Try The Spirits – I John 4:1-3

In light of spiritism growing in America, and around the world, I felt it necessary to teach a lesson at our church about how “spirits” work.  Demonism and spiritism is real!  We need to know about it, while not being obsessed with it.  It is all around us:  magazines, TV, internet, checkout  counters, bulletin boards, cartoons (especially cartoons), etc.  Satan has always been fond of delighting men through supernatural means.  I hope this brief lesson gives you a needed sneak-peak into the unseen realm of demonic activity.

Sunday School Bible Study

1-18-09

“Try the spirits”

I John 4:1-3

 

àWe have previously locked in the results that define the CONVICTION of knowing why we are sons of God.

àI John 3:16 – This tells us where are conviction is founded.

 

1.  Vs. 17 tells us that one of conviction cares.

2.  Vs. 18 tells us that conviction is fleshed out when we act on truth.

3.  Vs. 19-22 tells us that God gives us assurance when we are his children.

4. Vs. 23 tells us that one of conviction loves the brethren. (comes from word meaning deliberate action)

5.  Vs. 24 tells us that conviction leads to consistency.  Keepeth comes from the word tayreho: to guard.

      Dwelleth and abideth are from the same greek word (meno), which means to stay.

 

àNow… why are we to develop CONVICTION as sons of God?

àAnswer:  We are to be able to “TRY THE SPIRITS.”

 

1Jn 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

1Jn 4:2  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

1Jn 4:3  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

 

àThe word “try” comes from the Greek word: δοκιμάζω, and it means – To test in order to accept.

àThe word “spirits” comes from the Greek word: πνεῦμα  , and means – a current of the air, and angel or a demon. (I Tim. 4:1 / I Thess. 5:21 / Eph. 2:2)

 

àWe must be a level 4 or higher to be able to “try the spirits” with success.  Why – it is only at level 4 that we begin to “overcome the wicked one.”

 

I.  The Spiritual Realm is Real!

àSatan can word wonders – II Thess. 2:9 /  Gal. 5:20 / Ex. 22:18)

àLev. 20:27 – This law is a declaration that this was an actual occurrence.

àDemons (disembodied spirits):  Ps. 96:5

                àThe power behind the object is real.  The idol or relic is nothing. (Ex. 12:12 /  Num. 33:4 / Deut. 10:17.)

àGod executes judgment on these beings (gods) because they are real.  (Lev. 17:7 / Deut. 32:17 / II chron. 11:15 / Ps. 116:37 / Is. 13:21 / 34:14 / Rev. 18:2)

NOTE:  Our purpose is to proclaim our God as the one true God among many false gods.

NOTE:  Demons and fallen angels are not stirring up an aimless revolt against God; they are incredibly organized by their King – the Prince and Power of the Air (Eph. 6)

NOTE:  This “false religion” began in Babylon (Jer. 51:7)

 

àThe “spirits” use:  omens, tokens, lucky and unlucky day and seasons, purifications, holy water, spells, potions, amulets, charms, fetishes, relics, images, pictures, crosses, crucifixes, and other countless prescriptions to tap into the demoniacal system.

 

àSatan’s primary source of interest is that of MEDIUMS.

àMediums are selected by a demon as his vessel of communication. (ex. Ghostwhisperer)

 

àAnother type of medium is known as an “adept.”  This is the same as the power of Legimacy that Snape was to teach Harry to guard himself against concerning Voldemort.

àRequirement of medium:  Vegetarian, abstain from alcohol, not to marry. (I Tim. 4:3)

 

II.  How Demons Word in the Old Testament:  Hebrew words.

 

1.  Chartummim (Gen. 41:8):  Magic used in form of writing.

2.  Chakhamim (Ex. 7:2 / Deut. 8:10-12):  Wise men or philosophers with greater than human knowledge.

 

Note:  The term “pass through the fire,” is a fire baptism.  It freed the person from fear of violent death.  It was an initiation.

 

3.  Qosem:  A deviner of hidden things (past, present and future)

4.  Moenen:  Connected with word ayin (the eye); a mesmerist.  The ability to observe minute details and devine accurate results.  Ex.  The Mentalist.

5.  Menachesh:  Word connected to nachash (a serpent);  a hisser or whisperer.  One who utters enchantments.  Gen. 30:27 / I Kings 20:32-33

                àAlso related to the word: menachesh:  one who devines by observing signs and tokens (like show:  Psyche)

6.  Mekhashsheph:  One who uses incantations and magical formulae.

7.  Chobher:  Binder of spell to bring a demon in close so as to obtain information.

àEx. Se’ance beginning with a chant.

