And, before going further, let’s also review our discussion concerning Elymas, the sorcerer, and anyone under the influence of familiar spirits (Acts 13:6-11). Here we see some of the negative and deceptive attributes of demonic spirits that “come against and hinder” the Lord and His people.

Familiar spirits & those
“influenced” by them:
• are false prophets
• withstand the servants of God
• turn others away from the Faith
• are full of all subtlety and mischief
• are called children of the devil as well as
• the enemies of all righteousness, and they
• twist & pervert the Right Ways of the Lord

We would like to look at several things in the above passage of Scripture, as well as look at the attributes mentioned above. We will go through these -- some, one at a time -- and others we will just “touch on”, but we feel the need to expound, somewhat, on this discussion that we have brought to this point. First of all...let us, once again, at least consider the Lord’s cautionary words to us:

“...there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and they shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive many...even the very elect (the special ‘chosen’ people of the Lord).” (All emphasis is mine, and for a point).

No Christian should ever think: “I cannot be deceived”. As Paul warns, in 1st Corinthians 10:12 (and this is my paraphrase) : “Let the man that thinks he stands firm and unmovable (where he cannot be knocked down) take heed, lest he fall...”. We have already looked at the verse previous to this, in 1st Cor.10:11, where it states that “all these things happened to them as our examples; and they are written as an admonition for us, upon whom the ends of the world are come”.

Two things here, before we go on. First: As I said, none of us, even as Christians (or especially as Christians) should think we are somehow “immune” to temptation, to deception, and to “falling”. Even Paul “kept his body (his flesh) under control”, or “in check”; he “subdued” his own passions. He knew his own flesh, and the tendencies and weaknesses he had, and he did not want to be preaching the safety and the salvation of being “in Christ”, only to become, somewhere down the road, a “castaway” himself (read 1st Corinthians 9:27).

The Second Thing: Look at Paul’s words: “they are written as an admonition for us, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1st Cor.10:11). This warning, to the first century church, is just as much for us, today, and we are certainly “much closer” to the Lord’s return than they were. And yet Paul, inspired by the Spirit of God, still felt the need to warn them. However...even though it was the Corinthian Christians he was warning, I do not believe it incorrect (or even faithless) to accept the fact that Paul’s purpose was also to warn us, today, and if you will allow my own personal paraphrase of verses 11 & 12, we’ll try to bring this thought a little “closer to home”:

“If it could happen to all of those Israelites (who murmured, complained, grieved and tempted Christ -- see 1st Cor.10:1-12), it can also happen to us (and Paul was including himself)...therefore, let every man be cautious and careful as to how he lives his life, lest he also ‘fall in the wilderness’, even as the unbelieving Israelites did” (see 1st Cor.10:5 & 8-10).

So let me ask the question again...“Where is the ‘true’ Anointing”? Or, maybe I should ask: “What is the ‘true’ Anointing”? And: What can be “anointed”, anyhow? We know kings, prophets and priests were anointed in the Old Testament (Psalm 89:20; 1st Samuel 10:1 & 16:13; 1st Kings 1:39; 2nd Kings 9:1-13). We know His Word is anointed; and even Lucifer (Satan) was anointed, before he fell (Ezekiel 28:14). Now, to be clear, I am not speaking of when we might anoint someone with oil, for healing or even for a blessing -- I am speaking of those in Scripture, that were, or are, anointed... either by the Lord or by one of His chosen vessels of leadership.

We know Jesus Christ is anointed, for His Very Name means He is “the Anointed One”. A few verses to look at are Psalm 45, especially verse 7; Isaiah 61:1 & Luke 4:18; Acts 4:27, and my very favorite verse about the Lord and His Anointing -- Acts 10:38: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, and He went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him”. This verse, to me, describes not only what Jesus did, but it tells of Who He is: He is the Anointed of God, and, as such, He “went about doing good, healing everyone that was oppressed by the devil”.

