Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Don't Be the Reason People Reject Jesus: A Prophetic Call to the Church

Don't Shun the Supernatural

A personal reflection on the supernatural, the church, and finding Jesus in the midst of it all.


Introduction: Coffee with Conrad

Hey everyone, Conrad here from ConradRocks.Net, where we're all about the rocks of Revelation being poured out to you. Welcome to my little corner of the internet. If you're new here, I'm the author of the book, "Open Your Eyes: My Supernatural Journey," which chronicles my experiences in the supernatural, both before and after I met Jesus. And that's exactly what I want to talk to you about today—a topic that's heavy on my heart.

I recently did a promotion for my book, hoping to reach those in the New Age. But interestingly, the people who are really connecting with my story are those interested in the prophetic, and those who've found me through my podcast or social media. And invariably, after these promotions, my inbox is flooded with messages from people who've had the same, or very similar, supernatural experiences as I did growing up. And that brings me to a huge problem, a problem that we, as the body of Christ, need to address.

The Great Disconnect: Why People Fear Telling Christians About Their Supernatural Experiences

Here’s the raw, unfiltered truth: people are terrified to tell Christians about their supernatural experiences. This should not be so. The Bible, our holy book, is chock-full of supernatural encounters, from Genesis to Revelation. It’s a book about a supernatural God who interacts with His creation in supernatural ways. So why the disconnect?

I remember being a child, having these experiences, and trying to talk to Christians about them. Let's be real, it's not like you can just look up "deliverance pastor" in the Yellow Pages. How many people do you know who operate in the prophetic? For most of us, especially as kids, all we know is that something supernatural is happening, and a Christian should have the answers. But more often than not, they don't.

There are two main reasons people are hesitant to share. First, there are demonic influences at play, trying to keep people away from the truth, which is Jesus. But the second reason is a legitimate fear of backlash from an ignorant—and I mean that in the sense of "uninformed"—Christian population. Instead of getting help, people are often ostracized, labeled, and pushed away. And that’s a tragedy.

My Story: A Childhood Steeped in the Supernatural

If you’ve read my book, you’ll know that my family had some deep-seated occult experiences. We're talking psychics, séances, and even witchcraft performed on our property. As a child, I had no idea what was going on. It wasn't my fault. But I was the one who paid the price. I was plagued by night terrors, and even my own parents couldn't understand what was happening to me, even though the answers were right there in Scripture.

People who have these kinds of experiences know they're not crazy. We verify that what we're seeing and feeling is real. And when the very people who are supposed to have the answers—the Christians—call you crazy or a witch, you get angry. You get angry at the church. You start to see the hypocrisy in people who read a supernatural book but can't recognize a supernatural experience when it's right in front of them.

This rejection creates a vacuum. And that vacuum is quickly filled by other belief systems that not only acknowledge the supernatural but openly embrace it. People who have had experiences like mine often flock to the New Age or other Eastern religions. There's a disdain for Christianity that develops, a feeling of being shunned and misunderstood.

Biblical Truths the Church Has Forgotten

The irony is that the Bible is our ultimate guide to the supernatural. It’s not something to be feared, but something to be understood through the lens of Scripture. Think about the prophets of old. The Bible says in Amos 3:7 (KJV), "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." God is a communicating God, a supernatural God.

Look at the experiences of the apostles. Paul himself said in 2 Corinthians 12:2 (KJV), "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." Paul had an out-of-body experience! The supernatural is woven into the very fabric of our faith.

And let's not forget the words of Jesus Himself in John 14:12 (KJV): "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." We are called to a supernatural life, a life of power and authority in Jesus' name. When the church ignores this, it’s no wonder people look for answers elsewhere.



The Danger of a Vacuum: Why the New Age is So Appealing

When the mainstream church closes the door on the supernatural, it forces people to search for answers somewhere else. And the New Age, with its open arms towards all things mystical and spiritual, is an attractive alternative. Once people get into the New Age, Scientology, or other such religions, the demonic forces often lay off the terrifying aspects of the supernatural. They start providing answers—demonic answers, wrong answers, but answers nonetheless. Their only goal is to keep people away from Jesus.

