• Hi Brother and Sister I'm a full time Pastor however i badly needed a job to finance our ministry and my family.

    is there any one can help me got a remote job?
    Hi Brother and Sister I'm a full time Pastor however i badly needed a job to finance our ministry and my family. is there any one can help me got a remote job?
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  • Holy Wit – Bible Study

    #9 Test the Spirits
    (Walking in the Light: Studies Through 1 John)

    Scripture Reading 1 John 4:1-6 (NKJV):
    1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

    1 John 4:2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,

    1 John 4:3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

    1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

    1 John 4:5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.

    1 John 4:6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

    1 John 4:1–6 (NKJV):
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A1-6&version=NKJV

    1. The Command to Test Spiritual Claims
    John begins with both tenderness and warning: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit.” Christian faith is not gullibility dressed in religious language. Believers are commanded to exercise discernment because a claim to spiritual authority proves nothing by itself. A teacher may sound sincere, speak movingly, describe unusual experiences, or attract a large following, yet none of these things establishes that the message comes from God. The question is not merely whether a message feels spiritual, but whether it is true.
    The word “test” assumes an objective standard. John does not tell the church to consult private impressions or personal preference. The test is the revelation God has already given, especially the apostolic witness to Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit, who inspired Scripture, does not contradict Himself. Therefore, testing a teaching by Scripture is not resisting the Spirit; it is one of the ways obedience to the Spirit is expressed. Discernment is not suspicion toward everyone. It is careful submission to God’s truth.

    1 John 4:1 (NKJV):
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A1&version=NKJV
    Acts 17:10–12 (NKJV):
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A10-12&version=NKJV

    2. False Prophets Are a Present Reality
    John gives the reason for the command: “many false prophets have gone out into the world.” False teaching is not a remote possibility or a problem limited to openly hostile religions. False prophets often arise near the people of God and use familiar Christian words. Earlier, John described teachers who had departed from the fellowship because their doctrine revealed that they were never truly of it. Here he exposes the spiritual dimension behind their message. Human teachers speak, but their teaching serves either the truth of God or the spirit of error.

    This does not mean that every mistaken believer is a false prophet. Christians may misunderstand a passage and later receive correction. A false prophet, however, claims spiritual authority while leading people away from the truth God has revealed—especially the truth concerning Christ. Scripture tells the church to examine both doctrine and fruit. Character cannot make false doctrine true, and correct vocabulary cannot make corrupt fruit harmless. The church must refuse the choice between truth and holiness; faithful ministry requires both.

    1 John 4:1 (NKJV):
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A1&version=NKJV
    Matthew 7:15–20 (NKJV):
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A15-20&version=NKJV

    3. The Decisive Confession: Jesus Christ Has Come in the Flesh
    John places the central test at the heart of the Christian faith: every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God. This confession concerns the identity of Jesus, not merely the sound of His name. The eternal Son truly entered human history. He did not merely appear human, temporarily inhabit a human body, or become divine through spiritual advancement. The One who was with the Father from the beginning became flesh while remaining fully divine. Jesus Christ is one Person with a true divine nature and a true human nature.

    The incarnation is not a secondary doctrine for specialists. If Christ did not truly assume our humanity, He could not stand in the place of human sinners. If He were not truly God, His saving work could not possess the infinite worth Scripture assigns to it. The incarnation safeguards the cross, the bodily resurrection, Christ’s present intercession, and the believer’s future bodily hope. To confess Christ is therefore to receive the apostolic testimony about the real Jesus—not to attach the name “Jesus” to a figure of our own making.

    1 John 4:2 (NKJV):
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A2&version=NKJV
    John 1:1–14 (NKJV):
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-14&version=NKJV

    4. The Spirit of Antichrist Denies the Biblical Christ
    John states the negative test with equal force: the spirit that does not confess Jesus Christ is not of God. It belongs to the spirit of Antichrist, whose influence was already present in John’s day. Antichristian teaching does not always begin with an open declaration of hatred toward Jesus. It may praise Him as a moral teacher, prophet, healer, example, or spiritual guide while denying who He actually is. Respectful language can still hide a rejection of the Son.

    John allows no neutral ground here. To deny the Son revealed by the Father is to stand against God, however religious the denial may sound. This is why doctrinal precision matters. Precision is not spiritual fussiness when the identity of Christ is at stake. The church does not preserve truth by being quarrelsome, but neither does it preserve love by treating every description of Jesus as equally faithful. Christian love rejoices in the truth and refuses to exchange the living Christ for a more acceptable substitute.

    1 John 4:3 (NKJV):
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A3&version=NKJV
    1 John 2:18–23 (NKJV):
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A18-23&version=NKJV

    5. The Greater One Dwells in His People
    After warning the church, John gives strong assurance: “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them.” Their victory does not rest on superior intelligence, education, willpower, or experience. It rests on God’s presence: “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” The Holy Spirit indwells those who belong to Christ, preserving them in the truth and applying Christ’s victory to them.

    This promise is not a celebration of the power supposedly hidden within the human self. The greater One is God, not us. Nor does the verse teach that believers cannot be confused or temporarily influenced by error. John’s assurance is that the power behind the truth is greater than the power behind deception, and that God will preserve His people through the means He has appointed: His Word, His Spirit, and the fellowship of the church. Discernment may require courage, but it need not be driven by fear. Christ has already triumphed over the powers of darkness.

    1 John 4:4 (NKJV):
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A4&version=NKJV
    Colossians 2:13–15 (NKJV):
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+2%3A13-15&version=NKJV

    6. The World Listens to What Belongs to It
    False teachers are “of the world,” and therefore they speak from the world’s viewpoint. John is not saying that every unbeliever agrees with every false teacher. He is identifying a shared spiritual orientation. Teaching that protects human autonomy, minimizes sin, removes the offense of the cross, or reshapes Christ to suit the age will naturally find a hearing in the world. Error often succeeds not because it is carefully proved, but because it tells fallen people something they are already inclined to believe.

    Popularity is therefore an unreliable test of truth. A large audience may hear a faithful message, and a small audience may hear a false one; numbers alone settle nothing. Yet the church should not be surprised when biblical truth meets resistance. The gospel confronts the world’s deepest loyalties by declaring that humanity is sinful, Christ alone saves, and every person owes Him repentance and faith. The desire to be heard must never become permission to alter the message.

    1 John 4:5 (NKJV):
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A5&version=NKJV
    John 15:18–19 (NKJV):
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A18-19&version=NKJV

    7. The Apostolic Word Distinguishes Truth from Error
    John concludes, “We are of God. He who knows God hears us.” In context, the “we” points especially to the apostles and their authoritative witness. The church does not invent its confession in each generation. It receives the faith delivered through those whom Christ appointed and whose teaching is preserved for us in Scripture. To hear the apostles is to hear the testimony Christ authorized; to reject that testimony is to reject the standard God has given.

    This is how the church recognizes the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. The test is neither novelty nor antiquity, emotional intensity nor intellectual sophistication, miracles nor lack of miracles. The decisive question is whether the message agrees with the apostolic Christ of Scripture. Not every spiritual voice deserves trust simply because it sounds sincere. Sincerity may accompany truth, but sincerity cannot create truth. God’s Word judges every teacher, every claimed revelation, every tradition, and every impression—including our own.

    1 John 4:6 (NKJV):
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A6&version=NKJV
    Acts 2:42 (NKJV):
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2%3A42&version=NKJV

    Reflection Questions
    • When you hear a spiritual claim, what standards do you normally use to judge it: Scripture, the speaker’s personality, popularity, reported experiences, or your own feelings?
    • Why is the confession that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh essential to the gospel rather than a minor theological detail?
    • What is the difference between a believer who is mistaken and a false teacher who leads others away from the apostolic Christ?
    • How does “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” give confidence without encouraging pride or carelessness?
    • Are there teachings you have accepted mainly because they were popular, moving, or presented as spiritual? How should you test them now?

    Prayer Points
    • Thank God for revealing the true Jesus Christ through the apostolic Scriptures.
    • Ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your knowledge of Scripture and sharpen your discernment.
    • Pray for humility to receive correction when your own beliefs or impressions do not agree with God’s Word.
    • Ask God to protect local churches from persuasive teachers who distort the person or work of Christ.
    • Praise God that the One who dwells in His people is greater than the spirit of error in the world.

    For further study (NKJV):
    Deuteronomy 13:1–4
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+13%3A1-4&version=NKJV
    2 Corinthians 11:3–4, 13–15
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+11%3A3-4%2C13-15&version=NKJV
    Galatians 1:6–9
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+1%3A6-9&version=NKJV
    2 Timothy 4:1–5
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A1-5&version=NKJV

