So, it's taking longer to edit than I thought...so, I'll work harder!
Just finished updating the testimony, boy that is super long. I could make it shorter, but it's at least of value for me to get it out and put things in perspective. Looking back, it makes it so clear where I went wrong. I hope that people find it valuable, despite its length. I hope it's clear that God can take someone who's screwed up in alot of ways and still use them as long as we repent, and truly submit to Him.
So, hopefully I will get caught up soon.
In other news, been listening to a ton of podcasts, check out Andrew Hoffman's Propaganda talk over at Revelations Radio (in itunes or their website). I also listened to some UFO podcasts, more of the same New Age jibba jabba. I don't think I really want to get into it. One show had a guy talking about grey aliens stealing our souls. He claimed that he's not religious, yet for more than 2 hours, he slavishly promoted what LA Marzulli calls the Alien Gospel. It sounded like a religion to me.
There was another disturbing podcast i listened to, and it had some high profile lady on there, and...I really don't want to talk about it.
For anyone interested in Ghost hunting, go over to "Face Like The Sun's" blog, He did an awesome video on ghosthunters. We have some differing conclusions, but that's OK. I really like what he did.
Nothing else right now, I'm making some headway on the acupuncture thing, so hopefully I will have something solid soon.
Oh, and congrats to Prince William and his bride. I don't really care to pry too much into their private lives, or read the magazine, or even watch anything about it. I got too much to do, and already don't get that done.
Anyways, your highness I wish you the best of luck in your marriage and pray that God blesses you both and brings you to know Him. May He also give you wisdom and compassion to be a good and just ruler when the time comes. I pray also that He allows you both and your marriage to be blessed in Christ's name.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Happy Resurrection Day!
Folks, 2000 some years ago Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem and willingly gave his life on the cross for us. Three days later, He rose from the grave, victorious over death. It is because of this, I know that when I die, He will raise me up and take me to Heaven forever.
For som great resources on this, you can check out the Bible.
But you can also go check out LA Marzulli's site, which has a great summary of this event. He also has an awesome theory on the Shroud of Turin, which I used to think was a fraud, but I no longer do. I think that it indeed is proof of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, only because it cannot be duplicated. That's not to say we worship the cloth, but I think it points to the truth of His resurrection, which should point you to Him.
Also check out Chuck Missler's 66/40 series on the crucifixion, it is nothing short of spectacular and brought me closer to Christ.
Anyways, going through and editing the articles still, so enjoy.
Also take a look at the links on the right. Childern's Hunger Fund is new. They are a ministry worth looking into and the ministry watch website gives them an awesome rating. So, if you feel led to, go ahead on over there and donate some money. Go check them out yourself, I can do an article on them sometime, but it's better just to see for yourself the stuff they do. They also have a prayer support email they send out so you can pray for things they are doing.
Later!
For som great resources on this, you can check out the Bible.
But you can also go check out LA Marzulli's site, which has a great summary of this event. He also has an awesome theory on the Shroud of Turin, which I used to think was a fraud, but I no longer do. I think that it indeed is proof of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, only because it cannot be duplicated. That's not to say we worship the cloth, but I think it points to the truth of His resurrection, which should point you to Him.
Also check out Chuck Missler's 66/40 series on the crucifixion, it is nothing short of spectacular and brought me closer to Christ.
Anyways, going through and editing the articles still, so enjoy.
Also take a look at the links on the right. Childern's Hunger Fund is new. They are a ministry worth looking into and the ministry watch website gives them an awesome rating. So, if you feel led to, go ahead on over there and donate some money. Go check them out yourself, I can do an article on them sometime, but it's better just to see for yourself the stuff they do. They also have a prayer support email they send out so you can pray for things they are doing.
Later!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Thoughts on the Armor of God, Sleep Paralysis
Just some quick thoughts on the armor of God and how to put it on. Hope it helps. I've always read it, and wondered "What the heck is Paul talking about?" How can I put this armor on?
The Belt of Truth - To me, this means not only telling the truth. But also we have to BELIEVE the truth. Much of our Christian walk is not what we do, but what we believe.
We have to believe that Jesus Christ is who He said He is. We have to believe that God's word is true and from Him. We have to stand in this truth. We have to live this truth.
The Breastplate/body armor of Righteousness - This one is self explanatory. Be righteous. Obey God's commandments. Christ told us to (paraphrasing it) love God with all of our being, and love each other. I think this also means that we need to avoid sin, and when we sin repent it to God through Jesus Christ ASAP. The only way we can have rightesousness before God is through His son and what He did.
The Boots/shoes of the Peace that comes from the Gospel - I think that this goes with the two commandments Christ gave us, but also, if we believe the Gospel, we will have peace in our hearts. This peace will help us be a witness for Jesus just through our actions and behaviors. Our faith in the Gospel will also take us where God needs us to go. Remember, Jesus Christ died for our sins. He rose again from the dead. He is God in human flesh. Fully God, fully man and He took our sin away.
The Shield of Faith - If we have faith that Christ destroyed the works of the devil, and have faith that the devil and demons are subject to His authority, their attacks against us will not succeed. They have many attacks, but Russ Dizdar has a great look at this. He often says that some of these attacks are that we don't feel like going to church. Or we feel that God doesn't love us. Those are some of the attacks. We have to have faith that God does love us. Even if we can't feel Him, or His love at a moment, He can't stop loving us. Or else He wouldn't have sent Christ. As Chuck Missler says: "God loves you so much, He can't take His eyes off of you."
The Helmet of Salvation - Here's what I think. Once we become saved through Jesus Christ, we become filled with the Holy Spirit. He doesn't leave. Yes, we can quench the Holy Spirit through sin and that sin needs to be repented of right away. But, because we are filled with His Spirit, we cannot become posessed by an evil spirit.
The Sword of Truth - Read the Bible. If possible, memorize the Bible. I am horrible here as far as verbatim memorization, but I can remember key phrases that lead me to the right scripture. I can also remember the "story" very well. In any event, this "sword" will help us be convicted of our own sin, and can help us attack the sin of others. It can also be used against the enemy, though he probably knows our Bibles better than we do. Satan twists scripture, but we can fight back by remembering what God really said. Clearly God's pure word is a better weapon than Satan's.
Also, just bringing this up because Chris White suggested it on his podcast.
If anyone out there is suffereing from sleep paralysis, it can be stopped. I myself have woken up and felt evil in my room. I felt it holding me down or attacking me. But because of my relationship with Jesus Christ I was able to ask Him to help me. And guess what, as soon as I thought "Jesus Christ" or "Jesus help me" the attack stopped.
I will be honest. Each of my (5 I think) sleep paralysis episodes were after I came to Christ. The first time, my call to Jesus, or prayer to God to stp it in Jesus' name stopped it.
The second time it didn't stop right away, and that may be because I didn't ask Christ for help, or because I had unconfessed sin in my life. I think I also was trying to make myself move on my own though. It took a while, but it did stop eventually though.
My third episode was a similar story, but it was less paralysis than seeing a shadow being in my room. This wan't really an attack, but I prayed and it went away.
My fourth episode, I had a dream that someone was outside my house, and as soon as I saw him, I knew he was demon or posessed. So I opened the door and was going to go fight him, and I was going to say "Jesus" or rebuke him in Christ's name in the dream, but I couldn't speak. So I just thought "Jesus, the blood of Jesus." I awoke instantly and as I awoke, I could feel paralysis that broke within seconds. This dream happened just as I started emailing with Gaz Parker, and just before he encouraged me to start this blog.
My fifth (I know, this is getting ridiculous) I awoke and felt pressing on my chest. It was very light though, and as soon as I felt it, I just prayed "Jesus help me" and it stopped immediately.
I can confidently tell you that if it happens again, I will report it here, and also tell you how Jesus stopped it for me.
You can also go to www.stopsleepparalysis.org/ where they can give you alot better help and stories than I can give.
Update, armor of God 9-19-11
Here's something I just got from gotquestions.org. great thought on the armor...go put it on!
Armor of God
Ephesians 6:13-18 gives a description of the spiritual armor God gives us. We are to stand firm with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and by praying in the Spirit. What do these pieces of spiritual armor represent in spiritual warfare? We are to speak the truth against Satan’s lies. We are to rest in the fact that we are declared righteous because of Christ’s sacrifice for us. We are to proclaim the gospel no matter how much resistance we receive. We are not to waver in our faith, no matter how strongly we are attacked. Our ultimate defense is the assurance we have of our salvation, an assurance that no spiritual force can take away. Our offensive weapon is the Word of God, not our own opinions and feelings. We are to follow Jesus’ example in recognizing that some spiritual victories are only possible through prayer.
Ephesians 6:13–18 (ESV)
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, the Gospel of Peace.
The Belt of Truth - To me, this means not only telling the truth. But also we have to BELIEVE the truth. Much of our Christian walk is not what we do, but what we believe.
We have to believe that Jesus Christ is who He said He is. We have to believe that God's word is true and from Him. We have to stand in this truth. We have to live this truth.
