Was Jesus a Ghost?!

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

It has surprised me the number of seminary trained Christians whom I respect point to the text in Mark 6 as proof positive that Jesus believed in ghosts. They say it is the clearest text of Jesus affirming the existence of human spirits/ghosts populating the earth, and that Jesus Himself believed in ghosts because He did not correct his disciples when they thought/said Jesus was a ghost as He walked on the water. Though I dealt with this in my book, I want to address this again in more detail. What I want to do is take the cumulative evidence to show that Jesus was NOT affirming the existence of ghosts. As we shall see, the Holy Spirit's intent for this text is antithetical to the notion of ghosts. "Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night7 he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened."

1. It is important to put this text in context. Mark, spokesman for Peter, wrote this "docudrama" in order to persuade people to be followers of Jesus--words and actions of Jesus are presented by Mark to draw true disciples to our Divine Messiah. This episode is "hooked" into the preceding narrative of Jesus miraculously feeding over 10,000 people by using the word "immediately". (5,000 was just the men) Jesus is trying to show his obtuse disciples that He was the "greater then Moses" by giving us eternal Bread, and not ephemeral manna.The parallel text in Matthew 14, which includes Peter walking on the water, is also followed by the word "immediately". This is important because the authors want us to connect what had just happened (empirical evidence of Jesus' deity as seen in miracle of feeding of large multitude)The disciples were eyewitnesses of this profound miracle. In order to interpret this text correctly, we must remember that didactic/teaching texts interpret historical narratives.Both in the OT and NT followers of God did and said many wrong things, which are not always corrected by the editor. The classic case is Jepthah (Judges 11:30--who vowed to kill the first thing that came out of his tent, if God gave him victory. His daughter came out of his tent to congratulate him and was condemned to death. Jepthah had made an unbiblical vow--which the bible had made provisions for him to repent of. However, it seems that he did not repent and felt obliged to follow through with his horrible vow--he killed his daughter. However, the editor does not explicitly condemn this act. The inspired editor assumed prior knowledge of his readers. Anyone conversant with Leviticus/Deuteronomy would know  that wrongful vows should not be acted upon, and that Jepthah SHOULD have known human sacrifice was repugnant to God. The editor assumes this prior knowledge, but does not give commentary. That is that danger of drawing doctrine from the silence of historical narrative. The same is true of the NT. Many evil words and actions are recorded in the historical books of the bible but are not always condemned. It is HISTORY. In the NT there are numerous examples of the disciples saying/doing whacko things prior to Pentecost,but Jesus did not always correct them (e.g. Transfiguration experience where Peter stuck his foot in his mouth, again)....a precedent of the disciple NOT being rebuked by Jesus for saying stupid things.

2. What was the Holy Spirit's intent in above text? Was it to prove the notion of ghosts? NO!! This text, and its parallel text in Matthew 14. was included to prove that Jesus was Yahweh! How sad and ironic that it is used to "prove" that Jesus believed in ghosts. Jesus intentionally "walked by them" in order for them to see Him, and thus give empirical evidence that He was the Creator of Heaven and Earth. By walking on the water Jesus wanted them to see Him walking in the midst of a ferocious storm to show He was the Lord of creation. "it is I....."ego eimi"...I AM" echoing Exodus 3:14 )By walking on the water in a furious storm He was demonstrating that He was Lord over creation, and that there was no need to be afraid. Not only Jesus' actions but His words were designed to show the disciples that He was/is God Almighty. The Septuagint uses the same word for "passed by" when Moses experienced God "passing by" him )Exodus 33:19,22....giving Moses/disciples a glimpse of God's glory. In Mark 6:48 "walking on the sea" echoes the Septuagint Job 9:8 where "God trampled upon the sea"....same Greek words. The Holy Spirit's intent in this text is to accent the deity of the Lord Jesus--King over creation (see Mark 4).

3. First century Judaism was rife with superstition and theological confusion. For example, Jewish leaders believed in salvation by good works, and the popular superstition of a plentitude of ghosts was rampant, as it has been since the dawn of time. Peter and the rest of the disciples were deeply effected by common superstition, and were very slow to change until after Pentecost.

4. Why would they call Jesus a "ghost" when they had just seem him a few hours earlier...very much alive? Was He a ghost of a living Person? Perhaps they were terrified because they thought this was a demon trying to deceive them? That is an option not often mentioned. Either way, with an abundance evidence for Jesus' deity, why would they call Him a ghost? How could God be a ghost?! This is (and the parallel text) is the only place that "phantasm" is used, which can mean superstitious imagination.

5. Recall that the Holy Spirits intent was to exalt the deity of Jesus, and the disciples de-exalted Him by calling Him a "ghost".

6. So, why did not Jesus correct them?  First, we do not know if Jesus corrected them or not because in many cases the entirety of what Jesus said is not recorded. But my guess is that He did not correct them....not then, anyway. Why? They were deathly afraid! He was keen on comforting them, and not correcting them.It is an argument from silence to say that Jesus must have agreed with them since He did not correct them.The most common negative command that Jesus uttered was, "Do no be afraid!" If your child was drowning, and you jumped in to save them, what would be your first words to them?

