tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post4886169584210592263..comments2023-12-01T01:00:34.093-05:00Comments on The Paranormal Pastor: The Bible and the Paranormal Part 1: GhostsPastor Swopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-19175893294268730032016-06-15T16:01:28.755-04:002016-06-15T16:01:28.755-04:00"God allows the dead to visit the living to c..."God allows the dead to visit the living to comfort them." experiential based on 1 Samuel 28:7-20. God raised Samuel to do His will. God Comforts His people (Isaiah 66:13 et al). Satan or demons DO NOT comfort Christians or help them retain faith in Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven. They do the exact opposite. So either God is moving or people are hallucinating.Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-34709219729663249972016-06-15T15:15:33.779-04:002016-06-15T15:15:33.779-04:00Hey Pastor,
I'm still struggling with you hav...Hey Pastor,<br /><br />I'm still struggling with you have said in the past. And I'm not trying to sound rude and don't take this the wrong way but you have told others that take scripture out of context that they are uneducated and believe just what the Churches teach. Okay I agree as well, but you use language similar to those that did as well. And this reply is what is still messing with me. And I would like a reply to this that has scripture that <b>specifically</b> and <b>accurately</b> expresses these "thoughts".<br /><br />"I <b>think</b> God allows people to visit and comfort the afflicted.(In that sense are they now angels? <b>technically</b> yes.) In the earth bound phenomenon, many times it is a demonic spirit impersonating the living (see my recent article What is a demon part 3).<br /><br />When it comes to psychics who <b>seem</b> to have a gift, I refer you to my article "The Seers". In the Old Testament it <b>seemed</b> some were gifted by God from birth.I <b>think</b> that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" in more areas than we can know. If we give then over to God for good, then He blesses them. If we use them for selfish purposes, it will eventually catch up to us."<br /><br />I'm having a difficult time finding any of this in the Bible that explicitly says, "God allows the dead to visit the living to comfort them." And "God allowed these mediums to be gifted by birth so that they could use it for good." And the view of karma is stated in your last statement. So please Pastor, tell me where these are and I'll have an easier time even trying to believe what you are saying. And I don't have a degree in anything Biblical, I've read the Bible numerous times, and I'm studying with someone who is neutral in denomination.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-64055230324196487082015-09-29T14:26:45.629-04:002015-09-29T14:26:45.629-04:00Sunny Rose, first off I always recommend trying to...Sunny Rose, first off I always recommend trying to find a natural solution first. So try sleep therapy and see if it is something akin to night terrors. Find a specialist in your area; many of them focus on apnea but they can point you in the right direction. Secondly if it is paranormal, have a clergy person come and bless you and take control of the situation. Never communicate with any spirit (asking questions) but command them to leave in Jesus name.Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-44540672143359545692015-09-29T09:12:14.413-04:002015-09-29T09:12:14.413-04:00mr swope Im afflected at night between 1-4 times ...mr swope Im afflected at night between 1-4 times a month beteen the hours of 2:30 and 5 and its always in my sleep. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05552719247965763474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-52145886150570048202015-09-29T09:09:43.651-04:002015-09-29T09:09:43.651-04:00how? I need to know how to test the spirithow? I need to know how to test the spiritAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05552719247965763474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-56859815352631385182014-06-01T23:36:30.141-04:002014-06-01T23:36:30.141-04:00Pastor Swope. I have seen/felt ghosts & unfor...Pastor Swope. I have seen/felt ghosts & unfortunately some Demons all my life. I love The Lord with all my heart and enjoy reading the word daily. I have belonged to many churches during my life where I have been taken up the front and prayed over for my "gift of evil". Still see and feel them though. Your post has helped me so much. I remember asking Jesus once if Ghosts were real. He led me to Luke and Jesus' visit to the disciples upon his resurrection. They thought he was a ghost. Jesus did not discount their thoughts instead he said. Touch me and see that I am real, if I were a ghost you could not. Thank you for your blog. For the first time in my life I don't feel judged or a freak. Praise The Lord!