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Lesson 30: The Rise of Spiritualism and Last
Day Deceptions
Before Jesus comes again, the Bible tells us that there will be a dramatic increase in spiritual activity. Those people who are sincerely following after God with all their heart and mind will have an increased measure of God’s Holy Spirit. Their hearts will be filled with joy and peace. They will turn away from worldly interests. They will experience miracles as they share the gospel, similar to what is seen in the book of Acts. True miracles of healing, and other demonstrations of God’s mercy will abound as they minister to those in need. Most importantly the spiritual work will bear fruit in lives that grow more and more like Christ.
However as a direct counterfeit to this great manifestation of God’s Spirit will come a great spiritual delusion from Satan. There will be an increased interest in the supernatural, interest in communication with demons[1] and even Satan worship.
In this lesson we will look at how to keep in step with the Holy Spirit of God and be forewarned and forearmed as a defense against the false spirit of Satan and his dark forces.
Q1. How does Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins help us to understand the conditions before His coming? Read Matthew 25:1-13.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
This description is symbolic of the times and condition of the believers before Jesus comes again. Jesus is represented as the bridegroom. As we saw in the lessons on the remnant church and the three angels’ message, a pure women is a symbol of God’s church. The parable describes that among those who are “virgins” (those within the church), there will be some who are prepared with “extra oil.” This “oil” will enable them to meet the “bridegroom” and enter into the feast, symbolic of the joys of heaven. The others were ill prepared and ultimately excluded.
Q2. What do the oil and the lamps represent in the parable? Read Matthew 5:14-16; John 8:12 and Romans 8:9.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
We are the light of the world and Jesus is the light of the world. We are the light of the world only if Jesus is in us by means of the Holy Spirit. Just as an oil lamp needs oil to remain lit, so too the oil that all God’s people need is the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist describes himself as like one of the wise virgins in John 3:28, 29. “You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.' It is the bridegroom who gets the bride, yet the bridegroom's friend, who merely stands by and listens for him, is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom's voice. That's why this joy of mine is now complete.” John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:15).
Q3. As John the Baptist came full of the Holy Spirit to announce the first coming of Christ, who is to come to announce the second coming of Christ? Read Malachi 4:5.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
In this text, Elijah is seen as typifying a distinct prophetic message. Elijah was a prophet who had a clear message of reformation. Elijah stood against idol worship during the time of Ahab and Jezebel. Elijah’s message is linked to the end time messages, calling the people away from worldliness and toward holiness. John the Baptist, a righteous martyr, preached the same message as Elijah. In fact Jesus says in Matthew 11:9-15 that John the Baptist was a direct fulfillment of the prophecy of Malachi 4:5.
Q4. What was the message of Elijah? Read 1 Kings 18:21.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
This message is the same as the message that will be preached in the last days described in Revelation 18:4. When we choose to be on God's side, we promise to make a complete separation from evil.
Q5. What did Elijah have that made his message powerful? Read 2 Kings 2:9.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
Elijah was full of God’s Holy Spirit. So too the message in the last days will be a movement of true Holy Spirit power (Joel 2:28, 29). May God anoint you, reader, in your service for Christ with a true anointing of His Holy Spirit. This is God’s will for you (Luke 11:13). John 4:23 says, “A time is coming when my true followers will worship me in Spirit and in truth.”
Shining Stars Series (Philippians 2:14-16)
“How could people get so confused in such a short time?” Fatma asked herself. Fatma sat at her kitchen table with her hands fumbling her cell phone.
Türkan walked into the kitchen carrying a mop bucket, “What’s wrong my daughter?”
“I just got off the phone with Filiz. You won’t believe it but Ekrem is visiting some sort of psychic doctor! You know Ekrem has had ongoing pain since his auto accident. A lady who used to visit Filiz for coffee cup readings found this man and suggested that Ekrem visit him. This fellow calls himself a “healer” and says he channels energy through his hands without ever touching the person. He calls the energy “love energy” and the whole thing is based on supposed light, sound, and color vibrations that bring a person into harmony with the same energy that keeps the sun burning. Filiz is so excited about it she called to tell me.”
