Bible Study And Christian Articles

Are The Dead Still Among Us?

There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire (be sacrificed), or that useth divination (fortune-telling), or an observer of times (astrologer), or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits (demons), or a wizard, or a NECROMANCER (one who conjures up and/or talks to the dead). For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).

Deuteronomy 18:10-12

Since the dead no longer have physical bodies, when we see or hear them, we are seeing and hearing a spirit. In this section we'll learn how the Bible teaches us that its not possible for the living to contact the dead nor the dead the living. If this is true, why would the Bible forbid us to do something that we can't do in the first place?

Soul, Body, Spirit

Understanding how communication with the deceased is impossible requires knowing that man is a three part being composed of a soul, body and spirit. In 1 Thessalonians 5:23 we read: ...I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless (without sin) unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"Body" refers to the physical body needed for life on this earth. "Spirit" refers to man's spiritual body that resides in him.

...There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. (1 Corinthians 15:44).

The soul is man's intellect, thoughts, intentions and reasoning power. It is the soul which controls the physical body. The physical body doesn't carry out murder unless the soul is first filled with anger and often a plot. Adultery is committed only after the soul is filled with lust. If the soul is not cleansed, it will compel the physical body to carry out the sin. The bloody animal sacrifices of the Old Testament purified only the flesh (physical body), but the blood of Jesus purifies the heart (soul/mind/conscience - Hebrews 9:13-14). Jesus explained that even our thoughts can be sin (Matthew 5:28). This is why God told us to actively cooperate with Him in the control of the soul (mind).

Casting down imaginations (a product of the soul/mind), and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Your spiritual body, however, is never to be controlled by your mind nor that of anyone else! Where does it say this in the Bible? Before going to the scripture we must understand the meaning of the word "asunder" which means to be "apart", "divided", completely "separated", "cut". God taught us that He put an asunder (division) between the soul and spirit of a man for the express purpose of dividing the two. Throughout the Bible we see that God divides two things in order to keep them separate. He separated the light from the darkness (Genesis 1:4) and then commanded that the two not be in communion together (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). Likewise, God put the dividing asunder between the soul and spirit body of a man so that man would not be able to control his spirit body with his mind.

For the Word of God is quick (alive) and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the DIVIDING ASUNDER OF SOUL AND SPIRIT (Hebrews 4:12).

God put the dividing asunder between man's soul and spirit so that he could not control his own spirit body or that of anyone else. Man, in his rebellion, seeks to control his spirit anyway, regardless of what God has said. Nevertheless, he cannot undo what God has done. He cannot bring back together what God has said should remain separate during this present world.

I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him (Ecclesiastes 3:14).

We see that God,through his dividing asunder, has made it impossible for man to control his spirit body or that of anyone else. However, its not impossible for man to use the power of evil spirits to control his spirit body since he can no longer do this himself with his mind. Many who practice such things as astral travel are deceived into thinking they are using the power of their own mind when in reality they are using the powers of demons.

These arts are demonic because they defy God. These arts feign restoration of man's control over his spirit body. Notice that they focus on mind control and that hypnosis is one of the arts that gives another person control of your mind. This is to make the practitioner of these arts believe they have regained control of their "inner being" (spirit) when in fact they've given control of their mind over to evil entities whose goal is to prevent obedience to the Lord Jesus. The use of demonic power in any way, shape or form, is pure witchcraft!

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, WITCHRAFT...of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall NOT inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21).

If you don't inherit the kingdom of God, what kingdom do you think you will inherit? There is no such thing as a neutral kingdom or powers. You either serve sin which leads to death or righteousness which is eternal life (Romans 6:16). You drink the cup of the Lord or the cup of devils. You partake of the Lord's table or of the table of devils (1 Corinthians 10:21).

Is That Your Deceased Mother?

Let's now ask if demonic power can be used to call up the spirit of someone deceased since it can be used to control our own spirit man? The Bible says no, emphatically! First, the dead have no more control over their spirit than do the living. The difference is that the living can use demonic power. But once a man has died, he can no longer call on satanic power to control his spirit even if he practiced witchcraft when he was living. Why? Because God has made it impossible for anyone, deceased or living, to communicate with the dead. This is so thorough that not even the most powerful witchcraft can acheive this. Notice that God forbids the living to seek communication with the dead. Now, notice that nowhere in the Bible do we read a commandment that was issued to the dead to not talk to the living. This is because there is absolutely no way possible for them to do this, not even through satanic power. Therefore, there's no need to issue such a useless command. They are forever separated from this present physical world.

The spirits of dead men, both righteous and unrighteous, are totally under the control of the Lord who will not allow them to use demonic power to communicate with the living.