So we need to ask ourselves a very serious question: Many of those, today, who “claim” to be greatly anointed by God...are they truly “doing good”? And what does “good” mean, anyway? The Greek word, used here -- euergeteo (yoo-erg-et-eh’-o) -- means “to be philanthropic”. Philanthropic (and philanthropy) is a word that has “lost its meaning” over the years. There was a time when philanthropy meant to “have love and sympathy for mankind; have a desire to ‘better’ the cause of man and to relieve suffering; to be benevolent (kindliness of heart, with a mind disposed to do good)” -- and all of this would be (or should be) without any selfish motive. And this is exactly what Jesus did -- He went about unselfishly doing good, relieving suffering, healing sickness, and delivering those caught in the devil’s web.

Nowadays, however, a philanthropist is usually someone who has a lot of money, and he may even give “some of it” away -- oftentimes because it makes him feel good or look good. Of course, even if a man has multi-millions, and he gives -- out of his great abundance -- a million dollars away, he is actually giving less than the poor widow who might give to the Lord all she has, which may be the equivalent of several pennies (Luke 21-1-4). The amount we give has nothing to do with rewards...it is the manner in which we give; it is the heart and motive behind our giving -- or our goodness. Or...even our anointing.

And here is where, as I often say, I will no doubt “lose” some of you.

When we step back and try to be honest and objective, regarding much of the things happening in the church world today, can we see -- truly “see” -- the spiritual (or “supernatural”) things that are happening? And please note: Just because something seems “spiritual” does not mean it is “of” (or originates “from”) the Holy Spirit. I realize how “cautious” I need to be in this area, but I sincerely believe that this is an area that needs some real attention. And so there is no room for confusion, let me also state, here, that there are three kinds of “spiritual activity” (actually four, but we will list it as three) :

(1) There are demonic spirits,
which we’ve already discussed;
(2) the human spirit, which we often
overlook and sometimes never even consider;
(3) and there is the Holy Spirit (we’ll also include
angelic spirits in this category, making it a total of four)

Also...one more note: I do not have a “bone to pick” with the Catholic church; some of the things we are saying just naturally “fit” into this teaching, into this discussion. I’m not going to “attack” Catholics, nor am I going to discuss the many supernatural manifestations in the Catholic church (except where it fits in). For many centuries they have had their so-called “miracles” and their “stigmata”, and recently there was even a popular movie out, called “Stigmata”. It is not, however, a movie Christians need to be seeing, even though it does address the very thing we are discussing: Stigmata -- the physical and “mystical” manifestations, found primarily among those in the Catholic church. What, exactly, is this thing that some people swear by and live by (and some have even died by)?

Let’s look at a definition of the word...
Stigmata (plural of stigma) are “punctures, brands or tattoos; marks (or brands) made with a branding iron on a slave or criminal; marks, or periodically bleeding wounds appearing ‘miraculously’ on the bodies of saints and other persons”.

Without trying to appear to be too “pious” or even too “accusative”, let me make a point by asking this question: What is the real purpose of stigmata, and where does the focus lie, when one is told of, or sees, this phenomenon -- when we see someone or some thing with a “mark” upon it? For, as most people know, there are buildings and trees and even stains on the ground that “appear to be” the image of either Jesus, or even Mary, His mother. And, of course, images or “phantoms” (because that’s what they are: apparitions) have “appeared” to people over the past few centuries, supposedly being Jesus or Mary or one of the saints -- some otherworldly visitor who has come back to speak to us.

I will not question the fact that all these apparitions and manifestations are, indeed, “very religious”, in their very nature. I mean...when someone declares that Jesus or saint so-and-so appeared to them, it may raise eyebrows, but it also raises curiosity in people’s hearts and minds. But, to be very truthful (and anyone reading this -- including Catholics -- knows this to be true), the most “sightings” have been of the virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. I realize, to many, she is the “queen of heaven and earth”, but you surely cannot find this in Holy Scripture. If you are honestly seeking Truth, ask yourself the question...who is more important: Jesus or His mother? Why...Jesus, of course. However, if all the aforementioned sightings were “added up”, the undisputable winner would be Mary, as well as a multitude of other “saints”.