8.  Shoel Obh:  Consulter of demons.  Similar to an adept, but is in direct communication w/out amulets, tokens or the such.  Example:  John Edwards)

9.  Obh:  A soothsaying demon (Job 32:18-19 – could be why Elihu’s consultation was in error.)

                àIs an unclean spirit that enters an individual

                àThe individual is a vessel to sheath the spirit (Lev. 20:27 – spirit “in” them)

 

Note:  There is a difference in demoniac possession and when there is an agreement (coventant).

10. Yidoni:  A knowing one

11. Doresh el hammethim:  A seeker unto the dead; a necromancer, one who consults the dead for advise or information.

                àIt is not the dead person, but an Obh that is in contact with the seeker.

12.  Ittim:  Is. 19:3  One who repeats spells and charms.  Ex. Snape trying to protect Harry from Quirrel.

13.  Shamayim (Is. 47:13)  Astrologer who divides the heavens into houses for the convenience of their prognostications.

14.  Modiim Lechodashim:  Delivers monthly predictions from observations (horoscope)

15.  Ashshaph (Dan. 1:20)  A sorcerer.  One who practices the hidden arts.

                àFrom the word: Ashpah: a quiver to hide arrows.

16.  Gazrin (Dan. 2:27)  Astrologers who, knowing the hour of birth, determine the fate of men by the position of the stars.

 

Close:  Supernatural attack on the line of Christ (Gen. 6 / Num. 13:33 / Deut. 2:20-21 / Deut. 3:11 / I Sam. 17:4 / II Sam. 21:15-22)

àAs it was in the days of Noah… so it shall be when the Son of man comes – Luke 17:26 / I Peter 3:19

Steve Saint: The End of a Spear

Mark,

Let God write your story!

Steve Saint

P.S.  That is the greatest advise I’ve ever been given in my life!  Everytime I hit a wall… I think of those words.  The God who is control of the universe is writting His story through me.  What better place is there to be!

Using the “Get Real!” Modules

 

Using the “Get Real!” Equipping Modules

The equipping modules are designed to be multi-functional.  They are ready to go for personal presentations for any meeting you can think; although I believe a Sunday morning or evening presentation would be best suited for the Initial JFF Presentation.  The various ministry tools that are offered by V2T can be presented, as ongoing equipping, at anytime.

When I gain the support (65 “Get Real!” Partners) to go fulltime, I can then implement online equipping on FB (facebook).  This gives incredible opportunities for encouragement and fellowship as your people go through the modules with others around the globe.  I began testing this about a year ago and have seen great results.  But I must have more time to personally follow up with the modules as they gain momentum.  The participants will go through the modules one lesson at a time.  I will review the lesson, correct where needed and send them the corrections.  When they have a handle on the material, I will then send them the next lesson of the given module.

I would prefer walking church staff through the modules, if they use them, in order to ensure a working knowledge of the material.  The staff can then administer the modules to their own people, or they can be referred to the FB modules.  The choice is yours to make.  I am just here to assist you in using the modules as powerfully as possible.

I encourage the following process as you go through the modules:

1)        Modeling I (MI). You will be given 16 lessons (one at a time) by which to develop a Biblical disciple through a modeling ministry.

2)        Modeling I Level II (MI level II):  This is where we teach the disicples HOW to disciple anohter person.  The key is the transfer of spiritual life, not the material.

3)        Modeling II (MII).  MI will be followed by Modeling II (MII).  We don’t assume your disciple understands how to transfer spiritual life to another.  We walk them through an 8 lesson process so we KNOW they KNOW what is expected of a spiritual father.

3)        Sharpening Your Sword.  This is an 89 page study guide explaining the 16 keys that are in the Bible. These keys guide us as the Holy Spirit reveals truth.

4)  From there… (Ongoing Equippping):  you can choose any equipping module you want for ongoing training as your people are impacting their cultures for Christ.  Again … this can be done online, or through the local assembly of believers.

May God bless you as you equip your people with tools that enable them to be relevant ambassadors for Christ.

Blessed with a Burden,

Mark Harrell (Prov. 13:12)

 

Can The Bible Be Trusted?

 

“Get Real! Ministry Tool

-Historical Fingerprints of the Biblical Text-

[Is the Bible Accurate?]