7. In a context in which the deity of Jesus is being accented, it must have broken Jesus' heart that His disciples responded so faithlessly. He "walked by" in a manner to empirically display His Lordship over the storm, but the lesson was lost on them. Instead they became wild-eyed with fear, and superstition enveloped them like a cocoon.

8. To say that Jesus must have believed in roaming human spirits because He did not (that we know of)correct His disciples, is an argument from silence--a logical fallacy. Jesus/apostles did warn us of Satan and demons, but they never warn us of roaming human spirits. This is NOT an argument from silence because knowing who populates the spirit realm is utterly necessary for discernment and victory in spiritual warfare. As an exorcist, how can I properly proceed if I do not know exactly who/what may infesting the house/person? Jesus never cast out a human spirit from a human...only demons.

9. Not all historical narratives are bereft of teaching or editorial comment.v.52 is an inspired editorial commentary on this whole episode--they were afraid and their hearts were hardened. Faith Vs fear, and teachability vs hardened hearts. Unlike many historical narratives, this one is concluded with an editorial comment. This is extremely important in interpreting this text accurately. Everything...EVERYTHING...the disciples did and said has a shadow cast over it. Everything they said and did was compelled by fear and hard-heartedness. Their comment re: Jesus being a ghost was an expression of both fear and hardness of heart. They did not learn from the feeding of the 5,000 (or the 4,000) that Jesus was God almighty. How utterly tragic that they would call Him a ghost, when what He was doing and saying displayed that He was the culmination of the I AM". It is difficult to over-state the significance of this concluding comment...it renders the ghost comment utterly suspect.

10. The epistles were written largely to interpret the actions and words of Jesus. After Pentecost, ghosts are never mentioned again--except the deceased spirits in heaven or hell (e.g. Moses and Elijah). To those who are unduly affected by the fact that the bible does not mention Jesus correcting their comment that He was a ghost, was He a ghost in that text? NO! As parents, do we correct our kids EVERY TIME they make a mistake? The bible says that would break their spirits if we do. If your child was in danger of drowning and was frightened, would you feel the need to immediately correct them of anything dumb they may have uttered in their terror? I hope not....rather we would embrace them.

With an issue as significant as ghosts, we cannot camp on a text in which we are told explicitly that they were full of terror and hardness of heart, which casts a long shadow over everything they said. It is much more plausible that their cry of "ghost" was fueled by superstition.

Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.

Compassion, Service, Joy: The Dalai Lama Visits Princeton

by Ushma Patel and Jamie Saxon, Office of Communications

With wisdom, honesty and humor, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama urged young people to take action to make the world more peaceful through compassion and service during a visit to Princeton University on Tuesday, Oct. 28.

"If you make [an] attempt now, this century can be more peaceful. [A] more happy world can be possible," the Dalai Lama said. But, he said, "you will not achieve it through wishful thinking."

The Dalai Lama, the most well-known figure in Tibetan Buddhism, participated in two major events on campus. In the morning in Jadwin Gymnasium he gave a public talk on compassion titled "Develop the Heart." He wore an orange Princeton baseball cap given to him on stage by the Rev. Dr. Alison Boden, Princeton's dean of religious life and the chapel, who introduced him to a crowd of more than 4,200 people.

In the afternoon the Dalai Lama joined 150 students and three faculty members in the Chancellor Green Rotunda for a conversation on Princeton's informal motto, "In the Nation's Service and in the Service of All Nations."

When the Dalai Lama arrived at Jadwin Gym, he blessed the campus during a rice ceremony, a Buddhist custom traditionally done when visiting homes to cleanse them of evil elements and bless them for goodness. On stage a sacred Tibetan painting called a thangka with a representation of Buddha and four disciples was displayed behind him.

Boden called the Dalai Lama a leading "spiritual and moral voice on a host of issues that concern the human family," including the environment, poverty and public service.

"This morning we are blessed to hear His Holiness's teaching on the subject of compassion, of cultivating loving-kindness within ourselves, so that it may radiate throughout all that we are, all that we think and feel and do," she said.

With the assistance of interpreter Thupten Jinpa, the Dalai Lama spoke about compassion and its place in the world, combining earnest statements with funny quips and his impish, infectious laugh. He mixed his own insights with those from ancient Indian and Buddhist traditions as well as modern psychology and medicine.

In an interconnected world, "each individual's future depends on the rest of [the] community," he said. "East depends on West, West depends on West, and South and North. Therefore, we really need a sense of group responsibility."

That concern for others, he said, is the essence of a meaningful life.

"Meaningful means [a] peaceful life. Peaceful means any action for your life is carried out with a sense of compassion, a sense of well-being for others. Then there is no possibility to harm others," the Dalai Lama said.

The Dalai Lama said he first learned compassion from his mother, who was "uneducated, but very kind." He recalled that she let him ride on her shoulders as she worked on a farm and let him manipulate her ears and change direction, without ever getting angry. "I was a young, spoiled boy," he said with a big laugh.

Practicing compassion, he said, includes respecting all religious traditions, and believers and nonbelievers. The Dalai Lama challenged modern society's materialism, as well as its emphasis on difference rather than sameness.

"Yes, we have differences — different professions, different family, education, also color, also faith," he said. "If we [have] more emphasis on sameness, [we have] no basis of quarrel."