In all honesty, and in light of the Scripture (by which all things must be judged) -- as “religious” as these apparitions, manifestations and sightings may be, they do not draw people’s hearts, minds and lives to Jesus Christ. They do not “effect” any kind of inward, eternal change in a person’s life. Oh, the person having seen such an apparition (or any of the various stigmata) may become a “better” person, doing “good deeds” and such, but this is nothing more than just being “religious”. We must be born again, which has nothing to do with being (or trying to be) “religious”. Besides, many of the “religious” people (that actually heard Jesus teach, or maybe even saw Him perform miracles) rejected Him -- outright. And these were good, religious folks, who carefully and prayerfully kept the Law and the Commandments.

Now, let’s be fair...probably most of those who were sincerely looking for the Messiah “found” Him; and most of the true, righteous folks had “open” hearts, and they “heard” and “received” Jesus, they “heeded” the Words He spoke, and -- ultimately -- they “accepted” Him as Messiah, Lord and Savior. But not all of the “religious” people accepted Him (for just a few examples, see Matthew 23:13-33 and Luke 18:18-25, though we do not know if this man ever came back to Jesus). With that in mind, let’s recall what we said earlier, when we said a man or woman (or even a child) must have an “inward, eternal change in their lives”. What we’re referring to here is a “deep, spiritual change”, where the Life of Jesus Christ is made clear and apparent to all who know them -- and, very specifically, we’re speaking of the Spirit of Christ dwelling in them noticably, obviously, and eternally.

Simply put: I’m speaking of being born again...

As we discuss the many and various kinds of manifestations (apparitions, sightings, stigmata), there is also another area of interest...that of “after-life” or “after-death” experiences. There are many non-professing people (and I mean those who never mention Jesus Christ as Personal Savior) who have had “after-death” experiences. They usually are in the hospital, and they die...going “into” a bright light, feeling great peace, and then they “return” to this life (supposedly being “sent back” by God). However, most of them (the non-professing people) seldom (if ever) mention God or Jesus or any kind of feeling of True Holiness; they do not talk of being in the Heavenly, Holy Presence of God; they seldom mention any kind of true, “spiritual awakening”, such as regrets or awareness of sin; and no one really speaks of repentance or feelings of remorse for not having lived a “good enough life” here, on earth.

We pretty much have been led to believe that “all is well” after death...even for those who have never accepted Christ as Savior -- or never even thought about Him (or even worse: Rejected Him, outright!). We have been led to think there are no worries, no cares, no responsibilities -- and no judgment after death! -- just a warm, peaceful light to dwell in forever and ever. If you’ll pay attention to most of these so-called testimonials, you’ll realize that most of the people refer to God as “The Man Upstairs”, the “Supreme Being”, “the Good Lord”, or even “God --Whoever He or she might be...”

And while God is all of these things and more (with the exception of “Whoever He or she might be...”), we must never minimize or insult the Person of Who God is...or, for that matter, we must not forget who we are! Allow me to bring a little different spin on what we are talking about, by relating a story recently shared with us.

This story sheds a little different “light” on the subject of death, and it gives us a slightly different perspective on going to Heaven. It also shows us something more than merely “returning”, to talk about warm, fuzzy lights. This story was related, via email, by a dear sister and friend, Charla Hamill, and it is used with her permission.

“I was recently reminded of a lady in my church in Virginia (she went to the hospital for a serious problem). It was 20 years ago, and I can’t remember her name. Our church was near the University of Virginia and we had many students, grad students, etc. who would be with us for a season and then move on. I think she was a graduate student or spouse of a graduate student, and I estimate she was in her early or mid 30’s. She died in the hospital with hepatitis, and the Lord gave her a ‘review’ of her life, showing her the many occasions she had been given to share the gospel, and yet she had neglected to do so to those in need. He then ‘sent her back’.

“She awoke, healed, but with a ‘toe tag’ already attached, and the hospital record showed she had been dead for 3 hours. How merciful the Lord is. I had forgotten her testimony for many years, but now I ‘take it to heart’ again, and pray that I may be found faithful to make the most of the time He has given me here and be sensitive to the occasions He provides. I know she shared more than I wrote but that was all that stuck with me.”