So, the terror subsides, and people get trapped in these false religions, all the while holding a deep-seated disdain for Christianity. I’ve seen people try to blend their supernatural experiences with a New Age version of Christianity, often using corrupted Bible versions that omit key truths. It’s a dangerous and deceptive path.

My "Open Your Eyes" Moment: A Testimony of Grace

Despite my family's dabbling in the occult, I was blessed. My father, who had even gone to Bible college, taught me to pray. As a child, I didn't know I couldn't talk to God 24/7, so I did. I would take prayer walks in the backyard, and God would answer my prayers. I had a childlike faith because I was a child.

Later in life, I hit rock bottom. Life had knocked me to my knees, which, as it turns out, is the perfect position for prayer. I was at the end of my rope, ready to end it all. In that moment of desperation, I cried out, "Lord, I need to know if you're real, and I need to know now."

And then I heard it. A voice, the same voice I had talked to as a child, said, "Open your eyes." That's where the title of my book comes from. Then He said, "Read the instructions." In that moment, I was born again. I was a new creature. The old had passed away. My spirit bore witness with the Spirit of God that I was a child of God (Romans 8:16 KJV).

I began to devour the Bible, everything I could get my hands on about Jesus. I understood that people are driven by questions: Why is this happening to me? What is my purpose? What will happen if I confide in someone? If the church rejects people with these questions, the demonic religions are all too willing to provide their own twisted answers.

A Call to the Church: Don't Be the Reason People Reject Jesus

So, I want to implore you, my brothers and sisters in Christ. If someone comes to you with a story of supernatural experiences, night terrors, or anything else that seems "out there," please, do not ostracize them. Don't be the reason someone rejects Jesus. Point them to someone with a deliverance ministry, or a prophetic friend. Listen to them. Love them. Point them to the truth, which is Jesus.

We are in a spiritual battle, and we need to be equipped. We need to know our Bibles, and we need to be open to the supernatural workings of the Holy Spirit. We need to be a safe place for the broken, the searching, and the spiritually tormented. Let's not be the generation that pushes people away from the only one who can truly save and deliver them.

Conclusion: Your Supernatural Journey Matters

Your experiences are valid. Your questions are important. And your search for truth is what will ultimately lead you to Jesus, if you let it. Don't let the ignorance of some Christians turn you away from the truth of the gospel. Jesus is the answer. He is the way, the truth, and the life.

If my story resonates with you, I encourage you to check out my book, "Open Your Eyes: My Supernatural Journey," available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle. It goes into much more detail about what I went through and what it's like to be born again and see the kingdom of heaven.

God bless you. Remember to dig deeper and go higher.


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Monday, August 1, 2016

Pokemon Go and Christians Part 3

The Prophetic Dangers of Pokémon Go: A Spiritual Wake-Up Call for Christians


Introduction: More Than Just a Game

Welcome back to the blog. It's Conrad from ConradRocks.Net, and my passion, as always, is to bring Jesus to your face and help you cultivate a real, spiritual relationship with the biblical Jesus.

A while back, a phenomenon swept the globe, and its aftershocks are still felt today. Phones in hand, millions of people began walking the streets, eyes glued to their screens, hunting for something that wasn't there—at least, not in our physical reality. I’m talking about Pokémon Go. On the surface, it seemed like a harmless bit of fun, a way to get people outdoors. But as believers, we are called to look beyond the surface, to test the spirits, and to examine everything in the light of scripture.

This topic became so pressing that I dedicated a three-part "Coffee with Conrad" interview series to it with my friend, Pastor Bob Strachan of Scotland Baptist, all the way from his church in Jedburgh, Scotland. In our final, concluding interview, we peeled back the layers of this cultural craze to expose the deeply spiritual and prophetic issues at its core. Today, I want to share the heart of that conversation with you. This isn't just about a game; it's about spiritual discernment, the reality of demonic influence, and the battle for the mind of every Christian in these last days.

The Elephant in the Room: Can Christians Be Touched by the Demonic?