Emphasizing the need for people to build "inner value," he said people must reflect, and then share what they learn from this reflection. "This must come from [an] individual," not the government, or even a spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama said.

"It is your responsibility. It is your opportunity" to actively try to make the world a more peaceful, happy place, the Dalai Lama said, addressing the younger people in the audience.

He answered questions about a variety of topics. When asked about the meaning of life, he jokingly said "money" before giving a serious answer about developing inner strength, living life honestly and building trusting relationships. In responding to a question about his happiest memory from childhood, he spoke about the affectionate relationship he had with his mother. Other topics included how to incorporate Buddhism into daily life, and the best way to practice forgiveness and how he resists hateful feelings toward China, from which he has been exiled (he said he separates the actor from the action).

"Forgiveness really means to try to not to have anger towards that person. Forgiveness does not mean you accept what they've done. … We can make a distinction [between] action and actor," the Dalai Lama said.

Asked about his biggest regret, he said he wished he had taken studying more seriously when he was a child and had no other responsibilities.

"You must concentrate for education," the Dalai Lama said. "Education is not just copying. You must analyze, [do] critical thinking. You need to read different books, different views," to form your own opinions and convictions.

Students have been participating in activities and lectures based on the Dalai Lama's visit all semester, and many students attended the talk, including sophomore Tiffany Cho, whose Buddhist grandmother had taught her about the religion. Cho said she was inspired by the Dalai Lama's message of "overall responsibility and generosity, to act considerately to others and to yourself."

Senior Nicky Robinson said he was curious to see what kind of message the Dalai Lama would deliver to a modern society so far removed from his teachings.

"If the world was as peaceful and compassionate as he is, it would be a different place," Robinson said. "As a religious person, you can imagine him preaching, but he was very conversational and [you could tell he] didn't view himself as superior."

During the afternoon, the Dalai Lama, three faculty members and 150 students selected for their engagement in service gathered in a more intimate setting, the Chancellor Green library.

The Dalai Lama's opening remarks focused on service. "If you do good for others, you get benefit, if you get harm to others, you harm yourself. … The real mover is love and a sense of concern and wish of well-being," he said.

Jill Dolan, the Annan Professor in English and director of the Program in Gender and Sexuality Studies, asked how people can best serve with "compassionate care" despite cultural differences.

Speaking through his interpreter, the Dalai Lama said: "When we talk about human connection and compassion, the focus is the person, not their culture. … The primary emotion at a basic human level is that of love; the secondary level is differences — that's where complex emotions like jealousy and competitiveness arise."

Mitchell Duneier, the Maurice P. During Professor of Sociology, and Eddie Glaude Jr., the William S. Tod Professor of Religion and African American Studies, also asked questions before the floor was opened to the students.

One asked: "Can arts be considered an act of service in and of themselves?"

"The promotion of understanding of [the] huge gap between rich and poor — the artistic way can be very powerful medium," the Dalai Lama replied. "Through [the] artistic way, you can carry more clear message: every human activity can be positive so long as motivation is good."

A student raised in Newark, New Jersey, said he felt limited in what he could do in the face of homelessness, crime and poverty. He asked how to maintain compassion and hope in such situations.

"What is important is to be cognizant of your own ability to make change in other areas, so you don't feel overwhelmed by these circumstances," the Dalai Lama said.

After the conversation, the Dalai Lama walked to the lobby, where two Tibetan Buddhist monks from the Sera Mey Monastery in southern India had built a sand mandala depicting the paradise of Avelokitshevara, the Buddha of Compassion.

The Dalai Lama blessed and prayed over the mandala before the monks, in a tradition symbolizing the impermanence of life, ceremoniously dismantled the mandala by sweeping the sand with small pieces of paper into a ceramic vessel. The monks later walked down Washington Road and poured the sand into Lake Carnegie, a tradition intended to carry blessings and energy throughout the world.

Sophomore Richard Peay said he was inspired by the Dalai Lama's understanding of service. "He confirmed my long-standing belief that service isn't just going to a poverty-stricken area and building houses; it's also the little things you do every day that show compassion, that brighten someone's day, even if it is just a nice hug."

Original link plus pictures here: http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S41/45/30S62/index.xml?section=featured

Paranormal Python Preying on Paranormal People

In a closed society where everybody's guilty, the only crime is getting caught. In a world of thieves, the only final sin is stupidity. ~ Hunter S. Thompson

The words of the victims should be louder than the criminals who sit behind concrete and steel. Rep. Mike Vereb (R., PA after the death of a police officer and what sparked off new legislation.)

Today is the day, where we bring out someones dark past and it is a history we think most folks will agree that should be told. Because... it appears some have alluded the confines of a cold cell by turning states evidence.

What is states evidence?

A colloquial term for testimony given by an Accomplice or joint participant in the commission of a crime, subject to an agreement that the person will be granted Immunity from prosecution if he/she voluntarily, completely, and fairly discloses his/her own guilt as well as that of the other participants. http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/State's+Evidence

Marie Annette's journey is one I remembered well. For years now I have been outspoken about her. I smelled the foul air as she created a fallacy of myth about herself and entered the paranormal world that she misrepresented so many times throughout the years. I used to like her, endorse her and asked her to be on our shows. I asked several times why it is she represented known thieves who have recently swindled people. I also remembered her last words to me and I so quote her as saying, " I have no other choice. Those people pay me and I have to make a living.” The first thought I had was, “Did you ever try working a real job?”

