Is God Judging America?

I recently posted about Hurricane Sandy being a possible instrument of God's judgment. I didn't give much evidence or thought as to why I thought that. Doing so is labor intensive and needs much prayer and discernment. At the moment I didn't have much of either but really felt a burning need to get that message out.

I am not a prophet, nor do I definitively say it was a prophetic word of God. I hope what I wrote was of God and that He uses it, but I claim no gift of prophecy. I know it certainly is a departure from my previous stance when I blogged about Japan. I have sort of moved my position on whether or not I believe God judges nations.

As far as I know it was pure speculation based on what I've read in God's word about His judging of sinful nations and His own people Israel, as well as news developments, old podcasts and david wilkerson's "america's last call" which I urge you all to read as I will be going through it here. Wilkerson's book was written in 1998 and the last 6 to 12 months I've been feeling that it is highly relevant now, especially given the economic collapse of 08. Even writing this, I admit I may be subconciously borrowing from it, though not for mal intent.

The point I'm trying to make is that I think we should prayerfully and repentently consider the fact that not just hurricane sandy, but Katrina, the 2011 tornadoes and other events were God judging us so we'd repent. We didn't, so they continued and got worse.

And likely will continue to do so.

If I'm wrong and we're not under judgment, then turning from sin and turning to the Lord never hurt anyone. And I'm not asking for money, selling books or trying to get followers so i'll have no trouble admitting it if I'm wrong.

Since i think its important, I'd like to take time to build that case. I haven't done an intensive multipart effort in a while and this looks like my one for the year.

To start, God is the same in the past, now and forever. He is unchangeable. That is one of the infinite number of good things about God. It means He can be trusted.

But it also seems to mean that He has to act the same way all of the time, because He cannot change, so far as I know. If He cannot change, then how He deals with sinful nations and the world as a whole should be consistent.

From Genesis to Revelation, when a nation or the world continues in unrepentant and flagrant sin, God is forced to pass judgment, possibly in an attempt to get our attention to get us right with Him. Not because He is vengeful or petty, but because He is just and must punish sin. In my experience, it seems that God hates it when we sin because He loves us and when we sin it not only hurts Him, but it hurts us even more. So like a loving father (which He is) He punishes us so we don't do wrong next time.

We see evidence of the sin being more harmful to us than affecting God, when God talks about sexual sin.


"1 Corinthians 6:18

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body."


It doesn't have to be that way, God has given us a chance to get right with Him and avoid His wrath and punishment through His son Jesus Christ.

So back to God passing judgment on nations. In the Bible, God has judged nations in the past and He will do it again not just against nations, but the whole world as laid out in Revelation. He will send disasters and allow calamity as judgment, but also to get us to turn from our sinful ways to Him. This demonstrates consistency. And if He does it in the old and new testaments, and will do so in the future, why not in the intervening timespan?

Especially since His grace in Christ is readily available to nearly anyone in the world who chooses to accept it. Especially since we are "a Christian Nation".

This article lays out, with scripture references how God has judged nations in the past.

http://www.evenatthedoors.com/godsjudgment.html

Summarized,

The Genesis 6 flood, lots of bad stuff, covered extensively in many places. Basically, angels mating with human women, bloodshed was said to be occuring everywhere as well.

Sodom and Gomorrah, homosexuality of course, but also pride, fullness of bread, ignoring the poor. I've heard on a podcast, not sure which one or when, but it was said that sodomites were also excessively wicked in dealing with foreigners. There was something about how they would give poor foreigners a gold bar as a sick game, but no one in the city would use that bar for currency, thus keeping poor folks from buying food despite having money.

Ninevah, I believe Chuck Missler said was quite cruel and brutal in their war tactics. Whatever their crime was, they were due to be judged. But they repented and judgment was avoided.

The canaanites (who God judged through Israel) were said to have indilged in child sacrifice, and given the sins Israel was given to later on, idol worship and sexual immorality. There is also speculation that at least some Canaanite tribes were descended from nephilim.

When God judged Israel, it seems that they had violated the laws given by Moses and were punished according to what God had said would happen if they disobeyed. It occurs in multiple places, but Leviticus 26 is a perfect example and sets the stage for the judgment that occurs in Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Isaiah and other prophetic books. These books also describe God's judgment on the pagan nations for their treatment of Judah/Israel as well as other things.

A good summary can be found here. I won't be going through all the reasons here, but you should acquaint yourself with the old testament. Also, I am not as familiar with them as I'd like to be or should be.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nevi'im

According to that article, Isaiah pronounced judgment on the pagan nations (and Israel/north kingdom) for oppressing Judah/south kingdom.

Jeremiah prophesied against the sins of Israel.

Ezekiel prophesied against Israel and surrounding nations and foretold the destruction of Jerusalem.


Some of the sins that God has judged nations for in the Bible and the prophets told were the cause of judgment for Israel/Judah, and pagan nations:


* the men were adulterers, liars and treacherous.

* rampant deception preventing knowledge of God

* human sacrifice (Jeremiah 19)

* forsaking God's law and pursuing idols (baalim) (also Jeremiah 2)

(All in Jeremiah 9)

* blood of the innocent has been spilled (Jeremiah 2)

* worshipping other gods/idols (Jer. 1:16)

* calling evil good, wisdom in own eyes, rewarding the wicked, mightiness to drink wine (Isaiah 5:20 - 23)

* open displays of sin (pride?) (Isaiah 3:8 - 12)

* oppressing/cruelty to the poor, prideful and promiscuous women (Isaiah 3:13 - 23)


http://www.enduringword.com/commentaries/2303.htm


More:

-- Shedding blood in her midst

--Defiles herself by making idols

--They have treated father and mother with contempt

--Oppressed the alien

--Mistreated the fatherless and the widow.

--You have despised my holy things

--Desecrated my Sabbaths.

--Slanderous men bent on shedding blood

--Eat at the mountain shrines and commit lewd acts

--Dishonor their fathers' bed

--Violate women during their
period, when they are ceremonially unclean

--Commits a detestable offense with his neighbor's wife

--Defiles his daughter-in-law

--Violates his sister, his own father's daughter.

--Men accept bribes to shed blood

--Take usury and excessive interest

--Make unjust gain from your neighbors by extortion

--And you have forgotten me declares the Sovereign LORD

--There is a conspiracy of her princes within her like a roaring lion tearing its prey; and they devour people

--Take treasures and precious things and make many widows within her

--Her priests do violence to my law and profane my holy things

--They do not distinguish between the holy and the common

--They teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean

--They shut their eyes to the keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them

--Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey; they shed blood and kill people to make unjust gain

--Her prophets whitewash these deeds for them by false visions and lying divinations. They say, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says'-when the LORD has not spoken

--The people of the land practice extortion and commit robbery; they oppress the poor and needy and mistreat the alien, denying them justice.

Ezekiel 22

http://the-end-time.blogspot.com/2010/07/jerusalems-list-of-sins-seem.html


And which of these sins has America not committed?

Deception is everywhere, preventing people from accepting the truth. Ancient aliens, evolution eugenics and many other lies are believed above God's word. The occult is everywhere. Not to mention duplicitous motives in politics and business.

Bloodshed, so much bloodshed is on our hands. How many unjust wars have we been part of? Many in recent years. Iraq, drone strikes in countries we aren't at war with. Vietnam, started by an incident, Gulf of Tonkin, that never happened. And what about slavery?
The slaughter of the Indians? To say nothing of the millions of babies murdered since Roe V Wade. That blood all cries out to God for justice like Abel's did!

(Perhaps God has given some judgment on the Indian/slavery thing with the Spanish flu and other things.)

Foreigners, while generally well treated, are still looked down upon and discriminated against. Immigrant (illegal or otherwise) labor is always taken advantage of. How many are paid less than minimum (or a fair) wage?

Usury and excessive interest. Do I even need to talk about credit card debt and student loans? Or the money we loan other countries at excessive interest?

Oppression of the poor. A few years ago, "bum fighting" videos were in the news. The homeless are often victim of violence.

Adultery and sexual immorality. How many people have affairs outside of marriage? Young men (and probably women too) especially consider it an honor and duty to have as much sex as possible. Casual sex is celebrated in film and television. Pornography is everywhere. Then there's homosexuality, the push to normalize it and now even gay marriage. Gay pride as well. the threat of AIDS or STDs has done little to make people think twice about any of these.

All of which brings us to...

A lack of humility and prideful boasting of sin. The sex especially, but people are often proud of other sin. The drunkenness, lack of faith in God. People are proud to support the murder of babies as "choice". People blindly support or turn a blind eye to the unjust wars. People support the exploitation of charity by wearing pink. (See revelation radio news a couple weeks back.)

And the list can go on!

America, we continue to pile sins upon our heads! Yet say we are a Christian nation. A claim, by the way, that is not true as I've said before here.

America, i believe God has been judging us for some time,
to urge us to repentance. God has blessed us, and has used some of us for His work, but on the whole, we are a wicked people. i believe His judgment has been coming upon us for years, and getting progressively worse each time we reject our chance to repent and turn to Him.

I believe future calamities, disasters and ultimately destructive judgment can be avoided if we but turn from our sin and accept God's free gift of mercy found only in His son Jesus Christ.

In the coming weeks, i'll be going through Wilkerson's "America's last call" to further demonstrate that even in the 90's, God's judgment of our people was nigh. How much mores so now!

