Have you seen those viral posts warning about witches and warlocks casting curses—maybe even using owls as secret messengers? With Halloween vibes and Wiccan influencers online, it’s easy to get spooked. Real talk: Some spiritual danger is legit, but a lot is just superstition. The Bible cuts through the fog, telling us what’s worth fearing and what’s nonsense. Let’s unpack it.

First, the Bible doesn’t ignore the dark side. Witchcraft and sorcery aren’t games—they’re serious rebellion against God. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 lists it right up there: “There shall not be found among you… a sorcerer, or a charmer… or one who calls up the dead. For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.” Paul calls it a sin that can keep you out of God’s kingdom . Think King Saul—he snuck off to a witch at Endor, and demons showed up pretending to be Samuel . Or the slave girl in Acts 16:16-18, possessed with a spirit of divination until Paul casts it out. Demons are real, and messing with occult stuff can open doors to trouble . So yeah, if friends are into Wicca or spells, caution flag up—repent and burn the books, like those Ephesians did .

Curses? They exist too, but don’t freak. Balaam tried cursing Israel for cash, but God flipped it to blessing . Proverbs 26:2 nails it: “Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.” Jesus took every curse on himself , so if you’re in him, you’re covered. No need for counter-spells—just Psalm 91 prayers.

Now, the superstition part: Animals like owls as witch messengers? Total bunk. Owls are just birds—unclean ones, sure , but not Satan’s email service. The Bible pictures the devil as a “roaring lion” or sneaky serpent , not an owl courier. That’s pagan folklore sneaking in, not Scripture. Jesus sent demons into pigs , but owls? Nope.

Wiccan spells sound powerful—”An it harm none, do what ye will”—but they’re smoke and mirrors. Pharaoh’s magicians copied Moses’ miracles at first, then bombed out when rods got real . Elijah smoked Baal’s fake prophets—no spell saved them . John reminds us: “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” . Satan fakes light , but Jesus crushed his powers at the cross . Most “witch power” is mind tricks, coincidence, or bluff.

So, what’s the takeaway? Stay vigilant, not paranoid. Suit up with God’s armor , test every spirit , and fear God alone. Witches walk among us, curses fly—but they’re toothless against the King. Ditch the fear; grab the Word. Who’s with me? 🛡️📖

“God loves the sinner but hates the sin”—it’s a reassuring mantra echoed in countless sermons. But Scripture paints a fuller picture: God hates both sin and unrepentant sinners, a truth spanning Old and New Testaments. This isn’t outdated wrath; it’s the New Covenant’s foundation for grace, urging flight to Christ.

In the Old Testament, it’s stark. Psalm 11:5 states, “The Lord… his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.” Proverbs 6:16-19 despises proud schemers and liars as abominations—people, not mere acts. Hosea 9:15 confesses, “Because of the wickedness of their deeds, I will drive them out of my house… I began to hate them.” Malachi 1:3 declares Esau hated , while Deuteronomy 28 unleashes curses on rebels.

This doesn’t fade in the New Covenant. Jesus reserves “eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” for merciless “goats” —personal judgment. Revelation 21:8, under the new heaven-earth, dooms the cowardly and immoral to the lake of fire. John 3:36 warns, “Whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” Wrath abides post-cross, on unbelievers.

Hebrews 10:29-31 terrifies: Those trampling Christ’s blood face “a fearful expectation of judgment and a fury of fire… the Lord will judge his people… It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” New Covenant believers are warned against apostasy, lest they meet a hating God.

Yet Romans 5:8 shines: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God’s pursuing love  targets enemies under wrath , delaying judgment for repentance . Psalm 7:11’s daily anger persists, but Calvary absorbs it for the turning heart.

The myth dilutes this, birthing cheap grace. New Covenant truth? God hates unrepentant sinners to drive us to the Savior who turns hatred to sonship . Repent—the cross bridges wrath to welcome.

Imagine shelling out $50 for a concert ticket—not to see your favorite rock band, but to “worship God.” Elevate your hands, sway to the lights, and chase that emotional high. Sounds spiritual, right? But what if the real product is profit, not praise? Welcome to the multimillion-dollar worship industry, where Hillsong, Elevation Worship, and Bethel Music rake in fortunes from CCLI licensing, streaming royalties, album sales, and sold-out arena tours. Christians pay top dollar for the privilege of singing along to celebrity worship leaders, while Jesus warned against making His Father’s house a marketplace .

