Recreating God in The Image of Man

The Seven Sons of Sceva had religion. The book of Acts tells us that they were going around trying to cast demons out "in the name of Jesus that Paul preaches." They of course did not know Jesus, or even Paul for that matter. But they thought since using the name of Christ worked so well for Paul, they would do so as well. This was the result:

(One day) the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. Acts 19:15 16

The Seven Sons of Sceva had religion but they did not have relationship. Many religions today are lacking that same relationship. They may have great speakers, motivational programs, self help and a smattering of the Bible but in the end they do not walk in the power of God because they have no relationship with Him.

Simon the Sorcerer had religion. Acts also tells us this story; where a man named Simon was a renowned sorcerer. People were amazed at the magic he would perform. When Phillip came to his region though, many followed him and were baptized. The Bible actually states that Simon also became a believer, was baptized, and began to follow Phillip as well. When he saw the Apostles lay hands on people and they received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, Simon would offer to buy the power to do the same. Here was the response from Peter:

Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin." Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me." Acts 8: 20-24

Many religions lead people's hearts astray. It becomes very me-centric and selfish-focused. It becomes about what God can do for you; instead of how you can glorify God. Notice that even after being confronted with the truth, Simon's concerns are not about his offense to God but rather about making sure nothing happens to him.

In the Old Testament, Israel was in a constant cycle of disobedience and revival with the disobedient side being longer and more pronounced. Such was the time that Jeremiah the Prophet lived. He lived during the last decades that Judah existed before being destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar and carried off into exile in Babylon. Jeremiah's job was to pronounce the coming judgment of the Lord. Our key verses above show that God Himself was not impressed with the religion practiced by Judah.

First, God lists some of the offenses Judah was committing. These were similar to the ten northern tribes of Israel which led to their downfall at the hands of Assyria years earlier. The first four offenses are representative of how we live our lives outside of our church or religion. Stealing, killing, adultery and lying about someone else are all egregious acts and most decidedly ungodly. All four are violations of the Ten Commandments of God. The following two offenses are in direct relation to the spiritual state of Judah. God accuses them of burning incense to Baal following other Gods. This was an ongoing theme for Israel and Judah. They were too easily influenced by surrounding cultures in what they believed and how they behaved. That is even how Israel ended up with mortal Kings to begin with. Initially, Israel was set up as a theocracy; God was their King. When Samuel, the last Judge of Israel, was advanced in age the elders of Israel came to ask for a king:

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