    #HolyWitBibleStudy #GordonMcGinnis #WalkingInTheLight #1John4
    Holy Wit – Bible Study #9 Test the Spirits (Walking in the Light: Studies Through 1 John) Scripture Reading 1 John 4:1-6 (NKJV): 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 1 John 4:3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. 1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 1 John 4:6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 1 John 4:1–6 (NKJV): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A1-6&version=NKJV 1. The Command to Test Spiritual Claims John begins with both tenderness and warning: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit.” Christian faith is not gullibility dressed in religious language. Believers are commanded to exercise discernment because a claim to spiritual authority proves nothing by itself. A teacher may sound sincere, speak movingly, describe unusual experiences, or attract a large following, yet none of these things establishes that the message comes from God. The question is not merely whether a message feels spiritual, but whether it is true. The word “test” assumes an objective standard. John does not tell the church to consult private impressions or personal preference. The test is the revelation God has already given, especially the apostolic witness to Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit, who inspired Scripture, does not contradict Himself. Therefore, testing a teaching by Scripture is not resisting the Spirit; it is one of the ways obedience to the Spirit is expressed. Discernment is not suspicion toward everyone. It is careful submission to God’s truth. 1 John 4:1 (NKJV): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A1&version=NKJV Acts 17:10–12 (NKJV): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A10-12&version=NKJV 2. False Prophets Are a Present Reality John gives the reason for the command: “many false prophets have gone out into the world.” False teaching is not a remote possibility or a problem limited to openly hostile religions. False prophets often arise near the people of God and use familiar Christian words. Earlier, John described teachers who had departed from the fellowship because their doctrine revealed that they were never truly of it. Here he exposes the spiritual dimension behind their message. Human teachers speak, but their teaching serves either the truth of God or the spirit of error. This does not mean that every mistaken believer is a false prophet. Christians may misunderstand a passage and later receive correction. A false prophet, however, claims spiritual authority while leading people away from the truth God has revealed—especially the truth concerning Christ. Scripture tells the church to examine both doctrine and fruit. Character cannot make false doctrine true, and correct vocabulary cannot make corrupt fruit harmless. The church must refuse the choice between truth and holiness; faithful ministry requires both. 1 John 4:1 (NKJV): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A1&version=NKJV Matthew 7:15–20 (NKJV): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A15-20&version=NKJV 3. The Decisive Confession: Jesus Christ Has Come in the Flesh John places the central test at the heart of the Christian faith: every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God. This confession concerns the identity of Jesus, not merely the sound of His name. The eternal Son truly entered human history. He did not merely appear human, temporarily inhabit a human body, or become divine through spiritual advancement. The One who was with the Father from the beginning became flesh while remaining fully divine. Jesus Christ is one Person with a true divine nature and a true human nature. The incarnation is not a secondary doctrine for specialists. If Christ did not truly assume our humanity, He could not stand in the place of human sinners. If He were not truly God, His saving work could not possess the infinite worth Scripture assigns to it. The incarnation safeguards the cross, the bodily resurrection, Christ’s present intercession, and the believer’s future bodily hope. To confess Christ is therefore to receive the apostolic testimony about the real Jesus—not to attach the name “Jesus” to a figure of our own making. 1 John 4:2 (NKJV): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A2&version=NKJV John 1:1–14 (NKJV): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-14&version=NKJV 4. The Spirit of Antichrist Denies the Biblical Christ John states the negative test with equal force: the spirit that does not confess Jesus Christ is not of God. It belongs to the spirit of Antichrist, whose influence was already present in John’s day. Antichristian teaching does not always begin with an open declaration of hatred toward Jesus. It may praise Him as a moral teacher, prophet, healer, example, or spiritual guide while denying who He actually is. Respectful language can still hide a rejection of the Son. John allows no neutral ground here. To deny the Son revealed by the Father is to stand against God, however religious the denial may sound. This is why doctrinal precision matters. Precision is not spiritual fussiness when the identity of Christ is at stake. The church does not preserve truth by being quarrelsome, but neither does it preserve love by treating every description of Jesus as equally faithful. Christian love rejoices in the truth and refuses to exchange the living Christ for a more acceptable substitute. 1 John 4:3 (NKJV): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A3&version=NKJV 1 John 2:18–23 (NKJV): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A18-23&version=NKJV 5. The Greater One Dwells in His People After warning the church, John gives strong assurance: “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them.” Their victory does not rest on superior intelligence, education, willpower, or experience. It rests on God’s presence: “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” The Holy Spirit indwells those who belong to Christ, preserving them in the truth and applying Christ’s victory to them. This promise is not a celebration of the power supposedly hidden within the human self. The greater One is God, not us. Nor does the verse teach that believers cannot be confused or temporarily influenced by error. John’s assurance is that the power behind the truth is greater than the power behind deception, and that God will preserve His people through the means He has appointed: His Word, His Spirit, and the fellowship of the church. Discernment may require courage, but it need not be driven by fear. Christ has already triumphed over the powers of darkness. 1 John 4:4 (NKJV): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A4&version=NKJV Colossians 2:13–15 (NKJV): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+2%3A13-15&version=NKJV 6. The World Listens to What Belongs to It False teachers are “of the world,” and therefore they speak from the world’s viewpoint. John is not saying that every unbeliever agrees with every false teacher. He is identifying a shared spiritual orientation. Teaching that protects human autonomy, minimizes sin, removes the offense of the cross, or reshapes Christ to suit the age will naturally find a hearing in the world. Error often succeeds not because it is carefully proved, but because it tells fallen people something they are already inclined to believe. Popularity is therefore an unreliable test of truth. A large audience may hear a faithful message, and a small audience may hear a false one; numbers alone settle nothing. Yet the church should not be surprised when biblical truth meets resistance. The gospel confronts the world’s deepest loyalties by declaring that humanity is sinful, Christ alone saves, and every person owes Him repentance and faith. The desire to be heard must never become permission to alter the message. 1 John 4:5 (NKJV): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A5&version=NKJV John 15:18–19 (NKJV): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A18-19&version=NKJV 7. The Apostolic Word Distinguishes Truth from Error John concludes, “We are of God. He who knows God hears us.” In context, the “we” points especially to the apostles and their authoritative witness. The church does not invent its confession in each generation. It receives the faith delivered through those whom Christ appointed and whose teaching is preserved for us in Scripture. To hear the apostles is to hear the testimony Christ authorized; to reject that testimony is to reject the standard God has given. This is how the church recognizes the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. The test is neither novelty nor antiquity, emotional intensity nor intellectual sophistication, miracles nor lack of miracles. The decisive question is whether the message agrees with the apostolic Christ of Scripture. Not every spiritual voice deserves trust simply because it sounds sincere. Sincerity may accompany truth, but sincerity cannot create truth. God’s Word judges every teacher, every claimed revelation, every tradition, and every impression—including our own. 1 John 4:6 (NKJV): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A6&version=NKJV Acts 2:42 (NKJV): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2%3A42&version=NKJV Reflection Questions • When you hear a spiritual claim, what standards do you normally use to judge it: Scripture, the speaker’s personality, popularity, reported experiences, or your own feelings? • Why is the confession that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh essential to the gospel rather than a minor theological detail? • What is the difference between a believer who is mistaken and a false teacher who leads others away from the apostolic Christ? • How does “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” give confidence without encouraging pride or carelessness? • Are there teachings you have accepted mainly because they were popular, moving, or presented as spiritual? How should you test them now? Prayer Points • Thank God for revealing the true Jesus Christ through the apostolic Scriptures. • Ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your knowledge of Scripture and sharpen your discernment. • Pray for humility to receive correction when your own beliefs or impressions do not agree with God’s Word. • Ask God to protect local churches from persuasive teachers who distort the person or work of Christ. • Praise God that the One who dwells in His people is greater than the spirit of error in the world. For further study (NKJV): Deuteronomy 13:1–4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+13%3A1-4&version=NKJV 2 Corinthians 11:3–4, 13–15 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+11%3A3-4%2C13-15&version=NKJV Galatians 1:6–9 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+1%3A6-9&version=NKJV 2 Timothy 4:1–5 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A1-5&version=NKJV #HolyWitBibleStudy #GordonMcGinnis #WalkingInTheLight #1John4
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  • “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.”

    - Daniel 12:1 in the New International Version (NIV)

    Wajirat, Tigray (Grandma lives in this remote mountain)
    “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.” - Daniel 12:1 in the New International Version (NIV) 📸 Wajirat, Tigray (Grandma lives in this remote mountain)
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  • **One of the world's most isolated Christian communities existed on an island almost no one remembers.**
    Far out in the Arabian Sea lies **Socotra**, a remote island off the coast of Yemen.
    Its towering dragon blood trees and otherworldly landscape look like something from another planet.
    But its most fascinating secret isn't its wildlife.
    It's its forgotten Christian history.
    Ancient tradition says that **Thomas the Apostle** stopped at Socotra on his journey to India and planted the seeds of the Christian faith. While historians debate whether Thomas himself visited the island, there is strong evidence that an ancient Christian community existed there for many centuries.
    Cut off from the rest of the Christian world, these believers developed their own customs while faithfully preserving the core of their faith.
    Medieval Arab travelers recorded meeting Christians on the island.
    Around **1280**, **Marco Polo** also described the island's Christian inhabitants, noting that they had lived in isolation for generations and were led by their own bishop, largely independent from the great Christian centers of the world.
    When Portuguese explorers arrived in **1507**, they, too, found Christians still worshiping there.
    For nearly a thousand years, the Gospel endured on one of the most remote islands on earth.
    Their story is a reminder that Christ's Church has reached places most people would never imagine—and that even isolated believers have faithfully carried the light of the Gospel through the centuries.
    > **"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations..."** — *Matthew 24:14 (KJV)*
    Had you ever heard of the forgotten Christians of Socotra? Share your thoughts below, and pass this along so others can discover this remarkable chapter of church history.
    **One of the world's most isolated Christian communities existed on an island almost no one remembers.** Far out in the Arabian Sea lies **Socotra**, a remote island off the coast of Yemen. Its towering dragon blood trees and otherworldly landscape look like something from another planet. But its most fascinating secret isn't its wildlife. It's its forgotten Christian history. Ancient tradition says that **Thomas the Apostle** stopped at Socotra on his journey to India and planted the seeds of the Christian faith. While historians debate whether Thomas himself visited the island, there is strong evidence that an ancient Christian community existed there for many centuries. Cut off from the rest of the Christian world, these believers developed their own customs while faithfully preserving the core of their faith. Medieval Arab travelers recorded meeting Christians on the island. Around **1280**, **Marco Polo** also described the island's Christian inhabitants, noting that they had lived in isolation for generations and were led by their own bishop, largely independent from the great Christian centers of the world. When Portuguese explorers arrived in **1507**, they, too, found Christians still worshiping there. For nearly a thousand years, the Gospel endured on one of the most remote islands on earth. Their story is a reminder that Christ's Church has reached places most people would never imagine—and that even isolated believers have faithfully carried the light of the Gospel through the centuries. > **"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations..."** — *Matthew 24:14 (KJV)* 💬 Had you ever heard of the forgotten Christians of Socotra? Share your thoughts below, and pass this along so others can discover this remarkable chapter of church history.
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  • A WORD FOR YOU.
    (Insights For Life)


    And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. Genesis 32:24 KJV


    JACOB WAS LEFT ALONE - part 2.
    Let me share a particular story about BILL GATES.
    Bill Gates, the Founder of Microsoft (stepped down as CEO in 2000), has and practice what is called "Think Weeks" program. It is a legendary "twice-yearly ritual", where he "ISOLATES" himself in a remote cabin to DISCONNECT for seven days. He retreats to a secluded, two-story clapboard cabin in a cedar forest in the Pacific Northwest, with a view of the Olympic Mountains—an intentionally DISTRACTION-FREE ENVIRONMENT. During this "Think Weeks", he receives/accepts No visitors, no phone, no internet, and no TV. The only human contact is a caretaker who drops off two simple meals a day.
    - He spends up to 18 hours a day reading and annotating technical papers and employee memos . His record is 112 papers in a single week! He takes his Meals at the kitchen table while still reading.
    - These "weeks" led to major pivots for Microsoft, including the Internet Explorer strategy in 1995 and concepts that became the Tablet PC and online gaming. He noted that this intense, distraction-free focus was crucial to his success. This practice was a key strategic tool during his time at Microsoft.

    Every great man has a secret - an open secret. One of their secret is the ability to isolate, seclude, withdraw themselves into solitude. Have you noticed that great people have few circle of friends. The Eagle spends 150days in isolation, Bill Gates spends 7days twice a year. DESTINY IS WAITING FOR YOU, NOT IN THE OPEN PLACE - BUT IN THE SECRET PLACE. Destinies are birthed in wilderness and in the solitary place. The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them... Isaiah 35:1 KJV. Be blessed, Stay refreshed!


    #AwordForYou
    #InsightsforLife
    #nnamdicaezarsammyministry
    #NCSM
    #DewChurchGlobal
    #LifereFreshingMinistry
    #IAMADEW
    A WORD FOR YOU. (Insights For Life) And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. Genesis 32:24 KJV JACOB WAS LEFT ALONE - part 2. Let me share a particular story about BILL GATES. Bill Gates, the Founder of Microsoft (stepped down as CEO in 2000), has and practice what is called "Think Weeks" program. It is a legendary "twice-yearly ritual", where he "ISOLATES" himself in a remote cabin to DISCONNECT for seven days. He retreats to a secluded, two-story clapboard cabin in a cedar forest in the Pacific Northwest, with a view of the Olympic Mountains—an intentionally DISTRACTION-FREE ENVIRONMENT. During this "Think Weeks", he receives/accepts No visitors, no phone, no internet, and no TV. The only human contact is a caretaker who drops off two simple meals a day. - He spends up to 18 hours a day reading and annotating technical papers and employee memos . His record is 112 papers in a single week! He takes his Meals at the kitchen table while still reading. - These "weeks" led to major pivots for Microsoft, including the Internet Explorer strategy in 1995 and concepts that became the Tablet PC and online gaming. He noted that this intense, distraction-free focus was crucial to his success. This practice was a key strategic tool during his time at Microsoft. Every great man has a secret - an open secret. One of their secret is the ability to isolate, seclude, withdraw themselves into solitude. Have you noticed that great people have few circle of friends. The Eagle spends 150days in isolation, Bill Gates spends 7days twice a year. DESTINY IS WAITING FOR YOU, NOT IN THE OPEN PLACE - BUT IN THE SECRET PLACE. Destinies are birthed in wilderness and in the solitary place. The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them... Isaiah 35:1 KJV. Be blessed, Stay refreshed! #AwordForYou #InsightsforLife #nnamdicaezarsammyministry #NCSM #DewChurchGlobal #LifereFreshingMinistry #IAMADEW
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  • God's Creation, 100 / evolution, 0
    EARLY SEAFARING CONFIRMS THE GENESIS TIMELINE

    If the Bible’s account of human history is accurate, then early humans should not appear primitive, confused, or barely capable of survival. Scripture presents mankind as intelligent, creative, mobile, and commanded to spread across the earth. That expectation gives us a powerful test. When archaeology uncovers evidence of early human sophistication, the findings should align with Genesis, not contradict it.

