What's the real facts about Astrology
Exodus 20:3
"Do not worship any other gods besides me"
Some kings like King Manasseh even sacrificed his own son. Manasseh practiced divination, sorcery, consulted mediums and psychics. All these things where evil in the LORDs sight and aroused His anger. (Read 2 Kings 21:6)
Any form of occult practices,... like palm reading, tarot-card reading, tea-leave reading, astrology, mediums, witch-doctor/sangoma, psychics, etc is "worshipping something or someone else besides GOD" (reading your "star-sign" for a future forecast... God said NO!) When we worship "the Created" instead of the CREATOR!!!
(Also see Exodus ... Israelites worshiped a calf)
Judges 2:19
"When the judge died, the people returned to their corrupt ways, behaving worse than those who had lived before them. They followed other gods, worshipping and bowing down to them. And they refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways"
"The Occult" - is any activity to seek knowledge, wisdom, power, etc. from sources other than God. Examples are palm reading, tarot-card reading, any form of fortune-telling, astral-projection, witchcraft, magic, sorcery, false-religions. The entertainment industry use occult-entertainment in movies like "Harry Potter", making it "harmless curiosities".
The truth is that any involvement with the occult opens a door for demonic oppression. God warns us against any involvement with the occult with good reason!
Fear is not from GOD. The Lord says 365 times in HIS WORD, do not worry!. Worry /anxiety... is fear. Anxiety results in depression!
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind"
What should I do when I am afraid? (read the condition & then look @ the response)
James 4:7 (KJV)
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you"
James 4:8
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you"
1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)
"Casting all your care upon him;(throw with force) for he careth for you"
F.E.A.R stands for:
false-evidence-appearing-real
(fear is a LIE from the enemy with the purpose to... kill steal and destroyand aimed to paralyse you. In this state of paralysis you are unable to take action, or have a sober mind - read John 10:10)
What causes depression? well... fear!!!
Proverbs 12:25 (KJV)
"Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression"
(anxiety is fear...)
It may be fear of: failing your exams, or to be rejected by a certain group of friends, to be rejected by a specific person... or fear/anxiety for "Change" in any form such as changing to a different school, relocating, loosing some friends. This may cause for you to experience intense fear that could result in depression.
Making the "team" - whether it be football, soccer, chess, rugby, netball, hockey etc could ignite a form of fear as there is a underlying fear of failure
When you turn away from the LORD of peace, fear/depression may strike your soul...
1Samuel 16:14
"But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him"
Depression may also be caused by a broken heart.
"And now my heart is broken. Depression haunts my days. Job 30:16 (NLT)
The GOOD NEWS
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit" Psalm 34:18 (NLT)
"He (The LORD) heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds Psalm 147:3 (NLT)
Psalm 1:1 (NLT)
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful"
Our peers can influence our faith greatly. Friends will either encourage your relationship with the LORD, or let you turn away from Him. Following the advise of ungodly friends, or being in the presence of the scornful is a breading-place for sin and evil... you should take your stand, and leave. (Don't let your peers pressure you in doing something you'll regret for the rest of your life!)
Jesus says: " Yes, the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit that is produced."
Matthew 7:20-21 (NLT)
"Not all people who sound religious are really godly. They may refer to me as 'Lord,' but they still won't enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in heaven."
Peer pressure could result in you making good or bad choices. Bad choices will produce bad or "wrotten fruit", therefore choose to bear GOOD FRUIT... the choice is YOURS! You are responsible for the choices YOU make!
James 4:17 (NLT)
"Remember, it is SIN to know what you ought to do and then not do it"
The Lord wants you to be truly happy, and to be filled with joy!
The first form of rebellion can be found in Isaiah 14 where Satan rebelled against God. Rebellion is rejecting God's commands. Rebellion against authority figures like parents, teachers, government, employers, church, or any other form of authority... can manifest in the form of piercing, wearing of studs, excessive amount of earrings, doing drugs, alcohol, tattoos, immoral behaviour, aggression, vandalism, etc.
Rebellion refuses discipline, authority and limitation. Sin is rebellion against God - when we want to follow your own ways. When we rebel, we separate ourselves from God. Because we say: I don't care what you say LORD: "I WILL".... And that's exactly what Satan did ...
Isaiah 14:12-17 describes Satan rebelled against GOD, and how God cast Satan (Lucifer) out of heaven ...
"How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world.
For you said to yourself, 'I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God's stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north.
I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.'
But instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths.
Everyone there will stare at you and ask, 'Can this be the one who shook the earth and the kingdoms of the world?
Is this the one who destroyed the world and made it into a wilderness? Is this the king who demolished the world's greatest cities and had no mercy on his prisoners?"
