to connect with God and others, and make a difference in your community. It can be as simple as going for a walk around your neighborhood and praying, or as involved as leading a community cleanup project.
No matter how you choose to do it, outdoor ministry can be a rewarding experience.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider getting involved:
It's a great way to connect with God. When you're out in your community, it's easy to see God's work in the world. The people you meet, the places you go, and the things you see can all point you to God's love and grace (Isaiah 40:28-31).
It's a great way to connect with others. Outdoor ministry can be a great way to meet new people and build relationships. When you're out in your community, you're all on the same level and there's no pressure to be anything other than yourself (Galatians 6:2).
It's a great way to make a difference in the world. Outdoor ministry can be a great way to serve others and make your community a better place. You can volunteer your time to help clean up a park, plant trees, or help to feed the hungry (Matthew 25:31-46).
If you're looking for a way to connect with God, others, and your community, then outdoor ministry is a great option. It's a fun, rewarding, and meaningful way to spend your time.
Here are some ideas for how to get involved in outdoor ministry:
Go for a walk around your neighborhood and pray. This is a simple way to connect with God and see the beauty of your community and meet your neighbors (Psalm 19:1-4). I actually started a bible study group this way.
Volunteer for a community service project. There are many organizations that are always looking for volunteers to help make a difference (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
Grill some hot dogs and hamburgers! This is a fun way to get to know your neighbors and build community (1 John 3:18).
These are just a few ideas to get you started. There are many other ways to get involved in outdoor ministry. The most important thing is to find something that you are passionate about and that you can commit to.
No matter how you choose to get involved in outdoor ministry, you're sure to have a rewarding experience. So get out there and explore your community!
...including through dreams and revelations. When we honor these messages, we open ourselves up to a deeper relationship with Him.
One way to honor your dreams and revelations is to keep a journal. This will help you remember them and track any patterns or themes that emerge. You can also use your journal to reflect on what the dreams and revelations might mean for your life.
Another way to honor your dreams and revelations is to share them with others. This can be a trusted friend, family member, or spiritual mentor. Sharing your dreams and revelations can help you to understand them better and to receive guidance from others.
Finally, it is important to act on your dreams and revelations. This doesn't mean that you have to do everything that you dream about, but it does mean that you should take some steps to move in the direction that God is leading you.
Here are some additional tips for honoring your dreams and revelations:
Pray about your dreams and ask God for guidance in understanding them. (Psalm 119:105)
Read the Bible prayerfully to gain insights into the meaning of your dreams. (Proverbs 2:6)
Talk to mentors about your dreams and get their perspectives. (Proverbs 15:22)
Keep a dream journal.
Genesis 40:5-20 - Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams.
Daniel 2:1-49 - Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream.
Pay attention to the symbols and images in your dreams.
Genesis 28:10-17 - Jacob has a dream about a ladder to heaven.
Daniel 7:1-28 - Daniel has a dream about four beasts.
Consider the context of your dream.
Genesis 37:5-11 - Joseph has a dream about his brothers bowing down to him.
Matthew 1:18-25 - Joseph has a dream about Mary being pregnant with Jesus.
Remember, honoring your dreams and revelations is a journey. It takes time, patience, and faith. But it is a journey that is well worth taking.
"Have you found something worth dying for? If not, what are you living for?" This is a powerful question that has resonated with me for many years. I believe that each of us has a unique calling on our lives, a passion that we are meant to pursue. When we find our calling, we are filled with a sense of purpose and meaning. We are no longer living a life of quiet desperation, but a life of passion and excitement.
How do we find our calling? It starts with seeking God. When we spend time in prayer and meditation, we open ourselves up to His guidance. He will reveal to us our passions and our purpose. We may not always understand His plan for our lives, but we can trust that He has a good one.
Once we have found our calling, it is important to pursue it with all our hearts. We should not be afraid to step outside of our comfort zones and take risks. We should also be willing to work hard and persevere in the face of challenges. When we pursue our calling with passion, we will find that we are capable of great things.
If you have not yet found your calling, I encourage you to keep seeking God. He will not let you down. He will give you the passion and the purpose that you are looking for. So go out there and live a life that is worth dying for!