    Recent reporting in New Scientist admits exactly that.

    The well known publication highlighted growing evidence that humans were intentionally crossing open seas far earlier than scientists once believed. These were not accidental drifts or rare flukes. Researchers now acknowledge purposeful seafaring, navigation, and island settlement long before the development of compasses, sails, or complex maritime tools. Remote islands such as Malta and regions requiring water crossings like Australia were reached by people who knew where they were going and how to get there.

    This discovery creates serious problems for the evolutionary story. The standard narrative assumes early humans were cognitively limited hunter gatherers who slowly stumbled into advanced behavior over tens of thousands of years. But early seafaring demands planning, construction, cooperation, memory, and foresight. These are not traits that appear gradually through random processes. They are hallmarks of fully human intelligence.

    From a biblical framework, none of this is surprising. Genesis teaches that humans were created in the image of God with reasoning ability and ingenuity from the beginning. After the global Flood described in Genesis 6, humanity would have spread rapidly from a common origin. Coastlines, rivers, and islands would naturally be explored and settled. Seafaring would not be a late invention. It would be an expected tool for migration in a world reshaped by catastrophe.

    The irony is striking. Each time secular archaeology pushes human capability further back in time, it moves closer to the biblical model while undermining evolutionary assumptions. Compressing human history does not weaken the evidence. It explains it. Early intelligence, early travel, and early global dispersion fit a young earth timeline far better than deep time speculation.

    What presents as a surprise to evolutionists, is exactly what is made known from Genesis. The Bible never portrayed early humans as dull or directionless. It portrays them as image bearers, explorers, builders, and stewards of the earth. Once again, the evidence aligns not with evolutionary guesswork, but with the historical record preserved in Scripture.
    God's Creation, 100 / evolution, 0 EARLY SEAFARING CONFIRMS THE GENESIS TIMELINE If the Bible’s account of human history is accurate, then early humans should not appear primitive, confused, or barely capable of survival. Scripture presents mankind as intelligent, creative, mobile, and commanded to spread across the earth. That expectation gives us a powerful test. When archaeology uncovers evidence of early human sophistication, the findings should align with Genesis, not contradict it. Recent reporting in New Scientist admits exactly that. The well known publication highlighted growing evidence that humans were intentionally crossing open seas far earlier than scientists once believed. These were not accidental drifts or rare flukes. Researchers now acknowledge purposeful seafaring, navigation, and island settlement long before the development of compasses, sails, or complex maritime tools. Remote islands such as Malta and regions requiring water crossings like Australia were reached by people who knew where they were going and how to get there. This discovery creates serious problems for the evolutionary story. The standard narrative assumes early humans were cognitively limited hunter gatherers who slowly stumbled into advanced behavior over tens of thousands of years. But early seafaring demands planning, construction, cooperation, memory, and foresight. These are not traits that appear gradually through random processes. They are hallmarks of fully human intelligence. From a biblical framework, none of this is surprising. Genesis teaches that humans were created in the image of God with reasoning ability and ingenuity from the beginning. After the global Flood described in Genesis 6, humanity would have spread rapidly from a common origin. Coastlines, rivers, and islands would naturally be explored and settled. Seafaring would not be a late invention. It would be an expected tool for migration in a world reshaped by catastrophe. The irony is striking. Each time secular archaeology pushes human capability further back in time, it moves closer to the biblical model while undermining evolutionary assumptions. Compressing human history does not weaken the evidence. It explains it. Early intelligence, early travel, and early global dispersion fit a young earth timeline far better than deep time speculation. What presents as a surprise to evolutionists, is exactly what is made known from Genesis. The Bible never portrayed early humans as dull or directionless. It portrays them as image bearers, explorers, builders, and stewards of the earth. Once again, the evidence aligns not with evolutionary guesswork, but with the historical record preserved in Scripture.
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  • Hi, I'd really appreciate it if you would share or donate to this campaign!

    *HopeAlive InnerCity Mission *

    HopeAlive InnerCity Mission Is A Faith-Driven Humanitarian Outreach Of The Fulfilled Life Worship Centre. We Believe That Worship Without Works Is Empty. Our Mission Is To Take The Love Of God Beyond The Church Walls And Into The Hardest Places – The Inner Cities And Remote Rural Areas Where Poverty Is Deepest, And Help Is Rarest.

    We Do Not Simply Preach Hope. We Deliver It – In Meals, In Schoolbooks, In Medicine, In Clothing, And In Safe Shelter.
    Our Target: Our Target Is To Reach indigent families with the love of Christ.…

    Donate here: https://www.oncrowdr.com/explore/c/hopealive-innercity-mission

    visit: https://thefulfilledlifechurch.org/hope for more info

    Forward this message to your contacts to help this campaign reach its goal!
    Hi, I'd really appreciate it if you would share or donate to this campaign! *HopeAlive InnerCity Mission * HopeAlive InnerCity Mission Is A Faith-Driven Humanitarian Outreach Of The Fulfilled Life Worship Centre. We Believe That Worship Without Works Is Empty. Our Mission Is To Take The Love Of God Beyond The Church Walls And Into The Hardest Places – The Inner Cities And Remote Rural Areas Where Poverty Is Deepest, And Help Is Rarest. We Do Not Simply Preach Hope. We Deliver It – In Meals, In Schoolbooks, In Medicine, In Clothing, And In Safe Shelter. Our Target: Our Target Is To Reach indigent families with the love of Christ.… Donate here: https://www.oncrowdr.com/explore/c/hopealive-innercity-mission visit: https://thefulfilledlifechurch.org/hope for more info Forward this message to your contacts to help this campaign reach its goal!
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  • EVIDENCE OF OCCULT OPPRESSION AND SUBJECTION. Part 2 of 3.
    2. Psychoneuroses indicative of occult oppression and subjection. Continued.
    Such neurotics are often overly conscious of their health and welfare, being alarmed at the slightest symptom and will generally contact their physician on the slightest pretext. Attending to themselves is their only real interest, and they expect others to follow suit. Their affliction provides them with an excuse for failing to meet their obligations or to attain their level of aspiration in business, marriage, religion, or life in general. Their life is characterized as "just one great bundle of problems and anxieties" as they journey from one person to another-doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, minister, parents, friends or strangers alike-seeking, always seeking, attention, reassurance, advice, or help.

    Those who are oppressed or possessed with these spirits of self-pity, self-centeredness, and self-love (narcissism) are very difficult to bring to a point of liberation, due to the nature of the spirit causing this condition. The victims fear that admission of the real nature of their neurotic condition and deliverance from it will cause them to lose the attention and pity they feel they require to survive. These spirits, unlike many other types, have such a firm hold on their victims, and are so closely identified with their personalities, that these individuals willingly accept such an abnormal disposition as their own. Even after liberation, such persons usually require prayer support, and firm, but loving admonishment to practice standing alone, to face their responsibilities on their own, and to discipline themselves to regular periods of Bible study and prayer in order to develop a strong life of faith. A daily, biblical confession of what they have and are in Christ is necessary, together with a firm, steadfast resistance to the temptation to fall back into their previous bondage and dependence upon others.

    Compulsive thoughts and behavior, as well as certain phobias and obsessions, are often present in such individuals. Compulsive lying, deception, infidelity, arson, or cleptomania (an irresistible desire to steal, not motivated by personal need) are some of the compulsive abnormalities. Others are obsessed with peculiar and strange ideas. One may, for example, be obsessed with the idea that he will contract some disease such as cancer or tuberculosis; another believes that he will die prematurely from the same organic trouble that seems "to run in the family," from which some of his relations have already died. Others become obsessed with the idea that they have committed the "unpardonable sin," or that they have failed God, their families, or their employers, thus living a tormented life of self-condemnation.

    Those who are obsessed are ruled by some idea or thought (which often has no basis in fact) which finally becomes the dominant factor in their lives. Individuals may be obsessed with self-torturing jealousy, or the notion that someone is always watching or following them (the individual's eyes dart furtively here and there constantly), or as the housewife who imagines that her friends and neighbors are always talking about her.

    Compulsions may be in the form of phobias, such as a fear of germs. This is seen in the neurotic behavior of the woman who felt compelled to disinfect all the doorknobs in her home daily, never touching one anywhere without wearing gloves to avoid contamination. Some persons are obsessed with a spirit of self-importance, suspicion, covetousness, or pride. Other compulsives cannot keep from repeating the same actions over and over, such as recounting the money which they have just counted because they feel they made a mistake the first time, or washing one's hands over and over, retracing one's steps, or repeating instructions again and again. Such compulsions and obsessions often indicate the presence and work of demonic spirits, who mercilessly vex and delude their victims.

    In summary, the most common mental and emotional disturbances and abnormalities resulting from occult involvement are: mental illness; serious depression; anxieties and fear; thoughts of self-destruction; compulsive thoughts and behavior; obsessions; emotional instability and self-pity; profound feelings of inadequacy and failure; and enslavement to certain excessive appetites, passions, and habits.

    B. Psychic Disturbances and Abnormalities.
    This category consists of those forms of subjection and oppression that pertain particularly to the extrasensory functions of the mind or psyche (spirit).

    1. Occult subjection.
    Those who have had occult involvement of any kind, or whose family background contains occult connections, frequently become "psychic" themselves and discover that they have certain extrasensory abilities, psychic sensitivity, or intellectual powers and knowledge at times beyond their normal capacity. These so-called psychic "gifts" result from occult connections, and are under the control and influence of the powers of darkness. They should be repudiated immediately, without reservation, for the simple reason that they are under the condemnation of God.

    The following characteristics indicate occult subjection and will ultimately issue in mental, spiritual, and/or physical deterioration and damage, unless one is liberated from their enslaving power by Christ. One may, of course, possess psychic or ESP powers to a greater or lesser degree than described here. And, while the characteristics which follow include the psychic powers and practices of such occult professionals or practitioners as fortune tellers, astrologers, spiritualist mediums and hypnotists, we apply them to anyone who has been involved in the occult in any way."

    (1) Clairvoyance.
    This term describes the psychic ability of some subjected individuals to see objects or events spontaneously and super normally (beyond the natural range of vision). It is the awareness or knowledge of what is taking place elsewhere. This so-called gift of "second sight" is a satanic counterfeit of the Biblical prophetic gift of the "seer," and the gift of the "word of knowledge" (I Corinthians 12). It enables the person to see things relating to the past, present, and sometimes the future (precognition). Clairaudience, the supernormal ability to hear voices and sounds not within the reach of the normal senses, may also be present in such individuals. Clairvoyant persons often have premonitions of death or misfortune concerning others before the event occurs. They hear spirit voices, or the alleged voice of a departed loved one or friend giving advice, warning, or assurance of some kind. Often they discern such things as the substance of a letter before opening it, or know who is calling before answering a ringing telephone; and they may be subject to dreams and visions of a psychic or bizarre nature.

    'Psychic "gifts" and powers resulting from occult involvement are not to be confused with genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit, authentic visions, and other divine, supernatural phenomena, which do have a vital place in the life of the believer and the church (e.g., Mark 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 12; Acts 1:16-26).

    (2) Precognition.
    The power of precognition enables occultly subjected persons to have knowledge of, or to see, future events before they occur. Some who have become "psychic" through occult associations have a very pronounced ability to sense or foresee a future event. They often experience mysterious premonitions of impending events. For example, Jeane Dixon predicted President Kennedy's assassination; and Edgar Cayce predicted World Wars I and II, and the years they would begin and end, as well as the universal Depression of 1929. Many people have precognitive experiences, such as premonitions, visions, dreams, or mental "flashes." As a result of becoming psychically "sensitive" through their occult involvement, they can see, hear, or sense events which are yet future.