Can the Bible be trusted?  Is the Bible accurate in its translation?  What happened when the Bible was originally transmitted, and how was it protected over time?  When versions of the Bible disagree, is there a way to arrive at truth?  What about translating the Bible into languages other than English?  These are very good questions; questions that are answered in  the study provided by the ministry of V2T:  Historical Fingerprints of the Biblical Text.  The Bible is 100% accurate today, and its preserved origins can be traced.  I invite you to explore the history behind the Bible, and the hand of God that has protected it through time.  When you finish this study you will have the information you need to make a practical decision about the accuracy and authenticity of the Bible.  One of the latest surveys shows us that only 13% of Christendom believes the Bible is totally accurate; it is a needed study.  The Bible tells us that “these things are written that ye man KNOW.”

 

Length:            1 or 2 sessions          

Who:                Teens and older

Method:           Personal presentation.  FB module is under construction

Study Guide:    Yes (25 pages)

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Will Happen Tomorrow?

 

“Get Real!” Ministry Tool

 

 

 

 

-Secrets of Tomorrowland-

 

Follow five friends through the chaotic world leading up to the rapture of the Church.  One will be taken from the group, while the others must live through the horrors of the seven years of God’s wrath that will grip the earth.  God is preparing His people, the nation of Israel, for His return and Maverick, Bekka, Andrea, and Tristan must make some life-altering decisions before it is too late.  I use a fictional story to reveal God’s timeline as to how the future, from a Biblical perspective, will play out.  One of the greatest tools for witnessing to the lost is prophecy.  You will be given an accurate timeline as to the order of future events (eschatology).  We live in an exciting time; those who know how to use their “swords” (the Bible) will be successful in reaching the lost for the eternal kingdom of God.

 

Length:             One or two sessions

Who:                Teens and older

Method:           Personal presentation &  booklet.  FB module is under construction

 

 

 

Here Comes the Judge!

 

“Get Real!” Ministry Tool

-The Secrets of the Bema Seat of Christ… What to Expect at the Final Judgment for Believers-

 

According to II Corinthians 5, every believer from the ascension of Christ until the rapture will give an account for their lives while on the earth by using, according to the Bible, the elements of gold, silver, precious stone, wood, hay and stubble.  These elements, which Biblically represent our purpose, will be judged by the fire of Christ’s eyes. Our eternal security is not what is at stake, only our inheritance.  Will your “good works” be judged by Christ to be wood, hay and stubble that are burned up in His presence?  Or will they be gold, silver and precious stones that are made pure as they meet the judgment of Christ’s fiery eyes.  We would be wise to know, in advance, what will be expected of us at this most important time in the eternity of every believer in Christ.  The elements of the judgment seat of Christ, and the five crowns that will be rewarded, define our purpose while on this earth in flesh and blood bodies.  God loves us so much that He leaves no stone unturned; He wants you to be ready for this event.

 

Length:             One or two session

Who:                Teens and older

Method:           Personal presentation & booklet.  FB module is under construction

 

Witness Using the Stars

 

“Get Real!” Ministry Tool

-Witness through the Zodiac, or as the Bible calls it… the Mazzaroth-

 

In ancient times the truth of the Zodiac was well documented, but somewhere along the way the nations lost the original meaning of the “star pictures,” and replaced them with their own interpretations.  Such is the case in Greek mythology. The Greek forms of mythology are a corruption of that which was true from the beginning. To whet your appetite to study the Zodiac further – we are going to look at the story told in the stars (Ex. 20:11) – starting with Virgo (the Virgin woman bearing seed). The following details of the Zodiac, provided by Bullinger in his book, Witness of the Stars, is an amazing look at the extent of God’s love toward us. God went to incredible lengths to reveal to us the scope of His plan for redemption. Satan has also been a busy little bee as he has tried to “scare” us away from the truth that is revealed in the heavens – starting with the Babylonians and perpetuated further by the Greeks. He (Satan) has succeeded in turning the truth of the Mazzaroth into something evil and mystical – when it was actually made by God, is beautiful, and can be a powerful witnessing tool to the Glory of God.

