Hello every body. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday and I hope all the mothers out there are having a wonderful and blessed Mother's Day weekend. I pray everyone is healthy and happy. And to those that may not have their parents still living, I know it can be very difficult on holidays. I miss my father very much and it's been six years. I'll run into people he used to counsel or somebody he helped over the years that will still call and talk to my mom and make sure she's OK and those people who used my dad as a contact are now contacting me the daughter. LOL. I don't want to be compared to my father because that man was filled with the Holy Spirit in ways that in deliverances at times he wouldn't have to even finish a sentence and something would flee it wasn't always that easy but of course when you have been called by God for 51 years like my father I guess you kind of pick up certain ways of coping or handling what you do as its very disturbing. I admired him so much for that. I respected him so much because he was so passionate about what he believed. But he started at 19. He died at 76 but was still doing the Lord's work. He married my husband and I when I was a married women at 28. Time flies.
There is a new TV series called Shadow Hunters. I've read the emails some sent me concerned about their kids being practically addicted to this new show already. It's teenagers who are demon hunters and protect society by taking on these evil forces. Now you know it's only a matter of time as its already very popular. Soon in real life we'll see teenagers running around the woods and cemeteries or abandoned buildings seeking out demons in order to help people and keep the world more safe. What it's going to happen is more portals are going to be opened and demons are going to come through. The TV is filled with these shows. Darkness has become a new way to live for lack of better words. This is just too much danger and way too many bad influences. I just see a lot of increase in activity, use of Ouija Boards and divination tools.
All these paranormal events attract attention and I'm told so much it's are just to boost the ego of "The celebrities." People on the ghost hunting shows have events to hang out with them and investigate. Cost of travel and ticket to the event people pay to see someone from TV or hangs with those who do. Dorks. Your experience is never checked and tested, So much drama behind the scenes and no loyalty. So many people who are extremely knowledgeable and have proof of experience are completely never picked to go to the seminar or speak at events. I know of many. Satan is loving this. It's like it's everywhere. This darkness fad. I felt I needed to share this. People are entitled to opinions. This is just my humble thoughts. I have been asked to address a new tv series that many tell me is disturbing.
The enemy wants every body to turn on each other instead of everybody working together. And this is something I know from way too much experience dealing with it at certain times in my life....it feeds off chaos, anger, sadness, bitterness etc.... This is sadly the cycle I experienced. They just love that people are constantly coming in and out of these graveyards and cemeteries doing EVP's and God knows what else. Some cemeteries due to some residual feelings of sadness, depression and just plain heart broken. But there are some positive feelings. One may be happy their loved one is no longer suffering or one may feel happy his or her loved one is now with Christ. Just depends but it's full of enough negative feelings to be a threat in my humble opinion.
These demons never stop. they cause humans to have emotional trauma. The most common are:
Emotional pain, depression, low energy levels, constant fatigue, suicidal thoughts and/or attempts, drug and/or alcohol addictions, unhealthy addictions, over eating, hearing voices in the mind, strange or weird thoughts that don't seem your own, being directed by an inner voice, most mental illness, mental or emotional instability, poor concentration, mood swings, multiple personalities, confusion, deep anger/aggressiveness, nightmares or any negative/terrifying dreams/day dreams, sleep paralysis, anxiety, paranoia, constant negative or fear based thoughts and/or emotions, waking up tired after a full night's rest, criminal and/or violent behaviors, sexual abuse, mental noise (unclear thinking), dark thoughts and impulses, unexplained physical pain or problems without any known cause, constantly sabotaging yourself or others, negative beliefs, religious fanaticism, abusing or attacking others either emotionally, physically etc., energy stealing among people, limited/lower consciousness, feelings of giving everything up, feeling your life is being controlled by something outside of yourself, constantly trying to control or have power over others, loss of your purpose/path in life, loss of your power/soul and so very much more.
When we as humans person go through periods like weakness, such as emotional trauma, physical trauma, break ups, divorces, health issues etc...There are just so many areas to which the natural walls of defense in the physical, spiritual or emotional system of a person are weakened, it leaves us vulnerable for the enemy. The same is true with drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, and especially drugs, because they lower our defenses. We are wide open for the demonic to just slip right in our life. It happens so fast. As I've said many times, when you open that door it is extremely hard to get rid of any attachments or possession and oppression.
Please think twice when presented with anything like Ouija boards and things to that nature. It's best to just be curious and leave it at that. It's not worth going further. It can and does destroy lives. Demons prey on people through those mimicking another like a aunt who passed or parent. It's only to gain your trust to draw you in. Demons are so very tricky and want to remain out of hell because even for them they are suffering its horrible and of course this is an opinion and it too is subjective but demons don't want to go away they hang on for dear life because they don't want to go back to hell because of all the torment they are scared of Satan. And again this is all subjective but they don't want to go back and be punished by Satan for losing a soul. Even demons don't want to be there. Doesn't that just speak volumes?
Spiritual warfare is really one of the greatest blessings and best defenses we have. We don't have to wallow in the darkness, we can call for spiritual protection from the forces of evil and they will fight back and raise us out of whatever negative state of mind or being we are in. It's basically saying what you speak you speak into existence. And as hard as it can be no matter what's going on keep the negativity away and thank the Lord for dying for your sins and thank him for taking care of you. It stipulates we have the power of life and death in our tongue. Meaning our mouth and what comes out can make or break you.
Written By Jennifer L Auld
Looking inside the spiritual & literary worlds
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Thursday, May 5, 2016
'Ghost Brothers' and 'Destination America'
Huffington Post … “Ghost Brothers is addictive.”
It has been said that the paranormal is the new normal. Take the new show on Destination America, The Ghost Brothers. This is the first paranormal ghost hunting show that features an all-black ensemble. Three black men who have known each other for a long time have teamed up. Their mission statement asserted at the outset of each show—“To show that ghosts are for real.”
“The series follows best friends Dalen Spratt, Juwan Mass and Marcus Harvey on a mission to uncover whether some legendary “haunted” houses are the real deal. All raised in religious households, Spratt, Mass and Harvey were taught that messing with the dead is dangerous business, but their own unexplained experiences piqued their fascination, driving them to find out how spooky the supernatural can be. “Ghost Brothers” is described as blending the group’s natural curiosity with comedic flair, offering a fresh, funny and unique take on the spirit world.
“We’re excited to join the Destination America family and prove that there can be a little humor in the unknown,” said Spratt. “But the best part about ‘Ghost Brothers’ is that this time, the black guys make it out of the haunted house alive!”
“Destination America is the leader in paranormal programming, and we are excited to bring diversity to this space with the very first African American ghost-hunting team on television,” said Jane Latman, general manager of Destination America. “Dalen’s, Juwan’s and Marcus’ personalities shine through in ‘Ghost Brothers,’ wearing their emotions on their sleeves in an incredibly relatable way during all of the fear, thrills and chills of investigating things that go bump in the night.”
I must confess that as far as entertainment, they are, well, entertaining. Their shared culture reveals itself in some of their mannerisms, and humor.
My concern is this—to whatever extent black folks may have avoided paranormal shows due to their being all-white, now have some of their own. In other words, blacks, and those drawn to black heritage, now have a magnet to pull them into the ever widening net of fascination with the paranormal….and all the danger that comes with fascination with the paranormal. Yet another segment of America is being brainwashed into believing that ghosts exist. As I mentioned, Ghost Bros. are already persuaded that ghosts do exist and they are passionate about persuading others, by allegedly proving it.
Rather than listening to their families wise warnings, they are rushing headlong into ‘Satan’s sandbox”.
Their gear and methodology is essentially the same…except that they prefer smart phones to do some of their video and EVP.
Unlike most other groups these guys are genuinely funny. And that has already proved to be a powerful attraction to a new audience.
I’m sure that parapsychologists and others will be cynical of their methodology but my concern is that like most investigative groups, they assume the very thing they are trying to prove—namely, the existence of earthbound spirits.
As one homicide detective said, he did not approach a crime scene with any pre-conceived notions because that could potentially cause him to overlook or mis-interpret the data/evidence….and possibly cause him to arrest the wrong person. By approaching locations with the assumption that ghosts exist, the Ghost Brothers do what most every other group does…and the data is overlooked or mis-interpreted. I truly wish that paranormal investigators would approach the data with the same caution as the above homicide detective. Where is the group that follows the consensus of historic Christianity (see last week’s blog on 100 years of Reformed Creeds) and views paranormal activity as demonic?