They say misery loves company and apparently now she is divorced from her husband and is in fear he will be coming after her. The question is; (we should all be asking) if she did not turn states evidence why would he be coming after her? Did she sell her husband down the river to save her own thick skin? That's what our sources say.

Another direct link to sentencing of her said husband is here. http://video.news8000.com/watch.php?id=13144 The truth is even the district attorney stated for the record HER HUSBAND was a drug addicted junkie who needed drug money and he stated that it was for the reason of the bank robbery. Again I ask you all what was her actual position into the involvement of this bank robbery in Lacrosse Wisconsin?

There is something more underlying then WHEN someone's prior criminal history COMES TO THE SURFACE but the continued existence of their actions in what should of been a newer presentation of correcting ones life doesn't. I do believe that everyone deserves a second chance and some folks will clean their past up,while others continue down the lonely roads that lead them to where they were to muddle in the depths of their own putrid muck.

Remember, we as adults choose our own destinations in life. We are not children and do not surrender to peer pressures. It should never be used as an excuse to conceal or hide the truth in what we do and how we do things. The only thing that comes to mind is that when folks hide and use aliases and avoid any said truths, they are traveling back on the same paths that lead them to where they once were. I have seen this many times. I for one believe that when someone's truly rotten they only know one thing and that is being good at what they were and in what seems her case “rotten”.

Marie Annette, talent agent, event booking agent, publisher who works through both D.T.M. Wicked Edge Radio, and French Point Publishing, is one that most folks are now starting to realize doesn't work on the up and up and they need to stay away from. Several authors now have been stunned by the lack of any ethics this woman has had. She is dropping some well known and respected folks without warrant and I feel it is just wrong. She is in my opinion someone that will sell her soul for money not someone I care to ever be around. I feel deeply for all the recent folks she has taken for granted in the para field and according to her, they are all wrong and she is the victim. But did she ever consider she is not good at what she says she can do? Heck, she doesn't even do what she promises to do. For instance how about French Point Publishing, owned by both Lisa Livingston Martin and Marie Annette Munnich? Apparently several authors are highly upset over their books deals and monthly fees being paid to her company, but, not having anything happen with their books being published, promoted or even seen? Missing dead lines in the book industry is hurtful to the author or authors and she has been known to just avoid and ignore repeated inquiries on what is going on by some authors. Then I saw recently Marie Munnich came out in what she said was a book about 24 pages. It's a children's Halloween book. Wait... was there not supposed to be some para books coming out before hers? There certainly were. A link to her dearest book release was and is this link.http://www.amazon.com/Billy-Rabbits-Halloween-Adventure-Dennis-ebook/dp/B00O2P20HA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1414956064&sr=1-1

With recent complaints by various authors, not having their books published as was scheduled through French Point publishing, we should take a look at also a book that was written by D.T.M.'s Wicked Edge Radio's producer Denny Gager who is also on the “author” billing on that book with Annette. Did the money that Marie is said to of run a way with go to endorse and reinforce the published short story book of Billy Rabbits Halloween adventure? Maybe the book should have been titled “Denny and Annette's Deceptive Practices.”

Besides the OBVIOUS bad artwork and inability to even understand how to make a composition that adequately works to draw the reader in to buy the book in the first place and given the bad design work all and all from Annette that is limited only by her meager use of a free graphic program with the inability to clean up her work for the final finished product that leaves gross artifacts (dots all over) on advertising used by her clients, it's a wonder anyone would even consider them a serious business and employ Annette as an artist. She does not even have rudimentary understanding of design or ad graphics and lacks sorely the ability to promote properly whilst being a complete and utter failure as a representative of her clients by being a drama queen constantly on Facebook and attempting to slander publicly past clients and friends on their own Facebook pages publicly. As a talent agent, she apparently has no clue on how to make and maintain a good image for the sake of her clients she is suppose to be representing.

It would appear to me and a good many of my friends and colleagues that Annette and French Point Publishing take money for services and do not deliver and have been doing so. One wonders if the legal beagle cohort is so busy with her practice and interest in being a history buff just does not even pay attention to the destruction of her own company in the hands of her partner. Perhaps being only an editor and not taking an active roll into finding out what her partner is doing will be her own undoing as well.

As for the Children's book, “Billy Rabbit's Halloween Adventure”, save your money and buy a real piece of artwork your children and grandchildren will enjoy and take the time to flip through even just the Halloween section of Children's books on Amazon or your local book store or section. Support authors and artist that truly have spent time on their wares and it shows. Believe me, many are struggling authors and artist too.

If you are looking to publish your book, well, I suggest NOT paying someone to do it for you. Generally if your manuscript is truly good, the publisher pays you. If you want more control, think about self publishing through Lulu (https://www.lulu.com/), Blurb (http://www.blurb.com/t), Create Space (https://www.createspace.com/) or through Amazon's Kindle (https://kdp.amazon.com/). There are some services available from these bigger companies, or do some homework and learn to market your own book. There are even ways to help you with the design of the cover. (Or just hire a REAL artist.)

