Are You Afraid of Friday The 13th?

T.G.I.F., Thank God I'm Forgiven, and it's Friday, the 13th! Oh, is the 13th an an unlucky number for you? Many people are running from black cats, avoiding ladders, tossing salt over their shoulders, and clinging to their lucky rabbit's feet, crystals, and good luck charms today in hopes of avoiding spells, voodoo hexes, and curses. You may not realize this, but church-going people are more superstitious than you might think. And many, particularly the young and new believers, are engaging in occult practices like never before.   

Believe it or not, whenever you forward an e-mail, be it a prayer or what have you, to a specified number of people in order to obtain a "special blessing," you have just engaged in a form magic. And whenever people of God rely heavily on prophets and prophetesses for personal prophecies, instead of on the Word of God for objective truth, they are engaging in a form of witchcraft. And when Christians let their children play card games with witches and wizards and where demon-like characters and monsters cast spells, they are out of the will of God and are subjecting their children and their households to demonic attack.

Magic, spells, voodoo, witchcraft and divination belong to the set of practices known as "the occult." Occult practices include visiting palm readers and fortune tellers, and participating in seances and rituals as a means to contact dead, spirit beings, and obtain supernatural knowledge. God hates these things. The Bible says, "And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord (Deuteronomy 18:10b-12a, NLT).

The Psalmist said, The Lord is my light and my salvation.  Whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid  (Psalm 27:1)?   The Bible says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7). So, don't be afraid of witchcraft, wizards, spells and unlucky days. The Ancient of Days is all you need. He is much more powerful than any black cat, satanist, psychic, or magician. Pharaoh's magicians couldn't match Moses' power (Exodus 8:19, 9:11), and the King's magicians couldn't interpret his dreams, but Daniel could through God's revelation (Daniel 1L20, 2:27, 4:7ff, 5:7-30). Acts 19:19 describes how the people who had practiced magic gave it up after they trusted Jesus, "And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone" (NASB).

If you'd like a FREE ESV New Testament Holy Bible, or Here's Hope New Testament Bible e-mail me at jesussaves1@insightbb.com and I will send it to you, no strings attached, while supplies last.

Jesus Saves Ministries

E-mail:  jesussaves838@gmail.com

Social Network:  Jesus Saves Social Network

Blog:  Jesus Saves Ministries Blog

YouTube:  www.youtube.com/jesussaveslive

Facebook:  facebook.com/jesussavesministries

Twitter:  twitter.com/jesussaves838

Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!

I Ain't Afraid Of No Ghost!

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

There's something strange happening in the 'hood.  Who you gonna call?  Ghostbusters!  Well, not so fast! You might want to try Jesus first.  He ain't afraid of joblessness, high crime rates, low graduation rates, abandoned buildings, and He ain't afraid of no ghosts, either!  The only other time I recall blogging about "ghosts" was in the 2007 post, Imus and The Ghost of Racism On Jesus Saves Live.  Racism still haunts us, that's for sure, but today, I want to blog about so-called "real" ghosts, the one's that are "earth bound" and haven't "crossed over to the other side," at least that's how it was explained to me on the television show, Medium the other day.   

My church sent me and several staff members to an all-day conference about a month ago at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  I took a class listed under the evangelism tract on New Age Spirituality.  The instructor Don Metcalf was teaching a class later in the day on Ghost Hunting and the Paranormal that I could not attend.  I asked him if he would share the course material and he did.  I was surprised to discover that there are over 40 different ghost hunting groups in Kentucky.  There is a popular tourist site right here in Louisville that is supposedly haunted called Waverly Hills Sanitorium.  Check out Don Metcalf's website, http://www.biblical-discernment.com/.  

The following links are from a nifty website called GotQuestions.org. I pray you will take the time to peruse these one-page fact sheets on ghosts and related topics so that you will become better eqipped to defend the faith.  More Christians, it seems, believe in ghost and the paranormal due to all the ghost hunting shows on television, and in the movies and because they just don't know what the Word of God says about this subject.  My bible tells me, absent from the body is present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8).  I ain't afraid of no ghosts either.

What does the Bible say about ghosts / hauntings?

Answer: Is there such a thing as ghosts? The answer to this question depends on what precisely is meant by the term “ghosts.” If the term means “spirit beings,” the answer is a qualified “yes.” If the term means “spirits of people who have died,” the answer is “no.” The Bible makes it abundantly clear that there are spirit beings, both good and evil. But the Bible negates the idea that the spirits of deceased human beings can remain on earth and “haunt” the living.