Türkan said, “Hmmm, I knew a woman who belonged to some association a few years ago that was teaching something similar. It certainly is out of bounds with what Scripture teaches. Why would Ekrem go after this?”
Fatma replied, “I think he doesn’t care so much for what is “true” as he cares for what is “intriguing.”
“The danger is that while he may receive some temporary relief from his headaches, the consequences of playing in the demonic realm is that this could could cause him to fall away from the truth.”
Fatma looked concerned and said, “Let’s pray for Ekrem and Filiz right now.”
Türkan put down her mop bucket and they held hands as they knelt down and prayed for their friends. (To be continued)
Many seeking “spiritual power” neglect the fact that it is the “Holy Spirit” or the “spirit of holiness” that we are supposed to seek. By thus solely seeking “spiritual power” they end up snared in a dangerous deception.
Q6. When the Antichrist comes what will he use to deceive people? Read 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
Q7. If a person, organization, or teaching uses the language of light, love, and peace, isn’t this enough to know if something is right or wrong? Read 2 Corinthians 11:14.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
Q8. What kind of “miraculous” deceptions do the Scripture warn us we will hear about or even see in the last days? Read Revelation 16:13, 14.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
In the last days, the work of fallen angels, demons, will multiply over the earth. They will work miracles through those who “channel” or make themselves “doorways” for these demons to do their deceptive work. Their objective is to get men to give praise to them instead of praise to God. Many, through fascination with the occult and fascination with the paranormal, are giving an open invitation for demonic activity in their life.
Q9. If we can’t believe our eyes, how can we know what to believe? Read Isaiah 8:19, 20 and Deuteronomy 13:1-4.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
When we see a supernatural event, especially one with apparently good results such as a healing, it is easy to believe that God has done it. It seems reasonable to assume that any miracles of Satan would be only illusions. Not so, according to the verses we just read verse. God grants Satan permission to do real miracles. In fact Satan, as a fallen angel, has had supernatural abilities from the beginning (See Matthew 4:8). Many around the world are interested in the origin of supernatural events such as flying saucers, near death experiences, seances where supposed dead persons appear, charms, crystals, potions, spells and all sorts of magical things. Many of these phenomena are not tricks but real demonic power so they don’t lead to God and the truth. If a person takes interest in them, they open wide the door for Satan’s control of their life and their destiny.
For centuries false spiritual workers have used hypnotism and trance inducing methods using rhythm, drums, dance, twirling, and recitations to attract interest in their work. On some occasions people will fall to the ground breathless, or even have supernatural manifestations such as levitation. Others speak unintelligible speech that is supposedly a “spiritual language.” This is quite unlike the experience of the day of Pentecost where the believers spoke in known languages. Perhaps these people are sincere in their intentions but may be entirely misled. Observers likely assume the supernatural events to be a sign of God's leading. But God has given us His word, not supernatural manifestations, as a test of truth. In Matthew 16:4 Jesus says, “A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah.”
The promise of Elijah coming before the great and terrible day of the Lord was fulfilled by John the Baptist at the first coming of Christ. Before Christ comes again there will be another call to reform in the spirit and power of Elijah. We see this in Revelation 18:4 and other verses. God has a true Elijah message, and a true Holy Spirit anointing. Satan has his counterfeit and uses it effectively to attempt to fool the world. How will we know the difference?
Deuteronomy 13:1-4 tells us that we should not trust just anyone who can show a sign, but that we should be keeping God’s commandments. Revelation 14:12 points to a group at the end time who have the faith of Jesus and are keeping the commandments of God which include the Sabbath commandment. The Holy Spirit will work wonders only line with this truth.
