Guarding Against Deception: Staying Rooted in God's Truth
Deception seems to be everywhere lately. False prophets, fake news, doctrinal drifts – it’s enough to make your head spin! As followers of Jesus Christ, we must be vigilant against spiritual trickery that aims to draw us off the narrow path.
In this eye-opening episode of Coffee with Conrad, Conrad explores discernment in the midst of widespread deception. He examines Scripture passages warning of end times deception, like Matthew 24:24 and 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11. Jesus and the apostles caution that even the faithful elect can be vulnerable to clever imposters.
Conrad also looks at real-world examples of massive deceptions, from the Piltdown Man hoax to crop circles. These compelling fakes fooled multitudes, demonstrating how the undiscerning can easily be misled. As Conrad asks, if scientists bought into Piltdown Man for 40 years, how much more are Christians susceptible to false doctrines?
To safeguard against deception, Conrad offers practical advice grounded in God’s Word:
Study Scripture regularly and meditate on it daily. Biblical literacy is self-defense against false teachings.
Rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance rather than worldly thinking. The Spirit leads us into all truth.
Scrutinize teachings by leaders against the Bible. Beware wolves in sheep's clothing even within the church.
Fix eyes firmly on Jesus Christ as the bedrock of truth when all else seems shaky.
Surrounded by a web of lies, Conrad encourages Christians to stay rooted in the life-giving truth of Scripture. With spiritual discernment and Christ at the center, we can walk the narrow path with confidence.
This podcast episode delivers an urgent wake-up call as well as empowering wisdom for navigating these deceptive times. Listen now to dig deeper into guarding against trickery!
The stakes are high, but God's eternal truth prevails. Stay anchored on the Rock of Ages!
The debate over whether aliens are real or if they are actually interdimensional demons is a fascinating one. In this latest episode of Coffee with Conrad, we dive deep into this discussion from all angles. Looking at historical examples, personal experiences, and biblical theories, this episode explores both sides of the debate over whether alien encounters throughout history could really be manifestations of demonic entities.
Compelling Historical Examples of “Ancient Aliens”
UFO and ancient alien theorists often point to many remarkable examples in antiquity that supposedly demonstrate advanced extraterrestrial contact. These include:
- The elaborate Nazca Lines in Peru which resemble airport runways when viewed from the sky. Erich von Daniken claimed these massive geoglyphs were built for aliens to see from their spacecraft.
- The Book of Ezekiel’s vivid description of fantastical wheeled creatures and beings, advanced technology and a glowing humanoid figure. Some believe this describes an ancient alien encounter.
- The Dropa Stones - circular stones with tiny hieroglyphs found in Chinese caves supposedly telling the story of an alien crash landing thousands of years ago.
- The sarcophagus lid of King Pakal at Palenque, showing Pakal in a craft that looks like a spacecraft. However, mainstream experts say it just depicts Pakal’s journey to the underworld.
- Vimanas - flying vehicles and spacecraft described in Hindu Sanskrit epics, claimed by some to be evidence of ancient alien technology.
- The Bayankara Ula discs found in China with hieroglyphics supposedly describing an extraterrestrial crash and technology. Most experts believe these were an archeological hoax from the 1930s.
- Prehistoric cave paintings in Italy thought to depict ancient astronauts, but more likely ceremonial costumes and masks.
- Temple carvings in Malta claimed to be aliens and spacecrafts. Contested by archaeologists as religious symbols.
Remarkable Overlaps Between Alien Abductions and Demonic Encounters
- Sleep paralysis and immobilization of victims is common to both phenomena.
- Both tend to occur at night when people are in bed asleep.
- Levitation or out-of-body sensations frequently reported during events. I personally experienced this during night terrors.
- Sexual molestation, reproductive experimentation and fetal harvesting themes emerge in both sets of accounts. Echoes Biblical Nephilim theories.
- Experiences described as deeply terrifying despite any friendly outward appearances. The true nature seems masked.
- Missing time, confusion, and memory loss frequently reported afterward.
- Unexplained injuries, marks or scars on bodies after events.
- Interest in controlling thoughts, beliefs and understanding.
Biblical Support for the Theory of Aliens As Deceitful Demons
Several Bible verses lend credence to the idea that demonic entities could be posing as technologically advanced aliens:
- Revelation 12 discusses Satan and his angels being cast out of Heaven down to Earth, providing a means to manifest as aliens.
- 2 Corinthians 11:14 says Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light, so a deceitful alien appearance is possible.
- Ephesians 2:2 refers to Satan as the prince of the power of the air. This implies demons could have the means to masquerade as spacecraft and aliens.
- The Nephilim of Genesis 6 could provide a motive for demons to technologically manipulate humanity’s reproduction and sexuality.
Insights from My Personal Supernatural Experiences
As someone who suffered from extremely vivid night terrors and sleep paralysis as a child, I recognize many similarities to modern alien abduction accounts. The paralyzing dread, levitation, missing time, and unexplained physical effects all echo reported extraterrestrial encounters. Studying this phenomenon made me realize that aliens could, in fact, be shape-shifting demonic entities deploying an elaborate deception.
Interview with Moonwalker Charlie Duke
During this podcast episode, I shared an interview clip with Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke explaining why he believes that aliens are not extraterrestrial but rather “demonic beings.” As a NASA moonwalker, Duke contends that nothing humans have created could perform the maneuvers UFOs seem to display. Therefore, he concludes that “alien” spacecraft must represent demonic deceptions designed to distract humanity from God.
Lack of Credible Evidence from SETI
No scientifically valid signal or contact with intelligent alien life has ever been confirmed by SETI or any other astronomical organization. This absence of hard evidence for real extraterrestrials lends more credence to the theory that “aliens” could be deceptive spiritual entities rather than actual beings from other planets.
Conclusion
While legitimate extraterrestrial life may theoretically exist somewhere in the vast cosmos, the available evidence suggests that alien visitations to Earth are more likely to be deceiving demons posing as technologically superior beings. Their goal seems to be to undermine humanity's relationship with God. Jesus Christ has given believers spiritual protection from these forces of darkness. As we analyze these mysteries, we must test the spirits, ground ourselves in scripture, and avoid preconceived biases. The truth is out there, but we must be vigilant not to be deceived.