One of the first lines of defense I hear from well-meaning believers is, "Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4, KJV). And to that, I say a hearty Amen! But does this mean we are magically immune to the influence, affliction, and temptations of the enemy? Is our salvation a force field that absolves us of the need for vigilance?

As Pastor Bob so powerfully articulated in our talk, the Bible paints a very different picture. The scriptures are filled with warnings, not to the world, but to us—the believers.

Paul warns Timothy, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (1 Timothy 4:1, KJV). Notice who is giving heed? Not the unsaved, but those who are departing from the faith. This implies that Christians can, in fact, listen to and be led astray by these spirits.

The battleground is clearly the mind. Paul feared for the Corinthian believers: "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3, KJV). He speaks of receiving "another spirit," which shows it’s a possibility for the church.

Think about the examples Pastor Bob raised:

  • Satan was given permission to sift Peter like wheat.
  • Job was afflicted directly by the enemy.
  • Paul himself was given a "messenger of Satan to buffet him."

And perhaps the most compelling example is the one from Luke 13, where Jesus heals a woman who had a "spirit of infirmity" for eighteen years. What did Jesus call her? "A daughter of Abraham." In the language of faith, she was a saved woman, a child of God, yet she was physically afflicted by a demonic spirit. This is a clear, undeniable biblical precedent. Christians are not immune; we are targets. This is why Peter urges us, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8, KJV).

"All Things Are Permissible" - A Christian's License for Anything?

Another common rebuttal I've encountered is the misuse of Paul's words, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient" (1 Corinthians 6:12, KJV). People cherry-pick the first part to justify their actions, suggesting a blanket permission for any activity not explicitly forbidden in the New Testament.

Pastor Bob dismantled this argument with a sharp and brilliant point. He asked, is bestiality permissible? It’s not mentioned in the New Testament. Of course not! God’s moral law, His definition of sin and abomination, does not change with the covenant. Sin is still sin.

The Bible is clear: "a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump" (Galatians 5:9, KJV). As we discussed in our previous interviews, Pokémon is rooted in occultic principles and the anti-biblical theory of evolution. Even if you only see a "little leaven" of occultism or something that dishonors God, that small amount is enough to corrupt the entire experience. You cannot separate the "fun" part from its ungodly roots.

The Idol Is "Nothing," But What's Behind It?

This brings us to the next line of defense: "We know that an idol is nothing in the world" (1 Corinthians 8:4, KJV). People argue that Pokémon are just digital characters, pixels on a screen. They are "nothing." And they are right, in a sense. The physical object—the stone statue, the wooden carving, or the digital phone—is in itself, nothing.

But the scripture doesn't end there. Paul goes on to say, "But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils" (1 Corinthians 10:20, KJV).

The idol isn't the problem; the demonic entity that receives the worship and attention behind the idol is the problem. As Pastor Bob explained, a demon is more than happy to step in and receive the focus and energy you're directing toward that "harmless" object. Your phone, in this case, becomes a conduit—a modern-day idol.

This resonated so deeply with my spirit. I thought about the history of the kings of Israel. Over and over, the Bible records that a new king "did that which was right in the sight of the Lord," but with a devastating caveat: "howbeit the high places were not taken away" (2 Kings 12:2-3, KJV). Why did they leave them? I believe it was fear. Fear of retaliation, fear of upsetting the people, fear of being seen as extreme. They were unwilling to go all the way for God, and that compromise left a doorway open for sin to re-enter the nation. We face the same choice today when we tolerate "high places" in our own lives.

The Prophetic Warning of a "Harmless" Game

What really struck me during our conversation was the prophetic nature of this entire phenomenon. Pastor Bob pointed out that the "high places" were never really removed from society; they just changed form. And now, through technology, they are being invited directly into our homes and churches.

When I considered the level of access people willingly gave this game—contacts, camera, location, personal data—I felt a chill. It’s a conditioning. People are being prepped to trade privacy, liberty, and discernment for entertainment and convenience. How much more willing will they be to accept a system that controls their ability to buy and sell just so they can eat? These games are, in my view, a small taste, a prophetic shadow of the coming Antichrist system. They are prepping people to accept the supernatural as normal and to give up everything to participate.