When I first got saved, I discovered that I would groan in deep prayer or when I was in a deeply spiritual setting. I started to dig into the bible to see if it was biblical. It took me quite some time to even notice that I was groaning in prayer. It would happen when I waded deep into the spirit or when I was with a group of people and the prayer got really deep. So deep that you could sense the manifest presence of God in the room.
Prayer & Groaning
Prayer is a familiar concept to many of us. Whether we’re alone or in a group, it can be used for devotion and as a way to commune with God. But what about groaning? Can this also be part of our prayer life? I believe the answer is yes! Groaning – both in the spiritual sense and in the physical act of uttering sounds – has been used throughout history as an expression of prayer. I m sure you've seen pictures of people on their knees or laying prostrate before an image of Jesus. In the background you see them groaning and sobbing, often while clutching their hands in prayer position.
Similarly, Paul says that he “groans within himself” (Romans 8:26) while praying.
In the same way the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words.(Rom 8:26 AMP)
What Does the Bible Say?
When it comes to the question of groaning prayer, what does the Bible say? Groaning is an emotional expression often used in pleas for help or comfort, but is it an appropriate way to express a prayer to God? Let's take a closer look at what Scripture has to say about this form of communication with the Creator.
Various passages throughout Scripture make reference to groaning prayers as a valid method of communicating with God. In Romans 8:26-27, Paul writes that "the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. God intercedes for the saints according to his own will." Here we see that God responds to our prayers based on His own will, and that the Spirit helps us communicate with Him in a way that is beyond our natural ability.
Examples of Groaning Prayer in Scripture
Groaning prayer, or expressing one’s prayers to God in the form of a deep groan or sigh, is a practice that has long been used by believers. It can be found throughout scripture as an expression of hardship and suffering. The Bible contains many examples of groaning prayer that are worth exploring.
One example of groaning prayer comes from Paul’s letter to the Romans 8:23-24 which states “And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons”. Here Paul expresses his longing for redemption and forgiveness through this type of prayer.
Another example of groaning prayer in Scripture is the aforementioned Romans 8:26-27 when the Apostle Paul says “we do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (NIV) Here, we see an example of how believers can cry out to God without necessarily using words to express their needs and desires.
Additionally, Psalm 5:1-3 describes a situation where David cries out to God with intense emotion and anguish by using loud cries and tears as part of his form of communication with Him.
A Psalm of David. Listen to my words, O LORD, Consider my groaning and sighing. Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, For to You I pray. In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will prepare [a prayer and a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart].(Psa 5:1-3 AMP+)
I believe Jesus groaned within Himself in Gethsemane (see Matt. 26:37,38; Mark 14:33-35). We may not know what Jesus groaned about, but the idea is that He was so burdened by His coming ordeal that He had to sigh deeply within Himself in order to pray. Groaning seems appropriate when we cannot find the words, but the spirit knows. Scripture isn't explicit, but it seems like this Scripture is in agreement with others elsewhere.
Jesus groaned in the spirit and was troubled when He saw Mary weeping at the tomb of Lazarus (see John 11:33). In this case, groaning was a sign of empathy and sorrow.
Challenges to Groaning Prayer
Though it may be seen as a form of spiritual expression, groaning prayer has its challenges. Those who practice groaning prayer must be able to discern the difference between true spiritual expressions and something that isn’t from God. Additionally, it can also be difficult for some people to know when or how to begin groaning in prayer, as such an activity requires one to have an intimate knowledge of scripture and the nature of God. My personal experience is when I am deeply lost in prayer, groaning just seems to happen. It is not something that I initiated, but the Spirit gave utterance.
Groaning in the spirit during prayer is biblical
Groaning in the spirit during prayer is absolutely biblical and has been documented throughout Christian history. It's a powerful tool that allows Christians to express their faith and draw closer to God. Many Bible verses reference groaning in prayer, from Paul's description of the Spirit interceding with us when we are unable to find words (Romans 8:26) to Jesus' heartbreaking cries for His Father's will be done (Matthew 26:39).
The idea of groaning prayer can be traced back as far as the Old Testament book of Psalms, where David pleads with God using passionate cries and supplications. We also see examples in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Job—all of whom use language reflective of deep feeling within their prayers which would be another way of saying 'groaning'.
