Category: Truth


It is no secret that Roman Catholicism teaches that their official writings are equal with God’s Word.  This, in and of itself, ought to be enough to cause true Christians to see the unbiblical nature of this religion.  Sadly, many have turned a blind and in many cases, a not-so-blind eye to darkness that Roman Catholicism teaches its flock.  Take for instance, its official, yet not often talked about doctrine concerning Muslims.

Although history bears witness to its many bloody battles with fundamental Muslims, it might be interesting to note Rome’s official teachings regarding Islam. In “The Complete and Updated Catechism of the Catholic Church” it says,

“The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in  the first place amongst whom are the Muslims. These profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day.”  #841, p. 242, The Complete and Updated Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1995.

In contrast, consider the words of Jesus in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by Me.”

Light has no fellowship with darkness.  (2 Corinthians 6:14) For those who think they are Christians yet remain in the Catholic church, the Lord says, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate…and I will receive you.” 2 Corinthians 6:17.  Neither Mary, nor the Church can save. Only Jesus Christ can save us from our sins. “But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; that being justified by His [free and full gift of] grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7.

For a short news article highlighting a fairly recent meeting between Pope Benedict and Muslim leaders, see- http://www.topnews.in/catholic-and-muslim-leaders-meet-historic-talks-283538.

The problem is, witchcraft is not fantasy; it is a sinful reality in our world.

“J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, has gone through an awful lot of research. She is very accurate (otherwise we would have witches all over the country and the world saying ‘this is not a true representation of our religion.’) This is a true representation of witchcraft, and the black arts, and black magic. And yet we have people that say this is merely fantasy and harmless reading for our children. Actually, what makes this more dangerous is that it is couched in fantasy language, and children’s literature, and made to be humorous, and beautifully written and extremely provocative reading. and it just opens up children to want to have the next one. This is what is so harmful.”

~Caryl Matrisciana as quoted in Harry Potter: Witchcraft Repackaged © 2001, Jeremiah Films

Occultism in Children’s Toys?

There is a simple, consistent, yet effective formula found in the story of many of today’s (occult) toys and games for kids.  The story goes something like this: creatures, spirits, monsters, etc. from another dimension or world come to this planet.  Kids discover them and then discover they can play/fight against other kids, all the while learning how to utilize their creatures’ powers.  Usually the battles are done in an alternate dimension where the creatures’ powers can be activated to their full potential. The winner of each fight captures not only the creature that has lost, but also its power. The more creatures you catch, the more options and power you have for later rumbles.  The goal is always to win as many creatures as possible. The best case scenario would be to win every creature, thereby receiving all the power, enabling you to take over the world.  In Pokemon the theme is “Gotta catch’em all!”  The story line typically pits “good” kids against “bad” kids. However regardless of “good” or “bad”, both sides are practicing unbiblical practices which involve activating, utilizing, and collecting power through certain techniques usually accompanied by repeating particular word phrases (aka: enchantments).  Also, many of these games and toys choose to intertwine in their story line the four basic elements of creation (nature): wind, water, fire, and earth. One other interesting part of the story is the subtle and many times, not so subtle doctrine of evolution.  Most of the creatures, after winning enough battles have the potential to evolve upwards into bigger, more powerful entities, making them almost invincible. So is this just a fantasy fairy tale meant to entertain and sell products to children of this generation?

Interestingly, occultism, shamanism/sorcery, and witchcraft across the world share many of the core elements mentioned above. For example, in tribes around the world, a shaman’s job is basically to transport himself spiritually into the spirit world/alternate dimension to engage and collect as many spirit ‘gods’ as possible, securing their wisdom and power to aid his tribe.  Generally speaking, shamans are warned not to capture “bad” spirits because of the trouble they will bring. Usually the theme of “good” and “bad” spirits is fundamental in a shaman’s search for power, knowledge, healing, etc. Ironically, the practices of spiritism and sorcery are not discerned to be good or bad, just the spirits one might encounter. Many times spirit guides will pretend to be under the control of the one who has captured them, but all the while they are actually taking control of the person.  This idea also is revealed in some of today’s cartoons.  One such show is called Bakugan.  In an early episode, the main character, Dan believes he is in control of his Red Dragon creature called Drago. But later the dragon reveals to Dan that it is actually the one in control. Unfortunately, the doctrines involved in sorcery, etc. can easily be transformed into cartoon plots and story lines, with very little resistance or awareness.