When doing any book, there is a large amount of competition, especially in the paranormal world. But, be careful hiring a publishing firm that promises a lot and delivers little or even nothing. When inquiring on the owner of French Point Publishing's own Lisa Livingston-Martin, there is a reality in the low book review and obvious lack of sales of her own book. If they can not even sell their own books, how do you expect them to sell yours? And they expect a re-occurring fee of $50 a month for promoting? It would seem that is not their strong point.

Until next week...

Evan Jensen

Producer of Beyond the Edge of Reality Radio Network

http://www.beyondtheedgeofreality.net

Don't forget to check out our own blog links.

http://beyondtheedgeofreality.blogspot.com/

http://darksidedarksecrets.blogspot.com/

http://hauntedishpeming.blogspot.com/

Is Intercessory Prayer Against The Demonic Dangerous?

Happy Sunday everyone. This is the day of our Lord. I hope everyone enjoyed their Halloween and didn't eat too much candy. I really hope everyone stayed safe and didn't try anything stupid! Such as trespassing into spooky places. You might have learned you've picked up a attachment from your little adventure. I certainly hope that's not the case but I already have been contacted twice about these unfortunate situations that took place already. It happens so easily. That's why I say to please stay away from these type of places. Halloween tends to be a very busy time of year for me and others called into this ministry. The demonic is very real and it's not hard at all to get tangled up with it. A lot of what I deal with actually were because they inadvertently knocked on that door.

What Is Intercessory Prayer:

Intercessory prayer is the act of praying for other people. God has instructed us to pray not only for our own personal needs but to reach out and pray for others as well. We find an example of this in 1 Timothy 2:1-6 where we are told to pray and to make intercession for all of God's children in need or in danger.

The Greek noun, “enteuxus” in the Bible is the word for “intercession.” It primarily denotes a “meeting with,” a conversation or petition rendered on the behalf of others. “Intercessory prayer,” then, is seeking the presence and audience of God in another’s stead. When we pray for the needs of others that is called “intercession” or we are said to be “interceding” for them. It's a lot like spiritual warfare really. Some may choose to call it that. It can be very dangerous. Satan has a counterfeit for everything that is God's word and truth in the Bible like Angels and miracles, faith, unity, doctrines. He has even has counterfeits our Saviour Himself. (Mathew 24:24.)

Today, saying prayers and prayer in general are very much a priority at many churches. Prayer ministries and prayer departments are showing up everywhere on the Internet and are popping up everywhere to coordinate prayer offensives against the enemy and demonic forces.. These may seem like very positive developments and some feel this is evidence of spiritual growth in the lives of members and a sign of revival in the church. But is it ok for just anyone to start tackling Satan? Shouldn't ones called into this specific area be the ones to tackle and dare step up to this highly dangerous area? The ones boasting about how long they've done this and how much experience they have are the ones who usually have NO business trying to get involved. They are the ones  who are all over the Internet and have websites that just continually seem to boast and always find the need to bring up all the "experience" they have. They also put down and slam the few legit Warriors we do have! It blows my mind...and Satan just loves it. All the backstabbing all the fighting people who are so arrogant to think that you have a right to call out and go after people just to create more chaos. As if God can't handle these situations and the people who are of wrongdoing. Don't misunderstand me though, we should call out certain people when it is very blatant what they're up to and if you or someone close to you have been scammed should by all means warn others and make it public. I'm certainly not saying we are always to ignore it there are people out there who should and are called by God to do so. But sadly way too many just choose to think they are because they enjoy drama. That makes them just as low if not lower than the people they are exposing.

The following information I found from the Bible but is also talked about on http://www.bible-knowledge.com

In the area of spiritual warfare, one very controversial issue you will come across is whether or not we, as born-again believers, have the power and authority to try and attempt to engage with demons who are in the 2nd heaven, who are in what the Bible calls the “heavenly places.”

After researching both sides of this very controversial issue, it is our personal opinion that unless God Himself directly authorizes and commissions you to engage in this kind of very special, high level type of spiritual warfare, that you stay completely away from this kind of activity.

If you try to step into this kind of arena without God’s direct approval and protection, you could open both yourself and possibly the members of your immediate family to major attacks from these higher-ranking demons.

The Apostle Paul gives us a major revelation in that there are 3 heavens. As you will see from this following verse, it would appear that he is talking about himself when he was taken up to the “third heaven”where God the Father and Jesus dwell. Here is the first verse you will need to have on this topic so you can see exactly how Satan has some of his demonic hierarchy set up, both on our earth and in the heavenlies.

“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago – whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows – such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man – whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows – how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” (2 Corinthians 12:2-3)...

To me this is very powerful information that proves I am correct about the wrong people getting involved with this level of prayer. I'm not trying to debate the "The Three Heavens" controversy as I only used this content as a example of my point in this blog. A lot of people feel sleep paralysis is really a way of visiting other spiritual realms. They truly felt when they finally defeated a demon in this state, certain areas of their life became much better and God had answered their prayers and they had defeated the demon of fear or lust whatever it was that they struggled with. Spiritual Warfare is a very real and powerful thing. We must be free ourselves of any major strongholds before we decide to battle on behalf of a loved one or someone under attack. It's so very important to wait and first pray and hear God's Word on what we should do in every situation. He may tell us to find guidance and direct help for that person that is not necessarily our job or calling to do. Never just jump into these situations without first asking God for guidance and protection.

