Acts 17: 16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him.
22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
23 For as I passed by and beheld your devotions I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men everywhere to repent.
Before we study anything about paganism entering the church, it is imperative that we refer to history, as it pertains to those incremental insinuations that took place over the years. The adversary of God and man employs the principle of gradualism in most of his incursions into the church.
As a general rule, devils avoid startling persons into being alerted, preferring that proverbial slow-boil approach by which the frog becomes acclimated to the increasing heat of the boiling water. Thus, as he gets more and more accustomed, and comfortable to the heat, the frog is slowly cooked to an untimely death and he is never awakened to what exactly did him in. Let’s read:
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 717] The work of the enemy is not abrupt; it is not, at the outset, sudden and startling; it is a secret undermining of the strongholds of principle. It begins in apparently small things.
This is what took place, over many years, as pagan philosophies, practices, ideologies, suggestions and proposals and concepts gradually invaded the heart and mind of the Christian church, and before folks knew it, paganism began converting Christianity to itself, instead of the other way around.
When Christ stated in one passage that we are the light of the world, and in another passage, that the gates of hell will not prevail against His kingdom, He was referring to the work, reforms, and conversions that Christianity is supposed to bring to the table.
But, lo and behold, the light has gradually become engulfed by gross darkness, to the point where folks are putting darkness for light, bitter for sweet, evils for righteousness, and wrong for right. Thus, there’s a great work of reformation to take place within the church, before Christ returns, because persons are fast losing the ability to clearly distinguish between good and evil. Let’s read:
Isaiah 60: 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
Amos 8: 11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord:
12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.
Bit by bit and ever so deliberately and imperceptibly the purity, and power of the early Christian church has faded, and in very many cases, the church has now become a mere husk of its former self. When persons in times past trembled at the preaching of evangelists who delivered truth in its unadulterated form, reformation and change for the better would often follow.
Acts 24: 24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
But in our day, where an over-abundance of smooth words and political correctness have lulled the sin-loving multitudes into a false sense of security, any and everything is now being incorporated under the banner of Christianity.
And for that reason, the lukewarm condition of the church, mentioned in the book of Revelation, has become the norm. Thus, like Mr. Froggy, some of us would be in danger of succumbing to the slow-boil syndrome, if we are not very careful.
Therefore, we must revisit history, to observe how and why we have come to this point, for if we don’t know where we have come from, we will not know where we are going. Thus, as we read, let it be our heart’s endeavor, to surrender to the changes God desires to accomplish in our hearts, Let’s read:
[The Great Controversy pages 39-44] In vain were Satan's efforts to destroy the church of Christ by violence. The great controversy in which the disciples of Jesus yielded up their lives, did not cease when these faithful standard-bearers fell at their post.
By defeat they conquered. God's workmen were slain, but his work went steadily forward. The gospel continued to spread, and the number of its adherents to increase. It penetrated into regions that were inaccessible, even to the eagles of Rome.
Said a Christian, expostulating with the heathen rulers who were urging forward the persecution: “You may torment, afflict, and vex us, …but your cruelty is of no avail……The more we are mowed down, the more we spring up again. The blood of the Christians is seed.
Thousands were imprisoned and slain; but others sprung up to fill their places. And those who were martyred for their faith were secured to Christ, and accounted of him as conquerors. They had fought the good fight, and they were to receive the crown of glory when Christ should come.
Their living example and dying testimony were a constant witness for the truth; and, where least expected, the subjects of Satan were leaving his service, and enlisting under the banner of Christ.
Satan therefore laid his plans to war more successfully against the government of God, by planting his banner in the Christian church. If the followers of Christ could be deceived, and led to displease God, then their strength, fortitude, and firmness would fail, and they would fall an easy prey.
Persecution ceased, and in its stead were substituted the dangerous allurements of temporal prosperity and worldly honor.
Idolaters were led to receive a part of the Christian faith, while they rejected other essential truths. They professed to accept Jesus as the Son of God, and to believe in his death and resurrection; but they had no conviction of sin, and felt no need of repentance or of a change of heart.
With some concessions on their part, they proposed that Christians should make concessions, that all might unite on the platform of belief in Christ. Now the church was in fearful peril.
Prison, torture, fire, and sword were blessings in comparison with this. Some of the Christians stood firm, declaring that they could make no compromise.
Others were in favor of yielding or modifying some features of their faith, and uniting with those who had accepted a part of Christianity, urging that this might be the means of their full conversion.
That was a time of deep anguish to the faithful followers of Christ. Under a cloak of pretended Christianity, Satan was insinuating himself into the church, to corrupt their faith, and turn their minds from the Word of truth.
Most of the Christians at last consented to lower their standard, and a union was formed between Christianity and paganism.
Although the worshipers of idols professed to be converted, and united with the church, they still clung to their idolatry, only changing the objects of their worship to images of Jesus, and even of Mary and the saints.
The foul leaven of idolatry, thus brought into the church, continued its baleful work. Unsound doctrines, superstitious rites, and idolatrous ceremonies were incorporated into her faith, and worship.