A false religion is dominated by supernatural manifestations and a teaching that is performance based. In other words, a false religion demands non-scriptural rites, rituals, and traditions performed in order to obtain the mercy of God.
Q10. What has God given us to be able to distinguish truth from falsehood? Read Matthew 24:11-14.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
In this passage Jesus warns of the collapse of four things. He said there would be false prophets. False prophets teach a false gospel. He said that iniquity would abound, that is a disregard for God’s law. He said that love would grow cold. Inversely, by building up the following four things we have a sure foundation that will occur right before Jesus returns. Here are the four safeguards from the passage: (1) true prophets, (2) true gospel, (3) true law, and (4) true love. False movements will be missing one or more of the four.
Q11. Does God still work miracles? Read Mark 16:15-20.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
Of course God still works miracles. His greatest miracle is transforming corrupt human hearts (Jeremiah 13:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17) through faith in Jesus Christ. This miracle, performed in the privacy of our hearts, is greater than any other supernatural manifestation because it it yields eternal life. There are also physical healings happening everyday by the power of Jesus. These are always in accordance with the principles of faith laid down in Scripture, never apart from them.
Shining Stars Series (Philippians 2:14-16) (Continued)
Fatma was concerned about what she should tell the rest of the group about Ekrem. She didn’t want to make him upset by making him feel like she was gossiping about him, so she decided to talk to Ekrem personally before bringing up the subject at their prayer and Bible study group.
Fatma’s plan was a good idea, however that night, the subject came out on it’s own, before Fatma could speak to Ekrem.
The group was gathered and had finished eating some borek that Afife had brought. While sitting in a circle in the living room before the main lesson, Gül said, “I have a really inspiring text that I would like to share with you all. As most of you know I have been reading the Bible for 15 minutes each morning before I go to school. The text is in Philippians 2:13-16. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
Everyone agreed it was a beautiful text and for a moment there was a sweet silence as each of them reflected on the meaning of being a shining light in a dark world. Then Ekrem spoke with a smile on his face, “Yes, it is like this talisman stone around my neck.” He pulled out a necklace from his shirt revealing a small elongated stone, somewhat purple in color. “It is small, but it’s energy is so strong that I am connected with the greater power of the heavens. I am but a piece of the Universal Heart, and it helps my consciousness radiate with the same frequency as the greater Power of the Cosmos.”
Everyone stared at Ekrem. Then Fatma spoke, “Ekrem, are those your thoughts or are they someone else’s?”
Filiz jumped in with a bit of an attacking tone, “These are the eternal ideas; ideas that have been around since before earth knew time . . . only now we are discovering them. We each have energy points, eight energy points in our body, by meditation we can enlighten them.”
Ekrem put his hand on his wife, as if to say, “slow down,” and then continued, “I have begun to meet with a healer who is helping me see that health and wealth are interlinked, and through meditation, I will have both, and inner peace and happiness.”
Mehmet asked Ekrem, “Pardon my question, but does this healer man worship God? I mean our Creator God?”
Ekrem, “Well, he teaches that we each are owners of some piece of the Deity. And yes, it is the same God we believe in. It is as one of the great teachers said, ‘Whatever you are looking for, look in yourself and not around. There is a life in you.’”
Yusuf, not fully catching the seriousness of Ekrem’s delusion, made a small joke, “Uncle, I would say, you would do well to take this man a Bible and teach him a thing or two from the Scriptures.”
Mehmet spoke up, “Brother Ekrem, we have walked a long way together on this spiritual journey through the Bible. But what you are sharing is a serious turn off the right path. In fact in the very chapter that Gül just read from it says . . .” Mehmet held up the open Bible and read aloud, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” [2]
Filiz interrupted, “Jesus! Jesus!, that’s all this group ever talks about!”
Afife calmly looked at her friend with an expression of pity, “Sister, did you hear what Mehmet just read? Jesus is who everyone must talk about! Every knee will bow. In other words, every reality, every religion, every theory submits to Him. It says in Hebrews 1 that the Father has designed it that way and approves. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.”