 

Length:             One or two sessions   

Who:                Teens and older

Method:           Personal presentation.  FB module is under construction

 

 

 

 

 

The 4 Goals of Biblical Modeling

 

“Get Real!” Ministry Tool

-How to Know You’ve Developed A Disciple-

 

As one looks through the Pauline Epistles (doctrine for the church age believer), it becomes clear that there are four basic goals to develop a disciple.  It is also vital to realize that there is a distinct beginning and ending to developing a disciple; although spiritual growth never stops.  A disciple is one who has learned to “put his hand to the plow and not turn back,” and keeps short accounts with God.  Each of the 16 lessons in our MI (Modeling One) series is designed to mature a person through the 4 goals of Biblical discipleship; it is specific in its application.  It gives them a solid foundation from which to build the rest of their lives on ministry.  When the four goals of discipleship are met, the disciple will be equipped to REAP consistently in their worlds of influence.  By REAP I mean:

R – each others for Christ, E – stablish them in the Word of God, A – pply the Bible to their lives on a daily basis and, P – roduce another like them as they are like Christ.

This is where your disciple learns to grow through the 7 stages of spiritual growth.  You, their mentor, have been there and done that, and are more than able to lead them through the process of spiritual growth.

 

Length:             One or two session

Who:                Teens and older

Method:           Personal presentation.  FB module is under construction

 

 

 

 

 

7 Stages of Spiritual Growth

 

“Get Real!” Ministry Tool

-Where Am I In The Growth Process-

(II Peter 1:1-8)

 

The Bible gives us seven stages of spiritual growth by using human growth patterns, the life of Paul and Timothy, and the nation of Israel as types.  Each of these stages has specific characteristics, and they must be progressed in order for consistent spiritual growth to happen.  We can’t apply the principles of a spiritual “father” (stage 5) until we progress through the first 4 stages first.  Otherwise, we would become third world Christians; we would be “birthing” babies for which we could not care.  The goal is to become an “elder” (stage 6) who can lead others to maturity because they have “been there and done that.”  The ultimate goal of every believer is to develop a revolutionary vision to reach the world for Christ.  It is at this stage we become a spiritual “aged” person mentioned in the Bible.  It gives an incredible amount of confidence when one knows where they fit in the growth process.  It gives a specific goal to accomplish in the area of spiritual growth; it is not confusing.

Length:             One or two sessions   

Who:                Teens and older

Method:           Personal presentation/booklet.  FB module is under construction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Footprints of the Faithful

“Get Real!” Ministry Tool 

 

  

 

 

-How to Walk with God using the Articles of the O.T. Tabernacle-

 

The message given to us by God through the articles of the O.T. Tabernacle is nothing short of mind-boggling.  Every article, from the outer court to the Holy of Holies, is a blueprint as how to walk with God on a daily basis.  To achieve consistency, they must be done in progression.  You cannot skip-hop your way to the Shekinah Glory of God’s power.  God is a God of order, and he has an order to faithfully and consistently walking in His presence.  Paul said we must die to self daily and that it is a daily renewal of our hearts and minds.  Every article of the Tabernacle is jam-packed with practical information for Church Age believers today!  You will learn that the reason you experience God’s power is for you to take what you’ve learned back to others and lead them through the same process you just walked.  It is all about investing spiritual vibrancy into another brother or sister in Christ!

 

Length:            1 or 2 sessions.  It all depends on how much detail you want. 

Who:                Teens and older 

Method:           Personal presentation.  Interactive fb is under construction. 

Angels & Demons

“Get Real!” Ministry Tool

 

-Understanding the Unseen Realm-

 

Demons and fallen Angels are not the same.  This is a perception not supported by the Bible.  Angels have bodies (although celestial); demons do not have bodies.  Demons seek to inhabit a body in order to fulfill the lusts of the flesh, for which they cannot do in their unclothed forms.  Supernatural influence comes by way of oppression, obsession and possession.  This study will give you information as to how you can “try the spirits,” according to I John 4:1, to “see if they be of God”.  We will give you specific Biblical examples of how “fallen” spirits work, and tools you can use to strengthen your spiritual armor (Eph. 6).  We should never be preoccupied with demons or fallen Angles, but we should know how to protect ourselves by knowing how our enemy works in the world today.  We will use Genesis three as our basis for discussion.

 

Length:             One session

Who:                Teens and older                      

Method:           Personal presentation.  Interactive fb module is under construction. 

What is “fruit” in the Bible?

I left off the name so I would not offend the recipient, but I wanted you to see how to use the Bible to answer certain questions.  This person said that the Bible says nothing about “fruit” being souls.  He cemented “fruit” to Gal. 5:22-23.  The rules of the Bible are important because they give us the tools to defend the Bible against wrong interpretation… such as “fruit” cemented to Gal. 5:22-23.  I hope this helps you see what God expects of his people.  May we walk in love while impacting lives for Christ… purposefully.