The Breastplate/body armor of Righteousness - This one is self explanatory. Be righteous. Obey God's commandments. Christ told us to (paraphrasing it) love God with all of our being, and love each other. I think this also means that we need to avoid sin, and when we sin repent it to God through Jesus Christ ASAP. The only way we can have rightesousness before God is through His son and what He did.
The Boots/shoes of the Peace that comes from the Gospel - I think that this goes with the two commandments Christ gave us, but also, if we believe the Gospel, we will have peace in our hearts. This peace will help us be a witness for Jesus just through our actions and behaviors. Our faith in the Gospel will also take us where God needs us to go. Remember, Jesus Christ died for our sins. He rose again from the dead. He is God in human flesh. Fully God, fully man and He took our sin away.
The Shield of Faith - If we have faith that Christ destroyed the works of the devil, and have faith that the devil and demons are subject to His authority, their attacks against us will not succeed. They have many attacks, but Russ Dizdar has a great look at this. He often says that some of these attacks are that we don't feel like going to church. Or we feel that God doesn't love us. Those are some of the attacks. We have to have faith that God does love us. Even if we can't feel Him, or His love at a moment, He can't stop loving us. Or else He wouldn't have sent Christ. As Chuck Missler says: "God loves you so much, He can't take His eyes off of you."
The Helmet of Salvation - Here's what I think. Once we become saved through Jesus Christ, we become filled with the Holy Spirit. He doesn't leave. Yes, we can quench the Holy Spirit through sin and that sin needs to be repented of right away. But, because we are filled with His Spirit, we cannot become posessed by an evil spirit.
The Sword of Truth - Read the Bible. If possible, memorize the Bible. I am horrible here as far as verbatim memorization, but I can remember key phrases that lead me to the right scripture. I can also remember the "story" very well. In any event, this "sword" will help us be convicted of our own sin, and can help us attack the sin of others. It can also be used against the enemy, though he probably knows our Bibles better than we do. Satan twists scripture, but we can fight back by remembering what God really said. Clearly God's pure word is a better weapon than Satan's.
Also, just bringing this up because Chris White suggested it on his podcast.
If anyone out there is suffereing from sleep paralysis, it can be stopped. I myself have woken up and felt evil in my room. I felt it holding me down or attacking me. But because of my relationship with Jesus Christ I was able to ask Him to help me. And guess what, as soon as I thought "Jesus Christ" or "Jesus help me" the attack stopped.
I will be honest. Each of my (5 I think) sleep paralysis episodes were after I came to Christ. The first time, my call to Jesus, or prayer to God to stp it in Jesus' name stopped it.
The second time it didn't stop right away, and that may be because I didn't ask Christ for help, or because I had unconfessed sin in my life. I think I also was trying to make myself move on my own though. It took a while, but it did stop eventually though.
My third episode was a similar story, but it was less paralysis than seeing a shadow being in my room. This wan't really an attack, but I prayed and it went away.
My fourth episode, I had a dream that someone was outside my house, and as soon as I saw him, I knew he was demon or posessed. So I opened the door and was going to go fight him, and I was going to say "Jesus" or rebuke him in Christ's name in the dream, but I couldn't speak. So I just thought "Jesus, the blood of Jesus." I awoke instantly and as I awoke, I could feel paralysis that broke within seconds. This dream happened just as I started emailing with Gaz Parker, and just before he encouraged me to start this blog.
My fifth (I know, this is getting ridiculous) I awoke and felt pressing on my chest. It was very light though, and as soon as I felt it, I just prayed "Jesus help me" and it stopped immediately.
I can confidently tell you that if it happens again, I will report it here, and also tell you how Jesus stopped it for me.
You can also go to www.stopsleepparalysis.org/ where they can give you alot better help and stories than I can give.
Update, armor of God 9-19-11
Here's something I just got from gotquestions.org. great thought on the armor...go put it on!
Armor of God
Ephesians 6:13-18 gives a description of the spiritual armor God gives us. We are to stand firm with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and by praying in the Spirit. What do these pieces of spiritual armor represent in spiritual warfare? We are to speak the truth against Satan’s lies. We are to rest in the fact that we are declared righteous because of Christ’s sacrifice for us. We are to proclaim the gospel no matter how much resistance we receive. We are not to waver in our faith, no matter how strongly we are attacked. Our ultimate defense is the assurance we have of our salvation, an assurance that no spiritual force can take away. Our offensive weapon is the Word of God, not our own opinions and feelings. We are to follow Jesus’ example in recognizing that some spiritual victories are only possible through prayer.
Ephesians 6:13–18 (ESV)
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, the Gospel of Peace.
Spring Cleaning
Hi all,
This week's post is short. I want to take a week or two of for some housekeeping things here, at home and everywhere else. That is, I'm going to go back and edit some pieces here, and need to just take a breather. It seems like a really good time for a good old Jubilee/Sabbath so I'll take it.
But, there are a few things.
First, now is the time we celebrate when our Lord Jesus was crucified, died, buried and He rose again. So, in this season, let's remember that and think of what it means for us here and now. How He died to pay the penalty for our sins, and now sits at God's right hand and how He will return soon.
Secondly, I've got something that was just laid on my heart. The term "unreached peoples". This means that a certain people group has less than 2% Christian population. I guess, I just want to ask you to pray for those who are unreached, that God will break the spiritual bonds preventing them from hearing or responding to the Gospel. Also pray that hearts and minds will be open to hearing about, and receiving Christ.
Specific areas to pray for:
Japan - Earthquake, but also that people will come to Christ and that spiritual bonds will be broken.
Iran, India and Pakistan - That Muslims and Hindus will come to know Jesus and that the Gospel will be spread.
Myanmar, Thailand and China - That the power of Christ's victory will tear down Buddhist strongholds and that people will have a chance to hear the Gospel and that their ears and hearts will be open to Him.
So, please lift those groups up in prayer and any other groups that you can think of.
Lastly, I wanted to take this time to research some topics more in depth before writing about them here. The reason being is the topics I want to look at are not quite so cut and dry. That is, it's very debatable whether or not the things are a danger to Christians. Qi Gong and Yoga, it's pretty easy to see that they are very New Age or Occult. But what about Tai Chi, or other martial arts? What about acupuncture? Some even have gone so far as to say that even chiropractic care is New Age or occult. Herbal medicine might be seen as occult, yet those same folks who cry that may be OK with something like Prozac, which in my opinion is more dangerous spiritually than say an herbal remedy for something else. Yet because Prozac is "mainstream" western medicine it's "OK".
So, some upcoming topics (and I hope I recall them later)
Alternative medicine - acupuncture, herbal medicine, chiropractic
Martial arts - Tai Chi, Taekwondo, Kung Fu
Dinosaurs pt 2 - Behemoth, dinosaurs in general, megafauna
The Book of Enoch - 'nuff said
Cryptozoology - actual undiscovered creatures, how it's a doorway to the oocult
Animals - do pets go to Heaven, animals in general
Time travel - is it possible, has it happened,
Quantum physics - Multiverse, how its being used to promote the occult, how it can be used to scientifically prove the Gospel and the Bible (for the really good stuff on that though, go listen to Chuck Missler)
take care, and God bless. I'll be back soon, hopefully with better posts in the past and some in the future
This week's post is short. I want to take a week or two of for some housekeeping things here, at home and everywhere else. That is, I'm going to go back and edit some pieces here, and need to just take a breather. It seems like a really good time for a good old Jubilee/Sabbath so I'll take it.
But, there are a few things.
First, now is the time we celebrate when our Lord Jesus was crucified, died, buried and He rose again. So, in this season, let's remember that and think of what it means for us here and now. How He died to pay the penalty for our sins, and now sits at God's right hand and how He will return soon.
Secondly, I've got something that was just laid on my heart. The term "unreached peoples". This means that a certain people group has less than 2% Christian population. I guess, I just want to ask you to pray for those who are unreached, that God will break the spiritual bonds preventing them from hearing or responding to the Gospel. Also pray that hearts and minds will be open to hearing about, and receiving Christ.
Specific areas to pray for:
Japan - Earthquake, but also that people will come to Christ and that spiritual bonds will be broken.
Iran, India and Pakistan - That Muslims and Hindus will come to know Jesus and that the Gospel will be spread.
Myanmar, Thailand and China - That the power of Christ's victory will tear down Buddhist strongholds and that people will have a chance to hear the Gospel and that their ears and hearts will be open to Him.
So, please lift those groups up in prayer and any other groups that you can think of.
Lastly, I wanted to take this time to research some topics more in depth before writing about them here. The reason being is the topics I want to look at are not quite so cut and dry. That is, it's very debatable whether or not the things are a danger to Christians. Qi Gong and Yoga, it's pretty easy to see that they are very New Age or Occult. But what about Tai Chi, or other martial arts? What about acupuncture? Some even have gone so far as to say that even chiropractic care is New Age or occult. Herbal medicine might be seen as occult, yet those same folks who cry that may be OK with something like Prozac, which in my opinion is more dangerous spiritually than say an herbal remedy for something else. Yet because Prozac is "mainstream" western medicine it's "OK".
