-god , independent of God. (Genesis 3)

Peter Nittler, a Christian, realized that he ‘worshipped’ words first thing in the morning.

He said that habit in his life set a mood and tone for him as he began his day.

Q: Do you have a habit that sets the mood and tone for your day?

Q: Is that habit good or bad for how you start your day?

Having a routine to start your day is not necessarily bad.

The question is, what is your routine centered on?

Q: Is God, the Father; God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ; God the Holy Spirit setting the mood and tone for your day?

Q: Or, do you have idols in your life that set the mood and tone for your day?

Referencing Tim Keller again, I recently heard part of a sermon in which he was talking about idols in the lives of Christians. (emphasis mine)

He called them ‘conservative idols’.

[Personal thought: Interesting choice of words, I did not hear any explanation why he referred to them as ‘conservative.’]

The first was money [wealth]; the second was women; and the third was work. (Insert mine for alliteration)

Sunday morning, June 7, 2026, Dr. Gifford,* was sharing from Ephesians 2:1-3:10 at North Creek Church**. (Bibliography)

Dr. Gifford alluded to the same point that Tim Keller made.

Dr Gifford taught that believers in the Lord Jesus Christ can pursue goals in their lives that are in reality idols because they desire “possessions, accomplishments, pleasures, events, etc to edify themselves.” (emphasis mine)

[Personal thought-those words all sound ‘conservative’ to me.]

Pastor Keller taught that believers ‘share’ their love for money (wealth), women, work, with God.

That implies that they do not have an ‘unshared love’ for God, alone.

God doesn’t say you cannot be rich; but His word does warn us about the deceitfulness of riches. (Matthew 13:22; I Timothy 6:10; Matthew 6:24)

God’s word encourages us to have a fulfilled marriage relationship-one man, one woman; but ‘having a perfect marriage’ can be idolatrous.

John Piper says that if our “affection and time serving or focusing on our spouse diminishes our time spent with our community, personal growth, or spiritual life, then it can be idolatrous.” (See Desiring God, Has Marriage Become My Idol? September 1, 2017)

God has a work for each of us to do(Ephesians 2:10); but are we pursuing the work, that God called has called us to do; or are we working our way up the corporate ladder at all costs.

John Piper comments that, “Your work has become idolatry when it is the root and not the fruit of your acceptance.” (See Desiring God, “When Has My Career Become My Idol?, November 4, 2019)

Can you visualize the intersection of money (wealth), women, and work converging to create one large idol that controls your life? (insert alliteration)

To maintain such a lifestyle will require us to focus upon ourselves so that we ‘look good’, ‘feel good’, ‘be right’, ‘stay in control’, seek personal gain’, have a hidden agenda, ‘be uncaring of other’s needs- living totally independent apart from God. ( The Agape Road: Journey to Intimacy with the Father, by Bob Mumford, 2006)

Q: What is the source of that lifestyle?

We are focused on ‘self’. (See Mark 8:36; Luke 12:16-21; Luke 18:9-14; Luke 16:19-31).

As a Christian , God is present in your life; but you cannot worship Him in ‘spirit and truth’ if you share your love between idols and God.

It will not work!

Why?

Our God is a Jealous God.

Exodus 34:14 , NKJV (context Exodus 34:1-17)

“(for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.)

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Why is God jealous? Because of His LOVE for His people (all humanity)

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (NKJV, context John 3:1-21)

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Adding to Tim Keller’s three ‘idol‘ words; I add Nittler’s’ ‘idol‘, ‘words’.

We now have four ‘idols’.

Wealth, women, work, words.

This is not an all inclusive list; but they represent the problem.

Q: Are any of these ‘idols’ present in your life?

Referring back to Nittler’s idol of ‘words’, his physical idol was his cell phone.

It is not true that the cell phone has become an ‘idol’ of humanity?

At the beginning of the New Year, 2026, Pastor Kent at NCC** continued teaching from the Book of Isaiah.

In Isaiah 42, God speaks to His people regarding their idols.

For several sermons, Pastor Kent talked about idols in the lives of humanity, especially Christians.

