The Creator of the universe is the only one worthy of worship. You don't worship anyone or anything else and you don't pray to anyone or anything else. God gives his glory to no one, not even saints or angels.
“Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols”
—Psalm 97:7
Watch yourselves very carefully, so that you do not become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image of any shape, whether formed like a man or a woman, or like any animal on earth or any bird that flies in the air, or like any creature that moves along the ground or any fish in the waters below. (Deuteronomy 4:15-18)
—Psalm 97:7
Watch yourselves very carefully, so that you do not become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image of any shape, whether formed like a man or a woman, or like any animal on earth or any bird that flies in the air, or like any creature that moves along the ground or any fish in the waters below. (Deuteronomy 4:15-18)
A simple definition of idol worship is to believe that anything beside God can help us, or to hold something as more important to us than God.
Thus if we hold our property (for example) as more important than God /or give our jobs more time and attention than God - we are committing idol worship. Idol worship is a gross injustice, the violation of the first commandment in all the scriptures of God, and is an unforgivable sin if maintained until death.
Exodus 20:1-15 And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me,
A simple definition of idol worship is to believe that anything beside God can help us, or to hold something as more important to us than God.
Thus if we hold our property (for example) as more important than God /or give our jobs more time and attention than God - we are committing idol worship. Idol worship is a gross injustice, the violation of the first commandment in all the scriptures of God, and is an unforgivable sin if maintained until death.
Exodus 20:1-15 And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me,
Leviticus 26:1 “You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God.
Psalm 115:4-8 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.
1 Corinthians 10:14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
Modern day idolatry
In the 21st century, idolatry still exists – except perhaps in some cases it is not as obvious – it is more subtle.
Questions to ask your self:
IIf you spend a lot of time following the life of a movie star, football player or rock star, etc then maybe that is your idol. Another example, maybe spending a lot of time devoted to using and maintaining a recreational boat or a car etc. This could make that object your idol – it is taking your time away from worshipping God.
In the 21st century, idolatry still exists – except perhaps in some cases it is not as obvious – it is more subtle.
Questions to ask your self:
- Is there anything you feel you can’t live without?
- Is there any priority greater than God?
- Do you have a dream you would sacrifice everything to realise?
- Does God take first place?
- Do you worship God or idols of your own making?
IIf you spend a lot of time following the life of a movie star, football player or rock star, etc then maybe that is your idol. Another example, maybe spending a lot of time devoted to using and maintaining a recreational boat or a car etc. This could make that object your idol – it is taking your time away from worshipping God.
Greed is idolatry
Greed is the wanting more of something. In this modern age of seeing advertising everywhere, greed is something which is likely to continue growing. Advertisers use such phrases as “you deserve it” or “you need it”. However, greed is like a cancer which eats into us – the more we get, the more we want – we are never satisfied!
greed is idolatry according to the Bible. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. Colossians 3:5-6
So in the future, if we want to avoid idolatry, what do we need to do?
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4: 8 - 9
Greed is the wanting more of something. In this modern age of seeing advertising everywhere, greed is something which is likely to continue growing. Advertisers use such phrases as “you deserve it” or “you need it”. However, greed is like a cancer which eats into us – the more we get, the more we want – we are never satisfied!
greed is idolatry according to the Bible. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. Colossians 3:5-6
So in the future, if we want to avoid idolatry, what do we need to do?
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4: 8 - 9
God tells us to turn to him and renounce the occult Many people, including Christians, think it's harmless to look at astrological charts or engage in various forms of spiritualism. They think it is fun or entertaining.
But God clearly warns against such practices in many Bible verses. Some reasons the Scriptures warn against engaging in any form of the occult:
I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people. (Leviticus 20:6)
When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? (Isaiah 8:19)
Bible verses warning about astrology
And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. (Deuteronomy 4:19)
... and contrary to my command has worshiped other gods, bowing down to them or to the sun or the moon or the stars of the sky. (Deuteronomy 17:3)
All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame. Here are no coals to warm anyone; here is no fire to sit by. That is all they can do for you—these you have labored with and trafficked with since childhood. Each of them goes on in his error; there is not one that can save you. (Isaiah 47:13-15)
Hear what the LORD says to you, O house of Israel.This is what the LORD says: "Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the sky, though the nations are terrified by them." (Jeremiah 10:1-2)
In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. (Daniel 1:20)
Bible verses warning about divination, sorcery and magic charms
Do not practice divination or sorcery. (Leviticus 19:26)
Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "I am against your magic charms with which you ensnare people like birds and I will tear them from your arms; I will set free the people that you ensnare like birds." (Ezekiel 13:20)
The idols speak deceit, diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd. (Zechariah 10:2)
"So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me," says the LORD Almighty. (Malachi 3:5)
But God clearly warns against such practices in many Bible verses. Some reasons the Scriptures warn against engaging in any form of the occult:
- We are opening ourselves up to spirits other than God's.