Following that will be a look at events that were were possibly instruments of God's judgment, with a look to other possible items God may use to wake us up.

is hurricane sandy God's judgment?

all. please pray for new York and those hit by hurricane sandy. many are without power and food and dangerously close to barbsrism. and its only been one or two days. many in NYC at least aren't expected to get power for another week.

http://www.naturalnews.com/037805_chaos_superstorm_sandy_apocalypse.html

pray also that we as an American people will have a true heartfelt repentence of our sins through Jesus Christ. I believe we must accept the fact that hurricane sandy could well be the hand of God judging america. perhaps its a lessened form of it to warn and woo us back. but lets be honest, we do deserve judgment if we don't turn from our wicked ways as a country.

I'm not the first to say God is due to judge america. david wilkerson gave a potentially prophetic word YEARS ago about fires burning all throughout NYC as a result of God's judgment. I wonder if this is the beginning of that.

Chuck missler always paraphrases someone by saying if God doesn't judge america He'll have to apologize to sodom and gomorrah.

here's a few things we are responsible for that God could and should judge us for, using His example in the Old testament and the preaching of other biblical teachers.

aborting millions of babies

using virtual slave labor for our many products, including ipads

the continuation and starting of unjust wars

our corrupt business and political processes both of which work together against the good of the common man

lack of compassion for the poor

pride

the celebration of homosexuality

the continuation of human trafficking and pornography

the fact that we didn't repent after other "warning sign" acts of judgment (9-11, Katrina, the 300 tornadoes of 2011, the gulf oil spill, etc.)

it should be no shock that we had another. i'm no prophet and I have no prophetic word thst I know of but if we don't repent after this, something far worse will happwn and soon. maybe the big one in california. the new madrid. maybe somethig else entirely. what will it take for us to wake up? to recognize our sin and humble ourselves in repentance before our God? after all we're a "Christian nation" aren't we?

its not too late yet. turn from you sin, turn to Jesus. God took care of our sin at the cross. if we don't accept that and turn to Christ we are doomed.

Today God is First (Right After I Take Dominion)

Normally I don't do this and have actually gone back and removed names from a post dealing with an individual's false teaching. Today though I will name a name or two, but only because they are so subtle and also totally sold into their own theology. They also have a quarter million subscribers to their devotional. A number I likely will never reach nor aspire to. My hope is to help you avoid his teaching by telling you who it is.

I'm really fired fired up about this.

I have a friend at a company I used to work at and this company has a sort of group for Christian employees. I never joined it for several reasons, mainly that I was afraid it would lead to persecution somehow, was too worldly/superficial and I was starting to get back into weird stuff. Well, this group shares a devotional which my friend occasionally sends me.

The devotional is "Today God is First" by Os Hillman.

I read a few and found them kind of churchianity, kind of worldly, but occasionally found some value in them. Not often though. But one day Hillman wrote something that set off a little warning. I googled based on this warning and discovered my suspicions were right.

Os Hillman is a dominionist, and more importantly doesn't hide it aside from the fact that he doesn't like to use the word dominionist and does sort if hide it. He's really good at hiding it in his devotionals (some of which he adapts from C Peter Wagner's writings, another dominionist). He's a good little Ferengi, following the rule "never be afraid to mislabel a product".

What got me fired up is the devotional I received yesterday. Pray for discernment before you read it, as there's some almost true sounding stuff that actually isn't. I'll explain after the dump. The only thing I changed was to remove the date.

"The Queen of Heaven

TGIF Today God is First by Os Hillman

"The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead the dough and make cakes of bread for the Queen of Heaven" (Jer 7:18).

If you want to change the spiritual climate of your city you must address the principalities that rule that city. Such was the case for the apostle Paul when he went to the city of Ephesus. There was a territorial principality that was worshipped by the people of Ephesus named Diana of the Ephesians (also known by her Greek name, Artemis). The people gave money to this false god and it strongly influenced the economy because of this. The city was also the center for magic and the occult.

Her temple in Ephesus was listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the most outstanding and opulent example of architecture in the whole city. Her followers called her "magnificent," "great goddess," "savior," and "Queen of Heaven."

Paul preached in Asia for two years and had great success confronting this territorial principality. Paul began to neutralize the Queen of Heaven's power so much by the gospel that the common people began to notice. They not only stopped worshipping and sacrificing to her, the silversmith's who were manufacturing idols were going out of business, so they staged a public riot. They filled the huge amphitheater and shouted for two hours, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians" (Acts 19:34).

Many who were converted burned all of the idols and magic books. "When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power" (Acts 19:20). Based on the U.S. economy today, the pile of magic paraphernalia that was burned would have been worth four million dollars!*

In order for you to impact your city you must identify and break down the ruling principalities that may be hindering the gospel there. The more common principalities in the western world would include the religious spirit, the spirit of mammon, pride, and freemasonry to name a few.

Ask God for wisdom and discernment as you prepare to deal with your local and regional principalities.

Adapted from Confronting the Queen of Heaven, C. Peter Wagner, Wagner Books, 11005 N. Highway 83, Colorado Springs, CO p. 14-17 2001"

End devotional

Now, I used to be real gung ho "lets cast demons out of everything" and was super into spiritual warfare. I still believe in it of course, and do it, but I've learned alot.

And certainly all mission work is to be undertaken with much prayer, and i suppose a portion of that is asking God to move in a geographic area and asking Him to drive out any spiritual opposition. As i said I am a firm believer in and have experienced spiritual warfare firsthand.

What I take issue with is this:

" In order for YOU to impact your city YOU must identify and break down the ruling principalities that may be hindering the gospel there."

Emphasis added.

Where does the Bible say this? That prior to preaching we must break down territorial spirits? Where is God in this picture? What about the authority of Christ over the demonic? We certainly have no power on our own to do this. If he's encouraging spiritual warfare, at least explain it properly.

He doesn't.

Improper spiritual warfare is dangerous as you will see in the sons of Sceva.

The passage Hillman cites is Acts 19. But in the Bible I read, it doesn't say we're supposed to identify or confront territorial spirits to allow the Gospel to spread, much less do it ourselves. When Paul was on Mars Hill, he didn't confront or cast out the territorial spirits and idols there. He stood there and preached the Gospel. No mention of territorial spirits is made. In fact outside of Ephesians, I don't recall Paul mentioning principalities and powers, and we only see him casting spirits out of possessed people. Not in geographic areas.

An example is Acts 16:16 - 18 when Paul casts the demon out of the fortune teller. He didn't confront her or a spirit of divination before preaching. He only dealt with it after preaching for days and after he was irritated. And when he did attack, he relied on the power and authority of Jesus Christ, not his own.

Dealing with spirits is part of our Christian walk, but I don't see where we're supposed to do it before preaching or in our own power. I certainly don't see where we are to identify and confront them actively.

We're not to run around casting demons out on every street corner, or seeking to dethrone spiritual principalities and powers. I'm not going to run around my city trying to topple whatever evil spirit holds sway there. I don't think the Bible tells us to do that either.

We are to preach the Gospel first, THEN the other stuff comes. In Acts 19, Paul steadily preached the Gospel and telling people idols weren't gods for 2 years. Nowhere in the text do I see him moving against principalities (demons, etc.) directly. Perhaps it was part of his ministry, if he was attacked, but it was not the focus and it doesn't say he had to do it before preaching.

Maybe i missed it.

The only people seeking to confront the prinicpalities and spirits in acts 19 directly were the seven sons of Sceva and they were then beaten by the possessed individual. Of course they were unsaved, and didnt know Jesus, but I think there's a lesson there about looking for trouble.

And recall what Jesus said in Luke 10:20. "However, stop rejoicing because the spirits are submitting to you. Instead, rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

It seems to me that in preaching the Gospel and getting people saved (as the focus), satans forces get hip to us then seek us out for attack. We don't need to seek them out and topple them first. If we do our job to preach, they seek us out. Then they are to be dealt with.

The point I'm trying to make I guess is that the preaching precedes the having to deal with principalities and we shouldn't be going out of our way to seek out engagement.

I can assure you it's not something to play around with.

Moving on, how do I know Hillman is a dominionist and why is dominionism bad? First, Hillman's website has the infamous seven mountains right there on the front of his site, though he may call them spheres or something else this week.

I would refer you to derek gilberts vftb.net and pidradio archives to learn more about basic dominionist whackiness and the seven (insert allusion to a controllable something here). And not only is dominionism false teaching, they also make claims of doing things they don't do like you will see in operation ice castle below.

http://vftb.net/?tag=dominionism&paged=6

http://vftb.net/?tag=dominionism&paged=8

And perhap one of the best.

http://derekpgilbert.com/?p=3703

Brief overview of Dominion theology

http://herescope.blogspot.com/2007/06/dominion-at-first-it-may-seem-like.html

Onto Hillman. He's close to being right and has enough truth in his writing to sound right, but the best lies have a half truth. What mr. Hillman wrote about is pretty consistent with Dominion theology, though he's really good at hiding it.

This article is a must read if you read nothing else.

http://herescope.blogspot.com/2011/08/denying-dominionism.html

And here are some good quotes and articles.

"On his website, Hillman posts pieces written by Johnny Enlow, author of "The Seven Mountain Prophecy" which asserts that goal of Christians ought to be to establish a "virtual theocracy" in which government leaders will also be religious leaders so that they can present "the nations of the world to the Lord as His possession" and bring about the return of Christ."