One of the idols he brought to the attention of the congregation was ‘cell phones’.

I have found it interesting that since January, how many other writers, ministers, and teachers, I have have heard or read addressing the topic of idols in the lives of Christians.

Cell phones and computer hardware have become idols in the lives of believers and non-believers.

They represent a ‘what do we worship’ just like David Foster Wallace said in his Commencement Address in 2005.

Studies have shown how detrimental being obsessed with a ‘cell phone’ can be in your life.

Pastor Kent strongly challenged the congregation regarding the use of their cell phone.

Q: Are the words you read and hear on your electronic devices more important to you than the Word of God?

Q:As a believer in Jesus Christ, do you spend more time with your electronic devices than you do with God?

If you answer either or both questions in the affirmative, then you do not have an ‘unshared love’ for God, alone.

Q: Are you willing to practically and prayerfully examine your relationship to your cell phone?

Sounds awkward right? but necessary!

What do I mean?

Nittler understood that his cell phone was a personal idol in his life.

Q: Is the cell phone a personal idol in your life?

Q: Are you willing to confront the possibility that you, as a Christian, have an idol, or idols in your life; therefore, you do not have an ‘unshared love’ for God alone.

Remember, God is a jealous God.

In reality, your ‘cell phone’ may not be a ‘what’ in your life at all.

I have had to come to grips with idolatry in my own life.

I realized that the ‘cell phone’ did dominate my attention; therefore I curtailed its usage.

Many years ago, golf was an idol of my heart.

I am thankful that the Lord removed that idolatry from my heart.

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Here is where the ‘rubber meets the road’.

Nittler says in his short article, “You might bristle at the idea that you worship the news. Me too. But read that first paragraph again (Wallace’s quote) again. I’m giving the news the best part of my day, the keys to my hope, and letting it tell me what is true, right, and beautiful. At a certain point, you gotta call a spade a spade. I’m not just consuming the news; I’m bringing myself to its altar.”

Nittler is being transparent.

He recognizes that his cell phone is his idol.

Where did Nittler say his day began?

Using his cell phone, Nittler said,”I am not just consuming the news; I’m bringing myself to its altar.”

Nittler, is worshipping at another altar; therefore, he cannot worship God in ‘spirit and truth’.

Very strong words.

Stop and ponder this truth.

Nittler is saying that he is controlled by the news, and seeking its headlines before he thinks about coming to God in the morning.

Q: Is there an idol, or an idolatrous habit that is controlling your life?

You may not personally have a ‘cell phone altar’ but ‘what’ altar do you present yourself to, before you seek the presence of God, or even consider seeking God’s presence?

If you are a Christian, I strongly encourage you to consider these acronyms for the word I.D.O.L(s):

  1. Idols Deceive Our Lives .
  2. Idols Destroy Our Lives
  3. Idolatry Destroys Our Life Spiritually.

What many are experiencing with their ‘cell phone’ is just the tip of the ice berg regarding the impact that personal idolatry is having on the life of a Christian; a husband and/ or wife; a father and/or mother in their family; and as a member of the Body of Christ.

Why?

Because you cannot worship God in ‘spirit and truth’ with an ‘unshared love’.

If you are worshipping your idol and at the same time seeking to worship God, that is called ‘mixed worship’.

_______________________________________

Remember, God is a jealous God.

The reality is, whether we consciously know it or not, the world watches the Church.

People in the world watch the people of God.

Non-believers watch believers.

Christians in the Church watch other Christians in the Church.

Q: What does your lifestyle tell another about your relationship to God, the Father?

The people in your life know whether or not the Lord Jesus Christ is your first love, or if you have a ‘shared love‘ in your life.

If you are married and have a family, ask your wife and your children, they will tell you what’s true.

As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, if you have an idol in your life, then you are sharing your love with that idol and with God.

That is called ‘mixed worship’.

Remember Tim Keller’s three conservative idols–wealth, women, and work, and Peter Nittler’s personal idol-words?

Idols are not new; there have been idols throughout the history of mankind.

Q: What did the Apostle Paul tell the Corinthian Church?

Read II Corinthians 6:14-18.

