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June 18th, 2008, 07:32 AM
Idolatry In the Church?
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image – any likeness of anything that is in heaven above…you shall not bow to them nor serve them…” (Ex. 20: 4-5)
The bible clearly teaches we are not to have any idolatry in our lives. It's as clear as day, and without any wiggle room or excuses. But what about the Old Testament, and the physical objects God had Israel make? Any physical objects created in the context of Mosaic law was always a typology (Hosea 12:10), a shadow of the things to come (Col 2:17) after the pattern of things in heaven (Hebrews 8:5). Idolatry has never been tolerated, not even for a moment.
Clearly while idols are nothing (1 Cor 8:4), yet we are to “…flee from idolatry.” (1 Cor 10:14) because they are demonic and used to serve the enemy (1 Cor 10:19-20)
Furthermore, they are useless, as...
“God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)
The Word also says how idols...
"...have mouths but they do not speak; eyes they have but they do not see…so is everyone who trusts in them.” (Psalm 135:15-18)
There are many verses that speak against this great evil and vain futility.
“…you saw no form when the Lord spoke to you…lest you act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female…” (Deut 4:15-19)
The Word the Lord even shows how the Lord does not tolerate even objects directed by Him to make, to later become objects of adoration. This too is idolatry. Take for example the bronze serpent that Moses lifted in the desert.
Numbers 21:9 So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.
Clearly God REVEALED for this to be made in the first place (as He did earlier with the widerness tabernacle and other items of Mosiac law) - but NEVER for it to be adored. Later on He would address this issue through one of His faithful servants who:
2 Kings 18:4 ...removed the high places and broke the sacred pillars, cut down the wooden image and broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made; for until those days the children of Israel burned incense to it, and called it Nehushtan.
So it's clear that we cannot have any idolatry nor "sacred" relics. No crosses, no illustrations of Jesus - nothing of the sort.
The Faithful Church, The Body of Christ, has never made images of Jesus, Mary or anything/anyone else to be included for the religious service. Why? Because the second commandment already made this abundantly clear. From the time of the Reformation (circa 16th) until the 20th century no protestant or Pentecostal group used such things. But eventually such idolatry would penetrate. It would be later argued that these visible representations of bible characters or events would some how be useful to teach religious truths.
This wasn't the first time such arguments were used. This slippery slope had been tread before. Back in the 3rd century, such a discussion was also going on. Such discussions talked about things like:
- rejecting these things outright, in any form.
- but later... just use the only for instruction, but not the service
- and eventually... for instruction and in the service
There was a fellow called Pope Gregory around 590-604 AD who approved the use of images, but insisted that they not be worshiped. They were said to be only used as tools for instruction. These were some how supposed to be "books for the illiterate", and falsely deemed as something necessary. No matter what the intentions were, it's evil in God's sight.
These images became a snare, and not surprisingly, as they eventually became the center of worship. This is how it's always been. This is that slippery slope, and no group is immune from this, no matter how loudly they protest to the contrary.
So it would only grow worse. People even bowed down, while attempting to justify it, with word games about "veneration" and "worship" were invented. Many do this today with their little trinkets, and how they have no real meaning for them. If so, then why not throw it away? Actions speak louder than words. Then and now, it was very transparent as to what was going on. They were no longer praying to God, but rather to demons.
1 Cor 10:14,20-22 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry...the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord's table and of the table of demons..."
By the 8th century the worship of images had been completely approved. Theologians like Thomas of Aquinas were spreading their poison, and defending their usage. These also catered to the needs of folks who'd rather see than hear. Images are false, and cannot generate true faith. It's impossible.
After all
Romans 10:17 ...faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
As mentioned idolatry would infect also the reformation and many groups of that kind. Originally however they did not approve of their usage. John Calvin rightly pointed out how everything man can learn through these things is vain and false. The bible even says how “the molded image," is "a teacher of lies.” (Hab 2:18)
There can be no question. We not to be led by "dumb idols" (1 Cor 12:1-3), but rather we are to be led by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not need the help of idolatry.
He is the HELPER. He can reach both the literate and illiterate.
Furthermore, God never appeared in any form so to be represented as an image. No one ever took a portrait of Jesus (who is God). So why do people even try? His disciples knew better. The portraits of Jesus are more likely the portraits of the antichrist.