So, some upcoming topics (and I hope I recall them later)
Alternative medicine - acupuncture, herbal medicine, chiropractic
Martial arts - Tai Chi, Taekwondo, Kung Fu
Dinosaurs pt 2 - Behemoth, dinosaurs in general, megafauna
The Book of Enoch - 'nuff said
Cryptozoology - actual undiscovered creatures, how it's a doorway to the oocult
Animals - do pets go to Heaven, animals in general
Time travel - is it possible, has it happened,
Quantum physics - Multiverse, how its being used to promote the occult, how it can be used to scientifically prove the Gospel and the Bible (for the really good stuff on that though, go listen to Chuck Missler)
take care, and God bless. I'll be back soon, hopefully with better posts in the past and some in the future
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Let's do this one by the Book. God's Book.
With all of what’s going on in the world, I just wanted to write a small post today. There are riots all over the Muslim world, and Palestine and Israel are fighting, again. Some nutcase is burning Korans and making it seem that this is something that Christians support. I apologize if any Muslims are offended by this man's actions, please know that he does NOT represent true Christians in what He is doing. A true Christian should be trying to make peace and spread the Good News about Jesus.
The world has seen better times, and it will be seeing worse times before long I think. But then, after that happens, we will see the best times ever.
At any rate, I’ve noticed that there are a lot of readers of this blog in the Muslim world recently. I’m not sure what parts you guys are reading, or what brought you here. I hope you’re enjoying it and that it helps you in some way. I do want to welcome any Muslims here in the name of the Lord Jesus, may God bless you in His name.
I don’t know if you are Christians in the Muslim world reading this, or Muslims looking to learn more about Jesus. In any event, I hope that you have been enjoying the blog and that it brings you closer to the Living God. For any of you that are Muslims this post is for you.
If you are a Muslim and want to know more about Jesus or want to know how REAL Christians feel about Jesus, I recommend a few resources for you.
1) Fouad Mosri (spelling? Sorry!) Runs "the Crescent Project" a group that meets Muslims where you are at and shares the truth about Jesus.
2) Carl Medaris is an author who has done missions with Muslims. I can't recall the title of his book, but you can search his name on amazon, or go to www.futurequake.com and search their "past shows" to download an audio interview with him
3) Nabeel Jabbour has a book called "the crescent through the eyes of the cross". Nabeel is an Egyptian Christian who loves Jesus and loves Muslims.
And last, I have a blog post here:
http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2010/12/build-bridge-and-get-over-it-fouad.html
http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2011/04/just-dropping-quick-post.html
Peace be upon you and may God bless your search
The world has seen better times, and it will be seeing worse times before long I think. But then, after that happens, we will see the best times ever.
At any rate, I’ve noticed that there are a lot of readers of this blog in the Muslim world recently. I’m not sure what parts you guys are reading, or what brought you here. I hope you’re enjoying it and that it helps you in some way. I do want to welcome any Muslims here in the name of the Lord Jesus, may God bless you in His name.
I don’t know if you are Christians in the Muslim world reading this, or Muslims looking to learn more about Jesus. In any event, I hope that you have been enjoying the blog and that it brings you closer to the Living God. For any of you that are Muslims this post is for you.
If you are a Muslim and want to know more about Jesus or want to know how REAL Christians feel about Jesus, I recommend a few resources for you.
1) Fouad Mosri (spelling? Sorry!) Runs "the Crescent Project" a group that meets Muslims where you are at and shares the truth about Jesus.
2) Carl Medaris is an author who has done missions with Muslims. I can't recall the title of his book, but you can search his name on amazon, or go to www.futurequake.com and search their "past shows" to download an audio interview with him
3) Nabeel Jabbour has a book called "the crescent through the eyes of the cross". Nabeel is an Egyptian Christian who loves Jesus and loves Muslims.
And last, I have a blog post here:
http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2010/12/build-bridge-and-get-over-it-fouad.html
http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2011/04/just-dropping-quick-post.html
Peace be upon you and may God bless your search
Thursday, April 7, 2011
the virgins
Interesting article... the funny thing is I had a dream this morning and it made me think of this parable. There were these people and they were all old. And there were a few of them and they were called the virgins. People croded around them, and some mocked and tried to defile them even tho they were old. Then I awoke and thought of Jesus' parable about the wise and foolish virgins.
I'm not saying its prophecy, but an interesting thing nonetheless. In any event, repent. Get right with God, and if you haven't, accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and savior. We don't know how soon His return is. It could be tomorrow. It could be 10, 100 years from now. But why wait?
http://m.hearkenthewatchmen.com/article.asp?id=503
I'm not saying its prophecy, but an interesting thing nonetheless. In any event, repent. Get right with God, and if you haven't, accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and savior. We don't know how soon His return is. It could be tomorrow. It could be 10, 100 years from now. But why wait?
http://m.hearkenthewatchmen.com/article.asp?id=503
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Hunting Season: Ghost Hunters are Frauds (Real Spirits and People Perpetrating Spiritual Frauds)
I want to warn you how dangerous this show is. I used to be into this stuff myself years ago. I read Fate Magazine, I watched Sightings, Unsolved Mysteries and all of that stuff. Basically I was into studying the paranormal in its many manifestations. I still have an occasional interest in it, but at this point I can recognize it for what it really is. But it took me a long time to do so.
I have never seen an episode of Ghost Hunters, and I really don’t want to see it. I really don’t need to as I’m quite familiar with how a typical paranormal investigation goes, mainly from watching Sightings and other shows of this sort in more recent years.
Here’s my take: so, there’s an allegedly “haunted” location. Someone died mysteriously, or there are many strange stories about ghosts and other strange goings on. So, then the Ghost Hunters get called in, and they bring all there fancy gadgets. They probably do some investigation at night, of course in the dark. They likely have a number of hair raising close calls, and some anomalous “evidence” that they can’t explain, but neither does it really prove anything. Then occasionally they’ll find something really good, or sometimes they find nothing.
Am I warm so far?
The appeal of this show is not surprising. After all, we hope that there is life after death (I know there is). They’re investigating the unknown, and they’re digging into crap that most of us are not brave (or dumb enough) to get into on our own. Then there’s the entertainment value. All of us love to get scared. Well some of us do. One can argue, and many do, that this is all for show. That ghosts aren’t real. It’s all in the imagination or psychosis. That it’s all fraud.
I agree. It is all fraud.
Let me rephrase that, ghosts and ghosthunting are frauds, but they are not the kind you might be thinking of. They are real manifestations of real spiritual entities. The problem is that the search for these entities, and the entities themselves are promoting fraudulent spirituality. “Go into the light when you die.” Really?
Let me back track. I personally believe that while there are a great amount of fake cases for publicity and money making sake, I believe there are a large number of real ghostly encounters, where real people encounter real spiritual beings. Yes. Ghosts, indeed are very real. But what are they?
To start with, and this is crazy, I have had "ghostly" encounters several times in my life. Science could explain it away, but I disagree with them on this point. To start, in order. I had two episodes of sleep paralysis, that is I woke up and felt an evil presence in the room. This presence held me down, choked me, whatever. I asked God for help, in Jesus’ name. The first time I was delivered from it, the second time I don’t remember what happened. I don’t think it stopped when I called for help, but it did stop eventually. This is because I wasn’t right with God.
The third time I had a weird encounter, I woke up and “felt” that someone was in my room. An impossible feat since my door was super noisy, and my roommate wouldn’t have been able to get in or out without making noise. I looked up, and in the shadows of my room was a dark figure that looked like a person made of darkness. I don’t recall how that ended either, but it went away eventually. More than likely, I prayed and it went away.
More recently, after coming into email contact Gaz Parker, who is a former spirit medium, and who has since become a born again Christian, I had it again (it’s not his fault but I’m sure there’s a reason for it). I had a dream, and in the dream I was telling someone to leave in Jesus’ name because he wasn’t what he seemed. I woke up, and as I began to wake, I could feel the paralysis leaving. It was Jesus that saved me from the spirit in my dream.
So, all that to say I believe, and there is an incredible amount of evidence, that these so-called ghosts, “restless spirits of men and women who’ve died with unfinished business” are nothing other than demonic beings. Ghost Hunters tracks down and investigates demons. No matter what the story is, it is not a dead human being. It’s not the soul of a person who was alive. When a person dies, we go right before the Lord God. The God of the Bible. My thought is that we are judged immediately, but I am not 100% sure on this.
[2Cr 5:1 NLT] - "For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down--when we die and leave these bodies--we will have a home in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands."
[2Cr 5:2 NLT] - "We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long for the day when we will put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing."
[2Cr 5:3 NLT] - "For we will not be spirits without bodies, but we will put on new heavenly bodies."
[2Cr 5:4 NLT] - "Our dying bodies make us groan and sigh, but it's not that we want to die and have no bodies at all. We want to slip into our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by everlasting life."
[2Cr 5:5 NLT] - "God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit."
[2Cr 5:6 NLT] - "So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord."
[2Cr 5:7 NLT] - "That is why we live by believing and not by seeing."
[2Cr 5:8 NLT] - "Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord."
[2Cr 5:9 NLT] - "So our aim is to please him always, whether we are here in this body or away from this body."
[2Cr 5:10 NLT] - "For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in our bodies."