Written By Jennifer L Auld

Culture Watch: Television & Demonaphobia

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

NOTE: Due to a computer problem, Rev. Hunnemann doesn't have a new blog post for this week. This important blog originally posted on 12/7/12 is being rerun.

The deception began with a bang. The DT crew (Destination Truth) went to the Mayan ruins, which was the site of untold number of human sacrifices to idols—which as the bible tells us is participating in demons. In light of this, one would have thought they would have put demons at least on their possible suspect list for the accelerated paranormal activity there; they didn’t. Instead, team DT posited, before even went there, that the recent accelerated activity was either due to the sacrificial victims or the Mayan warriors. Even though scared to death at points, demons were not even an option.

I try to stay in touch with popular culture, so I watch as many of the haunted TV shows as I can. What I am sharing is based on what I witnessed over the last month of watching the following shows: Destination Truth, Ghost Adventures, Haunted Collector, A Haunting, The Dead Files, Paranormal Witness, Haunted Highway, and one more about hauntings at colleges but I can’t for the life of me remember the name.  Sheesh. That is eight shows on three nights of the week (Tues., Wed., Friday). People’s beliefs and worldviews are unconsciously shaped by exposure to this much haunted TV, but this is but a tip of the paranormal iceberg on TV. One list had about fifty shows, which in some form or fashion, focus on the assumed reality of ghosts. FIFTY!  Of course they are not all on the same season schedule, and a few on the list are now cancelled—but as with The Ghost Whisperer or Charmed, re-runs are current with a number of these. That is an incredible number of shows, which reveals how we are witnessing a paradigm shift in our understanding of spirituality (topic for another day). This phenomenon is both a shaper of culture as well as a reflection of it.

My purpose in watching all these shows was in part to answer this question: is TV phobic regarding demons? The undeniable answer is “yes”; the vast majority of these shows avoid fingering demons as the cause of supernatural activity in homes or businesses. Whether it is the individuals or the networks (or both) that are demonaphobic, the reality is that the phobia is ubiquitous. As with the opening scene with DT, it is astounding how hesitant folks are on these shows to assign the blame on demons for even the most despicable activity. For varying reasons, the almost monolithic consensus of investigators is that demonic encounters are rare. So, in that regard the TV shows are mirroring current beliefs in this field. One quick example. The much respected John Zaffis is called in to assuage the fears of a young mom. There has been verbal threats and physical violence, to the point she is terrified. During an EVP session (red flag!) John asks the spirit if it is angry with the family, and child’s voice answered, "no". Based almost entirely on this captured EVP, John interprets all of this scratching, pushing, and threats as an expression of trust that this child ghost feels with the young mom. A touching scene follows, and I am feeling nauseous. That is baloney sir. Do you always trust children’s voices? What would you think of a living child who scratched and pushed people and threatened them? I would have had my rear-end whipped good as a child if I did half of what that demon did to those people. That is calling wrong…. right-something the bible condemns. On another episode his tech, Brian, got a long triple scratch down his back, and demons were not mentioned at all—not amongst themselves (that we know of) or with the client. Does anybody else find that problematic? Two per show… that makes eight hair raising episodes in a month, in which a world famous, professing Christian demonologist does not even mention demons.

While watching Paranormal Witness tonight I thought that, finally, they will call a spade a spade. Two or three deputies are witness to some hair raising activity in an old theatre. After what he called demon like activity, one of them quit. It seemed that, given all the focus on the sheer evil of this entity, that a demon was going to be the culprit. Wrong. By the end, it was reported that a young man had died in a fire there and all the activity was then viewed through that prism. So, in all those shows I watched, I do not recall a demon being seen as the cause of the supernatural activity. Moreover, most of the time, demons were not even mentioned. We are talking several dozen episodes. THAT frequency and repetition is clearly influencing people’s views regarding both ghosts and the demonic.  It makes me weep.

I find this very troubling because it is only reinforcing in the audience’s minds that ghosts are the only plausible explanation for supernatural activity. It is shaping their view of supernatural reality…millions of people. “Yes demons are real, but rare”. Sound familiar?  It should, because demonic rarity is the majority view of investigators. Sure it happens but even the most “negative” (grown to really dislike that word) entities are almost always viewed as irregular humans or possibly some whacked out dimensional being (eg energy vampires—demons can mimic that). If it smells like sulfur, levitation is occurring, tables are flying across the room, apportation, extreme aversion to blessed objects, client speaking backwards in Latin, and people are being hurt, THEN folks will discuss the possibility of demonic presence. Sheeesh….(ok, a bit exaggerated). Once you introduce the concept of ghosts (including poltergeist and residual), then identifying demons is hopelessly subjective.

Stop! Everyone believes that demons are deceptive, so why the almost fervent hesitancy to label something demonic unless all the aforementioned is present? Even veteran, biblical demonologists fall prey to this faulty logic when they assume they will always feel heaviness in the air if there is a demonic infestation. If you have a strong gift of discernment (there are gradations of sensitivity), then that is a horse of a different color. But generally, demons can leave a palpable sense of peace and love. That is certainly an implicate of the angel of light principle, and there is a plethora of anecdotal evidence to support this. They can control the vibe of a house. How convincing is an angel-cloaked demon going to be if everyone has the heeby-jeebies around them or feel nauseous and so on? Back to the fervent hesitancy.