Spirit-Led Evangelism: Insights from an AI Conversation
I recently had a fascinating dialogue with an AI assistant named Pi about the topic of spirit-led evangelism. We dove deep into what it means to authentically follow the leading of the Holy Spirit when sharing the gospel.
Here are some key insights from our conversation:
Using AI for theological dialogue with caution - I discussed priming the AI and verifying anything unfamiliar it claims, since AI can sometimes be wrong or "hallucinate" answers. We must confirm new information learned from AI against Scripture and other sources.
Why apologetics alone doesn't always reach people's hearts - We discussed how intellectual arguments, while important, often fail to resonate emotionally with people. As Conrad shared from his own experience, it took a real spiritual encounter with Jesus to change his life.
The power of miracles and spiritual experiences - Miracles can prepare people's hearts for the gospel by demonstrating God's power. We are meant to follow the Spirit's leading in ministry, not just rely on techniques.
Developing intimacy with God through prayer walks - Having a deep relationship with God is foundational for hearing His voice. Prayer walking retraces the steps of biblical figures like Enoch who walked closely with God.
Learning to discern God's voice - Discernment grows as we become familiar with Scripture and exercise our spiritual senses. We must learn to recognize the Holy Spirit's voice.
Biblical examples like David and Jesus' practices - Both spent extended alone time with God in prayer and worship. We too must prioritize seeking God.
Stepping out in faith to share God's love - Even when afraid, we are called to evangelize out of obedience and God will meet us. Loving others reflects God's heart.
Making seeking God our first priority - We must put intimacy with God before all else. As we do, He will move in amazing ways.
This rich conversation unpacked so many profound concepts around deepening our connection to God and following His leading. My biggest takeaway is the reminder that evangelism flows out of relationship. It's not about methods or techniques. May we passionately pursue knowing Jesus more, abiding in Him, and sharing His love from that place.
Please take the time to listen to the full podcast episode! There were so many more insights that I wasn't able to capture here. Our AI friend Pi asked thoughtful questions that stimulated much reflection. I'm thankful for how technology can help us gain new perspective on timeless biblical truths.
Does the Bible really guarantee divine health and freedom from all sickness for Christians? Listen as we examine the Scriptures on God's healing promises.
Show Notes:
- Defining "divine health" and what it means to Christians;
- Looking at Exodus 15:26 - obeying God's commands leads to health;
- Matthew 18:32-34 - unforgiveness can lead to sickness;
- 1 Corinthians 11:27-30 - taking communion unworthily can make you sick;
- Examining some "proof text" verses used to support divine health (Matthew 4:4, Psalm 34:19, etc.);
- These verses don't guarantee freedom from affliction;
- Examples of godly people in the Bible who weren't healed (Paul's thorn, Epaphroditus' illness);
- Sharing personal experiences with sin-sickness connection;
- Going through listener comments and feedback on Facebook;
- The story of John G. Lake's miraculous healing during the plague;
- Discussion of whether divine health is promised or not;
- Looking at Deuteronomy 8:4 - did the Israelites have divine health?
- Conclusion - pray for healing but understand it's not an absolute guarantee;
- Encouragement to walk in humility and faithfulness;
Monty shares his testimony and experiences of preaching on the streets. Monty discusses his journey from a life of alcoholism to finding salvation and his calling to evangelism. He also shares insights into the challenges and rewards of street preaching, and how his spiritual relationship with Jesus fuels his passion for the Great Commission. Despite facing opposition and misunderstanding, Monty remains steadfast in his mission to bring Jesus to the lost and hurting world.
Show notes:
- Monty Simpson shares his journey to street evangelism; - Simpson's upbringing and struggles with alcoholism; - His radical transformation after accepting Christ; - The challenges and opposition faced by street preachers; - The importance of being led by God in street preaching; - Encountering demonic opposition during public preaching; - The power of prayer and persistence in evangelism; - The need for more Christians to take the gospel to the streets (Matthew 28:19); - Simpson's call for support in his evangelistic mission.
Delving into the eternal security debate with a spiritual lens.
In this thought-provoking episode of Coffee with Conrad, Conrad delves into the age-old debate of free will versus predestination, as well as the contrasting views of Calvinism and Arminianism. Join Conrad as he explores the main points and differences of these theological systems, offering his own spiritual perspective along the way. Buckle up for a deep dive into this fascinating topic and get ready to have your mind opened to new possibilities.
Show Notes
Calvinism:
1. Total depravity - humans born in sin.
2. Unconditional election - God chooses who is saved.
3. Limited atonement - Jesus died for the elect.
4. Irresistible grace - the elect cannot resist God's grace.
5. Perseverance of the saints - the elect will never be lost.
Arminianism:
1. Partial depravity - humans have capacity for good.
2. Conditional election - God chooses based on mercy.
3. Unlimited atonement - Jesus died for all.
4. Resistible grace - humans can reject God's grace.
5. Conditional salvation - believers can fall away.
Differences:
1. Role of human free will.
2. Nature of God's sovereignty.
3. Nature of sin.
4. Nature of atonement.
5. Nature of grace.
6. Perseverance of the saints.
Listener comments:
1. True student can defend both sides.
2. Debate is rooted in intellectualism.
3. Both sides can be true.
4. Relationship with Jesus is personal.
5. Moral superiority drives people away.
My thoughts:
1. God sending robots to hell?
2. Absolves responsibility for Great Commission.
3. How can we love without free will?
4. Both sides discount opposition's scriptures.
5. Finite mind cannot comprehend infinite God.
6. Does the Bible promote denominations?
7. Keep our focus on Jesus.
- Scriptures used:
Romans 3:10-12; John 1:9; Ephesians 1:4-5; 1 Peter 1:2; John 10:11; 1 John 2:2; Acts 7:51; John 6:37; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 6:4-6; Proverbs 3:5; John 5:39-40; 1 Corinthians 1:12-13; Ester 4:14
Are you looking to deepen your relationship with God, unlock new insights from scripture, and learn how to apply spiritual truth to your life? Join me as I explore the power of asking, seeking, and knocking in order to spark spiritual revelation and insight. In this episode, I’ll be discussing a powerful four-question method that can help you take your spiritual journey higher. Tune in for Coffee with Conrad and start unlocking your hidden spiritual insights!