Destination America is certainly one of the leading paranormal TV channels, with at least 8 paranormal shows. On a popular level, they are on the cutting edge of changing the thinking of America regarding the paranormal….thanks to the quantity and diversity of ghost-driven shows.
While parapsychologists and paranormal investigators are dismissive of these shows, we cannot afford to be dismissive because they (TV shows) are what is affecting tens of millions of non-discerning people.
I find this deeply disturbing because Destination America is fast becoming the destination of America. It is both symptom and cause of our cultures exploding fascination with the paranormal. It is their mission to establish the paranormal as the new normal. Unless God intervenes, the destination of America is going to continue down the path to demonization due to the fascination with the paranormal.
This is leading to an unprecedented amount of overt demonic activity, as prohibitions regarding attempting to communicate with the dead (which does NOT imply that they must exist as some injudiciously assert) are being disregarded left and right. Ghost Brothers may be sincere but they are sincerely wrong, and are contributing to opening doors to an unprecedented amount of overt demonic activity….here in what was once ‘the Christian West’. The Christian worldview is being replaced with a highly spiritual occult worldview…which is very similar to the ancient Gnostic worldview –just re-cast in modern garb.
A few days ago I hit a milestone—I turned 60 years old. This has caused me to become reflective regarding the kind of country we are going to bequeath to our children and grandchildren. I have three children in their 20’s, and three young grandsons. What kind of country will we leave them?
As long as I’m able to write, I am determined with renewed passion to do all I can to stop this paranormal juggernaut, for the sake of our children/grandchildren. I dearly want to have as deep an impact for God’s glory in our culture before I am called to glory. Hence, I will, by God’s grace, push back against the forces which ‘Destination America” represents. Not pushing back is lazy, selfish, and God-dishonoring because, to not speak out, is essentially accommodating this evil. Then we will lay squarely on the lap of our children the noxious fruit of this fascination with the paranormal, and our indifference.
While there are many exceptions, we have become a massively selfish generation which is fixated on personal peace and affluence. May we instead weep at the graveside of our culture…and work and pray for a destination of America that is delivered from its present course by a revival of the Holy Spirit and reformation of sound doctrine.
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.
It has been said that the paranormal is the new normal. Take the new show on Destination America, The Ghost Brothers. This is the first paranormal ghost hunting show that features an all-black ensemble. Three black men who have known each other for a long time have teamed up. Their mission statement asserted at the outset of each show—“To show that ghosts are for real.”
“The series follows best friends Dalen Spratt, Juwan Mass and Marcus Harvey on a mission to uncover whether some legendary “haunted” houses are the real deal. All raised in religious households, Spratt, Mass and Harvey were taught that messing with the dead is dangerous business, but their own unexplained experiences piqued their fascination, driving them to find out how spooky the supernatural can be. “Ghost Brothers” is described as blending the group’s natural curiosity with comedic flair, offering a fresh, funny and unique take on the spirit world.
“We’re excited to join the Destination America family and prove that there can be a little humor in the unknown,” said Spratt. “But the best part about ‘Ghost Brothers’ is that this time, the black guys make it out of the haunted house alive!”
“Destination America is the leader in paranormal programming, and we are excited to bring diversity to this space with the very first African American ghost-hunting team on television,” said Jane Latman, general manager of Destination America. “Dalen’s, Juwan’s and Marcus’ personalities shine through in ‘Ghost Brothers,’ wearing their emotions on their sleeves in an incredibly relatable way during all of the fear, thrills and chills of investigating things that go bump in the night.”
I must confess that as far as entertainment, they are, well, entertaining. Their shared culture reveals itself in some of their mannerisms, and humor.
My concern is this—to whatever extent black folks may have avoided paranormal shows due to their being all-white, now have some of their own. In other words, blacks, and those drawn to black heritage, now have a magnet to pull them into the ever widening net of fascination with the paranormal….and all the danger that comes with fascination with the paranormal. Yet another segment of America is being brainwashed into believing that ghosts exist. As I mentioned, Ghost Bros. are already persuaded that ghosts do exist and they are passionate about persuading others, by allegedly proving it.
Rather than listening to their families wise warnings, they are rushing headlong into ‘Satan’s sandbox”.
Their gear and methodology is essentially the same…except that they prefer smart phones to do some of their video and EVP.
Unlike most other groups these guys are genuinely funny. And that has already proved to be a powerful attraction to a new audience.
I’m sure that parapsychologists and others will be cynical of their methodology but my concern is that like most investigative groups, they assume the very thing they are trying to prove—namely, the existence of earthbound spirits.
As one homicide detective said, he did not approach a crime scene with any pre-conceived notions because that could potentially cause him to overlook or mis-interpret the data/evidence….and possibly cause him to arrest the wrong person. By approaching locations with the assumption that ghosts exist, the Ghost Brothers do what most every other group does…and the data is overlooked or mis-interpreted. I truly wish that paranormal investigators would approach the data with the same caution as the above homicide detective. Where is the group that follows the consensus of historic Christianity (see last week’s blog on 100 years of Reformed Creeds) and views paranormal activity as demonic?
Destination America is certainly one of the leading paranormal TV channels, with at least 8 paranormal shows. On a popular level, they are on the cutting edge of changing the thinking of America regarding the paranormal….thanks to the quantity and diversity of ghost-driven shows.
While parapsychologists and paranormal investigators are dismissive of these shows, we cannot afford to be dismissive because they (TV shows) are what is affecting tens of millions of non-discerning people.
I find this deeply disturbing because Destination America is fast becoming the destination of America. It is both symptom and cause of our cultures exploding fascination with the paranormal. It is their mission to establish the paranormal as the new normal. Unless God intervenes, the destination of America is going to continue down the path to demonization due to the fascination with the paranormal.
This is leading to an unprecedented amount of overt demonic activity, as prohibitions regarding attempting to communicate with the dead (which does NOT imply that they must exist as some injudiciously assert) are being disregarded left and right. Ghost Brothers may be sincere but they are sincerely wrong, and are contributing to opening doors to an unprecedented amount of overt demonic activity….here in what was once ‘the Christian West’. The Christian worldview is being replaced with a highly spiritual occult worldview…which is very similar to the ancient Gnostic worldview –just re-cast in modern garb.
A few days ago I hit a milestone—I turned 60 years old. This has caused me to become reflective regarding the kind of country we are going to bequeath to our children and grandchildren. I have three children in their 20’s, and three young grandsons. What kind of country will we leave them?
As long as I’m able to write, I am determined with renewed passion to do all I can to stop this paranormal juggernaut, for the sake of our children/grandchildren. I dearly want to have as deep an impact for God’s glory in our culture before I am called to glory. Hence, I will, by God’s grace, push back against the forces which ‘Destination America” represents. Not pushing back is lazy, selfish, and God-dishonoring because, to not speak out, is essentially accommodating this evil. Then we will lay squarely on the lap of our children the noxious fruit of this fascination with the paranormal, and our indifference.
While there are many exceptions, we have become a massively selfish generation which is fixated on personal peace and affluence. May we instead weep at the graveside of our culture…and work and pray for a destination of America that is delivered from its present course by a revival of the Holy Spirit and reformation of sound doctrine.
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.
Monday, May 2, 2016
Dalai Lama: Calm Mind is the Key to Happiness
The physical pain has gone down in the modern times due to economic progress and development of science and technology. However, the same can't be said about mental pain which leads to unhappiness.
These days mental level pain or stress is more due to competition and is more intense in cities like in Kolkata and Delhi whereas in rural areas physical difficulty is more while mental stress is less.
The core of the message the Nobel peace prize winner delivered to the packed Darbar Hall of the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi was about finding inner happiness and compassion to promote peace and happiness. Quoting the 8th century Buddhist scholar from Nalanda, Shantideva, the Dalai Lama said, "You cannot cover the whole world's thorns with leather. But it's enough to cover only your feet. Similarly, by controlling your own anger you can overcome your enemies."
Giving the example of a Tibetan monk who spent 19 years in a "Chinese gulag", he said, "When he could come over to India and I met him again, he said he was afraid in the prison. Was it for his life? No, he said he was afraid that he would lose compassion towards the Chinese people. That's the Tibetan way."