And

"Hillman's website also sells the works of Lance Wallnau, one of the leading Seven Mountains proponents whose work has been central to the mission to "do whatever is necessary" to claim dominion."

http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/wallnau-dont-say-dominionism-least-not-front-media

"Also issuing a denial was prominent Dominionist Os Hillman who helped launch the 7 Mountains movement and runs the reclaim7mountains website. Hillman is retrenching. He issued a syrupy brief statement[1] emphasizing that "Dominion, or perhaps a better word to use is influence, is a result of our love and obedience to God, not a goal to be achieved." However, the rest of his statement confirms the basic Dominionism platform of Genesis 1:28, adding in the neo-Kuyperian spheres and the idea of restoring heaven to earth."

http://herescope.blogspot.com/2011/08/denying-dominionism.html

And let's not forget Operation Ice Castle in which some dominionists claim to have climbed mount Everest to fight the queen of heaven. They actually didn't climb to the top. But they did go near it and claim they climbed and fought, as near as I understand this bizarre episode.

The main take away is their thoughts on spiritual warfare which are not Biblical.

This article is a good summary of the article below it.

http://herescope.blogspot.com/2010/12/spiritual-warfarers-battle-real.html

"The Bible does not speak or instruct us to confront principalities, powers in prayer or travel to where they are supposedly located to do prophetic prayer acts or declarations? According to the spirit warfare model of the new apostolic movement, it is necessary."

http://www.letusreason.org/Latrain64.htm

"Members of Wagner’s Third Wave/New Apostolic Reformation are convinced that their prayers can literally destroy individuals whom they’ve identified as demonic. Among those for whose deaths they claim credit are Mother Teresa and Princess Diana. Wagner taught his followers that a female mega-demon whom he called…“The Great Harlot of Mystery Babylon” lurked near the summit of Mount Everest…One of Wagner’s leading apostles in Mexico was a woman named Ana Mendez, a former witch in a Haitian voodoo cult…she led a team of twenty-six intercessors to Mount Everest in an assault she called, “Operation Ice Castle.” She and her elite force launched highly targeted intercessory prayers directly at the Great Harlot…Apparently, the prayers found their mark, killing the Harlot Queen."

http://www.joemcginniss.net/tag/dominionist

All of this to say, dominionism is bad and weird and grows more strange the deeper you get. It sickens me to learn that 250, 000 brothers and sisters are getting fed and partaking in this man's poison. It's even worse that Christians in a corporate setting are getting it as a quasi-official and reputable source of doctrine.

If you want good doctrinen go to the Bible!

Revealing Questions: Why Doesn't God Just Reveal Himself

This has been sort of addressed in my Top 50 questions blog, but it bears revisiting not due to s revelation, but just insight gained over time.

So, if God is real, why doesn't He just put an end to the "hiding" and show us His glory once and for all? Then people can believe. Makes sense, right?

Actually, i feel that's sort of a cop out that people seem to use so they don't have to deal with the idea of God and having to be accountable to Him. But rather than give the Christianese cop out answer "it's all about faith" (it is in a way, but we need reasons for the smart people) I will give a few reasons why God doesn't just show Himself.

The first reason He doesn't just show Himself is because it would destroy us. Pretty good reason if you ask me.

In Genesis 3, we see the fall of man. As a result, we humans chose to hide from God, and God had to drive us from His presence. Further, atonement had to be made by a sacrifice (animal skins, foreshadowing the Jewish sacrificial system in the Hebrew Scriptured and thus Christ's sacrifice). So because we are separated from God through our sin, we can't be in His presence. God is Holy and absolute good and therefore cannot tolerate the presence of sin, hence why adam and eve were evicted. Sort of like how you or i can't stand being around a certain smell or the sight of something. I can't stand certain actors in movies, so i keep them out of my presence. Sin is like that to God.

This is further demonstrated when Moses meets God on Mt. Sinai in Exodus 33:17 - 23 and chpt 34:5-9. In 33:20 God Himself tells Moses that if he sees Him face to face, that Moses would die. As it was, just seeing part of God, Moses fell prostrate before God. Even Exodus 19:20-21 the Lord warns the Israelites that they were not to look at Him lest they die.

Ezekiel 1:28, Ezekiel sees God and falls as though dead. He is a fallen man in the presence of God, so it makes sense. Isaiah has a slightly different experience, but when He sees God he realizes that he is unworthy.

In Revelation 1:17 John sees Jesus (God the Son, God as He incarnated as man) and He falls as though he were dead.

Just from these few encounters, we can see that it's not good for our fallen flesh to behold a Holy and just God. If God were to just reveal Himself to us, we'd all die or be close enough to it to wish we were. God, in His mercy, keeps us from seeing Him while we inhabit this body.

A good second reason is because deep in our sinful hearts, we really don't want to see God. Partly because we then would have to deal with our sin issue. So, we hide.

We already saw in Genesis 3 that when Adam and Eve sinned, they hid from God (or tried anyways).

In Exodus 20:18-21, the Israelites have the choice to hear God directly, but instead choose to have Moses serve as intermediary (foreshadowing Jesus, no doubt). Not hiding really, but close enough in that they dodge having to deal directly with God. They can't bear being that intimate with Him.

Ezekiel 8, especially verse 12, we see that the elders of Israel tried to hide their sinful activities from God.

Quasi related to this, if God showed Himself then went away, we would forget before too long and revert to our sinful ways. God delivered Israel from Egypt mightily. He parted a sea, He was a pillar of cloud and fire, and yet Israel doubted and complained. The book of Judges is full of tragic cases where God worked miracles revealing glory here and there. Often within a few years Israel often turned back to sin.

Given the opportunity, we do our best to hide or avoid God and forget His mighty works. I myself have had God provide financially or deliver me from demonic attack only to try to hide from the truth and from God by trying to rationalize it away later. I have to remind myself it was a miracle and that God did move. I find myself now in a situation where I need a miracle, and I hope I will remember it when God moves.

But despite our best efforts to hide from God, we can't anyways. Its listed in so many places in the Bible that we can not hide from God. The prophet Jonah learned the hard way that it isn't possible. But it's best summarized by Chuck Missler, "God loves you so much that He can't take His eyes off of you."

It could also be argued that God did reveal Himself. 2000 years ago, He became a man, Jesus Christ, fulfilling hundreds of specific prophecies from the old testament. Mankind's reaction was to kill Him, fulfilling yet more prophecies in His death (psalm 22 for one) and His resurrection after 3 days.

On a sidenote, the book called "the Math of Christ" investigates the probability that Jesus Christ fulfilled merely 40 of the hundreds of prophecies from the Hebrew Scriptures, let alone the hundreds that are proposed. You can listen to an overview of it here: http://www.pidradio.com/2012/09/06/p-i-d-radio-at-prophecy-summit-col-stephen-bauer/

And of course, God will show Himself to us, but it's not going to be what you think. It won't be a quick glimpse to put our superficicial doubts at ease, then back to being invisible so we can go about our lives. It will be to come and pour out His wrath on those who have rejected His offer to make peace by turning from our sin.

Revelation 6:12-17 paint a terrifying picture of what happens when God will show His face. The physical universe that we touch and see will be removed and humanity will see God face to face. And on that day, the reaction of fallen man will be to hide. But if you read the rest of Revelation, it doesn't cause humanity to repent and believe in God. The rest of Revelation is about how despite God's continuing and obvious judgment and opportunities to repent, nobody does. Even to the point that people are trying to attack Jesus as He returns in Revelation 19. Other parts of the old testament expound on this time period and refer to it as the Day of the Lord, notably the book of Joel. Joel assures us that it is not going to be a happy day and that it will be too late to change our tune then.

The only way that any of us will see God face to face in a good way is to accept His free gift of salvation found in His Son Jesus Christ.

Turn from your sin, recognize it for its evil and ask God to forgive you for it, because He gave His Son Jesus to die for our sins according to the Hebrew Scriptures and Jesus rose from the dead according to the same scriptures on the third day. Done. He paid the price for my sin and yours, and by accepting that gift we can and will see God as a friend, Lord and Savior. He will reveal Himself in all His glory and finally we will be equipped to handle it.

Who You Gonna Call...on? Ghostbusters, or Jesus?

If you've never seen Ghostbusters, stop lying. EVERYONE'S seen it.

Growing up, this movie, cartoon and toys were the source of many hours of enjoyment and occasionally terror for me. I wanted to be a Ghostbuster, i had many of the toys, i wrote a Ghostbusters fan fiction in highschool that will never see daylight, heck, i even went to the firehouse in new york city on 14 N Moore St.

But, Ghostbusters also led me into the occult. Big surprise, i know.

For what it's worth, it is a fun movie, i still enjoy it, and many Christians probably do too. In all seriousness, i don't know anyone who takes it more deeply than that. But there are some things worth considering, especially from a Biblical viewpoint.

I know i certainly see this movie with new eyes.

Part One: The Ghosts

To be fair, the Ghostbusters mythos deals with things beyond ghosts, and the movie even deals with "a god" and a hundred foot marshmallow man. We're led to believe that most of all these normal ghosts are dear uncle charlie, or aunt sylvia. If thats the case, containing them indefinitely in a custom made storage facility is probably not the nicest thing to do.

But we never actually see someone die and become a ghost, so are these ghosts really dead people? If so, why do so many look like horrible monsters? In fact, with a few exceptions, the ghosts are pretty much all grotesque. Even the ones that aren't, become so when agitated.