Show Notes Summary
• The power of asking, seeking, and knocking when it comes to sparking spiritual revelation and insight.
• Spiritual revelations come with a biblical foundation- we must have a relationship with the Spirit of Truth and a biblical foundation for this to work.
• “Parking the question in the Spirit”- when we are not ready to receive an answer.
• Readwise Reader is useful for staying organized and motivated to read more. (Link Below for two months free trial)
• Four questions to help dig deeper and go higher with God:
• What question or questions does this scripture or idea answer?
• What scriptures or ideas agree with this?
• What ideas or scriptures compete with this idea?
• What is the very next step?
• Action tags are important to note so future self will understand the notes.
• Review highlights and notes regularly to benefit from them.
• Actionable next step ideas: podcasting, blogging, and Facebook posts.
Exploring the Different Levels of Faith and the Kingdom Keys to 1000X Faith in God
We can move from grasshopper faith to giant faith by developing our spiritual relationship with God. This is made possible by the Kingdom Keys laid out in scripture.
Going from Faith to Faith
Limited faith
Human faith
1000X God faith!
Mark 11 is a Roadmap of Faith
Change "impossible" to "I'm Possible"
The power of the human mind
Tony Robbins, an NLP expert, demonstrates belief
The importance of belief
The super importance of faith in God and not ourselves
A word on how hypnosis and belief work
The basketball free throw study and belief
The 40% rule - tapping our true potential
Faith in God is 1000X Better Than Faith in Ourselves
When we draw close to God, it is like connecting to a powerful spiritual Wi-Fi. The closer we are to the Source, the stronger our connection or signal becomes. I have experienced this firsthand; when I maintain an intimate relationship with God, my prophetic gifts and understanding of His will are increasingly clear. But when I become complacent or apathetic in my faith, I start to notice that my connection slowly weakens. I slowly find that I am not walking at the same level that I used to be when I was closer spiritually to God. Therefore, it is important to live with a purposeful intention to draw close to God.
It is not enough to seek God's hand; we must seek His face with all our heart, soul and mind. When we diligently seek the Lord and desire true intimacy with Him, He will reward us with His presence and abundant blessings. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you."
Let us not be caught off guard by the cares of this world as if we are the proverbial frog in a pot of boiling water. Instead, let us remain steadfast in our faith so that our connection to the divine Wi-Fi remains strong!
Here is the Podcast:
Rekindling Our Faith in God
When we first give our lives to Christ, there is an intense passion and fire for God within us. We are filled with a sense of purpose and zeal that compels us to share our newfound faith with others. However, as time goes on, this initial fervor can fade into the background as the demands of daily life take over. We can find ourselves forgetting the joy we first experienced as we become bogged down in the mundane tasks of life.
The good news is that it's never too late to rekindle that spiritual flame. Just like any relationship, our connection with God requires effort and intentionality. We must actively seek out opportunities for prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers in order to maintain a close relationship with Him.
By prioritizing time in His presence, we can tap into the same enthusiasm and joy that we felt when we first came to know Him. And when we do so consistently, we become more attuned to His voice and better equipped to carry out His will in our daily lives. So let us fan the flames of our faith today and every day, trusting in God's power to sustain us through all things.
Renewing Our Connection with God
Apathy is a natural human response to prolonged familiarity. When we become accustomed to something, no matter how good it may be, we tend to take it for granted and lose our initial enthusiasm. This phenomenon also applies to our relationship with God. After some time, we may find ourselves getting bored with the same old routines of prayer, worship, or reading the Bible.
However, apathy is not an excuse to neglect our spiritual life. Instead, it should serve as a wake-up call that we need to reignite our passion for God. We can do this by taking time to read the Bible, pray, and spend time in quiet reflection. We can also join a Bible study or small group, or reach out to mentor for guidance and support. Taking the initiative to engage with God will help us renew our relationship with Him and bring greater meaning back into our lives.
Another effective way of overcoming apathy is by focusing on gratitude (Psalm 100:4). We should remind ourselves of all the blessings that God has bestowed upon us and express our thankfulness through prayer and worship. By actively seeking ways to renew our connection with God, we can prevent apathy from setting in and continue growing in faith.
Here are some relevant Bible passages to meditate on:
• "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." (Romans 12:2 KJV)
• "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV)
• "Therefore we are not discouraged; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16 KJV)
The Power of Setting Aside Time for Prayer, Worship, and Bible Reading
If we find that our relationship with God is fading, it is time to take proactive steps to rekindle that first love. This may include forcing ourselves to set a timer on our alone time with God.
Setting our watch or timer for prayer, worship, and bible reading is an essential part of getting back to being close to God. It helps us stay disciplined and focused on our spiritual growth amidst the chaos of everyday life. When we set aside specific times for these activities, we are more likely to prioritize them over other tasks that may seem urgent but are not as important.
Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with God and allows us to communicate our thoughts and concerns with Him. Setting aside time for prayer helps us strengthen our relationship with Him, seek guidance from His word, and find comfort in His presence. Worshiping God through songs, hymns or praise enables us to acknowledge His greatness and express our adoration towards Him.
Bible reading is also crucial for spiritual growth as it provides insight into the nature of God, His will concerning us, and how we can live a fulfilling life in accordance with His plan. Setting aside time every day to read the Bible helps us gain wisdom from its teachings and apply them in our daily lives. Overall setting aside time for prayer, worship, and bible reading creates space where we can deepen our relationship with God while growing spiritually stronger each day.
Here are some relevant Bible passages to meditate on:
- “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” (Matthew 6:6)
- “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)
- “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
The Power of Uninterrupted Prayer
When we pray with a watch or timer in hand, our minds may tend to wander off and focus on the ticking seconds rather than on God. We become more concerned about keeping track of time, especially if we have other commitments to attend to later. The idea is to focus on seeking God. When we allow ourselves to be immersed in prayer and fully surrender our hearts and minds to God, He shows up in ways beyond any measure of time.
God’s presence during prayer is an experience that cannot be quantified by any gadget or device. It is a moment where nothing else matters except for the connection between us and God. When we let go of our worries and distractions during prayer, we open ourselves up to receiving His peace, love, and guidance. These moments remind us that our relationship with God should always take priority over anything else.