Prayers help believers to stay on the path of compassion. For non-believers, which he reckoned made up the majority of the world's population today, "the secular way to warm-heartedness" must come through introspection and lived experiences, he said.
The leader of the Tibetan people also said that prayers alone don't help when it comes to improving the lot of whole communities - for that, concerted action is needed.
"I was in Bihar recently to unveil a Buddha statue… The state's chief minister said Bihar was more prosperous with the Buddha's blessing. When it was my turn I said had it been because of the Buddha then the state would have prospered long ago," said His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
"The relationship between India and Tibet is one of guru and chela," he said while talking on India-Tibet relation.
"We learnt a lot from Indian scholars. And I always introduce myself to western audiences as a scholar of Indian thought… So we are chelas. But you must agree that we have been reliable chelas," he added with a chuckle.
The questions at the end of the session brought in fresh energy to the interaction.
Hindustan Times editor Sanjoy Narayan, who moderated the morning session, asked the Dalai Lama for a way to address the issue of the disenchantment that seems to be rife among today's youth.
Seventy-five year old His Holiness the Dalai Lama replied, "Our generation belongs to the 20th century, a century of violence during which more than 200 million people were killed. This century is new yet… But whether it will be as violent will depend on the young people of today. If they can shun the hypocrisy and artificial things of the previous generation and enrich their inner wealth, it's possible."
Suhel Seth, co-founder of Equus advertising agency, asked the Dalai Lama on his "succession planning".
To this the Tibetan leader said with a laugh, "It isn't a serious question to me. But the Communist government is looking at it very seriously… It's for the Tibetan people to decide… If I die in the next few days, they may want to continue with the institution of the Dalai Lama. But if it's 20, 30 years later, who knows?"
Original link and photos http://dalailama.com/news/post/623-calm-mind-is-key-to-happiness
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Partakers of Evil, But Do Not Know
This blog is designed to help people even professed Christians obtain knowledge to remove the unclean spirits out of your life. Therefore, doing some research on a few false prophets led me to find a trove of hidden data that has now helped me get this message out, that this needs to be delivered. We as people cannot partake in evil things no matter how innocent these seem to be, especially when it comes to our children.
Here is the message for this blog regarding the unclean spirits which people openly invite into their homes, especially towards their children. A child's mind is the game field for the spirits to come to for deceiving and here's why - INNOCENCE is the key. Many parents think it is good idea and aspect for their child to use their imagination so they think it is alright and even encourage their children to watch, read, or play with these things that encourage (also means OPENS UP) aspects of creativity. I'm not here to discourage creativity - just make you as parents AWARE of what is happening.
However, the children are not using their own imaginations they are using the imaginations of other people that are inspired and led by evil spirits. The children are being introduced to an evil spiritual realm. Now they are seeing, thinking, and doing things they would have never thought of, or done, otherwise.
Many parents even CHRISTIAN parents allow, or encourage, their children to talk to imaginary friends not realizing they may actually be encouraging them to converse with an evil spirit – a familiar spirit. Why do you think it is called a 'Familiar Spirit'? The simple answer is because it is familiar with all of your ancestor’s sins and actions throughout time as well as your own sins.
After all it was at first welcomed and encouraged because the parents saw nothing wrong with it - but you have been deceived! Because we, as parents, are not teaching our children what is right and what is wrong their reality is being distorted. Videos, movies, books, and virtual reality games are enhancing a level of imagination in our children that they could not reach on their own; and our children are even starting to act the things out.
Evil unclean spirits are also the inspiration for many movies, videos, computer games, and books that are popular today. The movies, videos, games, and books were made up from someone’s imagination, and what do you think inspired them? Just as with mythology; many of the movies, games, books, and videos considered popular today are being inspired by evil seducing spirits. Created from someone’s imagination, what do you think is inspiring them? Children and adults alike are being entertained by evil spirits and generally do not even know it. And we wonder why we are having so much trouble in the world today.
Christians think because you have Christ Jesus YOU ARE OFF LIMITS and untouchable - BUT YET you openly allow this garbage in your life, home and your child's life and yet you see nothing wrong with this - DO YOU SEE THE CONTRADICTION PEOPLE?? By allowing this garbage you have given these 'unclean' spirits LEGAL AUTHORITY to be present!
Many parents are even putting their children on medication because their children are having problems with concentration and confusion. Yet, we continually allow our children to put things that have been inspired by evil spirits into their mind through their eyes and ears. Many people, including Christians, are deceived into thinking it is alright to watch, play, or read things that are myths. The problem is although the things they are watching may not be real the evil spirits that inspired them are very real. Our children will not be able to discern what is real and what is not if we keep letting them put Satan’s garbage in their head.
No wonder people, young and old alike, are having trouble concentrating. People are consistently allowing fantasy pictures and messages into their mind. Not knowing that these fantasy pictures are actually being influenced by evil spirits. Many of these people who are being influenced are Christians! But yet CHRISTIANS think they are off limits to Satan.....right...by partaking with darkness YOU GIVE THEM RIGHTS TO YOU and your FAMILY!
Remember, after all it was at first welcomed and encouraged! Because we, as parents, are not teaching our children what is right and what is wrong their reality is being distorted. Videos, movies, books, and virtual reality games are enhancing a level of imagination in our children that they could not reach on their own; and our children are even starting to act the things out.
Here's the sad situation that YOU must now come to understand - When the child outgrows this ‘familiar spirit’ and wants it to leave them alone, it will not go, NOPE! Only applying the blood of Jesus Christ through prayer, forgiveness and speaking God’s Word will make it leave via the act of EXORCISM will it then leave. Guess what - THAT SAME SPIRIT is tied to the PARENTS - why because THEY gave the spirit LEGAL rights to the child.
Now consider movies, books, and video games with demonic characters with names such as the vampire and werewolf; both listed under ‘demon’ in the thesaurus. Many people think this is purely fiction because they have no knowledge of what is actually inspiring these writers. In a vampire movie for example, blood and sexual contact is combined – the affect is the same as what transpires in an actual witchcraft ritual.
Vampire cults exist today and many of those members do participate in blood drinking. Many also have their real teeth sharpened or special dentures made for their ritual gatherings. Sexual rituals, along with blood drinking, are very much a part of their cult gatherings. Vampirism is a virtual nesting ground for the succubus spirit, yet many people consider vampire movies and books to be entertaining.
Warning from God - Leviticus 17:10, 14: And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people. For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore, I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.
You must see that God would not want Christians or any people whom He created watching or playing with things that contain evil content – and falsely calling it entertainment but yet openly let their children play, engage and touch these hidden unclean spirits by the items in their own homes! Be assured it is not entertaining to God!
Be NOT deceived, nor partake with evil - Matt. 24:4.
Rev. Bradley Luoma, Exorcist & Deliverance Minister
Savior Christian Deliverance Ministries
Here is the message for this blog regarding the unclean spirits which people openly invite into their homes, especially towards their children. A child's mind is the game field for the spirits to come to for deceiving and here's why - INNOCENCE is the key. Many parents think it is good idea and aspect for their child to use their imagination so they think it is alright and even encourage their children to watch, read, or play with these things that encourage (also means OPENS UP) aspects of creativity. I'm not here to discourage creativity - just make you as parents AWARE of what is happening.
However, the children are not using their own imaginations they are using the imaginations of other people that are inspired and led by evil spirits. The children are being introduced to an evil spiritual realm. Now they are seeing, thinking, and doing things they would have never thought of, or done, otherwise.
Many parents even CHRISTIAN parents allow, or encourage, their children to talk to imaginary friends not realizing they may actually be encouraging them to converse with an evil spirit – a familiar spirit. Why do you think it is called a 'Familiar Spirit'? The simple answer is because it is familiar with all of your ancestor’s sins and actions throughout time as well as your own sins.
After all it was at first welcomed and encouraged because the parents saw nothing wrong with it - but you have been deceived! Because we, as parents, are not teaching our children what is right and what is wrong their reality is being distorted. Videos, movies, books, and virtual reality games are enhancing a level of imagination in our children that they could not reach on their own; and our children are even starting to act the things out.