Hebrews 9:27 declares, “Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” That is what happens to a person’s soul-spirit after death—judgment. The result of this judgment is heaven for the believer (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23) and hell for the unbeliever (Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:22-24). There is no in-between. There is no possibility of remaining on earth in spirit form as a “ghost.” If there are such things as ghosts, according to the Bible, they absolutely cannot be the disembodied spirits of deceased human beings.

The Bible teaches very clearly that there are indeed spirit beings who can connect with and appear in our physical world. The Bible identifies these beings as angels and demons. Angels are spirit beings who are faithful in serving God. Angels are righteous, good, and holy. Demons are fallen angels, angels who rebelled against God. Demons are evil, deceptive, and destructive. According to 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, demons masquerade as “angels of light” and as “servants of righteousness.” Appearing as a “ghost” and impersonating a deceased human being definitely seem to be within the power and abilities that demons possess.

The closest biblical example of a “haunting” is found in Mark 5:1-20. A legion of demons possessed a man and used the man to haunt a graveyard. There were no ghosts involved. It was a case of a normal person being controlled by demons to terrorize the people of that area. Demons only seek to “kill, steal, and destroy” (John 10:10). They will do anything within their power to deceive people, to lead people away from God. This is very likely the explanation of “ghostly” activity today. Whether it is called a ghost, a ghoul, or a poltergeist, if there is genuine evil spiritual activity occurring, it is the work of demons.

What about instances in which “ghosts” act in “positive” ways? What about psychics who claim to summon the deceased and gain true and useful information from them? Again, it is crucial to remember that the goal of demons is to deceive. If the result is that people trust in a psychic instead of God, a demon will be more than willing to reveal true information. Even good and true information, if from a source with evil motives, can be used to mislead, corrupt, and destroy.

Interest in the paranormal is becoming increasingly common. There are individuals and businesses that claim to be “ghost-hunters,” who for a price will rid your home of ghosts. Psychics, séances, tarot cards, and mediums are increasingly considered normal. Human beings are innately aware of the spiritual world. Sadly, instead of seeking the truth about the spirit world by communing with God and studying His Word, many people allow themselves to be led astray by the spirit world. The demons surely laugh at the spiritual mass-deception that exists in the world today.

Recommended Resource: The Truth Behind Ghosts, Mediums, and Psychic Phenomena by Ron Rhodes.

Did the witch of Endor really summon Samuel from the dead (1 Samuel 28:7-20)?What does the Bible say about praying for the dead?
What does the Bible say about praying to / speaking to the dead?
What does the Bible say about channeling?

Source:  GotQuestions.org Home

 Remember, it is not Muhammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves.  Jesus saves!

Are You A Superstitious Christian?

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

Many people are superstitious. They are afraid of black cats, the numbers "666," and Friday, the 13th. They won't walk under ladders, toss salt over their shoulders, and cling to their lucky rabbit's feet, crystals, and good luck charms on Friday, the 13th in hopes of avoiding spells, voodoo hexes, and curses. You may not realize this, but church-going people are more superstitious than you might think. And many, particularly the young and new believers, are engaging in occult practices like never before.

Believe it or not, whenever you forward an e-mail, be it a prayer or what have you, to a specified number of people in order to obtain a "special blessing," you have just engaged in a form magic. And whenever people of God rely heavily on prophets and prophetesses for personal prophecies, instead of on the Word of God for objective truth, they are engaging in a form of witchcraft. And when Christians let their children play computer and card games with witches and wizards, where demon-like characters and monsters cast spells, and do violence, they are out of the will of God and are subjecting their children and their households to demonic attack.

Magic, spells, voodoo, witchcraft and divination belong to the set of practices known as "the occult." Occult practices include visiting palm readers and fortune tellers, ghost hunting, and participating in seances and rituals as a means to contact dead loved ones, spirit beings to obtain supernatural knowledge. God hates these things. The Bible says, "And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord (Deuteronomy 18:10b-12a, NLT).

The Psalmist said, The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid (Psalm 27:1)? The Bible says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7). So, don't be afraid of witchs, wizards, spells, unlucky numbers, and Friday, the 13th. The Ancient of Days is all you need. He is much more powerful than any black cat, satanist, psychic, magician, unlucky number or day. Pharaoh's magicians couldn't match Moses' power (Exodus 8:19, 9:11), and the King's magicians couldn't interpret his dreams, but Daniel could through God's revelation (Daniel 1L20, 2:27, 4:7ff, 5:7-30). Acts 19:19 describes how the people who had practiced magic gave it up after they trusted Jesus, "And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone" (NASB).