In Conclusion
I didn't set out to groan in prayer. It is something that happened when I got lost deep in prayer. The bible examples seem to tie groaning to desperation.
Verses to Pray About
Here are some verses to ponder on about groaning in prayer. Pray about these and let me know what revelation you get!
Exo 2:24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.
Exo 6:5 And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.
Psa 6:6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
Joh 11:33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
Joh 11:38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
Rom 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
2Co 5:2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven
2Co 5:4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
The reason I emphasize having a spiritual relationship with the biblical Jesus is because it is not emphasized in the church. Biblical knowledge is. Theology is. Doctrine is. Morality is. But a spiritual, personal, loving relationship is ignored for the most part.
I know this, because of my engagements in social media and out on the streets. People are filled with head knowledge about Jesus, but not experiencing the spiritual, loving, personal relationship with Jesus.
So let’s dig into doing more than just believing in Jesus, but Loving Him!
Did you know that Jesus will manifest Himself to those that love Him?
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." John 14:21
Did you know that Jesus said He would make His abode with those that love Him?
"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him". John 14:23
(Notice Jesus said “love” and not “believe” - more on that later.)
The Scriptures point to Jesus - The Author and finisher of our faith
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2
When I think of John 5:39, I think of how the menu points to the meal. The biblical text points to the Author. God, which is a spirit, breathed the word through holy men of God. They were inspired to write the text. Inspirited means “in spirit”.
This passage has particular relevance to me and I refer to this in my book “Open Your Eyes, My Supernatural Journey”. One day after an Outreach with Bread of Life Church I was in the back of the sanctuary and I sensed the presence of God. The presence of God was emanating from the altar. I was determined to get into the fullness of His presence even though I was afraid.
I pressed forward against my fear at a snail’s pace. I finally got to the front row. Then something invisible to me pushed me down in the front seat. At that time in the spirit I heard really loudly.
“Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which testify of ME”.
When He said “ME” it was very loud and pronounced. It was at that moment that I realized I needed to put my trust in Jesus the person. I need to love Jesus the person. The scriptures point to Jesus the Person.
I knew this previously, but not on the scale it was being presented. It became a quickened word within my spirit that forever changed my life.
Know About Jesus versus the Personal Relationship with Jesus
You can read about John F. Kennedy all you want. You can talk to his family members. You can even tour his memorial. But you don’t know him until you have had dinner with the man!
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.(Revelation 3:20)
This is what Christian believers need to know. We can read about Jesus all we want. We can have bible studies and make several trips to Israel. But none of that compares to having a personal, loving relationship with Him.
What happens to those with good works that only believe in Jesus?
What happens if people have good theology according to man, good morals, believe Jesus is Lord, and good doctrine, that have no loving relationship with Jesus?
"21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matt 7:21-23
Notice the people here, call Jesus Lord. They think they are doing His will. They are even prophesying and doing mighty works, but Jesus doesn’t have a personal relationship with them.
Let’s look at it from another angle. Let's say you are on death row, and your only hope is a presidential pardon. You know the name of the president. You know his policies and laws. You know what he says and does. Well, so does everybody else. You're much more likely to get a presidential pardon if the president knows you personally.
It is more than belief - it is Love!
Have you ever noticed that when people evangelize, they ask if people want to go to heaven when they die? They totally leave Jesus out of the equation?
This lowers the relationship to a Jesus that is far off, and not one that abides in us, or manifests Himself to us. Jesus used the words ‘love’ and not ‘believe’ in the above passages about manifesting and making His abode.
When we believe Jesus, we should believe what he said. And He said to love him with all our heart, mind, and strength.
Having a personal relationship with Jesus is not knowing about a God that is far off. Loving Jesus is having a relationship where you never break fellowship (John 15). He abides in us, so He is constantly with us.
What happens if I Only believe in Jesus but I am not loving Jesus?
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6
I actually get asked a lot about the relationship aspect of our Christian faith. If you feel like God is far off. If you feel like your prayers are hitting a ceiling of brass. Then seek Him diligently.
Seek him earnestly in bible reading and be attentive to the spirit of God.
