High Places
In the Bible, "high places" (Hebrew: "bāmôt") generally refer to elevated sites used for worship, often associated with idolatry and pagan practices. These locations were typically situated on hills or mountains, which were considered to be closer to the divine. High places were used for various forms of worship, including sacrifices and offerings, not only to Yahweh but also to other gods, such as Baal and Asherah. The construction of these sites often reflected the syncretism that occurred in ancient Israel, where the worship of Yahweh became intertwined with the rituals of surrounding nations (2 Kings 17:9-11).The biblical narrative frequently condemns the high places, especially when they became centers for idol worship. Kings like Hezekiah and Josiah are noted for their efforts to remove these high places and restore true worship to Yahweh (2 Kings 18:4; 23:5-8). The presence of high places indicates the struggle within Israel to maintain fidelity to God amidst cultural pressures and the allure of surrounding pagan practices, serving as a reminder of the challenges of spiritual purity and the importance of worshiping God in accordance with His commandments (Deuteronomy 12:2-4).
High Places2
(Spiritual Dangers) the Danger of High Places
By Don Currin1.7K1:15:341KI 11:1MAT 5:28MAT 5:30In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of buying a movie for his family. However, upon previewing the movie, he discovers that it contains profanity and takes God's name in vain. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a standard for the movies we watch and listen to, based on biblical principles. He warns against compromising our values and defiling our conscience, as it can have negative consequences on our lives and the lives of our loved ones. The speaker encourages listeners to be mindful of the content they expose themselves to and to prioritize seeking God's face and ministering to others.
Removing the High Places
By Don Currin2.0K52:442CO 10:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the reign of Solomon as king in Jerusalem for 40 years. The first four years were characterized by blessings. The preacher emphasizes the importance of removing any sinful influences from our lives and being accountable to others. He warns against allowing high places, or areas of temptation, to remain in our lives, as they can lead to yielding to temptation and compromising our testimony. The consequences of allowing high places to remain include providing easy opportunities for temptation and drawing us away from our spiritual desires. The preacher encourages believers to take action and remove these high places from their lives.