    (3) Telepathy.
    Persons who are psychic often exhibit the power to transfer thoughts from one mind to another, either by thought-sending or mind-reading. This is usually what people think of first when "ESP" is mentioned. After some form of occult participation, individuals may discover that they seem to know what another person is thinking; later on, they find out they were right. The ability to "tune in" on another's thoughts and read his mind is well attested to by many parapsychologists, and by such organizations as the American Society for Psychical Research.

    Thus, when one dabbles in occultism, or seeks to heighten his so-called ESP powers through the practice of telepathy, he may find mental images, strong feelings, emotions, and thoughts from the minds of others floating into his own consciousness. Often he is not aware of what is taking place and interprets these impressions as mere coincidence.

    But what may seem at first to be an interesting psychic phenomenon can quickly become a mental burden. If one is psychically sensitive in this way, he will be constantly subject to the infiltration of disturbing mental images and thoughts, from both the powers of darkness and the minds of others. Often he will experience the same problems and disturbances as the one to whom he is telepathically attuned.

    Another dangerous possibility is that of becoming "psychically dependent" upon another through the practice of telepathy, hypnotism, or remote influence. "Remote (or unconscious) influence" is a form of telepathy, advocated by some, which attempts to influence the subconscious mind of one who is asleep or unconscious. For example, one may try to implant positive thoughts of love into the subconscious mind of a person who has grown cold or indifferent; one may try to implant corrective ideas into the subconscious mind of a person who might be offended or unreceptive if such advice were given openly; or one may try using suggestion to heal the one who is asleep.

    However, the psychic dangers in such attempts to control and influence the thoughts and behavior of others are clear. The very same telepathic powers can and have been used for evil purposes. Those skilled in ESP are well aware of their power to influence others in this way, causing them to think or do as they wish.

    No finite human being has the right, whatever his alleged motive, to invade the privacy of the subconscious mind of another individual without his consent! God alone has this prerogative and there is no Biblical basis whatever for this practice by Christians. Aside from the obvious dangers involved and the unauthorized intrusion into the mind of another without his permission, this is clearly an attempt to circumvent the Biblical method of solving one's problems; namely, the prayer of faith.

    Evidently these individuals do not realize that, in their attempts to influence the subconscious minds of others by speaking to them while they are asleep, they are intruding upon the prerogatives of God. They may also unwittingly be establishing telepathic connections with their minds which may later have adverse effect. This is an occult practice, condemned in Scripture as charming and enchantment (Deuteronomy 18:10-11). It is little more than "mesmerism" of the subconscious, and should be repudiated by the Christian without hesitation as an abomination to God. Those who teach and practice remote influence, or who advocate its use by other Christians, should consider its insidious nature and its disharmony with Scripture, and should cease and repent of this occult activity.

    (4) Divination.
    This is the most common form of occultism. It refers to the ancient black art of fortunetelling, whether by the crystal ball, palm reading, cards, pendulum, ouija board, planchette, glass tumbler movement, tea leaves, handwriting analysis (graphology), horoscope, or any of the many other forms of divination. Fortune Telling differs from clairvoyance in that the clairvoyant sees or knows things spontaneously, while the fortuneteller divines by use of certain occult objects, such as cards, tea leaves, ouija board, crystal ball, etc ., or practices soothsaying by interpreting signs, omens, dreams, or other phenomena.

    Millions of victims are drawn into the abominable web of occultism either by visits to fortune tellers or by participation in some form of occult practice, whether consciously, or unconsciously: playing with a ouija board, ESP, telepathy, using fortune telling cards, and so on. It must be emphasized that those who have participated in these forms of occult practice, even though it was done "in fun," have opened themselves to the same occult oppression and subjection as those who are seriously involved. The same dark powers exercise influence and control over all forms of occultism. A loaded revolver is as dangerous when one is playing a "game" of Russian roulette as it is in the hands of one attempting to commit suicide.

    Persons who have experienced occult oppression or subjection warn of the dangers of fooling around with the psychic and occult, including ESP, telepathy, ouija boards, automatic writing, and table-tipping. Innocent or not, those who do so are inviting invisible (demonic) "playmates" to participate in the game or practice, and are in for a rude awakening psychically and spiritually, often with serious, permanent consequences.

    (5) Psychometry.
    This is the psychic ability to determine the facts about an object's owner from contact with the object. For example, simply by touching a missing person's picture, or some personal object belonging to him, a "sensitive" individual can give the particulars of the person, their present whereabouts, and whether the person is living or dead. Other psychometrics can diagnose diseases and other ailments by handling an object belonging to the afflicted person, by touching the patient's body, or by use of the pendulum. A certain pastor’s files contain testimonies of those who suffered oppression as a result of contact with such psychic healers. Deliverance from the powers of darkness was necessary.

    (6) Radiesthesia.
    Divining for such things as water, oil, and minerals, using a dowsing rod or pendulum, is an ancient occult practice known the world over, having its roots in heathenism. It is condemned in the Scriptures (Hosea 4:12; Deuteronomy 18:10) as inspired and controlled by "the spirit of fornication" (an unclean spirit). Martin Luther charged, and rightly so, that the practice violated the First Commandment.

    One survey on water dowsing (or "water witching," as it is often called) stated there were an estimated 25,000 water dowsers in the United States alone. The actual number of nonprofessional dowsers is much higher. It is practiced by water engineers to locate water pipes, by plumbers to determine sewer lines, by well drillers to find water sources, by mining engineers to locate minerals or oil, and was used by the Marines in Vietnam to locate mines, tunnels, and booby-traps along jungle trails. Practical instruction in the use of the dowsing rod is available as part of military training at Camp Pendleton, California. Thousands of officers and enlisted men have been subjected to these dark powers (although participation is voluntary), and only time will tell the terrible psychic effect upon these men as a result of their occult involvement.

    Dowsing for water is commonly done with a forked stick, such as a hazel or willow twig. Some dowsers use coat-hangers, wires, keys on a chain hanging from a Bible, or brass welding rods. Some also succeed using the pendulum (a small ball or pear shaped object, or a needle, key, or ring, etc ., hanging from a string or chain). The dowsing rod (or pendulum) is used to divine for gold, silver, oil, water, minerals, buried treasure, missing persons, and many other things. As the divining instrument is held over a map of the area in question, it reacts in a certain manner at the correct location. Of course, divining instruments are also used at the geographical sites themselves, in the general area where water, minerals, missing objects or persons, and oil are believed to be.

    Radiesthesia (the use of a dowsing rod or pendulum) is frequently used in the diagnosis of illness and disease, to determine the sex of an unborn baby, to prescribe medicines, to aid in crime detection, and in any of the ways in which psychometry (above) may be used. Frequently, those who practice dowsing or who use the pendulum give evidence of psychic disturbances and other signs of occult subjection or oppression.

    (7) Magic practices.
    One subjected by occultism is often involved in magical practices such as hypnosis, mental suggestion, remote influence of others, magic charming, conjuring, healing animals and humans, casting spells, concocting and using magical remedies and cures, and countless other magical and superstitious practices. The source is the same whether one practices so-called "white" magic (invoking hidden powers for "good" ends), or "black" magic (invoking spirits for destructive or evil purposes).

    "This proves beyond question that dowsing has nothing to do with so-called "magnetic" forces attracting the rods as some allege, since it is also effective when used over a map of the site. The source of its power is demonic.

    It is incredible to think that, in this modern scientific age, millions are involved, or have been involved, in some way with ancient magic practices and rites, from the charming of warts and burns to the use of spells, magic herbs, and hex signs on houses and barns (which are still seen in some areas). Magic practices and beliefs are not limited to rural folk, who are often naturally superstitious, but are found in urban areas and large cities. These practices are not merely harmless superstitions, as time and again the adverse psychic, mental, spiritual, and physical effects are seen in the lives of the countless people involved. Simply stated, magic is man's sinful attempt to break through the bounds set by God and His Providence, as well as to overcome human resistance, for one's own selfish purposes.

    One of the most subtle and potentially dangerous forms of magical practice is hypnosis, an ancient occult method of influence or control of the mind and actions of others. Largely through the efforts of the Viennese physician, Mesmer, and as a result of its adoption by psychiatrists, dentists, doctors, and psychologists, hypnotism has lost much of its distasteful association with witchcraft and the vaudeville stage, and has now acquired a cloak of respectability. The ancient "charmer" and "enchanter" (Deuteronomy 18:10-11) now, as often as not, has a Ph.D. degree!

    Advocates often try to justify this ancient form of witchcraft by arguing that (1) hypnotherapy has many beneficial medical uses, and (2) the hypnotist cannot compel his subject to commit any criminal action or morally wrong act which the subjected individual would not do when awake. Both of these arguments are invalid.

    In the first place, when hypnotism is used to treat many psychological, mental, moral, and emotional problems, its benefits are seldom permanent. For example, one under hypnosis may be told that he has been released from his deep-seated fears, or doubts, or the problem of alcoholism; but the effect of such suggestions seldom lasts, and must be repeated in time. The reason is that the cause of such conditions has not been removed. Only the effect has been treated.

    Professional hypnotists and hypnotherapists admit that attempting to relieve symptoms through hypnosis is dangerous, if treatment focuses merely on symptoms and does not deal with the underlying causes. One doctor cites the case in which a patient, through hypnosis, was stopped from chain smoking, but became a compulsive eater as a result. She was then cured of her overeating, only to become an alcoholic!

    Such examples are by no means the exception. They weaken the naive idea held by many that hypnotherapy is a magic "cure-all" which, in the hands of the medical technician or psychiatrist, can solve all our mental, emotional, social, and psychological problems. In fact, by removing the symptom without curing the cause, the hypnotherapist may weaken the subject's defenses against inner turmoil's and problems. Edited. Shared.
    To be Continued.