[2Cr 5:11 NLT] - "It is because we know this solemn fear of the Lord that we work so hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=2Cr&c=5&v=1&t=NLT#top
These spirits the Ghost Hunters seek are real. These demonic entities are real, and some speculate they are spirits of the dead, but not dead human beings, but rather the dead giants. This makes some sense to me, but is highly controversial.
Even still, what’s wrong with watching shows on these spirits? Or searching for them and trying to prove their existence?
Let’s see what God has to say about it.
[Isa 8:19 NLT] - "So why are you trying to find out the future by consulting mediums and psychics? Do not listen to their whisperings and mutterings. Can the living find out the future from the dead? Why not ask your God?"
[Isa 8:20 NLT] - ""Check their predictions against my testimony," says the LORD. "If their predictions are different from mine, it is because there is no light or truth in them."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Isa&c=8&t=NLT
[Deu 18:10 NLT] - "For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling or sorcery, or allow them to interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft,"
[Deu 18:11 NLT] - "or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead."
[Deu 18:12 NLT] - "Anyone who does these things is an object of horror and disgust to the LORD. It is because the other nations have done these things that the LORD your God will drive them out ahead of you."
[Deu 18:13 NLT] - "You must be blameless before the LORD your God."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Deu&c=18&t=NLT#11
Do you really want to disgust the God who made you?
[1Sa 28:7 NLT] - "Saul then said to his advisers, "Find a woman who is a medium, so I can go and ask her what to do." His advisers replied, "There is a medium at Endor.""
[1Sa 28:8 NLT] - "So Saul disguised himself by wearing ordinary clothing instead of his royal robes. Then he went to the woman's home at night, accompanied by two of his men. "I have to talk to a man who has died," he said. "Will you call up his spirit for me?""
[1Sa 28:9 NLT] - ""Are you trying to get me killed?" the woman demanded. "You know that Saul has expelled all the mediums and psychics from the land. Why are you setting a trap for me?""
[1Sa 28:10 NLT] - "But Saul took an oath in the name of the LORD and promised, "As surely as the LORD lives, nothing bad will happen to you for doing this.""
[1Sa 28:11 NLT] - "Finally, the woman said, "Well, whose spirit do you want me to call up?" "Call up Samuel," Saul replied."
[1Sa 28:12 NLT] - "When the woman saw Samuel, she screamed, "You've deceived me! You are Saul!""
[1Sa 28:13 NLT] - ""Don't be afraid!" the king told her. "What do you see?" "I see a god coming up out of the earth," she said."
[1Sa 28:14 NLT] - ""What does he look like?" Saul asked. "He is an old man wrapped in a robe," she replied. Saul realized that it was Samuel, and he fell to the ground before him."
[1Sa 28:15 NLT] - ""Why have you disturbed me by calling me back?" Samuel asked. "Because I am in deep trouble," Saul replied. "The Philistines are at war with us, and God has left me and won't reply by prophets or dreams. So I have called for you to tell me what to do.""
[1Sa 28:16 NLT] - "But Samuel replied, "Why ask me if the LORD has left you and has become your enemy?"
[1Sa 28:17 NLT] - "The LORD has done just as he said he would. He has taken the kingdom from you and given it to your rival, David."
[1Sa 28:18 NLT] - "The LORD has done this because you did not obey his instructions concerning the Amalekites."
[1Sa 28:19 NLT] - "What's more, the LORD will hand you and the army of Israel over to the Philistines tomorrow, and you and your sons will be here with me. The LORD will bring the entire army of Israel down in defeat.""
[1Sa 28:20 NLT] - "Saul fell full length on the ground, paralyzed with fright because of Samuel's words. He was also faint with hunger, for he had eaten nothing all day and all night."
[1Sa 28:21 NLT] - "When the woman saw how distraught he was, she said, "Sir, I obeyed your command at the risk of my life."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Sa&c=28&t=NLT#7
[1Ch 10:13 NLT] - "So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD. He failed to obey the LORD's command, and he even consulted a medium"
[1Ch 10:14 NLT] - "instead of asking the LORD for guidance. So the LORD killed him and turned his kingdom over to David son of Jesse."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Ch&c=10&t=NLT#13
It’s pretty clear where God stands on the matter of seeking the “spirits of the dead” which, in my opinion, are demons.
So we have two ways to look at it. There’s nothing going on, and God didn’t want people seeking “dead” spirits because He would rather have us seek Him than “made up spirits.” That makes some sense in a way, but I don’t believe that’s Biblical. I think God didn’t want people seeking these dead spirits because they are evil, and He wants to protect us. Here is some Biblical proof that I think explains that demons and/or fallen angels are really behind this spiritual fraud called Ghost Hunting.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/translationResults.cfm?Criteria=powers&t=NLT
But here’s a few for simplicity sake.
[Gal 4:3 NLT] - "And that's the way it was with us before Christ came. We were slaves to the spiritual powers of this world."
[Gal 4:4 NLT] - "But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law."
[Gal 4:5 NLT] - "God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children."
[Gal 4:9 NLT] - "And now that you have found God (or should I say, now that God has found you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual powers of this world?"
[Gal 4:10 NLT] - "You are trying to find favor with God by what you do or don't do on certain days or months or seasons or years."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Gal&c=4&t=NLT#1
[Eph 6:10 NLT] - "A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power."
[Eph 6:11 NLT] - "Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil."
[Eph 6:12 NLT] - "For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Eph&c=6&t=NLT#10
[Col 2:8 NLT] - "Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Col&c=2&t=NLT#1
[2Pe 2:4 NLT] - "For God did not spare even the angels when they sinned; he threw them into hell, in gloomy caves and darkness until the judgment day."
[2Pe 2:5 NLT] - "And God did not spare the ancient world--except for Noah and his family of seven. Noah warned the world of God's righteous judgment. Then God destroyed the whole world of ungodly people with a vast flood."
[2Pe 2:11 NLT] - "But the angels, even though they are far greater in power and strength than these false teachers, never speak out disrespectfully against the glorious ones."
[2Pe 2:12 NLT] - "These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, who are born to be caught and killed. They laugh at the terrifying powers they know so little about, and they will be destroyed along with them."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=2Pe&c=2&t=NLT#1
So, this should be quite clear that there are spiritual “powers” in this world, that do no have the interests of mankind at heart. These powers are wicked and evil, and serve Satan. They are not dead people, hanging around looking after unfinished business. They may look like it, but they are not.
And do not be afraid of these powers either. They are subject to the name, power and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. Trust in God, He can and will protect you from these entities if they show themselves to you.
[Isa 8:13 NLT] - "Do not fear anything except the LORD Almighty. He alone is the Holy One. If you fear him, you need fear nothing else."
[Isa 8:14 NLT] - "He will keep you safe. But to Israel and Judah he will be a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap that entangles them."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Isa&c=8&v=1&t=NLT#top
[Psa 91:1 NLT] - "Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty."
[Psa 91:2 NLT] - "This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him."
[Psa 91:3 NLT] - "For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague."
[Psa 91:4 NLT] - "He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection."
[Psa 91:5 NLT] - "Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor fear the dangers of the day,"
[Psa 91:6 NLT] - "nor dread the plague that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday."
[Psa 91:7 NLT] - "Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you."
[Psa 91:8 NLT] - "But you will see it with your eyes; you will see how the wicked are punished."
[Psa 91:9 NLT] - "If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter,"
[Psa 91:10 NLT] - "no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling."
[Psa 91:11 NLT] - "For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go."
[Psa 91:12 NLT] - "They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone."
[Psa 91:13 NLT] - "You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!"
[Psa 91:14 NLT] - "The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name."
[Psa 91:15 NLT] - "When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them."
[Psa 91:16 NLT] - "I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation.""
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Psa&c=91&v=1&t=NLT#top
[1Pe 3:22 NLT] - "Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers are bowing before him."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Pe&c=3&t=NLT#22
[Col 2:8 NLT] - "Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ."
[Col 2:20 NLT] - "You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the evil powers of this world. So why do you keep on following rules of the world, such as,"
[Col 2:21 NLT] - ""Don't handle, don't eat, don't touch.""
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Col&c=2&t=NLT#1
In other words, if you have given your life to Jesus Christ, and accepted Him as your personal Lord and Savior, you have nothing to fear from these entities! The same thing goes for aliens. They’re all the same entities, and they are ALL subject to Jesus Christ! They fear Him, His authority and His power! One day, they will all be judged and cast into the lake of fire. Their days are numbered, and when a believer uses this authority they fear it, because they fear Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.
Here is proof, there are a number of cases here: http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/translationResults.cfm?Criteria=demon&t=NLT&sf=5
But the biggest proof is here, as Chuck Missler (one of my heroes) calls it, the case of the deviled ham:
[Mar 5:2 NLT] - "Just as Jesus was climbing from the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit ran out from a cemetery to meet him."
[Mar 5:3 NLT] - "This man lived among the tombs and could not be restrained, even with a chain."
[Mar 5:4 NLT] - "Whenever he was put into chains and shackles--as he often was--he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to control him."
[Mar 5:5 NLT] - "All day long and throughout the night, he would wander among the tombs and in the hills, screaming and hitting himself with stones."
