Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Issue 92 – Christians Can't Speak Their Minds + New Book Due Out November 1


By Kirby Robinson

Out of respect for the tragedy of Hurricane Sandy, we've held up the release until now. Here is the official description:

"Never Mock God: An Unauthorized Investigation into Paranormal State's 'I Am Six' Case" examines a paranormal reality TV show from all angles.

Paranormal State's "I Am Six" episode is a perfect American horror tale -- for all the wrong reasons. It stars the ambitious founder of the Paranormal Research Society, an attention-seeking client, a bumbling group of paranormal investigators, a psychic-medium in search of ratings, and a rogue exorcist.

Paranormal State featured PRS director and founder Ryan Buell in a docu-drama, which ran on the A&E network from 2007 to 2011. It followed Ryan and his ghost hunting crew around the United States as they hunted paranormal phenomena, ghosts, and confronted demons. Merging the documentary and drama segments, the viewer was fooled into believing it was a straightforward documentary. The cast included [mostly] Penn State graduates with varying specialties and the telephone psychic-medium Chip Coffey. Reverend Andrew Calder appeared as the go-to exorcist in two episodes.

Paranormal State's most controversial case featured Lara, a 26-year-old woman from Quincy, Illinois who is allegedly possessed by a demon called Six. The show airs a 60-minute episode just before Halloween 2008, and the nation watches as Reverend Calder performs an exorcism that fails. The following year, PRS returns with demonologist Lorraine Warren of Amityville horror fame, Chip Coffey, Father Bob Bailey, and ghost hunter/documentary filmmaker Chad Calek.

Kirby Robinson and his team of investigators dig into both "I Am Six" and "The Possession: Return of Six" cases and discover the deceptions, misrepresentations, shoddy investigative work, and an outright impersonation by someone in a key role. By the end of this fast-paced but thorough book, the author proves that the paranormal doesn't mix with the theological.

Robinson and his team travel to Quincy to interview neighbors and tour Lara's now-former home. They verify facts and dispel falsehoods. Both episodes are broken down scene-by-scene to prove it was staged. PRS overlooked medical and psychological conditions in order to capture a dramatic exorcism on film. According to the Catholic Church and their rules of determining demonic possession, no one involved in the "I Am Six" case ever found actual proof. An unedited piece of tape shows PRS isn't dealing with a case of demonic possession but one of media attention.

A key player in the "I Am Six" case reveals a secret that will shock the reader. "Never Mock God: An Unauthorized Investigation into Paranormal State's 'I Am Six' Case" is filled with coherent documentation, humor and insight.



This eBook is available at Amazon, B&N Nook, Kobo, and Smashwords


Christians Speaking Their Mind in the Paranormal Community Will Feel the Wrath

It seems the patience and the understanding level for non-Christians in the paranormal field is plummeting. Christians in the paranormal field who dare to speak face the wrath of the nonbelievers. In the past, other bloggers, including me, discussed the faked and staged show, Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal, and the impact it has on the mental health of children. Recently, someone left this "kind" comment:

"People do not believe in psychic kids but do believe in an invisible man in the sky who no one has heard from for thousands of years. yeah, makes perfect sense. Idiots!"

October 27, 2012 – Anonymous – Comment left on this blog posted back in January.

To summarize, it's easy to accept a psychic kid but forget about Christ?!

They couldn't even get their facts right. Let's break it down.

The show produced no proof whatsoever that psychic kids are real. No one outside of the show ever worked with the kids to determine if they had any psychic ability.  I'd like to direct people to a great eBook that addresses a few things about Chip and those kids…


I don't know who C.C. Starbuck is, but they did a fine job in refuting anything to do with the show and raised lots of questions about Mr. Coffey's claims.  

As to no one seeing this man in the sky that goes by the name of Jesus Christ --millions if not billions, see Him every day when they close their eyes and pray. The same number hears from Him during prayers and in times of need.

What people fear is that Our Savior is real and you never have to pay for His help. Psychics and new age teachers do nothing without pay. They fear that He can cast out demons. Most fake demonologists and demon hunters seek fame and money and look for cases to fill the pages of their next Publish America book.

They fear He has a message that's filled with the Good Word, not the hollow words that fake psychics and false new age teachers have to offer.

They fear that Christ can reach into a spirit word and bring the dead to life as they have yet to understand what the word DEATH really means.

Last week one of our bloggers, Lisa Grace, wrote a wonderful blog [http://eyeontheparanormal.blogspot.com/2012/10/how-to-tell-fake-medium-from-true-empath.html] stating her view that people who claim to talk to the dead are fakes. As a Christian, she has a legal right to do so [for now]. Those that follow the new age view of the paranormal have the opinion that those who die sit around and wait for someone to go ghost hunting or pay a medium money to talk to a dead loved one. Engaging in a “spirited debate” that both sides might learn from the following comment was made:

"@eyeonparanormal I'm sorry but this article just shows how truly uneducated some people are."

It's always nice to see people who think they are so smart they have a right to call others dumb. Yet they don't bother to think that after all the research and data gathered by the paranormal community, that they have yet to prove the dead stay around and talk to us.

