The document discusses how humans can decline from being spiritual to becoming earthly, soulish, and eventually demonic. It argues that becoming too focused on earthly things and desires (prosperity, healing) makes one "soulish" and ego-centric. This opens the door for demonic influence. It cites biblical examples like Aaron making a golden calf and Israel's idolatry as demonstrations of declining from spiritual to soulish to demonic. The document warns against worship becoming merely play or entertainment focused on feeling good rather than focusing on God.
THOSE TO DISSEMINATE AND THOSE TO RECEIVE ITNkor Ioka
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
1. JONAH THE DESERTER Based on Jonah 1:1-3
2. JONAH'S FLIGHT LESSONS Based on Jonah 1:3
3. AWAKENED BY A PAGAN based on Jonah 1:4-6
4. THE LORD OR LUCK Based on Jonah 1:7
5. THE FEAR OF GOD Based on Jonah 1:8-10
6. SCRIPTURE AND SUICIDE Based on Jonah 1:11-12
7. PAGAN PIETY Based on Jonah 1:13-17
8. A HOPELESS SITUATION Based on Jonah 2
9. THE SHORTEST SERMON Based on Jonah 3:1-5
10. GOD'S REPENTANCE Based on Jonah 3:10
11. BECOMING WORLD CLASS CHRISTIANS Based on Jonah 3:10-4:11
12. DOWN IN THE DUMPS Based on Jonah 4:1-4
13. THE PRIORITY OF PERSONS Based on Jonah 4:6-11
14. ARE ALL WHO DIE IN INFANCY SAVED? Based on Jonah 4:11
15. WHO CARES ABOUT CATTLE? Based on Johan 4:11
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
THOSE TO DISSEMINATE AND THOSE TO RECEIVE ITNkor Ioka
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
1. JONAH THE DESERTER Based on Jonah 1:1-3
2. JONAH'S FLIGHT LESSONS Based on Jonah 1:3
3. AWAKENED BY A PAGAN based on Jonah 1:4-6
4. THE LORD OR LUCK Based on Jonah 1:7
5. THE FEAR OF GOD Based on Jonah 1:8-10
6. SCRIPTURE AND SUICIDE Based on Jonah 1:11-12
7. PAGAN PIETY Based on Jonah 1:13-17
8. A HOPELESS SITUATION Based on Jonah 2
9. THE SHORTEST SERMON Based on Jonah 3:1-5
10. GOD'S REPENTANCE Based on Jonah 3:10
11. BECOMING WORLD CLASS CHRISTIANS Based on Jonah 3:10-4:11
12. DOWN IN THE DUMPS Based on Jonah 4:1-4
13. THE PRIORITY OF PERSONS Based on Jonah 4:6-11
14. ARE ALL WHO DIE IN INFANCY SAVED? Based on Jonah 4:11
15. WHO CARES ABOUT CATTLE? Based on Johan 4:11
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
The historical account of the Scriptures (Holy Bible) gives a glimpse of God's dealing with His warriors, a way for the End times Army of Yeshua to learn from.
Act 2:17 "'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams
Mat 7:13 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
Wrestling In A Dark World John 15:18-16:4 and Ephesians 6:12-13David Turner
As believers in Jesus Christ we are fighting against the Principalities and Powers of this world. We cannot fight with the methods of the world. We must wrestle in the manner in which Christ wrestled, in the power of the Spirit.
A more in-depth presentation of the practice of praying for the presentation of the Gospel to be offerd to souls who died before they heard and decided about it.
This is a kind of piece that could ignite the fire of an end time revival in a common believer. It will get you agitated and insipred to do exploit for God.
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
Hope for those who have made a mess of their lives
-Zac Poonen
INDEX
1.God’s Purpose In Man’s Failure
2.God’s Perfect Plan For Those Who Have Failed
CFC, Christian Fellowship Church, Christian Fellowship Center, Christian Fellowship Centre
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
The historical account of the Scriptures (Holy Bible) gives a glimpse of God's dealing with His warriors, a way for the End times Army of Yeshua to learn from.
Act 2:17 "'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams
Mat 7:13 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
Wrestling In A Dark World John 15:18-16:4 and Ephesians 6:12-13David Turner
As believers in Jesus Christ we are fighting against the Principalities and Powers of this world. We cannot fight with the methods of the world. We must wrestle in the manner in which Christ wrestled, in the power of the Spirit.
A more in-depth presentation of the practice of praying for the presentation of the Gospel to be offerd to souls who died before they heard and decided about it.
This is a kind of piece that could ignite the fire of an end time revival in a common believer. It will get you agitated and insipred to do exploit for God.