- We are not looking to God for guidance, but to the occult.
- We are turning away from true faith in Jesus.
- We are disobeying God's word, the Bible.
I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people. (Leviticus 20:6)
When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? (Isaiah 8:19)
Bible verses warning about astrology
And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. (Deuteronomy 4:19)
... and contrary to my command has worshiped other gods, bowing down to them or to the sun or the moon or the stars of the sky. (Deuteronomy 17:3)
All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame. Here are no coals to warm anyone; here is no fire to sit by. That is all they can do for you—these you have labored with and trafficked with since childhood. Each of them goes on in his error; there is not one that can save you. (Isaiah 47:13-15)
Hear what the LORD says to you, O house of Israel.This is what the LORD says: "Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the sky, though the nations are terrified by them." (Jeremiah 10:1-2)
In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. (Daniel 1:20)
Bible verses warning about divination, sorcery and magic charms
Do not practice divination or sorcery. (Leviticus 19:26)
Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "I am against your magic charms with which you ensnare people like birds and I will tear them from your arms; I will set free the people that you ensnare like birds." (Ezekiel 13:20)
The idols speak deceit, diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd. (Zechariah 10:2)
"So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me," says the LORD Almighty. (Malachi 3:5)
the bible tells us that we should not be ignorant of Satan's devices. "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11). If we do not know what these things are or that they exist this will give Satan a chance to take advantage of us because we did not know that we should have avoided them.
A forbidden practice is something that is an abomination to the Lord. This means Gods hates these things and does not want His children to have any thing to do with them.
Human sacrifice, or in modern terms, an abortion. (Lev. 18:21, 2 Kings 16:3, 17:17, 21:6, 23:10. 2 Chron. 33:6, Jer. 32:35). No one is ever to kill another human being. A baby not born yet is just as alive as you and me because God also created and formed this life.
The practice or art of discovering hidden knowledge and foretelling future events by occult supernatural means. Fortune-teller or psychic. (2 Kings 17:17, Jer. 27:8-9, Acts 16:16-24). Never go to a psychic or fortune-teller for any reason. God is the creator of the universe and He alone only knows your future. Beware of: pychics, foretune tellers, Ouiji board, crystal ball, tarot cards, tea leaf reading, etc.
Same as astrology or stargazing. It is another form of divination. It is a person who looks to the stars for guidance. (Isa. 47:12-15, Jer. 10:2, Dan.1:20, 5:7,11,15). We should beware of horoscopes or anything that takes the place of God's direction. God is our guidance, not His creation. Horoscopes may appear to be harmless, but they become addictive. Reading horoscopes are another form of accepting and honoring occult practices that God has clearly condemned. They are written by people who believe in astrology and are disobeying God. Beware of: astrology, horoscopes, numerology, palm readers, etc.
A magician; or sorcerer. One who casts spells; or bewitches. (2 Kings 17:17, Jer. 27:9). Avoid anything that has to do with magic. Remember, it doesn't matter if it appears good, magic is something God hates. Beware of: yoga, meditation, mantras, hypnotism, subliminal tapes, New Age Medicine; etc.
A person who practices magic. One who deals with demonic spirits . They practice black or white magic (Exo. 22:18, 2 Chron. 33:6, 1 Sam. 15:23, Gal. 5:19-21). There is no such thing as good magic. Both come from Satan. Beware of: wicca, white or black magic, casting spells, seances, etc.
To put a spell upon someone; to change things by the use of magic; the chanting of a magical verse or formula. (Isa. 19:3) An object or piece of jewelry used for magical purposes. Beware of: occult symbols, talisman, amulets, crystals, New Age positive thinking and confession; etc.
