Quantcast
You are here: Home / Archives for Christians & The Occult

The Paranormal Fascination

February 21, 2012 By 2 Comments

In the past two years, since I began sharing my story  I've noticed something—specifically among Christians.

Some know exactly what I'm talking about when it comes to the paranormal fascination in our present culture.

They hear what their friends are saying. They know Christians who are visiting mediums. They are aware of the proliferation of ghost hunting/medium/psychic programming on television. More importantly, they understand the need for the conversation within the church.

Others look at me as if I'm speaking a foreign language. They have no idea what I am talking about and find it spooky or odd. They cannot fathom how the information I share would have anything to do with them or the church. In their minds, it's best not to even think about such things.

And then there are the folks who have experienced paranormal events of their own but have no one to whom they can talk. They have sought help from the church only to be turned away. Many feel desperate because they don't know how to deal with the spirit related events occurring in their lives.

Honestly, it's great to know the first group is out there. They get the point. But it's the second and third groups who keep me talking, writing, and (sometimes) wanting to shout out loud that this issue is one which needs to be addressed.

The church needs to open its collective eyes. 

Christians must SEE (and understand) how this laissez faire attitude regarding the paranormal (or anything having to do with the occult) is doing more harm than good. Christians are turning to mediums and psychics for answers. They are forming beliefs in the spirit world informed by our culture or their personal experience, rather than the Bible. 

The paranormal fascination is not going away. In many respects, it's gaining momentum as people embrace the idea of being spiritual without religion. I was speaking with a woman this evening who reminded me what it says in 1 Timothy 4:1 (NLT) "Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons."

Here is my question.

Do we simply let people go into this deception or do we stand on the authority of Jesus Christ and the Bible—declaring the truth to all who will listen?

I know what my answer is.

Link to this post!
Filed Under: Christians & The Occult Tagged With: , , , , , ,

They Hated Him First

February 13, 2012 By 1 Comment

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you."

John 15:18-20 (NLT)

I don't know about you, but some times it's hard being a Christian, knowing there are people who hate me for that fact alone. 

There is nothing I can say which will be received with respect. There is nothing I can do which will change the opinion of the listener (not that it's up to me to do so). I can be kind, loving, attempt to speak with gentleness, or write with honesty, but it's rebuffed.

This really shouldn't come as a surprise to me—and yet it does.

It's not like I mind if someone has a different belief or opinion. I expect that. It's being confronted by hateful attitudes simply for repeating what the Bible teaches that bothers me.

It can be disheartening.

The thing is (for most Americans) whatever conflict arises, it all comes down to words. Some times harsh and ugly, but nothing other than an opinion. I try to remind myself of that fact. Often. Unlike brothers and sisters in Christ in other parts of the world facing opposition, I have never had to make the choice between my faith or my life.

Kind of puts things into perspective.

I've been doing a lot of thinking about this lately. It's always easier to share what I've learned from experience about the occult, what I've learned from the Bible, when I know the audience (IE: Christians). The truth is, I don't like conflict. I don't enjoy "defending" my words or beliefs to those who vehemently disagree or take offense simply because I'm a Christian.

Debate has never been my thing.

Even so, I've been called to share my story. Tell the truth of what empowers occult activities, the dangers of ghost hunting, and what the Bible says about spiritualism. It's not always easy. However, God has given me opportunities to minister to people I'd never have imagined because I've been obedient to Him.

Jesus never promised we'd have it easy. In fact, he said we would have trouble in this life. But Jesus promised we would never have to face the trials (or opposition) alone. We are promised the presence of the Holy Spirit as we go into whatever God wants us to do while sharing the gospel. He empowers, guides, strengthens and sustains us through it all.

Which is why I will (with God's help) respond to angry words or hostile attitudes with God's love, grace, and peace—and let it go. Because in the end, it's all about sharing HIM. This is HIS story.

I'm just a messenger.

Link to this post!
Filed Under: Christians & The Occult Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Spiritualism Rising

February 11, 2012 By 3 Comments

I have a friend in Scotland named Laura Maxwell.

Honestly, I don't remember how we met online. Maybe she found one of my posts about being a medium or I ran across her testimony on the net. Whatever the case, she is a sweet sister in Christ who shares an occult past. 

We were both psychic mediums.

There are similarities in our stories. Laura and I have been spiritually sensitive since childhood, experiencing what she calls "psychic happenings" from an early age. Both of us were drawn to the supernatural throughout our lives.

Now, I didn't start exploring the occult or developing psychic/medium ability until 1999, after years as a Christian, when I walked away from God.

Laura was drawn into spiritualism when her mother joined a Spiritualist church after meeting a medium one day in the park while Laura was still in her early teens.