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
CHRISTIAN SUPERNATURAL TEACHINGS, BIBLE CLASS LESSONS, GOSPELS BY LEADER OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU, THE SUPERNATURAL TEACHER AND SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD, BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS AND STAR
Hope for those who have made a mess of their lives
-Zac Poonen
INDEX
1.God’s Purpose In Man’s Failure
2.God’s Perfect Plan For Those Who Have Failed
CFC, Christian Fellowship Church, Christian Fellowship Center, Christian Fellowship Centre
Exodus 17 18, test the lord, strike the rock, joshua means yehoshua or jeshua...Valley Bible Fellowship
Test the LORD, strike the rock, Joshua, Yehoshua, Jeshua, Amalkites, banner, our judicial system, 3 branched system of government, Godly Leader Qualifications, not good, fear God, a holy nation, Exodus Chapters 17-18
Theomatics and The Big Picture by Professor Truthprofessortruth
The Theomatics code in the Bible proves conclusively that every person who is born into this world - pre-existed in heaven - we are the fallen angels who were thrown out and cast down to earth. Literraly. That is why the Bible teaches that men and women are born sinners.
empathy, What is empathy, the human condition Who has empathy and how to hav...franktsao4
Empathy is a psychological and philosophical name used to take care of patients, but there is no such word in the Bible whether it is in Chinese or English. And God created each person differently, plus each person's family of origin, their experience after birth is different, and there are differences between men and women. So it is actually difficult or almost impossible for a person to understand what other people are going through. But God knows everyone, so if we have empathy, we must pay close attention to god. Hence, we rely heavily on God to use his mighty power to allow us to have empathy, so I will give an example of empathy at the end.
John 1;1-2, Intro, 4 Gospels 4 Beholds, Logos God and Person, beginnings, mon...Valley Bible Fellowship
John Chapter 1;1-2, Introduction, 4 Gospels Reflect 4 “Beholds;” 4 Gospels, 4 Views, 4 Purposes; The Logos Is God And A Person; How many beginnings are there?; Monotheism One God; One Christ; echad; Who Created God?; 3 Questions for a Jehovah witness
Israel Doctrine Is The Teaching Of Our Mystery SystemIsrael Doctrine
The formal term Israel Doctrine is used to describe the oneness of the divine authority of The God of Israel. The instructions or teaching that was taught as principles to his minister’s, men of The Nation of Israel for whom Israel Doctrine was named after. Therefore the Doctrine is credited to The God of Israel, Jesus, and those build up on him, to instruct the rest of the sons of Adam. Now Israel Doctrine has been established through the activities of this chosen. Yes, the once God foreknew. Who he give the mystery to the Kingdom of Heaven to.
There is no scientific evidence that can support racism. Racism is a disease that was created in the soul of man and traveled to his spirit from where he is controlled by demonic spirits.
Racial tension is not a new phenomena, it is as old as the human race. For eons of time, man looked at himself in the mirror and decided that he is superior to the person that looks differently than himself.
Reformation always causes the blessings of God to be released in a greater way.
Without reformation, the Church becomes stagnant and eventually loses the full blessing of God.
Through reformation, multitudes are blessed and released into their individual destinies.
The Church also begins to walk in corporate destiny and release salvation and blessing to multitudes.
Transition is sometimes difficult because it requires humility and a willingness to make sacrifices.
There will be a grace given by the Lord to make the change.
An apostolic Community is one where the people are living in the benefit of the apostolic dimension.
It is important to understand the nature of apostolic communities for accurate positioning, planning and expectation.
Understanding apostolic community will inform our value systems and provide a new measuring rod by which to evaluate quality and direction.
Provide a fundamental understanding of how analytical thinking works
Identify specific tools and techniques that students can use during the problem solving life cycle
Give students a complete framework for managing project issues – from identification to resolution
Understand the systematic process of problem solving
Define the issue as a starting point for your project
Focus on the “drivers” behind your issue
Know how to apply specific techniques, such as brainstorming, root cause analysis, and SWOT
Know how to test your proposed solutions before submission to the client
Know how to present viable solutions for solving critical problems
Prophetic presbytery is a time when presbyters (elders) lay hands on and prophesy over selected believers to speak the will of God over them, impart gifts, and release them into their ministries.
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
2. • Then, the most significant passage of all is James 3:15, which I
will deal with at length.
• Talking about a certain kind of wisdom, James says: This wisdom
does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.
• By now, you have arrived at the conclusion that sensual is
soulish.
• So there is a kind of wisdom that is soulish. And there is a
decline, descending in three stages: 1, earthly; 2, soulish; 3,
demonic.
• I believe this is the main way in which demons get in to the
work of God ... the people of God ... the church of God.
• It is through this decline from the earthly to the soulish to the
demonic.
3. • Now let us consider what is implied.
• What does it mean to be earthly?
• For a Christian I believe it means our vision is
completely limited to this earth. We cannot see
beyond this earth.
