Modern-day Idolatry
As one considers the Old Testament narrative, one sinful act is predominately evident, idolatry. When consulting our bible dictionaries, we find that idolatry is “the worship of deity in a visible form, whether the images to which homage is paid are symbolical representations of the true God or of the false divinities which have been made the objects of worship in his stead.” (Smith Bible Dictionary) Simply put, idolatry is the worship of a man-made image which represents deity. Perhaps one of the best-known cases of Israel’s idolatry is the worship of the molded calf of Exodus 32. After Aaron fashioned the golden bovine, the people shouted, “This is your god O Israel!” (Ex. 32:4)
Now, fast-forward some three thousand plus years and consider the New Testament’s warnings of idolatry when applied to modern-day Christians. The message is very clear, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21) As the Holy Spirit moved the Apostles into writing all truth (John 16:13), idol worship as described in the Old Testament was still prevalent in the cultures of that day. However, in the past two thousand years, the word “idolatry” has taken a major semantic shift and now not only means worshiping an image of some divinity, but includes an excessive, blind admiration and devotion to someone or something. Considering ourselves to be more civilized, Christians would never consider bowing down to a gold statue or wooden carving.
But the truth is, that modern-day idolatry is a real threat to the child of God and is a subtle weapon in Satan’s armory, often disguised as someone or something good. Many have named self-worth, family, friends, wealth, prosperity, career success, security, and patriotism as modern-day idols. All of which are not bad within themselves, but when taken in priority over our worship, loyalty, and service to God, become the true objects of our affection and the sin of idolatry. So how can we avoid modern-day idolatry? The Lord has given us the answer… “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.” (Matthew 22:37) -Jay Launius
RECORD
- Wednesday Bible Study: 21
- Thursday Prayer Meeting: 32
- Sunday Bible Class: 56
- Sunday Morning Worship: 94
- Night Service: 54
- General Contribution: $3,235.00
- CASAPP: $25.00
- SWCC: $75.00
- Total: $3,477.51
Sunday Bible Study Lesson 13: The Holy Spirit- Then and Now (1 Cor. 12:1-31; Romans 12:3-8)
FAMILY BIBLE HOUR
PEASE ATTEND FAMILY BIBLE HOUR. YOU WILL BE RICHLY BLESSED!!
Please join in this very productive class to enhance our Bible knowledge and have fun doing it! Let’s increase the attendance.
PLEASE ATTEND ALL BIBLE CLASSES AND WORSHIP FOR AN INCREASE IN KNOWLEDGE AND FELLOWSHIP.
PRAYER LIST
- William Snow
- George Price
- Melvin Thomas
- Roosevelt Crosby
- Eva Rambo
- Leonard Cummings
- Magnolia Manor: Felicia Willis; Freddie Jones
- Spring Lake Rehab Center: Ruby Bolton (Atlean Snow’s sister)
- Home: Kathy Dunn; Thomas Harris; John A. Graham; Richard Graham’s brother; Lola Daniels; Andrea (Nikki) Watkins; Wanda Day; Gertrude Pitts; Thad Monson
- Dallas, TX: Prince Brown
- Monroe, LA: Lamar Allen
- Chicago, IL: Dr. Daniel Harrison; Frances Harrison; Brenda Gilbert
- Los Angeles, CA: Charles Owens; Mandrell Ross; Ricardo James (Kim Hunter’s nephews)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
- 11/2: Lola Daniels
- 11/2: Karen Gordon
- 11/2: Christopher Kelly
- 11/9: Dianne Rawls
- 11/10: Franchesca Posey
- 11/11: Constance Graham
- 11/30: Melanie Posey
ANNIVERSARIES
- 11/1: Jessie and Vernita Williams (12 yrs)
- 11/20: Charles and Eva Rambo (27 yrs)
ADVERTISE RUSSELL ROAD
Please communicate with all you relatives, and friends all the activities available at Russell Road. Sunday Morning Bible Class and Worship (Morning and Evening) and Wednesday Bible Class on line at Russell Road Church of Christ YouTube. Prayer Meeting on Thursday on ZOOM 623162-6606. Let everyone know that we will be honored by their participation. ALL MEMBERS SHOULD ALSO TUNE IN IF IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO ATTEND IN PERSON. WE HAD 15 VIEWING OUR SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE, WE CAN HAVE 1,200 IF?
EVANGELISM
Evangelism involves preaching, announcing, or otherwise communicating the gospel, which is the message that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who gave His life as a sacrifice for humanity’s sins, offering eternal life to those who believe, repent and is baptised. (John 3:16; John 14:6) It is not limited to formal preaching but can include personal conversations, teaching, media outreach, and missionary work.