9 And He said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” ~ Mark 4:9
Jesus makes a rather odd statement after teaching. He says, “He who has an ear, let him hear.” This seems pretty odd because everybody has ears. He didn’t say all who have the ability to hear, let them hear. He said, “He who has an ear, let him hear.” Keep in mind that even the deaf came to Jesus. Therefore, Jesus must’ve been spiritually speaking. He was talking about our spiritual ears, not our physical ears. See, some of us are spiritually deaf. We hear the Gospel, but it doesn’t cut us to the heart. We hear the good news of God, but it doesn’t change us. We’re physically hearing these things but not spiritually; it’s like our spiritual ears have been cut off.
This is because the fire in us has grown cold. Our spirit has chased other spirits instead of the Spirit of God. We have to do more than go to church and hear the word of God preached on Sunday mornings. Those who taught the Scriptures in the time of Jesus led the persecution and murder of Jesus and His followers. We have to seek a relationship with Jesus, and in doing so, He will give us ears to hear. And once we have ears to hear, He’ll begin to mold our hearts to seek His Kingdom first above all else.
26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. ~ Ephesians 4:26-27
Our reactions are always the most important part of each and every encounter we have. Why? Because our reaction determines whether or not we have given the devil an open door to enter our lives. Some believe that if that was the case, we would be possessed by a demon. But that is not the case at all.
See, Paul himself warns us that we can give opportunity to the devil with our emotions. Unchecked anger isn’t the same as righteous anger. Unchecked anger can stem from many different roots, but the most common one is probably the root of bitterness. When we allow these different strongholds in our lives, we are allowing opportunities for the devil to enter into our lives. He doesn’t come in and possess us as he did to Judas the night he betrayed Jesus, but what he does do is enter into our lives and start causing havoc.
He steals our blessings, our peace, our patience, our call, and anything else we allow him to take from us. This is why Jesus calls him a murderer from the beginning because he leads the people of God away from God and spiritually kills them. He causes many Christians to spiritually die, and they don’t even realize it. The only way to overcome Satan is to flee temptation. We have to flee unchecked anger, lust, bitterness, grief, depression, guilt, or anything else that could cause us to give opportunity to the devil. The only way to have the strength to flee temptation is to be strengthened by the LORD. Our relationship with God has to be strong enough so that we can run into His name and be saved. So that we can soar on wings as eagles and be renewed. So that we can be tempted and have the means to escape. So, draw near to God so that you might not fall into temptation.
47 When Saul had taken the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, against the Ammonites, against Edom, against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines. Wherever he turned he routed them. 48 And he did valiantly and struck the Amalekites and delivered Israel out of the hands of those who plundered them. ~ 1 Samuel 14:47–48
When Saul had taken the kingship over Israel, in other words, when he had taken possession of the kingdom, he fought against all of his enemies on every side. It should be the same with us today. Now that the kingdom of God has come to us, we, too, are to fight against all of our enemies. It is not time for alliances with the enemy; it’s time for spiritual warfare on every side.
The kingdom of God has come upon us; it is here now. Jesus ushered it in 2,000 years ago. The kingdom of God is here because Jesus did cast out demons by the Spirit of God (Matthew 12:28). But please understand, the kingdom of God can only be taken by those who are valiant; that is, those who are courageous and violent in the spiritual (Matthew 11:12).
If we want to dwell in the kingdom of God, then we have to be spiritual warriors. We can’t have one foot in the world and one foot in the Church. We can’t dwell in darkness and in light. We have to make a choice. We have to be on our knees in prayer seeking the LORD God. We have to be seeking the LORD through His Scripture. There will be a time when the LORD can no longer be found, so don’t wait. Tomorrow is promised to no one. Today is the day of Salvation. Today is the day to take the kingdom of Heaven by force.
