Tag Archives: Deception
Why Is There So Much Evil?
Hello my friends,
I haven’t been blogging or vlogging much and the first video will explain why.
In the second video entitled “Does God Still Heal?,” I share some personal experiences which I hope blesses you.
Please feel free to subscribe to my channel and share your thoughts in the comment section below.
God bless you and thanks for watching.
Posted in christianity, vlogging
Also tagged Demons, Devil, end times, evil, False Doctrine, False Teachers, God, Holy Bible, Jesus Christ, last days, Oppression, Possession, Suffering, Truth
Leave a comment
What Side Are You On?
How many times have you heard… “I’m a Christian,” “I believe in Jesus,” “God speaks to me.” But when you look closely, you see no evidence of Him.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
They profess Christ. They pray. They attend church faithfully, or not. They post Scripture memes on Facebook, and have all their Christianese down pat. Yet, somehow, they carry on as if He doesn’t exist.
They live in outright sin, but think because they were born with gifts and talents, that makes them special and gives them license to do whatever they want. No holds barred. Never once bending their knee and recognizing Jesus as Lord.
They have made a god of their own understanding.
For a couple of years, I went in a different direction. I had stopped reading my Bible and attending Church to assuage my conscience. The deeper I got, the more convicted I felt, until I came to the end of myself.
Whatever you let in, or surround yourself with, will influence you.
I had to make a choice, either I was going to do things my way or God’s way. It wasn’t about what people thought of me, it was about what God thought, and I knew what I needed to do. I needed to break away from all of those associations and influences that had me walking the opposite direction.
Bad company corrupts good morals. (1 Cor. 15:33)
Was it easy? Absolutely not, because I am back at square one. I pressed the reset button and started over again. But this time, I’m doing things God’s way.
The Bible is clear, we can’t live on both sides of the fence. Either we are serving God or the devil, there is no in between.
Some “Christians” will justify what they are doing with a million excuses, which may even sound plausible, but they are deceiving themselves.
This world is governed by the spirit of rebellion.
Ironically, the ones with all the excuses, are the first to criticize those who are actually trying to follow the Bible.
One thing is certain, they may be successful at whatever it is they are doing in the world, but there won’t be any evidence of Jesus in their life. Because they are not pursuing Him, they are chasing after their own worldly pursuits. They made their dream an idol.
Personally, I’d rather be criticized and called names, however unpleasant that is, than bear no fruit in my life.
What about you? What side are you on?
Posted in blogging, christianity, faith
Also tagged Christianese, Discrimination, Division, Facebook, Fake Christians, Fake News, Fence, Jesus, Memes, Scripture, Wall
Leave a comment
Christianity Today
I don’t know about you, but lately, I see so much confusion within Christianity. What happened to the simplicity of the gospel? Where did it go?
Courtesy of Creative Commons
I was one of those Christians who never read their Bible, but in the past couple of years, I have been reading it diligently. To my surprise, I am slowly becoming aware of things I used to passed over, and not pay attention to.
Some Christians get offended when you speak on various pastors who preach a false gospel. They call you judgmental or negative. However, what they fail to understand is how contrary their messages are to the Bible. And yes, I’m deliberately not calling them out.
What I have analyzed is how certain groups of Christians will focus on key scriptures as their premise or basis of doctrinal belief. When they spout these particular scriptures, it does sound exactly as it’s being conveyed. However, that’s the deception. The scriptures are being taken out of context and not going along with the entire theme of the Bible. This is why I say it’s so important to read the Bible.
There was a time I bought into the lie of seeking Heaven on earth. Where everyone will be as one and in unity. Where there is unlimited grace and favor, no matter what you did. A god who supports gay marriage, adultery, murder, child pornography. Anything goes, because God is a loving God and He doesn’t condemn people to hell.
I’m sorry, but that’s not true. God loves the sinner, but hates the sin. He loves the homosexual, prostitute, pimp, drug dealer, murderer, child molester, and adulterer, but He doesn’t love their sin. He doesn’t condone any of these things that specifically go against His very nature and Word. No, He doesn’t accept it, and yes, there is a hell, and it’s real.
Christianity today is do it your way. Where grace abounds, no matter what you do. A feel-good Christianity, where they worship a Jesus who laughs all the time and slaps you on your back, and says, “ata-boy or girl”.