Here is my challenge to these folks who think they are totally right, and we who question the status quo in the paranormal field are wrong. Here is a simple test. If the dead truly know anything, what book do I always keep on my desk? Send me the title in the comment section of this blog. [A response “the bible” will not work, as that’s too obvious]. If you can do that, I will stop blogging about how the dead are not hanging around you and yours.

TOMORROW

A special blog to honor the release of my new book. Learn about the fake para-celeb who has been mocking God – and the public!


Keep current and follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/eyeonparanormal

EARN EXTRA MONEY! If you have a website, forum or blog you can set up an Amazon Associates Affiliate Program link and sell the Kindle version of INVESTIGATING PARANORMAL STATE, PARANORMAL STATE EXPOSED and PARANORMAL TEACHINGS: THE BEST OF SHEDDING SOME LIGHT and earn money. You can also sell other books and products that Amazon offers. Here's the link https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Speech of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the European Parliament


By the Dalai Lama

Madame Speaker, Honourable Members of the Parliament, ladies and gentlemen. It is a great honour for me to address the European Parliament. I believe the European Union is an inspiring example for a cooperative and peaceful co-existence among different nations and peoples and deeply inspiring for people like myself who strongly believe in the need for better understanding, closer cooperation, and greater respect among the various nations of the world. I thank you for this kind invitation.

I consider it as an encouraging gesture of genuine sympathy and concern for the tragic fate of the Tibetan people. I speak to you today as a simple Buddhist monk, educated and trained in our ancient traditional way. I am not an expert in political science. However, my life-long study and practice of Buddhism and my responsibility and involvement in the non-violent freedom struggle of the Tibetan people have given me some experiences and thoughts that I would like to share with you.

It is evident that the human community has reached a critical juncture in its history. Today’s world requires us to accept the oneness of humanity. In the past, communities could afford to think of one another as fundamentally separate.

But today, as we learn from the recent tragic events in the United States, whatever happens in one region eventually affects many other areas. The world is becoming increasingly interdependent. Within the context of this new interdependence, self-interest clearly lies in considering the interest of others. Without the cultivation and promotion of a sense of universal responsibility our very future is in danger.

I strongly believe that we must consciously develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. We must learn to work not just for our own individual self, family or nation, but for the benefit of all mankind. Universal responsibility is the best foundation both for our personal happiness and for world peace, the equitable use of our natural resources, and, through a concern for future generations, the proper care for the environment.

Many of the world's problems and conflicts arise because we have lost sight of the basic humanity that binds us all together as a human family. We tend to forget that despite the diversity of race, religion, culture, language, ideology and so forth, people are equal in their basic desire for peace and happiness: we all want happiness and do not want suffering. We strive to fulfill these desires as best we can. However, as much as we praise diversity in theory, unfortunately often we fail to respect it in practice. In fact, our inability to embrace diversity becomes a major source of conflict among peoples.

A particularly sad fact of human history is that conflicts have arisen in the name of religion. Even today, individuals are killed, their communities destroyed and societies destabilized as a result of misuse of religion and encouragement of bigotry and hatred. According to my personal experience the best way to overcome obstructions to inter-religious harmony and to bring about understanding is through dialogue with members of other faith traditions. This I see occurring in a number of different ways. In my own case, for example, my meetings with the late Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, in the late 60s, were deeply inspiring. They helped me develop a profound admiration for the teachings of Christianity. I also feel that meetings amongst different religious leaders and joining together to pray from a common platform are extremely powerful, as was the case in 1986 during the gathering at Assisi in Italy. The recent United Nations Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders held last year was also a laudable step. However, there is a need for more of these inititiatives on a regular basis. On my part, to show my respect for other religious traditions I went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem - a site holy to three of the world’s great religions. I have paid visits to various Hindu, Islamic, Christian, Jain and Sikh shrines both in India and abroad. During the past three decades I have met with many religious leaders of different traditions and have discussed harmony and inter-religious understanding. When exchanges like these occur, followers of one tradition will find that, just as in the case of their own, the teachings of other faiths are a source of both spiritual inspiration and as well as ethical guidance to their followers. It will also become clear that irrespective of doctrinal and other differences, all the major world religions help to transform individuals to become good human beings. All emphasize love, compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, humility, self-discipline and so on. We must therefore embrace the concept of plurality in the field of religion, too.

In the context of our newly emerging global community all forms of violence, including war, are totally inappropriate means of settling disputes. Violence and war have always been part of human history, and in ancient times there were winners and losers. However, there would be no winners at all if another global conflict were to occur today. We must, therefore, have the courage and vision to call for a world without nuclear weapons and national armies in the long run. Especially, in the light of the terrible attacks in the United States the international community must make a sincere attempt to use the horrible and shocking experience to develop a sense of global responsibility, where a culture of dialogue and non-violence is used in resolving differences.

