I’ll Take A Bite Of That

posted in: Church, Culture | 11,998

There is a reason we follow recipes, to make something that is good and palatable, and also mostly because certain ingredients do not mix. One may change the type of cheese, or use almond milk instead of cow milk in a recipe. Because some ingredients may be different, they do not ruin the final product. It just gives it a different flavor. However, you may not replace the flower in pancakes with baking soda, because you would not end up with pancakes.

In the same way we must ensure we do not mix in outside worship of idols with the true worship of God. “Well”, one might add, “I only worship God”. Yes, by everything you understand you would believe that, but here lies my point. The worship of idols can sneak into the worship of God without it being obvious to us. Idols don’t always look like little brass statues that you can place on the mantle, though some of them might stick on the car window.

An idol that stands out is easily defeated, but one that slowly works its way in becomes natural and part of a culture. The mixing of idol worship and the worship of God may not seem distasteful to us, but is grossly unpalatable to God. This is where we come to the story of Balaam and Balak. In the book of numbers we find Balak, who was king over Moab, in fear of the Jews. He sends after Balaam knowing that “he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed”(Numbers 22:6). However, God warns Balaam to only speak what he is told. This does not go over well with Balak since Balaam ends up blessing Israel three times. Chapter 24 ends with Balaam telling what was to happen in the days to come and then vs. 25 of chapter 24 says “Then Balaam arose and departed and returned to his place, and Balak also went his way”.

The next chapter begins with the Israelites playing the harlot with the daughters of Moab, feasting on food sacrificed to idols and bowing to them as well. So the question is what happened? Here was a mighty nation moving along and following God’s plan and all of sudden they are joined to Baal of Peor. We find the rest of the story of Balak and Balaam in Revelation 2:12-17.

Balaam could not curse the people; however at some point he taught Balak how to trip them up. The verse says to place a “stumbling block” in front of them. Balak placed food sacrificed to idols in front of them to eat and enticed them to commit acts of immorality. This false worship and immorality led to Numbers chapter 25 in which the Lord became angry with Israel.

So why did Israel not reject the food and worship of Baal? Simply put, the food looked good and the women were pretty. “And if all I have to do is bow, then I get hot food and hot ladies… I mean this is their culture and I want to be seen as relevant, besides I still observe the Sabbath”. These things don’t seem so wrong, at least after the 3rd and 4th time. The word for “stumbling block” could also mean “snare”. Those that hunt and fish know you don’t catch prey if the bait doesn’t look enticing and the snare or stumbling block is visible. One trips over the “block” because their eyes are focused somewhere else; they don’t see it for what it is.

So what does this mean for us? We are smart people and we have access to more information than a bunch of folks running around in the desert. But knowledge is not as valuable as wisdom. Knowledge knows what it is we do, and where we go, and where we spend our time and money. Wisdom tells us why we do it. Godly wisdom is the key in understanding which items in our lives are idols and which are true worship and which ones need to be prayed about further.

So now we come to the Church in America, which is more accurately the American Church. So what is it, you might ask, that I am getting at? That the idols have crept into the church, which means there are those of us that worship things other than or along with God. The problem is the idols are different for each of us. (James 1:14) We can worship our sexuality, our “cause” be it pro or anti this and that, or even our politics. A person running for office often becomes our savior if we are not careful. “He/she will fix everything, if we can just get them elected.” We can even begin to praise our government, singing its praises in a worship service. We sacrifice our Saturdays to give honor to our favorite sports teams, and spend our weekday nights at ball parks in service to sports.

Now is it wrong to be pro or anti this and that? Is it wrong to want good leaders? Is it wrong to watch sports and let your kids play them? Depends on what you are searching for. You see the problem is not with the meat. All things are made clean and we know that there are no other gods. However, our desire to have those “meats” drives us to compromise and worship the idols that are associated with them. There is nothing wrong with a child playing baseball; it is when the game becomes the desire of our heart, or when we praise our nation as though it is our savior. It is when we miss where the meat comes from that we are led astray. We believe that the idol provides the meat we desire, whether it be peace, justice, happiness, or protection. These things are to be sought from God. Dead idols can do nothing for us.