I wonder, if the Church at Ephesus, had idols? (Revelation 2:1-7)

Why do I ask that question?

Jesus said that they had ‘left their first love’.

This sounds like to me that they were sharing their love between something else(idol) and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus was to be their first love.

Q: Is Jesus your first love?

The Church in Ephesus didn’t have ‘cell phones’ so it had to be something else.

At the end of each of the seven letters to seven Churches in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 2,3) the following statement is made:

“He who has a ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”.

I encourage you to stop; seek the Lord; ask Him to search your heart, and see if there be any wicked way in you? (Psalm 139:24, context Psalm 139)

God is gracious.

His mercies are renewed every morning.

He loves you more than you really comprehend.

He is a loving heavenly Father that delights in you.

God, the Father wants you to mature as His child.

God asks you to repent and turn away from the sin that so easily besets you.

God desires for you to be changed from ‘glory to glory’ into the image of His Son.

God is saying to you, come to Me, just as you are, and I will be your Father, and you will be My son/My daughter.

God loves you very much.

Seek the Lord while He may be found….

blessings, your brother in Christ, deo

[Bibliography: * Dr. Gifford, Associate Pastor, at Faith Community Church, Santa Clarita, CA; **NCC- North Creek Church, Walnut Creek, CA.]

Foundational Treason! Part 1

‘Treason’ is a very strong word.

One would think that it is inappropriate in the context of the ‘Foundational’ posts.

The Apostle John concluded his first epistle with the following verse.

I John 5:21, NKJV, reads, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen”

This is the only instance the Apostle John uses the word ‘idol’ in his writings.

Q: Throughout the entirety of the Word of God, has the subject of ‘idolatry been an issue?

A: Yes.

The Apostle John inspired by the Holy Spirit made this clear understanding regarding the Lord Jesus Christ: “…but these things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31, NKJV)

Q: Does ‘idolatry’ mitigate against that truth?

A: Yes.

The substance of the Apostle John’s first epistle is summarized at the end of the epistle when he says, “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” (I John 5:18-20, NKJV)

(Please read the previous post,’Foundational Truth!’, for further understanding.)

Therefore, in the context of the Apostle John’s summary, it is not surprising that he would end his epistle with this admonition to “keep oneself from idols”.

Why?

Because an ‘idol’ will move one’s center of attention from the truth found in the Lord Jesus Christ to another center of attention, a life centered and dependent upon another god.

Jesus, Himself, addressed this same thought in the Sermon on the Mount, when He said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24, NKJV; context Matthew 6:1-34)

In short, idolatry is ‘treason’ against God.

Consider these acronyms for Idol(s). I.D.O.L.(S.)

Idols Deceives Our Love Spiritually.

Idols Destroy Our Lives Spiritually.

Idolatry’s Darkness Obliterates Light.

The Apostle John’s last sentence is the antithesis of the Absolute Truth found in the Lord Jesus Christ because an ‘idol’ deceives our living for God in His Love, His Life, and in His Light.

The word ‘treason’ is a turning from, a rebellion against, a disloyalty to, an act of betrayal.

“In the Bible, treason primarily means betrayal of trust, conspiracy against civil or divinely appointed leadership [i.e.: Lord Jesus Christ], or spiritual unfaithfulness to God. Because Israel functioned as a theocracy and later as a monarchy, disloyalty was treated as a severe crime against both the state and God Himself.” (source AI: christianconcern.com) [insert mine]

The Meriam-Webster Dictionary defines treason: “the offense of attempting by overt to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance or to kill or personally injure the Sovereign or the sovereign’s family.

[Thought: ponder that definition reflecting upon this scripture: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. But I have come that they may have life; and they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10, NKJV)]

Jesus is not the thief.

But there is a thief.

Jesus spoke these words when He shared that He was the Good Shepherd, John 10:1-30.

Selah.

The motivation for treason can be multi-faceted; but it has but one foundation, and that foundation is pride.

Q: What is the source of ‘treason’?

A. Lucifer/Satan. (Isaiah 14:12-15)

Satan’s pride was an act of rebellion against God’s authority.

Satan’s pride is an act of ‘treason’.

