Some may disagree, but I would add one more - SINGING. I know so many Christians that base their decision about which church to attend on whether they like the singing/music service. I could write a whole essay on this, but when we put our preference for a particular type of singing or music above the instruction to assemble to edify our fellow saints (1 Cor. 14) it has become an idol.

Matt, you’re on a roll. I came to the conclusion awhile ago that while the early church, and even where Christianity is thriving today, it’s fueled by the Holy Spirit. This is in contrast to the way the majority of the IC is powered, they tend to be much more reliant on money. I believe that all 7 of these forms of idolatry are covered by Paul’s admonition: “Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the of the world, rather than Christ.” (Colossians 2:8) In other words, in many ways today’s church has been influenced by the surrounding culture, rather than the other way around.

Very good stuff. Basically all the things the Lord has revealed to me about what's happening in the church. And I love the church. I love my brothers and sisters. But these things are problems and they have to be addressed and repented of.

Thank you. You have a truly unique voice of truth, and I am looking forward to viewing more of your postings. I subscribed.

Thank you for giving us this video!

All good points - thank you for posting

#7 sadly with the American Church i had doctrine,and church membership before I had a genuine relationship and with Jesus. Our faith is centered on Christ

So well humbly explained. TY

I agree with you on the Bible being an idol. Also , I think Paul is also idolized. You always hear preachers and others say, “Paul says….” When they are about to quote from one of his letters.

Luv the title - revolution of ordinaries.

Yes, church is (now) another way to be American- the flag has suffocated the cross. Influence dealing is a huge part of large church’s.

great lesson

Christmas and Easter are the primary idols of modern day Christianity.

PRAISE THE LORD...........MATT......GOD WILL EMPOWER YOU........EACH DAY.........NOT AHEAD OF HIM.......BUT IN HIM PAUL JOHN OTTAWA

What about the fancy white robes the pastors wear? Good points you've made. Intellectual items vs. hard items like statues etc.

This video will probably go over the heads of most, especially those who are caught up in that idolatry. There are also a couple of others that could probably be added to the list.

When I watched the video I was really hoping that you would mention the "Biggies" - and yes the list you mentioned need to be considered no doubt, but I don't know how the following could be left off the list: {1] The Government {2} The police {3} The "flag" {4} Politicians {5} The "constitution" {you know that "freedom "document where men who owned slaves wrote "all men are created equal" {6} "rule of law" {which thwarts principles, morals, and ethics} {7} countries and imaginary borders {8} Donald Trump {9} MAGA {10} and last but not least, [the act of] VOTING. There, I just spelled out 10 IDOLS that can be added to the list of 7. So now the list is up to 17.

It is interesting to know that Exodus 20:4 and Exodus 20:5 are two separate things that are always combined. verse 4 is "not to make any craven Images". Verse 5 is "do not bow down to them". Yet we have crosses, fishes, birds and wreaths and say its ok because we are not bowing down to them. However, verse 4 and verse 5 are two separate things. Verse 4 says "don't make them at all". It DOES NOT say "don't make them for the purpose of bowing down to them". verse 4 and 5 are separate things. Just because its the second commandment does not make them both one. The first church idol is the church building temple. This have become such a big idol, that many have gone into debt just to find our own independent place of Worship. Christians were never mandated nor instructed to create temples, altars nor acquire debt for the purpose of worship. The next Idol used by churches are all the crosses, fishes, white dove and wreaths used to represent G-d, Christ and the Holy Spirit. Exodus 20:4 says not to make any image of anything in heave (the cross), on earth (the temple and the dove) and under the earth (the fish). Our churches have accomplished in doing all three. The next Idols we have accomplished in created are all the independent church visions, mission statements and utilizing marketing tools to increase the church fold. If this is not anti-biblical, then what is? Our vision and missions statement are in scripture already. To re-create an independent vision and mission statement is to declare the Word of G-d as insufficient due to cultural changes over time. I can go on but will stop here.