Evil unclean spirits are also the inspiration for many movies, videos, computer games, and books that are popular today. The movies, videos, games, and books were made up from someone’s imagination, and what do you think inspired them? Just as with mythology; many of the movies, games, books, and videos considered popular today are being inspired by evil seducing spirits. Created from someone’s imagination, what do you think is inspiring them? Children and adults alike are being entertained by evil spirits and generally do not even know it. And we wonder why we are having so much trouble in the world today.
Christians think because you have Christ Jesus YOU ARE OFF LIMITS and untouchable - BUT YET you openly allow this garbage in your life, home and your child's life and yet you see nothing wrong with this - DO YOU SEE THE CONTRADICTION PEOPLE?? By allowing this garbage you have given these 'unclean' spirits LEGAL AUTHORITY to be present!
Many parents are even putting their children on medication because their children are having problems with concentration and confusion. Yet, we continually allow our children to put things that have been inspired by evil spirits into their mind through their eyes and ears. Many people, including Christians, are deceived into thinking it is alright to watch, play, or read things that are myths. The problem is although the things they are watching may not be real the evil spirits that inspired them are very real. Our children will not be able to discern what is real and what is not if we keep letting them put Satan’s garbage in their head.
No wonder people, young and old alike, are having trouble concentrating. People are consistently allowing fantasy pictures and messages into their mind. Not knowing that these fantasy pictures are actually being influenced by evil spirits. Many of these people who are being influenced are Christians! But yet CHRISTIANS think they are off limits to Satan.....right...by partaking with darkness YOU GIVE THEM RIGHTS TO YOU and your FAMILY!
Remember, after all it was at first welcomed and encouraged! Because we, as parents, are not teaching our children what is right and what is wrong their reality is being distorted. Videos, movies, books, and virtual reality games are enhancing a level of imagination in our children that they could not reach on their own; and our children are even starting to act the things out.
Here's the sad situation that YOU must now come to understand - When the child outgrows this ‘familiar spirit’ and wants it to leave them alone, it will not go, NOPE! Only applying the blood of Jesus Christ through prayer, forgiveness and speaking God’s Word will make it leave via the act of EXORCISM will it then leave. Guess what - THAT SAME SPIRIT is tied to the PARENTS - why because THEY gave the spirit LEGAL rights to the child.
Now consider movies, books, and video games with demonic characters with names such as the vampire and werewolf; both listed under ‘demon’ in the thesaurus. Many people think this is purely fiction because they have no knowledge of what is actually inspiring these writers. In a vampire movie for example, blood and sexual contact is combined – the affect is the same as what transpires in an actual witchcraft ritual.
Vampire cults exist today and many of those members do participate in blood drinking. Many also have their real teeth sharpened or special dentures made for their ritual gatherings. Sexual rituals, along with blood drinking, are very much a part of their cult gatherings. Vampirism is a virtual nesting ground for the succubus spirit, yet many people consider vampire movies and books to be entertaining.
Warning from God - Leviticus 17:10, 14: And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people. For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore, I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.
You must see that God would not want Christians or any people whom He created watching or playing with things that contain evil content – and falsely calling it entertainment but yet openly let their children play, engage and touch these hidden unclean spirits by the items in their own homes! Be assured it is not entertaining to God!
Be NOT deceived, nor partake with evil - Matt. 24:4.
Rev. Bradley Luoma, Exorcist & Deliverance Minister
Savior Christian Deliverance Ministries
Saturday, April 30, 2016
What Exactly Is A Poltergeist?
According to Wikipedia the definition of a Poltergeist is:
In folklore and parapsychology, a poltergeist (German for "pounding ghost") is a type of ghost or other supernatural entity which is responsible for physical disturbances, such as loud noises and objects being moved or destroyed. They are purportedly capable of pinching, biting, hitting, and tripping people. Most accounts of poltergeists describe the movement or levitation of objects such as furniture and cutlery, or noises such as knocking on doors.
They have traditionally been described as very troublesome spirits who haunt a particular person instead of a specific location. Such alleged poltergeist manifestations have been reported in many cultures and countries including the United States, Japan, Brazil, Australia, and most European nations. Early accounts date back to the 1st century. The first reported poltergeist was in Germany in 856 A.D."
It's never good when a poltergeist is involved. But of course you have to verify this first. Sadly we just can't take the word of the client without digging a little ourselves as researchers. A lot of questions and interviews need to take place from any witnesses and family background. It's very sad that some people will cry wolf just to have somebody come out because they think it would be cool to have people come in like they see on TV. This is no lie. Prayer is needed and spiritual warfare too. It's pure evil in my humble opinion.
It also has been referred to by definition as a "noisy ghost." No one knows for sure. Like I've said before there are just some things we are not going to be privy to until we cross over. But It's not a pleasant experience at all. These things are dangerous they are not harmless. I've seen cases where it's not always a teenager/minor, repressing negative emotions, I've seen it with adults. You're probably wondering where do they come from? What attracts them? Can it hurt me? Can people get rid of it? I'll do my best to answer these the best as I can. It's all from a biblical point of view so every one will have different opinions. I feel that it is possible that if a teen or pre teen has a lot depression anger and things to that nature the child can in advertently cause a creation that manifests these things whether it be subconsciously or not. It's hard to say how this works. No one knows.
A poltergeist is slick and tricky. When it does let itself be known the disturbances start out seemingly minor with possible explanations. just to give you a few examples..........cabinets opening on their own, random items move by themselves or doors opening and closing. However, in time the activity will only increase in a severe way, eventually resulting in violence. Mental trauma usually also occurs as a result.
It's been said they usually stick to one person, generally women and they hang around for about 3 months however, there are cases where they have gone within a few days and cases where they have somehow stuck around for years. You just never know. We have no clue what we are dealing with exactly. How far can things really go? Can someone be murdered? I get that question a lot. I say the Lord controls the world. Nothing will happen that isn't supposed to when speaking of politics. But I respect all opinions.
Poltergeists are evil and I believe from the lower realms. From what I'm told the power they have is unbelievable, they have the ability to chuck things like wardrobes, chairs etc, they ere capable of just about anything, unless you have witnessed it then it is very hard to believe that they do exist in this world. I read in the 1930s that distinguished psychic researcher and psychologist Dr. Nandor Fodor, set forth the most popular theory; that poltergeist phenomena was not caused by ghosts but by individuals repressing intense emotions such as anger, hostility and sexual frustration.
PHILIPPIANS 2:10 NKJ
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth.
Notice that it is at the Name of Jesus, not just to the person of Jesus, that every knee will bow. As true believers in Jesus Christ, we are members of His body, and joint-heirs in His authority.
LUKE 10:19 NKJ
19 "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
We have authority, which if used, will insure that nothing shall by any means hurt us. The choice and responsibility is ours. What wonderful news. Jesus has our back. No need to panic. Just pray everyday. Develop a personal relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ.
Written By Jennifer Auld
In folklore and parapsychology, a poltergeist (German for "pounding ghost") is a type of ghost or other supernatural entity which is responsible for physical disturbances, such as loud noises and objects being moved or destroyed. They are purportedly capable of pinching, biting, hitting, and tripping people. Most accounts of poltergeists describe the movement or levitation of objects such as furniture and cutlery, or noises such as knocking on doors.
They have traditionally been described as very troublesome spirits who haunt a particular person instead of a specific location. Such alleged poltergeist manifestations have been reported in many cultures and countries including the United States, Japan, Brazil, Australia, and most European nations. Early accounts date back to the 1st century. The first reported poltergeist was in Germany in 856 A.D."
It's never good when a poltergeist is involved. But of course you have to verify this first. Sadly we just can't take the word of the client without digging a little ourselves as researchers. A lot of questions and interviews need to take place from any witnesses and family background. It's very sad that some people will cry wolf just to have somebody come out because they think it would be cool to have people come in like they see on TV. This is no lie. Prayer is needed and spiritual warfare too. It's pure evil in my humble opinion.
It also has been referred to by definition as a "noisy ghost." No one knows for sure. Like I've said before there are just some things we are not going to be privy to until we cross over. But It's not a pleasant experience at all. These things are dangerous they are not harmless. I've seen cases where it's not always a teenager/minor, repressing negative emotions, I've seen it with adults. You're probably wondering where do they come from? What attracts them? Can it hurt me? Can people get rid of it? I'll do my best to answer these the best as I can. It's all from a biblical point of view so every one will have different opinions. I feel that it is possible that if a teen or pre teen has a lot depression anger and things to that nature the child can in advertently cause a creation that manifests these things whether it be subconsciously or not. It's hard to say how this works. No one knows.