(Pagan traditions: ear rings, studs, tattooing, etc)
Pride prevents us from drawing closer to Our Lord, for help. Pride is the most self-deceptive sin. Pride will cause us to cover-up our unrevealed (secret) sins. Pride is the cause of critism of others and it encourages lack of responsibility and accountability.
Pride is an obstacle in your relationship with the Holy Spirit, as it refrains you from submitting to, and showing humbleness before God. Pride is identified by an all-knowing over- confident, brave attitude, ruled by the flesh.
Proverbs 21:4 (NLT)
"Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin"
James 4:6
"And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble."
James 4:7
"So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper."
James 4:8 (MSG)
"
Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field."
Jealousy in general is known for its destructive and selfish nature, and the pleasing of the "I", and me and my needs"
The "I, me and my needs" evolve around things such as
- What do I want
- What's in it for me and what do I get out of it
- What are my needs
- My feelings
- My future
- My mood
This kind of jealousy and selfishness is motivated by Satan. (What good can come out from jealousy?)
Proverbs 27:4
" Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but who can survive the destructiveness of jealousy?"
James 3:15 (NLT)
"For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and motivated by the Devil"
However, in God, we find a different level and meaning to jealousy. God says " I am a jealous God", and this refers to His love, care and definite attitude that we are not to worship any idol or person or thing.
Deuteronomy 5:8-9 (NLT)
"Do not make idols of any kind, whether in the shape of birds or animals or fish.
You must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god!"
Deuteronomy 32:21 (NLT)
"They have roused my jealousy by worshiping non-gods; they have provoked my fury with useless idols"
Exodus 20:3
"Do not worship any other gods besides me."
(Ten Commandments)
Exodus 34:14
"You must worship no other gods, but only the LORD, for he is a God who is passionate about his relationship with you"
This refers to the evil and wickedness, and darkness which is a representation of Satan and his works.
Genesis 6:5-7 (NLT)
"Now the LORD observed the extent of the people's wickedness, and he saw that all their thoughts were consistently and totally evil.
So the LORD was sorry he had ever made them. It broke his heart.
And the LORD said, "I will completely wipe out this human race that I have created. Yes, and I will destroy all the animals and birds, too. I am sorry I ever made them."
It seems that since the beginning of time that evil people thrive...
Psalm 37:35 (NLT)
"I myself have seen it happen- proud and evil people thriving like mighty trees"
But look again....
Psalm 37:36 (NLT)
"But when I looked again, they were gone! Though I searched for them, I could not find them!"
The Result...
Psalm 37:37
"Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future lies before those who love peace."
Proverbs 4:27 (NLT)
"Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil"
Proverbs 5:22 NLT
"An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him" (we all feel tied-up when we've done what we know is wrong, and evil before God - Jesus wants to free us... from our evil tendencies)
Do you fear the LORD?
Proverbs 8:13 (NLT)
"All who fear the LORD will hate evil. That is why I hate pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverted speech"
SO... " Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good" Proverbs 12:21
Bitterness, hate, grudges, resentment, etc, are all fruit of unforgiveness. God is willing to forgive our sins, however, to recieve forgiveness, we need to forgive others who have sinned against us (Matthew 6:14-15...In the same relationship that I forgive, I receive forgiveness)
Is there anyone you need to forgive?
- Family-members
- Parents
- Pastors
- Brothers or sisters
- Friends
- Peers
- Teachers
- Abusers
A good definition for lust can be found in the Greek word "Epithumia" (Strong's #1939), meaning the - "desire for what is forbidden"
Lust refers to "sexual sin" which is some form of sexual activity, in- or out of marriage.
- Fornication
- Adultery
- Homosexuality
- Molestation
- Incest
- Bestiality
- Rape
(See Immorality)
The Samaritans were hated by the Jews, because they were half-breeds. They did not speak to one another. But Jesus pointed out that this was wrong. Jesus showed the way...
John 4:9-10 (NLT)
"The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, "You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?"
Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who I am, you would ask me, and I would give you living water."
(Jesus died on the cross for each and every person. It is our choice to accept Him into our lives, for if we invite Him to dwell within us, He will not reject us irrespective of any race of culture.)
Colossians 3:11 (NLT)
"In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us"
Ephesians 2:14 (NLT)
"For Christ himself has made peace between us Jews and you Gentiles by making us all one people. He has broken down the wall of hostility that used to separate us"
When we choose Christ - we become brothers and sisters IN Christ - we become one. Those who are against Christ (not for Christ) "the anti-Christ", are the true enemy. God does not discriminate against any man based on our race and colour.
Proverbs 17:3 (NLT)
"Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the LORD tests the heart"
Psalm 139:1 (NLT)
Psalm of David... "O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me"
Matthew 15:19-20 (NLT)
"For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all other sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands could never defile you and make you unacceptable to God!"