In the Christian world, we often talk about spiritual doors. We say that the doors God has opened for us, no one can shut. We cling to the idea that the good things God has for us no one can take away, but many of us don’t like the idea that we ourselves can take away those good things by our own actions. We don’t like the idea of the possibility of opening evil spiritual doors in our lives by participating in things that aren’t of God. Many Christians believe that the occult is just foolishness. That the Devil is just a toothless lion, but the Truth is he is a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Therefore, could participating in darkness, no matter how innocent it may look, cause someone to open a spiritual door for the demonic to enter their lives? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the dangers of careless actions in his video, Can Participating in Halloween Open Spiritual Doors?
1Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
John 10:1; 9
8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
1 Corinthians 16:8–9
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20
1. Communication with spirits 2. Agreement with spirits 3. Passageway in from one place to another 4. A transition or an opportunity (either for the person or for the spiritual being – whether that being is good or evil)
Spiritually Opening Doors to Evil
7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.
Genesis 4:7
Spiritual doors are opened based on what we participate in. If we participate in the things of God, then the spiritual doors to be with God will be opened. If we participate in the things of evil, then the spiritual doors of evil to be with evil will be opened. Participating in occult practices, such as Halloween, opens spiritual doors to the demonic in your life.
During this season, the world seems to get darker and darker. This time of year is when the world celebrates Halloween, All Hallow’s Eve, or Samhain. Many Christians will take part in trick or treating (or Trunk or Treating), dressing up, or decorating their homes in dark and creepy decorations this Halloween. If Halloween is about darkness and horror, what does the Church have to do with it? If it’s just a tradition, is it okay for Christians to celebrate and participate in Halloween, or is it opening spiritual doors? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the Truth behind this gruesome holiday in his message, Halloween, A Tradition or A Door?
1 Samuel 16:14–16 1 Samuel 14:47–48 Matthew 12:28 Matthew 11:12 1 Samuel 14:47b–48 Numbers 31:12 Numbers 31:14–16 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV) 1 Corinthians 8:13 1 Samuel 15:23a
Halloween, A Tradition or A Door?
The Tradition of Halloween (All Hallow’s Eve or Samhain) in the Bible
The origins of Halloween are in the occult, specifically the pagan festival of Samhain. Therefore, why are Christians celebrating this pagan festival? Because if it is pagan, then it isn’t of God. If it isn’t of God, then it is evil. Therefore, why are Christians celebrating and participating in Halloween if it’s evil?
14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, 18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
John Ramirez’ Five Reasons Christians Shouldn’t Celebrate Halloween:
1. Gives Devil Legal Rights 2. Eternal Mistake 3. Important Satanic Holiday 4. Grieves Holy Spirit 5. Demonically Cursed Candy and Costumes
Opening Spiritual Doors
20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
Isaiah 5:20
20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:20-23
43 When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. 45 Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.
43 When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. 45 Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation. ~ Matthew 12:43-45
Humanity was created to dwell with God and for God to dwell in us. We were created as temples to be filled by God. We were not created to be empty. Each and every person has to be filled with something, and when we leave it up to chance and we don’t choose God to fill us, then something else will fill us. Something dark and tormenting. Just like King Saul, when the Spirit of the LORD left him, an evil tormenting spirit came to fill that empty space.
We have to remain filled with God so that we don’t open ourselves up to anything of darkness. We have to spend time in His presence every day. God doesn’t want a sometime-ish relationship with us. God wants a close, loving relationship with us. He wants to be involved in our lives. He wants to be a part of us. So, don’t allow yourself to become empty. Spend time with God daily, and don’t let the light dim within you.
Every year candy companies create special packaging, marketing, and products just for Halloween. It’s a spooktacular time. Many people think this is just good business, but what if there is something more to the Halloween candy we’re indulging in every year? What if there is something sinister behind Halloween candy? Could it be food sacrificed to idols? Join ArieRashelle as she shines a light in the darkness, searching for Truth in her video, Should Christians Buy Halloween Candy?
Matthew 4:8-9 Matthew 16:26 Revelation 2:14 Revelation 2:20 Acts 15:28-29 1 Peter 5:8
Should Christians Buy Halloween Candy?