The Temple 2.0: A Billion-Dollar Bazaar

Jesus didn’t mince words when He stormed the Jerusalem Temple, flipping tables and driving out merchants with a whip: “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade” . Those money-changers turned sacred space into a for-profit racket, exploiting worshippers who traveled far to offer sacrifices. Fast-forward to today: Worship concerts mimic that chaos. Fans drop cash on VIP meet-and-greets, merch booths overflow with hoodies and devotionals, and arenas pulse with laser shows rivaling Coachella. Hillsong alone reportedly pulls $100M+ annually , Elevation Worship tours pack 20K-seat venues at $40-100/ticket, and Bethel’s ecosystem thrives on song licensing—churches pay CCLI fees to legally project lyrics, funneling millions back to the machine.

Don’t get me wrong: Artists deserve fair pay. Paul the tentmaker worked to support his ministry , and Scripture honors labor: “The laborer deserves his wages” . But when worship becomes a branded empire—complete with private jets, book deals, and influencer pastors—the line blurs. Concerts aren’t free church gatherings; they’re ticketed events where the band is the draw, not the cross. As one insider leaked, “It’s a business model disguised as ministry.” Jesus as the sole celebrity? Forgotten amid the spotlights.

Paying for a Seat at Jesus’ Table

This isn’t harmless entertainment. Believers fork over hard-earned money for an experience Scripture says is free: “Come to me, all who labor…and I will give you rest” . No admission fee required. Yet here we are, buying “nosebleed seats” to scream lyrics like “Oceans” or “Reckless Love,” while the real reckless love hung on a cross without a merch table. It’s the modern equivalent of Simon the Sorcerer trying to buy the Holy Spirit’s power —commercializing the sacred.

Commercial Christianity echoes the Pharisees’ love of “the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces” . Worship leaders become untouchable stars, their songs engineered for radio play and viral TikToks, not raw repentance. Paul urged, “Do not be conformed to this world” , but this world loves celebrities. The result? Shallow faith, where emotional chills replace conviction: “They worshiped the Lord, but they also served their own gods” .

Flipping the Tables: A Call to True Worship

Jesus cleared the Temple twice , roaring, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations?’ But you have made it a den of robbers” . Today’s worship industry? A glossy den, profiting off praise. Churches, wake up: Stream free hymnals, sing Psalms acapella , and make Jesus the only name that shines.

Support creators ethically—buy albums directly, not arena tickets. But let’s not fund empires built on His name. True worship costs nothing but surrender: “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” . Flip those tables. Make Jesus the celebrity again.

In recent years, a cadre of self-styled deliverance ministers—often dubbing themselves “demon hunters” or even apostles—has surged into prominence through viral YouTube videos, packed stadium events, and incendiary social media campaigns. Figures like Isaiah Saldivar, Mike Signorelli, Alexander Pagani, and Greg Locke exemplify this movement, crisscrossing the United States to cast out demons from ostensibly possessed Christians. They attribute everyday afflictions—anxiety, pornography addiction, even ADHD—to malevolent spirits such as “Jezebel,” “marine demons,” or “trauma entities.” Stadium revivals draw thousands, with dramatic spectacles of attendees convulsing on the floor, emitting guttural groans, or collapsing in what proponents call “Holy Spirit manifestations.” Yet, reports of relapses abound, where symptoms return more intensely weeks later. This phenomenon, while reminiscent of biblical exorcisms, diverges sharply from scriptural precedents, raising profound questions about theological fidelity, psychological dynamics, and spiritual manipulation.

Consider the practices of these ministers. Saldivar, boasting over 800,000 YouTube subscribers, conducts “deliverance maps” and mass exorcisms, claiming to liberate thousands from spirits allegedly inhabiting microwaves or causing depression. Signorelli collaborates with influencers like Grav3yard Girl in New York City events, targeting “hardware demons.” Pagani, author of The Secrets to Deliverance, posits that individuals may harbor up to fifty demons. Locke, pastor of Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, proclaims himself an apostle—a title he adopted in 2022 amid personal scandals—and has demonized everything from children’s plush toys to dissenting church deacons. Their events often feature participants writhing uncontrollably, barking, or lying unconscious, phenomena strikingly parallel to kundalini awakenings described in Hindu Tantric texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. There, the serpent goddess Shakti uncoils up the spine, inducing kriyas , ecstatic cries, and trance states, as chronicled in Gopi Krishna’s 1967 autobiography. Physiologically, both evoke autonomic nervous system surges—endorphin rushes and frontal lobe deactivation per fMRI studies—yet the former invokes Christ’s authority while the latter channels impersonal energy.