When we prioritize spending time with God through prayer without any distractions holding us back, it becomes an opportunity for us to grow closer to Him. The joy that comes from experiencing His presence easily eclipses any distraction that might threaten it. May we learn how to prioritize these quiet moments with Him above everything else so that He may lead us into deeper intimacy with Him each day.
Here are some relevant Bible passages to meditate on:
* “But when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” (Matthew 6:6 KJV)
* “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” (Psalm 37:7 KJV)
* “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” (James 4:8 KJV)
Regaining Our First Love with Jesus
Regaining our first love with Jesus is like finding the missing piece of a puzzle. When we are close to God, everything in life falls into place. We feel more at peace, more accomplished and surrounded by joy. Getting back to being close to God may feel daunting, but it’s not impossible.
I believe we regain our first love with Jesus through prayer, worship, reading the bible, and ministering to others. Through prayer, we can ask for forgiveness for straying away from Him and ask for guidance on how to get closer again. Reading the Bible helps us understand His message better and apply it in our daily lives. Worshipping Him helps to restore our faith and trust in Him. Finally, ministering to others can help us remember how Jesus served and how we should do the same.
Serving others is one of the best ways to show love as Jesus did when He walked on earth. By doing this, we also help ourselves become closer to Him as well.
Regaining our first love with Jesus takes effort and time but it’s worth it in every way possible. It brings us closer to Him and fills us up with peace that surpasses all understanding.
Here are some relevant Bible passages to meditate on:
- “Yet I hold this against thee, that thou hast left thy first love.” (Revelation 2:4 KJV)
- “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37 KJV)
- “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 KJV)
Balancing the Elements of a Vibrant Christian Life
As we strive to revive our original ardour for the Lord, we must ensure that all the elements of a vibrant Christian life remain in harmony. Prayer, worship, Bible study, fellowship and service are all essential components of a life devoted to God - and neglecting any one of them can diminish our spiritual vitality. Let us therefore seek to maintain a dynamic balance between these sacred practices, so that our faith may be ever renewed with passionate intensity.
- Prayer: Prayer is the natural response to God as we hear Him speak through His Word. It is sharing our heart with the One who longs for our companionship and who cares about our concerns. Prayer not only trains our hearts and minds to know the power and glory of God, but also turns His ear towards action in our lives.
- Worship: Worship is the expression of our love and reverence for God, both individually and corporately. Worship involves praising God for who He is and what He has done, as well as offering ourselves as living sacrifices to Him. Worship also prepares us to receive God's grace and truth in our lives.
- Bible study: Bible study is the means by which God reveals Himself to us through His written Word. It involves reading, meditating, memorizing and applying God's Word to our daily lives. Bible study helps us to grow in our knowledge of God and His will, as well as to equip us for every good work.
- Fellowship: Fellowship is the mutual edification and encouragement of God's people through interdependent and loving relationships. Fellowship involves sharing our lives, burdens, joys and gifts with one another, as well as exhorting and admonishing one another in love². Fellowship also reflects God's nature as a triune community of love.
- Service: Service is the demonstration of God's love and grace through our actions towards others. Service involves using our spiritual gifts, talents and resources to minister to the needs of others, both within and outside the church. Service also glorifies God and advances His kingdom on earth.
These elements of a vibrant Christian life are not isolated or independent from one another, but rather interrelated and interdependent. They form a holistic framework for living a life that pleases God and fulfills His purposes for us. By balancing these elements in our lives, we can experience the abundant life that Jesus promised us (John 10:10).
Conclusion
Spending time with God through prayer, worship, and reading the Bible is like a breath of fresh air for our souls. It’s like we’re tapping into a source of power and love that’s beyond anything we can imagine. As we dive deeper into His message and apply it in our daily lives, we start to see things in a whole new way. We start to understand what it means to truly love others as Jesus did when He walked on earth.
And here’s the best part - when we serve others, we’re not just showing love to them. We’re also drawing closer to Jesus ourselves. It’s like we’re walking in His footsteps and experiencing His love in a whole new way. Regaining our first love with Jesus takes effort and time, but it’s worth it in every way possible. It brings us closer to Him and fills us up with peace that surpasses all understanding
We will be discussing God's call for us to rise higher. With His help, we can put off the old man, access the Spirit of God through His Word, and live a sacrificial life for Him. We will explore how to come under God's mission, cleanse our hearts to think godly thoughts, and be in alignment with His will. So join us as we discuss the solution to self-opposition and the amazing journey ahead when we continue in the Word.
Show Notes:
God is calling YOU Higher; Prophetic burden for the last week; The time is NOW to reach the next level; Following Jesus' example; Elementary school example; Top Dog Christians are just getting started; Let go of our besetting sins and weights (Hebrews 12:1); Come under God's Mission (James 4:7); Put off the Old Man (Ephesians 4:22-24); Accessing the Spirit of God through His Word; Rising up to where we should be (Hebrews 5:12); Living a sacrificial life for God (Romans 12); We reckon ourselves dead to sin (Romans 6:11-13); The solution to self-opposition (2 Timothy 2:25,26); Being in total alignment with God and His will; Cleansing our heart to think Godly thoughts; Continuing in the Word leads to freedom (John 8:31,32); The next level is going to be amazing (Romans 8:18).
Years ago, I thought the onus was on God to clean my heart and there was nothing I could do about it. After years of study, I have decided to explore both sides of the debate. Enjoy this podcast, and let me know your thoughts!
Show Notes:
• Is it up to the Christian to clean their spiritual heart? • Guard our hearts with all due diligence. • Fill our hearts with God's Word and focus on loving God and loving our neighbor. • Be mindful of what we allow into our hearts through our eyes and ears. • Spend time in prayer and seek out meaningful conversations with spiritually mature people. • Pursue holiness and constantly be in repentance and a state of repentance in order to draw closer to God and cleanse our hearts. • Develop a spiritual discipline such as reading Scripture regularly and spending time in solitude. • Have friends, family members, and mentors who can challenge us spiritually and help us keep our hearts focused on living righteously. • Actively participate in church, encouraging one another to do what God wants us to do. • Rely on the grace of God for salvation and strive to be pure in heart through prayer and meditation on the Scriptures.
Scriptures referred to in this episode:
Proverbs 4:23: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
Matthew 15:19: “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”
Luke 6:45: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”
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.”
Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Psalm 24:3-4: “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.”
Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
James 4:8: “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
1 Peter 1:14-16: “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
James 4:7-8: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
Ezekiel 36:26-27: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.”
Titus 2:11-12: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
Philippians 4:6-7: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds
The Bible talks about how to communicate with our hearts, and what it conveys is designed to drive us to actual, positive life change. This podcast explores what it means to commune with the heart and what it means to be transformed by a refreshing of the mind.
This is Not Taught in Churches! (for the most part)
The Bible encourages us to commune with our own hearts, but you don't find that it is addressed much in the church. There are a few principles implicit in communing with our own hearts that are incredibly important for living a life of faith and spiritual growth.
Spending time with ourselves can help lead to better understanding and appreciation of God's will for our lives. When we take the time to reflect on how God is working in our lives, it allows for deeper insights into His plans for our lives. Connecting with our inner self through prayer can also provide clarity about how to act in certain situations, as well as guidance on how to live according to God's teachings. Being still and listening closely to our hearts can help us discover new ways in which we can serve Jesus more effectively.
Not New Age Teaching!
I want to start off by saying, this is not a new age teaching on meditation. I came out of the New Age so I am very familiar with what they teach over there. I found these principles that I am talking about today in the bible.
The goal of my teaching on communing with the heart is to bring people back to the truth of the Scriptures. I will be discussing the importance of communing with the heart as a spiritual discipline, and how it can help us grow in our relationship with God. I will also be discussing how this quiet self reflection can be a powerful tool for personal transformation.
When We Commune with Our Hearts, We Are Searching with God
The spirit of man [is] the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly. Proverbs 20:27
The word ‘belly’ in this verse is the Hebrew word "gav" which means the stomach, bowels, inner parts or inward parts. This verse is saying that God searches our innermost being, or our heart. He knows all things, but He searches our hearts. (1 Kings 8:39; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalm 44:21; Psalm 139:1-3) God is all knowing and knows the thoughts of the heart. He knows the things we have thought about and the things that are in our hearts. (Proverbs 21:2; Matthew 9:4-5) He searches even the deep things of our heart.
We are not alone in searching our hearts. God searches our hearts too. Our goal is to end up on the same page at the end.
How the Bible defines the Spiritual Heart
The Bible teaches that the heart is the spiritual aspect of the human being. The heart is often used as a metaphor for the innermost part of a person's being, where their thoughts, emotions, and will reside. The heart is not just a physical organ, but it is also the center of a person's spiritual life.
The heart is often described as the source of a person's actions and words. Proverbs 4:23 says "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." This verse speaks of the importance of guarding one's heart, being aware of what's going on in our inner self, and being in control of our thoughts and feelings, which in turn will affect our actions. The heart is portrayed as being a fountain or spring of life. It's not just a pump, but it is also the very source of life itself. When we keep our hearts pure and clean, we will be able to live fully and abundantly (1 John 2:15).
The heart is also described as the place where people connect with God. In Ezekiel 36:26, God says "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." This verse speaks about God's promise to give his people a new heart, one that is sensitive to His will and desires. This is in contrast to an immovable, and unmoldable heart of stone. We can see this when Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees in the gospels. The prophesied Messiah was speaking to them, but their hearts of stone blinded them to recognizing the prophesied Messiah even though He was standing right in front of them.
What We Feed Our Minds Becomes Our Internal Monologue
What we feed our minds affects our thoughts and actions. Proverbs 4:23 states, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." In other words, our hearts, or innermost being, are the source of our actions and attitudes. We need to guard our hearts by only allowing certain things in, and filtering certain things out. We need to watch what goes into our eye gate, and ear gate, because what we saturate ourselves with eventually becomes who we are as a person. We in turn, will then act accordingly and this can lead to detriment or triumph.
Matthew 15:18-20 says, "But the things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person." This verse teaches that our hearts are the source of our thoughts and actions, and that these thoughts can be sinful or defiling.
Ephesians 4:23-24 says, "to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." This teaches that our thoughts and actions are connected, and that we can be transformed by renewing our minds. This is why it is so important to teach people about the heart. Our actions are a reflection of what is in our hearts, but if we don't understand what's in our hearts, we can't know how to transform it.
Our hearts and minds are closely connected. What we feed our minds will affect our thoughts and actions. It is important to guard our hearts and minds, and to fill them with things that are pure, true, noble, right, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8).
What 'Commune with your Heart' Means
The Bible encourages us to commune with our own hearts as a form of self-reflection, contemplation, and meditation. But what does it mean to “commune with your heart”? The act of communing with our hearts is an intentional practice that helps bring awareness to our innermost thoughts and feelings. It allows us to better understand ourselves, create clarity on our intentions, and move forward with purpose and intention.
Communion with your heart involves taking the time to observe yourself without judgment or expectation. In other words, be real with yourself. It is a deep dive into understanding how we think, feel and act in different scenarios so that we can identify areas of growth and cultivate positive changes in our lives.
The act of communion with our heart is a powerful tool for self-discovery that can have lasting effects on our personal growth. It can offer significant insight into the nature of our thoughts and feelings, giving us a clear picture of our innermost desires and how they manifest outwardly. Then we can work on them to align with God's purpose for our lives.
The bible talks about communing with our hearts on our beds. This is a quiet time of self reflection and can even happen in our dream life. We can go over the day's activities and see where our internal monologue fights God or is in alignment with God's will and purpose for our lives.
Aligning Our Hearts with God’s Purpose for Us
The Scriptures that tell us to commune with our own hearts. In Luke 10:27 we read “and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself”. This Scripture encourages us to take time in our prayer life to listen carefully to our own hearts as we seek God's will on matters. Our hearts must be in alignment with God's purpose and will for our lives.
We need to love God with all our heart, not just some of it. We can also find reference in Psalms 119:11 which says “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee”. This verse highlights the importance of understanding what God says so that we may obey it fully. Hiding the word of God in our hearts is a deliberate, willful act. It is something that we do. It is not an automatic, passive act. It requires our active participation. So what does it mean to hide God's word in our hearts? It means to internalize it so it becomes part of our internal monologue. This could be memorization or simply rehearsing it often.