Why do people depict Him as an old man with long beard, and white hair? The New Testament has no such description of the physical of the Lord Jesus Christ. Only in the Old Testament is found a PROPHETIC description of Him, which only shows the opposite of what the idolatry today shows. Instead of a Hollywood, blonde haired, blue-eyed, fresh-from-the-beauty-salon Jesus - we are given this description:
Isa 53:2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him,There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
During the 1st century it's very telling that the Church did not have any images of the Lord Jesus, nor Mary, the “saints”, etc. They knew better. Not so today:
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,
Engravings of Jesus do not aid in knowing him one bit, nor do they in any way honor or worship Him in any way. It doesn't matter how well intentioned you are. Instead they are an obstacle to true worship which is to be “in Spirit and in Truth.”
In the roman religious system the cross has to be with the altar, on the roofs, in the schools, hospitals, the homes, etc. Why? The reason given is that they are supposed to provide a blessing or protection - but this is false. It's all superstition. Small crosses/crucifixes on chains or garments are also being used in this manner. It's all mysticism. Furthermore there are people who "bless" themselves with the "sign of the cross". More lies.
No where in scripture can be found of a material cross used for any religious purpose. Nor was there during the 1st three centuries. In the early days this was always seen as an instrument of torture and shame.
Physical religious objects ("sacred objects", crosses, images, etc) are an extension of materialism, which stimulate only the trust in the object - instead of trusting in God. It is in fact the very opposite of faith.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen
We must trust in God for are to “...walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7)
Furthermore, "...without faith it is impossible to please Him.” (Heb 11:1,6).
Anyone who has ever taught that these physical objects transmit any sort of benefit or blessing of God, Jesus, etc has lied to you. They have been taken in by what is also known as fetishism. A fetish is defined as a natural object that, according to belief, is the dwelling of a spirit or represents a spirit, etc. Something that can some how magically be induced or forced to help or protect it's owner, etc.
As for the Churches in the 20th century - these things eventually penetrated. At first only to be used in the teaching, and not intended for worship. However, little by little, that slide down the slippery slope happened. Eventually too they became object of reverence and adoration. History repeats itself today.
We should not illustrate religious books, nor decorate homes in such manner. Yet so many do this.
As an interesting side now, until the mid-20th century, only Adventists and Jehovah’s witnesses also used such idolatry in their books and Bibles themselves. Not so today, they have a lot of company.
Churches which reject the baptism with the Holy Spirit and with fire thus followed them in this practice in the North America. As a consequence, their love was not renewed by the warmth of the Holy Spirit - for idolatry prevents that operation.
Many groups now accept the use of paintings, drawings, as somehow representing God or others in the bible. It stains their religious books and materials. Ultimately these things too have found their way into their homes as well.
Again, their justification for such things is that the believers NEEDED, these objects to stimulate their faith. How the simple children would also need such images and the like in order to understand. Or to concentrate in the teaching.
These are lies. We never have, and never will need such artistic representations. The the bible it's clear that the Holy Spirit is enough to reach these objectives. He can teach the children, and open their understanding.
Matthew 21:16 and said to Him, "Do You hear what these are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes. Have you never read, ' Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise'? "
The Holy Spirit has no place in idolatry. The presence of the Holy Spirit is only possible where there is sanctity. Where there is true faith. Such cannot be found in idolatry.
He will never be found in religious images. These objects prevent His full operation. Instead these objects give room for the enemy to operate, and bring oppression and deceiving spirits. They can even bring about evil mystical experiences. These things are not harmless.
Not surprisingly this gradual slide down the slippery slope is happening in step with the rising ecumenical movement. This also goes hand in hand with the creation of the World Council of Churches in 1948. It's easy to see how all roads are leading back to rome.
The enemy knows Jesus is returning soon and wants to keep as many from the rapture as possible, to join him in eternal torment. None of this should come as a big surprise. With this in mind these passages really resound:
Luke 18:8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"
Mark 7:6-7 He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ' This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me,Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'
2 Timothy 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
Rev 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.
So many today shy away from opposing idolatry. What matters for them is "love" and not to be "divisive" - not to rock the boat. What keeps everyone happy is to compromise and burying their head in the sand.
Another thing that encouraged such ecumenical support to the tolerance of idolatry came about in the United States where philosophical doctrines of relativism, egalitarianism, equality among cultures - even religions - began to spread. These things were related to disseminations in anthropology.
These things ultimately infected the seminaries. Altogether fostering a luke warm environment and modern day religious system even worse than the one that opposed Jesus during His first coming. His second coming in many ways will mirror the first.