A poltergeist is slick and tricky. When it does let itself be known the disturbances start out seemingly minor with possible explanations. just to give you a few examples..........cabinets opening on their own, random items move by themselves or doors opening and closing. However, in time the activity will only increase in a severe way, eventually resulting in violence. Mental trauma usually also occurs as a result.
It's been said they usually stick to one person, generally women and they hang around for about 3 months however, there are cases where they have gone within a few days and cases where they have somehow stuck around for years. You just never know. We have no clue what we are dealing with exactly. How far can things really go? Can someone be murdered? I get that question a lot. I say the Lord controls the world. Nothing will happen that isn't supposed to when speaking of politics. But I respect all opinions.
Poltergeists are evil and I believe from the lower realms. From what I'm told the power they have is unbelievable, they have the ability to chuck things like wardrobes, chairs etc, they ere capable of just about anything, unless you have witnessed it then it is very hard to believe that they do exist in this world. I read in the 1930s that distinguished psychic researcher and psychologist Dr. Nandor Fodor, set forth the most popular theory; that poltergeist phenomena was not caused by ghosts but by individuals repressing intense emotions such as anger, hostility and sexual frustration.
PHILIPPIANS 2:10 NKJ
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth.
Notice that it is at the Name of Jesus, not just to the person of Jesus, that every knee will bow. As true believers in Jesus Christ, we are members of His body, and joint-heirs in His authority.
LUKE 10:19 NKJ
19 "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
We have authority, which if used, will insure that nothing shall by any means hurt us. The choice and responsibility is ours. What wonderful news. Jesus has our back. No need to panic. Just pray everyday. Develop a personal relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ.
Written By Jennifer Auld
Thursday, April 28, 2016
100 Years of Reformed Creeds Regarding the State of the Dead
By Reverend Mark Hunnemann
Intellectual honesty. One sign of it is the humility to look ‘back’ to the past, when in God’s providence, the Lord raised up godly and brilliant men who literally re-discovered the gospel, which had been largely lost for 1,000 years.
The time of the Reformation ( 1500’s) through Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin, and their successors, was a time of unprecedented theological clarity. In the crucible of intense debate, controversy and persecution, unprecedented theological precision was attained. The Reformed (teaching of the Reformation) Creeds, Confessions, and catechisms that came from the 16th and 17th centuries, yielded the finest summaries of the Christian Faith that exist up til this day.
Some folks dislike creeds but EVERYONE has a pre-supposed set of beliefs regarding the bible that act as a de facto creed. “Only Jesus” is my creed is a reply. Okay, which Jesus? There is a New Age Jesus…a ‘Jesus’ for every heretical group.
The question I asked was this: was there a consensus amongst these theologians—spanning 100 years or so-- regarding what happens to our souls when we die? You will note the unyielding certainty and agreement amongst ALL of these various documents.
It would be arrogant to overlook these documents as if we were the first generation of Christians on the planet…we stand on these giants shoulders.
Creativity is a great thing, EXCEPT in theology. Creativity in the realm of theology, which seems to drive many today, invariably leads to heresy. The bible sets the contours from which our beliefs must adhere. And the Confessions that come from this period are passionately committed to the principle of Sola scriptura…and yield precise and uncompromising summaries of bible doctrine.
I have noticed that some will look high and low to find those few exceptions who agree with their unbiblical views regarding ghosts—that is NOT intellectual honesty. It is eisogesis of historical theology. Intellectual honesty requires that we not neglect the consensus beliefs from brothers, both past and present. The burden of proof lies on the shoulders of those who would deviate from the historical Reformed Confessions regarding the state of the dead.
Below is a brief defense of the importance of Creeds. Please take the time to read this brief article, as it has fresh insights that I’m sure many of you will find refreshing and exhilarating.
Why Creeds and Confessions?
by David Hall
Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ. Jesus responded that His church in all ages would be built upon that realization. The paramount thing confessed was Christ, who is the unique Son of the living God (Matt. 16:16), the cornerstone of the church. However, the means to that end—confessing—is also a very important activity confessing is:
The way to forgiveness of our sins (James 5:16);
How the saved are identified (Rom. 10:10);
The signature that the Spirit is already working in a person (1 Cor. 12:3);
The advertisement of our hope (Heb. 10:23);
Accompanied by obedience (2 Cor. 9:13); and
What Christ Himself did (1 Tim. 6:13).
As Christians, we must embrace a mature biblical norm of confessing our faith. Let me offer briefly five reasons why a written confession is helpful:
First, written confessions represent maturity. A confessional communion is more than fly-by-night. It is relatively easy to produce a personal statement of faith or a position paper on a narrow subject. However, only those confessions that are tested by many generations endure. Just as yesterday’s pop music hardly inspires anymore, so a transient confession is slightly embarrassing. But classic creeds, produced by seasoned Christians, stand the test of time. a confession is a mature, proven set of beliefs. Wouldn’t you rather be guided by such a statement than by an ill-defined set of beliefs or an immature statement of faith?
Second, written confessions keep believers from having to reinvent the wheel. Creeds and confessions can put the student at the head of the class in a hurry. If one need not formulate every bit of doctrine himself, that is, if he is humble enough to listen quickly to other saints (James 1:19), he can spare himself considerable time and countless dead ends. He will avoid paths that are “useless to further reconnoiter,” as theologian Abraham Kuyper recognized.
Third, written confessions are a non-prejudicial way of telling outsiders what we believe. In an age that craves authenticity and transparency, many people get fed up with vague “trust me” statements or calls to give money blindly. A confession is an unashamedly public act; it means that what we believe is neither secret nor windblown for individual taste. It enables any visitors to find out what we believe.
Fourth, it protects against idiosyncrasy and “movementism.” Sadly, there are more christians who follow celebrity leaders than ever before, and those movements based on unbiblical, idiosyncratic leaders seldom end well. Pining for “movementism” or following a hero often yields chaos, will-worship, self-promoting cults, confusion, or continual flux. A confession is ready-made for all those who want to participate in Christian discipleship that is bigger than their own time.
Fifth, it requires us to repent and give up some of our own wrong notions. One of the reasons that confessions are distasteful to some is their unbending quality. Yet a faith that is twisted to each of my preferences is vacuous. The nonnegotiable ethos of a confession may actually force a slacker generation to return to Scripture and steer through some difficult issues. Such may actually help us mature.
As long as a confession is thoroughly biblical (thus timeless) and not provincial, it can aid; a confession in the hands of pastoral and spiritual leaders can vitally serve unity and clarity.
A confession, if a faithful echo of what God already says, can guide us and shelter us from the disabilities of an age or locale. Confessions that parrot and lightly amplify the soundings of scripture endure, while also equipping God’s family with strength and perspective to avoid the ditches of every fad or heresy. Confessions that stand on the shoulders of previous saintly exegetes are the advanced courses that settle certain matters and yield a head start.
A confession is also simultaneously shorthand and proven wisdom; it is orthodoxy and orthopraxy at once. unless one’s life span is infinite, when we pray for God to “teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Ps. 90:12), confessions will often help us in the stewardship of time as well as protect us from crippling idiosyncratism.
The purpose of a confession is to bolster both unity and clarity. Many of us learn the hard way that the most damning standards are the unwritten ones. Pharisees, ancient and modern, are masters of using unwritten standards to club the uninitiated into a coma. A biblical confession, however, frees the believing community from these secret laws. It liberates us from self-imposed standards and also makes the church open to all under the same standards.
Kuyper was right to counsel against diverging from fixed confessions until compelled to do so by the Bible. Far from being forbidden, holding to sound confessions is little more than following the New Testament pattern. Rather than contradicting sola Scriptura, a confession is actually a sound guide to it.
Now we come to six creedal statements, from roughly 1,550-1,650 AD. They come from various countries, and as you shall see, they are simply marvelous in their content. And they ALL agree regarding the state of the dead—both righteous and unrighteous.
Westminster Confession 1646 (this confession is still held in high regard by many churches, and I personally think it is the best ever written…i.e. most biblical) We use it regularly in my church to publicly confess what we believe during worship. I will not comment…just enjoy reading these marvelous summaries…..regarding one key issue.