For to him that is joined to all the living (still alive) there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they shall die: but THE DEAD KNOW NOT ANY THING, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun (in this present world) (Ecclesiastes 9:4-6)

A living dog is better than a dead lion. Although a dog is weaker than a lion, he is better as its better to have the strength of the weaker dog than the uselessness of the dead lion. The lion is dead and therefore cannot help you, speak to you, see you or have any dealings with you even if he had been your pet when alive. "The memory of them is forgotten." We know that we remember who the dead were although they're no longer with us. However, they are not remembered in every day conversation as the living are. The Bible's use of the word "remember" is often seen in such context. Think about it, when we say: "Please remember me in your prayers." We are asking you to remember us in your daily prayers. We don't want to be prayed for once every couple of years. "Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished." There's no need to be afraid of a dead person who hated us when he was alive because his hatred is dead with him; "perished" means dead. It makes no sense to comfort yourself because a dead relative or friend loved you. They can't love you anymore because their love perished when they perished. They can't be jealous of you anymore because any envy they had perished with them. Finally, we read: "Neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun." A "portion" is the same as saying "a hand in". In other words, the dead no longer have any hand in what happens in life, they cannot interfere for good or evil. "Under the sun", again, refers to this present world. Clearly the Bible is telling us that the dead are forever and completely separated from the happenings of the present world.

Aunt Martha's Departed Spirit?

Departed spirits, ghosts, spooks, restless spirits, or whatever you call them that haunt houses, are periodic apparitions or summoned in seances, are not the spirits of those who once lived on this earth. But if you believe they are, through deception, you will have interaction with what are actually evil spirits. Some will say they're convinced that their aunt Martha, or whoever the deceased person was in their life, came and spoke with them at a certain time and encouraged them from the great beyond. It looked and sounded just like her. Others will argue that if these departed spirits that look like people we knew when they were alive, are actually evil beings, why then do they never harm anyone or do any bad things? Let's remember that Satan is satisfied if he does nothing but prevent you from being saved.

And no marvel (you should not be surprised); for Satan himself is transformed (disguised) into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).

Its often stated that calling up the dead can't be impossible since we read in 1 Samuel 28:7-14 that Samuel was called up from the dead. Some Christians will answer that it was'nt truly Samuel that appeared. However, we can't change the fact that the Bible indeed says it was the real Samuel.

In 1 Samuel 28:11-15, we read:

Then said the woman (the witch of En-dor), Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel. And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul. And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth. And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up: and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived (knew as fact) that it was Samuel..."

Notice that scripture says that the woman "cried with a loud voice". Why? Scripture reveals that she was AFRAID. We read: "And the king said unto her, Be not AFRAID". Why was she afraid? She was afraid because she knew it was'nt her power, that it was'nt the familiar spirit (demon guide that attempts to mimic the Holy Spirit) that lived in her that had called up Samuel. If she thought she was calling up Samuel, and that she had the power to do so, why was she so afraid? After all, conducted seances regularly. What was so different about this time? The difference is that she knew that the figure that she saw was NOT the working of a familiar spirit but rather the actual Samuel appeared. In scripture we read that the woman says: "...for thou art Samuel..." She also asks: "Why hast thou DECEIVED me?" If Samuel is who she truly expected to call up in the first place, why does she says she has been deceived? Did she achieve what she wanted? No, she didn't. She says she is deceived because she understood she was supposed to be using demonic power which would pretend to be the real Samuel, intended to deceive. However, this is'nt what happened which caused her great fear. Samuel was truly called up, but not by her or the familiar spirit that dwelled in her, or by Saul, or by any other man or entity. This woman knew that to call up the real Samuel or any deceased person was absolutely impossible which is why there was the need to deceive through a demonic imitation of the deceased by the familiar spirit (demon) she worked with. This same deception is taking place in today's seances and so-called "prophetic" messages from the dead transmitted through psychics. Again, this is witchcraft.

Unlike many who practice witchcraft in modern times, the witches and warlocks of old were well aware of the demonic power they used, and only seldom did they mistake it for the power of God.

Case studies and teachings on near death experiences are covered in the booklet Biblical Light On Things That Go Bump In The Night.

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The Martial Arts In Light Of The Bible

Note: This writing is directed to those who study any system of the martial arts (Chinese kung-fu/Japanese karate/ Judo etc.), not only to learn to fight but also for health reasons which often leads to the study and practice of Tai Chi Ch'uan (an internal or 'soft' form of Chinese kung-fu).

As a former martial arts practitioner, I have studied tae kwon do, kenpo and the wah lum (northern praying mantis) system of kung-fu. The vast majority of native Westerners (from the Western Hemisphere of the world) is ignorant of the main religions of the countries in which these arts originated. The martial arts were born from tradition, family life and religion, and it should be kept in mind that religion is the most important of these three as it determined tradition and family life. Training in the fighting arts cannot be separated from the religion/s in which they were founded. Let's learn why.

One doesn't have to pray to Buddha or bow to a statue of him in order to show honor to the spirits behind Buddhism. You don't have to go as far as fasting during the muslim observance of Ramadan to show honor to Allah, the god of Islam. One can give honor to the hindu gods without ever embracing Hinduism. Likewise, we do not have to become a Christian in order to show honor to the Lord.

Each time one refrains from using profanity in a Christian church, he gives honor to God. When one will not take God's name in vain or does things such as showing more care in handling the Holy Bibly than any other book, he gives honor to God. His giving honor to God by no means is a substitute for salvation. Nevertheless, such behavior is acknowledged by the Lord and is an invitation for Him to come the more into your life. Likewise, honor shown to idol gods is also an invitation for them to come the more into your life.