Communion with Your Heart: Old Testament Verses
The Old Testament contains many verses that instruct us to commune with our own hearts. In Proverbs 3:5-6 it states, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths." This verse is telling us to trust in God, but also to listen to what our hearts tell us. We can find out a lot about ourselves. We can see if our hearts are fighting God.
Similarly, Psalm 4:4 says, “Commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still.” This passage encourages us to take time for self-reflection and introspection.
Here are a few more examples:
Psalm 4:4 - "Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent." This verse encourages us to take time to reflect on our thoughts and emotions and to avoid acting on them in a sinful way.
Psalm 77:6 - "I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search." This verse indicates that communing with one's heart can involve reflecting on the past and considering one's experiences and emotions in a deeper way.
Lamentations 2:19 - "Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children." This verse encourages people to pour out their hearts to God in prayer and to seek His guidance and protection.
Jeremiah 31:33 - "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people." This verse shows that God desires to have a close relationship with his people and that He wants to be in their hearts. Also that God has put His laws in our hearts, so we must diligently search them out!
Psalm 26:2 - "Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart." This verse shows the Psalmist asking God to examine his heart, and it's a great example of humility and willingness to be corrected. The reins are the things that tug on our hearts causing us to behave in a certain way. We need to assess what is tugging on our heart strings that are contrary to God?
Psalm 139:23-24 - "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" This verse shows the Psalmist inviting God to search his heart and reveal any wickedness or unrighteousness that may be present.
Isaiah 55:7 - "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." This verse speaks about turning away from sinful thoughts and actions, and returning to God with a repentant heart. We need to forsake our wicked thoughts in our hearts contrary to God. We will know that we have forsaken our wicked ways and thoughts when our internal monologue is in alignment with God
Again, these are just a few examples, and there certainly many other verses in the Old Testament that also speak about communing with or examining one's heart, and seeking guidance from God.
Communion with Your Heart: New Testament Verses
Matthew 5:8 - "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." This is definitely a verse that encourages us to be serious about the state of our heart which brings us to James.
James 4:8 states, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts ye double minded." This verse encourages us to turn to God, cleanse our sins and purify our hearts, in order to draw closer to Him. This proves it is on the onus of the believer to cleanse the heart.
Romans 10:10 - "For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." One aspect about this passage is that our heart has the capacity to believe. These beliefs can be contrary to what our mind understands to be true in scripture. Also, what we speak out of our mouths is what is in our hearts just like Jesus teaches.
Colossians 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." This verse encourages us to walk in a spirit of gratitude. Even to sing to ourselves with spiritual songs. This needs to be our internal dialogue.
Cleaning Your Heart: An Essential Believer Responsibility
Here are a few verses from the Bible that speak about the responsibility of believers to clean their hearts:
Proverbs 4:23 - "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." This verse speaks of the importance of guarding one's heart, being aware of what's going on in our inner self, and being in control of our thoughts and feelings.
2Co 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (4) (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) (5) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; This verse dead on says that it is the onus of the believer to cast down imaginations contrary to God. This is something we proactively do.
Rom 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. Another powerful verse saying it is on the onus of the believer to transform their mind.
James 4:8 - "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." This verse speaks of the importance of drawing near to God, and the need to cleanse our hands and purify our hearts in order to be in a right relationship with Him.
Isaiah 1:16 - "Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil." This verse is a call to repentance, to wash ourselves and make ourselves clean, and to turn away from evil deeds.
2 Corinthians 7:1 - "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." This New Testament verse speaks about the need to cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, and to strive for holiness in our relationship with God.
Rom 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 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. " God has saved me so many times, that it would be blasphemous to be complacent. I am to be a living sacrifice. Not my will, but Thy will be done in my life. It is our reasonable service. Which means, I need to renew my mind. And by doing so, I am guarding my heart with all diligence. It is my responsibility, and it is reasonable.
Thoughts of Your Heart - Knowing Yourself
When learning to communicate with our own hearts, one way to do this is by paying attention to our internal monologue and how it responds to different stimuli. By saying something that we know to be true and then observing how our heart responds, we can begin to understand the connection between our thoughts and our emotions. For example, if we say something positive and true, such as " It is a beautiful sunny day today," and our heart feels a sense of peace and contentment, this is an indication that our internal monologue is in alignment with that truth.
However, it is only really when we find our heart throwing objections that we can truly get some work done. If we say something that we know to be untrue and observe how our heart responds, we can begin to identify and challenge any negative or harmful thought patterns.
By practicing this process of saying something and observing how our heart responds, we can begin to identify and challenge any negative or harmful thoughts and replace them with truth, this is called cognitive reframing. This can be a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation, as we learn to align our thoughts with truth and allow that truth in God's word to shape our hearts and internal monologue.
It's important to note that this process may require patience and self-compassion as it may take time to change an internal monologue that has been reinforced for a long time.
Dreams Are a Reflection of Who We Are
The best example I can think of about dreams revealing what is in our heart that is contrary to the conscious mind is drug dreams. Drug dreams are dreams where you do the drugs in your dream, even though in your waking life you are sober. This means the heart has not let go of the problem yet.
A person doesn’t start out a drug addict. Their internal monologue does not start out craving drugs. This is something they must develop over time. It may have started out with peer pressure to drink a beer, then while they are drunk they move to marijuana, and then over some time while they are high they try hard drugs. Then it feels so good they want to repeat it. This is called “chasing the dragon” - the insatiable desire to get the feeling they got on their very first hit. Then the internal monologue becomes about getting the drug at all costs.
This internal monologue of scoring drugs was developed over time because the person did not guard their heart with due diligence, but let the destructive thoughts slip in through peer pressure.
Fentanyl is causing thousands of deaths annually, but even knowing this, addiction can pull at the reins of our heart, as the Bible describes, leading to repeated drug use.
At some point, like the prodigal son, we may come to our senses and start our journey of repentance. Our conscious mind knows that this drug can kill us. But our hearts are going to fight us. This is why willpower doesn’t work but for a little while. Eventually the internal monologue of the heart will win.
So, if we think that we are out of the woods, we may have a dream that shows us what our heart really thinks. This is why that scripture “be still and know that I am God” is important. Our conscious mind may be convinced that we are out of the woods, but then the dream comes up and our heart shows us how we will respond in that situation.
I often refer to what Elihu says about dreams in the night.