Dialogue is the only sensible and intelligent way of resolving differences and clashes of interests, whether between individuals or nations. The promotion of a culture of dialogue and non-violence for the future of mankind is a compelling task of the international community. It is not enough for governments to endorse the principle of non-violence without any appropriate action to support and promote it. If non-violence is to prevail, non-violent movements must be made effective and successful. Some consider the 20th century a century of war and bloodshed. I believe the challenge before us is to make the new century one of dialogue and non-violence.

Furthermore, in dealing with conflicts too often we lack proper judgment and courage. We fail to pay adequate attention to situations of potential conflict when they are at an early stage of development. Once all the circumstances have progressed to a state where emotions of the people or communities involved in disputes have become fully charged, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to prevent a dangerous situation from exploding. We see this tragic situation repeated time and again. So we must learn to detect early signs of conflict and have the courage to address the problem before it reaches its boiling point.

I remain convinced that most human conflicts can be solved through genuine dialogue conducted with a spirit of openness and reconciliation. I have therefore consistently sought a resolution of the issue of Tibet through non-violence and dialogue. Right from the beginning of the invasion of Tibet, I tried to work with the Chinese authorities to arrive at a mutually acceptable, peaceful co-existence. Even when the so-called Seventeen Point Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet was forced upon us I tried to work with the Chinese authorities. After all, by that agreement the Chinese government recognized the distinctiveness and the autonomy of Tibet and pledged not to impose their system on Tibet against our wishes. However, in breach of this agreement, the Chinese authorities forced upon Tibetans their rigid and alien ideology and showed scant respect for the unique culture, religion and way of life of the Tibetan people. In desperation the Tibetan people rose up against the Chinese. In the end in 1959 I had to escape from Tibet so that I could continue to serve the people of Tibet.

During the past more than four decades since my escape, Tibet has been under the harsh control of the Government of the People´s Republic of China. The immense destruction and human suffering inflicted on the people of Tibet are today well known and I do not wish to dwell on these sad and painful events. The late Panchen Lama’s 70,000-character petition to the Chinese government serves as a telling historical document on China’s draconian policies and actions in Tibet. Tibet today continues to be an occupied country, oppressed by force and scarred by suffering. Despite some development and economic progress, Tibet continues to face fundamental problems of survival. Serious violations of human rights are widespread throughout Tibet and are often the result of policies of racial and cultural discrimination. Yet they are only the symptoms and consequences of a deeper problem. The Chinese authorities view Tibet’s distinct culture and religion as the source of threat of separation. Hence as a result of deliberate policies an entire people with its unique culture and identity are facing the threat of extinction.

I have led the Tibetan freedom struggle on a path of non-violence and have consistently sought a mutually agreeable solution of the Tibetan issue through negotiations in a spirit of reconciliation and compromise with China. With this spirit in 1988 here in Strasbourg at this Parliament I presented a formal proposal for negotiations, which we hoped would serve as a basis for resolving the issue of Tibet. I had chosen consciously the European Parliament as a venue to present my thoughts for a framework for negotiations in order to underline the point that a genuine union can only come about voluntarily when there are satisfactory benefits to all the parties concerned. The European Union is a clear and inspiring example of this. On the other hand, even one country or community can break into two or more entities when there is a lack of trust and benefit, and when force is used as the principal means of rule.

My proposal which later became known as the “Middle Way Approach” or the “Strasbourg Proposal” envisages that Tibet enjoy genuine autonomy within the framework of the People’s Republic of China. However, not the autonomy on paper imposed on us 50 years ago in the 17-Point Agreement, but a true self-governing, genuinely autonomous Tibet, with Tibetans fully responsible for their own domestic affairs, including the education of their children, religious matters, cultural affairs, the care of their delicate and precious environment, and the local economy. Beijing would continue to be responsible for the conduct of foreign and defense affairs. This solution would greatly enhance the international image of China and contribute to her stability and unity -- the two topmost priorities of Beijing -- while at the same time the Tibetans would be ensured of the basic rights and freedoms to preserve their own civilization and to protect the delicate environment of the Tibetan plateau.

Since then our relation with the Chinese government has taken many twists and turns. Unfortunately, I must sadly inform you that a lack of political will on the part of the Chinese leadership to address the issue of Tibet in a serious manner has failed to produce any progress. My initiatives and overtures over the years to engage the Chinese leadership in a dialogue remain unreciprocated. Last September, I communicated through the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi our wish to send a delegation to Beijing to deliver a detailed memorandum outlining my thinking on the issue of Tibet and to explain and discuss the points raised in the memorandum. I conveyed that through face-to-face meetings we would succeed in clarifying misunderstandings and overcoming distrust. I expressed the strong belief that once this is achieved then a mutually acceptable solution of the problem can be found without much difficulty. But the Chinese government is refusing to accept my delegation till today. It is obvious that Beijing’s attitude has hardened significantly compared to the eighties when six Tibetan delegations from exile were accepted. Whatever explanations Beijing may give concerning communications between the Chinese government and myself I must state here clearly that the Chinese government is refusing to talk to the representatives I have designated for the task.