A Call to Spiritual Warfare: How Should We Then Respond?

So, if we're convicted by the Holy Spirit to remove these influences from our lives, how do we approach our friends and family who are still involved? This is where the rubber meets the road.

The wrong way, as Pastor Bob warned, is to get on social media and start blasting everyone who disagrees with you. How long did it take for God to bring you to this point of understanding? It was likely a process. You cannot expect to deprogram someone from a lifetime of cultural conditioning with a single, angry Facebook post.

This is about relationship and trust. Jesus’s words about the beam and the splinter are key: "first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye" (Matthew 7:5, KJV). Interestingly, the Greek word for "cast out" is ekballo, the same word Jesus uses for casting out demons. We must first deal with the demonic influences and strongholds in our own lives. Then, with gentleness, compassion, and trust that we’ve built, we can help our brothers and sisters.

A Word to Pastors: Don't Invite the Enemy to Church

Finally, Pastor Bob gave a solemn, urgent warning to pastors and church leaders. I want to echo it with all my heart. Inviting Pokémon Go into your church by making it a "Pokéstop" or a "gym" is spiritual insanity. You are not being culturally relevant; you are sending a formal invitation for demonic spirits to come and make your church a playground.

Do not be naive. The devil is not afraid to walk into a church building. A demon-possessed man cried out right in the middle of the synagogue while Jesus was teaching! (Mark 1:23). If your church is on fire for God, you are a target. Satan will use any method he can, including a "harmless" game, to infiltrate, disrupt, and destroy your ministry from the inside out. Better to lose a few members who are committed to the world than to lose the presence and power of God in your services.

Conclusion: Dig Deeper and Go Higher

The issue of Pokémon Go is a symptom of a much larger spiritual battle. We are called to "be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2, KJV).

This requires courage. It requires you to be different. It requires you to examine everything—every game, every movie, every tradition—and ask: Does this glorify Jesus? Are its roots godly? Am I giving place to the devil?

If you've been involved in this or other questionable activities, the path forward is clear. Repent. But don't just stop playing. As Pastor Bob urged, destroy these things. Burn them. Delete them. Don't pass the curse on to someone else by giving it away. Close the door firmly and command Satan to leave your life in the mighty name of Jesus.

This is not about legalism; it's about holiness. It's not about fear; it's about walking in the authority and power that Christ has given us.

A Call to Action:

I want to hear from you. What are your thoughts on this? Have you had experiences with the supernatural side of things that the world calls "harmless"? Share your testimony in the comments below.

If this message has stirred your spirit, please share it with your friends, your family, and your pastor. Let's get this conversation started in our churches.

For more content that challenges you to go deeper in your walk with Jesus, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow ConradRocks.Net on social media. And please, check out the incredible resources and teachings from Pastor Bob Strachan over at ScotlandBaptist.com.

Until we meet again, dig deeper and go higher.

God Bless,
Conrad

Friday, July 29, 2016

Pokemon Go and Christians part 2

Navigating the Spiritual Landscape of Pop Culture: My Thoughts on Pokémon and Faith


Hey everyone, Conrad here from ConradRocks.Net, and welcome back! It’s always great to connect with you all and lift up the name of Jesus. Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s been on my mind, sparked by a recent conversation I had with Bob Strachan from Scotland Baptist. We talked about something that took the world by storm a while back and still lingers in our cultural consciousness: Pokémon.

You know, when Pokémon Go first exploded, it felt like the whole planet was captivated, wandering around with their phones, trying to "catch 'em all." As a Christian, and someone who tries to view everything through a spiritual lens, I couldn't help but wonder: What does this phenomenon mean for us? How does it intersect with our faith and our walk with Jesus? This led to a fascinating two-part interview with Bob, and today, I want to share some of my reflections and expand on our discussion.

The Imaginary and the Real: Discerning Spiritual Implications

One of the key questions that arose in our conversation was whether we were making a leap from something imaginary to something potentially harmful on a spiritual level. Are these just harmless characters in a game, or could there be deeper implications? Bob wisely pointed out that just because these creatures aren’t named after demons doesn’t automatically make them good or neutral.

This got me thinking about the concept of "vain imaginations" mentioned in the Bible. If we’re constantly engaging with something that, at its core, is a fantasy, could it be subtly shaping our thoughts and values in ways that pull us away from the knowledge of God? The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV), urges us to cast 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 really resonates here. It's not just about blatant evil; sometimes, it's the seemingly innocent things that can capture our minds and hearts.

Bob brought up some specific Pokémon names, like Abra, Kadabra, and Alakazam, noting their connections to the occult, specifically "abracadabra," a term with roots in witchcraft and used by figures like Aleister Crowley. While I hadn't personally delved into the etymology of every Pokémon name, hearing this raised a red flag for me. As believers, we are called to be discerning. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV) tells us to "Abstain from all appearance of evil." If something even hints at or borrows from the occult, shouldn't we approach it with caution?

Serving Two Masters: Pokémon and the Pursuit of God

Our conversation also touched on the idea of serving two masters, a powerful teaching from Jesus in Matthew 6:24 (KJV): "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." While "mammon" is often interpreted as wealth, Bob astutely connected it to the Pokémon world. The more you play, the more you collect, the more powerful you become within the game. It’s a system built on acquisition and mastery.

But Jesus Himself told us not to be called masters, for we have one Master, who is Christ (Matthew 23:10, KJV). When we pour our time and energy into becoming a "Pokémon Master," are we inadvertently shifting our focus and devotion away from our true Master? It’s a challenging question, and one that requires honest self-reflection. Where do our priorities lie? What consumes our thoughts and our time?

The Creation Narrative vs. Pokémon Evolution: A Foundational Conflict

The origin story within the Pokémon universe also presents a stark contrast to the biblical account of creation. The idea of Arceus being born from an egg in a void and then creating other beings with control over time and space directly contradicts the Genesis account of God creating the heavens and the earth in six days. This isn't just a minor detail; it strikes at the very foundation of our understanding of who God is and how the universe came to be.

As Christians, we believe in a Creator God who spoke the world into existence (Psalm 33:9, KJV). The concept of evolution within the Pokémon narrative, where creatures evolve into more powerful forms, also stands in opposition to the biblical understanding that this world is groaning under the weight of sin and decay (Romans 8:22, KJV), not progressively getting better on its own. My own personal conviction aligns with the prophetic word that speaks of a fallen creation awaiting its ultimate redemption through Jesus.

It's crucial that we train up our children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6, KJV). If their minds are constantly being filled with the Pokémon universe and its creation myths, are we adequately grounding them in the truth of God's Word? As Bob rightly pointed out, if a child is given a choice between reading the Bible and playing Pokémon, the allure of the game often wins out. This highlights the importance of intentionally and diligently teaching our children the Holy Scriptures from a young age, as Paul instructed Timothy (2 Timothy 3:15, KJV).

The Subtle Snares of the Enemy: Bondage and Double-Mindedness

Our discussion then moved into the realm of spiritual warfare. Bob highlighted how an intense focus on something like Pokémon can lead to a form of bondage, where a person feels compelled to engage with it, even to the detriment of other responsibilities and their relationship with God. This reminded me of the power of addiction, whether it’s to substances, entertainment, or anything else that takes hold of our hearts and minds.

The Bible speaks of the spirit of bondage (Romans 8:15, KJV), and it contrasts this with the spirit of adoption we receive through Christ, which allows us to call God "Abba, Father." When we find ourselves constantly drawn back to something, feeling an almost irresistible urge, we need to ask ourselves: Is this leading me closer to God or further away? Is it fostering freedom or bondage?

Furthermore, Bob touched on the concept of a double-minded man being unstable in all his ways (James 1:8, KJV). If part of our mind is consumed with the world of Pokémon and another part is trying to follow God, we will inevitably experience internal conflict and instability. Our hearts need to be fully devoted to God (Psalm 86:11, KJV).

