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Monday, June 25, 2012

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2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18
Psalm 60:3-5, 12-13
Matthew 7:1-5

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the cult of secular humanism

"...because they venerated other gods." —2 Kings 17:7

When we read in the Bible about false gods, we picture weird-looking statues in a strange temple filled with fanatical, demon-possessed aborigines. False gods don't necessarily have anything to do with statues, temples, or foreign cultures. For example, secular humanism is a religion that bows down before the god of self. There is no emphasis on statues or temples. The people involved in this religion do not appear primitive, but sophisticated.

Secular humanism adores a variety of gods: the gods of sex, pleasure, money, lifestyle, military power, scientific technology, capitalism, and communism. Some secular humanists are atheists, while others even acknowledge the existence of the true God. Nevertheless, for practical purposes, all secular humanists put man first and therefore put man in the place of god.

It's so easy to get involved in the cult of secular humanism. If we get caught up in it, we will go the way of all who worship false gods. We will be manipulated by Satan, become as perverse and empty as the gods we worship (Ps 115:8), and perish. The Lord is patient and merciful. He's giving us a chance to repent and get the plank out of our eyes (Mt 7:5). However, we have already missed countless opportunities to repent. Time eventually runs out. Repent now.

Prayer:  Jesus, I repent of idolatry and being involved with the cult of secular humanism. I give my life to You and acknowledge You as Lord and God.

Promise:  "Your verdict on others will be the verdict passed on you. The measure with which you measure will be used to measure you." —Mt 7:2

Praise:  Jesus instantly healed an elderly woman of a swallowing problem when Sally prayed with her.

Reference:  (For related teaching, order our leaflet, The Challenge of Making Disciples in a Culture of Death, or on audio AV 97-1 and AV 97-3 or on video V-97.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 29, 2012

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