The failure of the Chinese leadership to respond positively to my Middle Way Approach reaffirms the Tibetan people’s suspicion that the Chinese government has no interest whatsoever in any kind of peaceful co-existence. Many Tibetans believe that China is bent on complete forceful assimilation and absorption of Tibet into China. They call for the independence of Tibet and criticise my “Middle Way Approach”. Others are advocating a referendum in Tibet. They argue if conditions inside Tibet are as the Chinese authorities portray it to be and if the Tibetans are truly happy, then there should be no difficulty holding a plebiscite in Tibet. I have also always maintained that ultimately the Tibetan people must be able to decide about the future of Tibet as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, stated in the Indian Parliament on December 7. 1950: “…the last voice in regard to Tibet should be the voice of the people of Tibet and nobody else.”

While I firmly reject the use of violence as a means in our freedom struggle we certainly have the right to explore all other political options available to us. I am a staunch believer in freedom and democracy and have therefore been encouraging the Tibetans in exile to follow the democratic process. Today, the Tibetan refugees may be among the few communities in exile that have established all the three pillars of democracy:- legislature, judiciary and executive. This year we have taken another big stride in the process of democratisation by having the chairman of the Tibetan Cabinet elected by popular vote. The elected chairman of the Cabinet and the elected parliament will shoulder the responsibility of running the Tibetan affairs as the legitimate representatives of the people. However, I do consider it my moral obligation to the six million Tibetans to continue taking up the Tibetan issue with the Chinese leadership and to act as the free spokesman of the Tibetan people until a solution is reached.

In the absence of any positive response from the Chinese government to my overtures over the years, I am left with no alternative but to appeal to the members of the international community. It is clear now that only increased, concerted and consistent international efforts will persuade Beijing to change its policy on Tibet. Although the immediate reactions from the Chinese side will be most probably negative, nevertheless, I strongly believe that expressions of international concern and support are essential for creating an environment conducive for the peaceful resolution of the Tibetan problem. On my part, I remain committed to the process of dialogue. It is my firm belief that dialogue and a willingness to look with honesty and clarity at the reality of Tibet can lead us to a mutually beneficial solution that will contribute to the stability and unity of the People’s Republic of China and secure the right for the Tibetan people to live in freedom, peace and dignity.

Brothers and sisters of the European Parliament, I consider myself as the free spokesman for my captive countrymen and women. It is my duty to speak on their behalf. I speak not with a feeling of anger or hatred towards those who are responsible for the immense suffering of our people and the destruction of our land, homes, temples, monasteries and culture. They too are human beings who struggle to find happiness, and deserve our compassion. I speak to inform you of the sad situation in my country today and of the aspirations of my people, because in our struggle for freedom, truth is the only weapon we possess. Today, our people, our distinct rich cultural heritage and our national identity are facing the threat of extinction. We need your support to survive as a people and as a culture.

When one looks at the situation inside Tibet it seems almost hopeless in the face of increasing repression, continuing environmental destruction, and the ongoing systematic undermining of the culture and identity of Tibet. Yet I believe that no matter how big and powerful China may be she is still part of the world. The global trend today is towards more openness, freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. Sooner or later China will have to follow the world trend and in the long run there is no way that China can escape from truth, justice and freedom. The consistent and principled engagement of the European Parliament with China will accelerate this process of change that is already taken place in China. Since the Tibetan issue is closely related with what is happening in China, I believe there is reason and ground for hope.

I would like to thank the European Parliament for the consistent display of concern and support for the non-violent Tibetan freedom struggle. Your sympathy and support have always been a deep source of inspiration and encouragement to the Tibetan people both inside and outside Tibet. The numerous resolutions of the European Parliament on the issue of Tibet helped greatly to highlight the plight of the Tibetan people and raise the awareness of the public and governments in Europe and around the world of the issue of Tibet. I am especially encouraged by the European Parliament’s resolution calling for the appointment of an EU special representative for Tibet. I strongly believe that the implementation of this resolution will enable the European Union not only to help promote a peaceful resolution of the Tibetan issue through negotiations in a more consistent, effective and creative way but also provide support for other legitimate needs of the Tibetan people, including ways and means to preserve our distinct identity. This initiative will also send a strong signal to Beijing that the European Union is serious in encouraging and promoting a solution of the Tibetan problem. I have no doubt that your continued expressions of concern and support for Tibet will in the long run impact positively and help create the conducive political environment for a constructive dialogue on the issue of Tibet. I ask for your continued support in this critical time in our country’s history. I thank you for providing me the opportunity to share my thoughts with you.

Thank you.

Monday, October 29, 2012

My Son's Duck


By V.K. Bronz

My son, daughter and I were living on an eighty acre farm consisting mostly of woods and hills in the midst of Virginia.

Virginia is known for their Copperhead snakes (poisonous) and their not so lethal Black snake. Anyway, not so surprisingly, God was right when he said there would be enmity between the serpent and me.