    God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
    ❤️EVIDENCE OF OCCULT OPPRESSION AND SUBJECTION. Part 2 of 3. 2. Psychoneuroses indicative of occult oppression and subjection. Continued. Such neurotics are often overly conscious of their health and welfare, being alarmed at the slightest symptom and will generally contact their physician on the slightest pretext. Attending to themselves is their only real interest, and they expect others to follow suit. Their affliction provides them with an excuse for failing to meet their obligations or to attain their level of aspiration in business, marriage, religion, or life in general. Their life is characterized as "just one great bundle of problems and anxieties" as they journey from one person to another-doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, minister, parents, friends or strangers alike-seeking, always seeking, attention, reassurance, advice, or help. Those who are oppressed or possessed with these spirits of self-pity, self-centeredness, and self-love (narcissism) are very difficult to bring to a point of liberation, due to the nature of the spirit causing this condition. The victims fear that admission of the real nature of their neurotic condition and deliverance from it will cause them to lose the attention and pity they feel they require to survive. These spirits, unlike many other types, have such a firm hold on their victims, and are so closely identified with their personalities, that these individuals willingly accept such an abnormal disposition as their own. Even after liberation, such persons usually require prayer support, and firm, but loving admonishment to practice standing alone, to face their responsibilities on their own, and to discipline themselves to regular periods of Bible study and prayer in order to develop a strong life of faith. A daily, biblical confession of what they have and are in Christ is necessary, together with a firm, steadfast resistance to the temptation to fall back into their previous bondage and dependence upon others. Compulsive thoughts and behavior, as well as certain phobias and obsessions, are often present in such individuals. Compulsive lying, deception, infidelity, arson, or cleptomania (an irresistible desire to steal, not motivated by personal need) are some of the compulsive abnormalities. Others are obsessed with peculiar and strange ideas. One may, for example, be obsessed with the idea that he will contract some disease such as cancer or tuberculosis; another believes that he will die prematurely from the same organic trouble that seems "to run in the family," from which some of his relations have already died. Others become obsessed with the idea that they have committed the "unpardonable sin," or that they have failed God, their families, or their employers, thus living a tormented life of self-condemnation. Those who are obsessed are ruled by some idea or thought (which often has no basis in fact) which finally becomes the dominant factor in their lives. Individuals may be obsessed with self-torturing jealousy, or the notion that someone is always watching or following them (the individual's eyes dart furtively here and there constantly), or as the housewife who imagines that her friends and neighbors are always talking about her. Compulsions may be in the form of phobias, such as a fear of germs. This is seen in the neurotic behavior of the woman who felt compelled to disinfect all the doorknobs in her home daily, never touching one anywhere without wearing gloves to avoid contamination. Some persons are obsessed with a spirit of self-importance, suspicion, covetousness, or pride. Other compulsives cannot keep from repeating the same actions over and over, such as recounting the money which they have just counted because they feel they made a mistake the first time, or washing one's hands over and over, retracing one's steps, or repeating instructions again and again. Such compulsions and obsessions often indicate the presence and work of demonic spirits, who mercilessly vex and delude their victims. In summary, the most common mental and emotional disturbances and abnormalities resulting from occult involvement are: mental illness; serious depression; anxieties and fear; thoughts of self-destruction; compulsive thoughts and behavior; obsessions; emotional instability and self-pity; profound feelings of inadequacy and failure; and enslavement to certain excessive appetites, passions, and habits. B. Psychic Disturbances and Abnormalities. This category consists of those forms of subjection and oppression that pertain particularly to the extrasensory functions of the mind or psyche (spirit). 1. Occult subjection. Those who have had occult involvement of any kind, or whose family background contains occult connections, frequently become "psychic" themselves and discover that they have certain extrasensory abilities, psychic sensitivity, or intellectual powers and knowledge at times beyond their normal capacity. These so-called psychic "gifts" result from occult connections, and are under the control and influence of the powers of darkness. They should be repudiated immediately, without reservation, for the simple reason that they are under the condemnation of God. The following characteristics indicate occult subjection and will ultimately issue in mental, spiritual, and/or physical deterioration and damage, unless one is liberated from their enslaving power by Christ. One may, of course, possess psychic or ESP powers to a greater or lesser degree than described here. And, while the characteristics which follow include the psychic powers and practices of such occult professionals or practitioners as fortune tellers, astrologers, spiritualist mediums and hypnotists, we apply them to anyone who has been involved in the occult in any way." (1) Clairvoyance. This term describes the psychic ability of some subjected individuals to see objects or events spontaneously and super normally (beyond the natural range of vision). It is the awareness or knowledge of what is taking place elsewhere. This so-called gift of "second sight" is a satanic counterfeit of the Biblical prophetic gift of the "seer," and the gift of the "word of knowledge" (I Corinthians 12). It enables the person to see things relating to the past, present, and sometimes the future (precognition). Clairaudience, the supernormal ability to hear voices and sounds not within the reach of the normal senses, may also be present in such individuals. Clairvoyant persons often have premonitions of death or misfortune concerning others before the event occurs. They hear spirit voices, or the alleged voice of a departed loved one or friend giving advice, warning, or assurance of some kind. Often they discern such things as the substance of a letter before opening it, or know who is calling before answering a ringing telephone; and they may be subject to dreams and visions of a psychic or bizarre nature. 'Psychic "gifts" and powers resulting from occult involvement are not to be confused with genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit, authentic visions, and other divine, supernatural phenomena, which do have a vital place in the life of the believer and the church (e.g., Mark 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 12; Acts 1:16-26). (2) Precognition. The power of precognition enables occultly subjected persons to have knowledge of, or to see, future events before they occur. Some who have become "psychic" through occult associations have a very pronounced ability to sense or foresee a future event. They often experience mysterious premonitions of impending events. For example, Jeane Dixon predicted President Kennedy's assassination; and Edgar Cayce predicted World Wars I and II, and the years they would begin and end, as well as the universal Depression of 1929. Many people have precognitive experiences, such as premonitions, visions, dreams, or mental "flashes." As a result of becoming psychically "sensitive" through their occult involvement, they can see, hear, or sense events which are yet future. (3) Telepathy. Persons who are psychic often exhibit the power to transfer thoughts from one mind to another, either by thought-sending or mind-reading. This is usually what people think of first when "ESP" is mentioned. After some form of occult participation, individuals may discover that they seem to know what another person is thinking; later on, they find out they were right. The ability to "tune in" on another's thoughts and read his mind is well attested to by many parapsychologists, and by such organizations as the American Society for Psychical Research. Thus, when one dabbles in occultism, or seeks to heighten his so-called ESP powers through the practice of telepathy, he may find mental images, strong feelings, emotions, and thoughts from the minds of others floating into his own consciousness. Often he is not aware of what is taking place and interprets these impressions as mere coincidence. But what may seem at first to be an interesting psychic phenomenon can quickly become a mental burden. If one is psychically sensitive in this way, he will be constantly subject to the infiltration of disturbing mental images and thoughts, from both the powers of darkness and the minds of others. Often he will experience the same problems and disturbances as the one to whom he is telepathically attuned. Another dangerous possibility is that of becoming "psychically dependent" upon another through the practice of telepathy, hypnotism, or remote influence. "Remote (or unconscious) influence" is a form of telepathy, advocated by some, which attempts to influence the subconscious mind of one who is asleep or unconscious. For example, one may try to implant positive thoughts of love into the subconscious mind of a person who has grown cold or indifferent; one may try to implant corrective ideas into the subconscious mind of a person who might be offended or unreceptive if such advice were given openly; or one may try using suggestion to heal the one who is asleep. However, the psychic dangers in such attempts to control and influence the thoughts and behavior of others are clear. The very same telepathic powers can and have been used for evil purposes. Those skilled in ESP are well aware of their power to influence others in this way, causing them to think or do as they wish. No finite human being has the right, whatever his alleged motive, to invade the privacy of the subconscious mind of another individual without his consent! God alone has this prerogative and there is no Biblical basis whatever for this practice by Christians. Aside from the obvious dangers involved and the unauthorized intrusion into the mind of another without his permission, this is clearly an attempt to circumvent the Biblical method of solving one's problems; namely, the prayer of faith. Evidently these individuals do not realize that, in their attempts to influence the subconscious minds of others by speaking to them while they are asleep, they are intruding upon the prerogatives of God. They may also unwittingly be establishing telepathic connections with their minds which may later have adverse effect. This is an occult practice, condemned in Scripture as charming and enchantment (Deuteronomy 18:10-11). It is little more than "mesmerism" of the subconscious, and should be repudiated by the Christian without hesitation as an abomination to God. Those who teach and practice remote influence, or who advocate its use by other Christians, should consider its insidious nature and its disharmony with Scripture, and should cease and repent of this occult activity. (4) Divination. This is the most common form of occultism. It refers to the ancient black art of fortunetelling, whether by the crystal ball, palm reading, cards, pendulum, ouija board, planchette, glass tumbler movement, tea leaves, handwriting analysis (graphology), horoscope, or any of the many other forms of divination. Fortune Telling differs from clairvoyance in that the clairvoyant sees or knows things spontaneously, while the fortuneteller divines by use of certain occult objects, such as cards, tea leaves, ouija board, crystal ball, etc ., or practices soothsaying by interpreting signs, omens, dreams, or other phenomena. Millions of victims are drawn into the abominable web of occultism either by visits to fortune tellers or by participation in some form of occult practice, whether consciously, or unconsciously: playing with a ouija board, ESP, telepathy, using fortune telling cards, and so on. It must be emphasized that those who have participated in these forms of occult practice, even though it was done "in fun," have opened themselves to the same occult oppression and subjection as those who are seriously involved. The same dark powers exercise influence and control over all forms of occultism. A loaded revolver is as dangerous when one is playing a "game" of Russian roulette as it is in the hands of one attempting to commit suicide. Persons who have experienced occult oppression or subjection warn of the dangers of fooling around with the psychic and occult, including ESP, telepathy, ouija boards, automatic writing, and table-tipping. Innocent or not, those who do so are inviting invisible (demonic) "playmates" to participate in the game or practice, and are in for a rude awakening psychically and spiritually, often with serious, permanent consequences. (5) Psychometry. This is the psychic ability to determine the facts about an object's owner from contact with the object. For example, simply by touching a missing person's picture, or some personal object belonging to him, a "sensitive" individual can give the particulars of the person, their present whereabouts, and whether the person is living or dead. Other psychometrics can diagnose diseases and other ailments by handling an object belonging to the afflicted person, by touching the patient's body, or by use of the pendulum. A certain pastor’s files contain testimonies of those who suffered oppression as a result of contact with such psychic healers. Deliverance from the powers of darkness was necessary. (6) Radiesthesia. Divining for such things as water, oil, and minerals, using a dowsing rod or pendulum, is an ancient occult practice known the world over, having its roots in heathenism. It is condemned in the Scriptures (Hosea 4:12; Deuteronomy 18:10) as inspired and controlled by "the spirit of fornication" (an unclean spirit). Martin Luther charged, and rightly so, that the practice violated the First Commandment. One survey on water dowsing (or "water witching," as it is often called) stated there were an estimated 25,000 water dowsers in the United States alone. The actual number of nonprofessional dowsers is much higher. It is practiced by water engineers to locate water pipes, by plumbers to determine sewer lines, by well drillers to find water sources, by mining engineers to locate minerals or oil, and was used by the Marines in Vietnam to locate mines, tunnels, and booby-traps along jungle trails. Practical instruction in the use of the dowsing rod is available as part of military training at Camp Pendleton, California. Thousands of officers and enlisted men have been subjected to these dark powers (although participation is voluntary), and only time will tell the terrible psychic effect upon these men as a result of their occult involvement. Dowsing for water is commonly done with a forked stick, such as a hazel or willow twig. Some dowsers use coat-hangers, wires, keys on a chain hanging from a Bible, or brass welding rods. Some also succeed using the pendulum (a small ball or pear shaped object, or a needle, key, or ring, etc ., hanging from a string or chain). The dowsing rod (or pendulum) is used to divine for gold, silver, oil, water, minerals, buried treasure, missing persons, and many other things. As the divining instrument is held over a map of the area in question, it reacts in a certain manner at the correct location. Of course, divining instruments are also used at the geographical sites themselves, in the general area where water, minerals, missing objects or persons, and oil are believed to be. Radiesthesia (the use of a dowsing rod or pendulum) is frequently used in the diagnosis of illness and disease, to determine the sex of an unborn baby, to prescribe medicines, to aid in crime detection, and in any of the ways in which psychometry (above) may be used. Frequently, those who practice dowsing or who use the pendulum give evidence of psychic disturbances and other signs of occult subjection or oppression. (7) Magic practices. One subjected by occultism is often involved in magical practices such as hypnosis, mental suggestion, remote influence of others, magic charming, conjuring, healing animals and humans, casting spells, concocting and using magical remedies and cures, and countless other magical and superstitious practices. The source is the same whether one practices so-called "white" magic (invoking hidden powers for "good" ends), or "black" magic (invoking spirits for destructive or evil purposes). "This proves beyond question that dowsing has nothing to do with so-called "magnetic" forces attracting the rods as some allege, since it is also effective when used over a map of the site. The source of its power is demonic. It is incredible to think that, in this modern scientific age, millions are involved, or have been involved, in some way with ancient magic practices and rites, from the charming of warts and burns to the use of spells, magic herbs, and hex signs on houses and barns (which are still seen in some areas). Magic practices and beliefs are not limited to rural folk, who are often naturally superstitious, but are found in urban areas and large cities. These practices are not merely harmless superstitions, as time and again the adverse psychic, mental, spiritual, and physical effects are seen in the lives of the countless people involved. Simply stated, magic is man's sinful attempt to break through the bounds set by God and His Providence, as well as to overcome human resistance, for one's own selfish purposes. One of the most subtle and potentially dangerous forms of magical practice is hypnosis, an ancient occult method of influence or control of the mind and actions of others. Largely through the efforts of the Viennese physician, Mesmer, and as a result of its adoption by psychiatrists, dentists, doctors, and psychologists, hypnotism has lost much of its distasteful association with witchcraft and the vaudeville stage, and has now acquired a cloak of respectability. The ancient "charmer" and "enchanter" (Deuteronomy 18:10-11) now, as often as not, has a Ph.D. degree! Advocates often try to justify this ancient form of witchcraft by arguing that (1) hypnotherapy has many beneficial medical uses, and (2) the hypnotist cannot compel his subject to commit any criminal action or morally wrong act which the subjected individual would not do when awake. Both of these arguments are invalid. In the first place, when hypnotism is used to treat many psychological, mental, moral, and emotional problems, its benefits are seldom permanent. For example, one under hypnosis may be told that he has been released from his deep-seated fears, or doubts, or the problem of alcoholism; but the effect of such suggestions seldom lasts, and must be repeated in time. The reason is that the cause of such conditions has not been removed. Only the effect has been treated. Professional hypnotists and hypnotherapists admit that attempting to relieve symptoms through hypnosis is dangerous, if treatment focuses merely on symptoms and does not deal with the underlying causes. One doctor cites the case in which a patient, through hypnosis, was stopped from chain smoking, but became a compulsive eater as a result. She was then cured of her overeating, only to become an alcoholic! Such examples are by no means the exception. They weaken the naive idea held by many that hypnotherapy is a magic "cure-all" which, in the hands of the medical technician or psychiatrist, can solve all our mental, emotional, social, and psychological problems. In fact, by removing the symptom without curing the cause, the hypnotherapist may weaken the subject's defenses against inner turmoil's and problems. Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
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  • EVIDENCE OF OCCULT OPPRESSION AND SUBJECTION. Part 1 of 3
    We must distinguish between general oppression and occult oppression and subjection. The symptoms may be similar in many respects, but in several important aspects they are not. The marks of occult involvement are easily distinguished to one experienced in this particular area of deliverance.