As in the real world, the best explanation would be that these "ghosts" are demonic spirits, not dear departed loved ones.

Several plot points become much clearer when viewed this way. The devil dogs posessing Dana Barrett and Louis Tully, clearly demonic posession (though they have physical attributes). Especially the scene where Venkman encounters Zuul. That whole scene, ectoplasm and all, smacks of demonic manifestation as recorded in real "ghost hauntings" that I've read about. Since Dan Akroyd is a student of the occult, it should be no surprise that he provided authenticity.

It also explains the whole Vigo episode in Ghostbusters 2. In the guise of a human, Vigo, a demonic spirit attached to a painting posesses people and tries to permanently take over a baby's physical body. Vigo would not be a ghost of a human, so much as a demon pretending to be a person who wss Vigo.

What about Gozer? Seems a bit stronger than a ghost. Well, Gozer is a "god" so basically Gozer would have to be a fallen angel. Gozer seems to have some attributes if an angel, nanely physical and spiritual attributes.

In light of this, if indeed the "ghosts" in the Ghostbusters mythos are demons, and Gozer a fallen angel, what are we to make of this? In the real world, a believer in Jesus Christ has the authority and relationship with Jesus to rebuke these beings. I also believe it's possible, based on the pleadings of Legion in the Mark 5 area, for these beings to be sent to the abyss. A place which they fear and avoid.

The Ghostbusters, however, are able to do this not based on anything but science. In the old cartoon at least, the place the ghosts go, the containment unit, looks alot like an abyss, minus the eternal darkness. So in effect, it seems Ghostbusters are subconciously selling the idea that science can replace God and the authority of Christ and is able to sentence wayward spirits to their jail.

Part Two: Bible Prophecy

Interestingly, Ghostbusters has an interesting link with Bible prophecy. Apart from the obvious dead rising (which they pervert) one thing stands out.

In Revelation 9, a "star" (ie angel, fallen or otherwise) opens up the bottomless pit. This lets out all kinds of nasty creatures, seemingly demonic. Of course in Ghostbusters, this happens.

Louis Tully gets possessed by an evil entity named Vinz Clortho, the "keymaster". This entity is a devil dog, with physical attributes, as it creates much collateral damage, and also spiritual aspects, given that it possesses Tully. This makes the being very much like a fallen angel, though lower on the pole than Gozer.

The keymaster then proceeds to open the abyss, or its equivalent, letting all the "ghosts" out. The ghosts then proceed to terrorize the people of new york. Just like Revelation 9.

It's interesting that this is also paralleled in the recent Avengers movie, even including the same city.

Theres more though. Clortho then opens another portal with Zuul. A side note on Zuul, she bears a small resemblance to the woman in Revelation 17:4, in that she wears red/scarlett and also gold (in the form of glittery things). The color purple seems absent though.

So, they then open another portal, (sort of continuing what Vinz started earlier) and let out Gozer the DESTRUCTOR, which is interesting as the entity in the bottomless pit of Revelation 9 is known as the destroyer.

In the Bible, this series of events culminates with God's judgment of the sinful world, and His restoration of Earth.

In Ghostbusters, the destruction preceding God's wrath is thwarted (atop a tower, ie, Babel?) by 4 men armed with unlicensed nuclear accelerators. As if to say, "we will stop God's wrath and judgment through our own efforts and with science."

While not an exhaustive analysis of Ghostbusters and its symbolism, this should serve as a good place to start for a Christians to look at the film and themes therein.

In the end, the only way to escape God's wrath is to turn from our sin and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. No amount of science will improve our sinful stance with God, nor will it put an end to His judgment.

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Looking Good in the Cheap Suit of Failure

If you found this blog because you too are a failure, you're in good company. I am a huge, EPIC FAIL. But, God still loves you and has a plan for you, so don't give up yet. Turn to Jesus, and He can do anything, even succeed in our failures.

Let me lay out my credibility as a failure, so you can see. I'll go through the many ways i've failed, and try to balance that with what God has done. I don't want to complain, but, i need to lay out some history so i can tell about how God redeemed the failures.

Since i turned 16, i've been working. Early on, and even in recent years, i've been pleased, perhaps prideful, that i can hold a job and earn money. It didn't take long to find out that ain't always so.

Throughout the past nearly 2 decades of work, i have failed almost as often as i "succeeded". And some of those "successes" were barely so.

My first job was at McDonald's. Hard to get canned there, so i left on good terms. My second job in manufacturing was also good, though in both cases i was occasionally in the hot seat as a trouble maker.

My third job, and perhaps one of my favorites, was as a baker, another thing hard to mess up. No one bothered me, i loved it. Ah, but my fourth job, thats where things started to go south. (Or north if you're from the south, and going north is a bad thing)

I was fired from a warehouse for productivity issues, not wholly my own fault. I was physically not strong enough, and on the team of biggest screw-offs and reprobates there was. Around here is when i gave my life to Christ. God tested my faith here. I struggled with some things immensely at this time. Still, God kept me from being given over to it wholly and i think He showed me that i can fail despite doing my best.

From there i interned in IT, but, when a job became available, i was not given it. Still, i left on good terms and was always told i did an awesome job. After that, i was sort of fired/laid off from a bank job doingIT/furniture moving work. It was sort of a temporary thing that had ended, but also, they didn't like me much. That puts us at 2 firings, 4 left on my own for something better.

I'd take those odds. Believe me, i would.

Job seven found me doing in-store computer repair work for a major chain. I was never trained, nor assigned any work to do. I quit, but, during my notice they told me not to come back. A draw i guess. Job eight, i was a TA temporarily for a semester and quit on my own.

Job nine, phone tech support, fired for anger issues really. That was an absolutely poor witness for Christ, but during that time i grew alot and also suffered alot. The Lord really dealt with a few issues here, and also got me involved in church. As a baby Christian, i learned a lot about life and the Church.

God did alot during that time. He helped me control finances to an extent. He also purged me of most of my anger. The worst parts anyways. In retrospect, i also see this as a great lesson in spiritual warfare and growing in wisdom. God really moved here.

I believe at this time, He also showed me that "normal" church ministry and involvement wasn't for me, though i tried to fit. I was involved in 2 ministries here. Teaching high school seniors and planning events for the singles ministry. But both efforts fell flat for a variety of reasons probably because i was doing them on my own power with minimal prayer and relying on God.

Job ten, manufacturing again, but i was fired for a mistake and really fired more for lying about it. Job eleven found me doing customer service again, but, God really grew me here and also provided a TON for me (money and school). I did well for most of 5 years actually, and even almost enjoyed it. Until management became draconian and gave us whips of scorpions. Then, i left before they could fire me.

During that time, i had my faith crisis and got back into UFOs, then restored back to faith and right relationship with Christ.

Job twelve, is current as a business writer (in line with my major where i graduated with honors because of God's favor) This one is about to become a failure, and has been since the beginning. I was never really trained, and my boss gets mad even with my best attempts.Even so, God has helped me in amazing ways in my work, as well as learning about myself and issues that need to be fixed.

He's showed me a lot about myself, that will help me find the right fit and be more effective for His kingdom.

So in these failures of work, i'm still trying to learn what God's trying to tell me with 45%-50% termination rate. But i can tell you that during these failures, God has helped me. He has provided for me with jobs and money when i didn't deserve it. He gave me a free college education and allowed me to graduate with honors. He's allowed me to nearly achieve a long standing dream, and i feel He is giving me signs that the dream will be achieved.

what else can i say?

Throughout all of my failures and struggles, whenever i have turned to God, He has helped me. Not always in ways i wanted or expected, but He was always there. Further, He has always grown me. He has also allowed me to meet many really interesting people.

But overall, He has used all of these struggles and failures to glorify His name by redeeming me through Jesus Christ and drawing me ever closer to Him.

My most recent job failure has shown me that i am a total failure, and that anything good that comes from my life is both God's gift, and God working through me.

David Wilkerson said in his book "Have you felt like giving up lately?" (A book every Christian and every failure should read):

"God delights in using men and women who think of themselves as unable to do anything right...a person who knows that if anything good happens through her, it has to be God. All the hotshot Christians who go about bowling people over with their great abilities never impress God."

Think about that a moment.

Find me one "hero" of the Bible who wasn't a failure in some way from a human perspective:

Jacob was a cheat and a liar

David had great accomplishements, but, had great failures too. But when he failed, he acknowledged it and repented.

Moses had doubts and made excuses when he received his call. He gave into anger as well.

Samson...'nuff said.

Paul was shipwrecked, arrested, beaten and so on. He considered himself a wretch, doing what was wrong and not doing what was good.

Even our Lord Jesus, at first seemed to fail. His three year ministry ended in His death. From human eyes, He failed. But, He rose again, through His power as God the Son to redeem that "failure" and it became a victory.

So when the storm clouds gather, when you fail. Turn to God. Read and pray the psalms. Tell Him your concerns. No one loves you more. No one has done more for you. No one can do more for you. The Lord will direct you and use your failure for His gain. Jesus rose victorious from the dead! Put your faith in Him, and your failure can be redeemed. You can be redeemed!

1 Corinthians 1:27 - 30

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Ps, good psalms to read for "failures".

Psalms 46, 12, 29, 37, 145, 17, 86, 142, 120, 56, 71, 35, 7, 39, 145, 38, 15, 19, 25, 6, 63, 133, 111, 49, 91, 11, 33, 109, 223, 5, 41, 56, 59, 25, 32, and 48

It's here at last!