The sun was shining on that humid morning as we were out doing chores. The chickens and the ducks were penned up along the end of our chicken coup, the goats were wandering among the honeysuckle vines, and the calf was in his stall; all was well with the world. As lunch time arrived we headed into the house to eat. Walking past the chicken coup, lo and behold under the chicken coup were the beady little eyes of a black snake, the rest of him hidden in the darkness.

I looked at the size of the snakes head and then at the three quarter grown chicks and ducklings and felt there wasn’t any real threat there. Fore the tiny size of the snakes head couldn’t possibly fit over the birds. Once in the house I became busy fixing lunch, when all of a sudden in my spirit I felt to go outside. I had long since forgotten about the snake, but just in obedience to the Holy Spirit I went out.

The small snake that I had perceived as no threat had come out from its dark hiding place and was about six feet long. With its fangs planted firmly in Evergreen’s shoulders, the snake had swallowed the head and the neck of my sons duck and was working on its shoulders. I ran screaming into the coup, “Where’s the ax? Where’s the ax”?  There I was, barefoot, standing in chicken and duck poop, crying out of rage running up to this horrifying sight. I was so angry he had dared to eat Evergreen, my 10-year-old son's duck.

Rage overcame any fear and loathing and I began to chop with the dull rusted ax my son had found. I chopped and chopped and chopped and chopped. That nasty monster would not let go. Finally I realized it must be dead, even though pieces of it continued to move, writhing and wiggling. I slowly reached down, fighting an urge to vomit, and opened the snake’s mouth with my bare hands pulling the long white fangs out of the limp ducks back. With the fangs out of the ducks shoulders the slime covered head and neck almost popped out of the throat of the snake.

We ran into the house and put poor Evergreen into the big farmhouse-style sink, rubbing and massaging him. Can you believe it? He was still alive. After all that time without air he still opened his little eyes, sparkling gratefully at us, but he was paralyzed. For two weeks Evergreen lived in our sink unable to move.

Gradually he began to heal, but not completely. From then on he had the tell–tale mark of the snake. He had the funniest gimp waddle. We built him a handicap ramp because he could no longer get up that one little step.

The length and depth of our sin may not be seen or understood by us, and in our pride we have convinced ourselves we are following the Lord, yet Satan’s fangs are firmly planted into us, and we refuse to rid ourselves of those seemingly small things, but God sees it.  We think it is unimportant because it appears to be so small, until the fullness is exposed and it comes to kill steal and destroy. As with Evergreen it leaves its terrible mark upon us, and we will go limping along thinking we have escaped, but God said he will have a bride without spot or wrinkle.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Christians and Halloween

By Stephen Piersall
Deliverance Ministry, Central NY


I thought I would take on the subject of Halloween since it is coming up. I had received in the mail some great articles and rather than me try to say it, I am going to use articles from Kristine McGuire and Bill Sudduth and give them full credit as they are saying it better then I could:

Kristine McGuire who writes a blog “Kristine Remixed” wrote the following two articles. 

http://kristinemcguire.com/

Trick or Treat? Article One:
Because of my background in the occult, I am asked to share my opinion on a variety of related topics. In addition, every October finds me receiving many questions on how a Christian parent should respond to our cultures favorite spooky holiday – Halloween. What I have observed over the last few years is this. When it comes to Halloween, there are (generally speaking) two major camps within the church on the issue:

Those who celebrate the day in some form (traditionally or by offering an alternative harvest celebration).
Those who vehemently oppose any observance or activity. But I've discovered there is a growing third group (including some who used to be in one of the first two). These people tend to be:

§  Those who have listened to arguments from both sides but are kind of at a loss as to how to proceed. 
§  Parents who took their kids to alternative events at their church as youngsters who are now facing teenagers wanting to make their own decision about Halloween. 
§  "Empty Nesters" who are tired of all the shenanigans of the day but have grandchildren to consider.
I'll be honest. My personal position on Halloween has changed a little, even since I wrote a chapter on the subject for my book, “Escaping the Cauldron” http://kristinemcguire.com/escaping-the-cauldron-book/. While I still believe it's a great opportunity to be salt and light to our neighbors (we should be doing so every day anyway), I will no longer participate in Halloween observance (including Trunk or Treat – which has looked less like the alternative it's meant to be for years as far as I've seen).

What I will be doing this October 31st. And let's face it. There are plenty of harvest festivals to enjoy throughout the month if I really want to go to one without connecting to Halloween. BUT that's what God's been speaking to me for several months now. I'm not going to tell you what to do or how your family should deal with Halloween, trick-or-treating, and the like. However, if you are struggling with how to handle this issue you might want to take this into consideration. If you have a "gut feeling" or "spiritual red flag" or some other "spiritual check" when it comes to Halloween (any part of it) you have the answer you seek. If God has been poking at you, it's important to respond to Him with obedience. How that plays out is for you to determine but I imagine it's finding something completely"other" to do.