Scripture, however, offers no endorsement for this itinerant demon-hunting model. Jesus and the apostles addressed possession reactively, not proactively. In Mark 1:32-39, after evening healings, Jesus prioritized preaching the gospel over exorcisms. Luke 4:41 depicts demons crying out unbidden, prompting rebuke rather than pursuit. Paul’s annoyance with a slave girl’s spirit in Acts 16 led to a spontaneous casting out, not a targeted campaign. The Lord’s commission in Matthew 10:8 emphasized freely given authority amid house-to-house evangelism, eschewing stadium spectacles. Post-resurrection, miracles confirmed the message , but Paul focused on gospel proclamation . Relapses in these modern ministries echo Luke 11:24-26, where an unclean spirit returns with worse companions to an unfilled house—a dynamic ministers like Pagani acknowledge but attribute to the recipient’s “reopened ground” rather than methodological flaws.

Greg Locke’s self-proclaimed apostleship exemplifies deeper issues. Biblical apostles were eyewitnesses to the resurrection , confirmed by “signs of a true apostle” like unparalleled miracles , and appointed by the church . Locke, ordained young and thrice-married amid a 2022 adultery scandal involving his ex-wife Tai , flouts pastoral qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. These demand a man “above reproach,” “husband of one wife,” temperate, and of good reputation—standards Locke violates through plushie bonfires, COVID defiance lawsuits, and family estrangements, including public rebukes of his rebellious daughter. His retorts—”anointing covers imperfection,” akin to David’s adultery—ignore 1 Timothy 3:2’s permanence for office-holders and overlook David’s repentance and demotion.

Compounding these discrepancies is a pattern of spiritual manipulation designed to deflect reproof. Both Saldivar and Locke weaponize Psalm 105:15’s “touch not mine anointed,” branding critics as “Pharisees” or demon-possessed. Saldivar, in a 2023 video timestamped at 15:32, declares, “Religious Pharisees hated Jesus’ miracles. Same spirit questions my deliverances—bind it!” During his 2023 LA Revival at 42:10, he attributes relapses to victims’ “doubt,” shifting blame. Locke, post-2022 commissioning at 51:15, labels scrutiny “witchcraft against my mantle.” A 2023 Nashville event with Saldivar  equates opposition with “religious spirits” Jesus overturned. This echoes Diotrephes’ authoritarianism in 3 John 9, stifling the biblical mandate for mutual accountability . Jesus publicly excoriated hypocrites , Paul named false teachers , and 1 Timothy 5:20 prescribes open rebuke—hardly an untouchable elite.

A particularly alarming extension of their influence is the Spiritual Warfare Study Bible, co-endorsed by Saldivar, Locke, and allies. This edition overlays Scripture with wild annotations claiming household objects like Roombas and Keurig machines harbor demons, everyday foods invite witchcraft, and biblical passages mandate binding territorial spirits over cities via public prayers. Such extrapolations lack exegetical grounding, veering into superstitious fearmongering that pathologizes the mundane and fosters paranoia rather than peace . Readers should approach with extreme caution, cross-referencing against plain-text hermeneutics and sound doctrine.

Critics like John MacArthur warn that “hunting demons invites their pursuit,” prioritizing gospel preaching where demons flee naturally. Historical precedents—Shakers’ dances, Azusa Street falls—show experiential excesses across traditions, underscoring the need for discernment . While genuine deliverance occurs, this model’s spectacle, over-demonization of sin or medicine, apostolic pretensions, and anti-reproof rhetoric foster dependency over maturity . Relapses, scandals, and absent fruits  signal a departure from apostolic norms.

Ultimately, the church must reclaim local leadership , integrate counseling and medicine, and test every spirit by Christology . As Galatians 1:8 cautions, even angelic messages warrant scrutiny. In pursuing deliverance, let us not chase shadows but build on the sure foundation of Scripture.