A church i was visiting had a pastor say I don,t know if I love God more or my wife. At that point I stopped going to his services and a woman there told the people there that I was a demon! Please note this same woman is married to my neighbor (ahab?) and has been trying to get me to sleep with her for the last 10 years.(failed though)

What is your background Sir? That you know all this? Are you from ARC?

🙏🏾❤️ CONFIDENT HOPE THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ❤️🙏🏾 It is written: “I Believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same Spirit of Faith, we also Believe and therefore Speak, because we Know that The One who raised The Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to Himself. All this is for your benefit, so that the Grace that is reaching more and more people may cause Thanksgiving to overflow to the Glory of God” (2 Corinthians . 4:13-15). “I Pray that God, the source of Hope, will Fill you completely with Joy and Peace because you Trust in Him. Then you will Overflow with Confident Hope through the Power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). 🙏🏾❤️FELLOWSHIP WITH THE FATHER & HIS SON JESUS CHRIST❤️🙏🏾

The idols of the nations are high and lift it up on a flag pole, and the blind cannot see them, because of their UNBELIEF, and because the idols are made of fabric. The idol worshippers of the US, are serving the image of the star spangle of heaven. The idol worshippers of Israel, are serving the image of the star remphan of heaven. The idol worshippers of Japan, are serving the image of the sun of heaven. The idol worshippers of Mexico, are serving the image of the eagle of the earth. The idol worshippers of Canada, are serving the image of the maple leaf of the tree of the earth. Idolatry is through the pledge of allegiance to the flag and anthem. When the king of Babylon the great played the anthem at the sound of music, the idol worshippers bowed down to the ground and worshipped the image of the gold statue of the earth. When the nations play the anthem at the sound of music the idol worshippers stand on their feet and worship their idols of the flag with a song. God is against serving or pledging allegiance to OBJECTS, to SYMBOLS, and to IMAGES, made in the likeness of anything in heaven above, or made in the likeness of anything in the earth below. { Exodus 20:3-5 } & { Deuteronomy 4:15-19 } If you are serving or pledging allegiance to OBJECTS, you are an idol worshipper.

So then, please consider reading the breakthrough novel "Where Do We Go Now, LORD? - Burke." A Divine Comedy Tale of the Christ.

Oh....idol of the Bible. I agree. I have heard people say those things. Like they don't need the Living God, thanks, they have print on a page. Well, you're not going to interpret those words withoit His Spirit. I wanted to add another: idol of their CHURCH/ denomination. I have heard people say that sitting in the pew on Sunday *is* sitting with God. Going to church *is* serving Him. All the activities *is* serving Him. They talk about their church and their pastor and I keep waiting for them to talk about Jesus. 😢

Marriage,Family, and Fatherhood and motherhood, education,

You know that a pastor is an idol when he sins and the people refuse to believe it, they cover it up, minimize it, make excuses, blame the victim, manipulate, and enable. They want to restore him as leader even though he is not above reproach.

Interesting that all of these idols revolve around "ME", which is another way of saying they're all based on pride, the original sin, the one thing (perhaps?) that Satan ever created...and which gave him his expulsion from Heaven.

Money/Power/Control can be identified as "tenure" in "the academy"

May I recommend GRACE as an idol in the American church,

Us.

The Bible is the Word of God. It is the final authority and it does tell us all things. If you can not accept that, then you are just as lost as someone that does not believe.

I've learned Calvinists are big on people worship. They quote Calvin, Augustine, John Knox & Johnathan Edwards like their words are golden.

what is the "American" Church ?

I also think that pastoring makes for very lonely men - needs to be a board of elders.

If it was only as simple and straightforward.

Church is a business. When you get over 300 people it is time to split it off. We left church when we had to make an appointment with the secritary just to talk to the leader. Church is incorporated and is under the 501c3 tax exemption. It is all about money and a product. Church is a consumable.

C tree is a idol,manger scene is a idol.

Revolution of Ordinaries... or the priesthood of all believers. 1Pet 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Subscribed.