Finally, allow me to add this caveat to one more group who tends to fall through the cracks of this debate (because most of the time the focus is on children and trick-or-treating). For anyone intrigued or drawn by the fright factor (ghost hunting programs, horror novels, haunted houses) or dabbling in other forms of occultism (Ouija boards, divination, psychics, mediums, etc.) Halloween is the penultimateboo-fest. You truly need to step away, especially if you believe yourself to be a Christian. Find something else to do (not to mention stop feeding those occult interests every other day of the year as well).

Why? While for many October 31st is simply a secular holiday, a night of fun (re: what I wrote above), there are many others who take the spiritual reality of the day seriously. The ancients believed October 31st was a time between times. A day when the "veil" between our world and the spirit realm is at it's most thin. Five years past renouncing all of my occult activities (and abilities), I believe this is very true. Seeking an "experience" through ghost hunting on Halloween (which a lot of people do now), or simply opening your mind (and spirit) to fear through what you see, hear, or do is risky, but this day seems to be even more so. And those spiritual doors (once opened) can be very difficult to close. Even if you do not personally see the effects of dabbling (or actual practice) within your ownlife, there is a real possibility your descendants will. Now, I'm not saying all this to freak you out ("For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7 NLTbut to encourage you. The Lord is calling people into freedom from the occult deception running rampant in our culture today. He is declaring what the world considers spooky "fun" or a form of "spiritual enlightenment" to be a lie. So look to God for the truth, repent, follow Him. He will set you free.

There is a group on Facebook  called "I Hate Halloween" (remember – some vehemently oppose the day). One of the moderators (all former occultists) wrote something recently which I think sums up what I'm trying to communicate: "If we are to be wholehearted followers of Christ, we have to be willing to give Him everything! If we aren't willing to give up a little "fun" for God, what kind of Christians are we?"
  
Trick or Treat? Article Two:
Halloween is happening. Every day there are more aisles filled with candy and all the trappings associated with the day. Parties are planned. Even a number of television programs will have some kind of Halloween theme. So now what?

Some people choose to close the curtains, turn off the light, and ignore the doorbell. Others post signs saying they do not celebrate Halloween. Now, I do respect the decision these Christians have made and their reasoning. However, I can't help but think the wrong message is being promoted. In my opinion,(and that's all it is) there are positive approaches people can take while choosing not to participate in Halloween which perhaps presents a message which will resonate in a deeper way.

– Host a prayer meeting or worship night.
– Have a Reformation Day party.
– Enjoy dinner and a family movie (and invite some friends to join you).
There are also ways to be an effective witness if you do choose to open your door to children hollering, "Trick-or-Treat!" as well.
– Be the neighbor who shines light (literally – create a cheerful, inviting doorway or porch) on what is considered a dark, spooky night.
– Play uplifting contemporary Christian or praise and worship music which people can hear when you open the door.
– Offer the best candy along with a Pocket Sized Gospel of John and a winsome tract explaining the gospel.
– Talk to your neighbors (especially if you do not interact much the rest of the year). Offer parents coffee or hot cider, especially if the evening is cold. Let people see Christ shining through you. Several years ago, a friend shared with me how the pumpkin luminaries her family creates every year for their doorstep provided a light in the dark for a little girl. I recorded the story last year (with my friend's permission). I would love to share the story with you again.

My point is this. While there are some dark things, which take place on Halloween, I can assure you these same things will occur any other day within the year as well. However, JESUS CHRIST has overcome the world. The enemy is defeated. Every day belongs to God. We are meant to honor the Lord with our words and actions. Let us fulfill the call God places on all Christians to engage the people in our sphere of influence for HIM — especially on Halloween.

Go On this site and see how you can obtain her new book “Escaping the Cauldron” http://kristinemcguire.com/escaping-the-cauldron-book/

Bill Sudduth - Righteous Acts Ministries - Trick or Treat - Should We.
    
There are many controversial subjects in the church today and Halloween is no exception. As Christians, we are called to glorify God in all we do! How then as Christians do we embrace such activities? Who receives glory and honor on Halloween? Does our Lord and savior Jesus Christ; or does Satan? The book of Isaiah, chapter 14, verses 12 through 15 tell of Satan's fall from heaven andincludes the (I wills.) This is a well-known section of scripture, which clearly demonstrates Satan's desire and intent to receive the praises of men, to make himself as God. I'll ask you again, who receives glory and honor and the praises of men on Halloween night? I think it's no coincidence that Halloween today and its origin have the same key ingredient, that ingredient is compromise

In 43 AD, the Romans conquered these Celtic lands and soon mixed and mingled their beliefs and customs with that of the Celtics. When the Romans Adopted Christianity as the state religion the Catholic Church rapidly spread throughout Europe and the British Isles. The church converted the Celts but had great difficulty bringing an end to their customs and festivals. So the Catholic Church, under the direction of Pope Boniface IV decided to make a compromise. They replaced this old harvest festival with a new one called "All Saints Day”, November 1st. The problem was the Celts continued to celebrate the Harvest festival as they always did, and by the 1500's you could no longer distinguish between the two. All Saints Day had become All Hallows Day, and hallows eve became Halloween. Halloween was brought to America by Irish immigrants in the early to mid-1800's. In 1921, Anoka, Minnesota celebrated the first citywide Halloween festival. New York started celebrationsin 1923 and Los Angeles in 1925. We now celebrate it as a nation, with literally millions of dollars spent annually to glorify Satan, death and hell