[Mar 5:6 NLT] - "When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him. He ran to meet Jesus and fell down before him."
[Mar 5:7 NLT] - "He gave a terrible scream, shrieking, "Why are you bothering me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? For God's sake, don't torture me!""
[Mar 5:8 NLT] - "For Jesus had already said to the spirit, "Come out of the man, you evil spirit.""
[Mar 5:9 NLT] - "Then Jesus asked, "What is your name?" And the spirit replied, "Legion, because there are many of us here inside this man.""
[Mar 5:10 NLT] - "Then the spirits begged him again and again not to send them to some distant place."
[Mar 5:11 NLT] - "There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby."
[Mar 5:12 NLT] - ""Send us into those pigs," the evil spirits begged."
[Mar 5:13 NLT] - "Jesus gave them permission. So the evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of two thousand pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake, where they drowned."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mar&c=5&t=NLT#1
There were many demons in this boy, and they all had to obey when Jesus commanded them.
Get right with God, accept Jesus into your life. If at this point there are spirits oppressing you or your loved ones, tell the entity to leave in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The must obey.
If you encounter sleep paralysis and feel an evil presence. Don’t be afraid! Ask Jesus for help, even if you can only think it. He will help you! (stopsleepparalysis.org)
So, Ghost Hunters really has people encountering and seeking demonic spirits. Does it please God when you watch it? Does it bring you closer to Him? Is it just pure entertainment now?
I have never seen an episode of Ghost Hunters, and I really don’t want to see it. I really don’t need to as I’m quite familiar with how a typical paranormal investigation goes, mainly from watching Sightings and other shows of this sort in more recent years.
Here’s my take: so, there’s an allegedly “haunted” location. Someone died mysteriously, or there are many strange stories about ghosts and other strange goings on. So, then the Ghost Hunters get called in, and they bring all there fancy gadgets. They probably do some investigation at night, of course in the dark. They likely have a number of hair raising close calls, and some anomalous “evidence” that they can’t explain, but neither does it really prove anything. Then occasionally they’ll find something really good, or sometimes they find nothing.
Am I warm so far?
The appeal of this show is not surprising. After all, we hope that there is life after death (I know there is). They’re investigating the unknown, and they’re digging into crap that most of us are not brave (or dumb enough) to get into on our own. Then there’s the entertainment value. All of us love to get scared. Well some of us do. One can argue, and many do, that this is all for show. That ghosts aren’t real. It’s all in the imagination or psychosis. That it’s all fraud.
I agree. It is all fraud.
Let me rephrase that, ghosts and ghosthunting are frauds, but they are not the kind you might be thinking of. They are real manifestations of real spiritual entities. The problem is that the search for these entities, and the entities themselves are promoting fraudulent spirituality. “Go into the light when you die.” Really?
Let me back track. I personally believe that while there are a great amount of fake cases for publicity and money making sake, I believe there are a large number of real ghostly encounters, where real people encounter real spiritual beings. Yes. Ghosts, indeed are very real. But what are they?
To start with, and this is crazy, I have had "ghostly" encounters several times in my life. Science could explain it away, but I disagree with them on this point. To start, in order. I had two episodes of sleep paralysis, that is I woke up and felt an evil presence in the room. This presence held me down, choked me, whatever. I asked God for help, in Jesus’ name. The first time I was delivered from it, the second time I don’t remember what happened. I don’t think it stopped when I called for help, but it did stop eventually. This is because I wasn’t right with God.
The third time I had a weird encounter, I woke up and “felt” that someone was in my room. An impossible feat since my door was super noisy, and my roommate wouldn’t have been able to get in or out without making noise. I looked up, and in the shadows of my room was a dark figure that looked like a person made of darkness. I don’t recall how that ended either, but it went away eventually. More than likely, I prayed and it went away.
More recently, after coming into email contact Gaz Parker, who is a former spirit medium, and who has since become a born again Christian, I had it again (it’s not his fault but I’m sure there’s a reason for it). I had a dream, and in the dream I was telling someone to leave in Jesus’ name because he wasn’t what he seemed. I woke up, and as I began to wake, I could feel the paralysis leaving. It was Jesus that saved me from the spirit in my dream.
So, all that to say I believe, and there is an incredible amount of evidence, that these so-called ghosts, “restless spirits of men and women who’ve died with unfinished business” are nothing other than demonic beings. Ghost Hunters tracks down and investigates demons. No matter what the story is, it is not a dead human being. It’s not the soul of a person who was alive. When a person dies, we go right before the Lord God. The God of the Bible. My thought is that we are judged immediately, but I am not 100% sure on this.
[2Cr 5:1 NLT] - "For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down--when we die and leave these bodies--we will have a home in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands."
[2Cr 5:2 NLT] - "We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long for the day when we will put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing."
[2Cr 5:3 NLT] - "For we will not be spirits without bodies, but we will put on new heavenly bodies."
[2Cr 5:4 NLT] - "Our dying bodies make us groan and sigh, but it's not that we want to die and have no bodies at all. We want to slip into our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by everlasting life."
[2Cr 5:5 NLT] - "God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit."
[2Cr 5:6 NLT] - "So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord."
[2Cr 5:7 NLT] - "That is why we live by believing and not by seeing."
[2Cr 5:8 NLT] - "Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord."
[2Cr 5:9 NLT] - "So our aim is to please him always, whether we are here in this body or away from this body."
[2Cr 5:10 NLT] - "For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in our bodies."
[2Cr 5:11 NLT] - "It is because we know this solemn fear of the Lord that we work so hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=2Cr&c=5&v=1&t=NLT#top
These spirits the Ghost Hunters seek are real. These demonic entities are real, and some speculate they are spirits of the dead, but not dead human beings, but rather the dead giants. This makes some sense to me, but is highly controversial.
Even still, what’s wrong with watching shows on these spirits? Or searching for them and trying to prove their existence?
Let’s see what God has to say about it.
[Isa 8:19 NLT] - "So why are you trying to find out the future by consulting mediums and psychics? Do not listen to their whisperings and mutterings. Can the living find out the future from the dead? Why not ask your God?"
[Isa 8:20 NLT] - ""Check their predictions against my testimony," says the LORD. "If their predictions are different from mine, it is because there is no light or truth in them."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Isa&c=8&t=NLT
[Deu 18:10 NLT] - "For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling or sorcery, or allow them to interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft,"
[Deu 18:11 NLT] - "or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead."
[Deu 18:12 NLT] - "Anyone who does these things is an object of horror and disgust to the LORD. It is because the other nations have done these things that the LORD your God will drive them out ahead of you."
[Deu 18:13 NLT] - "You must be blameless before the LORD your God."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Deu&c=18&t=NLT#11
Do you really want to disgust the God who made you?
[1Sa 28:7 NLT] - "Saul then said to his advisers, "Find a woman who is a medium, so I can go and ask her what to do." His advisers replied, "There is a medium at Endor.""
[1Sa 28:8 NLT] - "So Saul disguised himself by wearing ordinary clothing instead of his royal robes. Then he went to the woman's home at night, accompanied by two of his men. "I have to talk to a man who has died," he said. "Will you call up his spirit for me?""
[1Sa 28:9 NLT] - ""Are you trying to get me killed?" the woman demanded. "You know that Saul has expelled all the mediums and psychics from the land. Why are you setting a trap for me?""
[1Sa 28:10 NLT] - "But Saul took an oath in the name of the LORD and promised, "As surely as the LORD lives, nothing bad will happen to you for doing this.""
[1Sa 28:11 NLT] - "Finally, the woman said, "Well, whose spirit do you want me to call up?" "Call up Samuel," Saul replied."
[1Sa 28:12 NLT] - "When the woman saw Samuel, she screamed, "You've deceived me! You are Saul!""
[1Sa 28:13 NLT] - ""Don't be afraid!" the king told her. "What do you see?" "I see a god coming up out of the earth," she said."
[1Sa 28:14 NLT] - ""What does he look like?" Saul asked. "He is an old man wrapped in a robe," she replied. Saul realized that it was Samuel, and he fell to the ground before him."
[1Sa 28:15 NLT] - ""Why have you disturbed me by calling me back?" Samuel asked. "Because I am in deep trouble," Saul replied. "The Philistines are at war with us, and God has left me and won't reply by prophets or dreams. So I have called for you to tell me what to do.""
[1Sa 28:16 NLT] - "But Samuel replied, "Why ask me if the LORD has left you and has become your enemy?"
[1Sa 28:17 NLT] - "The LORD has done just as he said he would. He has taken the kingdom from you and given it to your rival, David."
[1Sa 28:18 NLT] - "The LORD has done this because you did not obey his instructions concerning the Amalekites."
[1Sa 28:19 NLT] - "What's more, the LORD will hand you and the army of Israel over to the Philistines tomorrow, and you and your sons will be here with me. The LORD will bring the entire army of Israel down in defeat.""
[1Sa 28:20 NLT] - "Saul fell full length on the ground, paralyzed with fright because of Samuel's words. He was also faint with hunger, for he had eaten nothing all day and all night."