Many times, when someone hears a Catholic call Mary the mother of god they are scandalized by the expression. And if the expression meant what many people think it meant, they should be scandalized! What does the title “mother of God” mean what you think it means?

First of all, let me say what the phrase does not mean. It does not mean that Mary created God. Any Catholic you talk to who has any education at all will tell you that is a false teaching. In fact the opposite is true. Jesus is the only infant who created his own mother!

Some would say that Mary is only the mother of the human part of Jesus, but that requires believing in a heresy for it to be true. Jesus is one person, and one person only. That person is fully divine and fully human and is not able to be separated into 2 persons. To do so takes us over into Gnosticism and it’s teaching of the spirit and flesh being separate beings. At no time was Jesus only reacting as a human or only reacting as a spirit. He was always reacting as both.

Well then, how can someone become the mother of a baby? Just as in natural conception, the child is both hers and the Holy Spirit’s. She became the “Mother if God” by giving birth to the person. No true Christian would ever dispute that Mary gave birth to Jesus. In doing so, she gave birth to the complete Jesus who was both 100% God and 100% man. So even though her own child created Mary, she is still “The mother of God” because Jesus is fully God and as a person who is both God and man he went through the birthing process.

So in spite of any misunderstandings, Mary truly does have the title mother of God once you know what that phrase means and does not mean. To say otherwise is to risk falling into heresy where Jesus can divide his natures from each other and is 50% God and 50% human instead of 100% both as one being. I hope that clears things up!

In the heat of battle for biblical truth, it’s tempting to grab any weapon at hand. Books like Alexander Hislop’s The Two Babylons and G.A. Riplinger’s New Age Bible Versions promise devastating blows against Roman Catholicism and modern Bible translations. They rally the troops with bold claims of pagan conspiracies and Satanic influences. But what if these weapons are rusted, bent, or even double-edged? Overstating the case, peddling inaccuracies, or indulging in wild speculation doesn’t just fail to persuade—it harms the very cause we cherish. Worse, it risks sinning against God’s call to truthfulness. As Christians, we must wield the sword of the Spirit with precision, not propaganda.

## The Allure and the Pitfall

Hislop’s 1858 classic argues that Roman Catholicism is a straight-line revival of ancient Babylonian paganism. The Pope? A stand-in for Nimrod. Mary? Rebranded Semiramis, the Queen of Heaven. Riplinger’s 1993 tome goes further, painting the NIV, NASB, and ESV as New Age trojan horses laced with occult terms like “Lucifer” and “holy ones,” masterminded by Freemasons and Theosophists. These books sell because they confirm suspicions and deliver shock value. Yet a closer look reveals fatal flaws: shoddy scholarship, fabricated connections, and outright errors.

Consider Hislop. He links the Catholic mitre to the fish-god Dagon and traces Lent to pagan weeping for Tammuz. Catchy? Yes. Accurate? No. Ancient sources show no Nimrod-Semiramis romance—it’s a late myth Hislop inflates. Dagon priests wore turbans, not mitres. Even Riplinger’s sympathizers cringe at her doctored quotes from Westcott and Hort, falsely tagging them as spiritists. The result? Skeptics and scholars dismiss the entire defense of the King James Bible or Traditional Text, not just the excesses.

## Biblical Warning: Truth Is Non-Negotiable

Scripture leaves no wiggle room. “You shall not bear false witness”  applies universally—even against theological foes. Jesus distinguished between false accusation and righteous rebuke: “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you… for My sake. But I say to you, love your enemies” . Ephesians 4:25 commands, “putting away lying,” while 1 Peter 2:1 urges us to “lay aside all malice… and slanders.”

Even when opponents err—like Critical Text advocates omitting key verses or Rome blending pagan rites—lying about them is sin. It quenches the Spirit , hardens hearts, and invites judgment. Proverbs 12:22 nails it: “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.”

## Real-World Damage: Scandals That Backfire

Overreach breeds backlash. Hislop’s etymological wordplay  fools no linguist today, tainting Reformation critiques. Riplinger’s plagiarism accusations and phantom conspiracies  have led former fans like Ralph Woodrow to publicly recant. Online atheists cite them as proof “KJV-only folks are nuts,” derailing serious discussions on Byzantine superiority or Jerome’s full-text manuscripts.

