Four Items Christians Should Not Have in Their Homes

[Johny Joe Hold]

I came across a video that summarizes many of Pastor Zeke's wonderful sermons. It discusses four items mentioned specifically in the Bible that we should not have in our homes. I'll list them here with some examples:

1. False Idols. It is so tempting to buy art work from other countries and cultures. One I see often are Buddhas. No. I've been in homes of Democrats and seen pictures of Jimmy Carter holding a saw or hammer working on a new house of a poor person. No.

2. Occult Objects. There are so many sinful things people pick up while traveling or at fairs, festivals, etc. I've seen Amercian Indians "Deam Catchers," those feather things. Many display the "peace symbol." That's a no. The rainbow flag--don't do it.

3. Negative Media: TV's that can easily show MSNBC, the most negative of anti-Trump stations must not be available.

4. Excessive Materialism: While Jesus wants His people to be prosperous, it is necessary to be discrete. For example, when Pastor Zeke and the other Pastors park their Cadilac Escalades where people can see them, they have a practical, nonmaterialistic purpose. It is to demonstrate the blessings of God. The same is true of the massive homes in Freehold owned by officers of the church. It is simply necessary--one of the reasons we bring so many to Christ. Extravagant cars and houses shown only for the purpose of displaying wealth is excessive materialism.

4 Things A Christian Should Not Have In Their Home\

[Isabella White]

2. Occult Objects. There are so many sinful things people pick up while traveling or at fairs, festivals, etc. I've seen Amercian Indians "Deam Catchers," those feather things. Many display the "peace symbol." That's a no. The rainbow flag--don't do it.

Praise the ! I do thank you, so very much, dear Brother Mayor Hold for this very important — and sometimes overlooked — bit of wisdom and advice. In particular, I would like to add to your second point about "Occult Objects".

Some might remember a television show (a few years ago) with a woman who claimed to be "psychic". I cannot, for the life of me, remember her name, but she was very popular. Who knows how many unsuspecting souls she took with her on her inevitable road-trip to fiery, eternal ? The blessed is very clear about how feel about such evil things!

Leviticus 19:31 "Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the your ."

And, as if that isn't implicit enough, one should wonder why anybody, in the first place, would even think of trusting a fortune teller — particularly when the is the One with complete knowledge.

Isaiah 8:19 "And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their ? for the living to the dead?"

Now, then, in addition to that feathery dust-collector object that you have shown to us, we must be mindful of the evil snare of the crystals. Yes, crystals. Oh, I am not referring to your Waterford goblets or your dining room chandelier, but to those pretty objects that are supposed to have some sort of magical, mystical power. The young lady in the following video will explain it for all to hear — kindly take note, one and all!

Revelation 2:7 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of ."

[GanduHindu]

I came across a video that summarizes many of Pastor Zeke's wonderful sermons. It discusses four items mentioned specifically in the Bible that we should not have in our homes. I'll list them here with some examples:

1. False Idols. It is so tempting to buy art work from other countries and cultures. One I see often are Buddhas. No. I've been in homes of Democrats and seen pictures of Jimmy Carter holding a saw or hammer working on a new house of a poor person. No.

2. Occult Objects. There are so many sinful things people pick up while traveling or at fairs, festivals, etc. I've seen Amercian Indians "Deam Catchers," those feather things. Many display the "peace symbol." That's a no. The rainbow flag--don't do it.

3. Negative Media: TV's that can easily show MSNBC, the most negative of anti-Trump stations must not be available.

4. Excessive Materialism: While Jesus wants His people to be prosperous, it is necessary to be discrete. For example, when Pastor Zeke and the other Pastors park their Cadilac Escalades where people can see them, they have a practical, nonmaterialistic purpose. It is to demonstrate the blessings of God. The same is true of the massive homes in Freehold owned by officers of the church. It is simply necessary--one of the reasons we bring so many to Christ. Extravagant cars and houses shown only for the purpose of displaying wealth is excessive materialism.

4 Things A Christian Should Not Have In Their Home\

Hello Mayor, not to nitpick, but I find your definition of false idols confusing.

I looked up the meaning of "idol" in online dictionaries, and this is what it says:

Idol: 1) a statue that people treat as a god; 2) an object of extreme devotion or a representation or symbol of it.