This may require some prayer and fasting.
If you seek God for five minutes and then turn on the television, you are missing the point. I came to the end of my rope. It was when I was at the end of my rope that I became SERIOUS about seeking God. Then God met me on my living room floor.
One of the largest common denominators of near-death experiences is that people go out of their body and can observe their immediate surroundings. The New Age refers to this as astral projection. I've done this many times. I would wake up outside of my body just like the NDE testimonies. That is the major reason I decided to write this post.
How do we know that NDEs are not lucid dreams?
There is a significant difference between lucid dreams, or those dreams where one seems to be awake, and astral projection which is what the NDE’s profess..
One of the things that I check for in dreams versus reality is if my environment changes. I teach people to look at some writing somewhere in the room and then turn their head away, and then look back again. If the writing has changed they are dreaming. If it is not changed they are not dreaming. This tends to hold true for the most part.
In some dreams it can be a little tricky because sometimes the environment doesn't change. The tactile sensations feel so real they convince me that I am awake. I also have active thinking and reasoning faculties at that time. This is lucid dreaming. These dreams certainly do feel like I am awake and operating in a physical environment, but I am not. I grasp this after I wake up.
Astral projection is when a person is lucid, and out of their body. The environment doesn’t change. Time doesn’t fluctuate. A person can either be in observation mode, like when dreaming, or they can actively think with desires and goals.
I am leaning towards believing a lot of the NDE testimonies are not lucid dreams and they did in fact leave their bodies.
Here is a Video I did digging deeper into this post
The Silver Cord Solomon Wrote About
When I would leave my body I would wake up and my soul would be in a different physical location. I would sometimes be aware of my body being in bed somewhere else. The New Agers talk about this awareness as being the silver cord that connects the soul and body spoken by Solomon.
Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
(Ecclesiastes 12:6-7)
People with NDE’s often talk about a choice to continue in paradise, or to go back to their body. This is breaking the silver cord and the body will return to dust.
Multiple Realms Occupying the Same Space
During these out of body excursions, I experienced when Paul talks about multiple Heavens. There are multiple heavenly realms that simultaneously exist in the same space.
The Bible refers to a chasm or division that cannot be passed from one realm to another. However people can communicate across these realms. This is found in channeling which new agers and psychics practice. Many people can hear demons or angels in their room. It's also how we can hear and talk to God. All of these realms exist in the same space. We can communicate across these realms however there are limitations of the physical bodies passing from one to another.
We find this in the Book of Luke.
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
(Luke 16:22-26)
Notice that one person is in Hell and the other is in Abraham's bosom. They cannot physically pass through to the other realm, yet they are having a conversation. When a person is out of their body, they are more aware of these realms and the fixed gulf.
Many of the NDE experiences talk about either a place of paradise or a place of torment.
Angels Crossing Realms
There's a teaching in Genesis chapter 6 that says some of the Angels left their first estate (Jude 1:6) and they saw that the women were fair and they had daughters with them. This led to the creation of the Nephilim which prompted God to destroy the earth with a flood. Angels left their Heavenly realm and manifested as men in this physical realm we are experiencing now. They had children with women that became giants. Angels have the ability to leave from one realm to the other. I speculate that the reason they don't do it so much now is that the penalty is severe.
And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
(Jude 1:6)
The reason we have NDE testimonies is because of the rarity of crossing realms. Only two people in the bible have gone to the kingdom of God alive in their physical bodies, and that was Elijah (2 Kings 2:11-12), and probably Enoch (Genesis 5:22-24). Of course Jesus ascended into heaven in Acts 1:9-12.
Crossing realms physically is near impossible without God. Crossing spiritually is rare, and the NDE’s appear to be engaging in a temporary spiritual crossing over into other realms.
Kingdom of God Realm - You MUST be born again
I'm familiar with these multiple Realms. In my book “Open Your Eyes My Supernatural Journey” I talk about another realm. It's called the Kingdom of God. I learned what it means firsthand to be born again and experience the Kingdom of God. You cannot experience or even see the Kingdom of God without being born again. Few there be that find it!
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
(John 3:3)
Many of the people having these near-death experiences are not born again when they have them. They may think that they are born again and this leads to a big problem for truth seekers.