In the book of Acts in the Bible, tenth chapter, we read of a man named Cornelius who had great respect and fear of God and honored Him in every way he knew how. Cornelius, nevertheless, did not know Jesus as his Savior and therefore could only honor God to a certain degree. However, his behavior was a strong invitation and welcome for God to come into his life to save him. In the tenth chapter of the book of Acts, you will read exactly how Cornelius' honor of God invited the Lord's Spirit into his life. You will see that although Cornelius did not understand how to have a real relationship with God because he did not know to believe on His Son Jesus, his continual honor of the Lord led to God coming powerfully into his life and saving him.

The various forms of the martial arts are just a few of the many 'arts' that originated in the East (predominately the Far East/the Orient) by the will of the gods behind them. When these arts are practiced, although we don't necessarily become Buddhist or Hindu, we invite the spirits behind the arts into our lives whether we know it or not. Cornelius, although mistaken, had some idea of what he was doing when he gave honor to God. However, Satan does not care whether we are aware or not of any honor we give to him. God comes into our life through our willful and conscious cooperation with Him (James 4:8). However, Satan, works by deception (Revelation 12:9, 20:2-3,8) and seeks honor and worship (Matthew 4:8-10) from those who realize and those who don't realize what they are doing. God said:

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge... (Hosea 4:6).

Here lies the grave danger. This is why the Bible issues serious warnings against taking up, or being involved in any way with the practices originating in the Eastern Hemisphere (east of the Promised Land). One of several warnings is found in the book of Isaiah.

Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished (take up/are involved in the practices) from the east... (Isaiah 2:6).

It is true that kung fu is considered among the solutions for the danger of being the victim of a violent crime but it is far from being reliable protection. In trying to secure some sense of confidence and protection, you end up exposing yourself to a danger much more terrible than the one of the streets. This is why king David, a faithful servant of God, said:

...I will not trust in my bow (and arrow), neither shall my sword save me. (Psalm 44:6)

I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from mine enemies. (Psalm 18:3)

Exactly what danger am I referring to? How many practitioners of the martial arts have ever stopped to question the teachings of their schools? When you are told to breathe a certain way or to do certain exercises in order to develop your 'chi' energy, you obey them without question. Ask yourself if you would know how to explain in depth what 'chi' is? You are taught that once your 'chi' energy is developed you will have more power as your 'vital energy' flows through your body. It is believed that deep breathing during strenuous exercise such as swimming serves only to improve your physical health. Other exercises such as Buddha hand breathing supposedly develops the so-called chi energy. Energies, powers and forces DO NOT EXIST! 'Chi' is a New Age term used to describe the energies, vibrations and powers behind the martial arts that are neither holy nor neutral! The following scriptures teach us that there is no middle ground. You are either with Jesus or you are against Him, you either serve sin or you serve righteousness, you serve one master or the other, you make sacrifices to the devil or to God.

His servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death or of obedience unto righteousness. (Romans 6:16)

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love (choose) the other or else he will hold to the one and despise (reject) the other. (Matthew 6:24)

Jesus said: he that is not with me is against me. (Matthew 12:30)

The things which the gentiles (those who do not serve the God of Israel) sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils and not to God. (1 Corinthians 10:20)

In all of the above scriptures, the Bible refers to only TWO sides, either holy or unholy but not to a middle ground. If you try to make a middle ground by 'straddling the line' between the things of God and those of the devil so as to be able to do what you want, you will end up being a luke warm Christian because:

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils, ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table and the table of devils. (1 Corinthians 10:21)

So then because thou art lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew (spit) thee out of my mouth (reject you). (Revelation 3:16)

These scriptures plainly tell us that there is no middle ground. The energies, forces and powers of the fighting arts are demonic. These satanic powers make techniques such as 'iron palm', 'iron body', dim mak (the death touch) possible. The internal arts such as Tai Chi Ch'uan, Hsing-I and Pa Kua teach how to meditate to blank out your mind. Don't be deceived, this type of meditation is by no means a way to relax yourself or to escape your anxieties or worries so that your 'energy' flows freely. But what does God's word say about meditation? It gives us various scriptures that all have one thing in common. God's servants never meditated to blank out their mind, on the contrary, they meditated on something in order to think it through and over.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (Psalm 1:2)

O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. (Psalm 119:97)

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein. (Joshua 1:8)

The eastern forms of meditation such as meditating upon nothing but a light bulb, to relax and attain peace, expose you to the outward influence of evil spirits which can lead to their indwelling (possession). The Bible talks ONLY of ACTIVE meditation, and the Bible is our guide for how EVERYTHING should be done.

For whatsoever things were written aforetime (the times before us/in history) were written for our learning. (Romans 15:4)

Blanking out the mind does NOT help you to attain true peace but rather:

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee ('Thee' means 'you' in reference to God. These are the words king David spoke to God). (Isaiah 26:3)

What's more, the Bible warns against the danger of blanking out your mind. We are supposed to keep ourselves ALERT!