I’ve seen it in debates: A solid point on Mark 16’s long ending gets waved off because “You KJV guys believe Hislop’s fairy tales.” Credibility evaporates. Churches split. Seekers scoff. The gospel advances by truth’s power, not trickery .

## Better Weapons: Precision Over Polemic

We don’t need hype. Defend the Traditional Text with Burgon’s The Revision Revised, Hills’ The King James Version Defended, or Maurice Robinson’s patristic studies. Against Rome, lean on Foxe’s Book of Martyrs or primary councils—not myths. Critique modern versions? Use Aland’s own stats on Alexandrian omissions, not occult fever dreams.

Truth honors God, convicts consciences, and stands scrutiny. It even softens enemies: Speak accurately about Westcott-Hort’s liberalism, and doors open for real dialogue.

## A Call to Arms—Truthful Ones

Brothers and sisters, let’s pledge: No more overreach. Test every claim . If a book’s wrong, say so—even ours. Love demands honesty: “Even to him who is a bitter enemy to the truth… we owe the strictest courtesy” . Reclaim apologetics as holy ground. The faith once delivered deserves defenders who fight clean.

In a world drowning in fake news, let’s shine as lights—truthful, unashamed, victorious.

For further reading: Woodrow’s The Babylon Connection? , Cloud’s reviews of Riplinger, Burgon’s works.

# Truth Over Triumph: The Dangers of Apologetic Overreach in Defending the Faith

In the heat of battle for biblical truth, it’s tempting to grab any weapon at hand. Books like Alexander Hislop’s The Two Babylons and G.A. Riplinger’s New Age Bible Versions promise devastating blows against Roman Catholicism and modern Bible translations. They rally the troops with bold claims of pagan conspiracies and Satanic influences. But what if these weapons are rusted, bent, or even double-edged? Overstating the case, peddling inaccuracies, or indulging in wild speculation doesn’t just fail to persuade—it harms the very cause we cherish. Worse, it risks sinning against God’s call to truthfulness. As Christians, we must wield the sword of the Spirit with precision, not propaganda.

## The Allure and the Pitfall

Hislop’s 1858 classic argues that Roman Catholicism is a straight-line revival of ancient Babylonian paganism. The Pope? A stand-in for Nimrod. Mary? Rebranded Semiramis, the Queen of Heaven. Riplinger’s 1993 tome goes further, painting the NIV, NASB, and ESV as New Age trojan horses laced with occult terms like “Lucifer” and “holy ones,” masterminded by Freemasons and Theosophists. These books sell because they confirm suspicions and deliver shock value. Yet a closer look reveals fatal flaws: shoddy scholarship, fabricated connections, and outright errors.

Consider Hislop. He links the Catholic mitre to the fish-god Dagon and traces Lent to pagan weeping for Tammuz. Catchy? Yes. Accurate? No. Ancient sources show no Nimrod-Semiramis romance—it’s a late myth Hislop inflates. Dagon priests wore turbans, not mitres. Even Riplinger’s sympathizers cringe at her doctored quotes from Westcott and Hort, falsely tagging them as spiritists. The result? Skeptics and scholars dismiss the entire defense of the King James Bible or Traditional Text, not just the excesses.

## Biblical Warning: Truth Is Non-Negotiable

Scripture leaves no wiggle room. “You shall not bear false witness”  applies universally—even against theological foes. Jesus distinguished between false accusation and righteous rebuke: “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you… for My sake. But I say to you, love your enemies” . Ephesians 4:25 commands, “putting away lying,” while 1 Peter 2:1 urges us to “lay aside all malice… and slanders.”

Even when opponents err—like Critical Text advocates omitting key verses or Rome blending pagan rites—lying about them is sin. It quenches the Spirit , hardens hearts, and invites judgment. Proverbs 12:22 nails it: “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.”

## Real-World Damage: Scandals That Backfire

Overreach breeds backlash. Hislop’s etymological wordplay  fools no linguist today, tainting Reformation critiques. Riplinger’s plagiarism accusations and phantom conspiracies  have led former fans like Ralph Woodrow to publicly recant. Online atheists cite them as proof “KJV-only folks are nuts,” derailing serious discussions on Byzantine superiority or Jerome’s full-text manuscripts.