    As a result of failing to distinguish between occult oppression and general demonic oppression issuing from other causes, many who have had prayer for deliverance have not been permanently set free. As we will show, those who have been involved in occultism have opened a "door" of access to oppressing spirits which they themselves must close by positive action and faith on their part. Moreover, liberation from occult oppression or subjection requires proper understanding of its peculiar nature and cause, the specific method of deliverance required, and the spiritual responsibilities of the one who has received deliverance from occult oppression.

    General oppression, whether mental, physical, or spiritual, may result from any one of several causes. For example, it may result from some traumatic experience, sin, weakness, emotional crisis, resentment, hate, pride, fear, or illness. Occult oppression and subjection, however, always result from an individual's involvement in some form of fortunetelling, magic practice, spiritism, or false religious cult, either as practitioner, or, as is most often the case, as subject, follower, or participant.

    Moreover, experience has shown that it is possible for a person to be "passively" subjected or oppressed, even though he has never actively participated in the occult. The Biblical basis for this fact is Exodus 20:3-6: God's "curse" falls upon "the children unto the third and fourth generation" of those who violate His commandment by calling upon other gods (demonic spirits and powers), which they do through involvement in the occult, for the purpose of breaking through the bounds which God has set for man.

    The magnitude of the sin of occult involvement, which is an abomination to God (Deuteronomy 18:12), is confirmed by its deep power of enslavement, not only upon the participants themselves, but even upon their descendants. The reality of such passive oppression and subjection has been shown in the preceding study.

    Both from Scripture and from experience it is evident that evil spirits who oppress human victims are of various kinds, and work in a variety of ways. There are blind spirits, deaf spirits, epileptic spirits, deceiving spirits, and lying spirits; spirits of pride, intellectualism, lust, infirmity, insanity, homosexuality, suicide, fear, apathy, anger, discord, strife, hate, resentment, depression, stubbornness, misunderstanding, gossip, obscenity, and many others. Oppression may be subjective, such as insanity, lust, or loss of health through disease and affliction; or objective, in which case the victim may be plagued by demonic apparitions and voices, or troubled by discord and strife through vexation by evil spirits.

    These malevolent spirits are definite personalities, not mere habits, diseases, psychological conditions, or states of mind. Just as human beings vary in personality, power, ability, appetites, intelligence, and purpose, so do the demonic spirits. Their primary intention, as disembodied spirits, is to oppress or possess a person appealing to their particular nature or appetites, in order to hide, as it were, behind these traits, habits, weaknesses, and mental or physical conditions, and thereby escape detection.

    An individual given to sexual looseness and excess, for instance, opens the door to demonic control in this particular area of his life by a spirit of lust with this characteristic appetite. The same would be true concerning a person who has a violent temper which he does not bring under control, or those who are given to pride, jealousy, hate, depression, gluttony, drug addiction, or any other weakness of character, mind or body. Demonic spirits seek to oppress those whose make-up, character, temperament, appetites, and moral, mental, or physical weaknesses are most harmonious to themselves. They bury themselves in the very structure of the person and actually identify with the personality of the victim insofar as possible.

    This is why it is difficult for the novice to discern, or the medical doctor, psychologist, and psychiatrist to admit, the reality and activity of demonic spirits in such victims. The latter reduce such diseases as epilepsy, cancer, blindness and deafness, as well as abnormal personality and behavior problems, to functional or organic disorders. Hence, the presence and activity of demonic spirits in their victims are often described by other terms such as: complexes, habits, drives, hallucinations, delusions, delirium tremens, insanity, epilepsy, melancholia, masochism, homosexuality, schizophrenia, mania, depression, psychoneurosis, psychosis, compulsions, drug addiction, disease, and so on. Not that the terms are entirely inaccurate, but in many cases they are inadequate. They do not go deep enough in identifying the conditions and phenomena connected with the work of the powers of darkness in the lives of the oppressed.

    Likewise, the parapsychologist describes the various manifestations of demonic powers by such terms as clairvoyance, telepathy, extrasensory perception, eidetic imagery, hypnotic suggestion, precognition, telesthesia, psychic phenomena, and so forth. He holds that such paranormal abilities and powers are merely manifestations and projections of the human subconscious or psyche, or that they can be explained in some other natural and rational manner as a rule.

    Thus, the presence and activity of such personal entities as demonic spirits are not easily perceptible to the analytical investigators of the paranormal, for the precise reason that Satan does not publicly announce his presence and work in an individual by handing out "calling cards"!

    However, growing numbers of psychologists, psychiatrists, and physicians are beginning to see and admit that they can no longer dismiss demonic oppression as mere religious delusion or pagan superstition. They are finding it to be a dreadful reality, and that there are definite limits beyond which medicine and psychiatry cannot penetrate to bring the necessary liberation to the suffering individual.

    In one instance, the church which a certain person pastored was contacted by a Christian psychologist asking for prayer for the deliverance of one of his patients. He recognized that the woman was bound and oppressed by Satan and that he was unable to help her with mere technical knowledge and skills. After the church prayed in faith for her liberation in the Name of Jesus, the psychologist reported that she had been set free. He was then able to counsel effectively with her, which he had been unable to do previously.

    Dr. William S. Reed, a well-known American surgeon, was reported to have said that he, as a surgeon, was convinced that many psychological and physical illnesses are the result of demonic attacks upon the individual; that on the basis of Mark 16:17, he himself used exorcism (casting out of evil spirits) when guided to do so; and that modern medicine and psychiatry should seriously consider the ministry of exorcism.

    Often the connections between occult involvement and the oppression which results are so subtle that people are completely unaware of the insidious relationship until it is pointed out. For instance, who would have connected the chronic physical illness of Mrs. L. with her visit to a fortune teller? Mr. R. did not believe that his playing with the ouija board had any adverse spiritual effects upon him until it was manifested in his inability to exercise faith to receive the Holy Spirit. For many years Mrs. T. was unaware that her persistent marital problems and apathy toward life began the day after her participation in a seance. And who would have seen the cause of the chronic phobias and doubts of another person who had been healed as an infant by an occult or magic healer?

    Mr. B. regularly visited fortune tellers, but did not realize until it was shown him that this accounted for an uncontrollable spirit of lust, from which he could not escape, and also explained his pride, indifference, immaturity, and hate. A brutal, demon possessed child, subject to periods of violent rage, was the result of the parents' participation in the occult, but this was unknown until counseling revealed the cause. Mrs. C. suffered from severe depression and thoughts of self destruction, little realizing that her participation in seances was the cause.

    Miss W. had been committed to a mental institution at one time, spent much money visiting doctors, psychologists, and psychiatrists, and had sought help and counseling from many sources concerning her psychotic condition, all to no avail. Little did she realize that it resulted from her past fortunetelling practices and other occult connections. Likewise, Mrs. G. was unaware that her visits to the fortune tellers were responsible for the "voices" she heard and demonic apparitions she saw, until this was shown her in counseling. Who would have seen a connection between the morbid depression and extreme negativism of Mr. V. and his visits to meetings of Spiritualists and other religious cults such as Theosophy and Rosicrucians, even though he only went out of curiosity?

    Homosexuality and fear of crowds were the result of another individual's involvement in the practice of table-tipping and consulting the ouija board as a child. The rapid mental and physical deterioration of another victim of occult oppression was traced to submission to hypnotism and treatment by "Concept Therapy." Mrs. D. found through counseling that her depression and lack of desire for spiritual things followed her visit to a fortune teller. Although he had prepared for the ministry, Mr. T. later fell back into the world, was divorced, and lost interest in Christianity. He was then surprised to learn that his troubles stemmed from his practice of self-hypnosis, astrology, and other occult interests.

    The removal of warts by magic charming and involvement in other magic practices has resulted in alcoholism, oppression by sex spirits, and other forms of demonic oppression in some cases. The parents' participation in occult practices resulted in a young man and a young woman being oppressed by demonic apparitions and vexed with other problems. Palm reading was the cause of one woman's serious domestic problems, and another's oppression in which she heard voices and saw a ghostly apparition.

    Water dowsing explained the resistance of one man to the Scriptural teaching concerning the Holy Spirit. It was also the cause of another's vexation with a serious problem over which he could not achieve victory, and resulted in insanity to still another who practiced this ancient heathen method of divining. Playing with the ouija board and visits to fortunetellers led Mrs. F. to attempt suicide. The consequence of having a burn "blown" away by magic charming was severe depression for Mrs. R. The relation between the mental illness of Mrs. A. and her practice of table-tipping as a child seemed remote until she experienced immediate liberation upon confessing this occult sin and receiving prayer for deliverance.

    Another, who could have no assurance of salvation, due to oppression by a deceiving spirit, was delivered when she was shown the connection between her mental suffering and a healing she had received from a psychometric healer who diagnosed her illness by touch. Chronic asthma was the consequence of involvement in magical practices, from which a sufferer was set free upon learning of the cause. Liberation from severe mental, physical, and spiritual oppression came to another who fell victim to the insidious powers of darkness after visits to Spiritualists' meetings, while another was set free from psychic subjection which resulted from occult practices, when shown the source and nature of her extrasensory powers.