 

 

 

Dear _______,

 

Here is one more thought.  I held it back because it is so obvious as to what “fruit” is in the

Bible. Proverbs 11: 30 states that, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that

winneth souls is wise.  Let’s cross reference this with three other passages:

 

Gal 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,

goodness, faith,

 

 

Gal 5:23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

 

Psa 1:3  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth

his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall

prosper.

 

Joh 15:8  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my

disciples.

 

Context and comparing Scripture with Scripture is how we arrive at what “fruit” is

in the Bible. Of course we are to produce the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Gal.

5:22-23.  It is impossible to fulfill the purpose of God in love without the fruit of the

Spirit.  But… what is the true reason as to why we are to produce the fruit of the

spirit in the first place?  The Bible answers that question quite admirably.

 

The Bible says the fruit of the righteous (in the N.T. it is a believer according to

grace) is a tree of life.  Psalm 1 tells us that if a tree is “planted” (Biblical discipleship)

correctly, then it will bring forth fruit.  If we are truly filled with the Spirit and living

the fruit of the Spirit then it will culminate in bringing forth the “fruit” of souls… as

shown in Proverbs 11:30 and reiterated in the N.T. with such passages as… “go out

into the highways and hedges and compel them (the lost) to come in (to the family of

God)”… “go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature”… “reconcile

the word of God to the world”… and many more.

 

Jesus came to “seek and save that which was lost,” and we were told by Jesus… “as

my Father hath sent me, so send I you.”  That is pretty simple.  I hope that you are

using your position as a spiritual leader to prepare your people for the judgment seat

of Christ as it relates to gold, silver

precious stones, and not wood, hay and stubble  May God bless the sharing of His words.

 

Blessed with a burden,

 

Mark D. Harrell (Prov. 13:12)

Qualities of a Spiritual Warrior

“Get Real!” Ministry Tool

 

-Qualities of a spiritual warrior-

How can we produce men and women who can make a consistent difference in the life of another upon this planet?  A good place to begin is to detail the integrity of a man in the Bible named Nehemiah.  Nehemiah was a man who trusted God to accomplish the impossible in 52 days.  He was broken hearted when he looked upon the condition of his people.  They were being taken advantage of by their own people, were depressed and had no walls for safety and security.  God moved on Nehemiah’s heart to build the walls upon the foundation that had been laid by Ezra.  He was blessed with a burden, as I have been blessed with a burden to equip God’s people for relevant ministry to their worlds.  The character of Nehemiah is amazing, and we would do well to emulate his life if we desire to accomplish great things for God.  The “Qualities of a spiritual warrior” is a needed 1^st step for anyone who ventures out into the spiritual warfare today!

Length:             One or two sessions

Who:                Teens and older

Method:           Personal presentation.  FB module is under construction

Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth

“Get Real!” Ministry Tool

 

 

-Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth-

The secret history of man

II Timothy 2:15

 

I Corinthians 9:17 tells us that “a dispensation” of the gospel has been committed to us.  What does that mean anyhow… “a dispensation of the gospel?”  It correlates with what God explains to us in II Timothy 2:15 in that we are to study the Bible as we “rightly divide” the Word of truth.  That leads to another question: What is it that we are to rightly divide in order to arrive at truth?

God has a plan for the history of man as it is unfolding.  He has been progressively revealing truth through each dispensation (stewardship) of time.  It is important to know the difference, when you study the Bible, as to whom God is talking TO (devotional application) and whom He is talking ABOUT (the doctrinal application).  When one understands that… then one can begin to get a handle on how to rightly divide the Word of truth.  God has dealt with man differently in each period of time (dispensation) as He was progressively revealing truth to them.  This was totally necessary; not every age of man has possessed the completed Bible as we have been blessed to posses today; hence… rightly dividing the Word of truth.  It takes study to know the Bible; there are no shortcuts.  It is work, and it takes the instruction of the Holy Spirit to arrive at truth.

 

Length:                        2 services are preferred for best understanding.

 Who:                          Teens and older

 Method:                      Personal presentation.  FB module is under construction.

Pete Leeds – Charlotte, NC

I wanted to thank you for your leadership of our bible study class.  You have provided literature to our bible worship class that enhances the understanding of how to read the bible within the correct context.  The tools enable the user to understand who the text is written to and avoid using teachings out of context.

You have also provided excellent instruction for how to disciple fellow Christians.