The devil has done an excellent job in recent years desensitizing our culture, this nation and the church to all kinds of witchcraft and occult practices. The origins of Halloween are tied to pagan festivals at the transition of nature and seasons. Oddly enough, that is some of the same terminology and reasoning used by modem day witches and wiccan's. Halloween is a Holy day or actually an un-holy day for these people who practice witchcraft and sorcery. I believe it is no coincidence that witch covens across this nation seek power from Satan on this most un-holy day. I truly believe the many and varied reports that Satan is worshiped on Halloween through rites, rituals and ceremonies with every kind of debauchery. I believe all Christians should not only refrain from involving themselves with Halloween activities but they should help educate others in doing the same! I also would encourage the church not to compromise (again) and have costume events at churches but instead, educate our young people. We can have an alternative event, but have a truly Christian event. It is time the church "Come out from among them and be separate”.

Blessings,
Bill Sudduth
Righteous Acts Ministries

www.ramministry.org

Friday, October 26, 2012

God Really, Really Hates Ghosts


By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

1The Lord spoke to Moses, saying,2"Say to the people of Israel, Any one of the people of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones.3I myself will set my face against that man and will cut him off from among his people, because he has given one of his children to Molech, to make my sanctuary unclean and to profane my holy name.

4And if the people of the land do at all close their eyes to that man when he gives one of his children to Molech, and do not put him to death,5then I will set my face against that man and against his clan and will cut them off from among their people, him and all who follow him in whoring after Molech.6If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.


The same God, who created the universe, uttered the words above. As Creator, He has the authority to hate and be angry with whatever/whoever He wants…always in keeping with His just character. In verses 1-5 the Lord tells His covenant community that He detests the practice of child sacrifice to Molech. He hates it so much that He declares that it is a capital crime. I read this text in my personal devotion today, and it is what comes next that particularly struck me. In v.4 the Lord says that if the people fail to put the perpetrator to death, then He will cut his life short. How terrifying it would be to have the Lord set His face against a person and pledge to cut him off—which is simply another way of saying to “kill” someone. When the Jews were circumcised, the foreskin was cut off as a sign of blessing and curse—as members of God’s holy covenant community, they would be blessed if they believed and obeyed, and they would be cursed if they were disobedient. On the cross, Jesus became The Circumcised One—cut off from the Father. From the context, it is clear that the Lord would Himself kill the practitioner of child sacrifice to Molech. Does that not indicate how much He hates that practice?

However, the Lord’s pledge to avenge unpunished wrongdoing does not end there (and this is key)—in v. 6 God Almighty states that He will personally kill people for two other sins if the covenant community does not follow through with the death penalty. Along with killing one’s own child by sacrificing them to Molech, Yahweh says that seeking after mediums and necromancers will result in He Himself killing that person (if they are not properly dealt with judicially). THAT is what leapt off the page this morning when I read it…God promised that He would kill anyone who committed those three sins—that is how much He hates them. As I showed in an earlier post, there are gradations to sins seriousness…and God has revealed three that top the list.

Notice that it is not the mediums and necromancers who are singled out for His special wrath (though surely that is implied), but the people who seek them out. What does that mean for today? Since there is not a theocracy anymore, then the death penalty has been discontinued in the New Testament for being involved with mediums and attempting to traffic with the dead. (there is a distinction between sin and crime). What does carry over from the Old Testament to today is this principle: the Holy God has particular revulsion for mediumistic activity as well as any practice that involves seeking the dead. Here is what truly frightens me—all the folks actively investigating the spirit realm, are the objects of His special displeasure and wrath. Rom.1:18 explicitly says that God’s wrath is currently being poured out from heaven upon those who suppress the truth, and then fall into dark practices. God is immutable (unchanging), so if He actively punished those who sought mediums as well as interaction with the dead, then there is every reason to believe that is still the case.

Every square inch of the Old Testament is applicable to today, and has up to the second relevance…THE CHALLENGE IS KNOWING HOW IT IS APPLICABLE. Just because the sacrificial system has been abrogated by the once-for-all sacrifice of the Messiah, that does not mean that all the various sacrifices have no purpose for today. Each one highlights an essential aspect of Christ’s atonement, and helps us to understand the many splendored wonder of the cross. There is both continuity and dis-continuity. Similarly, the death penalty has been discontinued, but certainly God’s resolute anger towards, and special punishment of, mediums and spiritism flows with continuity into our era…especially in light of the reality of Rom.1:18ff. Why does God accent the particular repugnance of these three sins? As Creator He can pull rank and not answer that—I really think it is important that we understand God can do what He wants with or without our approval. Nevertheless, the fact that all three sins lead one into direct contact with the demonic is certainly something that sheds light on the situation. Intentional contact with the spirit realm is exceedingly dangerous, and angers God mightily.