Be sober, be vigilant (alert/on the watch) because your adversary the devil as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

Your response may be that the fact that in none of these scriptures do we find anyone blanking out his/her mind does not necessarily mean that we must accept such a doctrine about meditation. Let's remember that the Bible tells us what we should and should NOT do and although it was written in ancient times, it is the Gospel that remains forever and all doctrines should be based on the one great doctrine of the holy scriptures.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)

But the word of the Lord endureth forever and this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (1 Peter 1:25)

Satan and his demons have easy access to a blanked out mind. Your training also involves you fighting duels with imaginary opponents while practicing your katas (forms) and techniques in preparation for real combat. Although David and Gideon of the Old Testament were warriors, nowhere in the Bible do we read of them training with imaginary opponents or using 'energies'. Almost always your opponent is maimed or killed but how is this seen in the eyes of God? Is this how He would have you react?

Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7)

If you practice imagining yourself as one who maims and kills, you are in preparation to become one who will maim and kill. Webster's definition of 'idol' is an image of a god used as an object of worship, an object of excessive devotion or admiration. Authentic training requires excessive devotion of your time and energy.

Some schools require that you bow before photos of the deceased founders of the art and even before statues of Buddha or other idols (though you may not realize it at the time). Why do I call Buddha an idol? Earlier in this writing I gave enough scriptures that tell us that there are no neutral energies. Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism as well as many other doctrines deny that Jesus is the Son of God, the messiah, the Christ and the Savior of the world.

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist. (1 John 2:22)

You shall not bow down thyself to them nor serve them for I the Lord your God am a jealous God. (Exodus 20:5)

In martial arts schools, there is the 'master'. The'master' is greatly admired and you bow before him to show your admiration. Jesus warned God's people not to even call the teachers of the Holy Scriptures 'master'. How is it that a Christian will be innocent in calling the teacher of an ungodly art, their master? Again, we will be judged for what we speak out of our mouths and every time you refer to your sensei (martial arts instructor) as 'master' you will answer to the one and only Master one day as to why you broke this commandment of His.

But be not ye called rab'bi (which means 'master/teacher' see St John 1:38); for one is your master even (who is) Christ. (Matthew 23:8)

Finally, I would like to talk about some of the movements of the forms, techniques and stretching 'exercises' that are taught. Since ancient times body postures have been used to conjure up demonic power. According to Webster's dictionary, 'religion' is belief and reverence for an entity (spirit being) who is accepted as creator and ruler of the universe. The martial arts were born out of Buddhism and other Far Eastern (oriental)'religions' that worship demons through the body postures and movements of katas and karate/kung-fu techniques! During the Ming dynasty, Wang Yang Ming founded a 'religion' that was a mixture of Taoism and Ch'uan Buddhism. His 'religion' was based on a system of movements and many names of the movements of Tai Chi for example were inspired in the practice of that demonic 'religion'.

The Bird flies into the forest

The serpent crawls down the tree

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3)

Training in the martial arts blinds you so that you cannot understand your need to accept Christ as your Savior and/or it ultimately leads to your backsliding. The practice of the martial arts is a sin and sin deceives and then it kills!

For sin taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. (Romans 7:11)

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world (Satan) hath blinded the minds of them which believe not. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

As a former practitioner of the martial arts I have personally experienced the shock of this information. Afterwards, I was greatly depressed at the thought of having to give up the practice of Kung Fu. But if you will hear the voice of God, please don't become stubborn against Him.

For Godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation. (2 Corinthians 7:10)

Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. (Hebrews 3:7)

Immediately after, in no way should you turn back to participation in the fighting arts.

And Jesus said unto him, no man having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:62)

We also recommend the reading of an article entitled: The Truth About Spontaneous Chi Kung (Jinns/Demonic Possession) which enters into much greater detail regarding the movements, exercises, and body postures associated with the martial arts and 'chi energy'. This article is not by Heavenly Manna Ministries.

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Beginning of Thread - The Martial Arts In Light Of The Bible

Comment: I became involved with the martial arts as a kid as well as other activities which introduce young people to the occult. I thank God for His Word which exposed these 'arts' for what they are and their dangers. Very valuable article.

Our Response:Thank you

Comment: Why would you give the martial arts a bad name when their practice helps people to defend themselves, develop self-discipline, attain physical fitness and respect for others? Why would you attempt to vilify very positive attributes?

Our Response: The Bible has warned that even Satan will present himself as angel of light. The scripture of 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 says: And no marvel (don't be surprised); for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. The fact that something has positive aspects does not make it acceptable in the eyes of God. We read: ...Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts, for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God (Luke 16:15). The Bible further warns man against making judgment of what is evil and what is good based on his own thoughts and reasoning which leads to calling many things good that God has judged as evil and evil as good. Continuing to do such is warned against. We read: Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight (Isaiah 5:20-21). This is why God said: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Comment: Heavenly Manna and anyone else that believes that God has condemned the practice of the martial arts is a lunatic. They are shameful fellow Christians to be avoided by real Christians.

Our Response: The Bible says that many people called our Lord a mad man, and a man with a devil.

And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? (St. John 10:20) It would not be logical to expect better treatment than our Lord. We also read that the time is coming when there will be those who will kill the followers of Christ thinking that they are doing God a service. Jesus said: They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh that whosoever killith you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you because they have not known the Father, nor me (St. John 16:2-3). There is no reason for us to be surprised at such a comment having been warned by our Lord to expect such. Jesus said to his servants these words: The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub (the devil), how much more shall they call them of his household? (Matthew 10:24-25)

Comment: So what is someone to do in this violent world, keep turning the other cheek? Who in their right mind is going to do that?

