Christian Message Boards: Integrity Worships The True God

This is topic Integrity Worships The True God in forum Bible Topics & Study at Christian Message Boards.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://thechristianbbs.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=006650

Posted by KnowHim (Member # 1) on :

“Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, the height of which was sixty cubits and its width six cubits; he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent word to assemble the satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates and all the rulers of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. Then the satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates and all the rulers of the provinces were assembled for the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.”
-- Daniel 3:1-3

People are incurably religious and will worship either the true God or a false substitute.

Scripture teaches that a double-minded man is “unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). That certainly was true of King Nebuchadnezzar, who shortly after declaring that Daniel’s God “is a God of gods and a Lord of kings” (Dan. 2:47), erected a huge image of himself and assembled all his leaders for its dedication.

The image was ninety feet tall and was probably constructed of wood overlaid with gold. Because the plain of Dura was flat, the statue would have been visible for a great distance. The gold idol was a magnificent sight as it reflected the bright sunlight of that region.

The king’s plan was to have all his leaders bow down to the image, thereby bringing glory to himself, verifying their loyalty, and unifying the nation under one religion. But he was soon to learn that three young men with spiritual integrity would never abandon worship of the true God, regardless of the consequences. Worshiping the true God or a false substitute is the choice that everyone must make. Sadly, millions of people who wouldn’t think of bowing to a tangible image nevertheless worship useless gods of their own imaginations. Even Christians can be lured into self-love and covetousness, which are forms of idolatry (Col. 3:5). That’s why you must always guard your heart diligently.

Suggestions for Prayer:
Thank the Lord for the privilege of knowing and worshiping the true God.

For Further Study:
According to Romans 1:18-32, what are the spiritual and moral consequences of idolatry?

http://feeds2.feedburner.com/GTYStrengthForToday

.

Posted by MentorsRiddle (Member # 2108) on :

Good post & good read.

I really enjoied this post, as I beleive it has some relivance today.

There was a bood I once read called American Gods, by Neil Gaiman < not sure of name spelling.

Any way, in this book all these different Gods were worshiped through sacrafice...

The TV had a god, and you sacrafised your time to it by watching it, etc.

Really fantastical stuff...

We may not worship, at least not all of us, giant golden statues any more -- but many of us worship ourselves and things...

God should always come first -- and I for one am guilty of not always thinking of him first.

I ask for forgiveness every day, but sometimes we loose track of who we are -- which are children of God.

Another good prayer would be to ask God for forgiveness for not spending enough time with him and cultivating your relationship with him.

I for one need to spend more alone time with God, with out other "idols" present, etc.

Again, great post.

Posted by Carol Swenson (Member # 6929) on :

Hi KnowHim,

I think greed is a big problem today. The prosperity gospel, and beliefs closely related to it, are leading people away from the true worship of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:5 (NLT)
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

Covetousness (Greed) is the sin of always wanting more, whether it be more things or more pleasures. The covetous person is never satisfied with what he has, and he is usually envious of what other people have. This is idolatry, for covetousness puts things in the place of God. “Thou shalt not covet” is the last of the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:17). Yet this sin can make someone break all of the other nine. A covetous person will dishonor God, take God’s name in vain, lie, steal, and commit every other sin in order to satisfy his sinful desires.

Posted by MentorsRiddle (Member # 2108) on :

Great reply, C.

I think greed and money are truly the root of all evil today...

But here is a thought I just had...

Money buys power, and power is ultumantly what greed and money is all about...

So, wouldn't greed just be a symptom of self love, which is the root sickness?

Just a thought, would love to hear your reply.

Posted by Carol Swenson (Member # 6929) on :

Well said MentorsRiddle - we need to spend time alone with our Lord, abiding in Him. Abiding in His love.

Money can be used for good. It can buy food and clothing for the poor, medical care for the ill, etc.

But greed, as you say, buys power, or pleasure, and that is self love in my opinion. Self worship maybe.

The root sickness I think is fear. When Adam and Eve sinned, the first things they felt were guilt and fear. I think fear is the root of a lot of problems. That's why it is such a blessing that we trust God, and we can come boldly before His throne.

Posted by KnowHim (Member # 1) on :

Amen, I agree with you both. Thanks for the posts!

God bless,
David

.

Posted by MentorsRiddle (Member # 2108) on :

You're very welcome K.

C -- You said you think the root cause is fear -- because that's what Adam and Eve felt after they had sinned.

This is a very good concept -- because I think basically all human decisions are, deeply, based by the emotions fear or love.

Or Flesh and the Spirit.

When we let flesh/fear rule our decision making process, we make flawed decisions and become insecure in ourselves -- causing us to pump ourselves up to feel "important"

As you said, almost like a self worship -- thus making us our own idol?

Agan, love to hear your opinion.

Posted by Carol Swenson (Member # 6929) on :

MentorsRiddle

I was wrong. God says the root cause is desire (KJV "lust"). Fear and guilt are what we feel after we sin, not before. I guess we could say they are an effect rather than a cause. [updown]

James 1 (ESV)
14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Sin is selfishness, so I guess it is a kind of self worship. Satan was guilty of wanting to be like God because of his pride, or self worship. He tempted Eve with the desire for pride.

Genesis 3:4-6 (NLT) ’”
4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”

6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.

Posted by Eden (Member # 5728) on :

Hebrews 2:15
And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

1 Corinthians 15:54
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

1 Corinthians 15:55
O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?

1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

love, Eden
Look up, for our redemption draws near...

Posted by Keeper (Member # 7675) on :

Eden..what brought that on ? Did you skim and find the word death ? You are a basket case.

Posted by Eden (Member # 5728) on :

Sorry, Keeper, I should have specified what I was spinning off ...

I was spinning off this statement:

"C -- You said you think the root cause is fear".

love, Eden