Satan is not omnipotent, but he is showing considerable power in how he has promoted this demonaphobia. The issue is not what you personally believe—the issue is, what is the message coming across the TV? This was an experiment to observe. The bottom line is that if the angel of light principle is real—and it is—then there is no way to make a list of criteria for demonic presence; they can and do break all the rules and all the stereotypes. And to rule out from the get-go the possibility of demonic activity is not science, it is ideological assumptions. (REPEAT) It is the opposite of true science…destination untruth. 

Demonaphobia….that is what is plastered all over TV these days. This is a call to all bible believing Christians to be salt and light for the glory of God.

Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.

Though I walk through the valley of death...

When ever I see a new face to the paranormal, I always envision their introduction into the field as a path upon a steep mountainside with many paths meandering off the main one in different directions. Some of those paths are dark, treacherous and always promise a better view then they ever do, while others go a path that appear non-consequential and expected, yet, never go anywhere but around in a circle. Some of these people, you can see what direction they are going, while others, it's hard to know what direction they will go. I do get excited when I see those in the field that have that passion, curiosity and spark that sincerely want to help others and for them, I do not usually worry all to much about them. There should truly be a warning out there to each person that enters the Paranormal field. Some people end up in ruins or worse. Most of us, just end up on that path without truly choosing it. It chooses you and not in the way you expect.

Let me just take you down the path I have followed briefly for a moment. My first experience with the unworldly inhabitants of this life was when I was eleven. My brother, (whom I will call Charlie), got a job on farm and for part of his work benefits, was afforded a large farmhouse on the property of the farm. Charlie was older then me by many years and though I was young, he was married and invited my mother and me to stay. This home had the most awe inspiring, frightening and memorable experiences as a child that have stayed with me just as if they just happened with a clarity of recall I can not even explain.

As a child, the boogeymen under the bed and closet phantoms were what Mom had the power to dispel just by turning on the light and admonishing the thought by explaining it being only a trick of the light or looking under the bed and stating nothing was there. I believed her. This house, it wasn't like that. I quickly learned that what I was seeing, at least at first, wasn't something everyone else could see. Not at first. As a kid, it was terrifying and I felt incredibly alone in dealing with it when the elders in my family thought I was making things up or having a wild imagination. When they did experience something, they played it off as nothing or some explainable cause that never really made sense to me. But, it didn't stay that way... not for long anyway.

One such occasion of a particularly haunting event, which was by no way the only event or even the scariest, but, one in which shows the supernatural and awe inspiring and yet fear invoking haunting that occurred at this house and when we came back from a day of shopping. It started with me going to do the door first with groceries in hand and the door slamming behind me. When my brother tried the door, it did not budge. He thought I locked the door, but, I didn't. It wouldn't open. A rack that was made special for the old records called 45's was strewn over and the records all over the floor and I looked upon the chaos in surprise knowing it was something that happened while we were gone. The records began to float in midair in front of me, dangling and slightly spinning like some character from a TV show had cast them with magic. I froze in fear, alone... locked in by some unknown power of which I could not understand as a child. My brother used a crowbar to break into the door. As he did, he caught a glimpse of the records floating that smashed suddenly to the floor as he stepped through the door. I was certain he was shocked and fearful, but, he did not ever voice that for years.

From the ghostly disembodied voices calling my name over my shoulder with a raspy unnerving chill to the bumps I felt under my bed in the midst of the night when I knew no one or thing should be under there, my life as an 11 year old changed from that house and my perception of the world around me with it. After a while, it became clear to me that Mom and my brother did not know what we were dealing with and at times, I knew they were bothered by it. Even then, I knew they tried to protect me from knowing, because, it's all they could do.

There is something to be said of knowing... acknowledging a power from some unseen force that is not bound by the reality we think exist. Once you cross that line, there is no going back... no safe harbor... no night that can not be penetrated in the depth of your dreams while snuggled peacefully under covers. There is a vulnerability you realize and acknowledge and yet, a knowing that everyone around you will likely never voice even if they share in the same experience in the same location.

Evil has a way of penetrating our lives more then just voices and floating objects and frightening us at night. It manipulates, it estranges, it coerces, it circles and it goes for any and all downfalls and weaknesses it can find. Evil promises great things, destroys instead and takes instead of giving. Evil takes you down with it into despair, unaccomplishment, anger, malice, jealousy and fear. It can completely destroy your health, career, family, friendships and life. It can also kill.

Evil doesn't come to you as ONE entity or one moment. It is a culmination of events, circumstances, moments, actions and thoughts that conspire into a destruction of not only someone who is heading in the direction of evil, but, those around them no matter how much they care. The demonic doesn't just show you evil straight out, it lies in wait, slowly enticing, slowly making you feel superior, strong, special and it plays, lies, pretends and manipulates and becomes what ever it needs to, to pull you in.