Among groups that embraces gifts for today, this tolerance of images came about as well, as it was falsely reasoned that the "catholic charismatics" were also being "filled with the Holy Spirit", and hence an implicit approval from God about their doctrine. That this was a signal that this was no problem for God. So this idolatry can be found in their places of worship as well. All this again, is the work of the enemy:
- veneration of images,
- prayer to saints,
- ..on behalf of the dead,
- etc.
They departed from the truth that the one purpose of the baptism with the Holy Spirit is to lead believers to the truth (John 16:13-14).
There seems to be a greater operation of the Spirit in the Latin American countries in churches that embrace the gifts. Why? Because this tolerance of idolatry is less common in those places. The same cannot be said for such groups in North America and Europe, where growth is small and the operation of the Holy Spirit is practically non existent and abuses abound.
Why? It is because there is a great tolerance, and even open acceptance of idolatry.
Because of the wide spread usage of images of Jesus, crosses, etc - many true believers become accustomed to these lies. For many it's not seen as something serious. For some to speak against these things is even offensive and insulting to them. You don't need to look very far to see this in action.
These things are no longer seen as shocking to many believers. It's all around then, even in their Sunday School books and Bibles illustrations.
But what about the scriptures regarding the New Jerusalem which says:
“But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” (Rev 22:15)
So in closing, images are a source of oppression. They completely go against God's will. They permit instead evil to enter, and do not allow the Holy Spirit to operate. Is it any wonder why the gifts are rarely seen today? These things are everywhere, and it's a strategy from the enemy to keep peoples eyes closed to the truth. They even prevent spiritual deliverances, healings and understanding of God's Word.
Instead they allow the enemy to spread false doctrines and mystical experiences (not sanctioned by the Scriptures - barking, mooing, cooing, slaining, etc - which further confirm in the minds of people, that anyone who claims to have gifts must be automatically crazy). The abuses we read about and even post about here are a result of this.
This is why so many places do not operate like the Church in the book of Acts. Some may laugh this off, but will they leave their places of worship or throw away such materials? That little trinket? Will they toss it in the garbage? Many will not, yet protest they are not approving of idolatry.
They want it both ways. But, actions speak louder than words.
These things again do not permit the Holy Spirit to have complete freedom in the midst of the church. (2 Cor 6:16-17).
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image – any likeness of anything that is in heaven above…you shall not bow to them nor serve them…” (Ex. 20: 4-5)
The bible clearly teaches we are not to have any idolatry in our lives. It's as clear as day, and without any wiggle room or excuses. But what about the Old Testament, and the physical objects God had Israel make? Any physical objects created in the context of Mosaic law was always a typology (Hosea 12:10), a shadow of the things to come (Col 2:17) after the pattern of things in heaven (Hebrews 8:5). Idolatry has never been tolerated, not even for a moment.
Clearly while idols are nothing (1 Cor 8:4), yet we are to “…flee from idolatry.” (1 Cor 10:14) because they are demonic and used to serve the enemy (1 Cor 10:19-20)
Furthermore, they are useless, as...
“God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)
The Word also says how idols...
"...have mouths but they do not speak; eyes they have but they do not see…so is everyone who trusts in them.” (Psalm 135:15-18)
There are many verses that speak against this great evil and vain futility.
“…you saw no form when the Lord spoke to you…lest you act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female…” (Deut 4:15-19)
The Word the Lord even shows how the Lord does not tolerate even objects directed by Him to make, to later become objects of adoration. This too is idolatry. Take for example the bronze serpent that Moses lifted in the desert.
Numbers 21:9 So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.
Clearly God REVEALED for this to be made in the first place (as He did earlier with the widerness tabernacle and other items of Mosiac law) - but NEVER for it to be adored. Later on He would address this issue through one of His faithful servants who:
2 Kings 18:4 ...removed the high places and broke the sacred pillars, cut down the wooden image and broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made; for until those days the children of Israel burned incense to it, and called it Nehushtan.
So it's clear that we cannot have any idolatry nor "sacred" relics. No crosses, no illustrations of Jesus - nothing of the sort.
The Faithful Church, The Body of Christ, has never made images of Jesus, Mary or anything/anyone else to be included for the religious service. Why? Because the second commandment already made this abundantly clear. From the time of the Reformation (circa 16th) until the 20th century no protestant or Pentecostal group used such things. But eventually such idolatry would penetrate. It would be later argued that these visible representations of bible characters or events would some how be useful to teach religious truths.