If you'd like a FREE ESV New Testament Holy Bible, or Here's Hope New Testament Bible e-mail me at jesussaves1@insightbb.com and I will send it to you, no strings attached, while supplies last. We would love to read your comments on this blog post.

Jesus Saves Ministries

E-mail: jesussaves1@insightbb.com

Social Network: Jesus Saves Social Network

Blog: Jesus Saves Ministries Blog

YouTube: www.youtube.com/jesussaveslive

Facebook: facebook.com/jesussavesministries

Twitter: twitter.com/jesussaves838

Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!

T.G.I.F. and It's the 13th!

T.G.I.F., Thank God I'm Forgiven, and it's Friday, the 13th again! Oh, is the 13th an an unlucky number for you? Many people are running from black cats, avoiding ladders, tossing salt over their shoulders, and clinging to their lucky rabbit's feet, crystals, and good luck charms today in hopes of avoiding spells, voodoo hexes, and curses. You may not realize this, but church-going people are more superstitious than you might think. And many, particularly the young and new believers, are engaging in occult practices like never before.

Believe it or not, whenever you forward an e-mail, be it a prayer or what have you, to a specified number of people in order to obtain a "special blessing," you have just engaged in a form magic. And whenever people of God rely heavily on prophets and prophetesses for personal prophecies, instead of on the Word of God for objective truth, they are engaging in a form of witchcraft. And when Christians let their children play popular card games with witches and wizards and where demon-like characters and monsters cast spells, they are out of the will of God and are subjecting their children and their households to demonic attack.

Magic, spells, voodoo, witchcraft and divination belong to the set of practices known as "the occult." Occult practices include visiting palm readers and fortune tellers, and participating in seances and rituals as a means to contact dead, spirit beings, and obtain supernatural knowledge. God hates these things. The Bible says, "And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord (Deuteronomy 18:10b-12a, NLT).

Don't be afraid of witchcraft, wizards, spells and unlucky days. The Ancient of Days is all you need. He is much more powerful than any black cat, satanist, psychic, or magician. The powers of Pharaoh's magicians couldn't match God's powers (Exodus 8:19, 9:11), and the King's magicians couldn't interpret his dreams when Daniel could through God's revelation (Daniel 1L20, 2:27, 4:7ff, 5:7-30). Acts 19:19 describes how the people who had done magic gave it up after then trusted Jesus, "And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone" (NASB).

If you'd like a FREE ESV New Testament Holy Bible, e-mail me at jesussaves838@ yahoo.com and I will send it to you, no strings attached, while supplies last.

Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!

I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

Last week in our lesson, I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, my Sunday school class, Learning About Jesus, and I discussed the troubled heart, the trusting heart, and the triumphant heart. How is your heart today? Are you troubled and trippin’ about your situation, relying on psychics, fortune tellers, horoscopes, crystal balls, and prosperity preachers for answers, or are you trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ to be your burden bearer?

Jesus says in John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me.” There is no trouble too hard for God, no heartache, disease, nor difficulty. Study His Word and take your troubles to Him in prayer. He is able turn your troubled heart into a triumphant heart and set you free.

Jesus told his disciples in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the father but through me." Not only is Jesus Christ the only way to eternal life, He is the only way to abundant life. Salvation, deliverance, healing, and sanctification cannot be found in Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor the Jesus of the New Age Movement. Those things can only be found in Jesus Christ. He is the way.

Finally, Jesus says in John 16:33 what prosperity preachers won't tell you, "...In this world you will have trouble." Too many Christians are troubled today because they are falling for the distortions of prosperity preachers who say once you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you won't get sick and riches are yours for the asking. "God's got a blessing with your name on it. Send us a special 'Get Back Devil' seed offering, and claim that thing!," they say charismatically. The next time you hear that lie, hollar back, "You made that up!," and rest on the conclusion of verse 33 where Jesus says, "...take heart! I have overcome the world."

Be sure to read these related articles posted on Jesus Saves Ministries Blog:
It's All About the Dollar: Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
Why Jesus Called A Man A Fool
Word of Faith Movement: Snakes On A Plane!
Rev. Dr. Freddie Haynes Takes Survey On Black Church
I Fold At A Hundredfold!
Bishop Noel Jones: Word of Faith Theology Crippling the Black Church
Prophetic Or Pathetic
Are You Letting Yourself Down?
The 50 Most Influential Christians In America
Ease On Down the Road...to Heaven?

Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!