America has become a nation of idolators. Even in the Church, we’ve lost our ability to discern between the holy and profane. Worship is meant to be holy. But much of our worship has become profane. Worship is more than just singing praise to God. Rather, it’s a life lifted up in worship to God. Ron Kenoly brought that difference to light in leading others into worship. His journey to the top only began after he had been to the bottom, after he had given his all to his Savior. What a fatherly example to this generation of worship leaders. I pray they are paying attention. His example led the way to genuine worship. How desperately we need to learn from his example, especially as we face an increasingly idolatrous America. That’s what I’d like to talk about in this post.
America has invited immigrants into this nation over many years. And many of those immigrants have brought with them their idols. Yes, the landscape of America is now filled with idols. From the Islamic mosques to the Hindu temples to Buddism to other varied pagan religions, America is now filled with idolatry. And it seems that idolatry has seeped into our modern culture in the form of ancient deities. The gods of former, destroyed and decimated nations, and third world poverty stricken countries has entered into America. America is overridden with idols.
“You must not have any other god but me"
Unfortunately, the Church has allowed and failed to address this renewed idolatrous culture through the presentation of the Gospel with power. It seems, like the Sadduccees, as Jesus said, “You are completely wrong! You don't know what the Scriptures teach. And you don't know anything about the power of God.” Matthew 22:29, CEV. Yes, we are deceived, in error, completely wrong, and have erred because we don’t know the scriptures or power of God. And it’s God’s power that brings the idols of the nations under God’s rule. Yet, due to our failure to address the gods entering this land, we are starting to reap what those false gods bring with them — destruction.
"America was and is called to be a city set on a hill. The founders understood that calling and aligned with it."
In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.” Acts 17:30, NIV. God no longer overlooks the sin of idolatry. While we may not consider it much, that doesn’t mean God doesn’t consider. And just so we understand, the Apostle Paul clearly presents who’s behind those idols — “I am saying that these sacrifices are offered to demons, not to God. And I don’t want you to participate with demons.” 1 Corinthians 10:20, NLT. That’s right! America is under assault by demon powers seeking to rule over this nation as they have ruled over other nations.
America was and is called to be a city set on a hill. The founders understood that calling and aligned with it. Even those who didn’t worship God, feared Him. They recognized His reality, His divinity, His sovereignty. Today, we lack that reverence for God; we don’t know the difference between the holy and profane. No wonder our culture is laced with vulgar profanity — nothing is holy, sacred, or set apart. And even churches have slipped and fallen into the same patterns as the idolators in our midst. The command, “You must not have any other god but me”, still applies to us today.
God is still a jealous God. The command, You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me”, is still applicable to us today. Notice, God considers any idolator as someone who hates Him. Idolatry is the epitome of hatred of God. No wonder the Apostle Paul said, “get as far away from the worship of false gods as you can.” 1 Corinthians 10:14, God’s Word Translation. And the Apostle John, the beloved, who teaches us about God’s love, said, “My children, keep yourselves safe from false gods!” 1 John 5:21, Good News Translation.
Yes, the Apostles taught believers to stay away and keep themselves from idolatry. Yet today, rarely a sermon is heard on the dangers of idolatry, nor does the Church confront or concern itself with the sin of idolatry. While we may think we are enlightened compared to them, the human heart today is still as wicked as it was then. The reality is, idolatry is still a big issue. Not only the visible pagan idols, but the hidden idols of the heart: “stubbornness is as…idolatry”. 1 Samuel 15:23, Webster’s Bible Translation, and “greed, which is idolatry.” Colossians 3:5, NIV. Are we paying attention to the true apostolic message? I don’t think so.
In truth, idols fill our land, and we are being given over to evil desires, including idolatry, which will, if unaltered, lead to our destruction, as it has led to the destruction of other nations. That’s what happens whens idols rule a nation — those nations are eventually destroyed — either by the poverty brought by those false gods, the rage and violence of those false gods, or perversion and lust of those false gods. That’s what America is facing. And as much as we might try to gloss over what is taking place in America, we are facing serious times unless the Church in America rises us to confront those false gods and pagan idols through the powerful presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ or idols will rule this nation…and bring it to ruin.
Let us pray!
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