I’ve seen it in debates: A solid point on Mark 16’s long ending gets waved off because “You KJV guys believe Hislop’s fairy tales.” Credibility evaporates. Churches split. Seekers scoff. The gospel advances by truth’s power, not trickery .

## Better Weapons: Precision Over Polemic

We don’t need hype. Defend the Traditional Text with Burgon’s The Revision Revised, Hills’ The King James Version Defended, or Maurice Robinson’s patristic studies. Against Rome, lean on Foxe’s Book of Martyrs or primary councils—not myths. Critique modern versions? Use Aland’s own stats on Alexandrian omissions, not occult fever dreams.

Truth honors God, convicts consciences, and stands scrutiny. It even softens enemies: Speak accurately about Westcott-Hort’s liberalism, and doors open for real dialogue.

## A Call to Arms—Truthful Ones

Brothers and sisters, let’s pledge: No more overreach. Test every claim . If a book’s wrong, say so—even ours. Love demands honesty: “Even to him who is a bitter enemy to the truth… we owe the strictest courtesy” . Reclaim apologetics as holy ground. The faith once delivered deserves defenders who fight clean.

In a world drowning in fake news, let’s shine as lights—truthful, unashamed, victorious.

a.co/hKWW6em

It all started out so well. The people were amazed at the strength and power of their God, and had seen His love for them manifested in their deliverance from bondage in Egypt. As the people of God are taught what the Lord required of them, they were given the greatest commandment, recorded in
Deuteronomy 6:5

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”

Nothing was to be held back when it came to their single hearted devotion to God. It was to be a love offering of their entire being; heart, soul and mind. But as years passed, a familiarity set in that morphed into contempt. What was once offered as an overflow of gratitude to God became an obligation and duty. Eventually it was looked on as a burden to be borne out of tradition, even while resented. And they acted like it, too. The spotless offerings were changed into leftovers, spares, and animals that would not cost them anything to lose.

Enter the prophet Malachi. God speaks to His people and confronts them with their heart condition when it came to worship.

Malachi 1:6-8
“A son honors his father,
And a servant his master.
If then I am the Father,
Where is My honor?
And if I am a Master,
Where is My reverence?
Says the Lord of hosts
To you priests who despise My name.
Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?’
“You offer defiled food on My altar,
But say, ‘In what way have we defiled You?’
By saying,‘The table of the Lord is contemptible.’
And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice,
Is it not evil?
And when you offer the lame and sick,
Is it not evil?
Offer it then to your governor!
Would he be pleased with you?
Would he accept you favorably?”
Says the Lord of hosts.

God wanted the best from His people, not the cast offs. They would have been better off not worshipping at all than to offer polluted offerings to God. The Lord puts things I. Perspective for the people in verses 11 – 13:

Malachi 1:11-13
For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down,
My name shall be great among the Gentiles;
In every place incense shall be offered to My name,
And a pure offering;
For My name shall be great among the nations,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
“But you profane it,
In that you say,
‘The table of the Lord is defiled;
And its fruit, its food, is contemptible.’
You also say,
‘Oh, what a weariness!’
And you sneer at it,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
“And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick;
Thus you bring an offering!
Should I accept this from your hand?”
Says the Lord.

“Wow!”, you might say. “They really messed up. It’s a good thing we are in no danger of that happening to us, since there are no animal sacrifices for worship now”. But wait, there are sacrifices of worship. They just are not animals anymore. But they are offerings of worship in they same way as before, and God expects our best.

Hebrews 13:15-16
Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Did you see that? We have sacrifices to give, just like they did. Verse 15 parallels the command to love the Lord our God with our soul, mind and strength, while verse 16 is about loving our neighbor as ourself. You see, whenever we spend time in worship to God, He expects it to be with our entire being. That doesn’t mean that worship has to be an aerobic workout. It does mean that we need to be fully engaged in what we are doing during worship. Focusing on other things, offering half hearted or distracted worship, or inwardly despising and diminishing worship will produce a polluted offering to God!

We each need to examine ourselves when it comes to our worship. Are we doing things out of routine and obligation, or out of love and devotion? Do we look forward to worship, or see it as an interruption? I challenge us all to be fully present during worship today, with our mind, soul and strength focused on our awesome God. Don’t insult Him by offering any less than your very best!