Ekrem stood up tucking his little talisman back into his shirt, “I just want to say, I love you all, and that you all will see that I am awakening my consciousness to an unseen world and the Universal Soul, of which we are all a part.” With those words, he and Filiz got up to leave.
Fatma tried to get them to come back in but they would not return. After they left the group prayed for them and spoke at length about what had happened and what it all meant. Reşat was not coming and now Ekrem and Filiz had left. What was happening to their group? They all agreed that they were in a spiritual warfare and that the stakes were high.
Q12. What warning is given in Scripture regarding the last days? Read 1 Timothy 4:1-3.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
Many people today, including a vast number of the heads of nations, seek counsel from ancient and modern psychics, channelers, and mystics. Spiritualism has invaded the religious world with the false teaching of the immortality of the soul (that the soul lives on or reincarnates), pantheism (which is the belief that God is part of nature, or that nature is somehow God, and mysticism (the belief that we are somehow absorbed into the Diety).
Q13. Many find spiritual fascination in seeking out the mysterious. What does the Bible teach in regard to the “mysteries?” Read Ephesians 1:9 and Romans 16:25-27.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
All religions claim to be the true road, or right path. But with a close investigation of Scripture we discover that most false religions have one thing in common: they focus on what is unknowable. The religion of the prophets and Jesus Christ is different in that it actually opens the mystery of God’s purposes. That mystery is revealed in the person of Jesus. All religions that appreciate mysticism and mystery miss the wonder of the revelation that God has designed. God’s intention is not to hide or veil the truth, but to make it clear and simple so that all may understand.
The Bible says, “Of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:25-28).
Call to commitment through prayer.
[1] Demons are those fallen angels who chose to rebel with Satan. See Matthew 12:24-28. The KK translation of the Bible uses the word “cin” to describe them. The word “cin” as used in translation should be understood only in this way.
[2] Philippians 2:5-11.
Day Deceptions
Before Jesus comes again, the Bible tells us that there will be a dramatic increase in spiritual activity. Those people who are sincerely following after God with all their heart and mind will have an increased measure of God’s Holy Spirit. Their hearts will be filled with joy and peace. They will turn away from worldly interests. They will experience miracles as they share the gospel, similar to what is seen in the book of Acts. True miracles of healing, and other demonstrations of God’s mercy will abound as they minister to those in need. Most importantly the spiritual work will bear fruit in lives that grow more and more like Christ.
However as a direct counterfeit to this great manifestation of God’s Spirit will come a great spiritual delusion from Satan. There will be an increased interest in the supernatural, interest in communication with demons[1] and even Satan worship.
In this lesson we will look at how to keep in step with the Holy Spirit of God and be forewarned and forearmed as a defense against the false spirit of Satan and his dark forces.
Q1. How does Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins help us to understand the conditions before His coming? Read Matthew 25:1-13.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
This description is symbolic of the times and condition of the believers before Jesus comes again. Jesus is represented as the bridegroom. As we saw in the lessons on the remnant church and the three angels’ message, a pure women is a symbol of God’s church. The parable describes that among those who are “virgins” (those within the church), there will be some who are prepared with “extra oil.” This “oil” will enable them to meet the “bridegroom” and enter into the feast, symbolic of the joys of heaven. The others were ill prepared and ultimately excluded.
Q2. What do the oil and the lamps represent in the parable? Read Matthew 5:14-16; John 8:12 and Romans 8:9.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
We are the light of the world and Jesus is the light of the world. We are the light of the world only if Jesus is in us by means of the Holy Spirit. Just as an oil lamp needs oil to remain lit, so too the oil that all God’s people need is the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist describes himself as like one of the wise virgins in John 3:28, 29. “You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.' It is the bridegroom who gets the bride, yet the bridegroom's friend, who merely stands by and listens for him, is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom's voice. That's why this joy of mine is now complete.” John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:15).