[1Sa 28:21 NLT] - "When the woman saw how distraught he was, she said, "Sir, I obeyed your command at the risk of my life."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Sa&c=28&t=NLT#7
[1Ch 10:13 NLT] - "So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD. He failed to obey the LORD's command, and he even consulted a medium"
[1Ch 10:14 NLT] - "instead of asking the LORD for guidance. So the LORD killed him and turned his kingdom over to David son of Jesse."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Ch&c=10&t=NLT#13
It’s pretty clear where God stands on the matter of seeking the “spirits of the dead” which, in my opinion, are demons.
So we have two ways to look at it. There’s nothing going on, and God didn’t want people seeking “dead” spirits because He would rather have us seek Him than “made up spirits.” That makes some sense in a way, but I don’t believe that’s Biblical. I think God didn’t want people seeking these dead spirits because they are evil, and He wants to protect us. Here is some Biblical proof that I think explains that demons and/or fallen angels are really behind this spiritual fraud called Ghost Hunting.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/translationResults.cfm?Criteria=powers&t=NLT
But here’s a few for simplicity sake.
[Gal 4:3 NLT] - "And that's the way it was with us before Christ came. We were slaves to the spiritual powers of this world."
[Gal 4:4 NLT] - "But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law."
[Gal 4:5 NLT] - "God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children."
[Gal 4:9 NLT] - "And now that you have found God (or should I say, now that God has found you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual powers of this world?"
[Gal 4:10 NLT] - "You are trying to find favor with God by what you do or don't do on certain days or months or seasons or years."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Gal&c=4&t=NLT#1
[Eph 6:10 NLT] - "A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power."
[Eph 6:11 NLT] - "Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil."
[Eph 6:12 NLT] - "For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Eph&c=6&t=NLT#10
[Col 2:8 NLT] - "Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Col&c=2&t=NLT#1
[2Pe 2:4 NLT] - "For God did not spare even the angels when they sinned; he threw them into hell, in gloomy caves and darkness until the judgment day."
[2Pe 2:5 NLT] - "And God did not spare the ancient world--except for Noah and his family of seven. Noah warned the world of God's righteous judgment. Then God destroyed the whole world of ungodly people with a vast flood."
[2Pe 2:11 NLT] - "But the angels, even though they are far greater in power and strength than these false teachers, never speak out disrespectfully against the glorious ones."
[2Pe 2:12 NLT] - "These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, who are born to be caught and killed. They laugh at the terrifying powers they know so little about, and they will be destroyed along with them."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=2Pe&c=2&t=NLT#1
So, this should be quite clear that there are spiritual “powers” in this world, that do no have the interests of mankind at heart. These powers are wicked and evil, and serve Satan. They are not dead people, hanging around looking after unfinished business. They may look like it, but they are not.
And do not be afraid of these powers either. They are subject to the name, power and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. Trust in God, He can and will protect you from these entities if they show themselves to you.
[Isa 8:13 NLT] - "Do not fear anything except the LORD Almighty. He alone is the Holy One. If you fear him, you need fear nothing else."
[Isa 8:14 NLT] - "He will keep you safe. But to Israel and Judah he will be a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap that entangles them."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Isa&c=8&v=1&t=NLT#top
[Psa 91:1 NLT] - "Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty."
[Psa 91:2 NLT] - "This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him."
[Psa 91:3 NLT] - "For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague."
[Psa 91:4 NLT] - "He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection."
[Psa 91:5 NLT] - "Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor fear the dangers of the day,"
[Psa 91:6 NLT] - "nor dread the plague that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday."
[Psa 91:7 NLT] - "Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you."
[Psa 91:8 NLT] - "But you will see it with your eyes; you will see how the wicked are punished."
[Psa 91:9 NLT] - "If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter,"
[Psa 91:10 NLT] - "no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling."
[Psa 91:11 NLT] - "For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go."
[Psa 91:12 NLT] - "They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone."
[Psa 91:13 NLT] - "You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!"
[Psa 91:14 NLT] - "The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name."
[Psa 91:15 NLT] - "When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them."
[Psa 91:16 NLT] - "I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation.""
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Psa&c=91&v=1&t=NLT#top
[1Pe 3:22 NLT] - "Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers are bowing before him."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Pe&c=3&t=NLT#22
[Col 2:8 NLT] - "Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ."
[Col 2:20 NLT] - "You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the evil powers of this world. So why do you keep on following rules of the world, such as,"
[Col 2:21 NLT] - ""Don't handle, don't eat, don't touch.""
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Col&c=2&t=NLT#1
In other words, if you have given your life to Jesus Christ, and accepted Him as your personal Lord and Savior, you have nothing to fear from these entities! The same thing goes for aliens. They’re all the same entities, and they are ALL subject to Jesus Christ! They fear Him, His authority and His power! One day, they will all be judged and cast into the lake of fire. Their days are numbered, and when a believer uses this authority they fear it, because they fear Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.
Here is proof, there are a number of cases here: http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/translationResults.cfm?Criteria=demon&t=NLT&sf=5
But the biggest proof is here, as Chuck Missler (one of my heroes) calls it, the case of the deviled ham:
[Mar 5:2 NLT] - "Just as Jesus was climbing from the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit ran out from a cemetery to meet him."
[Mar 5:3 NLT] - "This man lived among the tombs and could not be restrained, even with a chain."
[Mar 5:4 NLT] - "Whenever he was put into chains and shackles--as he often was--he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to control him."
[Mar 5:5 NLT] - "All day long and throughout the night, he would wander among the tombs and in the hills, screaming and hitting himself with stones."
[Mar 5:6 NLT] - "When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him. He ran to meet Jesus and fell down before him."
[Mar 5:7 NLT] - "He gave a terrible scream, shrieking, "Why are you bothering me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? For God's sake, don't torture me!""
[Mar 5:8 NLT] - "For Jesus had already said to the spirit, "Come out of the man, you evil spirit.""
[Mar 5:9 NLT] - "Then Jesus asked, "What is your name?" And the spirit replied, "Legion, because there are many of us here inside this man.""
[Mar 5:10 NLT] - "Then the spirits begged him again and again not to send them to some distant place."
[Mar 5:11 NLT] - "There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby."
[Mar 5:12 NLT] - ""Send us into those pigs," the evil spirits begged."
[Mar 5:13 NLT] - "Jesus gave them permission. So the evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of two thousand pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake, where they drowned."
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mar&c=5&t=NLT#1
There were many demons in this boy, and they all had to obey when Jesus commanded them.
Get right with God, accept Jesus into your life. If at this point there are spirits oppressing you or your loved ones, tell the entity to leave in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The must obey.
If you encounter sleep paralysis and feel an evil presence. Don’t be afraid! Ask Jesus for help, even if you can only think it. He will help you! (stopsleepparalysis.org)
So, Ghost Hunters really has people encountering and seeking demonic spirits. Does it please God when you watch it? Does it bring you closer to Him? Is it just pure entertainment now?
Monday, April 4, 2011
Just dropping a quick post.
In recent news we see pastor jones off on another hitler-esque koran burning. Sadly this appears to be riling those in the muslim world. What pastor jones is doing is not in line with scripture, and in fact I would argue is actually counter productive to what our Lord Jesus Christ asks us to do. If one wanted to consider muslims the enemy of christians, then what are we to do? Love them. Burning their koran is not an act of love, its an attack.
God loves all people and sent Jesus Christ to redeem ALL people, including muslims. All we have to do is accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. There is no slave or free, jew or gentile in His eyes once we are His. This koran burning is, in my opinion, destroying many chances that a muslim will seek out or accept Jesus. They may think "why should I accept the Lord of those who burned the koran? Why follow that Jesus?" Friends, pastor jones is wrong and is hardly the Christian voice on islam. We need to meet muslims where they are, and share the gospel with them, and let them decide what to do with the koran.
The apostle Paul didn't go around burning people's scriptures that weren't Biblical. He met them where they were. He didn't condemn the pagans on Mars Hill, but rather found a common ground and met them there and lead them to the Living God through Jesus Christ.
There were some in the Bible who burned all of their books (I believe in acts) but this was a voluntary act. Paul wasn't having a bonfire of everyone's books, then converting them. No, he met them where they were at, and then showed them Jesus.
That's what we need to do. Show Christ's love and the hope that we have in Christ's work at the cross and His resurrection. Burning Korans will not bring Muslims to Christ.
Revised 6-27-11
If you're wondering how the above actions, Koran burning, anti-Muslim whatever can be done by a Christians, you are wise to question such things. If you want to see the love of a real Christian, take a listen to this. It's an amazing story of how Jesus Christ can exhibit amazing love in the face of amazingly hateful people...and win.
http://revelationsradionetwork.com/uploads/01_THE_GREATEST_OF_THESE.MP3
In recent news we see pastor jones off on another hitler-esque koran burning. Sadly this appears to be riling those in the muslim world. What pastor jones is doing is not in line with scripture, and in fact I would argue is actually counter productive to what our Lord Jesus Christ asks us to do. If one wanted to consider muslims the enemy of christians, then what are we to do? Love them. Burning their koran is not an act of love, its an attack.
