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<figure id="figure-dkv3oi80xm9gbb98m"><img id="dkv3oi80xm9gbb98m" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1320356231/photo/stained-glass-of-angels-holding-the-holy-grail.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=apmpO_a59uPk90stNnCLxGI9qEtPFhgSR8n_1kba6SI=" alt="Stained glass of angels holding the Holy Grail" title="Stained glass of angels holding the Holy Grail" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1320356231/photo/stained-glass-of-angels-holding-the-holy-grail.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=apmpO_a59uPk90stNnCLxGI9qEtPFhgSR8n_1kba6SI=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> Researching the topic of liberal theology was, frankly, frustrating. But in that frustration lies an opportunity—to shift our focus back to what really matters: Christology—the study of the person and work of Jesus Christ.&nbsp;What is Theology?&nbsp; Theology means the “study of God.” The word comes from the Greek theos (God) and logos (word, study, or discourse). So, theology literally means “discourse about God.”&nbsp;Now, what is liberal theology? At face value, it implies a liberal or progressive way of studying or thinking about God. But it's more than that. The term liberal is relative. Liberal theology exists in contrast to another viewpoint—conservative theology. The key questions we must ask are:&nbsp;Does God care about this? Which version of theology best describes who God is?&nbsp; &nbsp; Elements of Liberal Theology&nbsp; <ul><li>View of Scripture: Scripture is viewed as rich in symbolism and shaped by historical context. It is not always considered inerrant or infallible.&nbsp;</li><li>Approach to Doctrine: Open to reinterpretation and doctrinal evolution over time. Traditional beliefs are not seen as static.&nbsp; </li><li>Understanding of Jesus: Focuses more on Jesus as a moral teacher and example rather than primarily on His divinity or atoning sacrifice.&nbsp;</li><li>Miracles and the Supernatural: Often reinterpreted as metaphorical or understood through modern scientific frameworks.&nbsp; </li><li>Position on Social Issues: Generally progressive—emphasizes inclusion across gender and sexuality and encourages interfaith dialogue.</li><li>Concept of Truth: Truth is seen as evolving, influenced by culture, experience, and time.&nbsp;</li></ul>Elements of Conservative Theology&nbsp;<ul><li>View of Scripture: Often interpreted literally and regarded as free from error—fully authoritative and trustworthy.</li><li>Approach to Doctrine: Rooted in long-standing creeds and resistant to changes in core beliefs.&nbsp; </li><li>Understanding of Jesus:&nbsp;Jesus is central as the divine Son of God whose death and resurrection provide salvation.&nbsp; </li><li>Miracles and the Supernatural: Fully accepted as literal, historical events that are central to the Christian faith.&nbsp; </li><li>Position on Social Issues: Typically maintains traditional views on topics like marriage, gender roles, and sanctity of life.&nbsp; </li><li>Concept of Truth: Truth is considered absolute, unchanging, and revealed by God—not shaped by culture.&nbsp; &nbsp; <h3>My Reflections</h3>View of Scripture&nbsp;</li></ul>It would be intellectually dishonest to say the Bible is entirely free from human error. It's also not a comprehensive biography of anyone except Jesus. For example, how can Abraham’s 175-year life be accurately captured in just a few chapters? It is not possible. So we don't know 99% of the life of the characters in the Scriptures.&nbsp;The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, and has undergone extensive translation over millennia: Septuagint (Greek, c. 250–100 BCE), Latin Vulgate (c. 382–405 CE), and more. Today, it exists in over 3,600 languages. It's reasonable to conclude that some context or nuance has been lost in translation.&nbsp; Does that mean the Bible is fallible? Yes—the text itself is fallible. It didn’t fall from heaven. It was written by around 40 different human authors over 1,500 years. According to 2 Timothy 3:16–17, they were inspired by God, but not dictated to.&nbsp;And yet, here’s the miracle: these diverse authors, separated by time and culture, were all pointing to the same person—Jesus Christ. That’s why the Bible, despite its human flaws, remains the most trustworthy reference we have for knowing God. It has greater authority than visions, encounters, or religious traditions.&nbsp;Both liberal and conservative theology often miss this: the Bible is about Jesus. It must be interpreted with Him as the central figure—not debated endlessly over historical details or peripheral doctrines.