Another intentional similarity is the use of creation (nature). Occultism, generally speaking, teaches that power can be accessed through the four basic elements of creation: wind, water, fire, and earth.  (Many times this is known as divination.) Is it coincidental that many of the card games, such as Pokemon and YuGiOh place symbols of wind, water, fire, and earth on them to serve as categories and identification for the power they contain?  Witchcraft, sorcery and the like also highly embrace evolution as a spiritual reality.  Long before evolution was popularized ‘scientifically’ by Charles Lyell, Charles Darwin, Thomas Huxley, etc. it was widely accepted in occult practices around the world.  After all, the logical and final step in man’s evolution will be to become gods.  That is not a scientific philosophy, rather a spiritual one dating back to our original parents in the garden.  (Genesis 3:5– Satan, in the form of a serpent said, “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”)

Perhaps it goes without saying that today there is an increased interest and activity in the occult.  Whether in movies, TV shows, books, video and card games or toys, the themes of power and magic are ever-increasing in popularity. Popular sells and companies know it!  Sadly, these companies are making millions, if not billions spreading more than just entertaining media.  Could it be that this generation is actually learning occult techniques that were once only privy to a select few known as shamans, yogis, priests, etc.?

As Christians, may we never allow the intoxicating influences of the world to impact this next generation!  Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me.”  Matthew 19:14  Too often children are handed over to the latest TV shows and video games, only to be indoctrinated by pagan doctrines from polytheistic and pantheistic cultures such as Japan and China.

Sadly, these influences have always affected mankind. Historically, Manasseh was one tragic example of how influential and destructive the doctrines of devils can be. God did not call Israel to get rid of most of the other nations’ gods.  He commanded them to utterly destroy them all! But instead of eradicating them, many Israelite kings embraced and popularized them.  Manasseh was only 20 years old when he became king.  2 Chronicles 33 records much of his awful exploits engaging in sorcery and idol worship.  In verse 6 it says, “Also he caused his sons to pass through the fire in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom; he practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him to anger.”  (Emphasis added) What was the result of this young king’s rebellious actions? Soon the people stopped listening to the Lord altogether.  And eventually Israel became even worse than the nations around them.  This is a good warning for every generation, especially the one we now live in.  There is a reason that occult practices, no matter what name they are give, no matter how fun and innocent they might seem, are absolutely and unequivocally forbidden by God.  For a few biblical references, see: Exodus 22:18, Leviticus 19:26, Leviticus 19:31, and Deuteronomy 18:10.

Satan’s lies are seductive and solely aimed at destroying us and our relationship with our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ!

May we never allow the god of this world’s doctrines to draw us away from the amazing love and truth of the One who came to set us free! 

“Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth…” Ecclesiastes 12:1

***FYI: A relatively new toy/game worth examining is called DaGeDar.  (For more info go to their website story line:  http://dagedar.omeletla.com/story)

The Sharpest Sword!

God’s Word – Sharper than a Two-Edged Sword!

 A sword is a tool that has throughout time been known as a very effective, trustworthy weapon.  There are a variety of  blades – long, short, single-edged, double-edged, etc. To make a good sword takes excellent craftsmanship and a quality metal that is able to be heated, folded, and pounded time and time again.

Isn’t it interesting that the more people attempt to discredit the Word, pounding it with lie after lie, the more God’s Word is revealed as the Truth. The more people attempt to destroy the Bible with the fire of man’s pride and anger, the more God’s Word shines on, just as a newly polished sword.

God’s Word is not described as sharper than a single-edged, but rather a double-edged sword. Just as a two-edged blade, God’s Word cuts two ways.  Not only does it slice into the darkness of  this fallen world, but it also cuts deep, convicting the heart and mind of the one holding it.  The Word of God reaches as deep within as it does without.

Even though there are many comparisons between a double-edged sword and the Word of God, there are two big differences.  First, God’s Word is much sharper than any sword.  A physical sword can only cut that which is physical, but God’s Word can reach deep into the thoughts and intents of the heart, even dividing the soul and the spirit. Hebrews 4:12.There is no sword, not even a light saber that can reach this area of man. (I thank God His Word is so sharp.  If I had a surgeon operating on me, I would hope his instruments were as sharp as possible.)

Secondly, a physical sword is temporal, but God’s Word is eternal.  There is no sword that will outlast the Word of God.  We can trust God’s Sword both now and for eternity!

May we always be willing to allow the Sword to do its work, both within our own hearts and in those around us.

 “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

“Many who call themselves Christians implicitly accept the superiority of science over the Bible. Thus, whenever “science” disagrees with the Bible, as its presently accepted dogmas so clearly do with regard to the creation of the universe and life, “Christians” surrender their faith in Scripture, which is really a surrender of their faith in its Author. Or they attempt to twist what the Bible says in order to make it seem that it agrees with atheism’s Big Bang and evolutionary account of man’s descent from fish and reptiles and chimpanzees. In a sense they become partners with atheists, incredibly allowing them to dictate the terms of the discussion.”  ~Dave Hunt

What if you stopped at the ice cream shop on a hot summer day only to discover a single flavor for sale?  I know I would not be too excited, and I’m sure the shop would probably go out of business within a week.