In true demonology, there is a knowledge of evil, as well as the hierarchy and knowledge of demon types, actions and even their boundaries. So many do not understand. You can step in front of a raging Buffalo, but, you may not live just because you think you know how to stop it by actions taught online. You would likely end up dead doing so. So it is with demons. One does not challenge or think themselves invulnerable to them without truly understanding the reality in humility they should be recognizing and realize, each time they deal with the demonic, they risk themselves, body and soul. No matter how benign a case may appear, it is not something that novices who have decided to write made up rules and synopsis to illicit praise or appreciation from those who do not know the difference between the demonic and a over acting fool pretending to be the next best deliverer from evil hero, should be doing.

This is my warning to those taking classes online to deal first hand with demons; STOP! There is nothing online that can prepare you for dealing with the demonic. It is dangerous. You are probably NOT learning what you should be learning for instance. Demonologist do not do exorcisms. THAT is an EXORCIST. To be an exorcist, you must be clergy and understand a lot on how to do the rituals, as well as understanding the demonic. You must understand the greatest sacrifice is yourself for others and being willing to do so. Both being a demonologist that works in deliverance in any way or especially a exorcist have to be willing to do just what that priest did on the movie Exorcist, sacrifice yourself. Believe me, I know first hand this sacrifice. You do not choose this field... no one in their straight mind would.

I have never once went out hunting demons. I have never went out of my way to go to a place and be around demons. People have always come to me. Whether it is those who have the knowledge and approach me or friends who have a story to tell or just those who are looking for information... but it is always something that comes to me. It is much like the fraud exposing really. When you are meant to do this, you know. So it is with dealing with demons in any way, shape or form is as well.

I realize to some, this article is spewed with what some would call religiosity and archaic beliefs. However, rudimentary thinking from the perspective of thought, is the killer evil, his thoughts evil or his soul? Does he have measurements of evil? There is something to be said of entertaining thoughts and thoughts becoming actions after all. What about where those thoughts go and why they do not appear taboo and plain frightening to some. From the spirit and story of the dream catcher, evil thoughts can become actions. They can become actions even against you by others. It is like a web of thought, evil effects the entire web of life. Some of these “archaic” ideas are age old and for a reason. I myself do not subscribe to the thought that old wisdom is useless and wrong. I tend to think there is a high chance for a value in them and a reason they have stood the test of time and brought forward for generations, much like the dream catcher and it's purpose. On this, it is just something I learned on my own in life.

So many people that seem to have these types of problems are people who have played with Ouija boards or other sources for summoning the spirits of the deceased. Sometimes, they are people with psychological issues as well. But some... and I mean this... some have decided to be demonologist or exorcist and are not alive today. Some that go that road end up in very hard lives. I have heard how some people, they change from the day entering a haunted location that ended up having something dark within.

So, this is my warning to you out there entering this field and especially interested in the darker side to help or because of interest, be weary, tread carefully, learn from the right sources, do your homework and have a strong faith and love in God and love of others. Love is in this... the strongest and ultimate weapon against evil.

Evan Jensen

Producer of Beyond the Edge of Reality Radio Network
http://beyondtheedgeofreality.net/

'Make a Peaceful World': Dalai Lama Says

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - The Dalai Lama's message of peace echoed throughout Regions Field on Sunday afternoon, with thousands of curious onlookers and devoted followers soaking up his message, and soaking up the sun on a hot day.

"If you feel too hot, that's not my mistake," said Tenzin Gyatso, 79, the 14th Dalai Lama, who came to Alabama a stranger and left with thousands feeling they now know the revered spiritual leader. Communist China took over Tibet in 1950. Gyatso and other Tibetans moved to India to set up a government in exile. Hundreds of his fellow Tibetans made the trip to Alabama from all the country. A dozen Tibetan monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery chanted before the Dalai Lama came to the stage that was set up in center field at the baseball stadium downtown.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell joined the Dalai Lama onstage and His Holiness urged him to move closer, under the shade of an umbrella a Buddhist monk was holding up to shield him from the sun. Later, workers brought a tent onstage so Bell and the Dalai Lama would be sitting in the shade.

The Dalai Lama called on young people to carry forth his message of peace. "In order to make this century a century of peace, we must make this a century of dialogue," he said. "It is your responsibility to make a peaceful world."

Several hundred youth were in the audience, some part of school groups, others encouraged to attend by their parents for the cultural experience.

William Hagood brought his daughter, Emily, 13. "I want her to have exposure to lots of different ways of thinking," Hagood said.

Emily said she agreed with the Dalai Lama's call to youth. "Someday, we'll be the adults; it's all on us," she said. "I think it was amazing to get to see him."

Janet McGowin also brought her daughter, Elena, 13. "It's a once in a lifetime experience," the mother said. "They may not understand everything he said, but they'll remember this. He's got a good message."

Elena said she understood the point of the Dalai Lama's message. "We need to do the right thing," Elena said. "You have to think about everyone around you."

Bell asked the Dalai Lama about the civil rights movement, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and King it has influenced him in his struggle for human rights. The Dalai Lama said he had visited the place where King was shot in Memphis. "I'm one of the admirers of the late Martin Luther King," the Dalai Lama said. "Although he's no longer alive, his spirit is still very much relevant, very much alive. We must keep his spirit alive. Different places, still discrimination. His spirit is very much relevant."

original link and photos: http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2014/10/make_a_peaceful_worlddalai_lam.html