Laura and her mother spent ten years reading books about chakras, crystal healing, alternative therapies, and reincarnation. They developed their abilities as mediums through classes at the Spiritualist church.

What Laura says was glossed over or explained away were the mediums they knew who were experiencing spiritual harassment. Many of these mediums were driven to the point of physical and mental affliction. Tragically, Laura discovered in a very personal way what can happen when we open ourselves to spiritualism, spirit guides, and the occult.

You can read Laura's story in her own words HERE.

Many people believe the Spiritualist Movement and the Spiritualist Church are oddities of the past. A phenomenon which occurred during the mid-1800's into the 1920's among middle and upper class society of  the United States and Europe (also known as Spiritism in continental Europe and Latin America).

However, spiritualism is alive and well today. My understanding is there are several types of Spiritualist churches, and (not unlike Wicca and witchcraft) hold their own traditions, although they do have certain common beliefs:

  • A belief in spirit communication.
  • A belief that the soul continues to exist after the death of the physical body.
  • Personal responsibility for life circumstances.
  • Even after death it is possible for the soul to learn and improve
  • A belief in a god, often referred to as "Infinite Intelligence".
  • The natural world considered as an expression of said intelligence.
     (This information was found HERE)

 

In the past ten years, there has been a rebirth of interest in spiritualism throughout the United States.

Although not every medium is associated with the Spiritualist church, there are plenty of them out there. People (including Christians) are going to mediums for readings and spiritual guidance in greater numbers. Just a few years ago, there was a psychic fair in Michigan which drew a crowd of 800 for readings. Mediums and psychics can be found in every city. Popular media is filled with books, movies, and television programs which tout psychic mediums and their abilities.

There are two Spiritualist churches where I live. 

When I was developing as a medium, I had a friend who spent years in the Spiritualist church. She encouraged me to go with her. I went to several services offered by the spiritualist church. I attended several psychic development classes and received a reading. And it was through reading a book written by a spiritualist medium, I decided to invite spirit guides into my life.

What Christians need to remember is what the Bible has to say about mediums, psychics, and spirit communication.

“Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 19:31 (NLT)

"Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead? Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark." Isaiah 8:19-20 (NLT)

There you have it.

I know psychics and mediums seem mysterious and interesting. The problem is the source of their ability and the messages they are giving to those seeking their guidance. God is not speaking through them. The beings they communicate with are not friends or family, but deceptive spirits masquerading as human spirits. What's troubling are those people who consider themselves to be Christian but are embracing spiritualism (as I once did) and psychic/medium ability.

Christians should have nothing to do with mediums, psychics, or seeking to become like them. Scripture speaks clearly on this. God calls the practice an abomination and detestable. I implore you. Please learn from my experiences. Don't mess with spiritualism.

Period.

Thankfully, Laura and I were delivered from spiritualism. We will be sharing our experiences in a book called Dancing with the Devil by Jeff Hashbarger. The book will be published the same time as my own, Escaping the Cauldron, in September.

My prayer is through our stories (and others who have fallen into the lure of the occult) people will think twice before opening that door in their lives. 

Link to this post!
Filed Under: Christians & The Occult Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Repentance Factor

January 29, 2012 By 2 Comments

"He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins." Ephesians 1:7 (NLT)

I have been noticing that there seems to be some question in people's minds as to whether or not God will forgive them if they have been involved in the practice of witchcraft.

Short answer: YES!

In truth, we are asking the wrong question. The crux of the matter is not whether God will forgive us. What we really need to ask ourselves is if we are willing to ACCEPT the grace He offers?

Will we bow before Him as Lord and Savior, yielding our lives to Him? Have we given up the things of our past in exchange for God promises toward our present/future?

I don't know. I've spoken to people who do not understand God's merciful nature. Personally, I think we have categorized sin to an extent that many believe it is impossible for God to forgive them (especially when it comes to the practice of witchcraft).

This is simply not true.

God longs to forgive us.

“I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.  Let us review the situation together, and you can present your case to prove your innocence." Isaiah 43:25-26 (NLT)

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17 (NLT)

Perhaps the disconnect comes from understanding what it means to repent? 

If you look up the word "repent" in the typical English dictionary, it is defined as being remorseful, self-reproachful, or contrite for past actions. However, if you look up "repent" in a Bible dictionary, you discover an additional component which offers a more complete picture. 

The Bible defines "repent" as "changing one's mind and purpose". 

So when we look at our sin (and everyone has) and look to God, we change our mind about living our own way in favor of God's plan, and with God's help, move forward into the freedom His forgiveness brings.

That is the message of hope and forgiveness for everyone—including witches.


Link to this post!
Filed Under: Christians & The Occult Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,
« Older Posts
This site is protected by WP-CopyRightPro