Ancient Aliens debunked!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9w-i5oZqaQ&feature=g-all-u.

To accompany it, there are several blogs on this site that also debunk ancient aliens. Enjoy! Please also visit www.ancientaliensdebunked.com. this will help you to delve deeper into many of the other claims they make in ancient aliens.

Tithe Me Up: Do Christians Have to Tithe

Under revision, please check back

Wow, it's Been Two Years!

I don't know where to even start! Today is the two year anniversary of Don't Ask That In Church, and considering the short life-expectancy of my dozen or so other blogs, that's saying something! To me anyways, it certainly attests to two things:

1) God's Word is inexhaustible. What i mean is that using His Word is not only the best way, but THE WAY to find the truth in the deceptions of our day. Without God's Word (and people using it to uncover lies), I'd still be waiting for Blossom Goodchild to welcome her space buddies. If it doesn't address something specifically, then certainly it outlines a principle that does.

2) That God is doing some sort of a work here. I'm just one guy, with opinions, a blog and hopefully a way to find God and His son Jesus in the midst of the deceptions in our day.

While i had initially started this as a response to Chris White's call for blogs, and as a sort of "Mini-Me" Future Quake to educate ya'll online, i think the one who's learned the most is me. First, God has grown my writing and research skills (hopefully), but more importantly He's brought me closer to Him through Jesus Christ. He's helped me grow more interested in Him rather than continuing to chase the devil's schemes.


When i started this, i was still kind of figuring out all this stuff (not that I've figured it all out completely) and i was still unsure on some things. However, as I've uncovered deception, i've had to lean more heavily on truth which is the Bible, and Jesus Christ dying and raising from the dead according to the Bible. Without that foundation, the lies of the world will trap you.

I guess i have just a few things to say. First, thank you to first to Dr. Heiser who led me to Future Quake, who led me to Russ Dizdar, Guy Malone, Joe Jordan and La Marzulli. Thanks for exposing the alien lies.

Then, specifically thanks to Chris White for putting a call out for blogs. I had recently graduated college for writing and was unsure how i could put that gift to use for the Lord. There was my shot. Awesome! But even that wouldn't have happened without my friend Gaz Parker. We corresponded after his testimony aired on Nowhere to Run and it was he who encouraged me the most to undertake this. Without Gaz i probably wouldn't have done this. Thanks mate.


What is the purpose of this blog then?

As i said, i sort of only started it to do it. To fill a need. Then i sort of enjoyed doing it and just kept doing things as there were topics i still struggled with and things people may benefit from. My purpose i guess developed after a while, and that is:

1) for saved folks, education/edification. To help you have answers for the unsaved, or to keep you from wandering when you learn about weird stuff like i did.

2) for saved and wandering folks. Well, to hopefully restore you, the way i was after being educated. If you've gone of track for this or that reason, then i hope my writing can be used by God to lead you back to Jesus Christ

3) for the unsaved. i don't know if anyone has come to Christ reading this, so if you have let me know. But i hope this blog has helped at least lead some of you in that direction.


So that's where this all started. But i sort of want To think about where this has been, and where it's going. Having looked at alot of weird stuff here, it's kind of tiring seeing the devil's lies, because once you know what the truth is, it's alot easier to see the lies of satan. And the schemes of the devil are actually kind of monotonous, even though when i started this, i still thought there was some interesting aspects to them. Not so. As i've drawn closer to Christ in dealing with these lies, I've just grown more interested in Jesus and prophecy. Perhaps harder areas to write about.

I guess this has made me think about as i continue writing, about my direction. I am seeking the Lord's guidance. Should i keep debunking stuff? Is that helpful to you readers? Or should i do as I've been thinking about, that is going deeper into tough parts of scripture? Which way does the most good for the Lord's Kingdom?

Time will tell i guess.


The last thing I want to bring up. There are no ads in this blog, and no donate button. Oh, believe me, i thought about it. I almost put some in. But i thought and prayed about. Sought God's will. He didn't give me an audible revelation. But He did give me insight in His word.

Imagine that.

1 Corinthians 12 - 18

12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. 16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. 18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.


With this in mind, i decided not to make money from this blog. I mean this not to boast. But we are in economic trouble, and i have a job (for now) i couldn't find a good way to justify doing it. So, unless i lose my job, I'm not planning to put in ads, or ask for donations. This blog costs me nothing, and i think it's a better witness if money isn't my goal.

However, if you've always wanted to send me money, or have extra to throw around, i may recommend this ministry.

http://www.freeforlifeintl.org

They assist victims of human trafficking and are actually doing what the Lord said to do in the Bible. So if you feel led to send money anywhere, send it there.

Another great ministry is children's hunger fund which received high marks from ministrywatch. Their link should be on the sidebar.

Still, if you want to support me in some manner, i covet your prayers.

Please do keep me in prayer, that the Lord guides me and gives me wisdom. That i don't stray from His path again. Pray also for the success of another ministry project I'm working on. Pray also that the Lord help me find the "right job" as i have an astonishing failure rate for work, and the trend seems likely to continue.

I guess thats all.

We made it to 30,000+ visits!

Don't Tea me Off: Bob Marley Tea and Getting High

Undeniably, Bob Marley is one of the most popular musicians of all time, and certainly the most famous Reggae musician ever. Whether he's popular because of his music, or like many musicians, popular because of his unashamed embrace of marijuana and drug use is anyone's guess. Personally, i think his music is just OK, even his ska stuff with the Wailers as i like ska more than reggae, so i've given him a fair chance. He just isn't my cup of...tea.

But what do i know, i listen to ska music, and that's not popular right now.

Anyways, in addition to soothing us with his groundbreaking music, Mr. Marley also seeks to soothe us with his own brand of relaxation drinks.

Thats right. Relaxation drinks.

Despite being dead for more than 30 years, Bob Marley has somehow decided to find time to endorse a brand of relaxation drinks, probably available at your local grocery store.

"What's wrong with that?" you might ask.

Well, nothing really. Except that they warn you not to drive after drinking it. The reason being is that this drink makes you sleepy. REAALLY sleepy.

I also have another suspicion, based on first hand experience. I think they can also make you high. Or at least what i think being high might feel like. It felt enough like drunkeness to make me suspect that drinking these teas can make you high. But even if that's not the case, there are things in the tea that should not be consumed regularly without seeing a doctor.

Allow me to share my personal experience. I was having a stressful day at work (as always) and i was at the store on my lunch break looking for snacks when i saw this tea. I saw a flavor i was intrigued by and checked out the label.

The main ingredient, i think was chamomile, something i do drink occasionally as it does help me relax. But in addition to this, the drink contains melatonin and valarian root. More on those in a moment. Seeing nothing obviously harmful or "weird", and seeing that valarian root seemed to be OK, i bought one.

Here's what happened.

Back at work, i took a few sips, it tasted pretty good and i didn't really feel much. I felt kind of relaxed, so i drank a little more, finishing 1 serving from a 2 serving bottle. (You know someone will drink the whole bottle.) It wasn't long before i felt weird.

Now, i've never been high and haven't done drugs before, but i have certainly been drunk before. What i felt was what i imagine getting high must feel like. It was sort of the feeling like i was drunk, but it was slightly different. It's hard to describe. I sort of felt really peaceful and relaxed and in some ways sort of very lazy and not wanting to move.

While this feeling was developing, i read some side effects of valarian root, all of which i began to feel. Thirst, slight headache, dizziness, etc.

As i was sitting in my desk at work, i stopped working and just suddenly did nothing. I couldn't bring myself to do anything except just sit there for an hour or so. Luckily my boss was gone that day. It was really interesting as well, because the music i was listening to started to sound more rich and "newer" like i was noticing new things about it. It's a longstanding favorite of mine, so i know it sounded slightly different. Perhaps clearer.

After i felt like moving again, i went and got some water and coffee, i also talked to a coworker briefly and remember being kind of giggly.

After i finally felt sobered up, i still had some headache, but was incredibly tired. I also began to feel hungry, reminding me of the "munchies" that many pot smokers joke about. I finally went home, and took a nap on the couch. It was only 15 minutes, but it helped. Later that night, i slept really well and easily. I even felt extra rested. But i recall having extremely vivid dreams, yet another side effect of valerian.

All in all, that was my experience.

Here's a quick bit on valerian and melatonin.

Basically, valerian is a sedative, and is used to treat insomnia and anxiety. So there are some medicinal uses for it, and i think those may be OK. I haven't researched it much though.

Still i would urge caution. First, there are adverse side effects (including paralysis) especially if large doses are consumed. Something that is not advertised on the 2 serving bottle that many will drink as 1 serving. That's not to mention that one probably shouldn't take to long-term use of valerian without consulting a doctor.

I haven't looked into this aspect much either, but i would be careful in the event that valerian has some sort of role in facilitating spirit contact. (Pharmakeia, sorcery, etc.). I wasn't able to find occult uses of it, but i didn't look that hard. Still, anything that makes you dream more vividly i would recommend be used with extreme caution, thus preventing spiritual encounters as outlined in the Bible.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerian_(herb)

http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/surprising-side-effects-5-popular-supplements


Melatonin is also something used to treat sleep disorders, and a number of other things. However, only for short periods of less than 3 months (wiki).