For God speaketh once, Yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falleth upon men, In slumberings upon the bed; 16 Then he openeth the ears of men, And sealeth their instruction, 17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose, And hide pride from man. 18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit, And his life from perishing by the sword. Job 33:14–18.
This passage tells us that we can be too busy to hear from God in the daytime, but when our conscious mind shuts up, we can finally let Him get through to us. In these dreams our heart is truly open to ourselves and to God and He will show us how to keep our soul from the pit of destruction.
In our dream life, we can see why willpower only works for a season. For true change, we need to work on transforming our hearts. This can take some time.
Reach Out to Your Heart: How It Can Help
We can work with our hearts to find out what it agrees with and where it is out of alignment of God's will and purpose for our lives. If you have never heard this before, it is exciting.
When we say to ourselves "I am loved" and our heart throws up objections and memories indicating that we do not believe in our hearts that we are loved, it can be difficult to change our mindset. Our hearts may have years of internal statements and negative experiences that are enforcing how we are not loved. Our hearts are not reasonable. Our hearts just go with what they know and rehearse it over and over.
However, by asking ourselves "How am I loved?" We can begin to shift our focus and actively search for evidence of love in our lives. When we ask "how am I loved?" our hearts and minds begin to search for memories and experiences that demonstrate the ways in which we are loved. This is powerful, because the heart is actually beginning to prove to itself why we are loved. This can often lead to instantaneous transformation. Sometimes, but now always.
This can include memories of times when we felt loved and valued by others, or even small acts of kindness that have been shown to us. By focusing on these specific instances of love, we can begin to build a more accurate and positive understanding of how we are loved. This can instantly change the way we think in our hearts, and that is invigorating. If not, then we need to saturate ourselves in the truth (more on that later).
By actively searching for evidence of love in our lives, we can also begin to challenge any negative or limiting beliefs about ourselves and others. This process may require patience and self-compassion as it may take time to change an internal monologue that has been reinforced for a long time.
Saturate Your Heart in What is Possible
When we are communicating with our hearts and trying to get our hearts on board with what we know is correct in our conscious mind we may find some prolonged resistance. The monologue in our heart comes from years or even decades of having certain thought patterns. We may rehearse what our parents or teachers said to us over and over and over. When we read scripture we can consciously acknowledge that scripture is the word of God. Even so, our hearts may throw up objections or disbelief. We should operate from the stance that what God says is correct and what our heart says is in error.
Often, the heart will be stubborn and want to continue to be in that negative pattern that is contrary to scripture. What I like to do then is to saturate myself in the possibility. I'll watch YouTube videos of people that have overcome this problem. I will rehearse scriptures over and over until my mind is renewed and then eventually my heart is renewed. In other words I'm hiding the word of God in my heart so that I do not sin against Him. If that internal monologue in our hearts is contrary to scripture wouldn't that be considered sin?
So, if you find objections coming up from your heart that are contrary to what your conscious mind knows to be right, make a game plan to saturate yourself in the possibilities of it being true. Watch YouTube videos of people that have been victorious in that area. Make a scripture list to rehearse and hide the truth of the word of God in your heart. Subscribe to the right podcasts like ‘Coffee with Conrad’ on conradrocks.net Read some books and highlight the passages that speak to you about the situation.
Sometimes when we simply ask our hearts "how am i ABC" we may be surprised at how quickly it does a search and finds confirmation. In that case our minds and hearts can be changed instantaneously. I have experienced this a few times. But then there are times when we need to dedicate some significant time to changing our hearts to align with God.
If this has touched you, please share this post with friends and family. Maybe consider bookmarking it to come back for a refresher.
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Today, we're going to explore one of the most fundamental aspects of Christianity: the understanding of the reality of demons, principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places. Many Christians fail to distinguish between these entities, but understanding the distinctions between them can have a huge impact on our relationship with God and our ability to engage in spiritual warfare. Are you ready to unlock the secrets of the spiritual realm and learn how to effectively fight against the forces of darkness? Tune in now to find out more!
Christians Need to Know the Difference
One of the fundamental aspects of Christianity is the understanding of the reality of demons, principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places. Unfortunately, it has been observed that many Christians fail to distinguish between principalities and demons, and as a result, approach spiritual warfare in an incorrect manner.
This lack of understanding can lead to problematic consequences in our relationship with God. In today's episode, we will explore the origins and beliefs surrounding these entities and how they are perceived and understood within the context of Christianity. We will also delve into the implications of not understanding the distinctions between them and how it can impact spiritual warfare. Additionally, we will examine the use of the term "demon" in the King James Bible and how it is often used interchangeably with "devil," which is not entirely accurate.
Principalities and Power Hierarchy
In Christianity, "devils" or fallen angels are considered low-level demonic beings, while principalities can be either good or bad, depending on their purpose in the spiritual order of things. The key difference between them lies in the power and authority they wield, as principalities possess greater authority and can influence larger groups of people.
Just as on earth, there are hierarchies of power among individuals, such as presidents, generals, colonels, and lieutenants, in the spirit world, there are also hierarchies among different types of entities such as demons and principalities. Recall that there are Archangels like Gabriel, Michael, and Lucifer, who are rulers over other angels. Remember that a third of the angels rebelled with Lucifer, and he became a Prince over them. The word "prince" comes from "principality."
Think of how the Archangel Michael battled against the Prince of Persia, as mentioned in the Book of Daniel. This was an archangel fighting against a principality. The word "prince" is derived from the Latin word "Princeps," which means first or chief. The word "principality" is also derived from the same Latin root and refers to a territory ruled by a prince, or to the rank or office of a prince. In this sense, a principality is a small sovereign state or territory ruled by a prince, who is usually a member of a royal family or a member of nobility.
The word "principality" can also be used more broadly to refer to any territory, region, or domain ruled by a leader or authority, such as the Kingdom or Domain of the King. Principalities can be thought of as generals in this hierarchy. God actually sets up and overthrows principalities as He sees fit, as mentioned in Daniel 2:21. The people of God are to be subject to them, even though they may not enjoy it, as stated in Romans 13.