Our Response: Such comment is taken out of context from the fifth chapter of Matthew. In the same chapter of Matthew, verses 29-30, we read: And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee...and if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee. Even the unlearned in the scriptures realize that a man is not to pluck his eye out or cut off his hand if it offends him. Why does 'turn the other cheek' suddenly become a literal instruction? To misquote such a scripture only reveals gross misunderstanding and/or deliberate twisting of scripture. Gaining a sound understanding of what the word 'offend' means might be a good place to start to avoid such abuse of scripture.

Comment: The scriptures given in the article have nothing to do with the martial arts!

Our Response: We read: But the word of the Lord endureth forever (Psalm 100:5), and But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you (1 Peter 1:25). What have these scriptures to do with our response? Everything. Down through the approximate 10,000 years that Earth has existed, there have been numerous generation, many of which have greatly modernized, evolving into the highly technical world we live in today. Many cultures have come and gone, languages have died off and customs have dissappeared. In the passing of thousands of years, vocabulary has greatly changed. We could not even understand the English spoken many hundreds of years ago because it has changed so much. Words like computer, automobile, and dishwasher didn't even exist in the 1800.s. Some words cannot even be translated, but rather have to be explained because they are unique to a certain culture. Now then, the Bible speaks to all of these generations no matter what time period they lived in. How is it that anyone can think that the Bible is going to use words that are familiar to any modernized culture of today that did not exist in the holy land in Bible times? The Bible doesn't say things like thou shalt not commit abortion. Neither the word abortion nor the techniques we have today existed in back then, but murder did. Therefore, it is ilogical to say that we cannot associate the commandment thou shalt not kill with abortion by trying to say that God was only talking to Israel of that day. Whatever the various and numerous ways of wrongfully taking someone's life is called, they are all condemned under thou shalt not kill. The Bible rarely name things specifically because names change so often and have different meaning in different cultures and time periods as evidenced by modern dictionaries. This is why we don't ever read: thou shalt not gamble or thou shalt not burglarize. Likewise, we are not going to read thou shalt not practice the martial arts. However, the scriptures given, condemn the activities, practices, doctrines, beliefs, teachings and ways of the martial arts. The Bible does more describing things that are to be considered condemned by God and those that are praisworthy because the use of names is unreliable and ambiguous, but the deed is clearly defined. Names for activities may change, but the activity itself does not.

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done; and there is no new thing under the sun (in this world). (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

This is why we are to allow ALL scripture to teach us and to be our guide as to what is good and evil in God's sight.

ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable (useful/good) for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Comment: I agree with your author that Tai Chi, Kempo, Tae Kwon Do and kung-fu are heavily influenced by Buddhism. Afterall, any style ending in the suffix "-do" tends to be a lifestyle, or a "way". However, any style ending in "-jutsu" as in Jiu-jitsu, Aiki-jutsu etc, are simply military arts designed to inflict as much damage as possible on the opponent while minimizing one's own damage. The grappling styles originated in the Mesopotamian Valley, particularly in the area of Ur of the Chaldees, you know- where Abram came from.

Our Response: The reader alludes to the fact that Jiu-jitsu or any other "grappling" martial art must be okay to practice since supposedly it originated in the land of Ur, Abram's first home (Abram became a great man of God). Such a conclusion lacks both logic and biblical support. First, are we to say that because Abram came from Ur and he obeyed God, jiu-jitsu must also be okay/good because it also came from Ur? This could be used to justify anything that came out of Ur! Second, it appears that the reader is unaware that Abram started out as a pagan who lived in a land filled with pagan worshippers (Joshua 24:2-3). In Joshua we read this truth and furthermore learn that he was called OUT of the land of Ur, AWAY from his pagan relatives and people. We then see the most disturbing comment the reader made which was that jiu-jitsu, Aiki-jutsu, etc. are designed to inflict as much damage as possible on the opponent while minimizing one's own damage. How is this even remotely in agreement with Jesus who said to His followers:

...Be ye therefore wise as serpents and HARMLESS as doves. (Matthew 10:16)

Furthermore, we read that Jesus, when reviled and attacked, never returned what was dished out to Him (1 Peter 2:23). Christians do not defend themselves, nor attack in the same manner as did David and his armies. Why? Obviously, because we are no longer under the Old Testament during which the servants of God were His ministers of death (2 Corinthians 3:6-9). This means that people like David were actually supposed to carry out God's punishment and judgment in war. Saul actuallly fell into grave trouble with God for sparing someone's life that God had ordered killed (1 Samuel 15:19-21). The servants of God under the New Testament are the servants of His MERCY! (2 Corinthians 3:6-9). We don't handle things the way king David and his armies did in old times. It is neither biblical nor logical to try to compare the two very different ministries in an attempt to biblically justify an activity that one simply wants to continue to practice.

Comment: The scripture of Isaiah 2:6 is taken out of context.