&nbsp; &nbsp; Approach to Doctrine&nbsp; The central doctrine is Jesus. Everything else must be measured by Him.&nbsp; The danger of conservative theology is that it can become rigid, resistant to fresh insight about Jesus, even when it comes from Scripture. On the flip side, liberal theology often opens the door to endless reinterpretation that may drift away from Christ altogether.&nbsp;Jesus must be the absolute. Paul, Peter, David, and the others were inspired, but they are not the standard. Their teachings must be evaluated in light of Jesus’ words and actions. For example, Paul said women should be silent in church—but what would Jesus say? What was Paul’s context?&nbsp; In this sense, liberal theology is correct: we must be open to evolving. But that evolution must be anchored in Christ.&nbsp; &nbsp; Understanding of Jesus&nbsp;<figure id="figure-b4dj7dvicwm9gap5an"><img id="b4dj7dvicwm9gap5an" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/600166380/photo/it-is-in-difficult-times-that-he-carries-you.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=TxgnNG8T_6XADhfZwcpOdwaGhwCI1vN3S1JBZAgcEI0=" alt="It is in difficult times that He carries you" title="It is in difficult times that He carries you" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/600166380/photo/it-is-in-difficult-times-that-he-carries-you.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=TxgnNG8T_6XADhfZwcpOdwaGhwCI1vN3S1JBZAgcEI0=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure> Liberal theology often reduces Jesus to just a great moral teacher. But the beauty of Jesus' moral teaching is that we can’t live up to it—not without Him.&nbsp; "Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees... you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." — Matthew 5:20&nbsp;This is the entire point of grace. Jesus didn’t just teach morality—He embodied righteousness and gifted it to us through faith. This is where conservative theology is closer to the truth, though not always perfect in its expression.&nbsp; &nbsp; Miracles and the Supernatural&nbsp; If we don’t believe in miracles, we don’t believe in God. Yes, miracles can carry deeper meanings, but that doesn’t make them less real. Miracles still happen. To dismiss them is to dismiss faith itself.&nbsp; &nbsp; Position on Social Issues&nbsp;<figure id="figure-e89o9yuzcm9gasw2p" class=""><img id="e89o9yuzcm9gasw2p" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/104939553/photo/conquest-of-jerusalem-by-charlemagne.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=3LPrCu0cuf__uvR1r6SZAas0PUErgcyFdfaVgbCb4ZA=" alt="Conquest of Jerusalem by Charlemagne" title="Conquest of Jerusalem by Charlemagne" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/104939553/photo/conquest-of-jerusalem-by-charlemagne.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=3LPrCu0cuf__uvR1r6SZAas0PUErgcyFdfaVgbCb4ZA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>This is where things get even more complicated. Today, many Christian leaders stay silent about real atrocities—like the killing of innocent civilians by military forces (e.g., in the Israel-Palestine conflict). Historically, this isn’t new. Religion has often been used to justify violence:&nbsp;<ul><li>The Crusades (1096–1291): Christians waged war in the name of reclaiming the Holy Land.&nbsp;</li><li>The Inquisition: Torture and executions of heretics, Jews, Muslims, and scientists.&nbsp;</li><li>Witch Hunts: Brutal killings of alleged witches, often without evidence.&nbsp;</li><li>Religious Wars in Europe: Millions died over denominational differences.&nbsp;</li><li>Colonial Conversions: Forced conversions in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.&nbsp;</li></ul><figure id="figure-5l243rg3lcm9gba5q0"><img id="5l243rg3lcm9gba5q0" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/982579896/photo/old-couple-rear-view-in-church-keeping-the-sunlight-beam-out-of-his-eyes.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=KptJ_bkPNCzqQoUqpk3Y62cVubS0KbpAxKxeb7YkBPA=" alt="Old couple rear view in church keeping the sunlight beam out of his eyes" title="Old couple rear view in church keeping the sunlight beam out of his eyes" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/982579896/photo/old-couple-rear-view-in-church-keeping-the-sunlight-beam-out-of-his-eyes.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=KptJ_bkPNCzqQoUqpk3Y62cVubS0KbpAxKxeb7YkBPA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>This violence was committed in God’s name, but not in God’s character.&nbsp;"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." — Galatians 5:22–23&nbsp;"Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father." — John 14:9&nbsp;The character of God is revealed in the Man, Jesus, not in the political or military agendas of nations or churches.