Yes, I also know about the 'graven images' in the Ten Commandments. But I see you have a photograph of yourself as your avatar. Isn't that technically a graven image? Before digital cameras became popular, there were photographic film negatives. The final image was nothing but the etched quality of a negative image. Before that, there were daguerreotypes in the 19th century, and even before that, self-portraits, busts of famous men, and many other articles that required engraving with a paintbrush, chisel, hammer, or stones.

Of course, you seem like a sane person who would not worship your own photograph, but no one can stop you if you decide to do so.

My point is, an object becomes an idol only when you worship it in some way.

How does a Buddha statue or a Jimmy Carter photograph constitute an idol if you're not supposed to worship them? I have a Laughing Buddha at my place, but I certainly do not worship it. It's an expensive gift, and I wouldn't get rid of it for its monetary value alone. It's just an object of decoration.

Where does it say in the Bible that you cannot decorate your home or car?

The meaning of "decorate," as per online dictionaries:

Decorate: to add something to an object or place with the purpose of making it look more attractive.

Do note that your church is not the only one against idols. In some Muslim countries like Pakistan, they destroy any object that even remotely resembles their god, "Allah," in Arabic. They just destroy any statue they can find. Are you on the same page with them? I wouldn't expect any American to be like them. I have a lot of respect for America as a nation as people make more money there compared to anywhere else. But what you're advocating here is the same thing as the Pakistanis do. It's called iconoclasm.

You don't need to be reminded the difference between "worship" and "decorate."

Sorry for sounding blunt, but it's a genuine question

[GanduHindu]

On a further note, if all graven images were to be banned, sculptors and digital artists would become instantly unemployable.

Why would God want to see millions of sculptors, painters, and artists lose their livelihoods? Are you saying I should cancel my Shutterstock subscription? Each download supports a royalty-based image for an artist who spent a lot of time "engraving images" on Adobe Premiere Pro so that I can decorate my closet interiors with life-sized wallpapers.

Given the current record unemployment levels, wouldn't it be an unnecessary inconvenience for the artistes I support to find alternative occupations?

[Isabella White]

I have a Laughing Buddha at my place, but I certainly do not worship it. It's an expensive gift, and I wouldn't get rid of it for its monetary value alone. It's just an object of decoration.

Oh, Dear. I must say, Miss Hindu, that your post is quite informative; and, for that, I do thank you. And, while I realize you are in discussion with our beloved Mayor, I feel that I must inquire as to this "laughing Buddha" that you possess. Is it in any way connected to the sort of activity that is being performed by the gentleman in the following video clip?

Now, if it's laughter that you are seeking, might I suggest the Joy of the to remedy episodic periods of dark dreariness?

Romans 15:13 "Now the of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."

Psalm 16:11 "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

And, as you shall see in the next video clip, the joy of the manifests itself greatly to those who trust in Almighty . How blessed are the people who are so fortunate to be having this blessed interaction with !

[GanduHindu]

I feel that I must inquire as to this "laughing Buddha" that you possess. Is it in any way connected to the sort of activity that is being performed by the gentleman in the following video clip?

[/ATTACH]

A decoration is a decoration, and a gift is a gift. Does it really matter whether it's a laughing or a crying Buddha? Surely God is going to be indifferent if I used decorations at my home to entertain guests.

[GanduHindu]

I feel that I must inquire as to this "laughing Buddha" that you possess. Is it in any way connected to the sort of activity that is being performed by the gentleman in the following video clip?

[/ATTACH]

A decoration is a decoration, and a gift is a gift. Does it really matter whether it's a laughing or a crying Buddha? Surely God is going to be indifferent if I used decorations at my home to entertain guests.

[GanduHindu]

MODERATORS: Apologies for the multiple posts. As soon as I hit the Enter button on my keyboard, it sent the additional replies.

[Johny Joe Hold]

Grandu--Thank you for your posts and thoughts about Christianity. While I have said before, and still believe, you have potential to qualify for the coveted eternal life, there remains some work to do. Your observation that "surely" God would not object to decorations such as a laughing Buddha, is putting yourself in the mind of God. This is a sin. We here at Landover Baptist are careful not to do this. Best one stay in his/her lane. By speaking for God and saying a decorative Buddha is not a worshipped Buddha you are making a conclusion you are not qualified to do.