This brings us back to us, the church. When we are enticed by the things of the world, we must be careful that they do not become the object of our affection. Because when they do, we will mix them in our true worship. The idols will compete with our worship of God and if not thrown down we will bow our knee to them and give Sunday lip service to the one true God.

11998 Responses

  1. Stethoscopes

    I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good.
    I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a
    famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!

    Feel free to visit my web page :: Stethoscopes

  2. Stethoscopes

    I believe that is among the such a lot important information for me.
    And i am happy reading your article. But should statement
    on some basic things, The web site style is ideal, the articles is in reality nice : D.
    Just right task, cheers

    Also visit my web-site :: Stethoscopes

  3. Puppy Mill

    I do not know if it’s just me or if everyone else encountering issues with your site.
    It appears like some of the written text on your content are running off the screen. Can someone
    else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them as well?
    This may be a problem with my browser because I’ve had this
    happen before. Thanks

    my blog Puppy Mill

  4. Unused Medical Items

    Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
    I think that you could do with some pics to drive the
    message home a bit, but other than that, this is great blog.

    A great read. I’ll definitely be back.

    Feel free to surf to my web blog; Unused Medical Items

  5. Puppy Mill

    Hi, i believe that i noticed you visited my weblog so
    i got here to go back the favor?.I’m trying to to find things to enhance my site!I suppose its adequate to
    use a few of your ideas!!

    Take a look at my web-site; Puppy Mill

  6. سمساری

    URL
    Keywords سمساری
    Blog_Comment در مرحله آخر شما می توانید با بیشترین قیمت لوازم خانگی دست دوم خود را به
    سمساری تهران بفروشید.
    Anchor_Text سمساری
    Image_Comment البته قاعده کلی به غیر لوازم آنتیک و قیمتی کمیاب تعیین قیمت در تناسب با لوازم نو و همچنین
    کیفیت فعلی و میزان استهلاک وسیله مورد
    نظر صورت می گیرد.
    Guestbook_Comment شما عزیزان می توانید در وب سایت سمسارچی تمامی لوازم خانگی خود را با بیشترین قیمت
    و در سریع ترین زمان در تمامی مناطق
    شهر تهران بزرگ به فروش برسانید.
    Category anonymous
    Micro_Message مغازه های سمساری یا دست دوم فروشی، در شهرهای بزرگ و کوچک
    ایران و حتی جهان وجود دارد.

    About_Yourself 59 yrs old Engineer I Winonah Capes,
    hailing from Cumberland enjoys watching movies like Where Danger Lives and Wood carving.
    Took a trip to Greater Accra and drives a Chevrolet Corvette L88.

    Forum_Comment البته لازم به ذکر است که باید توجه داشته باشید، سمساری هایی مجاز هستند
    و می توان به آنها اعتماد کرد
    که دارای مجوز رسمی کسب و کار از شهرداری باشند.

    Forum_Subject سمساری سمساری تهران خریدار لوازم منزل 09122305924
    Video_Title عتیقه فروشی های تهران-معرفی بیش از 10مورد ازبهترین های ایران
    Video_Description توصیه می شود برای پرس و جو در
    مورد لوازم خاصی که می خواهید خریداری کنید،
    مستقیماً با سمساری تماس بگیرید یا از
    آن بازدید کنید.
    Preview_Image
    YouTubeID
    Website_title سمساری سمساری تهران
    خریدار لوازم منزل 09122305924
    Description_250 این زبان دومین زبان اسناد
    علمی (پس از انگلیسی) و سومین زبان بکار برده شده در تارنماهای اینترنتی (پس
    از انگلیسی و روسی) است.

    Guestbook_Comment_(German)
    Description_450 همانطور که گفته شد یکی از مواد به کار رفته در قالی دستبافت ایرانی نخ ابریشم است که به
    طور حتم اینگونه قالی از
    محبوبیت بالایی برخوردار است و طرفداران زیادی دارد.