As the followers of Christ united with idolaters, the Christian religion became corrupted, and the church lost her purity and power. There were some, however, who were not misled by these delusions. They still maintained their fidelity to the Author of truth, and worshiped God alone.
There have ever been two classes among those who profess to be followers of Christ. While one class study the Savior's life, and earnestly seek to correct their defects and to conform to the Pattern, the other class shun the plain, practical truths which expose their errors.
Thus, as long as persecution continued, the church remained comparatively pure. But as it ceased, converts were added who were less sincere and devoted, and the way was opened for Satan to obtain a foot-hold.
When God declares that paganism has taken deep root in the churches, He is not only referring to a set of practices, and rituals that have been adopted; He is mostly referring to the philosophies that drive the actions and the thought processes of the multitudes which in turn results in concepts and belief systems that are contrary to the scriptures.
We would observe in our first passage that closely associated with the idolatry of the Ephesians, were the philosophers, whose teachings, and ideologies were the bedrock foundation of all that was being done in Ephesus.
Thus, the pagan belief systems of that city, driven by the many philosophers, ultimately becomes the springboard for all of the idolatrous practices Paul observed.
But the effects of paganism on Christian teaching is far deeper, and is more extensive and far reaching than mere externals. It affects the concepts and the perspectives some now hold to be doctrinal, in the various churches of Christendom, and thus for us to understand the extent of the problem, we must first dig into the philosophies that form the foundation of paganism.
One of the concepts that most pagans hold dear is a deep love and reverence for nature most commonly referred to as Mother Nature. In fact, the majority of pagans will affirm to you that their god is nature, and as such, some have become deeply involved in those environmental efforts to save the planet.
Another bedrock, foundational belief of paganism is that every person has the right to choose, which is actually true, according to the scriptures, for it was Joshua who once said “Choose you this day whom you will serve”.
But in paganism, everyone chooses what to believe and how to believe it, and thus, morality becomes subjective from person to person, as each pagan is the final arbiter of right and wrong, and will decide for themselves what is truth.
In other words, truth is defined in paganism by the person, and not the scriptures, as it is in Christianity and because of this the philosophy spawns concepts such as everyone is a law unto themselves. What is right is determined by the person and since morality is made subjective, there can be nothing wrong.
The plethora of genders and different variations on marriage are the fruit of pagan philosophies which allow persons to become whatsoever or whosoever they want to be. As it was in Paul’s day, when he was in Athens, the philosophers are never far away from divergent views and practices indulged by the masses of people.
This leads us to another belief within paganism that declares there is no sin because there is no absolute authority to which one can refer. In other words, if every person decides what is right, and acceptable, then there can be no such thing as wrong-doing, for anything one chooses to do becomes the right thing to do.
This does not mean to say that paganism does not produce moralists; it does, but the morality is not based on any written, inspired document, such as the Bible, it’s based on one’s feelings and personal convictions, whether or not they are in sync with the word of God.
Thus, it is that the floodgates are swung wide open for any, and everyone to believe and practice what seems to them as the right thing. In other words, everyone does whatsoever he/she may choose, but at the end of the day it will always be the right thing for persons set the parameters of right and wrong.
A very similar situation had obtained in Israel of old when every person did that which was right in their own eyes. The problem with this philosophy is that what seems right to one person, may not seem right to another, and thus, without an absolute standard of truth to guide our feet, morality, as well as good and evil are placed in a perpetually fluid state. Let’s read:
Judges 17: 5 And the man Micah had a house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest.
6 In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
One of the practices that has become mainstream is that of body art by which persons cover their bodies with tattoos. It is true that some persons may have done so in the innocence of their heart, just going with the flow, to be cool and accepted by society. In times of ignorance God winks, and if such persons accept Christ as Lord and Savior, He will forgive.
But for those who might be thinking about getting one, two, or one hundred tattoos, as the case might be, the word of God speaks very plainly against the practice as being of pagan origin, and not at all in harmony with God’s ideals for His people.
Jezebel made body art fashionable in Israel and long after she was gone the practice had taken deep root in the nation. The issue with it is that it morphs into variations with time, and as leaders, parents, stars, mothers, and fathers adopt the practice, the next generations to follow often take it to the next level.
But the word of God is not subject to fashion, nor is it to be modified in any way to suit philosophies, or practices that are of pagan origin. When a majority opinion bears sway, the will of God is usually in the opposite direction and thus, the following verses do represent God’s will in the matter. Let’s read:
Leviticus 19: 28 You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord.
Tattoos and body painting of all sorts have entered the church, and the practices are fast becoming the mainstream to the point where it’s being commonly accepted as being the norm. Yet, on this point, we cannot, and should not make any fine distinctions, because paint is paint.