Yes, God is a merciful, and forgiving God. He rains on the just and unjust. (Matthew 5:45) However, He doesn’t accept everything. We shouldn’t abuse or take His grace for granted either. (Hebrews 6:6)
As Christians, we have to make a choice. Either we are all in or all out, but there is no in-between. He hates lukewarm and spews it out of his mouth. (Revelation 3:16)
What kind of Christian are you?
Posted in blogging, christianity, faith
Also tagged Adultery, Child Molesters, drug dealer, False Gospel, Fornication, Gay Marriage, Homosexuality, Jesus, murder, pimp, Pornography, prostitute
Leave a comment
Another Gospel
They tell you to ignore and deny your sickness, depression, and pain. And when you pray, and nothing changes, it’s YOUR fault, because you don’t have enough faith.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
How many of you know that’s a bunch of hogwash?
For whatever reason, some people have a hard time wrapping their minds around the fact that depression and anxiety is an illness and disability. Much like someone who lost an arm or a limb.
However, there are some in Christendom who believe if you are struggling with any kind of illness or disease, it is either a result of unrepentant sin, demons, or a lack of faith. So, on top of suffering, there is the guilt, blame and shame added to the mix for good measure.
I happen to be an open minded person, but I have a real problem with this false teaching being purported as truth. I have been exposed to a lot in my life, and have learned a great deal in my search for God. The one thing I can tell you is that these so-called faith healers are fake, and if they do exhibit any so-called power to heal, you must question the origin from hence it came, because not everything “supernatural” is of God.
I am here to tell you, that if you are a Christian who struggles with any kind of illness or disability, you are not alone and are no less a Christian for it. Jesus never said we wouldn’t be sick or suffer here on earth. He said we will have to pick up our Cross and follow Him.
I read this morning in Matthew 10:18, “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” Hmm, did you catch that… “not worthy of me.”
Jesus said it like it is. These fresh revelations, or new insights of the Word of God that these self-proclaimed apostles and prophets tell you is not biblical doctrine, but another gospel.
Today, the Church has strayed so far away from the truth, it’s sad. They have a distorted, confused and mixed up doctrine. What makes matters worse is that Christians don’t like to read their Bible. They’d rather be spoon feed, than dig into it themselves. What they fail to realize is they are doing themselves a huge disservice.
I do believe God heals. However, I no longer believe in those who claim to be used of God to heal others. God is God. He doesn’t need intermediaries. All God desires that we pray, have faith, and follow Him, whether we get healed or not.
Posted in blogging, christianity, faith, Healing
Also tagged Faith Healers, False Apostles, False Doctrine, False Prophets, healing, last days, Lies, miracles, Supernatural
Leave a comment
Is Your Word Bond?
Since the start of the new year, I seem to be getting hit with a reoccurring theme.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
In that, some people use the words loyalty, friendship, and trust loosely. Too loosely, I might add.
I guess I’m old school when it comes to my word. What I say, I do. I am not the type of person to play games with people’s feelings. I don’t just tell people things for the sake of saying them. What you see, is what you get with me.
Ask anyone who knows me, and they’ll tell you straight up, I’m a real and loyal person, which makes me a loyal friend. But what I’m realizing, to my dismay, is that not everyone is like this.
My favorite motto is “Actions Speaks Louder Than Words”. This is something I live by.
I have learned early that if someone’s words does not match up with their actions, then you can’t trust them. Trust has to be earned, and if one’s not careful, it can be lost.
Back in the day, the original gangsters lived by a code and loyalty was everything. Nowadays, it’s almost instinct. I think social media has something to do with this.
There is a benefit in dealing with people face to face as opposed to social media. In dealing with people in person, you have the ability to detect where they are coming from and what their true intentions are. You can discern it through their body language or the inflection of their voice. But not so in social media, which why it’s such a slippery slope.
On social media, people can hide behind their keyboards, and paint images of what they would like you to believe. Whereas in person, you can’t do that.
Bottomline, the only way for you to know if someone is telling you the truth, is if their actions are lining up with their words. For example, if someone is promising you something one minute and then ignoring you the next, then you know it was just words. If there are no actions supporting what they told you, then you are wasting your time with this person.
Yes, it’s disappointing when this happens, but at the end of the day, it’s better know the truth, then be strung along and taken for a ride.
This is why I question everything. People don’t like it or feel comfortable with my questions. They say it’s too much. But I’m not going to take what someone tells at face value, especially if their actions are not supporting it. God gave me a brain and I intend to use it. I’m not going to accept “whatever”, especially if I don’t know the person.