Our Response: This scripture was explained in very simple terms in the writing; it is not a difficult scripture to understand. If the reader believes the scripture has been taken out of context, his/her correct 'interpretation' should have been offered.

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What Is An Entrance To The Occult?

During Halloween, Carnival, Mardi Gras, or any other paganistic observance, many people, including Christians prepare to celebrate things they don't understand. Most have at least a basic understanding of the Bible's warnings about being a witch or warlock or any other practitioner of the occult. Nevertheless, they have missed the mark in learning the Bible's warnings about any involvement whatsoever with the dark arts. These warnings include pretending to be involved with them. Many children will be encouraged to participate in 'pretend' practices of the occult by adults who themselves, out of ignorance and or stubbornness, will also participate in this evil make belief. Let the Bible give us wisdom and understanding of how physical, natural things relate to spiritual things. The actions done in this physical world, cause a reaction in the spiritual, which in turn causes more action in the physical and so it continues unless the cycle is broken.

Any such celebrations give attention and honor to Satan's kingdom and any desire to do such things are of his will. We know that the average person can easily and unknowingly be influenced by him when the Bible shows us that even true Christians have to be careful to recognize the suggestions of the Enemy, suggestions which appear perfectly normal.

From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples how that he must go unto Jerusalem and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and raised again the third day. Then Peter took him and began to rebuke him (talk sternly to) saying. Be it far from thee, Lord, This shall not be unto thee. But he (Jesus) turned and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me Satan, thou art an offence unto me... (Matthew 16:21-23)

In Peter's eyes, his rebuke of Jesus came from his concern for him, but Jesus saw the work of the enemy and immediately rebuked Peter. In your eyes, your celebration of Halloween may come from simple curiosity and desire to have innocent fun, but the Lord sees the hidden work of the enemy. In Luke 9:51-56 there is another account of the influence of the enemy working on the followers of Christ, who, again has to rebuke them to keep them on focus. Let us let the Lord rebuke us when we speak and act according to the influence of our enemy (Proverbs 3:11-12).

The Bible makes clear that what we do in the natural world will cause contact with the supernatural. In fact, when the supernatural is contacted by man, we can be certain that something in the natural was done first.

Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual but that which is natural and afterward that which is spiritual. (1 Corinthians 15:46)

We read of a man named Cornelius who had great respect and fear of God and honored him in every way he knew how. Cornelius, nevertheless, did not know Jesus as his Savior and therefore could only honor God to a certain degree. However, his behavior was a strong invitation and welcome for God to come into his life to save him. In the tenth chapter of the book of Acts, you will read exactly how Cornelius' honor of God invited the Lord's Spirit into his life. You will see that although Cornelius did not understand how to have a real relationship with God because he did not know to believe on his Son Jesus, his continual honor of the Lord led to God coming powerfully into his life and saving him.

The various celebrations of Halloween, Mardi Gras, Carnival, etc., are just a few of the many traditions that originated by the will of the gods behind them. When these events are honored through celebration, although we don't necessarily become a pagan, we invite the spirits behind paganism into our lives, whether we know it or not. Cornelius, although mistaken, had some idea of what he was doing when he gave honor to God. However, Satan does not care whether we are aware or not of any honor we give to him. God comes into our life through our willful and conscious cooperation with him (James 4:8). However, Satan, works by deception ( Revelation 12:9, 20:2-3,8) and seeks honor and worship from those who realize and those who don't realize what they are doing (Matthew 4:8-10). God said:

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge... (Hosea 4:6)

Now that we know that when we celebrate pagan traditions, a physical action, we are inviting reactions from evil spirits. Let's look at Halloween's activities for an example. It was born out of the rituals of the druids, 'religious' leaders of ancient European tribes called Celts. The Celts worshipped demons. When the predominately pagan Romans conquered Celt lands they added to the druid custom, their own festival to honor their goddess of crops. The celebration of this Roman festival was moved from the 1st of November to the 31st of October. The druids believed that Halloween was when the god of death allowed the dead to return to earth creating an atmosphere of death and terror. They believed that on that night nothing separated the dead from the living. Both could freely communicate with each other. According to celtic religion, the souls of some of the dead were trapped inside wild, ferocious animals and that it was possible to liberate them with sacrifices. Both animals and people were sacrificed on that night to liberate the 'trapped' souls of some of the deceased. They also believed that evil spirits in the form of ghosts, goblins, monsters etc., freely went out to terrorize people. To appease these evil spirits and protect themselves from being attacked by them they would make huge bonfires and/or make for themselves costumes. These costumes were for the purpose of dressing up like the evil beings they feared in order to pass as one of them and thus not be harmed. This is where the practice of wearing Halloween costumes came. When you take part in this, you make a mockery of all the scriptures that speak against the workings of those that practice the black arts by dressing up like them. In this physical realm, you amuse yourself with pretending to be the type of person who commits abominations before God.

There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire (offer in sacrifice) or that useth divination or an observer of times (fortune telling) or an enchanger or a witch or a charmer or a consulter with familiar spirits (demons) or a wizard or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)

You also make a mockery of the scriptures telling Christians not to fear those who do these abominations, nor the evil spirits behind them. You are to fear nothing and no one but the Lord. Your switfness to make fun in showing 'pretend' fear of Satan’s kingdom is your failure to fear the Lord's kingdom.