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-21505341301196324552014-02-12T03:32:44.983-05:002014-02-12T03:32:44.983-05:00Well i would have to say that just because a parab...Well i would have to say that just because a parable is indeed a parable doesn't automatically negate it from being taken literally. God teaches us in parables to teach us in ways we can understand by using real life experiences we are or can be familiar with. So saying that just because a lesson was taught through the use of a parable and there for was not made to be taken literally is not true. Think of the parable of the sower. In order for us to learn and understand the lesson given by the parable we have to take the parable as literal such as if you literally sow seed in shallow or rocky ground it literally won't root well. Yes the lesson or parable is symbolic but it is also commensensically literal as well. It sometimes seems Pastor that you talk down on people who arent seminary students which i dont think you should do because they are only trying to find truth and being obedient to scripture in testing every belief rather than just agreeing to believe what a leader of a church says. Because you do have to admit that the scriptures say there are wolves in sheeps clothing amongst us and false teachers and all they r tryinf to do is becareful of that. I dont think you should be so offended by others if indeed u know the truth. In the end God will reveal all to us and at present we only need to be concerned and focused on what God deems is most important. I think the best way to know the truth for sure is not to solely rely on teachers but inquire of the Holy Spirit himself in our relationship with Him and He will reveal or answer for us. Not everyone can be a well educated and good seminary student but all can have a relationship with our God, the author and Creator of it all and there is no better way to get unbiased and incorruptible answers/information than just going to the Source for answers. You have to remember we are all only human no matter how educated therefore we will never be perfect and can be erroneous without even knowing or intending to be therefore in all matters, consult and ask He who is without error. :) ...im nit trying to be rude or sarcastic or demeaning in anyway, that is not my intent, just being real<br /><br />Only in Love and in Christ,<br />Ur sis in ChristAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-22138458185556854542013-11-19T17:59:21.662-05:002013-11-19T17:59:21.662-05:00Dear Pastor Swope,
I'm a bible believing Chri...Dear Pastor Swope, <br />I'm a bible believing Christian, and I also have 13 years of personal experience in researching the paranormal. I agree with your posts and use of scripture concerning the subject.<br /><br />Here is a very brief summary of my experience:<br /><br />I came to the Lord Jesus on 9/11/2001. Prior to that I was a professional psychic for over 25 years, and a priest in an occult order. I did not believe in Jesus as the Son of God, and I truly disliked Christians (dislike is a mild description). My conversion took place while I was watching the news of the attacks. While I was watching the news I suddenly became aware of the need for prayer, and suddenly Jesus appeared and said "John it's time to pick up your cross." I then gave up, and renounced my past practices and affiliations. <br /><br />I had some online friends who were paranormal investigators, and they lived in Buffalo NY, while I lived in Lynden WA. These friends would tell me stories of their haunting experiences that they had where they lived which was in an old funeral home. After discussing their experiences over time we decided to try to do an experiment to see if I could provoke the spirits at their location long distance via phone and online audio chat room. All of this I have on video by the way. We did this, and long story short their haunting became my haunting. It appeared that the spirits came to my location.<br />Over a few weeks of this activity I truly felt haunted by evil spirits. I have video, audio and pictures of this which I can provide. Anyway, back to my point. I really didn't have any real understanding of scripture, but one day I walked in my home and felt this extreme heaviness. I can only describe this like being in an air conditioned room all day, and then opening the door and stepping out into a furnace, it just hit me in the face it was so heavy. Then, out of know where I suddenly shouted with a great deal of anger, frustration and fear to get out in the name of Jesus! Suddenly it was all gone. Just like that.<br /><br />It was this paranormal experience that turned me into a bible believing Christian because it's exactly what scripture says to do which I didn't know at the time, and I've never looked back. Prise God!<br /><br />Since that time I've investigated many haunted locations, but I had some very serious questions concerning the where and why of some spirits staying earth bound, while others seemingly do not, or at least do not interact with us. Are all these spirits demons? I would ask myself? Are these earth bound spirits unsaved souls? These and many more questions I had asked myself, but always staying true to scripture. <br />My final answer came when I met another group of investigators who are Christians, and they preach the gospel to the spirits that they encounter. <br /><br />I Peter 3:18-22 NKJV<br /><br />For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.<br /><br />My own calling is spiritual warfare which includes preaching the gospel to all creatures. I see spiritual warfare and evangelism as one and the same. In my own personal experiences, and study of scripture, and the gift of spiritual discernment of good and evil spirits.<br />I'm sorry for such a long post, but I felt that it is important to explained my personal experiences. <br /><br />God bless,<br />JohnAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09384957004551572896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-5640016116140490802013-11-02T18:27:46.040-04:002013-11-02T18:27:46.040-04:00Thanks Rusty.