    The examples from this certain pastor’s files could be multiplied, for there are few families in which at least one member has not had contact with occult spirits in one form or another, with its resultant oppression or subjection. Although few people are aware of the various forms in which occult oppression and subjection express themselves, there is no doubt that occult involvement always results in bondage. This conclusion is based on a pastor’s experiences in deliverance. First he had established the connection between the occult involvement and the bondage, then the oppressed individual confessed his occult sins and commanded Satan to depart. The result is always the same: the person is delivered. In instances where the individual was also psychically subjected (having extrasensory powers, seeing apparitions, hearing spirit voices, and so on), these experiences have immediately ceased, thereby proving their occult source.

    A distinction should be made between "subjection" and "oppression" resulting from occult involvement. Subjection means that malevolent spirits have brought the victim under the domination and control of the powers of darkness. The victim has been made subject to, or enslaved by, such things as sexual lust, violent temper, drugs, uncontrollable thoughts, resistance to divine things, compulsive behavior, lying, hate, religious delusions, self-pity, or forms of occultism. A person thus subjected often becomes psychic himself, and is so enslaved by occultism that he lacks the will, and sometimes even the desire, to be set free.

    Oppression resulting from occult involvement means that the victim has been afflicted with some form of mental, physical, emotional, or psychic ailment or distress such as depression, fear, mental illness, disease, pain, apathy, marital discord, compulsive thoughts of suicide, apparitions, and so forth.

    The characteristics listed in the rest of this study are evidences of occult subjection and oppression. Some of these symptoms may result from other causes, but the existence of any of these manifestations usually indicates the presence and activity of demonic spirits, as well as the need for deliverance.

    Occult subjection and oppression may be classified for clarification into five categories: Mental and Emotional; Psychic; Spiritual; Physical; Material, Domestic, and Social.

    A. Mental and Emotional Disturbances and Abnormalities.
    Contrary to common wisdom, many psychoneuroses, psychoses, and other mental and emotional abnormalities result, not from functional or organic causes, but from occult involvement. Some of the following symptoms could be classified as "psychic" disturbances or abnormalities in character; however, we will purposely be limiting our later discussion of "psychic" subjection and oppression to the strict parapsychological sense of the term, namely, to extrasensory functioning, such as clairvoyance, telepathy, and precognition, and to such psychic phenomena as apparitions or poltergeist activity. Note further that "mental and emotional" does not necessarily imply "inward," but many of the following mental and emotional disturbances and abnormalities will also affect the outward behavior of the oppressed individual.

    1. Psychoses indicative of occult oppression or subjection.
    Symptoms in this category include serious, prolonged depression or melancholia; resignation to failure or misfortune; habitual gloominess, morbidity and negativism, boredom and indifference (ennui), as well as apathy in general.

    Persons thus afflicted are often more interested in their own inward thoughts than in what goes on around them, and may respond in an abnormal, dull manner to others and to reality. They manifest extreme introversion; that is, they live within themselves and take no interest in their surroundings. At times they shun others, withdrawing and spending long periods of time alone, sometimes in a darkened room with the shades drawn, in a morose state of mind. Excessive weeping may also accompany this condition, as well as self-accusation of sins, frequently with thoughts of self-destruction. Such individuals often lack normal emotional response and contact with reality. They live in a private world where little affects them except their own fantasies and dreams.

    In some oppressed persons, this state of depression alternates with a directly opposite mood of extreme joy, happiness, exhilaration, and optimistic outlook. This mental disorder, known as manic-depressive psychosis, is characterized by extreme, sudden changes in mood, fluctuating up and down, often without warning.

    Delusions, so-called hallucinations, and psychic oppression are frequently present in victims of occult involvement who have become psychotic. There may be compulsive thoughts of violence and aggression, and destructive emotions of hate, rage, resentment, jealousy, suspicion, envy, malice, and other antisocial abnormalities. Great excitement and perturbation over trivial matters, and other indications of mania are often seen, as well as unpredictable impulses, moods, actions, and other psychopathic indications of insanity.

    There is often found in such persons a continual "flight of ideas." The individual goes off on one tangent or another, often without completing a thought, and there is a general incoherence of thoughts and ideas. Generally, they are irresponsible, unpredictable, and undependable. Unreasonable attitudes or demands are characteristic of demonic activity in such persons.

    As a result of occult involvement, some individuals are in subjection to extreme and uncontrollable passions and appetites. Vile language, sexual allusions or displays are common, together with inexplicable character or personality changes toward moral degeneracy. There may be found such sexual aberrations as homosexuality, masochism, self-abuse, promiscuity, sadism, abnormal sexuality, uncontrollable lustful thoughts and images, and suggestive behavior and dress.

    The presence and activity of demonic powers is also indicated by enslavement to evil habits such as drug addiction, gluttony (compulsive eating), addiction to alcohol or tobacco, compulsive gambling, and many other forms of excess and intemperance.

    2. Psychoneuroses indicative of occult oppression and subjection.
    A neurotic person exhibits symptoms such as persistent, chronic fear or dread. Generally, there is a morbid anxiety that something dreadful is about to happen, or that one has not done something he ought to have done, or has done something that he should not have done, and so on. There are often feelings of apprehension, consternation, panic and hysteria, or evidence of strong nervous tension. The individual often works and lives at a frenzied pace, frequently suffering insomnia and extreme restlessness. Other abnormalities seen in neurotics include difficulty in making decisions, inability to adjust normally to certain situations, and the need of constant guidance and reassurance by others because of personal feelings of inadequacy and immaturity, or the fear of failure. Extreme hypersensitivity, irritability, and impatience are common. The individual is often ill-humored, argumentative, defiant, negative, always "on the defensive," and highly critical of others in an effort to justify his own deep feelings of inadequacy.

    The most pathetic and difficult forms of neurotic oppression to deal with are the deep-rooted feelings of self-pity and the abnormal desire for attention found in some individuals. They dread being alone for any length of time and have need of constant companionship and conversation. They often feel mistreated, misunderstood, misrepresented, and disliked by others. Frequently, they develop some psychosomatic ailment or disease as a result of the subconscious desire for attention, in order to find escape through sickness from the problems and perplexities of life. Such persons, called "hypochondriacs," seek to control and manipulate others by the shrewd use of their illness. Their households and families are forced to adjust to their abnormal life and whims, sacrificing everything for their personal comfort. Edited. Shared.
    To be Continued.