When someone says one thing and then does another, that’s called mixed signals, which never promotes trust. It also does not allow for a foundation to be built for any relationship to grow, whether it be on a personal or professional level.
Truth is, your word is bond, and without it, you have nothing.
What do you think has happened to loyalty, trust and friendship today?
Posted in blogging
Also tagged Actions, Actions Speaks Louder Than Words, Friendships, Games, Lies, Loyalty, Relationships, Trust, Your Word Bond
2 Comments
True and False Revival by Andrew Strom
Paperback: 132 pages
Publisher: RevivalSchool (September 11, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0979907314
ISBN-13: 978-0979907319
Price: $11.91
Purchase: Amazon
Description:
Andrew Strom is founder of RevivalSchool.com and the international REVIVAL List. He was involved for 11 years in the same Prophetic movement as Todd Bentley and Rick Joyner – until he quit in anguish over the unbiblical and bizarre things going on in that movement. As an insider, Andrew questions a lot of the ‘angels’, the gold dust, and “revivals” like the one in Lakeland. Read the FACTS to find out why. What is real Revival? And how do we tell the true from the false? The answers are found in this provocative book.
Review:
True and False Revival is about learning to discern which is true and which is counterfeit in the Church. Andrew Strom is an insider who knows about the counterfeit and has studied revival extensively. I consider him an expert on true revival.
This book is such an important book, especially for leaders.
Andrew Strom writes in an easy to read format. True and False Revival is a warning to the Church and a call in the wilderness.
We need John the Baptists in the world who will preach on repentance and renewal. There is too much focus on signs and wonders, materialism and secularism in the Church today.
Andrew Strom has a burden for the Church in bringing them back to true revival. This book is an excellent resource on this subject and I highly recommend it.
Andrew Strom is an international writer and speaker, founder of RevivalSchool.com and the international REVIVAL List – and author of ten books including ‘The Sinner’s Prayer – Fact or Fiction?’ Andrew was born Downunder in New Zealand. He has been happily married to his lovely wife Jacqui for 26 years. They have six wonderful children.
Posted in book reviews, christianity, faith, prayer
Also tagged Andrew Strom, Counterfeit gospel, Revival, Signs and Wonders, True and False Revival
Leave a comment
Abracadabra
Abracadabra. Like many magic words, the true origins of the word “abracadabra” are shrouded in mystery. It may have invoked the god Abraxas for protection. It might be a synthesis of the Hebrew words for “father,” “son,” and “holy spirit.”
It could also be from the Aramaic phrase “avra kehdabra,” meaning, “I will create as I speak.” In ancient times the word was inscribed on pendants worn around the neck as protection from evil and illness. It was considered a far more powerful word in the classical age than it is now.
When I think of the word ‘abracadabra’, I think of magic and modern day Christianity.
What does magic and Christianity have to do with each other? Well, a lot actually.
*****
I just got off a prayer line which I used to be part of a few years ago.
But tonight was different.
I remember when this pastor started his prayer line. There were only a few and then it grew.
Today his ministry has tripled which is pretty impressive. What’s even more impressive is that his ministry consists of mostly women. He seems to attract them in droves.
Why do these women flock to this leader? I paid attention.
It is his pleasantries. I mean, who doesn’t want to hear nice things and ‘feel’ good?
I guess this is what attracted me.
I would get pumped up listening to his persuasive tongue and positive messages. I couldn’t get enough.
His words were like honey, sweet and addicting. But too much honey can make you sick.
He shouts, Declare it, Believe it, you’ll get that Mercedes Benz, in the name of Jesus!
Abracadabra, Hocus Pocus, Alakazam!
This is Christianity today.
An unholy mixture, of compromise and new age mysticism has seeped into the Church.
A seducing and lustful spirit, luring and captivating minds into deception.
I am familiar more than I care to admit.
I recognize them, I discern them, I smell them and I know where they hide.
They haunted and tormented me for years.
You think it’s all good, so long as you hear the word Jesus, right? But, it’s a lie.
The devil uses deception my friends, he’s the master of it. He is the best magician you’ll ever meet.
What? You don’t think these spirits are operating in the Church today? Really?
Well, I’m sorry to have to be the one to tell you, they are. Especially today.
The Church can’t see it though, because they are sleeping. They need to wake up from their slumber soon before it’s too late.