&nbsp; Hebrews 1:3 (ESV)&nbsp; "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature..."&nbsp;Colossians 1:15 (NIV)&nbsp; "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation."&nbsp;John 14:9 (NIV)&nbsp; Jesus answered: "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father."&nbsp;So, while conservative theology clings to traditional moral stances, it has also—historically and presently—been weaponized. &nbsp;Core elements of the fruit of the Spirit have been minimized for the illusion of doctrinal purity. Elements like love, kindness, Compassion etc. So, the debate really is which evil is more acceptable? For example,&nbsp;<ul><li>Abortion or Capital punishment? &nbsp;</li><li>Gay marriage OR stoning them on the street? &nbsp;</li><li>Witchcraft or burning alive of another Human being?</li><li>Etc.&nbsp;</li></ul>None of this is about Jesus. The debates are expression of self-righteousness. Jesus loves EVERYBODY. John 3:16&nbsp;&nbsp;My Conclusion&nbsp;<figure id="figure-q80pxaseksm9gbyx4t"><img id="q80pxaseksm9gbyx4t" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32Tu2m13DDx93iaQsLFl5qB36jfO0URhPxBjqGcE20Wn5vjUYp7YyCITbJp2fWyV.png" alt="Preacher reading from holy bible in church" title="Preacher reading from holy bible in church" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32Tu2m13DDx93iaQsLFl5qB36jfO0URhPxBjqGcE20Wn5vjUYp7YyCITbJp2fWyV.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Most people fall somewhere on a spectrum between liberal and conservative theology. But God doesn’t live at the extremes of any ideology. The Bible was written in ancient time, for ancient audiences, and in ancient languages. We must interpret it wisely, carefully, and always through the lens of Christ. That’s why researching liberal theology was so frustrating—because the debate often misses the entire point of Christianity. The Christian faith is not about moral perfection, sinless perfection, social ideology, or doctrinal superiority. Doctrinal purity does not exist (Not even in the Bible). It’s about restored relationship with God.&nbsp; It’s about Jesus.&nbsp; It’s about grace.&nbsp; And it’s about faith in the One who fulfilled the law so we could be free (including freedom to have an ideology).&nbsp; When liberal and conservative theologians argue, they're often just debating works. But work doesn't save. Jesus does. Good Works is a byproduct of ongoing relationship with Jesus. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Liberal Theology: Symptoms of A Bigger Program

<figure id="figure-730kqa1kxdm91c21zm"><img id="730kqa1kxdm91c21zm" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/184132508/photo/rocky-setting-at-mount-of-temptation.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=pNCq-cux768YoXGXXVAUDVFE3Pr81U_IuG4Mio2krvc=" alt="Rocky setting at Mount of Temptation" title="Rocky setting at Mount of Temptation" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/184132508/photo/rocky-setting-at-mount-of-temptation.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=pNCq-cux768YoXGXXVAUDVFE3Pr81U_IuG4Mio2krvc=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>So far,we have examined the following<a data-mce-href="https://christuncensored.net/blog/is-religion-a-tool-for-control--exploring-modern-church-enslavement" href="https://christuncensored.net/blog/is-religion-a-tool-for-control--exploring-modern-church-enslavement" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Part 1: Is Religion a Tool for Control? Exploring Modern Church Enslavement&nbsp;</a> We introduced the idea that the enslavement of Israel was a prediction of the evolution of the modern Church.&nbsp;<a data-mce-href="https://christuncensored.net/blog/from-shackles-to-pews--how-the-modern-church-sustains-systems-of-control" href="https://christuncensored.net/blog/from-shackles-to-pews--how-the-modern-church-sustains-systems-of-control">Part 2: From Shackles to Pews: How the Modern Church Sustains Systems of Control </a>; We argued that the elements of slavery are all found in today’s modern church.<a data-mce-href="https://christuncensored.net/blog/the-idols-of-egypt--a-warning-for-the-modern-church" href="https://christuncensored.net/blog/the-idols-of-egypt--a-warning-for-the-modern-church">Part 3: The Idols of Egypt: A Warning for the Modern Church</a>; We explained how idol worship prevented God from taking many of the Israelites to the Promised Land and how this remains a significant issue in today’s church.&nbsp; &nbsp; What Is the Point of All of This?&nbsp;Exodus 3:8 (KJV):&nbsp; "And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey."&nbsp;This statement by God sums up the entire scripture, but we need to examine it more closely to fully understand its significance.&nbsp;Exodus 5:1:&nbsp; "And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness."&nbsp; Exodus 8:1 (NIV):&nbsp; "Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh and say to him, “This is what the Lord says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me.”’"&nbsp; God used three words interchangeably: Serve, Worship, and Feast. Since He used them interchangeably, they must carry the same meaning. To serve God is to worship Him. To worship God is to feast unto Him.&nbsp;Serve = Worship = Feast.&nbsp; Understanding Worship&nbsp;<ul><li>Shachah (Hebrew): To bow down, prostrate oneself (Psalm 95:6). This refers both literally and figuratively to humbling oneself before God in reverence and submission.&nbsp;</li><li>Ābad (Hebrew): Service, labor, work (Exodus 8:1). This is the context of Jesus’ instruction to Moses.&nbsp;</li></ul><figure id="figure-y3r38bl9mm91c2twt"><img id="y3r38bl9mm91c2twt" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/667802574/photo/you-are-never-truly-alone-if-you-have-faith.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=unJ8-TtToOpR98x2wClsWyJhqUbmRExBu4B1OSku-Oc=" alt="You are never truly alone if you have faith" title="You are never truly alone if you have faith" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/667802574/photo/you-are-never-truly-alone-if-you-have-faith.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=unJ8-TtToOpR98x2wClsWyJhqUbmRExBu4B1OSku-Oc=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>Worship is humbling ourselves before God—literally or figuratively—in submission, to serve and labor for Him. The Israelites were already doing this for Pharaoh, but now God was demanding their freedom so that they could serve Him.&nbsp;Matthew 11:30 (NIV):&nbsp; "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."&nbsp;You are serving and laboring for God when you do His will against your Humanistic instincts. Example; Loving your enemy would be your act of worship. Being kind and good to everyone would be your act of worship. Being generous to the homeless would be your act of worship.<h3>What Makes Worship Acceptable to God?&nbsp; </h3>John 4:23-24 (KJV):&nbsp; "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."&nbsp;In Spirit&nbsp; Acceptable worship must be done in spirit. I once thought this meant worship inspired by the Holy Spirit. But in context (John 4:7-26), Jesus was saying worship is no longer tied to a physical place like Jerusalem because God is spirit.&nbsp;He desires worship based solely on faith, without physical references.&nbsp; This means the church must move away from symbolisms—crosses, anointing oil, prayer shawls, etc.—as they can and will lead to idolatry. At the very least, we know God does not desire worship through physical means. We have direct access to Him. Hebrews 11:6 (KJV):&nbsp; "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." In Truth&nbsp; Worshiping God in truth means worshiping Him with the revelation of Jesus and His mission.&nbsp; Exodus 5:1:&nbsp; "Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness."&nbsp;There are seven feasts that God introduced to the Israelites in the wilderness. Their purpose was to reveal Jesus Christ, the Truth (not to be repeated by believers after fulfillment): &nbsp;<figure id="figure-pk2x2b4jxm91ca50j"><img id="pk2x2b4jxm91ca50j" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2067494980/photo/a-man-celebrates-the-jewish-holiday-of-passover.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=YG7tN__R-3DGCKDGwnt6qKwKmx_SgHHrARCpEfm3VVc=" alt="A man celebrates the Jewish holiday of Passover" title="A man celebrates the Jewish holiday of Passover" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2067494980/photo/a-man-celebrates-the-jewish-holiday-of-passover.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=YG7tN__R-3DGCKDGwnt6qKwKmx_SgHHrARCpEfm3VVc=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><ol><li style="">Passover (Pesach) – (1 Corinthians 5:7).&nbsp;</li><li style="">Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot) – (1 Corinthians 5:8). </li><li style="">Firstfruits (Yom HaBikkurim) – (1 Corinthians 15:20). </li><li style="">Pentecost (Shavuot) – (Acts 2). </li><li style="">Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah / Rosh Hashanah) – (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). </li><li style="">Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). </li><li style="">Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot).&nbsp; </li></ol>The Land Flowing with Milk and Honey&nbsp;<figure id="figure-69auuf4zam91cbg41" class=""><img id="69auuf4zam91cbg41" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1472352662/photo/the-watchman-zion-national-park-utah-usa-sunset.