The Buddha figure is worshipped and revered. Having one in the home is hosting a graven image, no way to avoid that.

My advice to you is to start with the basics. That is to reject all Hindu gods and embrace God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This will allow you to objectively interpret the Bible.

[GanduHindu]

Grandu--

Your observation that "surely" God would not object to decorations such as a laughing Buddha, is putting yourself in the mind of God. This is a sin. We here at Landover Baptist are careful not to do this. Best one stay in his/her lane.[/QUOTE]

That's fair enough. Being careful, and staying in the lane. I can respect that one from your perspective. I totally do.

By speaking for God and saying a decorative Buddha is not a worshipped Buddha you are making a conclusion you are not qualified to do.
The Buddha figure is worshipped and revered.

You're quite right. The Buddha figure is worshipped and revered by many worldwide, and it can be seen as a slippery slope according to Christian values.

Again, I respect your position. You want to avoid sinning against what the Bible preaches by steering clear of a Buddha statue, which may tempt you to sin.

Often, it's wise to avoid objects that bring you harm. Two decades ago, when I was in college, I was stuck in a relationship with a really nasty girl. She was ill-tempered, controlling, and just a spoilsport. She never let me have anything good. The best decision I made was to end things with her on her birthday. She was nothing but bad news.

I removed that 'object' from my life, and the negative vibes ended immediately. I assume you have similar negative feelings about the Laughing Buddha as I did for that shrew two decades ago.

So yes, brother, I totally understand. Remove any objects from your life that feel accursed and bring nothing but misery.

Having one in the home is hosting a graven image, no way to avoid that.

Brother, this is a strawman argument. Of course, no one can force you to do things against your will.

My advice to you is to start with the basics. That is to reject all Hindu gods and embrace God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This will allow you to objectively interpret the Bible.

I have argued previously that Hinduism is monotheistic, and the core belief system of Hinduism subscribes to a One God principle. The same Creator of every creature. The one absolute, and the description even matches what Moses found in the burning bushes, Exodus 3:14. I am who I am."

The Sanskrit chant सो ऽहम् or 'Soham (it's actually a two to three word sentence) means the exact same thing as a descriptor of God, which is also called the Ultimate Brahman. You might argue it's something else, but no, the exact sentence refers to one God. That's the literal meaning. I'm a Sanskrit expert so I would know if there are any grammatical errors in that language. There are none.

It's a different language, of course. But it means the same thing. Of course, God knows all languages. He doesn't care what language is used to address him.

And you have a nice day.

[GanduHindu]

Also, Mayor, one big reason you may lack positive thoughts about Hinduism, despite the core Hindu canon saying the exact same things about God's nature as the Bible, is because of your Western education. This education has been biased against India for at least two and a half centuries, dating back to Immanuel Kant's times, say the 1760s.

Of course, Kant is one of the most influential modern Western philosophers, and his ideas on aesthetics are widely studied in Western universities. If you have the time, do check out his work Observations on the Feeling of the Beautiful and Sublime. In it, he attributed different standards of aesthetics to different races based on his bookish knowledge. There was no Internet back then to refute his ideas.

Although he never traveled outside of Europe, Kant considered himself an expert on every race of mankind. Very presumptuous, but let's just focus on one of his quotes from that book.

The Italians have a strong feeling for the beautiful with some mixture of the thoughtful sublime. The French have mostly a feeling for the beautiful, but with the addition of the joyful sublime. The feeling of the Germans is an almost equal blend of both the beautiful and the splendid sublime in that they are much concerned with outward appearances. The feeling of the noble sublime predominates with the English, whose actions are guided by principles rather than impulses. With their cruel autos-da-fé and harsh conquests, the Spaniards have feeling for the terrifying sublime. Dutch people in Holland have no finer taste and are concerned only with what is useful. Arabs are like the Spaniards. Persians resemble the French. The Japanese are the Englishmen of the Orient. Indians displays their love of the grotesque sublime, as also do the Chinese. African Negroes possess no finer feelings. North American Indians, however, have a feeling for the sublime in that they are adventurous, honorable, truthful, proud, brave, and valorous.