When it comes to ice cream, picking your favorite flavor it great; however when it comes to eternal matters, reality is not like a fancy ice cream shop with 67 flavors.  The truth of eternity is not based on my taste or opinions. The truth is true no matter what I want it to be; no matter what I feel.

“But”, argues the skeptic, “There are all kinds of religions to choose from.”  While this is true, having a variety of religions doesn’t mean that all lead to the truth of God.  “But”, responds the skeptic again, “If we are to try to figure out which is true, wouldn’t it take more than a lifetime to thoroughly study every religion?”

Absolutely!

One might then sincerely wonder, “How could we possibly figure out which one is correct?”

The quickest way is to start with Bible.  Not only does it claim to be God’s Word, but it also makes the bold claim that all other religions, including their writings are false.  Not only does the Bible make these amazing claims, but it backs them prophetically, historically, archaeologically, and scientifically. Since the Bible is true, we can assuredly say that it is exclusively and solely God’s Word, making it the shortcut to eternal truth, bypassing all other religions. 

As we all go about our days, may we never forget that God’s Word is more precious than fine gold, revealing the truth of  the one and only blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 “Your Word is true from the beginning.” Psalm 119:160a  KJV

 Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6

“I prayed for Faith, and thought that some day Faith would come down and strike me like lightning. But Faith did not seem to come.

One day I read in the tenth chapter of Romans, “Now Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” I had closed my Bible, and prayed for Faith. I now opened my Bible, and began to study, and Faith has been growing ever since.”   ~D. L. Moody

 

 

    “There are phenomena in nature which cannot be solved, secrets which cannot be fathomed nor accounted for. But from what we see of heaven and earth we may easily enough infer the eternal power and Godhead of the great Creator, and may furnish ourselves with abundant matter for His praises. And let our make and place, as men, remind us of our duty as Christians, which is always to keep heaven in our eye and the earth under our feet.”  ~Matthew Henry, Genesis 1, Commentary on the Whole Bible, 1706

For many it sounds narrow-minded to say that there is only one way to Heaven. After all there are many roads that take a person into the same city, so why wouldn’t there be many roads that lead to the same Heaven? The simple answer is that men have not sinned against a city. We’ve sinned against the One and Only, True and Living God. (Romans 3:23)

This is His creation, so it only stands to reason that we should go His Way. (Interestingly, no one argues when there’s only one door to a restaurant or one way into their garage at home.) One God, One Way- through His Son, Jesus Christ! (John 14:6) Yes, narrow, but also loving. He lovingly provided a single way to help prevent us from getting lost! Jesus is truly the only way that leads to eternal life! (John 3:15-17)

Sadly, all other roads will lead to the same place…the Lake of Fire. (Matthew 7:13-14; Revelation 20:15) It’s our choice. God has already chosen to pave the perfect way by sending His Son to die for our sins, fully paying the price we deserve; raising from the grave- eternally conquering sin and death. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Now it’s up to us whether we will choose to turn to Him or continue on our own self-seeking, pride paving road. May we choose wisely, carefully keeping eternity in mind.

Jesus says, “And him that comes to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37b

 

 

“The greatest Part of Mankind, nay of Christians, may be said to be asleep; and that particular Way of Life, which takes up each Man’s Mind, Thoughts, and Actions, may be very well called his particular Dream. This Degree of Vanity is equally visible in every Form and Order of Life. The Learned and the Ignorant, the Rich and the Poor, are all in the same State of Slumber, only passing away a short Life in a different kind of Dream. But why so?

It is because Man has an Eternity within him, is born into this World, not for the sake of living here, not for any thing this world can give him, but only to have Time and Place, to become either an eternal Partaker of a Divine Life with God, or to have an hellish Eternity among fallen Angels: And therefore, every man who has not his Eye, his Heart, and his Hands, continually governed by this twofold Eternity, may justly be said to be fast asleep, to have no awakened Sensibility of Himself.

And a Life devoted to the Interests and Enjoyments of this World, spent and wasted in the Slavery of earthly Desires, may be truly called a Dream; as having all the Shortness, Vanity, and Delusion of a Dream; only with this great Difference, that when a Dream is over, nothing is lost but Fictions and Fancies; but when the Dream of Life is ended only by Death, all that Eternity is lost for which we were brought into Being.”  ~William Law, “Spirit of Prayer”, Chapter 1, p.1. 

For the full article, see: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/law/prayer/files/prayer1.htm