That's the reason why we need to guard our heart...
Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do"
Pay-attention to what you "say, listen to, and look at"... it will effect your life...
And don't you know that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, "The two are united into one."
But the person who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.
1 Corinthians 6:16-18 (NLT)
"
Run away from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body"
(See Lust)
Today– it is all part of a fashion statement ... which is challenging the Body of Christ. “Everybody's doing it” is hardly a valid excuse.
The fact that God says NO!, and the fact that it originated from pagan nations, should be "a big enough" argument against such practices!
Leviticus 19:28
“You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT)
"Or don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body"
It can be disastrous to live a life ruled by emotions and feelings.
Feelings and "moodswings" vary from day to day. And the enemy (Satan) whose purpose is to kill, steal and destroy [John 10:10], and who is the father of all lies [John 8:44] will send lying & destructive thoughts to you about yourself.
Lies telling you: delete en vervang met The enemy is ready to convince you:
- "that you are an absolute failure"
- "that you don't fit in"
- "that you are inferior"
- "that you are rejected"
- "that you will never be confident"
- "that you won't make it"
- "that you are a loser"
- " that you can't cope"
- "that you have no worth"
NO WONDER the WORD says in:
2 Corinthians 10:5 (MSG)
"We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ"
So we have to take captive every thought... and determine if it's from God or the enemy. On earth, the Kingdom of Light/God, and the force of Darkness/Satan. The enemy (satan) steals life, joy, peace etc... BUT Jesus wants to give it to you - the choice is yours.
Therefore it's important to KNOW the WORD [Bible]. The Bible is your "Virus Protection Program". It identifies a problem (the lie), and the firewall will block the problem (those negative, destructive, selfish, hatefull and fearfull ideas) from entering your mind. The Bible is your "firewall" and will operate by replacing the problem with THE TRUTH.
In example, how many times have you been tempted or pestered with the idea of suicide? How many times have you believed that it could be your "way out?" Well, this is a thought of destruction planted by Satan to steal your life, and to deceive you. You need to be empowered to identify this lie, and to reject these thoughts and temptations immediately, for it is not a way out, it is a tragic end with terrifying results, THE LOSS OF A LIFE
Psalm 23:4
"Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you (My LORD),are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me" - I will not take my own life... I belong to Jesus, He will save my... He's my Saviour! (for now, I will listen to my God's promises..."
My LORDS' promise 4 my life, if I trust in HIM, and follow HIM:
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope"
2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity,(cowardice), but of power, love, and self-discipline"
(Read: Ephesians 6:12 - about our real enemy, our daily battle)
Sexual sin... is due to fleshly desires, or illicit sexual encounters, and can cause unwanted pregnancies. Tragically many people choose to end such pregnancies by aborting their babies. This is murder.
100% Pain Free? Really???
Participating in taking a childs' life may result in self-condemnation, which may haunt you for the rest of your life...
For some this becomes "to much" to bear, and they commit suicide! Please note, if you have been the mother or father of an aborted child PLEASE know that forgiveness is possible! Don't let the father of lies, Satan, who have already stolen the unborn child's life by deceipt, steal your life as well. |
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Jesus says in:
John 8:44
"He (Satan) was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him"
John 10:10
"A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of"
What is your final destination???
...and let's not be ignorant of Hell...
Instead of reasoning about Hell, lets simply seek the truth from God's Word.
Matthew 10:28
"And fear not them which kill the body, (referring to Satan), but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Some Bible verses referring to Hell...
- A devouring fire. (Isaiah 33:14)
- Hell is referred to the bottomless pit. (Revelation 20:1 )
- And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)
- And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night.
(Revelation 14:11)
Jesus speaking again:
Matthew 13:49-50
"So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth"
I think we ought to pay attention when Jesus speaks... what do you think??
After all the end of the world is coming, whether you want to believe it or not... If you say "I want to think about it" before giving your life to Christ (Rebirth), well... I thank JESUS He didn't think about it. He did it. He died for all of mankind. Get serious with God... He was serious when He died for you! (Read what the WORD says about about ignorance... Hosea 4:6)
Jesus says:
"If a person is ashamed of Me, and My message in these adulterous and sinful days, I, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when I return"
And Jesus will be back... if He said he will, He will. Never be ashamed of the Good News. Never be ashamed of Jesus. He wasn't ashamed to die for you. It took guts to hang on a cross for you!
Today we are confronted by a "modern fashion statement" which is in fact a pagan practice. Body piercing lately has become a western fashion. Body modifications, such as belly rings, tongue studs, nose rings, eyebrow & multiple earrings, nipple rings, etc – are all part of the "modern world"
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