• All we are expecting from God through salvation are
things that belong to this life: prosperity, healing,
success, power - who knows what? I believe all of that
is soulish.
• I will take a few examples of people who were not
earthly.
• You can find a whole list of them in Hebrews 11.
4. • In fact, you could really sum up the saints of Hebrews 11 as those
who were not soulish, who were not earthly. Here are just two
examples.
• In Hebrews 11:9-10, speaking about Abraham, it says: By faith
he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling
in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same
promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose
builder and maker is God.
• Abraham was in the Promised Land, he knew it was promised to
him, but he did not own it and he never lived there as if he
owned it. He never bought a house. He always lived in a tent,
which is something movable.
• Note the contrast with Lot, who separated from Abraham and
turned his face toward Sodom - the men of Sodom were sinners
before the Lord, and exceedingly wicked - and he went where his
face was turned.
5. • The next time you read about Lot, he is not just looking toward
Sodom, he is in Sodom, and he is living in a house - no longer in
a tent. I think Lot, in a sense, is a type of the earthly man of God.
• But Abraham had a vision which extended beyond time into
eternity.
• He was waiting for a city that he had never seen but he knew
one day it would be his home.
• When we become obsessed with this world, we become
soulish.
6. • My second example is Moses in Hebrews 11:27:
• By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for
he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.
• Let me suggest to you that this is the key to endurance. It is
looking beyond time, looking beyond the level of this life where
we often will have a very hard time, many frustrations, and many
disappointments.
• What will cause us to endure?
• A vision that takes us beyond time.
• There are many other examples. Those two are just examples -
Abraham and Moses - of people who were not earthly.
7. • Then there is also a remarkable statement by Paul in 1
Corinthians 15:19: If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we
are of all men the most pitiable [or the most to be pitied]
• That is a very remarkable statement. If all our Christian faith
provides for us is things in this life, we are pitiable, we are to be
pitied.
• And I have to say, I want to say it graciously, there is a good
deal of teaching in the church which only focuses on what God
will do for us in this life.
• Such people often consider themselves prosperous and
successful; God considers them pitiable.
8. • When we become earthly, what is the next step down?
• Soulish.
• What is the essence of the soul?
• The ego.
• What is it to be soulish?
• It is to be ego-centric.
• To be absolutely concerned with number one, as they say.
• The soulish person says, "What's in this for me?"
• The spiritual person says, "How can I glorify God?"
• I think you will agree - I hope I am not being cynical - there is a
great deal of soulishness in the contemporary church, defined
this way.
9. • Then the soulish opens up for the demonic.
• When you get into the realm of the soulish, you are exposed to
the demonic. This, I believe, is primarily what permits demons to
infiltrate the people of God, and the work of God.
• Let us consider for a moment two Old Testament patterns of
people who moved out of the earthly into the soulish and from
the soulish to the demonic.
• They were very distinguished people.
• The first one is Aaron. If you turn to Exodus 32, you will find
something that always astonishes me. Here was the anointed
and appointed High Priest making a golden calf.
• I want to analyze what it says in Exodus 32:1-10.
• Moses at this time is up on the mountain. They have not seen
him for something like forty days. So it says:
10. • Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down
from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and
said to him, "Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as
for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of
Egypt, we do not know what has become of him."
• The very significant phrase there is "the man who brought us up
out of the land of Egypt."
• They had lost sight of God. They were focusing on human
leaders. And I believe, almost inevitably, that will lead to
idolatry.
• When we lose our vision of God and focus only on God's
servants we are in great danger.
11. • So, Aaron said to them, "Break off the golden earrings which are
in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and
bring them to me." So all the people broke off the golden earrings
which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron. And he
received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an
engraving tool, and made a molded calf. Then they said, "This is
your god, 0 Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!"
• So when Aaron saw it [this is an amazing description - when
Aaron saw his own calf], he built an altar before it. And Aaron
made a proclamation and said, "Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord"
[to Yahweh. I mean, I find it hard to understand how Aaron could
do that. But if Aaron could do it, you and I can do it.
• Then it says:] Then they rose early on the next day, offered
burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat
down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
12. • That is the essence of idolatry: play.
• When our worship becomes play, we have moved out of the
spiritual into the soulish, and ultimately, into the demonic.
• I do not want to appear critical, but I have to say, to my
understanding, most of what is called worship in the Charismatic
movement is not worship at all.
• Often it is very self-centered:
– God heal me.
– God bless me.
– God, make me feel good.
• God do this and God do that." It is ego-centric; it is soulish. Only
the spirit can focus directly on God.
13. • Much of the music that we have in church today appeals to the
soul or stimulates the soul.
• It is very much the same kind of music as is used in the world to
stimulate the soul.
• I am no expert in music, absolutely not at all. But I have a certain
sensitivity to the impact of music.