There's a host of things melatonin does, mainly treating conditions caused by working late at night, as well as serving as an antioxidant. Still, it would be better to have your body produce its own, rather than ingesting some from an outside source. Especially without a doctor's recommendation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melatonin


Overall, valerian and melatonin probably shouldn't used for extended periods of time (without a doctor's direction or some medical need), something that someone drinking these drinks may not know. By drinking this one may inadvertantly cause harm by consuming too much. Who knows, some people may drink them regularly.

Add to that, the possibility of addiction, or even the feeling of getting high (my own experience) it would be good to avoid this drink, especially if you are a Christian. Even if there are no spiritual events happening, the possibility exists that you may invite encounters with dark spirits. Spirits that can only be sent packing by calling on Jesus Christ.

Illumi-naughty: Does the Illuminati Card Game Predict Anything?

Some parts of the Body of Christ have gone conspiracy crazy. I used to be one of them, checking ATS every day to get my doom on, and when the theory of the week failed to materialize, I'd latch on to another. It was a twisted sort of thrill, ramping myself up with fear and worry, then release when i woke up safe. It certainly was a welcome relief from the boredom of working in a call center. Luckily Lord Jesus showed me a better way through the preaching on Future Quake and his word and removed that fear: God is still on His throne. What Jesus said in Matthew 10:28 helped alot in this as well.

Last post i addressed this and myth chasing in a general sense, but today there's a specific example of myth chasing: Predictive Programming.

What that is, is basically something (ie a movie, book, TV show) foreshadowing and preparing all of us for an event. Examples of this would be aliens in movies preparing us for "real aliens." Or Star Trek preparing us for advances in technologies. Hollywood movies preparing us to accept societal changes of some sort or to help guide our response to a certain type of event. And it does work to an extent and seems to have some truth to it.

A very hot example of late, and the main reason i brought this up is the "Illuminati Card Game" from the 90's. Allegedly, cards in this game are predictors for world events to come. The rationale for this is that two cards, "Terrorist Nuke" and I believe the "Pentagon" cards were used as proof that the Illuminati, whoever "they" really are, planned the whole thing and revealed it in the cards ahead of time, for some reason, probably just a "look how powerful we are" kind of thing. In even mentioning those cards, I've probably just added myself to 4 different watch lists.

See for yourself.

Full gallery of all the Illuminati cards:

http://media.adamdodson.org/index.php/Illuminati-Card-Game?page=1


Why it's relevant now is that some were indicating the card "Combined disasters" "pandemic" and "tape runs out" (now i'm added to 3 more watch lists) were predicting upcoming events. The first two were tied to the Olympics, which thankfully nothing materialized yet, while the third, supposedly had a hidden Jesus in the picture rapturing folks out. How the illuminati has control over the rapture, i don't know.

That's a cool, interesting theory given that there's two cards that surely seemed to have been "predictive" at the time they were made.

It also makes sense that the illuminati as agents of satan/lucifer would follow his example. Many believe, i among them, that the following verses reflect satan's plans, and God has allowed us to see that apparently satan announced his plan before enacting it.


Isaiah 14:12 - 15

12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.


So it is a good assumption, based on a decent premise with the 9/11 cards, that "they" behind all the conspiracies would do something like this.

However.

This is also where problems arise. So far, only 2 out of 330+ cards have proven to be even slightly predictive of anything. 2 more cards that seemed to predict something at the Olympics fizzled spectucularly and thankfully. That leaves 328+ that thus far have amounted to nothing.

That being said, how do we know which ones are predictive and which aren't? If you stretch it, you could make any of them predictive of anything you like. Especially after the fact, or if you invent your own illuminati symbolism.

Another interesting thing to note is that a number of these things are absolutely ridiculous, and if they predict anything, i'd be highly surprised. Some of which are:

Albino alligators - alligators in a sewer

Bigfoot - 'nuff said

Eliza - a computer program that is alive or thinks it is

Faction fight - shows an arm wrestling match, perhaps there was more to stallone's "over the top" than we first thought

And Go Fish! - which depicts a diver being attacked by a shark.


If these cards are predictive of anything, I'd like to know what. Maybe i'm missing some hidden symbolism, but i just can't see how cards like this show the future or reveal the plans of a secret group. If such a group existed, and i suppose it's possible, maybe even probable i don't see why they would use an obscure card game to do it. A better platform would have been X-Files, and maybe it was.


Rather than being a tool of the real illuminati as an implement of prognostication, i think it's more likely all a tongue in cheek game about conspiracy theories. Unless someone can shed some light on hidden symbolism and the people involved on the game, I'm not buying it. Even if it does reveal plans, so what?

Regardless of the origins, it has been sold with enough truth to draw people into deception and believing these cards are predictive. Sure, maybe some of them are or were plans, but in the end God is the only one who can call the future before it happens, and He's done that in the Bible.


Isaiah 46:9-10

9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Anything predicted by humans will not necessarily pass, and certainly satan's "5 I wills" won't come to pass either. As outlined in revelation 20, Satan is going to be captured, bound and thrown into the abyss for 1000 years, then get thrown into the lake of fire after being set loose for a time.

In short: Don't expect these cards to be a very good warning of anything without your decoder ring.

If you want to know real predictive power, go no further than your Bible. The Old Testament is FULL of prophetic detail, even down to idioms and numbers (according to Chuck Missler's theory) that all point to Jesus Christ's first coming as Messiah, the sacrifice for our sin.

What was the brass serpent in the wilderness about? Jesus being lifted up to die and bear our sins for us.

What was the water coming out of the rock Moses struck about? Jesus' life being poured out for us. (Missler says Moses messed up by hitting it twice).

Many more passages predict Jesus' first coming, His death and resurrection. Many more in both Old and New Testament predict His return and what will happen then.

So don't waste your time looking at a card game to see what's going to be happening in the world. Seek the face of Jesus Christ, accept Him as Lord and Savior. He's returning soon, and although we will likely face struggle and hard times ahead, He will take us away if we're alive at His return. And if we've died, He'll resurrect us. Either way, escaping the plans of the evil one can be done only through Jesus Christ.

You Must be Myth-taken: Rampant Myth Chasing in the Body of Christ

In my past, there has been some value in studying the "Christian" perspective of various things. UFOs, ghosts, transhumanism, conspiracies and all the rest. Through programs like Future Quake, PID Radio/VFTB and others i was given proper perspective on "a thing" and ultimately it led me back to the waiting arms of Jesus Christ. Christ transformed my fear of aliens, conspiracies, and earth ending calamities and replaced it with trust in Him.

I hope that's what this blog does. Reaffirm that God is in control, that yes there is deception and evil stuff going on, and Jesus Christ is the only way out of it.


What i hope to avoid, and what is going on in some circles is an unhealthy emphasis on those same things. And that focus, when i read about brings me to fear.

Case in point, some Christian folks are convinced planet x is coming, based on what one or two people say on a podcast. People accept it despite there being more evidence against that topic.

It doesn't have to be planet x though. You can insert comets, nephilim, fallen angels, illuminati, HAARP, and anything else. And when these don't materialize, we move to something else. The boy who cried wolf is becoming a regular occurrence.

Many of us in the body (my fear is that I'm doing it too) is that we're drawing too much attention from Jesus, and moving it to the snares of the devil. And far too often we're caught up on trying to convince each other we're right when really much of it is speculative.

Many are caught up on modern nephilim, that it was prophesied in the Bible. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't. Also, it doesn't have to have been addressed for it to happen.

I'm not a huge modern nephilim guy, and I question the use of "who's 'they'" in Matt 24, Dan 2 to support the existence of modern nephilim. I think "they" could mean more than just nephilim, as in everybody.



That said, articles that tell us about 150 animal human animal hybrids and this one increase the possibility there are or will be nephilim (or something like them) soon, whether or not the Bible mentions them in the last days scenarios.

"http://www.infowars.com/u-s-super-soldiers-of-the-future-will-be-genetically-modified-transhumans-capable-of-superhuman-feats/"


Rather than standing solid in our position, we can acknowledge that yes, this is interesting and possibly a sign Jesus is coming soon, Matthew 24, etc... Repent.

Instead, what often happens is fighting, disprov-a-thons, and chasing after more and more myths and non-Biblical sources (yes, they can be useful, but take care!) that prove our point.


Thankfully, we can rely on God's word which warned us that our days would be just like this. Itching ears doctrine isn't just for the prosperity folk, Osteen-ites and Dominionist folks. It can also apply to conspiratronics.

The following passages probably pertain mostly to the unsaved, but we in the Body of Christ aren't immune to it either. Especially if tares sneak in unawares.


2 Timothy 3:1 - 10

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. 10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,


2 Timothy 4:3 - 4

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.


Perhaps because of that first passage, many of us are quick to discount anything that doesn't fit what our itching ears want. The second passage is definitely something more common of late. People (while maybe still saved) are following myths and forgetting our precious savior. Or if not forgetting Him, are getting caught up in being right on a speculative issue.

Because there is so much deception afoot these days, we must use God's fail-safe. Examining the scripture against all that is taught. That includes everything written on this blog. If i err, please let me know!


Acts 17:10 - 11

10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.


And we must also be careful not to endure the doctrine and teaching of false teachers. If i ever fall into this, please tell me so.

From a blog quoting pulpit pimps.