The Word of God, at its very beginning, speaks of mankind as being created in the image of God. But what is meant by that phrase? I believe there is a clue or two in the original Hebrew of the text. The word translated as “image” is “tzelem” which comes from the word “tzel” which means “shadow”. So there is a definite connection, since whenever rays of light fall on something it casts a shadow, which is a type of image. So according to the Bible, we are in the image of God in the same way that our own shadows look like we do in a way.

Another connection can be seen when, in Exodus 31 God appointed a person named Bezalel to create the Tabernacle and its furnishings. His name in Hebrew, Betzalel, literally means “in the shadow of God”. The Tabernacle was used to facilitate the worship of a God by the ancient Israelites. When a human worships the God of the Universe, it is as though he or she were standing in the shadow of God, who dwells in unapproachable light.

which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen. (I Timothy 6:15, 16 NKJV)

.

But how does this apply to us today? In Hebrews 1:3, the author describes Jesus as the “express image of His person”. We are in the image of God in the same way a shadow shows His image, but Jesus is the express image. It’s the difference between a shadow outline and a photograph. While people can and should be able to tell that God is with us, they will only get a clear and detailed picture of God when they see Jesus. And that biblical imagery should carry over into our worship today. When we worship God, we stand in His shadow as those who are created in His image and looking upon Him who is the perfect picture of the Father.

There are some things that are true when that standing occurs. For one, in order to worship in the shadow of God, like we were created to do, He blocks our view of other things. Those lesser things may be visible in our peripheral sight, but our focus will be on the One who overshadows us. Worship occurs when we “fix our eyes on Jesus” and give our while attention to Him. As we habitually do that, we will slowly but surely be changed ourselves into clearer images of Him.

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (II Corinthians 3:18 NKJV)

This may be bold, but I believe it is accurate. Anything that does not point us to Jesus and cause us to focus on Him is less than true worship. In the modern church over the past few decades, there has been a restoration of the truth about the joy of The Lord in Worship. What we need now is a restoration of the awareness of the awesomeness and glory of the One who alone is worthy of our adoration and worship. In doing so, we fulfill the destiny of why we were saved in the first place.

And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. (I Corinthians 15:49 NKJV)

So next time you spend time in worship of God, whether alone, as a family, or with other believers, I would encourage you to focus on the One in whose shadow you stand. Contemplate the brightness of His glory, the perfection of His holiness, and the enormity of His power, and realize that as you stand there, He gazes back in love to you and knows your name, your thoughts, and the number of hairs on your head (Matthew 10:30). Know that He alone is worthy of worship, and look away form those things which have become idols in your life. Let no rival thrones survive as you gaze upon His majesty. Fix your eyes upon Jesus and from your heart, and love The Lord your God with all your might, mind and strength. You will be ruined for cold ceremony or dead rituals. But you will be worshipping in Spirit and in truth.

I have heard recently about some people who have decided they have a right to declare themselves “sovereign citizens” who are not subject to the same laws as the rest of us. They did not buy into the social contract, and have decided to abstain from government control. Wikipedia, the fountain of knowledge that it is, defines “sovereign citizen” in the following way.

The sovereign citizen movement is a loose grouping of American litigants, commentators, and financial scheme promoters. Self-described sovereign citizens take the position that they are answerable only to common law and are not subject to any statutes or proceedings at the federal, state or municipal levels, or that they do not recognize U.S. currency and that they are “free of any legal constraints”. They especially reject most forms of taxation as illegitimate. Participants in the movement argue this concept in opposition to “federal citizens” who, they say, have unknowingly forfeited their rights by accepting some aspect of federal law.

What I want to address right now, is not the legal ramifications of such a position, but rather, the question of whether or not a Christian has the liberty to take this course of action. Because in the final analysis, God’s opinion is the only one that matters on any subject! I want to look at the applicable passages with minimal commentary and then draw our conclusions from them.

As our foundation, let’s see what Jesus says about paying taxes to the government,

Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way. (Matthew 22:17-22 NKJV)

And here is what Jesus said about paying temple taxes to the religious leaders who were plotting to kill Him.
When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said,

“Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.” (Matthew 17:24-27 NKJV)

In his letter to the Romans, Paul expounds upon our responsibility to civil governments.