God loves all people and sent Jesus Christ to redeem ALL people, including muslims. All we have to do is accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. There is no slave or free, jew or gentile in His eyes once we are His. This koran burning is, in my opinion, destroying many chances that a muslim will seek out or accept Jesus. They may think "why should I accept the Lord of those who burned the koran? Why follow that Jesus?" Friends, pastor jones is wrong and is hardly the Christian voice on islam. We need to meet muslims where they are, and share the gospel with them, and let them decide what to do with the koran.
The apostle Paul didn't go around burning people's scriptures that weren't Biblical. He met them where they were. He didn't condemn the pagans on Mars Hill, but rather found a common ground and met them there and lead them to the Living God through Jesus Christ.
There were some in the Bible who burned all of their books (I believe in acts) but this was a voluntary act. Paul wasn't having a bonfire of everyone's books, then converting them. No, he met them where they were at, and then showed them Jesus.
That's what we need to do. Show Christ's love and the hope that we have in Christ's work at the cross and His resurrection. Burning Korans will not bring Muslims to Christ.
Revised 6-27-11
If you're wondering how the above actions, Koran burning, anti-Muslim whatever can be done by a Christians, you are wise to question such things. If you want to see the love of a real Christian, take a listen to this. It's an amazing story of how Jesus Christ can exhibit amazing love in the face of amazingly hateful people...and win.
http://revelationsradionetwork.com/uploads/01_THE_GREATEST_OF_THESE.MP3
Saturday, April 2, 2011
formatting issues
I apologize for the formatting issue. I've tried fixing them, but its not working too good. Ill poke around to see if I can fix them. it seems the paragraph spacing isn't working for some reason. Ill try to play with html to see if it helps.
Update,
formatting seems to be fixed. For some odd reason it's not making paragraphs when I hit enter every time unless I edit in HTML. I guess we'll see how the next one goes.
Update on my health, things seem to be going good. had some pain yesterday, but it's fine now. I think that I do need to continue chiropractic, but on the whole I think God did heal the worst of the muscle pain, and some one (to me) obvious misalignment. Still, I guess now it's time to let my dr get crackin! literally.
Update,
formatting seems to be fixed. For some odd reason it's not making paragraphs when I hit enter every time unless I edit in HTML. I guess we'll see how the next one goes.
Update on my health, things seem to be going good. had some pain yesterday, but it's fine now. I think that I do need to continue chiropractic, but on the whole I think God did heal the worst of the muscle pain, and some one (to me) obvious misalignment. Still, I guess now it's time to let my dr get crackin! literally.
Yoga-A-Go-Go: Christians, Yoga and Other Things That Don't Mix Well
Yoga mania came some years ago to America, in my mind the 90's seem to have been when it really got crazy. Everyone and their mother (probably literally) was taking Yoga classes and getting into it as way to exercise and relax. Nowadays, there are Yoga studios in almost as many places as there are Starbucks. From what I hear there are also even Churches that offer Yoga classes. (and should we be surprised? we have been warned that doctrines of demons would make their way into the church) A few years ago, when I was in my wondering UFO phase again, my wife and I went to go take Yoga classes at the fitness center. I had read that Yoga was New Agey, but after a little while, I concluded it was more or less harmless. I changed my mind after a few classes when I found that after Yoga I usually got a splitting headache. Years later, I overheard my chiropractor telling another patient not to do Yoga and that it was indeed not good for her. So, I quit, but not because of any spiritual reason. Looking back, I'm glad I didn't keep up with it. In addition to the undesirable physical side of things (ie pain and hearing from a seasoned chiropractor that it was bad for your back), there is also an undesirable spiritual component as well. This makes Yoga an especially dangerous trap for Christians. A trap that most of us don't even realize is there. I had a Christian lady ask me about Yoga once because she wanted to try it. So, why is it dangerous? Why shouldn't Christians do Yoga? Let's start at the beginning: What is Yoga? That's a very large answer. There are a huge variety of Yoga methods out there, and they all have their own individual flavors. So rather than dissect each one, Let's look at the basics. Here in the west, Yoga typically won't go past those stages anyway, and even those are enough to understand why Christians should avoid it. One could assume that the further one delved into Yoga, the more dangerous it would become spiritually. It's the same with any other occult practice. It starts out fairly innocent, but before long (to quote an interesting rap song) play time gets serious. Bill Myers and Dave Wimbish ("The Dark Side of the Supernatural") quote the Encyclopedia International (and I'll paraphrase) that its more or less one of the ways that Hindus attaing salvation. Not only this, but it's a way that that they believe they can encounter God. The duo also quote Douglas Hunt, author of a book on the occult, who equates the practice of Yoga with religion. Myers and Wimbish go on to say that Yoga involves mind-emptying meditation (in addition to the physical movements) which is especially dangerous. They also state that some who practice Yoga claim that they can foresee the future, levitate and recall "past lives." Where have we seen that before? Probably with Qigong, but it's also fairly standard New Age stuff. So even with this very spurious connection we can see why Christians shouldn't do it-it's essentially New Age religion in a physical fitness package. I don't need to beat a dead horse, but Christians should not touch the New Age! I did after becoming a Christian and it only made me spiritually destitute and drove me further from the Lord God. But, I'm sure there are some of you Christians (or non-Christians) might enjoy your Yoga and won't give it up so easily. OK. Let's continue. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga "The Sanskrit word yoga has many meanings, and is derived from the Sanskrit root "yuj," meaning "to control," "to yoke" or "to unite." Translations include "joining," "uniting," "union," "conjunction," and "means.” The word yoga may also derive from the root "yujir samadhau," which means "contemplation" or "absorption." Someone who practices yoga or follows the yoga philosophy with a high level of commitment is called a yogi or yogini." So as Douglas Hunt (an occultist) wrote, this "yoking" is yoking in a religious/spiritual sense. One more from Wiki. "The goals of yoga are varied and range from improving health to achieving Moksha. Within the Hindu monist schools of Advaita Vedanta, Shaivism and Jainism, the goal of yoga takes the form of Moksha, which is liberation from all worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), at which point there is a realization of identity with the Supreme Brahman. In the Mahabharata, the goal of yoga is variously described as entering the world of Brahma, as Brahman, or as perceiving the Brahman or Atman that pervades all things. For the bhakti schools of Vaishnavism, bhakti or service to Svayam bhagavan itself may be the ultimate goal of the yoga process, where the goal is to enjoy an eternal relationship with Vishnu." So the goal of Samsara is at odds with what the Bible says. There is no reincarnation, only birth, life, death, resurrection and then judgement. We also know that for us Christians (or anyone) there is no relief from physical suffering in this world, and that God uses that suffering for our good. We can also see that one of the other goals, that is to have a relationship with Vishnu, is also not what Christians should aspire to. The processes of Yoga involve these kinds of goals. Whether one seeks those goals or not is immaterial. Yoga was invented as a method to achieve these goals. Fire is meant to cook, but if we use fire (the method) to scratch an itch, the fire will burn. So to with Yoga, if you practice it devoid of the intent, it will still have some impact. We do know that intent is in fact important (especially in the occult) as well, but even so, the practice has repercussions as well. Here are a few resources on Yoga that should hopefully also shed some light on why Christians should avoid Yoga. Even if it is divorced from the original goals, western Yoga has sort of evolved into a self-worship and also has also picked up a lot of New Age believes (which they stole from Yoga and other eastern traditions anyways). (Exercise great caution following the "Yoga Journal" links, as they detail introductory occult practices. I provide them only so you can see for yourselves, and also know that I'm not just pulling this stuff from a hat.) Yoga Journal has a few basic notes on Yoga. First, they emphasize chakras (www.yogajournal.com/basics/898) which are alleged energy centers on the human body. Apparently they can become blocked through various means and of course, they can only become unblocked by practicing Yoga. The main take away on this article is that clearing these blockages clears the way so one can attain a higher conciousness. In my examinations of New Age philosophy from years of reading "Fate" Magazine, any time a "higher conciousness" is attained, it's a spiritual thing and can often bring about spiritual events such as, contact with spirits, seeing "past lives"/the future or gaining some sort of supernatural ability. In short, it gets one in touch with fallen spirits. In poking around on their website, I found a creepy side of Yoga (or I should say a creepier side) and this creepy side is called "the corpse pose. (www.yogajournal.com/basics/824) Yes, there is a pose where one imitates a corpse. Now, just superficially I find this odd, especially if Christians were to do it. Somehow, I don't think that's what Christ had in mind when He said to die to ourselves. So the corpse pose they describe as basically dying to our usual mode of being and thinking. In other words becoming passive. It ends with a blurb on abiding in yourself. As I recall Christians are called to abide in Christ, and die to ourselves. Die to ourselves not by pretending to be a corpse, but by choosing to follow God rather than our sinful desires. This is all nothing to say about what kind of possibility there is for encountering demonic spirits or opening one's self up to their influence. OK, so we so Yoga has its original origin and purpose of purifying the body for spiritual reasons (Reincarnation) and to attain "higher conciousness" as well as to facilitate a relationship with Vishnu (and probably other gods) and Vishnu I've already blogged about has a connection to Buddha and the Antichrist. Those are all red flags for Christians to leave this be. But don't take my word for it, here are some links to Christian testimonies, and how Yoga did not bring them closer to the Living God, and they were only set free because they turned to Jesus Christ. The first one, (www.northforest.org/ChristianApologetics/shorttestimony.html) is by the child of someone who worked for JPL (a place with a huge occult foundation to start with. Just read [very carefully i might add] Richard Hoaglund's "Dark Mission") This is more a normal testimony than anything with Yoga, but worth reading nonetheless. The next (http://aslansplace.com/articles/?0000000018) is an awesome testimony of someone who did trancsendational meditation and Yoga. It's a good testimony, but I am not sure what to make of their statement on being lead to Christ through Benny Hinn's ministry. I'm not sure about Hinn, but God used him to lead this person Christ. Lastly here is an awesome article by (my new hero) Michael Gleghorn. He really picks apart Yoga and why its not really compatible with Christianity. http://www.probe.org/site/c.fdKEIMNsEoG/b.4217629/k.15B5/Yoga_and_Christianity_Are_They_Compatible.htm
I apologize also for not including copious amounts of scripture. I think that this one is mostly self explanatory in that 1) yoga falls into the doctrines of demons 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from what we believe; they will follow lying spirits and teachings that come from demons.