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=wi9sc5iHfCgjpuN6fup0nlvsXbAiV0uARN88hkVQ0Zg=" alt="The Watchman Zion National Park Utah USA Sunset" title="The Watchman Zion National Park Utah USA Sunset" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1472352662/photo/the-watchman-zion-national-park-utah-usa-sunset.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=wi9sc5iHfCgjpuN6fup0nlvsXbAiV0uARN88hkVQ0Zg=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The plan from the beginning was to bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey. Canaan was not literally overflowing with rivers of milk and honey, but it was a fertile land, rich in resources, capable of sustaining livestock (milk) and producing abundant crops (honey). The phrase served both as a literal description of the land’s prosperity and a metaphor for something deeper.&nbsp; Genesis 12:7:&nbsp; "The Lord appeared to Abram and said, 'To your offspring I will give this land (Canaan).' So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him."&nbsp;Paul later explained that this offspring was Jesus.&nbsp;Galatians 3:16 (NIV):&nbsp; "The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say 'and to seeds,' meaning many people, but 'and to your seed,' meaning one person, who is Christ."&nbsp;Canaan represents a place of intimacy with Jesus Christ. It is a place of communion with Him, full knowledge of God, and God’s rest. It is place where humans get the full reality of Jesus.&nbsp;The first prototype of this land flowing with milk and honey was the Garden of Eden—a place of abundance and intimacy between God and man.&nbsp; Genesis 3:8 (NIV):&nbsp;"Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden."&nbsp;God and man coexisted in Eden, making it the first true place of intimacy with God.&nbsp;Returning to Zion&nbsp;While many people believe that the prophecies about Zion refer to a physical restoration of Jerusalem (possibly but irrelevant), their true message is that Jesus will restore relationship and intimacy with His people.&nbsp;Zechariah 8:3 (NIV):&nbsp; "This is what the Lord says: 'I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem.'"&nbsp; Psalm 126:1-3 (NIV):&nbsp; "When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy."&nbsp; JESUS IS THE KING OF ZION.<figure id="figure-t0sxehg4rbm91cdkl2"><img id="t0sxehg4rbm91cdkl2" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1997124335/photo/jesus-christ.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=1CJk_RcK6iz8yENCKiCZxur32mHBvILQ9SqOTAAvGG8=" alt="Jesus Christ" title="Jesus Christ" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1997124335/photo/jesus-christ.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=1CJk_RcK6iz8yENCKiCZxur32mHBvILQ9SqOTAAvGG8=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> Genesis 14:18-20 Melchizedek means King of Righteousness. He was also described as the King of Salem. Salem was the Old Jerusalem which was in canaan. It means the King of Peace. He was without beginning or end. Melchizedek serves as a divine prototype of Christ, revealing Jesus as our ultimate King, High Priest, and Mediator before God. Hebrews 7&nbsp; Conclusion&nbsp;The whole theme of the scriptures is the restoration of the Intimacy between Jesus and His people.&nbsp;God desires His people to be free—free from sin, legalism, and religious oppression. He has paid the price for our freedom. We need to be free to truly know Him and to worship Him.Idolatry can hinder the plans of God because we are now free to choose. Idolatry will take us back to slavery. True worship must be done by faith (no physical references) and in truth (the revelation of Jesus Christ). This will take place ONLY at Zion, where the King is waiting.&nbsp;Jeremiah 31:31-34 (NIV):&nbsp; "The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel... I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people."&nbsp;

Let My People Go....Back to Zion