What Kant really meant was that Indian and Chinese literature is verbose, their paintings are grotesque with unnatural shapes, and their cultures are 'mystical.' In a way, Kant was reinforcing the same negative stereotypes against Indians that were popular two thousand years earlier during the era of Aristotle, who believed Oriental races and Indians are consumed by passion. Kant's perspective was subsequently adopted by Western universities, which viewed Indian religious texts as mystical and grotesque rather than as an elaborate and far more evolved stream of knowledge.

By minimizing the importance and value of Sanskrit and Indian philosophies, you and many of your friends will continue in the tradition of Immanuel Kant. Just because you don't understand something doesn't mean it is false.

If you don't want to make the effort to learn something new, that's your choice. But it doesn't make preexisting knowledge incorrect.

[Johny Joe Hold]

Also, Mayor, one big reason you may lack positive thoughts about Hinduism, despite the core Hindu canon saying the exact same things about God's nature as the Bible, is because of your Western education. This education has been biased against India for at least two and a half centuries, dating back to Immanuel Kant's times, say the 1760s.

If you don't want to make the effort to learn something new, that's your choice. But it doesn't make preexisting knowledge incorrect.

Hindu friend, I continue to believe you have potential. Yet I'm not seeing the progress you will need to become a whole person. Let's review the factual history of the human being.

Going back to before Hinduism, the Greeks has a series of sky gods. Eventually, people realized these were not real. Then came lots of Hindu gods and they, too, never caught on across the globe. Eventually, the Jews figured out the one real god. They learned the origin of humans by reading about Adam and Eve. We know this was the real one God because the Old Testament recorded actual encounters people had with God. Personal testimony proves the Old Testament God is real.

Then Jesus was sent by God to save the world from its sins. Jesus, too, was a real person and real god. Paul in the New Testament had actual encounters with Jesus during visions.

Thus, we have personal testimony in Christianity about the actual existence of God and Jesus. These are not imaginary gods like those in Hinduism or those of the Greeks. I am confident that by studying these facts about the existence of God and His Son, Jesus, you will come to realize Hinduism is about gods of the imagination. I hope this helps.

[GanduHindu]

Hindu friend, I continue to believe you have potential. Yet I'm not seeing the progress you will need to become a whole person.

Hello Mayor,

Condescension won't help your case. If you're trying to convince me that Hinduism is entirely false and that I should adopt your beliefs, you'll need to do much better than that.

Going back to before Hinduism, the Greeks has a series of sky gods. Eventually, people realized these were not real. Then came lots of Hindu gods and they, too, never caught on across the globe.

Stop. Hinduism predates anything the Greeks had to offer. You can't equate Greek beliefs with Hinduism. We don't care about any Mt. Olympus or Apollo, Zeus, Poseidon, and the other Greek deities. As I already proved in my earlier post, Hinduism is monotheistic.

You don't have to learn Sanskrit but these are just three concepts in Hinduism that point to a single monotheistic God. It won't be difficult for you to grasp as I'm aware you don't know Sanskrit which is the mother of all Indo-European languages, including English.

• The first of these three concepts is called the Brahman, (which means the Ultimate Triuth),
• The second is Para-matma (which means Supreme Soul),
• And there's So-ham (Which literally means "I AM THAT I AM"" the same as Exodus 3:14

Clearly, Hindu belief systems are far superior to anything the ancient Greeks could conceive. So, you need to improve your benchmarking if you want to prove Hinduism as false.

When Alexander of Macedon invaded India in 323 BCE, their Greek world view was shattered. Alexander's army included prominent Greek historians such as Aristobulus, Onesicritus, and Nearchus. They found India had a much older oral tradition of the Vedas and the Mahabharata, that even predated Greek beliefs in the Trojan war.

Visiting India was a humbling experience for Alexander. His Western ego and pride got shattered and he decided to head back to Greece before dying prematurely in Babylon. And, this my friend, is recorded history.

Eventually, the Jews figured out the one real god. They learned the origin of humans by reading about Adam and Eve. We know this was the real one God because the Old Testament recorded actual encounters people had with God. Personal testimony proves the Old Testament God is real.