Q3. As John the Baptist came full of the Holy Spirit to announce the first coming of Christ, who is to come to announce the second coming of Christ? Read Malachi 4:5.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
In this text, Elijah is seen as typifying a distinct prophetic message. Elijah was a prophet who had a clear message of reformation. Elijah stood against idol worship during the time of Ahab and Jezebel. Elijah’s message is linked to the end time messages, calling the people away from worldliness and toward holiness. John the Baptist, a righteous martyr, preached the same message as Elijah. In fact Jesus says in Matthew 11:9-15 that John the Baptist was a direct fulfillment of the prophecy of Malachi 4:5.
Q4. What was the message of Elijah? Read 1 Kings 18:21.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
This message is the same as the message that will be preached in the last days described in Revelation 18:4. When we choose to be on God's side, we promise to make a complete separation from evil.
Q5. What did Elijah have that made his message powerful? Read 2 Kings 2:9.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
Elijah was full of God’s Holy Spirit. So too the message in the last days will be a movement of true Holy Spirit power (Joel 2:28, 29). May God anoint you, reader, in your service for Christ with a true anointing of His Holy Spirit. This is God’s will for you (Luke 11:13). John 4:23 says, “A time is coming when my true followers will worship me in Spirit and in truth.”
Shining Stars Series (Philippians 2:14-16)
“How could people get so confused in such a short time?” Fatma asked herself. Fatma sat at her kitchen table with her hands fumbling her cell phone.
Türkan walked into the kitchen carrying a mop bucket, “What’s wrong my daughter?”
“I just got off the phone with Filiz. You won’t believe it but Ekrem is visiting some sort of psychic doctor! You know Ekrem has had ongoing pain since his auto accident. A lady who used to visit Filiz for coffee cup readings found this man and suggested that Ekrem visit him. This fellow calls himself a “healer” and says he channels energy through his hands without ever touching the person. He calls the energy “love energy” and the whole thing is based on supposed light, sound, and color vibrations that bring a person into harmony with the same energy that keeps the sun burning. Filiz is so excited about it she called to tell me.”
Türkan said, “Hmmm, I knew a woman who belonged to some association a few years ago that was teaching something similar. It certainly is out of bounds with what Scripture teaches. Why would Ekrem go after this?”
Fatma replied, “I think he doesn’t care so much for what is “true” as he cares for what is “intriguing.”
“The danger is that while he may receive some temporary relief from his headaches, the consequences of playing in the demonic realm is that this could could cause him to fall away from the truth.”
Fatma looked concerned and said, “Let’s pray for Ekrem and Filiz right now.”
Türkan put down her mop bucket and they held hands as they knelt down and prayed for their friends. (To be continued)
Many seeking “spiritual power” neglect the fact that it is the “Holy Spirit” or the “spirit of holiness” that we are supposed to seek. By thus solely seeking “spiritual power” they end up snared in a dangerous deception.
Q6. When the Antichrist comes what will he use to deceive people? Read 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
Q7. If a person, organization, or teaching uses the language of light, love, and peace, isn’t this enough to know if something is right or wrong? Read 2 Corinthians 11:14.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
Q8. What kind of “miraculous” deceptions do the Scripture warn us we will hear about or even see in the last days? Read Revelation 16:13, 14.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
In the last days, the work of fallen angels, demons, will multiply over the earth. They will work miracles through those who “channel” or make themselves “doorways” for these demons to do their deceptive work. Their objective is to get men to give praise to them instead of praise to God. Many, through fascination with the occult and fascination with the paranormal, are giving an open invitation for demonic activity in their life.