Since God created the world, then He has the authority to hate and punish how He wishes (God does love everyone, and forgiveness is available to all who embrace the gospel).According to God, all those who mess with alleged ghosts are spiritually whoring (v. 6). Can God still hurt people? He most certainly can and does…and He has said He will severely punish all who mess with mediums and ghosts. Yes, God expresses more grace in the New Covenant, but that does not abrogate or do away with the continuity of basic principles from Old to New Testament. God really, really hates the notion of ghosts…do you?


Thursday, October 25, 2012

How to Tell a Fake Medium from a True Empath

By Lisa Grace

A medium or an empath is someone who for some reason can sense or the hidden supernatural world. In time, with all the scientific break throughs we’ve had in detection everyone may be able to do this in the near future.

It seems differences in temperature (which we can see through heat vision goggles) Electro Magnetic field sensors, and goggles that allow you to see light waves that are invisible to our human eyes; we can begin to “see” what is there.

Now, how do you tell a fake from a real one?

It doesn’t matter.

It doesn’t matter who is a fake empath or a real one because the information they may get from supernatural creatures posing as dead love ones, is of no use to you. The only information they can give you is to lead you astray.

If God wants you to know something other than what is given in His word, the Holy Scriptures, you will know. If it is a contradiction to His word, you can be assured it was given to you through an entity posing as His emissary (a good angel or ghost of someone we loved.)

It doesn’t matter who is a fake empath or a real one, because we are not to consult them. (Refer back to my article on Communicating With the Dead.)

It doesn’t matter who is fake or real, because they can easily be led astray, too. The only difference is, the real ones know there is a supernatural world.

Everything we need to know about the supernatural world is:

  • We are at war with the entities stuck on this earth.
  • They will possess or attach to us or other objects in our homes if given the chance.
  • They want to destroy us through trickery, deception, or actions people do when they are possessed.
  • If you think you have them in your home, drive them out for good.

An empath can be helpful in detecting if they are there, or what objects have them attached. But for communication? NO.



Next article I’ll discuss in detail who can drive them out permanently and under what circumstances they can be permanently driven out. It’s not always possible.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Issue 91 – Never Mock God & Top 10 Favorite Horror Movies


By Kirby Robinson

October 27, 2008 was the original air date for Paranormal State's most controversial case. For the past four years the debate over how real or fake that "I Am Six" episode was still hasn't calmed down.

Now, after an exclusive investigation involving a team of reporters and investigators, the hidden truth will come to light.



This book contains many facts that those involved with that show don't want you to know. The final pages expose a secret that even over the past few days they have tried to keep from the public. Never Mock God – An Unauthorized Investigation into the "I Am Six" Case will be offered in eBook format at Amazon, B&N and Smashwords.

We hope to have it available by October 27th, but, if not, to paraphrase Orson Welles from his wine-selling days: "we will sell no book before its time…"

And, as it'll be Halloween in exactly one week, I’d like to share my Top 10 Favorite Horror movies with you.

10] Return of the Living Dead Part II, 1988 – A campy yet at times very frightening take on zombie movies. This movie is as good as anything we’ve ever done in this century when it comes to portraying the living dead!

9] The Exorcism of Emily Rose, 2005 – Probably the best film to present what it feels like to be possessed by a demon. Even more frightening because it’s based on a true story.

8] Dracula, 1931 – This black and white movie starring Bela Lugosi might be dated. It might not have the special effects, and the script might be a little bit lame at times. But on a dark and stormy night with the lights out, a bowl of popcorn, and a cold root beer, it can still give you the creeps.

7] Alien, 1979 and Aliens, 1986 – The tagline for the first one is “In space no one can hear you scream.” And if you watch this alone no one in your house will hear you scream. Get the director’s cut if you can and both Alien movies keep the shocks coming!

6] Halloween, 1978 and Halloween II, 1981 – The original Halloween, in my opinion, is nonetheless the best slasher movie. And the unique thing about the second one is the beginning is actually the end of the original. Michael is still a guy you wouldn’t want to run into on Halloween night.

5] The Haunting, 1963 – It may not have the shock value that the others have but it’s one of the best portrayals of what a sensitive really goes through.

4] 13 Ghosts, 1960 – The special effects may be outdated but its unique take on the afterlife still gives me chills.

3] The Exorcist [The Version You’ve Never Seen], 1973 – Yes, that’s how it’s now titled and if you’ve not seen this version with four new scenes and a longer running time, this movie is even scarier than the original version.

2] The Shining, 1980 – As good if not better than the Stephen King book it’s based on. Shows a very accurate look into being a sensitive as well as how demons seduce individuals into becoming possessed.

1] Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist, 2005 – This is a film that many have never seen or even heard about. It’s what leads to the foundation of the Exorcist that would come later. Not a special effects extravaganza, but highly accurate when it comes to the confrontation between the exorcist and the demon.

Honorable Mention: Paranormal Activity movies 1-3 [and the fourth when it's available on Netflix/DVD.

Any of these movies I would highly recommend especially this time of year!

Keep current and follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/eyeonparanormal

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