Just remember Hebrews 1:14
"A...Thanks Rusty.<br /><br />Just remember Hebrews 1:14<br /> "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"<br />Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-49980383110481424232013-11-02T14:29:20.993-04:002013-11-02T14:29:20.993-04:00Thank you Pastor for this post on the bible and gh...Thank you Pastor for this post on the bible and ghosts.<br /><br />I have family members who are trying to push the belief upon me that all paranormal activity is demonic. <br /><br />Thank you for pointing out that the Bible states that ghosts are real.Rustyhttp://rustyswsn.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-10596617864903529152013-10-13T22:15:39.171-04:002013-10-13T22:15:39.171-04:00Howdy Pastor!
Just wanted to say thanks for your b...Howdy Pastor!<br />Just wanted to say thanks for your blog - very informative! The comment section, equally interesting for sure!<br />Looking forward to reading some of your other posts. Keep up the good work!<br />LauriAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01600255256916871994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-41361658477019705512013-09-18T14:25:21.810-04:002013-09-18T14:25:21.810-04:00Thanks Adam,
Great research!
As Christians we sho...Thanks Adam,<br /><br />Great research!<br />As Christians we should avoid our preconceptions on issues like this.<br />Calling something a demon without actually examining the details can make a lot of chaos out of situations and damage some people's perception of Christians.<br />Spirits of the dead roaming the earth was part of the Classical Worldview that was the background context of the New Testament.<br />In my consultations and cleansing of residences and other buildings, On the other hand, I have found that a lot of the 'apparitions' reported do not fit into the demon category or the deceased human spirit category. A lot seem like some sort of recorded activity that somehow is able to be played and repeated during certain conditions.<br />I guess we really will never know for sure until we get to Glory and the Lord reveals it to us!<br />Blessings,<br />RobinPastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-50464549384091883192013-09-18T07:15:47.777-04:002013-09-18T07:15:47.777-04:00Greetings Pastor Swope!