This wasn't the first time such arguments were used. This slippery slope had been tread before. Back in the 3rd century, such a discussion was also going on. Such discussions talked about things like:
- rejecting these things outright, in any form.
- but later... just use the only for instruction, but not the service
- and eventually... for instruction and in the service
There was a fellow called Pope Gregory around 590-604 AD who approved the use of images, but insisted that they not be worshiped. They were said to be only used as tools for instruction. These were some how supposed to be "books for the illiterate", and falsely deemed as something necessary. No matter what the intentions were, it's evil in God's sight.
These images became a snare, and not surprisingly, as they eventually became the center of worship. This is how it's always been. This is that slippery slope, and no group is immune from this, no matter how loudly they protest to the contrary.
So it would only grow worse. People even bowed down, while attempting to justify it, with word games about "veneration" and "worship" were invented. Many do this today with their little trinkets, and how they have no real meaning for them. If so, then why not throw it away? Actions speak louder than words. Then and now, it was very transparent as to what was going on. They were no longer praying to God, but rather to demons.
1 Cor 10:14,20-22 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry...the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord's table and of the table of demons..."
By the 8th century the worship of images had been completely approved. Theologians like Thomas of Aquinas were spreading their poison, and defending their usage. These also catered to the needs of folks who'd rather see than hear. Images are false, and cannot generate true faith. It's impossible.
After all
Romans 10:17 ...faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
As mentioned idolatry would infect also the reformation and many groups of that kind. Originally however they did not approve of their usage. John Calvin rightly pointed out how everything man can learn through these things is vain and false. The bible even says how “the molded image," is "a teacher of lies.” (Hab 2:18)
There can be no question. We not to be led by "dumb idols" (1 Cor 12:1-3), but rather we are to be led by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not need the help of idolatry.
He is the HELPER. He can reach both the literate and illiterate.
Furthermore, God never appeared in any form so to be represented as an image. No one ever took a portrait of Jesus (who is God). So why do people even try? His disciples knew better. The portraits of Jesus are more likely the portraits of the antichrist.
Why do people depict Him as an old man with long beard, and white hair? The New Testament has no such description of the physical of the Lord Jesus Christ. Only in the Old Testament is found a PROPHETIC description of Him, which only shows the opposite of what the idolatry today shows. Instead of a Hollywood, blonde haired, blue-eyed, fresh-from-the-beauty-salon Jesus - we are given this description:
Isa 53:2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him,There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
During the 1st century it's very telling that the Church did not have any images of the Lord Jesus, nor Mary, the “saints”, etc. They knew better. Not so today:
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,
Engravings of Jesus do not aid in knowing him one bit, nor do they in any way honor or worship Him in any way. It doesn't matter how well intentioned you are. Instead they are an obstacle to true worship which is to be “in Spirit and in Truth.”
In the roman religious system the cross has to be with the altar, on the roofs, in the schools, hospitals, the homes, etc. Why? The reason given is that they are supposed to provide a blessing or protection - but this is false. It's all superstition. Small crosses/crucifixes on chains or garments are also being used in this manner. It's all mysticism. Furthermore there are people who "bless" themselves with the "sign of the cross". More lies.
No where in scripture can be found of a material cross used for any religious purpose. Nor was there during the 1st three centuries. In the early days this was always seen as an instrument of torture and shame.
Physical religious objects ("sacred objects", crosses, images, etc) are an extension of materialism, which stimulate only the trust in the object - instead of trusting in God. It is in fact the very opposite of faith.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen
We must trust in God for are to “...walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7)
Furthermore, "...without faith it is impossible to please Him.” (Heb 11:1,6).
Anyone who has ever taught that these physical objects transmit any sort of benefit or blessing of God, Jesus, etc has lied to you. They have been taken in by what is also known as fetishism. A fetish is defined as a natural object that, according to belief, is the dwelling of a spirit or represents a spirit, etc. Something that can some how magically be induced or forced to help or protect it's owner, etc.
As for the Churches in the 20th century - these things eventually penetrated. At first only to be used in the teaching, and not intended for worship. However, little by little, that slide down the slippery slope happened. Eventually too they became object of reverence and adoration. History repeats itself today.
We should not illustrate religious books, nor decorate homes in such manner. Yet so many do this.
As an interesting side now, until the mid-20th century, only Adventists and Jehovah’s witnesses also used such idolatry in their books and Bibles themselves. Not so today, they have a lot of company.