A son honoureth his father and a servant his master: If then I be a father, where is mine honour? And if I be a master, Where is my fear? Saith the Lord of hosts unto you?... (Malachi 1:6)

The Bible tells us that when Jesus was on earth and prayed to God, his Father, he was heard because he had enough sense to fear God!

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that (because) he FEARED (Hebrews 5:7)

The custom of trick or treat is the watered down form of another diabolical custom, also originating from the druids. Pranks and trickery which caused great harm and death were the workings of witches, warlocks, and wizards. One of the basic dogmas in witchcraft is to control a person's will through fear and intimidation. Those who were generous contributors to the workers of evil were 'rewarded' with being spared becoming the victims of an evil prank. Those who refused were punished with cruel tricks and pranks. Even in jest when you let your children go trick or treat, you are imitating a practice from the occult; "Give me candy or fear the evil prank I'll do to you." The Bible warns us of even speaking evil in jest (joking) or getting caught up in fairy tales which are stories of lies and imagination and thought that has not been brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

But refuse profane and old wives' fables and exercise (commit) thyself rather unto godliness. (1 Timothy 4:7)

...Let it not be once named among you as becometh saints, neither filthiness nor foolish talking nor jesting (joking)... (Ephesians 5:3-4)

The thought of foolishness is sin... (Proverbs 24:9)

Behold, he travailath with iniquity (sin) and hath conceived mischief and brought forth falsehood. (Psalm 7:14)

God doesn't want us telling jokes that are lies. It's not hard to figure out that we are not to, in the name of a joke or fun, imitate occult practices! Of course it is not a sin for Christians to laugh or to have fun, as long as the laughter is clean in God's eyes. The Bible says that there is a time for laughter, meaning that it is perfectly okay when appropriate (Ecclesiastes 3:4). However, just as laughing at someone is not the same as laughing with them, so is laughing at spiritual things or lies, not the same as simply laughing at the natural, harmless comedy that occurs in everyday life.

Falsehood, is another word for deceit. Through the mischief of celebrating pagan traditions and culture, you sink deeper into the deception of it being innocent fun. It is sin, and sin always deceives and then kills.

For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it, slew (killed) me. (Romans 7:11)

According to an ancient Irish legend, there was a man named Jack that had been so evil that he couldn't go to heaven. He had also played so many tricks on the devil that he couldn’t go to hell either. He was left to roam the earth, a restless vagabond. It was said that he went around with a lantern on his head or shoulders. He came to be called Jack of the Lantern or simply Jack - O - Lantern. In order to frighten him off, people would put lanterns in their windows or in front of their houses. When the tradition became popular in the United States, a pumpkin was chosen to hold the lantern. To have a more frightening effect, carvings were made in the pumpkin to form the appearance of the face of a skull or that of a witch. Halloween is clearly the celebration of the fear that Satan’s kingdom uses to rule over people. If you call yourself a Christian or have any fear of God, why are you taking part in the reenactment of practices of the occult, thus celebrating fear of your enemy? It is not harmless. It is not innocent and it certainly is not funny. It is, simply put, foolish to dismiss God’s warnings.

Fools make a mock (laugh) at sin: but among the righteous there is favor (obedience). (Proverbs 14:9)

It is a very serious truth that the Lord Jesus has won victory over the powers of darkness and all who are his true disciples are given power over Satan's kingdom (Luke 10:19). Why would a Christian even pretend in jest, to be afraid of evil spirits? Why do you entangle yourself again with those things you have been freed from?

And having spoiled principalities and powers (evil spirits of Satan's kingdom), he (Jesus) made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:15)

...That through death he (Jesus) might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:14-15)

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled (involved) again with the yoke (grip) of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)

It is shameful to see Christians celebrating fear of the satanic kingdom when it is our responsibility to both know and teach the fear of the Lord.

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell, yea, I say unto you, fear him. (Luke 12:4-5)

...Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)

Pastors, you have a responsibility to teach and warn your congregation against any involvement and/or celebration of pagan holidays and traditions, or any other practices from the occult. Parents, you have a responsibility to teach your children about God's commandments and the holiness of fearing him (Ephesians 6:4). Christians, you have a responsibility to teach and warn the unsaved, and those who are ignorant of these truth, even if that is your own pastor. If we are not to fear men who can kill our bodies, certainly we are not to fear the reactions of men who will reject the warnings you speak against these things.

For do I now persuade men or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)

When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die and thou givest him no warning nor speaketh to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity (sin), but his blood will I require at thine hand. (Ezekiel 3:18)

Will you listen to Satan who seeks to stop you with fear of angering your congregation or of maybe having to admit that you yourself as a leader have just come into the knowledge of this sin? Satan may use the fear of angering your children at forbidding their participation in Halloween or whatever the occultic event may be. You might fear being called a religious fanatic. God will not understand these fears and excuse your sin of commission and omission to proclaim the truth. He will not excuse your shame.