Of the State of Men after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead
I. The bodies of men, after death, return to dust, and see corruption:[1] but their souls, which neither die nor sleep, having an immortal subsistence, immediately return to God who gave them: [2] the souls of the righteous, being then made perfect in holiness, are received into the highest heavens, where they behold the face of God, in light and glory, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies.[3] And the souls of the wicked are cast into hell, where they remain in torments and utter darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great day.[4] Beside these two places, for souls separated from their bodies, the Scripture acknowledges none.
II. At the last day, such as are found alive shall not die, but be changed:[5] and all the dead shall be raised up, with the selfsame bodies, and none other (although with different qualities), which shall be united again to their souls forever.[6]
III. The bodies of the unjust shall, by the power of Christ, be raised to dishonor: the bodies of the just, by His Spirit, unto honor; and be made conformable to His own glorious body
Second Helvetic Confession-1566
THE STATE OF THE SOUL DEPARTED FROM THE BODY. For we believe that the faithful, after bodily death, go directly to Christ, and, therefore, do not need the eulogies and prayers of the living for the dead and their services. Likewise we believe that unbelievers are immediately cast into hell from which no exit is opened for the wicked by any services of the living.
PURGATORY. But what some teach concerning the fire of purgatory is opposed to the Christian faith, namely, "I believe in the forgiveness of sins, and the life everlasting," and to the perfect purgation through Christ, and to these words of Christ our Lord: "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life" (John 5:24). Again: "He who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but he is clean all over, and you are clean" (John 13:10).
APPARITION OF SPIRITS. Now what is related of the spirits or souls of the dead sometimes appearing to those who are alive, and begging certain duties of them whereby they may be set free, we count those apparitions among the laughingstocks, crafts, and deceptions of the devil, who, as he can transform himself into an angel of light, so he strives either to overthrow the true faith or to call it into doubt. In the Old Testament the Lord forbade the seeking of the truth from the dead, and any sort of commerce with spirits Deut. 18:11). Indeed, as evangelical truth declares, the glutton, being in torment, is denied a return to his brethren, as the divine oracle declared in the words: "They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead" (Luke 16:29 ff.).
Irish Articles of Religion-1615
OF THE STATE OF THE SOULS OF MEN AFTER THEY BE DEPARTED OUT OF THIS LIFE, TOGETHER WITH THE GENERAL RESURRECTION AND THE LAST JUDGMENT.
101. After this life is ended the souls of God's children be presently received into heaven, there to enjoy unspeakable comforts; the souls of the wicked are cast into hell, there to endure endless torments.
102. The doctrine o£ the Church of Rome concerning Limbus Patrum, Limbus Puerorum, Purgatory, Prayer for the Dead, Pardons, Adoration of Images and Relics, and also Invocation of Saints, is vainly invented without all warrant of holy Scripture, yea, and is contrary unto the same.
103. At the end of this world the Lord Jesus shall come in the clouds with the glory of his Father; at which time, by the almighty power of God, the living shall be changed and the dead shall be raised; and all shall appear both in body and soul before his judgment-seat, to receive according to that which they have done in their bodies, whether good or evil.
104. When the last judgment is finished, Christ shall deliver up the kingdom to his Father, and God shall be all in all.
Baptist Confession of Faith-1689
OF THE STATE OF MAN AFTER DEATH, AND OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD
Paragraph 1. The bodies of men after death return to dust, and see corruption;1 but their souls, which neither die nor sleep, having an immortal subsistence, immediately return to God who gave them.2 The souls of the righteous being then made perfect in holiness, are received into paradise, where they are with Christ, and behold the face of God in light and glory, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies;3 and the souls of the wicked are cast into hell; where they remain in torment and utter darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great day;4 besides these two places, for souls separated from their bodies, the Scripture acknowledgeth none.
1 Gen. 3:19; Acts 13:36
2 Eccles. 12:7
3 Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:1,6,8; Phil. 1:23; Heb. 12:23
4 Jude 6, 7; 1 Peter 3:19; Luke 16:23,24
Paragraph 2. At the last day, such of the saints as are found alive, shall not sleep, but be changed;5 and all the dead shall be raised up with the selfsame bodies, and none other;6 although with different qualities, which shall be united again to their souls forever.7
5 1 Cor. 15:51,52; 1 Thess. 4:17
6 Job 19:26,27
7 1 Cor. 15:42,43
Paragraph 3. The bodies of the unjust shall, by the power of Christ, be raised to dishonour; the bodies of the just, by his Spirit, unto honour, and be made conformable to his own glorious body.8
8 Acts 24:15; John 5:28,29; Phil. 3:21
Scottish Confession of Faith—1560 (John Knox)
Chapter 17
The Immortality of the Souls
The elect departed are in peace and rest from their labours:[1] not that they sleep and come to a certain oblivion (as some fantastics do affirm), but that they are delivered from all fear, all torment, and all temptation, to which we and all God's elect are subject in this life,[2] and therefore do bear the name of the kirk militant: as contrariwise, the reprobate and unfaithful departed, have anguish, torment, and pain, that cannot be expressed.[3] So that neither are the one nor the other in such sleep that they feel not joy or torment, as the parable of Christ Jesus in the sixteenth [chapter] of Luke,[4] his words to the thief,[5] and these words of the souls crying under the altar,[6] O Lord, thou that art righteous and just, how long shalt thou not revenge our blood upon them that dwell upon the earth! doth plainly testify.
1. Rev. 14:13.
2. Isa. 25:8; Rev. 7:14-17; 21:4.
3. Rev. 16:10-11; Isa. 66:24; Mark 9:44, 46, 48.
4. Luke 16:23-26.
5. Luke 23:43.
6. Rev. 6:9-10.
Heidelberg Catechism—1563
Question 1. What is thy only comfort in life and death?
Answer: That I with body and soul, both in life and death, (a) am not my own, (b) but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ; (c) who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, (d) and delivered me from all the power of the devil; (e) and so preserves me (f) that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; (g) yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, (h) and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, (i) and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.
Question 57. What comfort does the "resurrection of the body" afford thee?
Answer: That not only my soul after this life shall be immediately taken up to Christ its head; (a) but also, that this my body, being raised by the power of Christ, shall be reunited with my soul, and made like unto the glorious body of Christ. (b)
(a) Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Philip.1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philip.1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: (b) 1 Cor.15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Cor.15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: Job 19:26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. Philip.3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
There are numerous avenues to pursue which lead to a proper understanding of what happens to ALL souls upon death. One such avenue is to ask what the leading theologians of the past and their confessions taught. Ours is a day in which historical theology is frowned upon, but surely such hubris is fraught with peril.
Is it not instructive that all of the Reformed Confessions quoted above come to the same conclusion regarding the status of the souls of the deceased? Did you note that the Second Helvetic Confession even mentions the demonic nature of apparitions? This is the teaching of historic Christianity from the 16th and 17th centuries regarding the notion of ghosts, and they present a united mind. Before you deviate from this consensus, it is incumbent upon you to provide the burden of proof that they were wrong. Thus far, nobody has come close to showing that the classical view of life after death is mistaken…though some have tried…and failed miserably.
Of course these confessions are not the bible. However, their purpose was/is to summarize accurately and systematically the teaching of the bible. These confessions in particular are the most consistent summaries of biblical teaching, in my opinion….especially the Westminster Confession…Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
It saddens me how many adopt a dismissive attitude toward the herculean efforts of the saints from centuries past. Church history is an extension of the book of Acts, and there are so many lessons we can learn. One lesson is that our Reformation heroes (and successors) are united in their view of life after death. Surely that should have some impact on you if you are a Christian.
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.
Intellectual honesty. One sign of it is the humility to look ‘back’ to the past, when in God’s providence, the Lord raised up godly and brilliant men who literally re-discovered the gospel, which had been largely lost for 1,000 years.
The time of the Reformation ( 1500’s) through Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin, and their successors, was a time of unprecedented theological clarity. In the crucible of intense debate, controversy and persecution, unprecedented theological precision was attained. The Reformed (teaching of the Reformation) Creeds, Confessions, and catechisms that came from the 16th and 17th centuries, yielded the finest summaries of the Christian Faith that exist up til this day.