Churches which reject the baptism with the Holy Spirit and with fire thus followed them in this practice in the North America. As a consequence, their love was not renewed by the warmth of the Holy Spirit - for idolatry prevents that operation.
Many groups now accept the use of paintings, drawings, as somehow representing God or others in the bible. It stains their religious books and materials. Ultimately these things too have found their way into their homes as well.
Again, their justification for such things is that the believers NEEDED, these objects to stimulate their faith. How the simple children would also need such images and the like in order to understand. Or to concentrate in the teaching.
These are lies. We never have, and never will need such artistic representations. The the bible it's clear that the Holy Spirit is enough to reach these objectives. He can teach the children, and open their understanding.
Matthew 21:16 and said to Him, "Do You hear what these are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes. Have you never read, ' Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise'? "
The Holy Spirit has no place in idolatry. The presence of the Holy Spirit is only possible where there is sanctity. Where there is true faith. Such cannot be found in idolatry.
He will never be found in religious images. These objects prevent His full operation. Instead these objects give room for the enemy to operate, and bring oppression and deceiving spirits. They can even bring about evil mystical experiences. These things are not harmless.
Not surprisingly this gradual slide down the slippery slope is happening in step with the rising ecumenical movement. This also goes hand in hand with the creation of the World Council of Churches in 1948. It's easy to see how all roads are leading back to rome.
The enemy knows Jesus is returning soon and wants to keep as many from the rapture as possible, to join him in eternal torment. None of this should come as a big surprise. With this in mind these passages really resound:
Luke 18:8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"
Mark 7:6-7 He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ' This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me,Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'
2 Timothy 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
Rev 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.
So many today shy away from opposing idolatry. What matters for them is "love" and not to be "divisive" - not to rock the boat. What keeps everyone happy is to compromise and burying their head in the sand.
Another thing that encouraged such ecumenical support to the tolerance of idolatry came about in the United States where philosophical doctrines of relativism, egalitarianism, equality among cultures - even religions - began to spread. These things were related to disseminations in anthropology.
These things ultimately infected the seminaries. Altogether fostering a luke warm environment and modern day religious system even worse than the one that opposed Jesus during His first coming. His second coming in many ways will mirror the first.
Among groups that embraces gifts for today, this tolerance of images came about as well, as it was falsely reasoned that the "catholic charismatics" were also being "filled with the Holy Spirit", and hence an implicit approval from God about their doctrine. That this was a signal that this was no problem for God. So this idolatry can be found in their places of worship as well. All this again, is the work of the enemy:
- veneration of images,
- prayer to saints,
- ..on behalf of the dead,
- etc.
They departed from the truth that the one purpose of the baptism with the Holy Spirit is to lead believers to the truth (John 16:13-14).
There seems to be a greater operation of the Spirit in the Latin American countries in churches that embrace the gifts. Why? Because this tolerance of idolatry is less common in those places. The same cannot be said for such groups in North America and Europe, where growth is small and the operation of the Holy Spirit is practically non existent and abuses abound.
Why? It is because there is a great tolerance, and even open acceptance of idolatry.
Because of the wide spread usage of images of Jesus, crosses, etc - many true believers become accustomed to these lies. For many it's not seen as something serious. For some to speak against these things is even offensive and insulting to them. You don't need to look very far to see this in action.
These things are no longer seen as shocking to many believers. It's all around then, even in their Sunday School books and Bibles illustrations.
But what about the scriptures regarding the New Jerusalem which says:
“But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” (Rev 22:15)
So in closing, images are a source of oppression. They completely go against God's will. They permit instead evil to enter, and do not allow the Holy Spirit to operate. Is it any wonder why the gifts are rarely seen today? These things are everywhere, and it's a strategy from the enemy to keep peoples eyes closed to the truth. They even prevent spiritual deliverances, healings and understanding of God's Word.
Instead they allow the enemy to spread false doctrines and mystical experiences (not sanctioned by the Scriptures - barking, mooing, cooing, slaining, etc - which further confirm in the minds of people, that anyone who claims to have gifts must be automatically crazy). The abuses we read about and even post about here are a result of this.
This is why so many places do not operate like the Church in the book of Acts. Some may laugh this off, but will they leave their places of worship or throw away such materials? That little trinket? Will they toss it in the garbage? Many will not, yet protest they are not approving of idolatry.
They want it both ways. But, actions speak louder than words.
These things again do not permit the Holy Spirit to have complete freedom in the midst of the church. (2 Cor 6:16-17).