GOD’S WORD FOR MARCH 31 ~ ~ 1 Timothy 4:1 ~ ~ “But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons.”
Some law enforcement agencies regularly make use of hypnosis. It has been widely believed that hypnosis helps people remember details about an incident that they don’t naturally remember. Some judges even accept memories said to be enhanced by hypnosis as evidence in court.
However, there is still much skepticism about whether they are the person’s actual memories or recently created memories due to the hypnosis.
So a University in Ontario decided to test this. They showed test subjects sixty drawings of common objects and then asked them to remember as many as possible. Those who were hypnotized remembered only slightly more of the pictures.
At the same time, they made three times as many mistakes as the unhypnotized subjects in “remembering” pictures they never saw. Also, people who lend themselves most easily to hypnosis are the ones who “remember” pictures that weren’t there most often.
Christians are wise to avoid hypnosis. Not only does it not appear to be legitimate, it appears to leave the mind open to influences that can be harmful, such as demonic activity.
Still, “Christian” churches and organizations not only practice, but blatantly advertise the use of hypnosis to help people get more out of scripture studies!!!
Sadly, this is just one of the things that many churches are getting involved in, concerning occult practices. Many are dabbling in tarot cards, horoscopes, yoga, visualization, hypnosis, psychological counseling, Positive Thinking, Positive Confession, and Eastern meditation techniques.
They’re also using Ouija boards, crystal balls, pendulums, observing times (astrology), enchantment (hypnosis), witchcraft, charming (another form of hypnosis), consulting with “familiar spirits” (mediumship, seances, channeling), and wizardry or necromancy (communicating with the dead). The Bible forbids each of these occult practices.
Even though the intent is evil, one would expect some apparent good as a means of enticement. That’s the human weakness. Satan uses the same age-old traps ~ ~ lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life ~ ~ that he used way back in the Garden with Eve. And here are churches falling for the same old lies, even though they should have seen how it worked out!!!!
The end times will be full of things like this, as the many churches that will fall in their apostasy will promote these abominations. Besides Timothy’s warning (above) Paul also told us about the falling away of the churches in ~ ~
Let no one in any way deceive or entrap you, for that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first [that is, the great rebellion, the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians], and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction [the Antichrist, the one who is destined to be destroyed],
Be careful to check out any church you become active in. Find out their stance on doctrine, on salvation, (make sure that their belief checks out on these five “solas”: Do they believe that we’re saved: 1. by grace alone, 2. through faith alone, 3. in Christ alone, 4. as revealed in Scripture alone, 5. to the glory of God alone.
And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God
For who has known the mindand purposes of the Lord, so as to instruct Him? But we have the mindofChrist [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes].
In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind:
Galatians 5:19-23
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.