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:1-7 NKJV)

Another inspired writer, the apostle Peter, addressed the matter as well.

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. (I Peter 2:13-17 NKJV)

Based on these passages, I truly do not see any way a Christian to declare themselves to be “sovereign citizens”. Keep in mind, that in all of these verses dealing with the submitting, taxes and tribute, they were talking about the Roman government. The Romans had a term for those who declared themselves free of the obligation to submit to the edicts of Caesar — “dead”. In fact, despite the violence and corruption that was rife within the roman system, Paul uses his citizenship as a way to forward the gospel. He also submitted in order to be a good witness for Christ. Even Jesus paid the temple tax in order not to cause offense. I believe there is even scriptural authority in these passages to say that declaring yourself a sovereign citizen is an act of rebellion to God!

I know this will anger some, and there will be those who believe it is justified anyway. But the plain teaching of scripture is that your need to be a good witness for Christ trumps any perceived right to defy the government. Your only exception is if you are told to disobey God. At that time, the only faithful response is “we must obey God rather than men”. But if Jesus, Peter, and Paul can submit to the oppressors as wicked as the Romans, we can submit to our government, too. In fact, Paul spoke of that very government when he wrote the following by direction of the Holy Spirit:

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, (I Timothy 2:1-3 NKJV)

It was a desperate time in Jerusalem. Poverty roamed the land, not caring about its next victims. The young church in Jerusalem was not exempted from this suffering. Word of their plight had reached their brothers and sisters in the churches of Rome, Macedonia, Achaia (Romans 15:26), Galatia and Corinth (1 Corinthians 16) whose loving response was to seek the advice of the apostle Paul as to how they could help their fellow believers in Jerusalem. Paul is led by the Holy Spirit to gather funds from the churches and send it to relieve the saints in the Jerusalem congregation. Paul responds to this specific collection to a question that had been posed by the church at Corinth.

Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me. (1 Corinthians 16:1-4 ESV)

By beginning the paragraph with “now concerning”, Paul is referring to a question that had been posed to him in writing prior to this letter, just as he had done in chapter 7 verse 1. What we have here is an example of many congregations of saints pooling their resources to help others within the Body of Christ in a time of need. The motivation here is clear — love. This was a true “love gift”, unlike what is talked about by television evangelists. In Romans 15:26, Paul uses the word “koinonia” which has unfortunately been rendered as “contribution” in some translations, because they all saw this as an expression of fellowship with other suffering believers. What Paul had described earlier in chapter 12 was indeed the case.

that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. (1 Corinthians 12:25, 26 ESV)

This event also serves as a biblical example for some things, but not for others. Here’s what I mean by that!
Example number 1 – from the way Paul speaks of the first day of the week, it is obvious that this was the day on which they were already meeting. Paul does not write that they should start meeting on the first day of every week. He is, in effect, saying that they should collect this money when they have their regular meetings. Paul even mentions that this was what the churches of Galatia were doing, so this is not the day that only the Corinthian church gathered together.
Non-example number 1 – That being said, this is also not an example of something — the ongoing method of supporting the local church. Think about this for a second. Why would Paul have told them to take up a collection on the first day of every week if they were already taking up collections on the first day of the week? If this were some sort of binding example, why didn’t Paul insert the phrase “from now on, on the first day of every week”? One must be careful not to take a biblical example and stretch it beyond its original intended application.
The fact is, there is no prescribed method for how the funds for the local church are to be collected, or how often that is to happen! Does that mean it is wrong to take a collection on Sunday? Certainly not! With a lack of divine instruction on methods or frequency of collections, each congregation of saints is free to do was is wise and expedient for their particular situation. Want to pass the plate? Fine. Want to just have a box in the corner where saints can drop in offerings on their own? Go ahead. The error lies in taking and example of a special collection designed for a specific need with logistical planning and make it binding on every collection in every church for all time when teaching about the ongoing support for the church. Doing so is a mishandling of scripture and “going beyond what is written”. Of course we do not want to swing the pendulum too far and change what is written, like baptism by sprinkling, or communion with cake and ice cream. That being said,what we have in the New Testament on this matter is liberty to decide locally the most appropriate method for supporting the local work. Whether that is a collection plate, a box in the back, or giving online, give with a smile and not under compulsion (i.e. tithing).

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV)