Sunday, Apr. 17, 2005 | ||
Bad Links? | Dear Father PaulDear Father Paul: I have a good friend who dabbles in the occult. He says that he sees nothing wrong with this. What do you say? Debbie, Fayetteville.
Dear Debbie: He is playing with fire; and yes, I do mean the eternal kind! While the occult does have to do with the "supernatural," it is NOT the supernatural that originates from God, but the supernatural that has Satan as its source and foundation. Things like astrology, ouija boards, tarot cards, casting spells from "roots," wicca, channeling, psychics, witchcraft, blackmagic and the like are all condemned in the Bible, which calls them "an abomination unto the Lord." Some translations use the words, "detestable to the Lord. (Deut. 18:9-12) All of these and other practices that comprise the occult are associated with paganism and are counterfeits of genuine spirituality based on the one true and holy God: Jehovah, the God of the Bible. Many good, well-meaning people have been sucked into the occult while searching for genuine spirituality. The New Testament (Gal. 5:20, Acts 13:6-12) also warns about the occult. Invite your friend to a church where he can hear the truth.
Dear Father Paul: Did Jesus have brothers and sisters? Chris, Fayetteville. Dear Chris: According to the Bible, he did. Some critics of Jesus said, "Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brother's names James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren't all of his sisters with us? Where did this man get all these things (his power)?" And they took offense at him (Matt. 13:55-57). Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus. His brothers and sisters were born subsequent to Jesus' birth. The Bible gives no evidence that these were Josheph's children by a previous marriage. The fact that Jesus had brothers and sisters does not in any way detract from Mary or the fact that Jesus is the son of God (John 3: 16). A "shameless commercial:" My wife, Dr. Judy Massey, an internationally recognized women's leader and teacher, will lead a six-week study Monday evenings at 7 p.m. entitled, "A Success Formula For Women: Becoming The Woman God Designed You To Be," beginning April 25. The class is free and is open to all women in the community. A nursery is provided. Topics include: Getting Ahead In The Workplace,The Professions And Everyday Life Through Relationships, A Success Formula For Stay-At-Home Moms, Relating With Men, The Original Design For Men And Women, Intimacy And Wholeness In Relationships, and more. Call 770-631-3566 for details and to register. Come and bring a friend. Father Paul Massey will answer your question. Write him at P.O. Box 510, Fayetteville, 30214 or paulmassey@earthlink.net
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