I wasn't first-hand aware of the Kingdom of God Heavenly realm from experience until I was born again. I talk about this in my book “Open Your Eyes: My Supernatural Journey”. Before being born again, I was familiar with the lower realms that the new agers experience. These are realms where you can go in close proximity right outside of your body and you can encounter spirits. In these lower realms I have encountered demons, spirits of people, and even animals. It seems like I've encountered animals in the spirit realm more than once. However, these animals may be witches and warlocks that take on a similitude of an animal spirit body.
Paul Talks about the Third Heaven
Paul talks about being in the third heaven in 2nd Corinthians chapter 12
It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
(2 Corinthians 12:1-4)
This passage written by Paul, is convincing about the different heavenly realms and the possibility of being out of one’s body as a believer. This is something akin to astral projection or near death experiences.
Speaking of the heavenly realms, I must mention there was a popular book that deceived many Christians about a boy that went to heaven.
The cover of The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven calls the book “a true story.” But the boy himself now says it was not true at all. Four years ago, Alex sent a letter to a conservative Christian blog dramatically renouncing the book. “I did not die. I did not go to Heaven,” he wrote. “I said I went to heaven because I thought it would get me attention. … People have profited from lies, and continue to.” Alex’s retraction also became a sensation, with reporters unable to resist the sudden, hilarious perfection of his last name: Malarkey.
The lesson here is that anybody can say anything. The more Sensational a claim is, the more likely it is to get clicks, shares,sell some books, and even make movies.
There are many people who claim they've had near-death experiences. They can't all be legit. However, these stories are certainly interesting.
Here's an interview I did with officer Ali Perez. He encountered Jesus in a near-death experience. This recount is amazing, and I am hoping it is authentic.
They Have Seen Dead Relatives. Or Have They?
One distinguishing aspect about near-death experiences is that people believe that they have seen their loved ones who have passed. From a biblical skeptical viewpoint, these could possibly be familiar spirits. These are demonic spirits that are assigned to the family to carry out the generational curses that the Bible talks about.
Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,
(Deuteronomy 5:9)
It's possible that these could be deceiving Spirits masquerading as dead relatives.
When I was out of my body I didn't see any dead relatives. I was young into my teen years, so I really didn’t know many dead people. I did see demons, people, witches. and warlocks that were astral projecting.
Regarding the testimonies of people that have communicated with dead relatives, I want to err on the side of caution here. Is it biblical?
King Saul conjuring up Samuel through the witch of Endor comes to mind (1 Samuel 28). Saul and his sons were killed the next day.
Near Death Experiences Should Be Approached with Biblical Skepticism
A lot of these testimonies of near-death experiences are very compelling. However, these testimonies could be a dangerous trap. Many people having these experiences are not born again. They are not familiar with the Kingdom of God from firsthand experience. They can only speak from their perspective and with their limited knowledge and experience. This leads to a huge amount of speculation from the one giving the testimony and also to those listening.
New Agers have supernatural experiences and they are convinced they are correct in their beliefs. They will go to the wall when pushed. I know, because I was a New Ager for years.
The New Agers are only experiencing the lower Heavenly Realms or the lower spiritual Dimensions. You have to be born again to see the kingdom of God. New Agers are not born again so they cannot see the Kingdom of God.
The entities that are channeled seem to have a certain amount of secret wisdom which is alluring. They even steal a lot of their wisdom from the Bible. But be aware, these are most likely deceptive beings masquerading as angels of light.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
(2 Corinthians 11:14)
Trust the Bible more than a Near Death Experience
And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
(Luke 16:26-31)
The person in this scripture is dead. He's in hell. He’s having a conversation with Abraham who is not in hell. There's a gulf that cannot be passed. He wants to send someone from the dead to convince his brothers to not come to the place of torment.
Abraham says that they have Moses and the prophets. If one was sent from the dead they will not believe even though they have Moses in the prophets. Who gives near death experiences testimonies? People sent from the dead!!!
This is important. This should be how we look at near-death experiences. Are they biblical?
The preceding biblical passage spells out that we should trust the scriptures even more than an account of someone that came back from the dead.