• What is amazing about the scene of Israel's idolatry here
described is the total difference between the attitude of the
people when God spoke from heaven and their attitude perhaps
two months later.
• There had been the most amazing shift. In Exodus 20 when they
had a unique revelation from God such as no other nation has
ever had, their response was awe, fear, reverence.
• All the people witnessed the thunder, the lightning flashes, the
sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the
people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off.
14. • Then they said to Moses, "You speak with us, and we will hear;
but let not God speak with us, lest we die." And Moses said to the
people, "Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His
fear may be before you, so that you may not sin." So the people
stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where God
was.
• They were so impressed by the holiness and the majesty of God
that they said, "Moses, we can't listen to that voice any more.
Will you please hear for us and we'll listen to what you say to us."
Yet in less than two months, they had come from that attitude to
the place where they wanted a golden calf to worship, where they
saw not God, but Moses, as the person who had brought them
out of Egypt.
• Paul takes this up in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 10:5-7.
Speaking about the experiences of Israel when they came out of
Egypt, Paul says:
15. • But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their
bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things
became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after
evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as
were some of them. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat
and drink, and rose up to play.“
• What had happened? Their physical needs had been met.
• Their stomachs were full, their bodies were warmly clothed, so,
what next? Well, let's have a little excitement! Let's play!
• I am so concerned when worship becomes play.
• And today much of it is. Worship has nothing to do with
entertainment.
• Entertainment says, "Excite me. Thrill me. Satisfy me." That is all
for the benefit of the soul. The spirit is excluded.
16. • My second example of the transition from the spiritual to the
soulish to the demonic is even more frightening. You will find it
in Leviticus 9:23 - 10:2.
• This is a glorious moment. The people had done everything that
God required in the form of sacrifices, and, when their
obedience was complete, God sent His glory and burned up the
sacrifice on the altar.
• And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of meeting, and
came out and blessed the people. Then the glory of the LORD
appeared to all the people, and fire came out from before the
LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar.
• When all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.
[A manifest demonstration of God's glory and a fire that actually
consumed the sacrifice on the altar. Now, the next two verses
are some of the most tragic in the Bible:]
17. • Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron [and Nadab was the
eldest son - he was scheduled to become high priest in place of
Aaron] . . . Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his
censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane
fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. So fire
went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died
before the Lord.
• The same fire that consumed the sacrifice burned up the
worshipers!
• What is "profane fire"?
• I understand it is fire that is not taken from the altar that God
has commanded.
• What is "profane fire" in our experience?
• I would say it is worship in any spirit other than the Holy Spirit.
And the penalty was death.
18. • We read in Numbers 16:1-35 about an insurrection against
Moses in the wilderness when some of the leaders took 250
censers, filled them with fire and said, "We're just as good as
Aaron. We've got as much right to be priests as he has.
• “And Moses said, "All right. We'll try this out." He told them to
assemble with their censers with fire in them. Then the fire of
the Lord came out and consumed 250 men.
• The lesson for me is this: You are responsible for what is in your
censer. You are responsible for the spirit in which you
approach God.
• I am not saying that you will be consumed with fire, but God's
judgments are often exemplary.
• In other words, God did not judge every city where there was
homosexuality as He judged Sodom and Gomorrah.
• But His judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah was exemplary: it
showed forever God's estimate of homosexuality.
19. • Again, when Ananias and Sapphira tried to cheat the Lord with
their offering, they both died - because they claimed to be giving
God more than they actually were.
• Not everybody who does that dies. I think if that happened, there
would be fewer people in the church. But God's estimate of it
never changes.
• Here we have this demonstration of the danger of approaching
God with what is called "profane fire": any spirit that is not the
Holy Spirit. This has become so very real to me.
• Now, let us turn to Hebrews and see the New Testament
application. Hebrews 12:28-29: Therefore, since we are receiving
a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which
we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For
our God is a consuming fire.
• The NIV uses the word "awe." I ask myself, and I ask you: How
much awe do you find in the church today?
20. • Many of the contemporary spiritual movements I believe,
somewhere in the beginning was a genuine spontaneous move of
the Holy Spirit.
• Part of what comes out is the Holy Spirit, but it has become mixed.
Some things are from God, but others are not.
• Why? What is the problem?
• My answer is soulishness: an undiscerned downward slide from a
focus on God to a focus on self, from objective scriptural truth to
subjective personal experience.
• All too often a sense of awe and reverence for the holiness of God
has been replaced by unscriptural frivolity and flippancy.
• In fact, I would say that flippancy has become an epidemic
disease in the contemporary Charismatic movement.
• Charles Finney once commented, "God never uses a jester to
search consciences." One characteristic ministry of the Holy Spirit is
to convict of sin, and of righteousness and of judgment (John 16:8).