My name is Adam Kovacs. ...Greetings Pastor Swope! <br /><br />My name is Adam Kovacs. I'm a student in Hungary at the Baptist Theological Academy, and I'm a baptist christian more than two years from now. I'm very interested in the paranormal, because I always longed for to discover the unknown. Before I became a christian, I researched the occult ways, I had experiences as a child and since that...saw apparitions, phantoms, had a lot of wierd stuff, before I turned to Christ. And even after I repented, I experienced demonic attacks two times...like sleep-paralysis, but different in that I did not see anything, nor did I suffocate. I just had this intense fear of death and what I heard was like a crowd of people cursing constantly in my mind. I couldn't make a sound, but I was able to say: "My Lord Jesus help me!" And then it was over...this happened two times before my baptism, and later I met someone who experienced this during the day, before he became a christian.<br /><br />To be honest, I'm a paranormal researcher myself, just like you, and it pleases me to know there are others (so I'm not alone with my task), even pastors, who think outside the box. Ofcourse, after I became a baptist, a whole year has passed, before I started my research guided by God... I felt and thought like every "good ol' church-goer" when I got my calling: "do not dabble in these things, this can't be the will of God". But God called me...and this is another story.<br /><br />Well what I wanted to comment on this subject, is that until September 13, I really thought about this just as most christians do. "Ghosts are the work of the Devil." And you have to admit, that it is a more safer approach (considering weak christians) than accepting the reality of wandering human souls, because if people think these are just malicious demons, they would not feel tempted to gain information from them (which is a sin Isaiah 8:19), instead they would just avoid them altogether.<br /><br />But, the church ghost-photos in Peter Underwood's 'Ghosts' book really made me wonder. And then there is your own haunted church article. How can demons haunt a church building, if it is supposed to be sanctified by God's presence? It's impossible...it would deny the very laws of the Spirit World...of the Bible. Demons can't share one space with God.<br /><br />Well I thought about your arguments, and I searched in the greek translation the Matthew 14:26. And Mark 6:49. It turs out, that there is a total 259 mention of the word pneuma (spirit), but in these verses the word phantasma (phantom) had been used. And I think you are right when you argue, that if the Apostle Matthew really thought, that they thought they saw a demon, then Matthew would wrote daimonion or akathartos pneuma (unclean spirit). But since he (and Mark) used phantasma, and all the other translators, it is obvious they didn't think it was other than a ghost of a dead man. And I also agree with you, that if there is no such thing as a wandering human spirit, than Jesus would surely correct them. Like when Thomas said to Him: "My Lord and God!" And Jesus did not say "I'm not God, I'm just His son", but He said: "Because you see me, you believe?"<br /><br />Some years before, I found a peculiar chapter in the book of Job. I think this could be interesting to you:<br />Job 4:12-21<br />It's like a description of a haunting of Eliphaz.<br />Ofcourse, it can be an angel or a fallen one also, but still.<br />What do you think?<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-41138230470880007242013-09-12T13:46:41.545-04:002013-09-12T13:46:41.545-04:00Dear Anonymous...
I only put out there what the ...Dear Anonymous...<br /><br />I only put out there what the Bible actually says, not a church dogma.<br />Today Christians rely upon what their church or Sunday School teacher teaches instead of looking to Scripture. One of the principles of the Reformation is the primacy of scripture over dogma. Sadly the modern evangelical church acts more like the Catholic Church in the dark ages.<br /><br />And please stop the garbage about heresy by using Paul. As an Exorcist for more than 20 years now I think I know a bit. There are other things out there than just demonic spirits. And Scripture does talk about Ghosts. Please read my other articles about the dangers of communicating with them. I do not mention it here, this article just looks at Scripture for the topic of ghosts. <br /><br />It is sad how Christians all jump to judgmentalism when they don't understand something or it conflicts with their church's view.<br />You could have found my view with little effort, but you chose to judge. That is sad and not Chistlike whatsoever.<br /><br />We are on the verge of an anti-Christian age. Brothers and sisters in the middle east are becoming Martyrs at a rate that overshadows the Roman persecutions. Christian faith is being pushed out of the Western World, you can't even mention God in school.It is time for Christians to stop stabbing one another in the back and judging each other and stick to the basics. I advise you to read Romans 14-15;13. And get a good commentary, you will probably be surprised as to what Paul is really addressing.<br />Think and read before you judge!Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-41648433133618111442013-09-12T10:49:39.002-04:002013-09-12T10:49:39.002-04:00Sadly, you are missing the point! The whole Samue...Sadly, you are missing the point! The whole Samuel Saul thing whether demon or real was wrong behavior by Saul and disobedient to the Lord. Certainly not an example for us to follow. Scriptures make clear that any delving into the occult or consulting mediums contacting the dead etc. is forbidden. Why as a Christian would you seek to make it ok? Or more acceptable? As Christians we should be seeking to be more like Christ and be pleasing to God in all we say and do. I don't understand wanting to "explore" the areas that are forbidden. It isn't really important if you are right or wrong about ghosts/demons you are leading others to go into areas that clearly are never OK in God's Word. You don't want to find out at Judgement day that you have caused others to "stumble". <br /><br />In the last days the Apostle Paul declared that there would be a segment of people that would give heed to “seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” don't dabble in the things that draw you away from the Lord.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-7682335022655762922013-08-20T16:55:00.149-04:002013-08-20T16:55:00.149-04:00Hi Kirsten,
Just because a driver saw an appariti...Hi Kirsten,<br /><br />Just because a driver saw an apparition near the site of your Mom's death does not mean that the apparition if your mother. Even if you could see it and it does look like your Mom, it still wouldn't mean that it is her spirit. The world is full of unseen forces that can assume human form and it seems there are also ways that human activity can be recorded and played back in some way. Many think it has to do with naturally occurring minerals or running water in the area somehow 'records' and plays back events in some natural way that we do not understand. So I would not be overly concerned. Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-19057453428738880902013-08-19T19:26:23.386-04:002013-08-19T19:26:23.386-04:00okay my mama died three and a half years ago. i go...okay my mama died three and a half years ago. i got a message from a guy this mornin that i didn't even know and he said he had seen a woman walkin in a long white dress on the road where she wrecked three years ago and died. he said he tried to yell at her but she never looked up she was focused on the road and she was goin the way she was goin that mornin that she died. it was the same time she died that he drove by. he said he got to work and researched it and found at that my mama had died there a few years ago thats when he messaged me. her hair was blowing in the wind and he said she looked pretty from what he seen. what does this mean? is she lost? is she trying to tell someone something? or is it a demon? Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15500982109174651315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-66295236300709418862013-08-19T19:04:53.142-04:002013-08-19T19:04:53.142-04:00okay my mama died three and a half years ago. i go...okay my mama died three and a half years ago. i got a message from a guy this mornin that i didn't even know and he said he had seen a woman walkin in a long white dress on the road where she wrecked three years ago and died. he said he tried to yell at her but she never looked up she was focused on the road and she was goin the way she was goin that mornin that she died. it was the same time she died that he drove by. he said he got to work and researched it and found at that my mama had died there a few years ago thats when he messaged me. her hair was blowing in the wind and he said she looked pretty from what he seen. what does this mean? is she lost? is she trying to tell someone something? or is it a demon? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-91213052482053951702013-07-23T22:23:16.023-04:002013-07-23T22:23:16.023-04:00I know it's 2013, but I have to say something....I know it's 2013, but I have to say something. People keep saying the witch on Endor screamed in fear cause she'd never seen a ghost before. I've noticed that people now days seem to lack in reading comprehension skills. Sorry if that sounds condescending, but I've taught elementary school kids how to read properly. and I see this problem many times when commenting with people about news articles. It actually makes me sad, not feel superior.<br /><br />If you reread what the scripture says, ”...When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice. And the woman spoke to Saul, saying, “Why have you deceived me? For you are Saul!” And the king said to her, “Do not be afraid. What did you see?”<br /><br />She isn't screaming out because she's afraid of the spirit. She is screaming out because she is afraid of Saul. When she recognized Samuel as the Prophet Samuel, she then realized that it was Saul who had come to her. She didn't recognize him cause Saul had disguised himself. It's very clear as to why she would scream out and be afraid of Saul. Samuel the Prophet had banished mediums, and Saul had purged them out. That is why he says to her, be not afraid. He wasn't telling her not to be afraid of Samuel's ghost. He said that because he wasn't there to banish or kill her, but to use her services.<br /><br />Uhg, I hate it when people read a scripture out of context. It's a pet peeve of mine. Always, always read the Chapter in its entirety before formulating an opinion of a single scripture.