<figure id="figure-n3fv8s57mm8jiky2i"><img id="n3fv8s57mm8jiky2i" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1394310836/photo/the-scene-inside-the-bright-church.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=74Otyj4i9tOn7HzSZGb9mobnYUgSuAPCWKFeIcRwLl4=" alt="The scene inside the bright Church" title="The scene inside the bright Church" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1394310836/photo/the-scene-inside-the-bright-church.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=74Otyj4i9tOn7HzSZGb9mobnYUgSuAPCWKFeIcRwLl4=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure> While meditating on the similarities between the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt and the modern church, I came across a perplexing question: Why was the almighty God unable to fully deliver Israel out of Egypt? This question may shed light on why believers and the church today find themselves in a similar struggle.&nbsp;To put things into proper perspective, around 600,000 men left Egypt, and if we factor in women and children, it's estimated that between 1 million to 2 million Israelites left Egypt. After doubting God, God declared that everyone above the age of 20 would die in the wilderness, except Caleb and Joshua. We can estimate that around 1 million Israelites died in the wilderness. If God promised to take them to the promised land, what changed? I have a theory: Egypt never left them.&nbsp;In simpler terms, they never fully embraced the freedom God had given them. They still clung to the mindset, culture, and practices of Egypt, even after God had freed them.&nbsp; &nbsp; <h3>The gods of Egypt&nbsp; </h3><figure id="figure-2ih1is38gcm8jiqhf9"><img id="2ih1is38gcm8jiqhf9" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2188890216/photo/luxor-temple-luxor-city-egypt-africa-the-hieroglyphs-and-carvings-inside-the-temple.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=0isFK7x7zMDTKzTtrDoPyK6RMHeX1jWLmP-XaAY9lag=" alt="Luxor Temple, Luxor City, Egypt, Africa, the Hieroglyphs and carvings inside the temple." title="Luxor Temple, Luxor City, Egypt, Africa, the Hieroglyphs and carvings inside the temple." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2188890216/photo/luxor-temple-luxor-city-egypt-africa-the-hieroglyphs-and-carvings-inside-the-temple.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=0isFK7x7zMDTKzTtrDoPyK6RMHeX1jWLmP-XaAY9lag=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The gods of Egypt were very prominent at that time. God dealt with them through the 9 plagues—each one undermining the power of Egypt's gods. Perhaps that's a topic we can explore later. The issue, however, was that the Israelites did not let go of Egypt’s idols. They kept the influence of Egypt alive in their hearts. The most notable example is the golden calf, forged shortly after God delivered them. The calf mirrored Egyptian religious practices, particularly the worship of the bull-god Apis (one of Egypt's gods).&nbsp;<ul><li>Ezekiel 20:7-8 – God recounts how He commanded the Israelites to abandon the detestable practices and idols of Egypt, but they rebelled and did not forsake them.&nbsp;</li><li>Joshua 24:14 – Joshua urges the Israelites to fear the Lord and serve Him sincerely, instructing them to put away the gods their ancestors worshipped in Egypt. Despite 40 years in the wilderness, they still refused to let go of those idols.&nbsp;</li><li>Exodus 32:1-4 – While Moses was on Mount Sinai, the Israelites made a golden calf, reminiscent of Egyptian idol worship, and proclaimed it as the god who brought them out of Egypt.</li><li>Acts 7:39-41 – In his speech, Stephen recalls that the Israelites refused to obey Moses, turned back to Egypt in their hearts, and made a calf to offer sacrifices to it.</li><li>Scholars note that ancient Israel practiced monolatry—acknowledging the existence of multiple deities but worshiping Yahweh exclusively. This perspective suggests that while the Israelites were devoted to Yahweh, they still recognized and sometimes embraced other gods, including those of Egypt.&nbsp;</li></ul>Egypt’s Lifestyle: They Missed the Egyptian Food One of the more striking examples of Israel's lack of freedom is their desire for Egypt's food. After being freed, they began to long for the food they had in Egypt:&nbsp; Numbers 11:4-6 (NKJV)&nbsp; &nbsp;“Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: 'Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!'”&nbsp;You would think that if God could provide manna directly from the sky, He could also provide garlic and onions. Yet, the point here is that Israel never embraced the freedom God gave them. True freedom comes with responsibility. At every small obstacle, they wanted to return to slavery. &nbsp; The Modern Church&nbsp;<figure id="figure-nbusc1itdm8jkbz9r"><img id="nbusc1itdm8jkbz9r" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/182786940/photo/applauding.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=HdaWf8vVArSnych9yd-6FHGI0YR1A4dUmKyPNk170xQ=" alt="Applauding" title="Applauding" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/182786940/photo/applauding.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=HdaWf8vVArSnych9yd-6FHGI0YR1A4dUmKyPNk170xQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>How is this relevant to the modern church today? The mission of our Lord Jesus could not have been clearer.&nbsp; He came to set us free.