Q: What is the issue of the universe?

A. Who is in charge?

The Word of God leaves no doubt about who is in charge of the universe.

Let us look at one verse of scripture the is representative of many others.

Psalms 103:19, NKJV, “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”

In the Amplified Version, the words, “His kingdom rules over all” are rendered: “His sovereignty rules over all [the universe].”

Just before Christ’s ascension back to His Father, He said to His disciples, “…All authority has been given unto Me in heaven and one earth.” (Matthew 28:18, NKJV)

Paul writing to the Church at Philippi, explaining to them the coming of Christ, the Incarnation of the the Son of God, who took on human flesh, becoming the Son of Man, and having obediently completed the work that His Father had asked Him to do, says, “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” (NKJV) [Context Philippians 2:5-11]

The Lord Jesus Christ is the One who the Apostle John said our enemy, Satan, would attempt to turn our hearts away from the truth found in Him.

John 1:14, NKJV, says, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (emphasis mine)

When Lucifer/Satan said, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God…(Isaiah 14:13b, NKJV), he committed ‘cosmic treason’.

[Note: ‘Cosmic Treason’ is the title of an article written by R.C.Sproul, May 1, 2008]

When you read the account of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, His temptation was ordained by the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 4:1-3)

Prior to being sent into the wilderness, Jesus had come to the River Jordan to be baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17). After Jesus’ water baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus ‘like a dove’, and a voice from heaven came and said, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 4:1, NKJV, says, “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”

Why?

Jesus is the Son of God in human flesh.

In human flesh, He is, now also, the Son of Man.

What is the significance of this?

Just as Adam was spoken to by Satan in the Garden of Eden; so Jesus, the Son of Man is going to be spoken to by Satan in the wilderness.

In the Garden, Satan asked a question, “Has God indeed said…?”; in the wilderness, Satan said, “If you are the Son of God…”

Satan questions God’s word to Adam. (Genesis 3:1-8)

Satan sought to manipulate God’s word spoken to His Son. (Matthew 4:1-11)

Jesus did not succumb to Satan’s temptations in the same way that Adam and Eve succumbed to Satan’s temptations.

Jesus stood against Satan’s deceptive words and lies, responding, “It is written”. (Matthew 4:4,7,10)

Satan’s third temptation is a revelation of his pride.

Matthew 4:8-11, NKJV, says, “And again the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give you if You will fall down and worship me.” “

[Note: Where did Satan get the kingdoms and the glory? He stole them. He is the thief of John 10. He stole them in the Garden from Adam.]

These words express the root of pride that Satan had voiced from his heart, “I will ascend into the heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest side of the north*; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:12-14, NKJV) [* ‘the side of the north’ reminded me of Psalms 48:1-2]

The very thing that Satan was offering to Jesus “if He would worship him”, was what Paul told the Church at Philippi (Philippians 2:1-11) Jesus received from His Father because He fully obeyed what His Father had asked Him to do, “…He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross. Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, …”.

Think about the irony that exists between what Satan desired for himself and who Satan was speaking too, the Son of God/Son of Man.

The nations and the glory that Satan was offering to Jesus was stained with sin.

Jesus, the Creator (Colossians 1:17) did not need the kingdoms of this world; nor did He need the glory.

Jesus left the Glory (John 17:1-4) that He had in heaven to come to the earth.

Jesus came into what He had created originally without sin.

Therefore He didn’t come for the ‘glory’ and ‘position’ Satan was offering him. ( John 10:25-30)

Jesus came to take back what was stolen?

How?

Jesus came to fulfill His Father’s desire for Him to be the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”. (John 1:29b, NKJV)

Because Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s spoken word to them, they committed ‘treason’ against God.

Disobedience to God’s word is sin.

Sin is ‘treason’ against God’s authority.

As previously written, “treason primarily means betrayal of trust, conspiracy against civil or divinely appointed leadership, or spiritual unfaithfulness.”

The immediate consequence of Adam and Eve’s sin was the forfeiture of their spiritual relationship with God through spiritual death.