Here are some of the same things God says about false teachers:

• They are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15-16)

• They are practicers of lawlessness (Matthew 7:22-23)

• They are hypocrites ( Matt 15:7-9)

• They are thieves (John 10:1)

• They are slaves of their own appetites (Romans 16:18)

• They are men of flesh (1 Cor 3:1-4)

• They are peddlers of the word of Christ (2 Cor 2:17)

• They are accursed (Galatians 1:6-8)

• They are tricksters and schemers (Ephesians 4:14)

• They are deluders (Ephesians 4:14)

• They are deceivers (Colossians 2:8)

• They are defrauders (Colossians 2:18-19)

• They are teachers of strange doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3)

• They are blasphemers, and have been handed over to Satan (1 Timothy 1:19-20)

• They are teachers of myth (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

• They are paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1-3)

• They are liars (1 Timothy 4:1-3)

• They are conceited and understand nothing (1 Timothy 6:3-4)

• They have gone astray (1 Timothy 6:20-21)

• They are evil men, deceiving and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:13)

• They are empty talkers, after sordid gain (Titus 1:10-11)

• They turn away from the truth (Titus 1:13-14)

• They are false prophets, false teachers, greedy exploiters (2 Peter 2:1-4)

• They are stains and blemishes, greedy, loving of wages of unrighteuosness (2 Peter 2:13-15)

• They are slaves of corruption (2 Peter 2:19-20)

• They are ungodly (Jude 4)

• They are rebellious people (Isaiah 30:9)

http://thefoolishgalatian.wordpress.com/2007/06/18/what-the-bible-says-false-teachers-and-how-to-identify-them/


It's one thing to write a blog on the latest UFO theory or a conspiracy, or how the coasts are being evacuated (with no proof of such). It's quite another to do so, but then use that as an opportunity to share the Gospel, like Paul on Mars Hill, and lead people to Christ. Failure to properly use "myths" will only build fear. God is not a God of fear.

Don't think your pet theory is the corner on truth for a given issue, be open to the ideas of others in speculative matters, but don't waver from sound doctrine. When possible, be aware of whats going on out there, but be ready to use that to share Christ and ease the fear of our wicked days.

Getting Schooled

Kids, Teens, You're Right...School is a Waste of Your Time


This is something you already know, or will soon learn on your own. School sucks, it always has and it is a waste of your time. It is also designed to basically destroy who you are as an individual, to conform you to the standards they want you to meet. To make you a robot. But it's far worse, deeper and darker than that. You'll see soon. Even so, there is hope and an escape from the soul crushing time you are in school. Here me out a bit.

I haven't been a teenager for a while, but i can relate to what you feel in school. It's still fresh in my mind, and furthermore, i feel it still every day at work. The corporate world is really no better than school. Unfortunately, the corporate world views us as replaceable, because school makes us all the same. Or it tries to.

All of the advice me guidance counselor could give me was that every decision was or was not good for a four year college. I could have cared less, as i had no money to go anyways.

By 11th grade, i was starting to realize it was bunk, and by 12th, well there were no more electives i was interested in, and they wouldn't let me graduate early or join a work program.

Well, now i know why.

School as we now know it, was financed by elitist corporations and individuals. These wonderful (sarcasm alert) folks, were basically Darwinist/eugenically minded "i want to rule the world" types. They paid buckets of money to influence school content, and in so doing, had considerable say in the curriculum. So they designed it to strip away your individuality and make you what they think you should be.

This is outlined very intricately in John Taylor Gatto's "The Ultimate history lesson". It's 5 hours long, but i can't recommend it enough. He states more eloquently what i just said. Please watch it, your teachers won't want you too, because they'll be out of a job. It's all on youtube, or it was.

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL463AA90FD04EC7A2


Why would anyone want school to dumb us down?

My theory is this. God (the God of the Bible) made you and i each as an individual, and these "elites" rejected God, and follow satan.

Jeremiah 1:4 - 5

4 Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.


Psalm 139:13 - 14

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

And Jesus said in Matthew 10:29 - 31

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.


Indeed, to the government, corporations, schools and so on, you and i are worth little, and our individuality is worth even less. But to God, you are precious. He especially loves, and has often used teenagers to do amazing things.


Joseph - God favored him with wisdom and dreams, he later made him nearly king of Egypt

Samuel - as a teen, heard and responded to God's call to become one of the greatest prophets

David - killed a giant and became king

Mary - a pregnant teen who carried and gave birth to Jesus Christ


None of these people fit the image of what the world thought "should be". In fact the entire Bible is filled with people (though not all of them are teens) that didn't fit society's expectations. And He used those people to do His will and challenge the established standards. Perhaps Sunday school at church doesn't tell you this, but it should.

So how can you avoid being turned into a zombie at school?


Proverbs 3:5 - 6

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

God respects you as an individual, and He wants what is best for you. Every command in the Bible is designed to protect you from harm, not to keep you away from fun.

Unfortunately, because of our human nature, we can't quite please God. When i was 12, i had stolen things. Because i broke that rule, and many others, i fell short of God's law.

But thats not all.

Even though i broke God's rules, He still loved me. So much, that He gave His Son, Jesus Christ to die for my sins, and destroy satan's work in my life. But because Jesus was perfect, God in human flesh, He rose from the dead! And all of this was predicted in the Old Testament!

And because i believed this and accepted God's gift, i am forgiven. Now, at peace with God, through Jesus Christ, He will use who i am, and my specific gifts for His kingdom.

And in doing this, God has kept me free from losing my individuality. I died to my self, yes, but God has taken that, and restored me to what He created me to be. And He can do that for you too. All you need is faith, and to accept His free gift!

UFO at the 2012 Olympics

UPDATE 7-31-12

So, a UFO has appeared at the Olympics! Wow! But not so fast. There is overwhelming evidence that it was merely the Goodyear blimp. Here's some info debunking the Olympic UFO.

"Many peoples first impression after watching the video is if that UFO is possibly a blimp. So the question many have asked is, "Were any blimps flying over the stadium during the opening ceremonies?" And the answer is yes, indeed a blimp was operating during that time and in the same airspace as the object depicted in the previous video...

When looking at the video and still shots of the UFO, you can clearly see the similar patterns to that of the Goodyear blimp. As well, it is the same size. In addition, the previous photos provide night shots of the blimp which clearly match the UFO. If that's not enough, the following video link shows nearly the same scene as the UFO video. At 33 seconds into it, you'll see the blimp.

"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_6pqlHoEqw"

Now on top of all this, there is also witness testimony of which all say it was a blimp."


"http://www.examiner.com/article/olympics-ufo-just-goodyear-blimp"


And the blimp prepped for Olympics duty.

"http://www.flickr.com/photos/chris37111/7657966198/"




Original post:




So, you're reading this because 1) a UFO has appeared at the London opening ceremony 2) you think one is going to appear 3) you subscribe via one method or another 4) your google-fu got you hear looking for something else

Well. First and foremost, if UFOs have appeared, ignore them, don't look or listen to anything being said about or by them. It's a lie. Read the articles below, and you will see what i mean.

This UFO invasion (or non-invasion if you read this after the Olympics and nothing happened) is actually a lie. Aliens are demonic entities as evidenced by the work of Joe Jordan at ce4research and by the testimony of Guy Malone, both of which are available online elsewhere. I also demonstrate that in the below articles.

In the meantime, call on Jesus Christ, repent of your sins, turn to Him accept Him. He loves you, died for your sins and rose from the dead as written BEFOREHAND in the Bible. By accepting and trusting in Him, you can be with Him and live through the end of the world, and the aliens will then be afraid of YOU.


UFOs 101

http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2011/12/ufos-and-abductions-part-1-dark.html

http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2011/12/ufos-and-abductions-part-2-what-do.html

http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2011/12/ufos-and-abductions-part-3-alien-human.html


Betty Andreasson (multi-part series, January - February 2011 posts following this one)

http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2011/01/alien-abduction-autopsy-betty.html

If calling on Jesus Christ and acceptin Him as Lord and savior stops abductions, what happened to Betty Andreasson? Ah, she wasn't abducted, she went willingly, and she also did not use her authority in Christ.



Ancient Aliens Debunked

Here are a number of claims from the ancient aliens show, properly researched and debunked. If the claims made in ancient aliens are untrue, then what is true?

http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2012/05/flights-of-fancy-debunking-ancient.html

http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2011/11/ufo-battle-nuremberg-1561-nuernberg.html

http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2012/05/sky-anchors-away-legends-of-sky-sailors.html

http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2012/06/ufo-over-jerusalem-red-sky-or-big-lie.html

http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2012/06/caves-of-past-ancient-aliens-in-cave.html

http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2012/05/starstruck-are-kachinas-really-ancient.html

http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2012/06/ahhh-old-ancient-space-suit-trick.html

http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2012/06/mirror-darkly-my-reflections-on.html


Because if the Bible is true (and it is) then the ancient astronaut theory must be false (and it is). Aliens didn't create us, the God of the Bible did, and He sent His Son Jesus to redeem us and cleanse us so we can be free from the evil inherent in humanity. If we accept Him.


The Bigfoot UFO connections

http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2012/02/you-know-what-they-say-about-bigfeetbig.html


Sci-Fi priming us for the Great Deception

http://dontaskthatinchurch.blogspot.com/2012/06/does-not-compute-common-memes-in-sci-fi.html

The Fishy Origins of the Ichthys

Some time ago, i looked at the origins of the Star of David (Magen David) and found that there are indeed possible pagan origins for the star as well as a possible Jewish origin. To be fair to our Jewish friends, here's a look at the Christian Ichthys.

So, first off the ichthys is a popular symbol adorning many cars. It does not adorn mine because if i cut you off i don't want you to associate my (sometimes inadvertant) jerky driving behavior with my faith in Christ. Also, i was quasi-aware of pagan origins for the little fishy.