&nbsp;John 8:36 (NIV) – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”&nbsp;Galatians 5:1 (NIV) – “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”&nbsp;He came to fulfill the law. The requirements of the law are completely obsolete.&nbsp;Romans 10:4 (NIV) – “Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”&nbsp;Instead, we are saved by faith in Him—not by our works.&nbsp; Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”&nbsp;I guess some things haven’t changed. Because all He ever asked Israel to do was to trust Him. Yet, at any small obstacle, we, like Israel, often revert to our animalistic instincts. We start to believe that we can earn things from God. We believe we can earn financial blessings, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, or even God’s anointing. We fall into the trap of trying to impress God with our works.&nbsp;Works vs. Grace&nbsp;<figure id="figure-u78ri3bjkgm8jinf76" class=""><img id="u78ri3bjkgm8jinf76" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1844647747/photo/jesus-christ.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=1W3nAFUV-r22muTGHzdkEWfrePWQOJVIcfG7rzYClFs=" alt="Jesus Christ" title="Jesus Christ" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1844647747/photo/jesus-christ.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=1W3nAFUV-r22muTGHzdkEWfrePWQOJVIcfG7rzYClFs=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Why did God hate idol worship so much? God is not intimidated by objects that people create and worship. Here’s my theory: At the heart of idol worship is works, not grace. Idol worship occurs when people place their trust in something other than God—whether it’s physical idols, false gods, or even worldly possessions.&nbsp;In today’s age, idol worship is more subtle than ever, and unfortunately, it’s present in the church. Here are a few examples of things that can easily replace full trust in God:&nbsp; <ul><li>Self-Righteousness – You may not verbally brag about it, but deep down, you think your holiness is better than someone else’s. Jesus' attitude toward self righteous pharisees could not have been any more clearer.&nbsp;</li><li>Faith in Things – Anointing oil, handkerchiefs, prayer water, cloths (from someone you consider more anointed than yourself), Holy Communion, even the altar of your church.</li><li>Location – Some Christians believe that there is special anointing or power in Israel. Ministers often visit the burial sites of their heroes of faith. Location (including your church building) can be an idol.</li><li>Tithes &amp; Offerings – Many Christians believe God will bless them because they give, making their faith in their offerings rather than in God Himself.</li><li>Prayer and Fasting – Often, we believe that fasting is what will get God's attention.&nbsp;</li></ul>Any of these can lead to legalism before God, which is ultimately a form of pride. Legalism is about self-reliance—trusting in our actions to earn God’s favor. Trusting in physical things that we can feel or touch. This content isn’t entirely about works vs. grace, but perhaps at a later time, we’ll explore this more in-depth.&nbsp;In Conclusion&nbsp; The Egyptian culture and lifestyle centered around idol worship, and in the New Testament, that represents works—the opposite of grace. The problem Israel faced wasn’t just the physical location of Egypt or Pharaoh’s oppression. The deeper issue was that they adopted Egypt’s lifestyle and worshiped the same gods. God could not force Israel to trust Him or Embrace His Grace. That is not in His Character. God did many signs and wonders to show them who He was, just like He did signs and wonders in the New Testament. It was not enough. The disciples still left Him when the Romans came. Egypt was part of their identity.&nbsp; Egypt is still part of our identity in the New Testament. A complete renewal of mind is necessary to achieve this. It was not going to happen right away, but Israel was also not willing.&nbsp;As believers, it is Jesus OR Nothing.So, what’s the point of all these?&nbsp;Exodus 8:1 (NIV) – “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me.’”&nbsp;This is what it’s all about. God desires worship. In the Promised Land, in freedom.&nbsp; In the next and final part, we will explore a few important questions:<ul><li>&nbsp;What did God mean by “Worship Him”?</li><li>&nbsp;Why did Israel need to be free to worship Him?</li><li>Why was Freedom From Egypt Not enough? (answered here)</li><li>Where did God intend for Israel to worship Him, and what did it mean?</li><li>How is this relevant today?&nbsp; &nbsp;</li></ul>

The Idols of Egypt: A Warning for the Modern Church

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