The modern believer rarely wakes up and decides to stop following Jesus. We don’t usually trade the Cross for a white flag of surrender. Instead, we trade the Cross for a crowded table. This is the subtle danger of mixed altars – when our faith becomes diluted by what we add beside Christ, rather than rejecting Him outright.
In his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul issues a staggering warning: "You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons." Notice he doesn't say you shouldn't—he says you cannot. It is a spiritual impossibility to maintain a covenant with Christ while inviting "extra guests" to sit at His altar. This isn't a polite suggestion; it's a spiritual law.
The greatest threat to our Christian allegiance in the 21st-century church isn't that we are losing our faith; it’s that we are editing it. We have become experts at the "Jesus Plus" gospel, which often serves as a form of modern idolatry:
Jesus plus my political identity, which often disciples me harder than Scripture itself.
Jesus plus therapy language, subtly replacing biblical repentance with mere affirmation.
Jesus plus the pursuit of "authentic" ego, baptized as spiritual truth.
Jesus plus new-age practices like astrology or manifestation, disguised as "discernment."
We mistakenly think these additions are harmless tools to help us navigate a complex world. But altars are not neutral spaces. When we add something to the table of the Lord, we are not expanding our faith—we are redefining our spiritual compromise. Paul reminds us that this is not merely symbolic participation; it is spiritual alignment.
The enemy’s most effective strategy is not to devour the Church, but to make the wolves look like sheep and the pagan altars look Christian. He doesn’t need to remove Jesus from your life; he just needs you to give him a seat at the table. This cultural Christianity promises comfort but delivers spiritual exhaustion.
True freedom isn't found in a "buffet-style" faith where we take a little of the world and a little of the Word. Freedom is found in the singular, focused devotion to the One who refuses to share His glory. It’s time to stop managing Jesus and start worshipping Him. God's jealousy for our devotion isn't a sign of His insecurity; it's the ultimate proof of His intimacy with us.
It's time to clear the table.
Watch this week’s sermon,
"You're Not Under Attack – You're Under the Influence,"
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