To ask, demand, or desire of an evil or demon spirit. (2 Kings 21:6, 2 Chron. 33:6, Isa. 19:3). A person called a medium believes they are contacting the dead, but in reality what they are really contacting is an evil spirit that is pretending to be the dead. Beware of: channeling, spiritism, mediums, space brothers, ascended masters, invisible spirit friends, ouija boards, auto matic wring, seances; etc
A person who knows many things about the occult and is in touch with demonic spirits. A male witch, a sorcerer, or magician, conjurer; one who uses magic to have control over another person; also someone who uses magic to change nature (2 Kings 17:17, 21:6, 2 Chron. 33:6, Isa. 19:3). Beware of: Visualization, sorcery, mantra, astral travel, clairvoyance; etc.
A person who claims they have spoken with those who have died already. Contact is made for magical and fortune telling purposes (1 Sam. 1-25, Isa. 8:19, 1 Chron. 10:13-14). Again it is not the dead that they are contacting but evil demonic spirit who pretend to be the deceased. Beware of: channeling, medium, spiritism, ouija boards, sorcery, voodoo; etc.
The main character in this popular book series is a boy named Harry Potter. Who is he? He is a wizard. Being a wizard is one of the forbidden practices that God hates. Yet, children around the world love these books about Harry Potter. The deception in these books is that Harry Potter is a "good" kid who tries to do all the "right" things, all the while using his forbidden magical powers. The books are filled with spell casting, occult, magical powers, and New Age teachings.
Let's take a look at how the popular game of Pokemon lines up with God's word. Pokemon teaches children to depend on "psychic powers" and to trust in their "Pokemon" or "pocket monsters". The "good" creatures in the game use their occult powers (which are forbidden by God), to overcome "evil" Pokemon. Pokemon creatures show a power that is of a supernatural and spiritual source. Creatures such as Hypno, Mewter, and Haunter all display psychic powers. Just because these popular creatures are labeled "good" in the Pokemon game, does not mean they measure up in God's word. To achieve your goals in Pokemon you begin to believe it's OK to cast spells, use psychic powers, magic, poison, cheat, steal, deceive or kill others. You begin to believe these things, because many of the people who control our entertainment have lied to you, and have told you to believe that it is OK to take part in them.
HALLOWEEN
This is always a difficult time for Christians, especially those with children. It has been suggested that for a Christian to be asked to celebrate Halloween is like asking a Holocaust survivor to celebrate Hitler's birthday!
It is also a dangerous time for some, since many of the seemingly "harmless" involvements associated with Halloween can also be "entries" for the occult, and can prove very tragic for the unwary.
Halloween is, for many, a "crossover" involvement in which innocent games can lead to serious entanglement with real witches, neo-pagans, New Agers, and other occultists.(2) A common pastime is the use of a Ouija board to attempt to contact ghosts or spirits that are believed to be roaming about. This can lead to serious consequences including demon possession.(3) Demons have a vested interest in Halloween because it supports the occult, and it also offers novel and unexpected opportunities to control and influence people.
Any serious study of Biblical demonology will reveal Satan as the power behind false religion, witchcraft, idolatry and the occult.(6) The Word of God makes it clear that these are all to be shunned as dangerous.
A forbidden practice is something that is an abomination to the Lord. This means Gods hates these things and does not want His children to have any thing to do with them.
Human sacrifice, or in modern terms, an abortion. (Lev. 18:21, 2 Kings 16:3, 17:17, 21:6, 23:10. 2 Chron. 33:6, Jer. 32:35). No one is ever to kill another human being. A baby not born yet is just as alive as you and me because God also created and formed this life.
The practice or art of discovering hidden knowledge and foretelling future events by occult supernatural means. Fortune-teller or psychic. (2 Kings 17:17, Jer. 27:8-9, Acts 16:16-24). Never go to a psychic or fortune-teller for any reason. God is the creator of the universe and He alone only knows your future. Beware of: pychics, foretune tellers, Ouiji board, crystal ball, tarot cards, tea leaf reading, etc.
Same as astrology or stargazing. It is another form of divination. It is a person who looks to the stars for guidance. (Isa. 47:12-15, Jer. 10:2, Dan.1:20, 5:7,11,15). We should beware of horoscopes or anything that takes the place of God's direction. God is our guidance, not His creation. Horoscopes may appear to be harmless, but they become addictive. Reading horoscopes are another form of accepting and honoring occult practices that God has clearly condemned. They are written by people who believe in astrology and are disobeying God. Beware of: astrology, horoscopes, numerology, palm readers, etc.