Q9. If we can’t believe our eyes, how can we know what to believe? Read Isaiah 8:19, 20 and Deuteronomy 13:1-4.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
When we see a supernatural event, especially one with apparently good results such as a healing, it is easy to believe that God has done it. It seems reasonable to assume that any miracles of Satan would be only illusions. Not so, according to the verses we just read verse. God grants Satan permission to do real miracles. In fact Satan, as a fallen angel, has had supernatural abilities from the beginning (See Matthew 4:8). Many around the world are interested in the origin of supernatural events such as flying saucers, near death experiences, seances where supposed dead persons appear, charms, crystals, potions, spells and all sorts of magical things. Many of these phenomena are not tricks but real demonic power so they don’t lead to God and the truth. If a person takes interest in them, they open wide the door for Satan’s control of their life and their destiny.
For centuries false spiritual workers have used hypnotism and trance inducing methods using rhythm, drums, dance, twirling, and recitations to attract interest in their work. On some occasions people will fall to the ground breathless, or even have supernatural manifestations such as levitation. Others speak unintelligible speech that is supposedly a “spiritual language.” This is quite unlike the experience of the day of Pentecost where the believers spoke in known languages. Perhaps these people are sincere in their intentions but may be entirely misled. Observers likely assume the supernatural events to be a sign of God's leading. But God has given us His word, not supernatural manifestations, as a test of truth. In Matthew 16:4 Jesus says, “A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah.”
The promise of Elijah coming before the great and terrible day of the Lord was fulfilled by John the Baptist at the first coming of Christ. Before Christ comes again there will be another call to reform in the spirit and power of Elijah. We see this in Revelation 18:4 and other verses. God has a true Elijah message, and a true Holy Spirit anointing. Satan has his counterfeit and uses it effectively to attempt to fool the world. How will we know the difference?
Deuteronomy 13:1-4 tells us that we should not trust just anyone who can show a sign, but that we should be keeping God’s commandments. Revelation 14:12 points to a group at the end time who have the faith of Jesus and are keeping the commandments of God which include the Sabbath commandment. The Holy Spirit will work wonders only line with this truth.
A false religion is dominated by supernatural manifestations and a teaching that is performance based. In other words, a false religion demands non-scriptural rites, rituals, and traditions performed in order to obtain the mercy of God.
Q10. What has God given us to be able to distinguish truth from falsehood? Read Matthew 24:11-14.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
In this passage Jesus warns of the collapse of four things. He said there would be false prophets. False prophets teach a false gospel. He said that iniquity would abound, that is a disregard for God’s law. He said that love would grow cold. Inversely, by building up the following four things we have a sure foundation that will occur right before Jesus returns. Here are the four safeguards from the passage: (1) true prophets, (2) true gospel, (3) true law, and (4) true love. False movements will be missing one or more of the four.
Q11. Does God still work miracles? Read Mark 16:15-20.
A. ___________________________________________________________________________
Of course God still works miracles. His greatest miracle is transforming corrupt human hearts (Jeremiah 13:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17) through faith in Jesus Christ. This miracle, performed in the privacy of our hearts, is greater than any other supernatural manifestation because it it yields eternal life. There are also physical healings happening everyday by the power of Jesus. These are always in accordance with the principles of faith laid down in Scripture, never apart from them.
Shining Stars Series (Philippians 2:14-16) (Continued)
Fatma was concerned about what she should tell the rest of the group about Ekrem. She didn’t want to make him upset by making him feel like she was gossiping about him, so she decided to talk to Ekrem personally before bringing up the subject at their prayer and Bible study group.
Fatma’s plan was a good idea, however that night, the subject came out on it’s own, before Fatma could speak to Ekrem.
The group was gathered and had finished eating some borek that Afife had brought. While sitting in a circle in the living room before the main lesson, Gül said, “I have a really inspiring text that I would like to share with you all. As most of you know I have been reading the Bible for 15 minutes each morning before I go to school. The text is in Philippians 2:13-16. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
Everyone agreed it was a beautiful text and for a moment there was a sweet silence as each of them reflected on the meaning of being a shining light in a dark world. Then Ekrem spoke with a smile on his face, “Yes, it is like this talisman stone around my neck.” He pulled out a necklace from his shirt revealing a small elongated stone, somewhat purple in color. “It is small, but it’s energy is so strong that I am connected with the greater power of the heavens. I am but a piece of the Universal Heart, and it helps my consciousness radiate with the same frequency as the greater Power of the Cosmos.”