Some folks dislike creeds but EVERYONE has a pre-supposed set of beliefs regarding the bible that act as a de facto creed. “Only Jesus” is my creed is a reply. Okay, which Jesus? There is a New Age Jesus…a ‘Jesus’ for every heretical group.
The question I asked was this: was there a consensus amongst these theologians—spanning 100 years or so-- regarding what happens to our souls when we die? You will note the unyielding certainty and agreement amongst ALL of these various documents.
It would be arrogant to overlook these documents as if we were the first generation of Christians on the planet…we stand on these giants shoulders.
Creativity is a great thing, EXCEPT in theology. Creativity in the realm of theology, which seems to drive many today, invariably leads to heresy. The bible sets the contours from which our beliefs must adhere. And the Confessions that come from this period are passionately committed to the principle of Sola scriptura…and yield precise and uncompromising summaries of bible doctrine.
I have noticed that some will look high and low to find those few exceptions who agree with their unbiblical views regarding ghosts—that is NOT intellectual honesty. It is eisogesis of historical theology. Intellectual honesty requires that we not neglect the consensus beliefs from brothers, both past and present. The burden of proof lies on the shoulders of those who would deviate from the historical Reformed Confessions regarding the state of the dead.
Below is a brief defense of the importance of Creeds. Please take the time to read this brief article, as it has fresh insights that I’m sure many of you will find refreshing and exhilarating.
Why Creeds and Confessions?
by David Hall
Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ. Jesus responded that His church in all ages would be built upon that realization. The paramount thing confessed was Christ, who is the unique Son of the living God (Matt. 16:16), the cornerstone of the church. However, the means to that end—confessing—is also a very important activity confessing is:
The way to forgiveness of our sins (James 5:16);
How the saved are identified (Rom. 10:10);
The signature that the Spirit is already working in a person (1 Cor. 12:3);
The advertisement of our hope (Heb. 10:23);
Accompanied by obedience (2 Cor. 9:13); and
What Christ Himself did (1 Tim. 6:13).
As Christians, we must embrace a mature biblical norm of confessing our faith. Let me offer briefly five reasons why a written confession is helpful:
First, written confessions represent maturity. A confessional communion is more than fly-by-night. It is relatively easy to produce a personal statement of faith or a position paper on a narrow subject. However, only those confessions that are tested by many generations endure. Just as yesterday’s pop music hardly inspires anymore, so a transient confession is slightly embarrassing. But classic creeds, produced by seasoned Christians, stand the test of time. a confession is a mature, proven set of beliefs. Wouldn’t you rather be guided by such a statement than by an ill-defined set of beliefs or an immature statement of faith?
Second, written confessions keep believers from having to reinvent the wheel. Creeds and confessions can put the student at the head of the class in a hurry. If one need not formulate every bit of doctrine himself, that is, if he is humble enough to listen quickly to other saints (James 1:19), he can spare himself considerable time and countless dead ends. He will avoid paths that are “useless to further reconnoiter,” as theologian Abraham Kuyper recognized.
Third, written confessions are a non-prejudicial way of telling outsiders what we believe. In an age that craves authenticity and transparency, many people get fed up with vague “trust me” statements or calls to give money blindly. A confession is an unashamedly public act; it means that what we believe is neither secret nor windblown for individual taste. It enables any visitors to find out what we believe.
Fourth, it protects against idiosyncrasy and “movementism.” Sadly, there are more christians who follow celebrity leaders than ever before, and those movements based on unbiblical, idiosyncratic leaders seldom end well. Pining for “movementism” or following a hero often yields chaos, will-worship, self-promoting cults, confusion, or continual flux. A confession is ready-made for all those who want to participate in Christian discipleship that is bigger than their own time.
Fifth, it requires us to repent and give up some of our own wrong notions. One of the reasons that confessions are distasteful to some is their unbending quality. Yet a faith that is twisted to each of my preferences is vacuous. The nonnegotiable ethos of a confession may actually force a slacker generation to return to Scripture and steer through some difficult issues. Such may actually help us mature.
As long as a confession is thoroughly biblical (thus timeless) and not provincial, it can aid; a confession in the hands of pastoral and spiritual leaders can vitally serve unity and clarity.
A confession, if a faithful echo of what God already says, can guide us and shelter us from the disabilities of an age or locale. Confessions that parrot and lightly amplify the soundings of scripture endure, while also equipping God’s family with strength and perspective to avoid the ditches of every fad or heresy. Confessions that stand on the shoulders of previous saintly exegetes are the advanced courses that settle certain matters and yield a head start.
A confession is also simultaneously shorthand and proven wisdom; it is orthodoxy and orthopraxy at once. unless one’s life span is infinite, when we pray for God to “teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Ps. 90:12), confessions will often help us in the stewardship of time as well as protect us from crippling idiosyncratism.
The purpose of a confession is to bolster both unity and clarity. Many of us learn the hard way that the most damning standards are the unwritten ones. Pharisees, ancient and modern, are masters of using unwritten standards to club the uninitiated into a coma. A biblical confession, however, frees the believing community from these secret laws. It liberates us from self-imposed standards and also makes the church open to all under the same standards.
Kuyper was right to counsel against diverging from fixed confessions until compelled to do so by the Bible. Far from being forbidden, holding to sound confessions is little more than following the New Testament pattern. Rather than contradicting sola Scriptura, a confession is actually a sound guide to it.
Now we come to six creedal statements, from roughly 1,550-1,650 AD. They come from various countries, and as you shall see, they are simply marvelous in their content. And they ALL agree regarding the state of the dead—both righteous and unrighteous.
Westminster Confession 1646 (this confession is still held in high regard by many churches, and I personally think it is the best ever written…i.e. most biblical) We use it regularly in my church to publicly confess what we believe during worship. I will not comment…just enjoy reading these marvelous summaries…..regarding one key issue.
Of the State of Men after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead
I. The bodies of men, after death, return to dust, and see corruption:[1] but their souls, which neither die nor sleep, having an immortal subsistence, immediately return to God who gave them: [2] the souls of the righteous, being then made perfect in holiness, are received into the highest heavens, where they behold the face of God, in light and glory, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies.[3] And the souls of the wicked are cast into hell, where they remain in torments and utter darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great day.[4] Beside these two places, for souls separated from their bodies, the Scripture acknowledges none.
II. At the last day, such as are found alive shall not die, but be changed:[5] and all the dead shall be raised up, with the selfsame bodies, and none other (although with different qualities), which shall be united again to their souls forever.[6]
III. The bodies of the unjust shall, by the power of Christ, be raised to dishonor: the bodies of the just, by His Spirit, unto honor; and be made conformable to His own glorious body
Second Helvetic Confession-1566
THE STATE OF THE SOUL DEPARTED FROM THE BODY. For we believe that the faithful, after bodily death, go directly to Christ, and, therefore, do not need the eulogies and prayers of the living for the dead and their services. Likewise we believe that unbelievers are immediately cast into hell from which no exit is opened for the wicked by any services of the living.
PURGATORY. But what some teach concerning the fire of purgatory is opposed to the Christian faith, namely, "I believe in the forgiveness of sins, and the life everlasting," and to the perfect purgation through Christ, and to these words of Christ our Lord: "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life" (John 5:24). Again: "He who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but he is clean all over, and you are clean" (John 13:10).
APPARITION OF SPIRITS. Now what is related of the spirits or souls of the dead sometimes appearing to those who are alive, and begging certain duties of them whereby they may be set free, we count those apparitions among the laughingstocks, crafts, and deceptions of the devil, who, as he can transform himself into an angel of light, so he strives either to overthrow the true faith or to call it into doubt. In the Old Testament the Lord forbade the seeking of the truth from the dead, and any sort of commerce with spirits Deut. 18:11). Indeed, as evangelical truth declares, the glutton, being in torment, is denied a return to his brethren, as the divine oracle declared in the words: "They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead" (Luke 16:29 ff.).
Irish Articles of Religion-1615
OF THE STATE OF THE SOULS OF MEN AFTER THEY BE DEPARTED OUT OF THIS LIFE, TOGETHER WITH THE GENERAL RESURRECTION AND THE LAST JUDGMENT.
101. After this life is ended the souls of God's children be presently received into heaven, there to enjoy unspeakable comforts; the souls of the wicked are cast into hell, there to endure endless torments.