In summation
The bible talks about how the prophets prophesied from a deceit of their own hearts (Jer 14:14, 2326). They were fully convinced that they were prophesying from God's spirit. However they did not know God.
The people in Matthew 7.21:23 thought they were prophesying by God’s spirit, but they didn't know Jesus.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
(Matthew 7:21-23)
Investigating near death experiences for verification of what we believe, or to find new beliefs leads to a house that is NOT built on the rock of Jesus Christ (Matt 7:24-27). The bible is a more sure word than even an eyewitness account
And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
(2 Peter 1:18-19)
If you decide to watch a lot of Youtube videos of near death testimonies, I would strongly suggest that you have a lot of bible under your belt beforehand. When I watched hours and hours of near death testimonies, I noticed a lot of contradictions, and I noticed a lot of similarities. The biggest similarity is the out of body experience. Since I have experienced that many times, not just one time like the NDE’s, I wanted to lend my perspective.
I also searched the scriptures to see if those things were so. I suggest you do the same.
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
(Luke 14:16-20)
This is a Spiritual Battle!
It is almost comical how this verse comes into play when we get a verbal commitment from someone to evangelize. I have heard some of these same excuses.
Someone literally told me that had to tend their garden and back out of evangelizing. Another said, they changed their mind and decided to sleep. Yes. They said these very things.
This is a spiritual battle. I tell people once they make that verbal commitment to get ready for some warfare. The devil does NOT WANT YOU to minister in public. He will pull out all the stops. It is amazing to see how the devil works through people and situations to STOP YOU from doing the Great Commission!
But, once people get through the barriers and actually go out and minister, they are amazed that they haven't been doing it all along.
I have seen people smile from ear to ear and totally rejoice many times when they finally got to share their testimony with people. Dude! I have seen people get healed and run up and down the beach praising God! What would have happened if we didn't bring the Kingdom out to them?
I have seen many like things that I never would have seen if I checked on my oxen or tended my ground.
You know you need to evangelize. There are people in your community that are going to perish. Is some ground or some oxen more important than their salvation?
And believe me, once you see God move, you will never want to stop working the field. It is rewarding!
You think your 'Christian' family will never turn against you?
As you probably already know, I had a lot of supernatural experiences when I was a kid. One time I was underneath the carport and something compelled me to look directly at my dad's metal kickstand on his bicycle. As I stared at it intently for a few seconds, this metal kickstand snapped in two while I was staring at it.
I ran into the house to tell my family about it, and they accused me of lying. This crushed me because I love my family very much.
Years earlier, when I was 5 years old, something drew me to another part of my relative's house. There was a room with the door closed. The door was usually left open, so I thought that was strange. I heard this man shuffling around inside the room. He said through the closed door to tell people that he had started a fire. So I go back into the kitchen, and I tell my family this man in the bedroom started a fire, and he wanted me to tell them. They didn't believe me, saying there was no one else in the house.
The house, in fact, was on fire. They found out after the smoke came into the kitchen. If they would have listened to me the first time they would have saved much more than they did.
After a few things like this happened, I learned not to tell people about my supernatural experiences. They'll call you delusional or say that you're making it up. This ought not to be the case.
I knew that there was a lot of supernatural activity in the Bible. However, Christians were accusing me of lying and being delusional. This drove me from the church for decades.
I eventually had an encounter with the Lord in 1995 despite fighting Him off for decades. I was at the end of my rope, so to speak. Then my supernatural experiences started being the God kind.
If your kid is talking about demonic experiences, don't accuse them of lying or being delusional. Teach them about spiritual warfare and look for any open doors to the enemy. Or you may drive them away from Jesus.
Many times the bible says God sent prophets and the people refused to listen (see Jer 35:15; 2Ch 24:19; Jer 7:13; 2Ch 36:15-16; Luk 13:34). We may think if that happens to us that we are unsuccessful in ministry. However, God has a different perspective on success than we do.
Have you ever noticed that health food restaurants have a hard time succeeding? The bible, the media, doctors, and many voices cry out to eat healthily yet the general society turns a deaf ear for the most part.
This is similar to delivering the Word of the Lord. When God breathes a message into you, don't expect it to be welcomed with open arms. Don’t expect many people to get excited about the message. In fact, be ready to be persecuted for it.
