If a deceased neighbor shows up, beware! That’s a demon in disguise.

by Al Sabado

Are ghosts any of the people who died? No, they’re not. Contrary to popular belief, dead people, including our deceased relatives, neighbors, and friends can no longer come back, even in ghostly form, and roam around earth to visit or guard us. Our appointment, as humans, is to die once: 

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9:27)

Then what are those “ghosts”? Such apparitions are demons or familiar spirits. In verse 27 of Hebrews 9 we can note that no activity transpires between death and the judgment. Did you notice that too? But Satan must be pleased to assume the exact appearances of dead people and make us believe we can still talk to our deceased loved ones, when God forbids us from doing such an abominable thing (see Deuteronomy 18:11).

“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2 Corinthians 2:11)

Satan will do everything in his power to fabricate lies and distract us from knowing God’s truth. He’s out there to deceive humans. As it is written,

“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (Revelation 12:9)

Satan, whose name is a Hebrew word meaning “enemy,”¹ is capable of transforming into something else with his ministers, to appear as good entities despite being evil to the core. We can confirm this by reading God’s Word:

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

God forbids us to consult or commune with familiar spirits. For this reason, we must have nothing to do with familiar spirits or demons and we must not consult those who communicate with such evil spirits; they are not of God but of Satan. So to the “experts” out there performing these exact activities and those consulting such experts, listen to what God’s Word says:

“Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 19:31)

“There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)

When we die, we’re dead. We’re no immortal beings who stay on earth earth after death—even in spirit form—to deal with unfinished business whatsoever. We won’t even know anything once we’re dead. God’s Word says,

“For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.” (Ecclesiastes 9:5)

And so the idea of purgatory or the reincarnation is also a lie of all time. These two man-made concepts—that is, purgatory and reincarnation—are not God’s design, but among the greatest lies of Satan. Once we’re dead, we can’t correct our wrongs in some midair and we can’t be re-created to take another form of life (e.g., bird, tree, etc.). God gave His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for all our sins so that instead of perishing in the fires of hell, we may live an eternal life in heaven. It’s our choice—NOW that we’re still alive—to accept or reject the reason behind the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. None of our good works will change that.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

The Lord Jesus Christ is the only way.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

So, are heaven and hell real? Upon reading the Bible we can note that they are. They’re not just a state of the mind or fictional places we replicate on earth. God’s Word describes that an immense gulf separates these two eternal places, so that those who go to heaven can’t cross paths to reach hell, and vice versa. As it is written, during the conversation of Abraham and a dead man,

“And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.” (Luke 16:19, read also following verses 20-31)

Do we then go to heaven, or hell, when we die? The condition God has set for us to enter heaven is in verse 16 of John 3: believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Not our good works. Not our church affiliations, rituals, or practices. Now, let me ask you, do you believe in God’s only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ? “Yes,” you say. That’s good. Let me ask you another question, if you die this very minute, do you go to heaven? Is your answer

a. “I’m not sure I know.”
b. “It’s up to God, really.”
c. “I believe so. I’ve done many good things in life.”
d. “I have no idea.”
e. “Yes, because I’m saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Is your answer the last one? Praise God! Or is your answer any one from “a” to “d”?

Dear friend, we ought not be uncertain about this important matter. We don’t guess where we go when we die. God has made that one thing, our eternal security, certain for us: do read John 3:16 again. I won’t tell you to say a sinner’s prayer. (I thought that’s the one thing to do to be saved from eternal damnation.) Just remember, nothing in what we do can change or add to the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, for us. Our salvation is a gift from God. But a gift can’t be ours unless we accept it.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:31)

Repent. Some people say that once we're saved, we're always saved. But if we don't repent of our sins and continue sinning, then that makes us disobedient, just like King Saul who'd lost the favor of God, right? Believing in the Lord Jesus means doing the will of God and refraining from sinning.

“And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:11-13)

Fear no one and nothing but God. Years ago I had to stay overnight in a two-story office building to finish editorial work. The following day the security guard asked, “Ma’am, hindi po ba kayo natakot (Ma’am weren’t you scared),” because the building was known to have familiar spirits. I smiled at him and said, “Hindi po, meron po tayong Panginoon (No, we have God).” And God is greater than he who is in this world (1 John 4:4).

“But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” (Luke 12:5)

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:10-12)

Updated: 4 November 2015

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¹ Holy Bible. Authorized or King James Version. Red Letter Edition. Wichita, Kansas: Fireside Bible Publishers, 1970.

Musings while brewing coffee: Which type of believer are you?

by Al Sabado

This morning I pondered about the different types of believers I encountered in nearly 25 years. Not that I’ve reached heights or been better in my faith compared with others; but I—and perhaps you too—notice believers don’t come out the same, as in, of the same feather. Some appear nice, initially, until unfavorable circumstances cross their paths and their true colors splatter along the walkway. Some have remained sincere believers through the years, regardless of their circumstances. Following is just a short list of terms, with which I mentally categorized believers, as I brewed coffee this morning.