    Guestbook_Title ️سمساری در تهرانپارس 09122725127 تضمین خرید سمساری 09122725127 سمسارچی ️ بیشترین قیمت
    Website_title_(German)
    Description_450_(German)
    Description_250_(German)
    Guestbook_Title_(German)
    Image_Subject سمساری طنین خرید تمامی لوازم منزل به بالاترین قیمت
    Website_title_(Polish)
    Description_450_(Polish)
    Description_250_(Polish)
    Blog Title سمساری سمساری تهران خریدار فوری
    لوازم منزل سمساری محله
    Blog Description سمساری شیراز سمساری لوکس شیراز سمساری شیراز شهرک
    گلستان آدرس سمساری شیراز
    Company_Name سمساری
    Blog_Name سمساری رحیمی خریدار لوازم دست دوم 09129545272
    Blog_Tagline 10 بهترین فروشگاه عتیقه در
    تهران بهترینو آذر 1402
    Blog_About 49 year-old Administrative Assistant IV Ellary Noddle, hailing from Fort Saskatchewan enjoys watching movies like
    “Low Down Dirty Shame, A” and Juggling. Took a trip
    to Historic Centre of Sighisoara and drives a
    Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider.
    Article_title سمساری تهران سمساری آنلاین سمساری در تهران
    09122725127 ️ شماره سمساری تهران
    Article_summary در این روش کسی که به دنبال فروش کالای خود است، می‌تواند
    از طریق وبسایت‌های سمساری آنلاین، کالای خود را برای فروش آگهی دهد و از طریق اینترنت به دنبال خریدار بگردد.

    Article نکته‌ی مهم این است که هیچ تضمینی وجود ندارد
    چرخ گوشتی که در سمساری مشاهده می‌کنید اصل باشد؛ و قطعاً خرید یک کالای فیک و تقلبی، آن هم در صورتی که دست دوم
    باشد، یک خرید فاجعه خواهد بود.
    بسیاری از مردم به جمع آوری آنها برای کلکسیونشان و زیباتر کردن
    محیط خانه خود علاقه زیادی دارند.

    اشیای عتیقه شامل سکه، جواهرات، وسایل
    منزل، فرش، کتاب، لباس و… هستند.

    مهم است که قبل از خرید دستگاه دست دوم، شرایط و ضوابط گارانتی ارائه شده توسط فروشگاه را به دقت بررسی کنید.

    مناسب اقلیم سردسیر بوده و دیرگل و زودبازده است.میزان باردهی
    گردو ژنوتیپ برتر نوین گردو بیش از 12 تن در هکتار می باشد.
    گردو پیوندی زودبارده است و از سال اول باردهی را آغاز می
    کند این درحالی است که گردو بذری بعد از
    چند سال بار می دهد. ما در این  منطقه سالها تلاش
    کرده ایم و تمام مشتریان خود را راضی
    نگه داشته ایم. سمسار فوری با ایجاد
    فضایی بصورت آنلاین توانسته مشتریان خود را
    راضی نگه داشته و در حال رشد و توسعه
    خدمات خود نسبت به سایر رقبا می باشد .
    سمسار فوری در یوسف آیاد تهران بصورت
    آنلاین تمام وقت شبانه روزی بدون تعطیلی در خدمت
    مردم عزیز می باشد. سالانه حجم عظیمی ارز
    از کشور به خاطر موارد مصرفی زیادی که جامعه دارد
    متحمل شده است که این موردنه تنها در بیکاری و رکود
    کشور موثر هست بلکه به مرور به گرانی ها دامن میزند.

    About_Me 52 yr old Statistician IV Oates Mapston, hailing from Listowel
    enjoys watching movies like “Moment to Remember, A (Nae meorisokui jiwoogae)” and Parkour.
    Took a trip to Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea and drives a Ferrari 333 SP.

    About_Bookmark 22 year-old Tax Accountant Alia Terbeck, hailing from Manitouwadge enjoys watching movies like Outsiders (Ceddo) and Running.
    Took a trip to The Sundarbans and drives a Ferrari 250 MM Berlinetta.

    Topic سمساری

  7. آمبولانس کد دار چیست ؟

    Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Many thanks, However I am encountering troubles with your RSS.
    I don’t understand the reason why I cannot join it.
    Is there anybody getting identical RSS issues? Anyone who knows the solution can you kindly respond?
    Thanx!!

  8. سمساری در باغ فیض

    Hiya! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
    My web site looks weird when browsing from my iphone4.
    I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to
    resolve this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share.
    Cheers!