Keep in mind that God even called Nebuchadnezzar the King of Babylon, his servant, as mentioned in Jeremiah 27:6, while the Israelites were forced to be subject to him. The Prince of Persia was not defeated until the Archangel Michael defeated him in the spirit world and he was replaced with the Prince of Greece, Alexander the Great, as mentioned in Daniel chapter 10. This came about at the time of Daniel's 21-day fast.
Demons and Principalities Distinction
Demons are underlings that do the bidding of the principalities. The word "demon" is derived from the Greek word "daimon" which means deity or divine power. The word "devil" is derived from the Greek word "Diablos," which means slander or accuser.
When Jesus tells his disciples that they can cast out devils in Mark 16, the Greek word for demon is used. Paul could cast out demons, as seen when he cast out the python spirit in the lady that practiced divination in Acts 16. The disciples could also cast out demons, but they did not bring down the principalities behind Nero or the Caesars, which God actually sets up.
The Bible makes a distinction between demons and principalities, although the precise nature of this distinction is not always clear. Demons are often depicted as evil spirits or fallen angels, while principalities are spiritual beings or forces that exercise some level of authority or control over a particular region or sphere of influence. It is important to understand the difference between the two, as this can affect spiritual warfare and our relationship with God.
Types of Demons
The Bible mentions various types of demons, each associated with specific forms of evil or temptation. For example, familiar spirits, which are believed to be able to communicate with the spirits of the dead and are often consulted by those seeking to know the future or communicate with their ancestors. Another example is evil spirits which are often depicted as causing various forms of trouble or disruption, such as possession, illness, and insanity. The term "devils" is also used to refer to demons in general or Satan in particular. These entities are depicted as being opposed to God and seeking to lead human beings astray.
Hierarchy of Spiritual Entities in Warfare
It is important to note that the Bible makes a distinction between demons and principalities, with principalities having a higher level of authority and the ability to influence larger groups of people. As seen in Ephesians 6:11-12, Paul speaks of the need to stand against the "wiles of the devil" and the importance of spiritual warfare against "principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places." This passage highlights the hierarchy of these entities and the specific nature of their influence. It is important for Christians to understand the distinctions between these entities in order to effectively engage in spiritual warfare.
The Nephilim-Demon Origin Belief
The belief that demons are descendants of the Nephilim is an idea that appears in some ancient Jewish and Christian texts, such as the Book of Enoch and the Book of Jubilees. According to this belief, the Nephilim were a race of giant beings or the offspring of angels and human women. These texts claim that these beings were born as a result of angels taking human wives and that these Nephilim were considered to be demons as they were not completely human or divine.
This belief is rooted in the passage from Genesis 6 that states "The Sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose." Some interpret this passage to mean that the "Sons of God" are angels and the "daughters of humans" are human women, and that this union led to the creation of the Nephilim.
It should be noted, however, that these texts are not considered scriptural canon by most of Christianity and the interpretation of the nephilim is disputed and not widely accepted. The Nephilim as well as the origin of demons is not widely accepted as a biblical fact, it is also important to consider that this interpretation is not proven by the scriptural canon.
Principalities have a Large Sphere of Influence
The term "principalities" in the Bible refers to spiritual beings or forces that are associated with a particular sphere of influence or level of authority in the spiritual realm. These beings or forces are often depicted as exercising control over the world and its inhabitants, and they may be either good or evil in nature. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul often speaks of principalities and powers in his letters, and these terms are used to refer to the spiritual powers behind rulers and nations. Additionally, passages such as Ezekiel 28 suggest that certain principalities have a direct influence on certain individuals, such as the Prince of Tyre. It's important to note that the nature and the exact function of these principalities may not always be clear in the Bible, and different interpretations exist.
The term "principalities" or "principalities and powers," "rulers," "authorities," etc. is often used to refer to spiritual beings or forces that are associated with a particular sphere of influence or level of authority in the spiritual realm. These beings or forces are often depicted as exerting some degree of control over the world and its inhabitants, and they can be either good or evil, or on God's side or opposed to God.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently references principalities and powers in his letters. For example, in Ephesians 3:10, he states that "to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God." Here, Paul is emphasizing how the Church reveals the wisdom of God to the spiritual forces of the heavenly realm.
In Colossians 1:16, Paul states that "Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him, all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities, as all things were created through Him and for Him." This passage highlights that Jesus is the creator of all things, including the spiritual beings or forces known as principalities, powers, and authorities.
Principalities: Spiritual Powers Behind Rulers
Principalities are often referred to in Scripture as the spiritual powers behind rulers in nations. In Ezekiel 28, for example, God speaks to the Prince of Tyre, but then directly addresses the principality that governs him. The belief that principalities are wicked spiritual entities that are interlinked with actual people on earth, is an interesting and fascinating concept.
Principalities in Spiritual Warfare: Caution Needed
When it comes to spiritual warfare, it is important to note that we do not cast out principalities as we could be challenging the will of God. Principalities and powers are spiritual beings or entities that have been established by God and are operating within the boundaries set for them by God. Therefore, attempting to cast out a principality without receiving clear guidance from God can be dangerous. Jesus states in Mark 16 that we can cast out demons, but only God has the authority to remove or change spiritual powers such as principalities over cities and regions. It is crucial to have a humble, unselfish relationship with the Holy Spirit, and be certain that we are being led by God before taking any action.
The Bible makes a distinction between demons and principalities. The precise nature of this distinction is not always clear, but some ways they may be distinguished is through their hierarchy, nature and their roles. Demons are often depicted as evil spirits or fallen angels and are associated with specific forms of evil or temptation, while principalities are often depicted as spiritual beings or forces that exercise a level of authority or control over a particular sphere of influence. It is important to approach the subject of spiritual warfare with caution and seek clear guidance from God before taking any action.
Digging Deeper
If you're interested in delving further into the topic of spiritual warfare and the distinctions between demons, principalities, and powers, I would highly recommend the book "Needless Casualties of War" by John Paul Jackson. This book provides valuable insight and guidance on the topic and is worth reading if you're considering taking on a principality or spiritual force without first seeking guidance from God. It's important to remember that principalities and powers are spiritual beings or entities that have been established by God and it is essential to have a humble, unselfish relationship with the Holy Spirit in order to be certain that we are being led by God when engaging in spiritual warfare.
Additionally, I would recommend joining the conversation by checking out the linked Facebook post in the show notes for more perspectives and thoughts on the topic.
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