Everyone stared at Ekrem. Then Fatma spoke, “Ekrem, are those your thoughts or are they someone else’s?”
Filiz jumped in with a bit of an attacking tone, “These are the eternal ideas; ideas that have been around since before earth knew time . . . only now we are discovering them. We each have energy points, eight energy points in our body, by meditation we can enlighten them.”
Ekrem put his hand on his wife, as if to say, “slow down,” and then continued, “I have begun to meet with a healer who is helping me see that health and wealth are interlinked, and through meditation, I will have both, and inner peace and happiness.”
Mehmet asked Ekrem, “Pardon my question, but does this healer man worship God? I mean our Creator God?”
Ekrem, “Well, he teaches that we each are owners of some piece of the Deity. And yes, it is the same God we believe in. It is as one of the great teachers said, ‘Whatever you are looking for, look in yourself and not around. There is a life in you.’”
Yusuf, not fully catching the seriousness of Ekrem’s delusion, made a small joke, “Uncle, I would say, you would do well to take this man a Bible and teach him a thing or two from the Scriptures.”
Mehmet spoke up, “Brother Ekrem, we have walked a long way together on this spiritual journey through the Bible. But what you are sharing is a serious turn off the right path. In fact in the very chapter that Gül just read from it says . . .” Mehmet held up the open Bible and read aloud, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” [2]
Filiz interrupted, “Jesus! Jesus!, that’s all this group ever talks about!”
Afife calmly looked at her friend with an expression of pity, “Sister, did you hear what Mehmet just read? Jesus is who everyone must talk about! Every knee will bow. In other words, every reality, every religion, every theory submits to Him. It says in Hebrews 1 that the Father has designed it that way and approves. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.”
Ekrem stood up tucking his little talisman back into his shirt, “I just want to say, I love you all, and that you all will see that I am awakening my consciousness to an unseen world and the Universal Soul, of which we are all a part.” With those words, he and Filiz got up to leave.
Fatma tried to get them to come back in but they would not return. After they left the group prayed for them and spoke at length about what had happened and what it all meant. Reşat was not coming and now Ekrem and Filiz had left. What was happening to their group? They all agreed that they were in a spiritual warfare and that the stakes were high.
Q12. What warning is given in Scripture regarding the last days? Read 1 Timothy 4:1-3.
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Many people today, including a vast number of the heads of nations, seek counsel from ancient and modern psychics, channelers, and mystics. Spiritualism has invaded the religious world with the false teaching of the immortality of the soul (that the soul lives on or reincarnates), pantheism (which is the belief that God is part of nature, or that nature is somehow God, and mysticism (the belief that we are somehow absorbed into the Diety).
Q13. Many find spiritual fascination in seeking out the mysterious. What does the Bible teach in regard to the “mysteries?” Read Ephesians 1:9 and Romans 16:25-27.
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All religions claim to be the true road, or right path. But with a close investigation of Scripture we discover that most false religions have one thing in common: they focus on what is unknowable. The religion of the prophets and Jesus Christ is different in that it actually opens the mystery of God’s purposes. That mystery is revealed in the person of Jesus. All religions that appreciate mysticism and mystery miss the wonder of the revelation that God has designed. God’s intention is not to hide or veil the truth, but to make it clear and simple so that all may understand.
The Bible says, “Of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:25-28).
Call to commitment through prayer.
[1] Demons are those fallen angels who chose to rebel with Satan. See Matthew 12:24-28. The KK translation of the Bible uses the word “cin” to describe them. The word “cin” as used in translation should be understood only in this way.
[2] Philippians 2:5-11.