102. The doctrine o£ the Church of Rome concerning Limbus Patrum, Limbus Puerorum, Purgatory, Prayer for the Dead, Pardons, Adoration of Images and Relics, and also Invocation of Saints, is vainly invented without all warrant of holy Scripture, yea, and is contrary unto the same.
103. At the end of this world the Lord Jesus shall come in the clouds with the glory of his Father; at which time, by the almighty power of God, the living shall be changed and the dead shall be raised; and all shall appear both in body and soul before his judgment-seat, to receive according to that which they have done in their bodies, whether good or evil.
104. When the last judgment is finished, Christ shall deliver up the kingdom to his Father, and God shall be all in all.
Baptist Confession of Faith-1689
OF THE STATE OF MAN AFTER DEATH, AND OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD
Paragraph 1. The bodies of men after death return to dust, and see corruption;1 but their souls, which neither die nor sleep, having an immortal subsistence, immediately return to God who gave them.2 The souls of the righteous being then made perfect in holiness, are received into paradise, where they are with Christ, and behold the face of God in light and glory, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies;3 and the souls of the wicked are cast into hell; where they remain in torment and utter darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great day;4 besides these two places, for souls separated from their bodies, the Scripture acknowledgeth none.
1 Gen. 3:19; Acts 13:36
2 Eccles. 12:7
3 Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:1,6,8; Phil. 1:23; Heb. 12:23
4 Jude 6, 7; 1 Peter 3:19; Luke 16:23,24
Paragraph 2. At the last day, such of the saints as are found alive, shall not sleep, but be changed;5 and all the dead shall be raised up with the selfsame bodies, and none other;6 although with different qualities, which shall be united again to their souls forever.7
5 1 Cor. 15:51,52; 1 Thess. 4:17
6 Job 19:26,27
7 1 Cor. 15:42,43
Paragraph 3. The bodies of the unjust shall, by the power of Christ, be raised to dishonour; the bodies of the just, by his Spirit, unto honour, and be made conformable to his own glorious body.8
8 Acts 24:15; John 5:28,29; Phil. 3:21
Scottish Confession of Faith—1560 (John Knox)
Chapter 17
The Immortality of the Souls
The elect departed are in peace and rest from their labours:[1] not that they sleep and come to a certain oblivion (as some fantastics do affirm), but that they are delivered from all fear, all torment, and all temptation, to which we and all God's elect are subject in this life,[2] and therefore do bear the name of the kirk militant: as contrariwise, the reprobate and unfaithful departed, have anguish, torment, and pain, that cannot be expressed.[3] So that neither are the one nor the other in such sleep that they feel not joy or torment, as the parable of Christ Jesus in the sixteenth [chapter] of Luke,[4] his words to the thief,[5] and these words of the souls crying under the altar,[6] O Lord, thou that art righteous and just, how long shalt thou not revenge our blood upon them that dwell upon the earth! doth plainly testify.
1. Rev. 14:13.
2. Isa. 25:8; Rev. 7:14-17; 21:4.
3. Rev. 16:10-11; Isa. 66:24; Mark 9:44, 46, 48.
4. Luke 16:23-26.
5. Luke 23:43.
6. Rev. 6:9-10.
Heidelberg Catechism—1563
Question 1. What is thy only comfort in life and death?
Answer: That I with body and soul, both in life and death, (a) am not my own, (b) but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ; (c) who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, (d) and delivered me from all the power of the devil; (e) and so preserves me (f) that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; (g) yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, (h) and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, (i) and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.
Question 57. What comfort does the "resurrection of the body" afford thee?
Answer: That not only my soul after this life shall be immediately taken up to Christ its head; (a) but also, that this my body, being raised by the power of Christ, shall be reunited with my soul, and made like unto the glorious body of Christ. (b)
(a) Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Philip.1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philip.1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: (b) 1 Cor.15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Cor.15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: Job 19:26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. Philip.3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
There are numerous avenues to pursue which lead to a proper understanding of what happens to ALL souls upon death. One such avenue is to ask what the leading theologians of the past and their confessions taught. Ours is a day in which historical theology is frowned upon, but surely such hubris is fraught with peril.
Is it not instructive that all of the Reformed Confessions quoted above come to the same conclusion regarding the status of the souls of the deceased? Did you note that the Second Helvetic Confession even mentions the demonic nature of apparitions? This is the teaching of historic Christianity from the 16th and 17th centuries regarding the notion of ghosts, and they present a united mind. Before you deviate from this consensus, it is incumbent upon you to provide the burden of proof that they were wrong. Thus far, nobody has come close to showing that the classical view of life after death is mistaken…though some have tried…and failed miserably.
Of course these confessions are not the bible. However, their purpose was/is to summarize accurately and systematically the teaching of the bible. These confessions in particular are the most consistent summaries of biblical teaching, in my opinion….especially the Westminster Confession…Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
It saddens me how many adopt a dismissive attitude toward the herculean efforts of the saints from centuries past. Church history is an extension of the book of Acts, and there are so many lessons we can learn. One lesson is that our Reformation heroes (and successors) are united in their view of life after death. Surely that should have some impact on you if you are a Christian.
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.
Monday, April 25, 2016
Dalai Lama Meets Interfaith Groups
His Holiness the Dalai Lama recently spoke about religion and tolerance in front of interfaith groups in Washington, DC.
I was not expecting an extremely busy person like his eminence who daily shakes hands with a thousand people to remember me, especially since I had met him 14 years ago for a mere 10 minutes.
“We have met before,” says His Holiness the Dalai Lama when I introduced myself as “nga Baltipa in ju.” Surprised and with my jaw open, all I did was clasp my hands together and nodded happily in agreement before I once again lowered my head to show respect.
The Dalai Lama was in Washington, DC on the invitation of the University of Maryland.
Sensing his interest in meeting the Muslims of America, the Marist College of New York and Washington-based Institute for Gilgit Baltistan Studies co-hosted a private meeting and lecture on inter-faith harmony on May 7, 2013. The twenty or so people who we invited belonged to all faiths including Hinduism, Scientology, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, and were representing the interfaith NGOs of Washington.
We also ensured that all sects of Islam, like Shias, Sunnis, Sufis, Alevis, Ahmadis and Ismailis were represented in that room. The Dalai Lama spent forty-five minutes with us. Afterwards, he moved to the auditorium to address Islamic Sufism and Buddhism. Our dear friend Lobsang Chophel introduced the group members to His Holiness before the lecture.
One thing that the group liked about the Dalai Lama was his comment about emotional attachment with one’s religion which can limit objective thinking and analysis. He stressed on having compassion for people of other faiths. If understood, his message can help reduce killings and wars which happen in the name of protecting or maintaining superiority of one religion over the other.
Throughout the lecture, he talked about promoting humanity and showed concern about the growing gap between the rich and the poor. He called himself a son of India because India nourishes his body and mind through the food he consumes and the knowledge he receives from the Nalanda scriptures.
The Dalai Lama is unique among other world leaders as everyone irrespective of their religious background can relate to him
For us, he is a spiritual father figure who can instill hope and the sense that he belongs to all of us and not just one faith or racial group.
I requested His Holiness to pray for the freedom of Gilgit-Baltistan. I was hardly able to look at his face while trying to control my tears. I am not sure if I even used the right Tibetan language (Shesa) to communicate to him since Baltis do not know Shesa. But he smiled when he heard me talking in Balti and held my hand. Love for the Balti community was noticeable on his face.
On behalf of our group and Marist College, John Thomas Pinna presented a framed picture and a DVD movie to the Dalai Lama which will remind him of the times when Tibet was still a free country. The DVD was produced by a broadcaster, journalist and photographer, Lowell Thomas, who had visited Tibet before the Chinese occupation and filmed his meeting with His Holiness in Lhasa. The Dalai Lama liked the gift very much and desired to meet our group again.
His Holiness and I greeted each other with the phrase ‘Thsering shoks’ or may you live long. As I was praying for his health and long life, I was also hoping to meet him again.
Senge H. Sering is the President of Institute for Gilgit Baltistan Studies and hails from a Tibetan speaking region called Baltistan (Baltiyul), which has been declared a disputed area between India and Pakistan by the United Nations. There are about 600,000 Balti people residing in India and Pakistan who profess Islam and speak archaic Tibetan. Read other articles by Senge. http://www.sharnoffsglobalviews.com/dalai-lama-074/
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