Then Jesus was sent by God to save the world from its sins. Jesus, too, was a real person and real god. Paul in the New Testament had actual encounters with Jesus during visions. Thus, we have personal testimony in Christianity about the actual existence of God and Jesus.

So far I haven't disputed anything the Bible says. Yes, personal testimony is important in organized religions.

These are not imaginary gods like those in Hinduism or those of the Greeks. I am confident that by studying these facts about the existence of God and His Son, Jesus, you will come to realize Hinduism is about gods of the imagination. I hope this helps.

I'm just saying so far you've not been able to provide a single shred of logical evidence that would prove Hinduism as false. Based on the Bible alone, I know what you're saying cannot be correct. I have evidence.

• Hinduism is not mentioned in the Bible by name. You might argue that Hinduism wasn't important enough for Middle Eastern Jews, but the truth is, India was impenetrable like a fortress. It would have been very difficult for them to travel here. Just think about it: Christopher Columbus and his crew faced immense hardships trying to find a route to India, and they accidentally discovered America instead.

• The references to India in the English language version of the Bible sound inaccurate: There are two references to India in the Bible, Esther 1:1 and Esther 8:9, and the English language version of the Bible goes everything against recorded history. Xerxes never ruled India. Indians were never subjugated to the Persian Empire. The Bible says India belongs to the eastern end of the Persian Empire. which is more than a bit of a stretch. Whether it refers to Nebuchadnezzar, Xerxes, Darius or other Persian emperors mentioned in the Bible, India and Iran have always been independent of each other. And rarely at war throughout history. Indians and Iranians are different people that respect each other. But there's nothing in common.

I am not saying the Bible is incorrect but the English language translations of Esther 1:1 and Esther 9:9 require further scrutiny. Probably King James I's scribes who conceived the King James Bible had access to the original Biblical documents which mentioned India lying on the eastern end of the Persian Empire on its borders, but they misinterpreted it as India which is a part of the Persian Empire. It looks like a very bad translation to me.

[Johny Joe Hold]

Hello Mayor,

Condescension won't help your case. If you're trying to convince me that Hinduism is entirely false and that I should adopt your beliefs, you'll need to do much better than that.
Stop. Hinduism predates anything the Greeks had to offer. You can't equate Greek beliefs with Hinduism. We don't care about any Mt. Olympus or Apollo, Zeus, Poseidon, and the other Greek deities. As I already proved in my earlier post, Hinduism is monotheistic.

The references to India in the English language version of the Bible sound inaccurate

It is not the job of Landover Baptist to prove Hinduism is about real gods. It is your job to prove those gods actually exist and are not just something in your imagination. That is what I have done in our visits here. I have pointed to historical visits of God and Jesus with known human beings. If you cannot match that with any of your Hindu gods you need to convert to Christianity,

Here is evidence of the power and truthfulness of Christianity. It is the money and symbols of power the influence held exclusively by Christianity. Our beloved Pastor Zeke will soon own a giant Airbus, the largest aircraft owned by any religious group in the world. Other Christian preacher cris cross the globe in their privately owned jets. I've never heard of a Hindu preacher who owned anything. Don't they just walk around barefoot wrapped in sheets like Gandhi?

If we are going to keep this discussion going, let's agree on some ground rules. Let's agree to discuss only factual encounters of humans with gods like God and Jesus.

[Isabella White]

Condescension won't help your case. If you're trying to convince me that Hinduism is entirely false and that I should adopt your beliefs, you'll need to do much better than that.

I can see that our dear Mayor has responded accordingly; however, I would like to add this, from the — the only Book that really matters!

II Timothy 3:16,17:
¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of , and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
¹⁷ That the man of may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

I doubt that you will something similar in your Hindu writings. And, if you do find something relatively close, it will not matter. Whether or not you choose to believe that is the Author of the is a choice that you will make. I must warn you, though, that ignoring the sacred teachings about repentance and salvation through the of the , , will cause you great anguish and misery when you stand before the on that great day — known as Judgment!

Matthew 25:30 "And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

You may find us a bit on strict side, here at , but — rest assured — as servants of Almighty , we are here to help the wayward newcomer find the one and only Path to Heaven.

Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Matthew 7:13,14:
¹³ Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
¹⁴ Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

May the bless you, Dear, as you seek forgiveness and salvation.