Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Opus 2026-323: Glad You Asked

If you attend any format where the Bible is being taught and people can ask questions you know that some of the same topics keep coming up.  I came across a verse in my reading that addresses one of those.

(1Ch 16:26 KJV)  For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
Think back to the Ten Commandments.  What is the first demand of God?
(Exo 20:3 KJV)  Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
The question that arises is, “Is this a declaration that He is the only God in existence or simply a declaration that you are to make Him the top god?”

Of course the answer to that often seems to simply be, “Yes.”

Than we come to passages like I Chronicles which seems to get into more detail.  Other gods are just idols.  That is explained in further detail when you look in Psalms.  Look at Psalm 115 and start in verse 4.  Oh, you don’t have a Bible with you?  All right.  I will print it out.
(Psa 115:4 KJV)  Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
(Psa 115:5 KJV)  They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
(Psa 115:6 KJV)  They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
(Psa 115:7 KJV)  They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
(Psa 115:8 KJV)  They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.
Notice how idols are described.  This appears in several places.  The earliest I could find was,
(Deu 4:28 KJV)  And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men's hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.
So, are the other gods really gods or just wishful thinking on the part of men?  My vote is on wishful thinking.

homo unius libri

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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.

Opus 2026-323: Glad You Asked