Adam and Eve’s sin also had other consequences, see Genesis 3:13-24, which culminated in them being driven from the Garden (“expelled from the Garden, Tree of Life Version).

[It is important to point of the heart of God regarding His love from Adam and Eve. Yes, God, is a God of justice; but He is also a God of grace and mercy. Genesis 3:21-22 speaks loudly regarding God’s love. These two verses point us to the cross.]

Q: Why did the Son of God come, take on human flesh and become the Son of Man, and die on the cross?

A: Through the finished work of Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, mankind-the descendants of Adam and Eve-all humanity has been offered the way to be forgiven of their sin, be reconciled to God, restored relationally to God, and brought back into God’s presence, no longer “expelled” from Him.

What is offered is a free gift to all of mankind; but it was provided at the highest cost-the cost of God, the Father, giving His Son for the ‘cosmic treason’ of the world(that is not universalism), so that we might have eternal life. (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden.

They lived on the earth but existed under the conditions specified by God because of their disobedience. (Genesis 3)

Because of the sin, they were governed by their own authority; but not God’s direct relational authority.

God’s authority is still absolute over all of His creation.

That authority is both Sovereign and Providental.

Adam and Eve governed themselves; yet are subject to, like all humanity to God’s Sovereignty and Providence.

Adam and Eve governed themselves.

Or did they?

Their disobedience had consequences as mentioned before; but it also had far reaching consequences.

Their sin subjected them to death, both in their spirit and in their natural body.

Romans 6:23 tells us that “the wages of sin is death”.

Their sin resulted in having a different, relational father, Satan himself. (John 8:44, context John 8)

Satan is also the God of this world. (see 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2; John 12:31; I John 5:10)

Satan is the father of lies. (John 8:44, context John 8)

Satan is a deceiver. (2 Corinthians 11:14-see context 2 Corinthians 11:5-15)

Satan’s goal is to deceive the whole earth. (Revelation 12:9)

Adam and Eve, all of humanity, because of their sin nature, not only govern themselves; but they are influenced by, and governed by the world, the flesh and the devil (Satan).

All humanity is descended from Adam and Eve, and all are born with a sin nature.

Therefore, as born sinners, we are all in need of a Savior. (Romans 3:23)

Enter the Son of God. (Luke 2)

Knowing Christ as our Lord and Savior does not exempt us from temptation.

As believers, we too, are susceptible to being influenced by the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

The entirety of scripture addresses this ‘cosmic foundational failure, its cause; its remedy; its purpose, and its ultimate hope. Ephesians 2:1-10)

But God…

Jesus spoke directly to this issue when He was talking with Nicodemus. (see John 3:16-18; context John 3:1-21)

The Apostle Paul writing to the Church at Ephesus elaborating on God, the Father’s, heart that is set into motion before the foundation of the world(Ephesians 1:1-18) says, “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world*, according to the prince of the power of the air (Satan)*, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of the flesh* and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in ^mercy^, because of His great ^love^ with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, make us alive together with Christ (by ^grace^ you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His ^grace^ in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by ^grace^ you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” {emphasis mine}

[Note: what is also highlighted*: the believer’s three enemies- the world, the flesh, and the devil, Satan.]

(Note: What are the three ^words^ that are highlighted that reveal to us God’s heart? They are mercy, love, and grace{4x}.

Remember, “where sin abounded, grace abounded much more” (Romans 5:20b; context Romans 5:12-21)

This is the longing heart of God of God, the Father for his fallen humanity.

I encourage you to read again about His mercy, love, and grace; ponder what He brought us out of and what He has brought us into ‘in Christ’. (Colossians 1:13, context Colossians 1:1-18; I Peter 2:9)

Our man-made idols are formed when we desire not to be ‘governed’ by God: the Father; the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ; the Holy Spirit-according to the Word of God.

Consider what you forfeit: John 17:3, NKJV, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

I recommend that you read John 17.

This post has been a long journey; but I trust it has been a blessing to you who completed its entire reading and study.

Q: Why is this important to understand?

A: Our Father desires your ‘unshared love’ for Him.

It’s time for a break; you and me.

blessings, a brother in Christ, deo

To Be Continued