Not long ago we went to Home Depot to purchase a few gallons of paint for work that was being done at home. As we looked at the various offerings we saw several gallons of Benjamin Moore, and Glidden and we also saw Sherwin Williams. And yes, there might be some variations and fine distinctions, but at the end of the day, we found out that paint is paint. Let’s read:
1st Corinthians 6: 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
What The God of heaven is looking for in His people is not only character, but a body and mind that have been wholly consecrated to Him. In fact, Laodicea is to set a very high bar, as far as Christianity goes, for The Lord seeks to perfect all aspects of His salvation in those who are looking for His soon return.
Therefore, it’s not only the preaching, the singing or praying that’s needed; the very lifestyle practices, and health of body and mind are to become center pieces of our day-to-day aspirations, for those who are to give the last message of mercy must speak, and look the part.
God desires to make us living embodiments of what salvation is all about, for Jesus came to give us life more abundantly. Therefore, truths that are held in a theoretical manner framework only, will not make the grade because the last messengers of mercy are being prepared to be specimens of God grace, in its entirety.
Thus, if we are to present truths in our day that are affecting young and old, like such issues on gender, tattoos, marriage, and diets and foods, we too will have to be living up to what we preach, or else the unbelieving world will observe a stark disconnect in what is said, and what is actually being done.
If we have to deliver the health message, we would have to live the health message, and if we are to be examples to our youth on issues of body art, we too should not ever be found at Home Depot buying the Glidden and the Sherwin Williams, for whenever we open our mouths to speak truth, an anomaly would be present, to lessen the effectiveness of what we are saying. Let’s read:
Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
The time has come where the distinction of love, in and of itself does not distinguish between the one in the church and the one in the world, for the devil has made very certain that there is an abundance of love in the churches and institutions that constitute Babylon.
Many churches and denominations in our day have a multitude of charitable organizations, including a whole lot of medical facilities, schools, and outreach ministries that can make our efforts look feeble and Oprah Winfrey personally funds education for many children in South Africa.
Thus, if the manifestations of loving acts of kindness are the only distinguishing factors, there are now a million and one to be found, any and everywhere. The love of God in the heart is a must, but the work of salvation is a holistic approach that inevitably will affect for the better, every aspect of our being, our body, soul and spirit. Let’s read:
1st Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
In other words, Paul’s message to the new Christian church in his day, is now applicable to the remnant people of God, and just as Paul said follow me, even as I follow Christ, we too must be able to say to our neighbors, friends, co-workers, children and anyone with whom we come in contact, “Whatever you see me do you can safely follow me, since I’m a follower of Christ” Let’s read:
1st Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Therefore, in tackling the invasive nature of pagan culture in the churches, there are certain things we would have to put in place, through our deliberate decisions and choices.
[1] We must individually decide that the word of God will be the final authority in whatsoever we think, do or say.
If an issue isn’t supported by the word of God, and if the principles and methods that are involved are not emanating from God, then it must immediately be thrown in the garbage, with no bad feelings to the contrary whatsoever.
This approach will serve as an effective counter to the pagan philosophies which give free reign to any and every carnal desire of the human heart. There are certain things a Christian cannot do, period, and this is not legalism as some may portray it to be. It is just the raw Biblical facts in the matter.
The multiple and unsanctimonious clamors of our fallen nature would have to be kept under bit and bridle, through the power of the indwelling Christ so that Christin graces, principles and practices can be fostered, and gain the ascendency. Let’s read:
Galatians 5: 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that ye would.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envying, murders, drunkenness, reveling, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Colossians 3: 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
[2] We will need the abiding and the empowering presence of Christ to fend off multiple incursions against our souls, which occur externally as well as internally, the internal invasions being the more dangerous of the two.
Knowing the scriptures does not keep any person from falling, what it does is to give folks an active reference point to distinguish between right and wrong. But knowing a whole lot of scripture, in and of itself does not keep a person from falling.
The motive power to do right comes from a Person, not from a written document, and thus it becomes even more imperative that we ask God for grace to help us in times of need. Know and understand this for sure, when Jesus quoted scripture in the desert of temptation, He became even more hungry after He had quoted them.
The same is true of me and you, who have all types of legitimate and illegitimate desires and cravings to battle with from day to day. Often, after quoting your memory verse the force of the temptation may become stronger, as desire clamors for the mastery.
Thus, it is God and God alone who can keep us from falling, and even though “It is written” has its place, the written word must always lead us to The living Person, even The Man Christ Jesus, who alone is able to save us from our own selves, all by Himself. Let’s read:
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Jude 23: 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
[The Desire of Ages pp 324] The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin.
We may leave off many bad habits, for the time we may part company with Satan; but without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment, we shall be overcome. Without a personal acquaintance with Christ, and a continual communion, we are at the mercy of the enemy, and shall do his bidding in the end.
Let us therefore refuse paganistic philosophies and practices, by becoming vitally connected to Christ, for if and when this is accomplished, nothing that is mainstream will faze us to the point where we feel compelled to go with the flow. “The flow” for the Christian must always be upstream.
Thus, we will end with a passage of scripture that will enable us to speak and do that which is written, for it’s not merely the hearers, but the doers of the word, who would ultimately be victorious, in every battle of life. Let’s read:
1st John 5: 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.
God Bless!