For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed when he shall come in his own glory and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:26)

Other Doorways To The Occult

Interest in the eastern religions and practices has become so intense that the majority of Westerners are unknowingly involved in some form of the mystic arts. Listed below are just a very few of the 'New Age' practices used in such a great deception. They are:

Ouija boards, tarot card readings, consultations with psychics (even when just for 'fun'), seances, crystal ball gazing, reading of tea leaves, palm readings, witchcraft, practice of black or 'white' magic, practice of Wicca, sorcery, developing 'natural' psychic abilities, astrology/consultation of horoscopes, santería, lucid (controlled) dreaming, astral projection, body painting, disfiguration, mutilation, tatooing, etc. (Leviticus 19:27-28, Deuteronomy 18:10-12)

We read:

So Saul died for his transgression (sin) which he committed against the Lord, even against the word of the Lord, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit (a familiar spirit is a demon), to inquire of it; and inquired not of the Lord: therefore he (God) slew (killed) him... (1 Chronicles 10:13-14)

All of the antichrist religions (Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Islam, Bahai faith, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witness, Christian Science, Urantia, etc.) can easily be identified by their beliefs concerning Jesus. (1 John 2:22-23, 4:2-3, 2 John 9:11). These are only a few of the many scriptures that help us identify the spirit of antichrist. Many 'arts' such as yoga and philosophies such as Confucianism, have been born from demonic religions and involvement in anything from a diabolical doctrine opens the door to Satan's influence. To the list of activities to avoid, we can add:

Numerology, alternative forms of kinesiology, reflexology, color analysis, ESP, mental telepathy, chants of ANY kind, including hail marys of Roman Catholocism, sacrifices of any kind, the use of crystals for protection and good luck, good luck charms, the practice of visualization/guided imagery, summoning deceased saints or angels for help, advice or protection, Silva mind control techniques, occultic games such as 'bloody Mary' once played by children, new age/mood music, some forms of alternative medicine such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, acupressure, hypnosis, transcendental and zen meditation, fascination with outer space and interest in extraterrestrial beings. God said that he gave the earth and NOT the heavens to man (Psalm 115:16), the giving and assumption of personal names which are the names of idol gods (Psalm 16:4), and the list could go on.

One behavior on which I will focus separately is that of the mocking of spiritual powers, both holy and unholy. This evil is more and more prevalent among comedians and is now being picked up by people of all professions. These comedians make fun of Christ and his redemptive work at Calvary and they make fun of Satan and his kingdom. You might ask what is wrong with them making fun of the satanic kingdom as long as they don't mock anything or anyone Christian? The truth that must be understood is that the kingdoms of both Satan and the Lord, are spiritual dominions, with power far above that of man and with ways that man cannot understand on his own. God is a God of order and authority, the Lord over a kingdom in which every being must 'stay in his place'. It is God who assigns what our place is, and when we overstep our place, we are challenging God's authority. This is why even the Christian engaged in spiritual warfare against Satan, must constantly remember that it is with God’s power and under God's authority that he fights, and should he forget that, and begin acting of his own will, he will find himself without God’s protection against an enemy he cannot defeat with his own strength. This is not honor to Satan. This is respect for a power that is only defeated by God. This is repsect for God and the system that is in place at this present time, until Satan's final judgment. In the New Testament book of Jude, verses 8 thru eleven, you may read God's warning to all who, to their own detriment, lack respect for the spirit world. However, you may want to consult a paraphrased Bible to be able to fully comprehend what is being said. For your convenience, I have included the paraphrased passage below. It is always recommended that you read the King James version of the Bible. Only for clarity, has the paraphrased version been included in this study. We read:

Yet these false teachers carelessly go right on living their evil, immoral lives, degrading their bodies and laughing at those in authority over them, even scoffing at the Glorious Ones. Yet Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, when he was aguing with Satan about Moses’ body, did not dare to accuse even Satan, or jeer (make light/fun of) at him, but simply said, "The Lord rebuke you." But these men mock and curse at anything they do not understand, and , like animals, they do whatever they feel like, thereby ruining their souls. Woe unto them!... (Jude, verses eight thru eleven, paraphrased)

Notice how even the mighty archangel Michael, in all of his great power and understanding, being an awesome angel himself, did not dare speak to Satan in any kind of way, but rather, obediently maintained himself in his place, knowing that God is the only one that controls Satan. God has given power to his servants over Satan's kingdom (St Luke 10:19), but it is still his power, to be used with great reverence for his authority over both us and the enemy with which we do serious battle.

The New Age has ushered into the western world, ancient doctrines of devils, disguised as 'new' thought.

Now the Spirit (of God) speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils (1 Timothy 4:1)

In a nutshell, the New Age movement teaches that man himself, is a mini god, divine, self-reliant, and independent of the Almighty. But God teaches:

I have said, Ye are gods, and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. (Psalm 82:6-7)

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3)

This includes yourself as your own idol.

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshiped and served the creature more than the creator, who is blessed forever, Amen. (Romans 1:22, 25)

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Biblical Investigation

Are The Dead Still Among Us?

Comment/Rebuttal Thread

The Martial Arts In Light Of The Bible

Beginning of Thread - The Martial Arts In Light Of The Bible

What Is An Entrance To The Occult?

Other Doorways To The Occult

Comment/Rebuttal Thread