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July 12, 2006

"They're bordering on 'paganism.' This is as the 'golden calf' to me!"                     
                           
The words were loud and clear in my spirit. I had a hard time believing such a shocking statement. How could this possibly be true? Inside, I felt as though my breath had been knocked out of me. Never had I thought of such a thing. Never had I heard anyone speak of worship as ‘bordering on paganism.’

In my heart I questioned… “Lord, are you sure…this is an accepted form of worship in the charismatic movement. After all, they are worshipping you?”

“Touch it --- see if they cry out!”

It was Friday night, the opening night of a large women’s conference. I was standing on the platform, enjoying the praise and worship service. No doubt it was the Lord speaking to me; no one else would have the nerve to make such a statement.

At the rear of the auditorium I could see girls in white starting to lead the processional. They carried banners of blue, gold, silver and purple. Some banners had name’s of the Lord on them, while others had symbolic emblems. I kept a smile on my face as I stood watching. Inside I was praying…. “O my God, how can this be?”

The Holy Spirit continued…. “You are living epistles, seen and read of all men. My name is to written in your foreheads? You are my banners. You are my trophies of war. I will wave your life before the world and in the enemy’s camp. You are the ones the world will see. Some will point to these banners and say… ‘This is what our God is like.’ I want the world to point to you and say: ‘No! This is what He’s really like.”

When I arrived home after the conference, I took my Bible and research books and studied until midnight. Getting up at 5:30 AM the next morning I continued studying until 9:00 PM. I used books I had and also books available in the public library. This is what I found:

1. Paganism is a system of religious opinions and worship. Pagans are heathens and worship false gods.

To “behave” like a pagan is to adopt heathen principles, practices and forms of worship.

2. There are two degrees in idolatry:
(a) the worst is having other gods besides Jehovah.
(b) the less flagrant is worshipping the true God in the form of an image, or a symbolic likeness, representing any of His attributes.

The worst was violated by Baal worshippers in the groves.

The less flagrant, was violated by Israel, worshipping the golden calf as a symbol (symbolic likeness) of the true God. God allowed only one symbol, or visible representation of Himself, it was the express image of the Father’s person….Jesus! He alone, is the appointed revealer of the “Unseen God.”

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” (John 12:32)

“Hear ye the Word which the Lord speaketh unto you, O house of Israel; learn not the way of the heathen. The customs of the people are vain. One cutteth a tree, they deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not; they must needs be borne because they cannot go.” (Jeremiah 10:1-5)

The Egyptians flew the first flag like symbols many thousands of years ago. They tied streamers to the tops of long poles. Soldiers carried these symbols into battle, hoping that their gods would help them win. Later, they put names of their gods on the flags, hoping they would protect them.

(NOTICE: The root of flag use, comes from Egypt.)

Israel used banners (flags), to distinguish one band or regiment of Israel from another. They were used in war as a signal or rallying point. Flags became important in battles. They came to stand for each side in a battle and fighting often centered around them. When Israel camped, flags identified north, south, east and west, and the tribes. Flags are used today to designate nations. Their use came from Egyptian influence.

The golden calf represented “Jehovah” to Israel. The feasts they indulged in were called “Feasts to Jehovah.” The priests presiding over calf worship were called “Priests of Jehovah.” This was the more subtle form of idolatry. The very symbols Egypt used to worship their false gods, Israel used to worship the true God. Real worship is in the Spirit and requires no outward stimulation of our five senses. That which is produced by the flesh (carnal) is flesh (carnal).

The greatest act of worship by God’s people is OBEDIENCE!

There is no evidence to show that banners were ever used in worship to Jehovah. This kind of pomp and ceremony was always attached to paganism and pagan gods. (History of Banners; World Book Encyclopedia)

The weapons of our warfare are not carnal (produced by self effort), but mighty (powerful in spiritual realm) through God to the pulling down of strongholds. II Corinthians 10:4