    God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
    ❤️EVIDENCE OF OCCULT OPPRESSION AND SUBJECTION. Part 1 of 3 We must distinguish between general oppression and occult oppression and subjection. The symptoms may be similar in many respects, but in several important aspects they are not. The marks of occult involvement are easily distinguished to one experienced in this particular area of deliverance. As a result of failing to distinguish between occult oppression and general demonic oppression issuing from other causes, many who have had prayer for deliverance have not been permanently set free. As we will show, those who have been involved in occultism have opened a "door" of access to oppressing spirits which they themselves must close by positive action and faith on their part. Moreover, liberation from occult oppression or subjection requires proper understanding of its peculiar nature and cause, the specific method of deliverance required, and the spiritual responsibilities of the one who has received deliverance from occult oppression. General oppression, whether mental, physical, or spiritual, may result from any one of several causes. For example, it may result from some traumatic experience, sin, weakness, emotional crisis, resentment, hate, pride, fear, or illness. Occult oppression and subjection, however, always result from an individual's involvement in some form of fortunetelling, magic practice, spiritism, or false religious cult, either as practitioner, or, as is most often the case, as subject, follower, or participant. Moreover, experience has shown that it is possible for a person to be "passively" subjected or oppressed, even though he has never actively participated in the occult. The Biblical basis for this fact is Exodus 20:3-6: God's "curse" falls upon "the children unto the third and fourth generation" of those who violate His commandment by calling upon other gods (demonic spirits and powers), which they do through involvement in the occult, for the purpose of breaking through the bounds which God has set for man. The magnitude of the sin of occult involvement, which is an abomination to God (Deuteronomy 18:12), is confirmed by its deep power of enslavement, not only upon the participants themselves, but even upon their descendants. The reality of such passive oppression and subjection has been shown in the preceding study. Both from Scripture and from experience it is evident that evil spirits who oppress human victims are of various kinds, and work in a variety of ways. There are blind spirits, deaf spirits, epileptic spirits, deceiving spirits, and lying spirits; spirits of pride, intellectualism, lust, infirmity, insanity, homosexuality, suicide, fear, apathy, anger, discord, strife, hate, resentment, depression, stubbornness, misunderstanding, gossip, obscenity, and many others. Oppression may be subjective, such as insanity, lust, or loss of health through disease and affliction; or objective, in which case the victim may be plagued by demonic apparitions and voices, or troubled by discord and strife through vexation by evil spirits. These malevolent spirits are definite personalities, not mere habits, diseases, psychological conditions, or states of mind. Just as human beings vary in personality, power, ability, appetites, intelligence, and purpose, so do the demonic spirits. Their primary intention, as disembodied spirits, is to oppress or possess a person appealing to their particular nature or appetites, in order to hide, as it were, behind these traits, habits, weaknesses, and mental or physical conditions, and thereby escape detection. An individual given to sexual looseness and excess, for instance, opens the door to demonic control in this particular area of his life by a spirit of lust with this characteristic appetite. The same would be true concerning a person who has a violent temper which he does not bring under control, or those who are given to pride, jealousy, hate, depression, gluttony, drug addiction, or any other weakness of character, mind or body. Demonic spirits seek to oppress those whose make-up, character, temperament, appetites, and moral, mental, or physical weaknesses are most harmonious to themselves. They bury themselves in the very structure of the person and actually identify with the personality of the victim insofar as possible. This is why it is difficult for the novice to discern, or the medical doctor, psychologist, and psychiatrist to admit, the reality and activity of demonic spirits in such victims. The latter reduce such diseases as epilepsy, cancer, blindness and deafness, as well as abnormal personality and behavior problems, to functional or organic disorders. Hence, the presence and activity of demonic spirits in their victims are often described by other terms such as: complexes, habits, drives, hallucinations, delusions, delirium tremens, insanity, epilepsy, melancholia, masochism, homosexuality, schizophrenia, mania, depression, psychoneurosis, psychosis, compulsions, drug addiction, disease, and so on. Not that the terms are entirely inaccurate, but in many cases they are inadequate. They do not go deep enough in identifying the conditions and phenomena connected with the work of the powers of darkness in the lives of the oppressed. Likewise, the parapsychologist describes the various manifestations of demonic powers by such terms as clairvoyance, telepathy, extrasensory perception, eidetic imagery, hypnotic suggestion, precognition, telesthesia, psychic phenomena, and so forth. He holds that such paranormal abilities and powers are merely manifestations and projections of the human subconscious or psyche, or that they can be explained in some other natural and rational manner as a rule. Thus, the presence and activity of such personal entities as demonic spirits are not easily perceptible to the analytical investigators of the paranormal, for the precise reason that Satan does not publicly announce his presence and work in an individual by handing out "calling cards"! However, growing numbers of psychologists, psychiatrists, and physicians are beginning to see and admit that they can no longer dismiss demonic oppression as mere religious delusion or pagan superstition. They are finding it to be a dreadful reality, and that there are definite limits beyond which medicine and psychiatry cannot penetrate to bring the necessary liberation to the suffering individual. In one instance, the church which a certain person pastored was contacted by a Christian psychologist asking for prayer for the deliverance of one of his patients. He recognized that the woman was bound and oppressed by Satan and that he was unable to help her with mere technical knowledge and skills. After the church prayed in faith for her liberation in the Name of Jesus, the psychologist reported that she had been set free. He was then able to counsel effectively with her, which he had been unable to do previously. Dr. William S. Reed, a well-known American surgeon, was reported to have said that he, as a surgeon, was convinced that many psychological and physical illnesses are the result of demonic attacks upon the individual; that on the basis of Mark 16:17, he himself used exorcism (casting out of evil spirits) when guided to do so; and that modern medicine and psychiatry should seriously consider the ministry of exorcism. Often the connections between occult involvement and the oppression which results are so subtle that people are completely unaware of the insidious relationship until it is pointed out. For instance, who would have connected the chronic physical illness of Mrs. L. with her visit to a fortune teller? Mr. R. did not believe that his playing with the ouija board had any adverse spiritual effects upon him until it was manifested in his inability to exercise faith to receive the Holy Spirit. For many years Mrs. T. was unaware that her persistent marital problems and apathy toward life began the day after her participation in a seance. And who would have seen the cause of the chronic phobias and doubts of another person who had been healed as an infant by an occult or magic healer? Mr. B. regularly visited fortune tellers, but did not realize until it was shown him that this accounted for an uncontrollable spirit of lust, from which he could not escape, and also explained his pride, indifference, immaturity, and hate. A brutal, demon possessed child, subject to periods of violent rage, was the result of the parents' participation in the occult, but this was unknown until counseling revealed the cause. Mrs. C. suffered from severe depression and thoughts of self destruction, little realizing that her participation in seances was the cause. Miss W. had been committed to a mental institution at one time, spent much money visiting doctors, psychologists, and psychiatrists, and had sought help and counseling from many sources concerning her psychotic condition, all to no avail. Little did she realize that it resulted from her past fortunetelling practices and other occult connections. Likewise, Mrs. G. was unaware that her visits to the fortune tellers were responsible for the "voices" she heard and demonic apparitions she saw, until this was shown her in counseling. Who would have seen a connection between the morbid depression and extreme negativism of Mr. V. and his visits to meetings of Spiritualists and other religious cults such as Theosophy and Rosicrucians, even though he only went out of curiosity? Homosexuality and fear of crowds were the result of another individual's involvement in the practice of table-tipping and consulting the ouija board as a child. The rapid mental and physical deterioration of another victim of occult oppression was traced to submission to hypnotism and treatment by "Concept Therapy." Mrs. D. found through counseling that her depression and lack of desire for spiritual things followed her visit to a fortune teller. Although he had prepared for the ministry, Mr. T. later fell back into the world, was divorced, and lost interest in Christianity. He was then surprised to learn that his troubles stemmed from his practice of self-hypnosis, astrology, and other occult interests. The removal of warts by magic charming and involvement in other magic practices has resulted in alcoholism, oppression by sex spirits, and other forms of demonic oppression in some cases. The parents' participation in occult practices resulted in a young man and a young woman being oppressed by demonic apparitions and vexed with other problems. Palm reading was the cause of one woman's serious domestic problems, and another's oppression in which she heard voices and saw a ghostly apparition. Water dowsing explained the resistance of one man to the Scriptural teaching concerning the Holy Spirit. It was also the cause of another's vexation with a serious problem over which he could not achieve victory, and resulted in insanity to still another who practiced this ancient heathen method of divining. Playing with the ouija board and visits to fortunetellers led Mrs. F. to attempt suicide. The consequence of having a burn "blown" away by magic charming was severe depression for Mrs. R. The relation between the mental illness of Mrs. A. and her practice of table-tipping as a child seemed remote until she experienced immediate liberation upon confessing this occult sin and receiving prayer for deliverance. Another, who could have no assurance of salvation, due to oppression by a deceiving spirit, was delivered when she was shown the connection between her mental suffering and a healing she had received from a psychometric healer who diagnosed her illness by touch. Chronic asthma was the consequence of involvement in magical practices, from which a sufferer was set free upon learning of the cause. Liberation from severe mental, physical, and spiritual oppression came to another who fell victim to the insidious powers of darkness after visits to Spiritualists' meetings, while another was set free from psychic subjection which resulted from occult practices, when shown the source and nature of her extrasensory powers. The examples from this certain pastor’s files could be multiplied, for there are few families in which at least one member has not had contact with occult spirits in one form or another, with its resultant oppression or subjection. Although few people are aware of the various forms in which occult oppression and subjection express themselves, there is no doubt that occult involvement always results in bondage. This conclusion is based on a pastor’s experiences in deliverance. First he had established the connection between the occult involvement and the bondage, then the oppressed individual confessed his occult sins and commanded Satan to depart. The result is always the same: the person is delivered. In instances where the individual was also psychically subjected (having extrasensory powers, seeing apparitions, hearing spirit voices, and so on), these experiences have immediately ceased, thereby proving their occult source. A distinction should be made between "subjection" and "oppression" resulting from occult involvement. Subjection means that malevolent spirits have brought the victim under the domination and control of the powers of darkness. The victim has been made subject to, or enslaved by, such things as sexual lust, violent temper, drugs, uncontrollable thoughts, resistance to divine things, compulsive behavior, lying, hate, religious delusions, self-pity, or forms of occultism. A person thus subjected often becomes psychic himself, and is so enslaved by occultism that he lacks the will, and sometimes even the desire, to be set free. Oppression resulting from occult involvement means that the victim has been afflicted with some form of mental, physical, emotional, or psychic ailment or distress such as depression, fear, mental illness, disease, pain, apathy, marital discord, compulsive thoughts of suicide, apparitions, and so forth. The characteristics listed in the rest of this study are evidences of occult subjection and oppression. Some of these symptoms may result from other causes, but the existence of any of these manifestations usually indicates the presence and activity of demonic spirits, as well as the need for deliverance. Occult subjection and oppression may be classified for clarification into five categories: Mental and Emotional; Psychic; Spiritual; Physical; Material, Domestic, and Social. A. Mental and Emotional Disturbances and Abnormalities. Contrary to common wisdom, many psychoneuroses, psychoses, and other mental and emotional abnormalities result, not from functional or organic causes, but from occult involvement. Some of the following symptoms could be classified as "psychic" disturbances or abnormalities in character; however, we will purposely be limiting our later discussion of "psychic" subjection and oppression to the strict parapsychological sense of the term, namely, to extrasensory functioning, such as clairvoyance, telepathy, and precognition, and to such psychic phenomena as apparitions or poltergeist activity. Note further that "mental and emotional" does not necessarily imply "inward," but many of the following mental and emotional disturbances and abnormalities will also affect the outward behavior of the oppressed individual. 1. Psychoses indicative of occult oppression or subjection. Symptoms in this category include serious, prolonged depression or melancholia; resignation to failure or misfortune; habitual gloominess, morbidity and negativism, boredom and indifference (ennui), as well as apathy in general. Persons thus afflicted are often more interested in their own inward thoughts than in what goes on around them, and may respond in an abnormal, dull manner to others and to reality. They manifest extreme introversion; that is, they live within themselves and take no interest in their surroundings. At times they shun others, withdrawing and spending long periods of time alone, sometimes in a darkened room with the shades drawn, in a morose state of mind. Excessive weeping may also accompany this condition, as well as self-accusation of sins, frequently with thoughts of self-destruction. Such individuals often lack normal emotional response and contact with reality. They live in a private world where little affects them except their own fantasies and dreams. In some oppressed persons, this state of depression alternates with a directly opposite mood of extreme joy, happiness, exhilaration, and optimistic outlook. This mental disorder, known as manic-depressive psychosis, is characterized by extreme, sudden changes in mood, fluctuating up and down, often without warning. Delusions, so-called hallucinations, and psychic oppression are frequently present in victims of occult involvement who have become psychotic. There may be compulsive thoughts of violence and aggression, and destructive emotions of hate, rage, resentment, jealousy, suspicion, envy, malice, and other antisocial abnormalities. Great excitement and perturbation over trivial matters, and other indications of mania are often seen, as well as unpredictable impulses, moods, actions, and other psychopathic indications of insanity. There is often found in such persons a continual "flight of ideas." The individual goes off on one tangent or another, often without completing a thought, and there is a general incoherence of thoughts and ideas. Generally, they are irresponsible, unpredictable, and undependable. Unreasonable attitudes or demands are characteristic of demonic activity in such persons. As a result of occult involvement, some individuals are in subjection to extreme and uncontrollable passions and appetites. Vile language, sexual allusions or displays are common, together with inexplicable character or personality changes toward moral degeneracy. There may be found such sexual aberrations as homosexuality, masochism, self-abuse, promiscuity, sadism, abnormal sexuality, uncontrollable lustful thoughts and images, and suggestive behavior and dress. The presence and activity of demonic powers is also indicated by enslavement to evil habits such as drug addiction, gluttony (compulsive eating), addiction to alcohol or tobacco, compulsive gambling, and many other forms of excess and intemperance. 2. Psychoneuroses indicative of occult oppression and subjection. A neurotic person exhibits symptoms such as persistent, chronic fear or dread. Generally, there is a morbid anxiety that something dreadful is about to happen, or that one has not done something he ought to have done, or has done something that he should not have done, and so on. There are often feelings of apprehension, consternation, panic and hysteria, or evidence of strong nervous tension. The individual often works and lives at a frenzied pace, frequently suffering insomnia and extreme restlessness. Other abnormalities seen in neurotics include difficulty in making decisions, inability to adjust normally to certain situations, and the need of constant guidance and reassurance by others because of personal feelings of inadequacy and immaturity, or the fear of failure. Extreme hypersensitivity, irritability, and impatience are common. The individual is often ill-humored, argumentative, defiant, negative, always "on the defensive," and highly critical of others in an effort to justify his own deep feelings of inadequacy. The most pathetic and difficult forms of neurotic oppression to deal with are the deep-rooted feelings of self-pity and the abnormal desire for attention found in some individuals. They dread being alone for any length of time and have need of constant companionship and conversation. They often feel mistreated, misunderstood, misrepresented, and disliked by others. Frequently, they develop some psychosomatic ailment or disease as a result of the subconscious desire for attention, in order to find escape through sickness from the problems and perplexities of life. Such persons, called "hypochondriacs," seek to control and manipulate others by the shrewd use of their illness. Their households and families are forced to adjust to their abnormal life and whims, sacrificing everything for their personal comfort. Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
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  • PRAISE REPORT
    The Gospel Is Reaching the Unreached in Pakistan!
    God Is Faithfully Building His Kingdom
    Lives are being transformed through the power of the Gospel as we continue reaching remote villages and brick kiln communities across Pakistan.
    Through God's grace, we are proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ where many have never heard His name.
    Our Mission Includes
    Preaching the Gospel in remote villages
    Making disciples of Jesus Christ
    Teaching the Word of God
    Bible distribution
    Prayer, worship, and fellowship
    Encouraging families with the love of Christ
    Reaching children with the Gospel
    To God Be All the Glory!
    Every prayer, every Bible shared, and every soul reached is for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
    Thank you to everyone who prays for and supports this ministry. Together, we are advancing the Kingdom of God.
    Please Pray For
    • God's protection over our ministry team
    • Open doors to reach more unreached communities
    • More laborers for the harvest
    • Salvation and spiritual growth throughout Pakistan
    Bible Verse
    "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few."
    Matthew 9:37
    Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
    Hebrews 13:8
    PRAISE REPORT The Gospel Is Reaching the Unreached in Pakistan! 🇵🇰✝️ God Is Faithfully Building His Kingdom Lives are being transformed through the power of the Gospel as we continue reaching remote villages and brick kiln communities across Pakistan. Through God's grace, we are proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ where many have never heard His name. Our Mission Includes ✅ Preaching the Gospel in remote villages ✅ Making disciples of Jesus Christ ✅ Teaching the Word of God ✅ Bible distribution ✅ Prayer, worship, and fellowship ✅ Encouraging families with the love of Christ ✅ Reaching children with the Gospel To God Be All the Glory! Every prayer, every Bible shared, and every soul reached is for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you to everyone who prays for and supports this ministry. Together, we are advancing the Kingdom of God. Please Pray For • God's protection over our ministry team • Open doors to reach more unreached communities • More laborers for the harvest • Salvation and spiritual growth throughout Pakistan Bible Verse "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few." Matthew 9:37 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8
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