(Charla has a wonderful web site, Lost or Found?, and there are many excellent teachings, tools, links and helps. She would be delighted for you to visit her. And thanks, Charla, for allowing us to share this little story.)

I should point out that I have read and heard other similar stories, of true, Godly, born-again Christians dying, going into the Lord’s Presence, and then being “sent back”. I have also read a few terrifying accounts of those who were not “born-again”, and who found themselves in a dark, fiery place (with, literally, a lake of flames, much like a body of water with a petroleum fire on the surface). Every account I’ve heard or read -- whether the “heavenly” accounts or the “hellish” ones -- speaks of some real, spiritual awareness and some real, spiritual depth and some real, spiritual change...far beyond the peaceful, almost hypnotic and brilliant lights so many are talking about.

In the story related above, the first thing that jumps out at me is the fact this woman was really dead! For 3 hours! She wasn’t just dead a “few minutes”, then revived and sent back to share some shallow story about calm, soothing lights. The second thing that struck me was this: God dealt with her, on a personal level, about specific things, that -- no doubt --“changed” this woman’s life. Although I do not know what all happened after this event (and Charla says she no longer remembers, because it was twenty years ago!), I feel I can safely say that this woman would never be the same after such an experience.

As Christians, we need to be a little more careful of what we believe and what we think (or even declare), because not all of what we believe, think and declare is necessarily true. This is especially true about basing any of our beliefs on “experiences”, instead of on the Word of God (and when I say “experiences”, I mean either ours or someone else’s). And...speaking of “experiences”, I am speaking of what many Christians say and believe about heaven, hell, the afterlife and even about the current hubbub regarding “supernatural manifestations”, including the gold dust, oil, blood and other signs and wonders making the rounds in and among many churches and ministries. To put this teaching into perspective, we need to look at one of Paul’s words, to the Galatian Christians. But Paul’s words, to them then, are still applicable to us today...

“Even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you, other than that which we have (already) preached to you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so I now say again: If any man preach any other gospel to you, other than that which you have received from us, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8 & 9)

Why would Paul even hint that an angel from heaven might preach any other gospel to them? Because he knew that it was possible... it could happen. Why would he suggest/warn that perhaps one day some man might come and preach any other gospel to them...? Again, because he knew what was likely to happen. And it did, on many, many occasions! It even happened while Paul went about teaching and preaching -- he constantly had to deal with trouble-makers and deceivers.

As I said earlier...we need to be very, very careful as to how much attention and credence we give someone or some thing or some “experience” that appears to us from “the other side” -- or from some “other” gospel. Even if an angel of God comes, speaking things “outside of” or “beyond the Gospel” as we truly know it, we are to reject him. And God has made it so easy for us (hasn’t He?), since we have His Word in our very own personal, name-in-gold-stamped Bibles. We can know what His Word says, so if and when an angel or some man does come, speaking things “outside of the Gospel”, then even that angel or that man is to be accursed (excommunicated [from our thinking and our hearts] and banned; considered “cursed”). In simple terms...we are not to associate with it (or with them), nor are we to take any part with it (with them), nor should we be swayed to even agree with it (with them). And yet, all too often Christians today just gravitate towards and accept and approve any and all things being said and done -- no questions asked.

It seems, then, that it would be extremely wise, to “study to show ourselves approved (and acceptable) to God, being workmen who aren’t ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2nd Timothy 2:15). We are responsible for knowing, studying and being able to determine what is and what isn’t “compatible” with God’s Holy Word. Interestingly, verse 16 of 2nd Timothy, chapter 2 says, “But avoid profane (wicked) and vain babblings, for they will increase (lead into) more ungodliness.”

The vain babblings, spoken of by Paul, refer to anything that is fruitless, empty and pointless. What can be more “pointless” than trying to determine the meaning of why someone’s face, hands, head or feet might be bleeding? Or what about trying to figure out why Mary seems to always “appear”, and Jesus seldom does...? And -- as we will discuss in the last part of this teaching -- what place does gold dust and/or oil have in the Christian’s life? What place does it have in the Kingdom of God? And what place does it have in any real, true ministry to and for the Lord...?