  9. kediri toto

    I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting
    my own blog and was curious what all is needed to get set up?
    I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty
    penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100%
    certain. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Kudos

    My web blog; kediri toto

  10. logamtoto

    My spouse and I stumbled over here by a different web page and thought I might
    check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you.
    Look forward to looking over your web page for a second
    time.

    Visit my site: logamtoto

  11. login wnitogel

    Howdy would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with?
    I’m looking to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having
    a tough time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique.
    P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I
    had to ask!

    Feel free to surf to my webpage – login wnitogel

  12. logamtoto

    I got this site from my buddy who informed me on the topic of this site and at
    the moment this time I am visiting this site and reading very informative articles
    or reviews here.

    Feel free to visit my website logamtoto

  13. serasitogel

    Hey there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if
    that would be okay. I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.

    Feel free to surf to my blog post – serasitogel

  14. kediri toto

    I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both
    educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
    The problem is something too few men and women are speaking
    intelligently about. Now i’m very happy that I came across this during my hunt
    for something relating to this.

    my webpage … kediri toto

  15. winchester 243 brass

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I
    could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and
    was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward
    to your new updates.

    my site :: winchester 243 brass

  16. pixelfilmstudios

    I don’t know whether it’s just me or if everyone else encountering problems with
    your blog. It appears as if some of the written text within your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if
    this is happening to them too? This may be a problem with my internet browser because I’ve
    had this happen before. Appreciate it

    my site … pixelfilmstudios

  17. personal injury lawyers

    My coder is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the costs. But he’s tryiong none the less.
    I’ve been using Movable-type on numerous websites for about a year and am concerned about switching to another platform.
    I have heard excellent things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts
    into it? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Also visit my web-site :: personal injury lawyers

  18. slot online

    Exceptional post however I was wanting to know
    if you could write a litte more on this topic?
    I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit
    further. Bless you!

  19. tlover tonet

    This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll definitely discover it.

  20. Puppy Mill

    We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
    Your website offered us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done
    an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.

    Here is my page – Puppy Mill

  21. medan4d

    The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my
    iPad and tested to see if it can survive a twenty
    five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views.
    I know this is completely off topic but I had to share
    it with someone!

    Feel free to surf to my webpage; medan4d

  22. لباس بچه گانه

    Hmm it appears like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up
    what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
    I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing.
    Do you have any helpful hints for inexperienced blog writers?
    I’d certainly appreciate it.

    my webpage – لباس بچه گانه

  23. Enameled insulated wire

    I blog quite often and I genuinely thank you for your information. This article
    has truly peaked my interest. I am going to book mark
    your website and keep checking for new information about once per week.
    I opted in for your RSS feed as well.

    Feel free to visit my blog post … Enameled insulated wire

  24. Puppy Mill

    Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend
    your site, how can i subscribe for a blog website?
    The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear
    concept

    Take a look at my website :: Puppy Mill

  25. tlovertonet

    I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I’m quite certain I will learn many new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!

  26. medan4d

    I used to be recommended this blog by way of my cousin. I am now not positive whether this put up is written through him as no one else
    realize such exact about my difficulty. You are
    amazing! Thanks!

    Here is my web page; medan4d

  27. پوکر آنلاین با چیپ رایگان

    Hi there exceolent blog! Dooes rnning а bkog ⅼike this takе a massie amont ԝork?
    Ι have absollutely nno knowkedge oof programminng bbut Ι waas hopijg tto sstart myy ownn bblog inn thhe
    neaг future. Ꭺnyways, iff yyou hae aany recommendfations
    orr techniquues ffor neww bloog owners pleaqse share.

    Ӏ uunderstand thіs iis offf topic nevergheless I simlly neeԁed toߋ aѕk.
    Manyy thankѕ!

    mу wweb siite – پوکر آنلاین با چیپ رایگان

  28. slot88

    Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It
    truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I
    hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.

  29. Slot Gacor Terbaru 2024

    It’s the best time to make some plans for the longer term and it’s time to be
    happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I
    wish to counsel you some attention-grabbing things or tips.

    Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article.
    I wish to read more issues about it!

    Also visit my web page :: Slot Gacor Terbaru 2024

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *