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NASB | 2 Kings 18:4 He removed the high places and broke down the sacred pillars and cut down the Asherah. He also broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the sons of Israel burned incense to it; and it was called Nehushtan. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Kings 18:4 He removed the high places [of pagan worship], broke down the images (memorial stones) and cut down the Asherim. He also crushed to pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the Israelites had burned incense to it; and it was called Nehushtan [a bronze sculpture]. [Num 21:8] |
Bible Question: Searcher 56 thanks for the promptness. I understand the issues w/ turning the said cross into an idol, but meanwhile this is all occurring under the watchful eye of the senior pastor with quick coverage to maintain that the cross "should not be seen as an idol"... but where do we draw the line between encouraging an altar call (equipped w/ said cross) vs. it leading to idolatry? (Trying to nip what some feel is the 'latest fad' in the bud before things get too far... yet, maybe I'm seeing too deeply into an innocent gesture/intention.) |
Bible Answer: With the small amount of information you have included here it is hard to make a accurate assessment of the situation. If the cross has become the focus of worship then there is a problem. However if the cross is point of contact then it is less of a problem or no problem at all. In scripture we see the woman with an issue of blood reach out and touch the hem of Jesus’ robe. Was she worshipping his robe or was she using it as a point of contact, a point where her faith met the realities of this world? I believe she was using it as point of contact for her faith and worship in Christ Jesus. We are creatures that have been given powerful physical senses and very little spiritual perception. At times it helps to keep our spiritual senses focused if we have a point of contact. A place where our faith our spiritual senses combine with our physical senses to keep both on track. To some it becomes their Bible, not the verses contained within but the Bible itself, they feel closer to God when in contact with their Bible. Is this idol worship? Not being able to see their true heart it is hard to say, but in most cases I feel it isn’t, they are just using their physical senses, this point of physical contact, to keep their spiritual mind focused on the worship of Jesus. There are those that will reject this but again without being able to see the heart of the person we have to be very careful to not to judge another man’s servant. Romans 14:4. EdB |