Distinguishing Spirits
Have you ever watched any of the series Ghostly Encounters, Celebrity Ghost Stories or Paranormal State? I must admit, I have. As fascinating and intriguing as these stories are, I stopped watching them. I didn’t feel right, like I was going against God. And before long I realized I was starting to question my beliefs. I actually started asking myself questions such as;
Why do people see spirits? Why do they exist? And why are some spirits nice and others aren’t? Why would God allow it?
I knew this was Satan, afterall, he’s notorious for creating doubt. But I guess Satan didn’t realize where I would be turning to get my answers. At least, I don’t think he gave me that much credit! So I thought it was time to share those scriptures, just in case there was someone experiencing something similar to what I experienced.
1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.
1 John 4:1 Beloved believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out in the world.
1 John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.
1 John 4:3 And every Spirit that confesseth not that Christ Jesus is come in the flesh is not of God; and this is that Spirit of antichrist, where of you have heard that it should come; and even now already is in the world.
Matthew 14:26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, it is a Spirit; and they cried out for fear.
Now lets look at the word discerning, what does it mean? In the Webster online dictionary it’s defined as; showing insight and understanding. For me, it’s one who has an ability to distinguish between spirits, an insight or understanding. But whatever the actual definition may be, the Bible has the answers.
Let’s discuss 1 Corinthians 12:10. God is telling us, discerning of Spirits is a Spiritual Gift. Next, 1 John 4:1 is loaded with information. For instance, God is telling us not all Spirits are from him. God says not to believe every Spirit. God also says, There are many false prophets out in the world. Then God tells us in 1 John 4:2 how to determine if a Spirit is of God. Every Spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is a Spirit of God. 1 John 4:3 gives us information on how to detect if it’s a Spirit of Antichrist. If the Spirit does not acknowledge Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, the Spirit is not of God.
I’m not making this up! It’s in the Bible, take a look for yourself. And after you read the scriptures, turn the channel to one of your Ghost Stories.
Bet you want look at them the same way ever again!
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