Jesus told us that persecution arises for the Word's sake!
And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.
(Mar 4:17)
When God commissions you with a message, be faithful to deliver that message. Even if you get killed for it. When God inspires you with passion - it is more than just a good idea. You will be so on fire that it will be your hill to die on. Jeremiah said the word of God was as a fire shut up in his bones. He had to preach despite all the persecution.
Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.
(Jer 20:9)
Many prophets were killed for delivering the message God had them deliver (see Romans 11:3; 1 Kings 19:10; Matthew 23:35; Nehemiah 9:26). Jesus tells us to be faithful unto death and God will give us a crown!
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
(Rev 2:10)
If God has a message for you to deliver. Deliver it. Leave the results up to God. Our concern is being faithful to do what the Lord has for us to do.
Our goal is to hear the words “Well done!” (Matt 25:21) on that day!
When I had my radical encounter in 1995 I was given a new heart and an appetite to read the word of God. For I heard the phrase "read the instructions".
Then I began to read the bible voraciously. I knew the keys to the kingdom were in there somewhere. After a while, I felt my progress was too slow so I began to read books by people with Ph.D.'s after their name and famous authors. I even read the Left Behind series. In hindsight, I can see this was a big mistake.
I made the error of placing a theological lens on my reading of the bible. When I would run across a bible passage that contradicted the well-respected theologian, I would mutter to myself that I simply didn't understand, and the Ph.D. guy has it right.
Then my grandmother said something about angels having children with women. I had read the bible several times by that point and simply glazed over that passage in Genesis chapter 6. It was then I realized what was happening. Instead of reading the instructions as the Lord instructed me, I was reading man's opinion of His instructions.
This was a similar mistake that Paul the Apostle made by submitting his theology to the approval of Gamaliel and other top theologians of his day. Then Paul met the Author of his faith in Acts chapter 9. He then conferred not with flesh and blood (see Galatians) but sought a personal relationship with the Spirit of God. All the while memorizing and knowing the scriptures.
Later I read about Smith Wigglesworth and George Muller.
Smith Wigglesworth had amazing miracles in his life and he only read the bible. He wouldn't even allow a newspaper to come into his home. This should be a model for us.
George Muller had a roller coaster life and finally submitted to God fully. He had read the bible many times over. For every page that he had to read that was not the bible, he would read 10 bible pages.
Wigglesworth and Mueller spent much time in prayer as well. They emphasized knowing the scriptures and the Author of those scriptures.
Today, I still read books other than the bible. But I am striving to make it a point to get the bible in me more than any other media. Maybe I can even adopt the discipline of Wigglesworth eventually!
Did you know that "preach" is actually a public heralding of the gospel? It isn't something we do inside a building to the same people over and over - that would be closer to teaching.
Here is what we find in the Strongs Greek definiton from the original text:
G2784 κηρύσσω kērussō kay-roos'-so Of uncertain affinity; to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel): - preach (-er), proclaim, publish.
Here is what the bible says about 'preaching'.
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
(Rom 10:14-15)
A street preacher can reach A WHOLE Lot of people with the gospel. Sinners are not going to walk into a church building any more than criminals are going to walk into a police station.
Take the gospel to the lost! Go fish for men! Don't expect the crops to sprout legs and walk into the barn because you painted the building!
Psalm 91 is being quoted a lot now a days with emphasis on the protection. What about the relationship aspect? Is that important?
God is not looking for vain confidence. Psalm 91 has conditional concepts within the text.
Meditate on these few passages.
What is it to dwell in the secret place of the most High?
Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Notice that the person dwelling in the secret place of the most High is afforded His shadow. This must be contrasted with those who do NOT DWELL in the secret place of the Most High.
How does one trust THE LORD and make Him their refuge?
Psalms 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
How does one make THE LORD their habitation?
Psalms 91:9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
How does one set their love upon God?
Psalms 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
Notice the "because" verses? This means the person in Psalm 91 is afforded these benefitsbecausethey love and Trust The Lord!
When quoting the protection verses in Psalm 91, don't overlook the relationship aspect of the Psalm. If we don't have the relationship that Psalmist writes about, can we really boast in the protection?