I don't know exactly where or when i had heard this, but somehow i tied the ichthys to the pope/cardinal hats and the pagan god Dagon. There may be some truth to that.

This article gives us a look at the various pagan origins, including a tie to dagon, but also to Venus (ishtar).

http://www.albatrus.org/english/religions/pagan/origin_fish_symbol.htm


The fertility motif is expounded on in this article, wherein we see that the fish was actually symbolic of a vagina. Yeah, that's right.

http://www.cracked.com/article_19909_6-famous-symbols-that-dont-mean-what-you-think.html#ixzz20S5TT9FZ


Despite this unapologetic evidence of pagan origins, Christians still think it's OK. "Christianity Today" basically says that we can take it over for our use.

"I don't find the pagan argument compelling. No symbol means the same thing to all people at all times."

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/asktheexpert/oct26.html


But if so, then we cant bag on Jews using pagan symbols for using the Star of David. Really, reclaiming a pagan symbol "for Jesus" is idiotic. That's like taking a pentagram and using it for Christian ends somehow and saying its now a Christian symbol. Maybe we can slap angels, saints and Jesus on a tarot deck, and do Christian fortune telling. (I'm sure someone has done that).

The persecuted Christians had a good reason for using it, but that doesn't mean we should use it 2000 years after the fact when persecution isn't prevalent (yet).

We shouldn't be using pagan symbols. In the Old Testament, God always commanded pagan paraphenelia be destroyed. Personally, I don't think the demons attached to that symbol care so much about what you call it since they originated it, and use it to serve their ends. You really can't change the meaning of a symbol. Well, perhaps you sort of can.

The Nazis coopted the swastika from buddhism (personally i would say the same demonic spirits at work) but in both cases it was still a pagan symbol for all purposes. Good luck changing the swastika back into a buddhist symbol. It's also the same reason no one grows a Chaplain mustache anymore. Hitler wore it, now its forever stigmatized.

The fish symbol is pagan, and using it to represent the body of Christ is sending mixed messages to the unsaved. (See the cracked article.

It's Not Delivery it's Deliverance or Deliverance for Dummies

One of the things i was always curious about as an early Christian, and perhaps before was demons and spiritual warfare. Right up there in the middle would be casting demons out of people. My interest in this was before i had actually been spiritually attacked and realized the terror involved, and also i suspect alot of youthful arrogance was at play.

Like the foolish disciples in Luke 10:19 - 20, i wanted to rejoice in the fact that demons obeyed rather than my name being written in the Book of Life and that Christ had paid for the sins i should be punished for.

Even though we shouldn't seek this opportunity out (unless the Lord calls us to), we should be ready for it should the need arise. It's not something we should revel in, or use to glorify ourselves, but rather it should glorify God and His Son Jesus Christ.

Ask a few people in your church if they could do deliverance. You'll probably find half the people will look at you like your crazy, the other half would probably just laugh at you. Maybe it's not that bad, but it might be. (Please comment if you have had a reaction.)

I have never once, that i can remember, heard a sermon on this in all of my time attending church. And even in the circles i travel in (listening to Revelations radio podcasts and Russ Dizdar) i don't know that i've heard a whole lot on this specific subject, though i have caught some information here and there. They likely don't dwell on it, as it's pretty straightforward for the most part. Or at least it should be.

+++DISCLAIMER+++

I have (thankfully) never had to do this, so what i am about to say has never been applied by me. Furthermore, this isn't something we should go around doing willy-nilly.

It is also potentially dangerous, so this is for a situation in which you KNOW a person is demon possessed. Follow the Holy Spirit's lead on whether you should apply this or not. Use your own discernment. I'm not trying to put this out there to make a bunch of Christian demon-hunting Rambos, it's just information i think will be helpful should the need arise. And its aomething ive always wanted to know, but never been "taught".

In addition, take physical safety precautions, making sure you enlist the aid of others, in the event restraint is needed.

Even more important is that you need to take the proper spiritual precautions. Most importantly (besides being saved), you need your armor:

Ephesians 6:13 - 17

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:



+++End DISCLAIMER+++


First and foremost. Before you go around trying to exorcise or cast demons out, THE MOST KEY THING is, are you saved or not? If you try to cast a demon out, and you are not saved through faith in Jesus Christ, you are in big trouble.


Acts 19:13 - 17

13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.


If you're unsaved, you will fare no better. And even if you are, care is needed. You should also have at least another person with you, preferably more, praying constantly, singing praises to the Lord, reading scripture. It may also be possible that you may also have to physically restrain someone, so more people is better.

Second, don't be surprised, but the demons will probably know who you are and know information about you. In light of this, having a short account with sin is a good idea. I have heard stories where unconfessed sin will be an impedence in this work. It's a good idea anyways to regularly confess your sins to the Lord.

I have also heard that demons will try to tell you things about your future, and you should know better than to listen to them (recall that God forbids seeking advice from a medium). We'll come back to what do in a moment.

Here's an example of a demon knowing who a person is.


Acts 16:16 - 19

16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. 19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,


Notice that Paul (eventually) shut her up, something that should you encounter a possessed individual, is a good idea. It's also something Jesus often did. He did so because it wasn't yet time for Him to be known as Messiah.


Luke 4:33 - 35

33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, 34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. 35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.


I would guess it's a good idea for us to silence them so we're not tempted to listen to them, but also so we are not distracted from our purpose in casting them out.


How do we tell if someone is actually possessed?

There are alot of supposed methods, some of which are based on experience. Russ Dizdar says they have "multiple eyes". I once saw a guy in a mental hospital, and i had a feeling he was possessed, his eyes did look funny, but i couldn't say if he was truly possessed or not.

Rather than relying solely on man though, let's see how the Bible can be applied. A recent interview on vftb.net with Doc Marquis and pastor Hoggard suggested this method. They claimed that one church often had demoniacs coming in, and to test them they had them read 1 John 1:7 out loud. Often, they could not because demons fear the blood of Jesus. It is an assurance of their ultimate defeat.

1 John 1:7

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.


1 John 4:1 - 3 is one that LA Marzulli uses with some success.

1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.


Once you determine if deliverance is needed, it should be quite simple to cast them out. It's not an elaborate exorcism, it's not a long ceremony. You don't need a priest, but you should probably have people with that are praying, reading scripture and praising the Lord.

As Paul did in Acts 16, just command in the name of Jesus Christ for the demon to come out. Some argue that you should command them to silence and to not harm anyone. That's probably a good idea, but i have no experience and can't say for certain.

When you do it, have faith. Have faith in Jesus Christ, and His authority over the demons. Have faith that as Christ's representative, you you are relying on His authority to cast demons out. Our faith in Christ makes us one with Him, and so we draw from His authority, we have been deputized. As long as we command with faith, in His name, the demons obey. Because they fear and respect the sheriff, the must obey the deputies who wear His badge.

If you have no faith...


Matthew 17:15 - 20 (see also Mark 9)

15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. 16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. 17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. 18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.


Here are some verses demonstrating how easy it should be to do this. Many of them are Jesus commanding (demonstrating His authority as God's Son), but the same principal should apply. Refer also to Acts 16 for how a Christian should do it.


Mark 9:25 - 26

25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.


Mark 5 (just read it)


Mark 9:38 - 39

38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. 39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.


Can all demons/evil spirits be cast out, simply by commanding in Jesus Christ's name? While the above steps should be sufficient to free someone from possession, sometimes the entity just won't budge. But wait, you said...

Here's the one exception:

Mark 9:28-29

28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.


That's right, some spirits will not leave even if we command. So, we must do prayer and fasting, in fact, if possible, that may be a good first step if given enough time. Once you've done your prayer and fasting though, you should be able to follow the above guidelines.

Something that has always made me scared, should i ever need to do deliverance. People who have cast devils out (amongst other things) in Christ's name will evidently be sent away at the final judgement. I took this to mean if i go around casting devils out, i won't go to Heaven. I was wrong.

Matthew 7:22 - 23

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.


I have to fully confess, i do not know exactly what is going on here. It seems as though these people were trying to please God through what they've done, their works, rather than faith in Jesus Christ. They were self righteous, like the pharisees, they relied on "doing the right tgings" to okease God. If you have a good explanation, please share it. In short, it has nothing to do with the fact that they've cast demons out.

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Doctrines/Lordship%20Salvation/ray_comfort-matthew_723.htm

http://pastormark.tv/2012/02/09/tough-text-thursday-matthew-7-2223


One last thing, you shouldn't always cast the devil's out. So it seems at least. You should really only do a deliverance if it will lead to the victim of possession's salvation. In some cases, the person wants the devil inside of them, or they just don't want to be saved.

If that's the case, casting a demon out will be a bad idea. You will need to pray and get discernment from the Holy Spirit on the matter.


Matthew 12:43 - 45

43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.


This may not cover everything you need to know, but it was not intended to. This is merely my working theory, based on God's Word. Again, I've never done deliverance, though i have successfully rebuked demonic attacks from discarnate entities by 1) having a relationship with Jesus Christ. 2) calling on Him when i am under attack. And 3) rebuking the demons in His name.

Applying those principals and God's Word, this is my best guess at how to do deliverence. Please feel free to share your own experiences in the comments section, especially if you've done it before.



Addendum:

Nicky cruz's book, "one holy fire" has a good section on spiritual warfare thats worth checking out.