It is so true that we can focus on the tree, and never see the forest. Deception is always the enemy's work. God never deceives. His truth is plain, simple, and for all to see. But we become blinded by the illusions, loss of focus, by a bit of truth tainted with a lot of deception, and take our eyes off Jesus. The enemy used that playbook successfully on Eve, and has been using it ever since. His greatest work is within the church, deceiving. Oh, that we would keep our eyes on Jesus! That is my heart's desire!
I've always thought ghosts/spirits are demons. That gods/idols/nature spirits are principalities in disguise. That magic and the occult is making deals with the devil.
How is what you're saying different?
The topic makes me think of:
Colossians 1:16 NASB1995
[16] For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.
In reality, the differences are minor. I know there are ministries that do a lot of work breaking down what an unclean spirit is, or what a Ghost is. But at the end of the day, they all track back to the same source. And for the Charismatic / Pentecostal crowd, some of this is a moot point because they at least have a general understanding of the middle. But there are MANY others like Baptist, Anglican, Lutheran, ect who work hard to ignore what is really happening. Concerning Col 1:16, yes, all things were created for him, but not all things stayed obedient and connected to him. This is why it says in Jude 1:16, "And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day."
It is so true that we can focus on the tree, and never see the forest. Deception is always the enemy's work. God never deceives. His truth is plain, simple, and for all to see. But we become blinded by the illusions, loss of focus, by a bit of truth tainted with a lot of deception, and take our eyes off Jesus. The enemy used that playbook successfully on Eve, and has been using it ever since. His greatest work is within the church, deceiving. Oh, that we would keep our eyes on Jesus! That is my heart's desire!
I've always thought ghosts/spirits are demons. That gods/idols/nature spirits are principalities in disguise. That magic and the occult is making deals with the devil.
How is what you're saying different?
The topic makes me think of:
Colossians 1:16 NASB1995
[16] For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.
I look forward to part 2.
In reality, the differences are minor. I know there are ministries that do a lot of work breaking down what an unclean spirit is, or what a Ghost is. But at the end of the day, they all track back to the same source. And for the Charismatic / Pentecostal crowd, some of this is a moot point because they at least have a general understanding of the middle. But there are MANY others like Baptist, Anglican, Lutheran, ect who work hard to ignore what is really happening. Concerning Col 1:16, yes, all things were created for him, but not all things stayed obedient and connected to him. This is why it says in Jude 1:16, "And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day."