<br /><br />Also the bible infers that human time is irrelevant to G-d. It says that a day is a thousand years to G-d. What does immediately go to heaven or hell mean when we no longer look to the cycles of the sun and moon to determine time? Maybe to a spirit they've just died, but in human time standards it's been 100 years. You're very right on this. The bible is vague as to what exactly happens between the time of death and the resurrection.<br /><br />Thank you so much for this blog. I've enjoyed this entry.<br />-KathrynAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-21561482201454935302013-05-31T12:57:58.603-04:002013-05-31T12:57:58.603-04:00I've encountere mostly friendly or neutral gho...I've encountere mostly friendly or neutral ghosts, or whatever they are,some seem protectors even,others seem mischievous,still another was clearly hurtful & evil. Most haven't shown themselves,,a few have. <br /><br />It seems there are a range of entities & perhaps different types, as they present themselves differently.. <br /><br />I was told they "didn't exist", to not talk about it,that it as "crazy"& many other things,so learned to not talk about it,so I didn't for many years,and still rarely do yet I KNOW there are entities around us,perhaps all the time,we just have to listenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-31270959807945027752013-05-22T14:44:56.097-04:002013-05-22T14:44:56.097-04:00I have researched some of the very same things tha...I have researched some of the very same things that you mentioned in your blog and tried to talk to others who just kinda shut down. I am so intrigued by paranormal and even demonic spirits, just to understand and have knowledge. I am usually the one, in church, who wants to run to the front and help cast out demons, not the one who wants to run out the back door lol. But often i have been criticized for this, told that it was not Christian like. So I really appreciate you taking the time to write this and share with others that the Bible DOES speak of such things, and that it does not make us any less Holy, that we are interested in it. Please continue to share more. Thank you!<br />A Minister in AZAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-40695963252075617902013-02-15T00:48:19.488-05:002013-02-15T00:48:19.488-05:00Hi my name is Kristen and my grandfather has died ...Hi my name is Kristen and my grandfather has died a year ago. I see him all the time and can feel him here still with me. This has really helped me in my search to understand if ghosts are real or not because iv spent my whole life in the church. But this really proves that maybe im not crazy. And even more comforting to know its my grandfather and not a demon. Believing that i was just being tricked by a demon really just tore at my heart i would much rather it be my grandfather. <br />Kristen Kizernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-33027203349053770392012-12-27T12:24:30.747-05:002012-12-27T12:24:30.747-05:00I just wanted to say that I found your web site in...I just wanted to say that I found your web site informative and interesting from a professional point of view. I am certain to bookmark it for fast reference when I need a Christian insight to paranormal activity. Two thumbs up!!!Greg Pochahttp://www.eidolonproject.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-43609005926357755592012-12-15T22:58:22.189-05:002012-12-15T22:58:22.189-05:00Thanks so much for backing up your belief with cor...Thanks so much for backing up your belief with correct translation! I have struggled with this since I began seeing spirits as a child. I am not schizophrenic or mentally ill, I might add. Even as a child I read the Bible myself (we rarely went to church) & understood that what I was seeing was either unclean spirit, residual energy or demonic. I could not figure out why I could see or communicate with them if this is supposed to be wicked, but after many years of religious study, baptism & church membership, I am more sure than ever God has given me the gift of discernment of spirit. I can immediately tell if a person is good or evil. I always thought it was just intuition, but it is clearly more than that. My husband has been a conservative protestants preacher for many years, so this is hard to discuss with him or those without the gift....and I don't know anyone at church with it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-26017860121815865742012-12-03T20:02:36.135-05:002012-12-03T20:02:36.135-05:00I really appreciated this story and writing. You s...I really appreciated this story and writing. You see I am a Pastoral student and technically already a minister...I have heard the same thing over and over; "it is all demonic", however if we as Christians say to non believers what Jesus has done for us and what we have seen him do...should it not be the same for this. I remember my experience I first had with a ghost. Yet, I don't feel as if I am sinning one bit, and I pray for God to help me with this. Better yet, my group before we go somewhere spend a good portion of our time in prayer before we go. I just want to thank you and if you have anything you think might help. It would be amazing! God bless! Ryannoreply@blogger.com