I have met various people who claim that a certain "goddess", "diety", or spirit of some kind introduced them to and is teaching them how to use and practice the dark arts through their dreams. In my opinion this "spirit" is really a demon wreaking havoc in the life of a would-be believer. The bible says that even Satan himself appears as an angel of light. (2 Cor: 11:14) I want to know... 1. What do you think or what is your opinion of their claim to be taught by a spirit? 2. Is this spirit really what they think it is? 3. How should I approach this situation from a believer's standpoint?

5/27/2008 1:08:00 AM by Spex70, Member of Delve into Jesus since 5/26/2008

People have to watch what they open themselves up to. "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 I had a friend who told me she got a candle from a New Age Book Store, and she prayed to the candle... She then began hearing voices and when I would pray with her over the phone, she could not hear me, she heard the voices. She was very tormented... (I wondered if the voices were demons...) She one day later cried out to God to forgive her for praying to the candle and the voices finally stopped! Jesus said; "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10

5/27/2008 3:20:55 PM by Ignited~Faith, Member of Delve into Jesus since 2/20/2008

The only spirit that a believer should be taught by is the Holy Spirit. John 16:13 I would not advise anyone to dabble into dream spirits. They are dangerous beings called sleep demons. Their goal is to kill. They like to torment a person until that person either kills someone else or themself.

5/27/2008 7:40:01 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

I have a friend whose 14 year-old daughter was proud to tell me she no longer believed in God. She later mentioned how terrified she had become of demons due to occult activities in which she participated with her friends - this fear appeared to be genuinely troubling her. I asked her why kids thought dabbling in these activities was fun when it was taking away her sense of security. I had no problem telling her I was too scared of the subject to even listen to her stories. I tried to reason with her that it did not make sense that she had no doubt about the existence of evil but denied God. Regrettably, she would not acknowledge that this argument held any sway over her thinking, and even said she would probably still hang with the same crowd. However, my friend (who does not have custody of his daughter) tells me that she appears to be a little more stable now. Spex, it is wonderful how you consider your friends to be "would-be believers". Consider if you want to be known among your peers as a man who definitely stands opposed to anything related to evil spirits - this could be a great opportunity for you as a Christian leader and your friends (who need the light of God). From what you have written on this site, I believe your tremendous potential to serve God is really inspiring. Encourage your friends not to waste their time consorting with weak and troubled powers when they could really know the ultimate source of power as you do. I can't say that I know how you could give a convincing appeal with the style that would impress your generation. But, with your gift of the language, convictions and most importantly, the help of God, I am confident you could accomplish truly great works for the Kingdom, if you are willing to boldly try. It is fun to contemplate how we have the opportunity to choose life or death; to be a hero or a coward. You sound like a hero Spex.

5/27/2008 8:42:36 PM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

Ryan: thank you so much for the encouragement... it means alot to me to hear someone say so, that i have potential i mean. Also, i love the point you make about how God's power is the true source of power, and why would we want anything less? I've noticed that most men are power hungry. They strive to gain power, enjoy when they have power, and are broken by the loss of power. Also, isn't witchcraft simply plagiarism of God's miracles? Plagiarism always has consequences.

5/27/2008 8:55:26 PM by Spex70, Member of Delve into Jesus since 5/26/2008

Spex, I agree with your thought about plagiarism. Satan deceives us with counterfeits. By the power of the Holy Spirit we can see how the truth is really the opposite of what the masses believe. So many men who strive for power end with bitter disappointment - they all fell for a cheap trick. The vain, power hungry guys don't realize how pathetic their short sighted lusts appear in the light. It is sad how people who shout, with words or actions, "Look at how great I am!" dont realize we hear "Look at how low I have sunk". Satan has fooled the world into running full tilt toward all that appears to be gold but deters them from going after what has lasting value. God calls us to have pity on them; we can understand their plight, because without Gods power in our lives we would be doing the same things. The answer to God's call is to avoid evil while not avoiding those who are affected by evil, and to be a beacon of light to them. You seem to be answering the call, and no doubt pleasing God. Have you considered what an awesome thing it is to be able to (figuratively) bring a smile to the face of the Ultimate Source of Power?

5/27/2008 9:26:36 PM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

Ryan: You stated that "The answer to God's call is to avoid evil while not avoiding those who are affected by evil, and to be a beacon of light to them." Does that mean it is acceptable to have non-christian friends? My mom is always telling me to have more christian friends than non-christian friends. ("iron sharpens iron") I've noticed throughout the years i've been hanging out with the outcasts and others who don't believe the way i do, i've never picked up their habbits, as my mom always said i would, so i thank God for giving me a strong will to not fall to sin when it presents itself so abundantly around me. Not trying to change the subject, that statement simply caught my attention is all.