Then we also know that yoga seeks relationships with other gods, which breaks the first commandment of having no other gods but THE God of the Bible.
If anyone wants to suggest some scriptures for this one, feel free. I'm not being lazy, I just think that the evidence speaks pretty well for itself, and Christians should know well enough that its bad stuff based solely on the evidence of danger in yoga.
"Efforts to separate yoga from its spiritual center reveal ignorance of the goal of yoga"
http://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/smartsection/print.php?itemid=1456
Update 10-3-11 proof that Yoga is spiritual, and not just exercise. Surprise! The poses have meaning in the spirit world!
http://www.livestrong.com/article/395082-spiritual-meanings-of-yoga-postures/?utm_source=popslideshow&utm_medium=a1
Update 10-25
Looks like Yoga's mental benefits are all in the head. This article claims that while Yoga helps low back pain, it's supposed mental benefits are not really such.
I would argue that the lower back pain is bunk too, not because i don't like Yoga, but my chiropractor told one of his patients that it was bad for their back. If you have low back pain, go to a Gonstead Chiropractor.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204777904576651230399881192.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLE_Video_Top
Update 1-24-2012
Here's some other info, courtesy of the Bhagavad Gita, their most revered scripture. In it they explain yoga is a sacrifice as is the breathing control they do. This sacrifice they do, they believe cleanses them from sin and brings them closer to enlightenment.
So anyone who says it's just exercise is ill-informed. It appears that Hindus (generally) believe, according to their own scriptures, that doing the yoga and breathing is part of their ritualistic sacrifice to attain "enlightenment".
Chpt IV verse 28 (from the online version)
"Having accepted strict vows, some become enlightened by sacrificing their possessions, and others by performing severe austerities, by practicing the yoga of eightfold mysticism, or by studying the Vedas to advance in transcendental knowledge."
Verse 29
"Still others, who are inclined to the process of breath restraint (Pranayama) to remain in trance, practice by offering the movement of the outgoing breath into the incoming, and the incoming breath into the outgoing, and thus at last remain in trance, stopping all breathing. Others, curtailing the eating process, offer the outgoing breath into itself as a sacrifice."
Verse 30
"All these performers who know the meaning of sacrifice become cleansed of sinful reactions, and, having tasted the nectar of the results of sacrifices, they advance toward the supreme eternal atmosphere."
Update 2-9-2012
One more, this more or less proves that the poses (asana) and the breathing (pranayama) in "exercise" yoga, are actually a part of Hindu religious practice. They are merely part of a whole, but still a part. The Bhagavad Gita (Hindu holy book) says to practice the "eightfold mysticism yoga" of which the "exercise" is a part.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga_S%C5%ABtras_of_Pata%C3%B1jali#The_eight_limbs_of_Yoga
Update 6-25-2012
Thanks to Gaz Parker for these links.
Yoga for Christians
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjxQaVtOxUA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpSqePkn-p0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjxQaVtOxUA&feature=related
My favorite part is when he gets into the dangers, not because I want to see people hurt, but because it shows how dangerous it is. What makes it even better in my eyes is that these warnings he posts are from Yogis themselves. Like Qigong (another meditation) Yoga is dangerous for your physical and spiritual health. A few are:
* doing the breathing wrong can cause permanent brain damage which is incurable (caused by a demonic entity no doubt)
* that the kundalini (serpent) energy can cause one to to go bonkers. He also posits that the purpose of all Yoga is to tap into this kundalini energy. We all know who else is a serpent, don't we?
Gleghorn also links to a site by a former Yoga instructor turned Christian, http://www.praisemoves.com/ which i haven't had a chance to check out much yet (update 10/3/11 this praise moves isn't any better. Her testimony is good, but praisemoves is very similar to Yoga. Beware) She does have an awesome breakdown of Yoga, and why its not something Christians should meddle with. She does offer an alternative called praise moves, which I haven't looked at yet. Look at it, but use your own judgement to ensure that she's not just up to a new trick. The main thing at her site is the "about us" which seems to look at Yoga quite in depth. I've only had the most superficial look at it.
So is your church having a Yoga class? If so, maybe you should speak up and say why its a bad idea. From what I've uncovered Yoga, regardless of intent, is designed to get one to foster a relationship with god as a force and the god within. Perhaps its akin to breathing. When I breath, i don't intend oxygen to get everywhere, but my body does it naturally. Perhaps Yoga is the same, doing the exercises manifests the energy no matter what. Apparently there is no way to separate the physical from the spiritual. In any event we are to reject the god within, which we call the self, we are to crucify ourselves daily and walk with Jesus. Only by placing our faith in Him, and having a relationship with Him can we have any relationship with the Most High God.
If you are doing Yoga, this is your chance to repent of it, confess it to Christ and ask for forgiveness. Ask Him to get rid of any demonic influence. The power of Christ can free you from this yoke of oppression. His yoke is light, take it up and follow Him.
I apologize also for not including copious amounts of scripture. I think that this one is mostly self explanatory in that 1) yoga falls into the doctrines of demons 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from what we believe; they will follow lying spirits and teachings that come from demons.
Then we also know that yoga seeks relationships with other gods, which breaks the first commandment of having no other gods but THE God of the Bible.
If anyone wants to suggest some scriptures for this one, feel free. I'm not being lazy, I just think that the evidence speaks pretty well for itself, and Christians should know well enough that its bad stuff based solely on the evidence of danger in yoga.
"Efforts to separate yoga from its spiritual center reveal ignorance of the goal of yoga"
http://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/smartsection/print.php?itemid=1456
Update 10-3-11 proof that Yoga is spiritual, and not just exercise. Surprise! The poses have meaning in the spirit world!
http://www.livestrong.com/article/395082-spiritual-meanings-of-yoga-postures/?utm_source=popslideshow&utm_medium=a1
Update 10-25
Looks like Yoga's mental benefits are all in the head. This article claims that while Yoga helps low back pain, it's supposed mental benefits are not really such.
I would argue that the lower back pain is bunk too, not because i don't like Yoga, but my chiropractor told one of his patients that it was bad for their back. If you have low back pain, go to a Gonstead Chiropractor.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204777904576651230399881192.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLE_Video_Top
Update 1-24-2012
Here's some other info, courtesy of the Bhagavad Gita, their most revered scripture. In it they explain yoga is a sacrifice as is the breathing control they do. This sacrifice they do, they believe cleanses them from sin and brings them closer to enlightenment.
So anyone who says it's just exercise is ill-informed. It appears that Hindus (generally) believe, according to their own scriptures, that doing the yoga and breathing is part of their ritualistic sacrifice to attain "enlightenment".
Chpt IV verse 28 (from the online version)
"Having accepted strict vows, some become enlightened by sacrificing their possessions, and others by performing severe austerities, by practicing the yoga of eightfold mysticism, or by studying the Vedas to advance in transcendental knowledge."
Verse 29
"Still others, who are inclined to the process of breath restraint (Pranayama) to remain in trance, practice by offering the movement of the outgoing breath into the incoming, and the incoming breath into the outgoing, and thus at last remain in trance, stopping all breathing. Others, curtailing the eating process, offer the outgoing breath into itself as a sacrifice."
Verse 30
"All these performers who know the meaning of sacrifice become cleansed of sinful reactions, and, having tasted the nectar of the results of sacrifices, they advance toward the supreme eternal atmosphere."
Update 2-9-2012
One more, this more or less proves that the poses (asana) and the breathing (pranayama) in "exercise" yoga, are actually a part of Hindu religious practice. They are merely part of a whole, but still a part. The Bhagavad Gita (Hindu holy book) says to practice the "eightfold mysticism yoga" of which the "exercise" is a part.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga_S%C5%ABtras_of_Pata%C3%B1jali#The_eight_limbs_of_Yoga
Update 6-25-2012
Thanks to Gaz Parker for these links.
Yoga for Christians
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjxQaVtOxUA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpSqePkn-p0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjxQaVtOxUA&feature=related
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