So what, if thousands are clamoring for any new thing that comes along...so what, if countless people visit countless villages and sites, all around the world, just to try and catch a glimpse of some image or some stigmata...so what, if more and more people are jamming convention centers and churches, just to see (or even collect) some tiny gold flecks dropping from who-knows-where...? So what? Has it, or does it, really and truly draw people closer to Jesus -- or are they drawn, instead, to chase after the phenomenon? Be honest, now...what are they seeking...? They are seeking an experience; they are not seeking the Lord, for He can be found right where we are...we never have to “chase Him” anywhere, nor does He ever demand we do such a thing. Instead, He said -- when people say: “‘Lo, here is Christ, or there is Christ’ do not believe it!” Do not go “chasing after” someone who claims to be the anointed of God...don’t do it! Do not go “chasing after” experiences...don’t do it! Jesus warned us, but are we listening? Will we (can we) listen?

In the past century or so, there have been increasing numbers of physical manifestations occurring, with increasing numbers of mainline (non-Catholic) Christians being swayed into what I believe is a very real deception of the enemy. Do the numbers that believe a certain thing add to its validity (or even to its spirituality)? Apparently not, because the majority of Israel (and almost all of the religious leaders) were opposed to Jesus and His teachings. And the majority of Israel died in the wilderness, because of their rebellion, stubbornness and even their idolatry (Numbers 14:22,29 & 26:65; Psalm 106:21-27; 1st Corinthians 10:1-5; Hebrews 3:15-19). And why did Israel do all these things...? Even though they were in the wrong, they did them, because they thought they were “in the right”.

All throughout the history of Israel, the majority (who always “thought they were right”) rejected the Word of God, killing His prophets and His leaders. So, in these cases, the majority did not truly “rule”... the majority was not “in the right”...and I think we can safely conclude from this: The majority of people “believing in something” or “pursuing something” does not make it “right”, either. Or, as your mother very likely asked you, when you were just a child: “Just because all your friends jump off a bridge, does it mean you have to jump as well?” And remember what we said in Part One of this teaching, about what’s ocurring today, with apparently the majority of the world being “against” the United States in its position of war with Iraq...?

Now then...the question has been asked...What is the real purpose of stigmata, and where is our real focus concerning these things? And the most important question is: Do these things draw us closer to the Lord? Do they exalt and lift Him up? Is He truly glorified? In most cases (if not all), the answer is very simply “no”.

There is another very important question we need to consider: Are these things “Scriptural”? Are they “Biblical”? Can we find similar accounts in the Word of God? Again, the answer is “no”. You do not read of any of the apostles “bleeding” from their hands, head or bodies, unless they have just been beaten or stoned by ungodly sinners. To me, this affection for (and desire to see) the supernatural “stigmata” is really an insult, a shame and a dishonor to the “real” suffering church of Jesus Christ -- those saints who have truly suffered; those faithful ones who have been (and are still being) beaten, stoned, tortured and whipped, all for the sake of their love for their Dear Savior. These wounds are the real “Love Scars” for Jesus, and on His behalf. This “other stuff” is a demonic side-show, meant to detract from and really dishonor the Name and Person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

What do I mean, by demonic side-show? Jesus told us that there would be false Christs and false prophets, showing great signs and wonders...but have you ever stopped to consider what these great signs and wonders might be? We have always been told (and we are expecting) the great signs and wonders to be in the Heavens, above us, but we have not been expecting anything down here, have we? Not for the most part. But that verse (Matt.24:24) could also be correctly translated as: “There will come among you those people with a false anointing (Christ meaning ‘anointed’), and there will also be false prophets; these will show forth and give you great and mighty signs (or marks) and wonders (a marvel, a prophetic sign or omen).” Add to that Matthew 24:5: “Many shall come in my name, saying, ‘I am Christ’ (or: ‘I am anointed’), and they will (have the influence or the power to) deceive many.”

The Catholic church, along with other religious groups, have had their great signs and wonders for a very long time, and now...even Evangelical and Pentecostal Christians are getting “caught up” in this great deception -- running after and seeking signs and wonders rather than Jesus Christ, Himself.