A magician; or sorcerer. One who casts spells; or bewitches. (2 Kings 17:17, Jer. 27:9). Avoid anything that has to do with magic. Remember, it doesn't matter if it appears good, magic is something God hates. Beware of: yoga, meditation, mantras, hypnotism, subliminal tapes, New Age Medicine; etc.
A person who practices magic. One who deals with demonic spirits . They practice black or white magic (Exo. 22:18, 2 Chron. 33:6, 1 Sam. 15:23, Gal. 5:19-21). There is no such thing as good magic. Both come from Satan. Beware of: wicca, white or black magic, casting spells, seances, etc.
To put a spell upon someone; to change things by the use of magic; the chanting of a magical verse or formula. (Isa. 19:3) An object or piece of jewelry used for magical purposes. Beware of: occult symbols, talisman, amulets, crystals, New Age positive thinking and confession; etc.
To ask, demand, or desire of an evil or demon spirit. (2 Kings 21:6, 2 Chron. 33:6, Isa. 19:3). A person called a medium believes they are contacting the dead, but in reality what they are really contacting is an evil spirit that is pretending to be the dead. Beware of: channeling, spiritism, mediums, space brothers, ascended masters, invisible spirit friends, ouija boards, auto matic wring, seances; etc
A person who knows many things about the occult and is in touch with demonic spirits. A male witch, a sorcerer, or magician, conjurer; one who uses magic to have control over another person; also someone who uses magic to change nature (2 Kings 17:17, 21:6, 2 Chron. 33:6, Isa. 19:3). Beware of: Visualization, sorcery, mantra, astral travel, clairvoyance; etc.
A person who claims they have spoken with those who have died already. Contact is made for magical and fortune telling purposes (1 Sam. 1-25, Isa. 8:19, 1 Chron. 10:13-14). Again it is not the dead that they are contacting but evil demonic spirit who pretend to be the deceased. Beware of: channeling, medium, spiritism, ouija boards, sorcery, voodoo; etc.
The main character in this popular book series is a boy named Harry Potter. Who is he? He is a wizard. Being a wizard is one of the forbidden practices that God hates. Yet, children around the world love these books about Harry Potter. The deception in these books is that Harry Potter is a "good" kid who tries to do all the "right" things, all the while using his forbidden magical powers. The books are filled with spell casting, occult, magical powers, and New Age teachings.
Let's take a look at how the popular game of Pokemon lines up with God's word. Pokemon teaches children to depend on "psychic powers" and to trust in their "Pokemon" or "pocket monsters". The "good" creatures in the game use their occult powers (which are forbidden by God), to overcome "evil" Pokemon. Pokemon creatures show a power that is of a supernatural and spiritual source. Creatures such as Hypno, Mewter, and Haunter all display psychic powers. Just because these popular creatures are labeled "good" in the Pokemon game, does not mean they measure up in God's word. To achieve your goals in Pokemon you begin to believe it's OK to cast spells, use psychic powers, magic, poison, cheat, steal, deceive or kill others. You begin to believe these things, because many of the people who control our entertainment have lied to you, and have told you to believe that it is OK to take part in them.
HALLOWEEN
This is always a difficult time for Christians, especially those with children. It has been suggested that for a Christian to be asked to celebrate Halloween is like asking a Holocaust survivor to celebrate Hitler's birthday!
It is also a dangerous time for some, since many of the seemingly "harmless" involvements associated with Halloween can also be "entries" for the occult, and can prove very tragic for the unwary.
Halloween is, for many, a "crossover" involvement in which innocent games can lead to serious entanglement with real witches, neo-pagans, New Agers, and other occultists.(2) A common pastime is the use of a Ouija board to attempt to contact ghosts or spirits that are believed to be roaming about. This can lead to serious consequences including demon possession.(3) Demons have a vested interest in Halloween because it supports the occult, and it also offers novel and unexpected opportunities to control and influence people.
Any serious study of Biblical demonology will reveal Satan as the power behind false religion, witchcraft, idolatry and the occult.(6) The Word of God makes it clear that these are all to be shunned as dangerous.