Graven Images

Isaiah 42:8 ESV
I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.

I recently heard a really interesting story about the Amish. Amish families will not make any dolls with a head. They are afraid that adding a face will turn the doll into a graven image. Who's to say they aren't right?

There are several Bible verses about graven images and having idols. I've been reading a lot on this subject, and what I've learned has made me double think even having angel figurines on my shelves.

I don't know if I have mentioned before, but I am non-denominational. I did grow up Baptist, but as an adult I didn't feel it was right for me. As a Christian, I base my beliefs off what the Bible says. Not human doctrines.

There are some denominations that encourage praying to others besides God. The Bible is very clear on who we need to pray to. We shouldn't be praying to Mary or anyone else. We also shouldn't be going to church and praying to a replica of Jesus. I can see how that would be a form of idolatry.

It used to be that when I saw an image of Jesus on the wall, I would feel comforted. The truth is we don't really know what Jesus looked like. We shouldn't be praying to that image or because of that image.

Through research, I've learned that several things that most of us wouldn't consider a graven image could be. For example, supposedly the ducks found on a lot of kitchen items represents some God in Egyptian history.

There are a ton of websites that deal with this issue. I would recommend a Google search and a lot of reading.

When you are dealing with some items, you also have to worry that you are inviting evil in your home.

Have you recently got or received a questionable item, and you've been experiencing problems in your life? Marital problems, depression, or just really bad nightmares? If so, it's time to pray and get rid of that item.

I've read countless stories of a similar situation. Sometimes just burning the item while saying a prayer to cast out the evil is sufficient. Other times, you will need to burn the item and get your house anointed with oil and prayer by a religious leader.

Your pastor should be able to help you with this. If he can't, it's time to check out a different church. Spiritual Warfare is real, and it's happening to you right now. You need to be in a church that believes it's happening and teaches what to do about it.

Ephesians 6:10-12 declares, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” This text teaches some crucial truths: we can only be strong in the Lord’s power, it is God’s armor that protects us, and our battle is against spiritual forces of evil in the world.

Although I wouldn't recommend any icons, religious or otherwise, if you really must have one try the following website;

There is a lot more I'd like to add, but I'm on the laptop. I'm going to update this in the near future. In the meantime, please share your stories. Or feel free to leave a comment if you need prayer.