Food Sacrificed to Idols
For some reason, we, the Church, overlook the possibility of eating food sacrificed to idols. In fact, we like to pretend like that isn’t for us, but look at what the Scriptures say about it.
Warnings Against Eating Food Sacrificed to Idols
The Church at Pergamum
14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality.
Revelation 2:14
The Church at Thyatira
20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.
Revelation 2:20
Warning to the Church at Antioch
28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.
13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. ~ 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
Sometimes, darkness is intriguing and alluring. Not because we want to dwell in all manners of evil but because the darkness tries to convince us it’s not actually dark. Darkness sets out small dim lights that we think are lighting up the darkness, but in actuality, it’s just drawing you in deeper into the darkness with a false sense of security. Because instead of the lights getting bright as you go, the already dim light gets dimmer and dimmer until your eyes have fully adjusted and you feel comfortable in the complete darkness surrounding you.
Sometimes, this dim light draws away believers dwelling in actual light because they’re convinced that the dim light is also the light of God because the darkness can’t have any kind of light. But God’s light isn’t dim. In other words, God’s ways aren’t filled with half or part Truths. God’s way is the Truth. But the Devil will try to disguise evil as good and good as evil. He leads many astray this way. He takes a part Truth and mixes it with lies so that he might appeal to believers by offering them the Truth with the sin they desire most. He’s offering them the best of both worlds. But don’t fall for it. His way only leads to death and destruction. Be on guard at all times. Don’t allow anyone to convince you that all you need is their word for it. If Paul had to be checked to see if what he was preaching was Truth, then so does everyone else. So, check each word spoken to you against the Scriptures to make sure that it lines up with God’s word.
Everyone has heard of the Grim Reaper. He’s literally the personification of Death from many mythologies that is said to come to collect his victim’s soul. While we’ve all heard of the Grim Reaper, we’ve also all wondered if the Grim Reaper was really real at one time or another. Is this really an evil spirit that comes to collect people’s souls, or is this just a far-fetched myth? Join ArieRashelle as she searches through Scripture to find the Truth in her video, Is The Grim Reaper Real?
Revelation 6:7-8 Revelation 20:14 1 Corinthians 15:26 Revelation 14:14-16 Ezekiel 37:11 John 19:40 Revelation 1:18 Luke 23:50-53 Luke 24:12 John 10:10
The Grim Reaper
Who is the Grim Reaper?
The Personification of Death
The Grim Reaper is Death personified. He comes to collect the souls of his victims and takes them to the afterlife. We see that there are a few instances of the personification of Death, as well as the punishment of this seemingly evil spirit.
8 And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.
Revelation 6:8
12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second Death, the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:12-14
The Spirit of Life
Not only is there a spirit of Death, but there is also a spirit of life.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and Death.
12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short! ~ Revelation 12:12
If we, who are Christians, have loved ones, say our children, who are not serving Jesus, or have not accepted Him as LORD and Savior, then we should be down on our knees day and night with tears and pleas of mercy for them.
It is not God’s will for any to perish. He wants everyone saved, yet many will not be saved because they refuse to believe. They refuse to give up and repent of their sins. Because men love the darkness more than they love the light, this is what’s holding back our loved ones from getting saved.
One of the biggest problems is that they are being educated under the secular educational system, which programs them to believe that there is no God, and even if there were a God, there is no need for God. And this is a worldwide problem. We are living in the last days, so heed the warning God gives us in the book of Revelation. The Devil has come down to the earth in great wrath because he knows he only has a short amount of time left.
If more than a thousand years is a short amount of time for Satan, how much more is the few years we have on this earth to pray for and disciple our loved ones? Pray and fast for your loved ones that the LORD would have mercy on them and soften their hearts towards Him so that they might be saved. Don’t remain idle while they remain on a path that leads to eternal damnation. Stand in the gap for them. Pray for them. Seek the LORD on their behalf. Don’t waste the short time that we have on this earth.