The “Sincerely Anonymous.” I’ve read a few blogs of fellow believers regarding their views on false teachers, false/emergent churches, special holidays, verses from the books of Genesis to Revelation. And I thought their views are “Wow, outstandingly interesting!” But when I started touring their website to discover more about who they are, I found they’re nameless authors of what they wrote. Their blogs have no photo of them, but of creatures under the sun. No name, not even a nickname. Nothing. Their blogs are simply signed with the invisible “Sincerely, Anonymous.” Come on, brethren. Who are you? Aren’t you supposed to be brave people for the sole reason that the Lord Jesus is your confidence—and mine too? Fellow believers read your blogs, exposing the truth we hardly find in church structures these days, especially if we don’t go there anymore. And if it’s God’s truth you profess, isn’t it similarly truthful if you’d introduce yourself even briefly? By the way, if it would matter saying this, I'll say it: please don't delete your blog account. I've seen three blogs of fellow believers shut down already (whatever reason they have, I don't know). We won't please everyone, nobody can. But we're here to speak up for God's truth, not to please men.

In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. (Proverbs 14:26)

The “Dual Citizen.” This type of believers is a bit hard to comprehend: evidently a believer outside, but somewhat something else inside. Regardless if they’ve been in the faith for years or decades, some believers seem to operate with duality. Have you met any of this type?

Let me cite a few real-life examples: Believer A is a church worker, probably a busy one, because other than his work at church and in the office, he’s also a candidate for completing a PhD degree from a reputable university. Now here’s the catch: he’s hiring professionals to ghostwrite his PhD dissertation. Read that again. Hiring professionals to write one’s academic paper is a way of the world. Such practice is dishonest. If you’ve played this type of believer, then please know brethren that hiring ghostwriters to accomplish academic writing for you is a first-class, high-end form of cheating. What do you need a degree for if you can’t even pass the distinction of being honest—with or without a university degree?

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; (1 Timothy 2:1-3)

Here’s another example: Believer B has been in the faith for like decades, but her ways haven’t changed. She’s still easily angered, slams the door or whatever she finds when upset, raises her voice when furious, curses when agitated. In short, she’s temperamental . . . still. But here’s another scoop: she’s friendly with friends, charitable for noble causes, goes out of her way to express concern for “other” people. At one time she donated a huge amount of money for a cause without questions asked; however, she seemed blind when it comes to providing for the basic needs of her “own” household. Are you this type of believer? Remember God’s Word says

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. (1 Timothy 5:8)

The “Acting Chief of Finance.” Some believers are all-out generous making donations to innumerable causes. But come tax day, they seem to portray the acting chief of finance while prodding their accountants to sort of miscalculate their income tax reports, so they pay either a small amount of tax or none at all. They’re quite inhibited when it comes to shelling out cash from their wallet, for matters they ought to consider “their” social obligation. If that’s their attitude about their finances, then would it still be surprising they left church for no other reason but to avoid tithing? (Giving 10 percent, or tithing, is obsolete, by the way—unless you still don’t know, do your homework. You may begin reading this book online, Tithing: Low-Realm, Obsolete & Defunct.)

But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. (Deuteronomy 8:18)

The “Authorized Personnel Only.” This term comes to mind as I remember believers who seem to be focused about discussing matters of the Holy Bible—nothing more. They dwell tremendously on studying God’s Word and they enthusiastically discuss their findings with fellow believers. Apparently, that’s all they want to discuss; they suddenly shift to “silent mode” when a brethren opens up to them common life issues and requests for prayer. Have you been this way to other believers? Careful. What you learn from studying God’s Word may be lacking teeth, spine, and bone when the way you respond to another person, particularly a fellow believer, is no different from the sight of unresponsive, melting blocks of ice floating on top of your cold beverage.

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: (1 Peter 3:8)

The “Nonshowbiz Lover.” I call this category as such because it reminds me of believers who may be unpopular, yet they’re grounded in the faith, sincere toward other people, and quietly confident in the Lord Jesus. They’re hardly seen in social circles, not even in church structures filled with congregants on midweeks and weekends. They’re not anonymous, but they bravely stand up for what is Biblical and stay away effortlessly from what is not. They discern the things of God and the things that are ungodly. They’re unafraid to leave churches or groups when such institutions compromise fearlessly the truth we find in God’s unchanging Word. They’re not easily swayed by trends leading the crowd; God’s Word is their ultimate guide when conducting their day-to-day concerns. These believers no longer find pleasure in listening to secular music, not even contemporary Christian music, and they perfectly know why they shouldn’t listen to such materials anymore. These believers don’t observe pagan occasions, such as Christmas, birthdays, and other times, constantly celebrated and considered “special” by the world. Their contentment and gratitude toward God's blessings that come their way daily bring them unparalleled joys in life. These believers are no church attendees; they stay in their homes on Sundays reading, studying, and listening to God’s Word, the Holy Bible.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:21, 23-24)

But what’s a believer? Believers, particularly the last type I discussed, don’t necessarily call themselves “Christian” to say they are. They don’t even have to go to a physical church to be one. But as believers, they recognize they're sinners who've repented, saved by grace, and whose faith is in Jesus Christ, who alone is their Source of strength, Enabler in accomplishing tasks too great for them, and Savior—not their works or the people surrounding them. 

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

These believers hardly read devotionals written by popular Christian authors. What believers read every day is the Holy Bible, the unchanging Word of God—first thing in the morning, last thing in the evening. If you’d ask a believer where he’d go when he dies, the usual prompt reply is, “I’ll go to heaven.” And if you’d ask him why he thought so, by faith he’d say, “Because God, in His Word, says so.”

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

If I may ask, are you a believer?

Care for a slice of butter cake with apples and almonds? I wish you and your loved ones a restful weekend!

Tithing: Low-Realm, Obsolete & Defunct

by Matthew E. Narramore

Read the book online