If there is another idol, I would say it is CENI

I think most of this can be boiled down to the single charge of self-idolatry. I don't agree with how far your point on the idolatry of the Bible went... it is important to note that not everything in the Bible is actually scripture, but I do think saying anything that would encourage anyone to assume they need to part from genuine scripture is potentially hazardous.

Is that ‘cross’ hanging on the wall behind you a “graven image”?

I thought one of the idols of the church is the Christmas tree and decorations.

One idol is on your wall behind you cross.

I really agree. For a lot of people the Bible functions as their Pope. It did for me at one time...no longer. When the sum of all spiritual wisdom and knowledge is Christ,settling for a Bible verse here and there to answer your immediate questions never worked for me. To keep my faith and not give up like many have done I decided to throw the wood hay and stubble away. Martin Luther is reported to have said the Bible is the swaddling clothes that holds the baby Jesus. My motto is like George Beverly Shea. I'd rather have Jesus ,the Logos, than anything.

The Bible is an idol? Jesus referenced the scripture, saying "It is written" in these passages: Matt. 4:4, 4:7, 4:10, 21:13, 26:24, 26:31, Mark 7:6, 9:12, 9:13, 14:21, Luke 2:23, 3:4, 4:4, 4:8, 7:27, 19:46, 26:46, John 6:31, and John 6:45. He chided the Pharisees and scribes for not knowing the scriptures, as well as the disciples and Apostles: Matthew 21:42, 22:29, Mark 12:24, Luke 24:27, 24:32, 24:45, and John 5:39. Paul commanded Timothy to STUDY as a workman (laborer). He also told him HOW to study, and WHO to be approved of: 2 Timothy 2:15 *Study* to shew thyself approved unto *God,* a *workman* that needeth not to be ashamed, *rightly dividing* the word of truth. Studying the scripture renews our mind, not our flesh, as the flesh is corrupt. (Gal. 3:1-4, 1 Cor. 15:50, Romans 7:18) Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the *renewing of your mind,* that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Ephesians 4:11-13 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, *; and some, pastors and teachers;* 12For the *perfecting of the saints,* for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, *unto a perfect man,* unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: A Christian cannot be perfect in the flesh, but in the knowledge of the doctrine of God. "Perfect" means complete. Galatians 3:3 *Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?* Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and *teaching every man in all wisdom;* that we may present *every man perfect* in Christ Jesus: Philippians 3:14-15 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let us therefore, *as many as be perfect,* be thus *minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded,* God shall reveal even this unto you. 1 Cor. 2:6 That *your faith* should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 6Howbeit we speak wisdom among *them that are perfect:* yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 *All scripture is given by inspiration of God,* and is profitable for *doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:* 17That the man of God may be *perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.* 1 Cor. 4:1-2 1Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and *stewards of the mysteries of God. 2Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.* Baptists were known as "people of the Book". How do we understand God's dealings with the patriarchs, the prophets, the Jews in Jesus' earthly ministry, Paul's teaching of both Jew and gentile the doctrines of the Church, and salvation, predestination, the Adoption of sons, Inheriting the kingdom, and the blessed hope without studying the scriptures? The word of God is likened to many things for the Christian's survival: *Clothing and armor:* The Christian is a soldier (2 Tim. 2:3-4) and told to have all his armor and sword and prayer. (Eph. 6:11-18) Put on the *whole armour of God,* that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your *loins girt about with truth,* and having on the *breastplate of righteousness;* 15And your *feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;* 16Above all, taking the *shield of faith,* wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the *helmet of salvation,* and the *sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:* *18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,* and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 1. Robe/Linen of Truth. 2. Breatplate of Righteousness. 3. Shoes of the gospel. 4. Shield of Faith. 5. Helmet of Salvation. 6. Sword of the word of God. 7. Prayer, our communications in the field to the Commander. The word of God is our *Equipment* in the field: 1. A Lamp. (Psalms 119:105, 2 Samuel 22:29, Proverbs 6:23) 2. A Fire. (Jeremiah 23:29, Jeremiah 20:9, Jeremiah 5:14, Isaiah 6:5-7, Rev. 11:5, Isaiah 6:5-7) 3. A Mirror/Glass to check himself. (James 1:23, Hebrews 4:12-13) 4. Water for drinking and washing. Includes snow (John 4:14, Eph. 5:26, 1 Cor. 12:13) 5. Seed and planting. (Isaiah 55:10-11, 1 Peter 1:23) Isaiah 55:10-11 For as the *rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven,* and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give *seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:* 11So shall *my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.* 6. Money- Silver (Psalm 12:6) 7. Manna in cases of extreme hunger. (Deut. 8:3) The Scriptures are our *Weapons:* 1. A Sword (Eph. 6:17, Hebrews 4:13) 2. A Hammer to pull down strongholds. (Jeremiah 23:29, 2 Cor. 2:4-5) 3. Fire. (Jeremiah 23:29, Matt 3:12) The Scripture is *Food:* 1. Bread. (Matt. 4:4) 2. Apples/fruit (Proverbs 25:11) 3. Honey/ Sweet Roll (Psalms 19:10, Ezekiel 3:1-3) 4. Meat. (Heb. 5:12) 5. Milk. (1 Peter 2:2) Here you have dairy, fruits/vegetables, grains, meat and sugars. Here the word of God has many uses for a Christian. He is properly clothed and has all his armor, has the proper equipment for preaching the word and planting, weapons, (sword, hammer, fire) food, drink, a mirror or glass for checking himself, and lastly, he has prayer for communications to God no matter where he is.