Posted in blogging, christianity
Also tagged Abracadabra, Alakazam, Christianity, Devil, Hocus Pocus, Magic, The Church
4 Comments
In The Pit Of Hell
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. 1 Timothy 1:4
It was pitch black in Puttapharti, India. We were half asleep and dragged ourselves from our cots.
We rushed out of our rooms quickly to try and get a spot in front of the line, to catch a glimpse of the miracle man.
All the while I wanted to leave this place.
You see, the sad reality is I was a Christian. I had walked away from my faith temporarily. It was after I met a prominent doctor at a party who spoke to me of this miracle man in India.
I was fascinated, curious and decided I needed to take a trip and see for myself.
When I arrived to this ashram, my spiritual eyes were opened. Instead of being in bliss, I found myself in the pit of hell.
While the group was having one experience, I was having another.
For instance, I kept having vivid and disturbing dreams of this guru. I would tell the group about the dreams and all of a sudden I was categorized as the chosen one.
Meanwhile, all I wanted to do was run for the hills.
It was a complete nightmare. I saw things in the spiritual realm that freaked me out.
As fate would have it, after sitting on the ground cross-legged for hours, our line was selected to go in first. Which meant, we would see the guru up close and personal.
Now who do you think he walked up to?
That’s right, me. He asked me where I was from, who I came with and how many we were.
I then witnessed him produce ash from his fingertips right before my eyes. There was a strong aroma of jasmine and electricity in the air.
Instantly, the Holy Spirit revealed to me he was demon possessed. His power came from demons.
I can’t tell you how afraid I was at that moment. The scary part about it, is when his eyes pierced into mine, it was as if he knew everything about me.
I wanted to leave so badly, but I was unable to get out. I was trapped there, as if kept hostage. There was no escape.
I never cried and asked God to help me so much. I was scared out of my mind.
I look back and realized God allowed me to go there for a reason. I didn’t know what the reason was until now.
This same spirit has entered into the Christian Church.
Christians need to wake up.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matthew 24:24
We are in the last days and these things are happening now. Christians, please take heed.
Posted in blogging, christianity, faith
Also tagged demon possession, doctrines of devils, evil, hell, India, last days, power, Puttaparthi, seducing spirits
Leave a comment
I Could’ve Been A Contender
“You don’t understand. I coulda had class, I coulda been a contender.
I could’ve been somebody, instead of a bum which is what I am, let’s face it.” ~ Terry Malloy
The above is taken from the movie, On The Waterfont, a poignant and powerful scene.
My godmother had told me about this movie over the weekend. So, I decided to venture over to the New York Public Library and borrow it.
The movie hit home for me because a close relative who I love very much works as a longshoreman. Actually, I have quite a number of relatives who work or have worked at the waterfront.
It’s a rough job. I’ve been privy to a lot of it based on my relatives working the docks.
They love their jobs immensely, but there is a lot that comes with it that isn’t so attractive.
This movie brings such realities to the forefront.
There is much to be said on the topic, however, this isn’t my focus.
“I could’ve been a contender.”
Have you ever felt this way in your life? If it wasn’t for someone or something, your life would have gone differently?
I definitely feel this way. I made some wrong decisions in my life and based on those wrong decisions, my life went a different direction.
One example of this, is when I left home at the age of 19 and eloped. To me, that was the single biggest mistake I’ve ever made because I was going to college at the time and had to drop out.
I got married too young. I was immature. I was naive. I didn’t have any life experience. I should have focused on completing my college education, instead of getting married (i.e., I was married once before).
A wrong decision changed the course of my life.
I’m not sitting here dwelling on it, however, I do recognize how our decisions can pretty much make or break our lives.
“I could have been somebody.”
Yes. I truly believe I could have been somebody if I didn’t have negative associations.
In this movie, his brother was the one who sold him (Marlon Brando’s character) out.
His brother placed bets and fixed who would win. He told him it wasn’t his night. His brother’s decision destroyed his boxing career.
Which is why the above scene broke my heart. I am well aware of how one wrong move, by a person or a bad decision, can change the course of someone’s life forever.
I am grateful the Lord gives us second chances. I don’t know where I would be today if He didn’t.
Have you seen this movie? If so, what did you think of it? Also, has God given you a second chance?
Posted in blogging
Also tagged Abuse, Corruption, Longshoreman, Longshoreman Union, Marlon Brando, murder, On The Waterfront, Waterfront Commission
6 Comments
Follow
embodyart