I talk often about choosing which hill to die on. Something you are so passionate about that you will shout it off the rooftops and you will not back down. If we get entangled with less important issues it may distract us from the primary passion that God has given us.
Getting distracted or entangled with the world or even other 'good idea' ministries can knock us off the mission God has us on.
There is a story in the Bible (1 Kings 13) about how a prophet had this one mission. God told him to go in one way and leave another way. He couldn't even eat or drink with people. Anther prophet lied and told him God said it was ok to have dinner with him. The prophet let his guard down and was killed by a lion as a result.
The devil loves to distracts us from the mission God has us on. He even uses prophets to do it. Don't give him permission.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1 Peter 5:8
No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 2 Tim 2:4
I had a voracious appetited on how to excel in life. I studied things like neurolinguistic programming, self-hypnosis, and all manner of self-help books which would number into the hundreds (this was before the internet!). I was fascinated with the mind and how people can use mind hacks to get ahead. I bet I was the only 8th grader with a subscription to Psychology Today! lol, I was doing self-hypnosis, NLP, and Guided imagery in my teens. Just so you know where I am coming from.
When I encountered the Author and Finisher of our faith in 1995, I realized that wisdom from man was foolishness in comparison to what God has. God has Kingdom Keys for TRUE Deliverance! He has a treasure in the field worth selling all we possess to get it!
I am on a serious quest for the Keys to the Kingdom, but the only way a person is going to get them is to KNOW THE AUTHOR PERSONALLY!
It is not about a bunch of principles or techniques to use. This is what the world teaches. It is about actually knowing Jesus. JESUS HOLDS THE KEYS!
1 Corinthians 3:18-20 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
Matthew 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Luke 11:52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
Revelation 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
'Confirmation bias' is when a person takes a certain position and then only finds documents, articles, videos, or scriptures that support that position. This means they ignore anything counter to what they believe currently - including the spirit of Truth.... which Jesus promises will guide us into all truth (John 16:13).
Jesus gives us clues about knowing the truth.
John 8:31-32 ...if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
If we continue in the words of Jesus, we will be His disciples, we will eventually know the truth, and will be made free.
So no matter how emotionally-charged we may be about a certain doctrine, we need to continue in the word. The entire word not just our favorite verses. The Word changes us. We are transformed by it. Our minds are renewed by it.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Getting a check in your spirit about a questionable Doctrine? Continue in the Word.
Holding on to a lifelong tradition even though something doesn't feel quite right about it? Just continue in the word.
I have watched quite a few people putting forth outrageous claims which turn out to be outright lies and become clickbait factories. I have watched their channels grow from nothing to huge.
If something comes into my stream and sounds like it may have a grain of truth in it, I do a check to verify that it does, in fact, have some merit. Usually, these sensational claims pan out as clickbait fabrication. Christians click on it like crazy, however. Not only that, they share it like crazy and propagate the lie in the name of Christianity. This ought not to be so.
While these outrageous claims later prove to be absolutely false, their channels continue to grow with no repercussions. Kind of like all the Y2K claims, or some of the recent eschatology books that have turned out to be duds. Not to mention the many times I have survived the rapture which is continually 'prophesied' over and over.
Even when their claims are proven false, they get new suckers to follow them. Like nothing ever happened.
It is frustrating that conspiracy theories, fear tactics, and outright lies get more clicks than simple biblical truth.
I started unfollowing 'clickbait Christians' a long time ago. But every once in a while, some clickbait title pops up in my stream. I have learned to dismiss them as a rule.
I want to encourage you to not share clickbait. If you think it may have merit, verify it. There are plenty of ways to verify it online. You may be surprised that your friends and family are sharing outright lies thinking they are true. Like believing Babylon Bee articles even!
Meanwhile, as all these Christians are sharing clickbait, the world is watching. We aren't being a light, we are being stupid. Churches are closing like crazy from all this 'fakeness' and the world wants no part of the 'Clickbait Christianity' they are seeing. It isn't truth and love, but sensationalism and hysteria.
We are to be a light. Is sharing clickbait what Jesus meant by that? I think not!
Outdoor ministry is a great way