5/27/2008 9:53:43 PM by Spex70, Member of Delve into Jesus since 5/26/2008

Hi Spex, I've noticed I've been having a lot of difficulties getting through security checkpoints lately; perhaps it's all the sharpened iron I've been picking up from this websites lately that is setting off the sensors. We definitely need to have Christian friends; it's rewarding to be part of a winning team. Your Christian friends will help you grow (even though they are just one avenue for growth). I think your mom has loving advice for you which she offers to protect you physically and spiritually. I am not the best person to advise on the subject of how to navigate friendships with pre-Christians. Perhaps others can offer their advice, since I have recently gotten into trouble while expressing my opinions on the subject. I will say that Jesus saw potential in the outcasts; He may have found it more pleasant to be with them then the outwardly religious folks He encountered. We know he continues to offer His love to the lost, and uses people who have tasted salvation to deliver the message. We're appreciative of Paul's example of taking the Gospel to the Gentiles. The Great Commission is to take the Gospel to everyone - we all have a role to play in this work. Maybe you have a calling for missionary work or evangelism? Ask God what He would like you to do. You don't seem to be the type who would argue with God's will for your life. It seems that you look to God for wisdom and strength to avoid falling prey to the sins of others around you. I'm sure your mother's advice comes from knowing the bravest of warriors suffer wounds, so be careful and use your full amour. Christian friends may be enjoyable but, the world needs to see your example; they need to see what Jesus is doing in your life. Your friends are fortunate to be exposed to the light in you.

5/28/2008 9:38:03 AM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

Wow, Ryan. You know so much about the real world that it astounds me. I've been looking for someone who can answer some of my questions like that and i thank God that I joined this website. Finally I have a place to talk about things that some of my friends wouldn't have an intelligent rebuttal to. Thank you for all your help and encouragement on these subjects Ryan, i greatly appreciate it. I'm happy to have such a sharp brother in Christ.

5/28/2008 11:43:47 AM by Spex70, Member of Delve into Jesus since 5/26/2008

Spex70, This Scripture reminds me of what your Mom told you. "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." 1 Corinthians 15:33 (Remember how true it is that one bad apple in a bag can spread and spoil the whole bunch!)

5/28/2008 2:28:14 PM by Ignited~Faith, Member of Delve into Jesus since 2/20/2008

You do have a point ignited faith. That's why you need a balance of friends and associates. Again, my mom stated not that i not have worldly friends, but that i stick close to my Godly friends. I am careful in choosing who to hang around with and what music to listen to, because i know too much of a bad thing would corrupt the good in me.

5/28/2008 2:34:15 PM by Spex70, Member of Delve into Jesus since 5/26/2008

Amen Spex70! And when you are with your unsaved friends, I pray that the Lord will open a door for you, and that you will be bold to speak the truth to them (in love).

5/28/2008 5:20:09 PM by Ignited~Faith, Member of Delve into Jesus since 2/20/2008

Hey Ignited-Faith - I guess I was in the wrong discussion when I posted those last two comments; sorry. However, it bears repeating: I agree with you completely! I'm gald I 've grown up some lately!

5/28/2008 5:29:24 PM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

Ryan made a point earlier on the discussion "changed my mind about evolution" that even if one bad apple is enough to spoil the bunch, how much more so can one good apple bring the rest to salvation... wait a minute there, something just hit me... God is like the gardener... he watches the apples and pickes out the good ones from the bad, but in picking out the bad ones, saves the good ones... perhaps a near spoiled apple can be rescued from the bunch after all?

5/28/2008 5:30:53 PM by Spex70, Member of Delve into Jesus since 5/26/2008

The point i'm trying to make is in the end, it doesn't matter how many bad apples there are, they'll get throuwn into the fire, what matters is trying to save the bad apples while their not yet fully spoiled... if you get my meaning.

5/28/2008 5:32:46 PM by Spex70, Member of Delve into Jesus since 5/26/2008

Spex70, I have been following this conversation for a while now and I'd like to say it is very refreshing to read your posts. I love to "see" young people on fire for God. Perhaps you have been chosen to change the atmosphere in your generational circle. If you can be as bold with them as you are on this site, you could turn your unsaved friends into saved friends. That would make your mother happy and proud. Use wisdom. Take them one at a time. Pray without ceasing and go for it.

5/28/2008 9:33:30 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

"1. What do you think or what is your opinion of their claim to be taught by a spirit? 2. Is this spirit really what they think it is? 3. How should I approach this situation from a believer's standpoint?" If its alright I am going to refrain from commenting on anything but the original questions. 1. I, personally, would not trust being taught by a spirit, to a point. If it is a being contacted through a ouji board I would ignore it fully. There are however beings, angelic or otherwise, that have and always will exist to provide knowledge to humanity. Its their nature. 2. Difficult to say. If the spirit hasn't caused them any Actual harm, then it could be a legitimate teacher or guide. 3. You could ask how this being makes them feel, if they have a happier life now. If they have more personal peace, or understanding of themselves. Thats the best way to understand what they're experiancing, and to be sure that the persons own mental health is optimum. Thats the important part afterall.

8/23/2009 10:54:03 PM by Flagg, Member of Delve into Jesus since 8/20/2009

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