The Altered States of Consciousness and Media Influence: A Modern-Day Challenge

One of the more eye-opening parts of our conversation was when Bob discussed how engaging with screens, like phones while playing Pokémon Go or watching television, can induce altered states of consciousness, specifically the alpha brainwave state. This research, he mentioned, dates back to the 1960s. In this state, our critical thinking can be diminished, making us more susceptible to suggestions and programming.

Think about the implications of this in the context of Pokémon Go. People walking around, engrossed in their phones, are not necessarily engaging in critical thought. They are following the prompts of the game. Bob drew a compelling analogy with the guards at Buckingham Palace representing our conscious minds. When our conscious mind is "distracted" or in an altered state, things can slip into our subconscious more easily, potentially shaping our desires and behaviors.

This also connects to the influence of media in general. Bob astutely pointed out the correlation between the rise of Hollywood and the decline in teachings on spiritual warfare in churches. It's as if the enemy has subtly shifted tactics, using entertainment and media to shape worldviews and distract people from the reality of spiritual battles. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 2:11 (KJV), "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." However, sadly, many believers today seem unaware of these subtle yet powerful influences.

The Seared Conscience and the Importance of Truth

Bob then referenced 1 Timothy 4:1-2 (KJV): "Now the spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron." This scripture powerfully illustrates what can happen when we repeatedly ignore or rationalize things that are contrary to God's Word. Our consciences can become desensitized, making it harder to discern right from wrong.

When someone raises concerns about the spiritual implications of something like Pokémon, the reaction can sometimes be dismissive or even hostile. People may argue, "It's just a game!" or "You're taking it too seriously!" But as believers, our standard for truth isn't based on popular opinion or cultural trends; it's based on the unchanging Word of God. Jesus said in John 8:32 (KJV), "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Knowing and adhering to the truth is essential for our spiritual well-being and discernment.

Personal Experiences and the Reality of Spiritual Influence

Bob shared a powerful personal anecdote about a child who was deeply involved in Pokémon and had a strong negative reaction when the parents decided to get rid of the associated items. He recounted an instance where a Pikachu toy seemed to manifest a demonic presence when it was being burned. While some may find this hard to believe, it underscores the potential for spiritual forces to attach themselves to seemingly innocuous things, especially when there is an unhealthy obsession involved.

These kinds of experiences remind us that the spiritual realm is real, even if we don't always see it with our physical eyes. Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) reminds us, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." We need to be aware of these forces and how they might try to influence our lives and the lives of our loved ones.

Redeeming the Time: Prioritizing the Kingdom of God

Ultimately, our conversation circled back to the importance of redeeming the time, as Paul urged in Ephesians 5:15-16 (KJV): "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." How much time are we spending on things that have no eternal value? How much time are we investing in our relationship with God, in studying His Word, and in sharing the Gospel with others?

The story of someone quitting their job to play Pokémon full-time, which Bob mentioned, is a stark example of how something can grip a person's life and distort their priorities. As citizens of a heavenly country (Hebrews 11:16, KJV), our focus should be on things above (Colossians 3:2, KJV), on the eternal rather than the temporal.

Conclusion: A Call to Discernment and Action

So, what are my final thoughts on Pokémon and its place in the life of a Christian? While the game itself might seem like harmless fun on the surface, I believe we need to approach it with discernment, considering its underlying themes, its potential for distraction and even obsession, and its stark contrast with biblical truths.

This isn't about condemning anyone who has played or enjoyed Pokémon. It's about urging all of us to be mindful of what we allow to occupy our minds and hearts. Are we prioritizing our relationship with Jesus above all else? Are we diligently teaching our children the Word of God? Are we being aware of the subtle ways the enemy might try to distract us and lead us astray?

My encouragement to you today is to take these thoughts to prayer. Seek God's wisdom and guidance in all things. Be willing to examine your own heart and priorities. And let us all strive to be citizens of that heavenly country, living lives that reflect the love and truth of Jesus to a world that desperately needs Him.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Feel free to leave a comment below and share your perspective. And if you've found this discussion thought-provoking, please consider subscribing to my newsletter and following me on social media for more content like this. Let's continue to grow in our faith together, always seeking to dig deeper and go higher in our walk with the Lord!