Start with true repentance..So repent

I would hate to be a Pastor under the business model. There is so much pressure because you done built this idol up on the wrong foundation so the constant need for money and Pastors know the people in the church that has the money. So these people use the money for power and control. What happens if the money dries up or your main donors die or leave. Now your stuck with massive bills starting to pile up. What I have seen though is churches built on the business model start going to community leadership to get them to invest in keeping the church building that the building is then used for ungodly events and purposes as like a secular events ungodly weddings etc because they invested in making the church like a community gathering place. Its like the building becomes an idol to.

IFB churches are big on pastor authority. They thrive on it.

The fake pictures of Jesus are another idol,statues of Mary and Jesus are idols.

It's not the Bible... It's narcissism.... The Bible is where you get All the knowledge... Imagine if all the "denominations" actually believed and preached it... MINUS all the extras you think you need 🤣👍... "Denominations" would be a better fit I think...(I am of Paul... I am of Cephas.... I am of Calvin 😂).... Jesus is both King and Prophet...."call no man, Father"... Jesus knew what he was saying, and still does!... You can join any of the "abominations" or you can stick with Jesus..."the Word of God manifest in flesh "🎉.... It's almost as if people "enjoy" their lack of knowledge!🤣😭 Rate the level of importance of this statement...."My people perish, for the lack of knowledge".... God's Word is not an idol made with hands... It is the true and living God!🙏

That's blasphemy against the holy Spirit calling the word of God the Bible a idol.

The god of the world is money.

Money is not a idol it becomes a false god.

The Bible is an "idol?" That is absolutely false teaching. Is there a miraculous indwelling of the Holy Spirit today? No, that was promised to the Apostles, and they passed it down to others, who could not pass it on. Secondly, the Holy Spirit was given to those who wrote the Epistles. Jude , and James come to mind. Third, there is enough in the Bible to lead a person to salvation and keep them saved. That was God's plan since the Fall of mankind. Does that mean God has said all He needs to say? Absolutely. In another post, I asked you a question which you ignored. If the Holy Spirit was the only thing that is needed, then why study? From your teaching all one has to do is just ask the Holy Spirit to tell you. Here is something that you really need to do. Study Genesis 3 and 11.

This guy is a false prophet.

"the holy spirit doesn't do anything" is absolutely NOT what cessationism teaches. be honest about your brothers of a different theological stripe please.