NO OTHER GODS

AMAZING ANSWERS

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen."

I John 5:21

There are answers to physical and spiritual problems that offer no logical explanation for the natural mind. We have been amazed to discover that certain objects, associations and special observances cause problems in some Christian's lives.

Unbelievable as it may seem, we've seen:

Healing come when some physical object was removed and destroyed...

Personal problems cease when an association was renounced ...

Personality defects go away when some seasonal or special observance was discontinued...

Most of these phenomena have been discovered while ministering. Some were learned through the sharing of information from others who minister to God's people. All have sent us searching the Scriptures for confirmation and more understanding.

There are those that scoff at such, and so did we until we began to see the results of obedience to this kind of direction from the Holy Spirit.

This book is for people who are grasping for the full freedom offered through the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. It is also for those who have that unexplainable hunger to be totally available to His presence and bidding.

We are not writing to those Christians who want to see just how far they can go without getting in trouble spiritually, but to those who are desperate for some breakthrough.

We offer this information and instruction with the utmost caution. In some cases, what affects one, does not affect another. Do not assume that everything in this book is applicable for the entire Body of Christ nor is it to be taken as some sort of "clothesline" religion. What is a liberating discovery for one, can be a condemning bondage for another who needs to hear personally.

May the Lord bless you and set you free as you seek His understanding and liberty.

"Having therefore these promises dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

II Corinthians 7:1

OBJECTS

"Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house lest thou he a cursed thing like it: [but] thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it [is] a cursed thing."

Deuteronomy 7:26

In light of Scripture, an idol is a representation. It is not the thing itself but a portrayal or picture of it.

An idol can be a mental image or actual object. In this material, we are referring to the object type of idol.

In the Apostle Paul's day food was brought to statues as offerings to certain gods. This is still done today in many pagan religions. Paul told the believers at Corinth that the idol or object is nothing, even when food is offered to it. (I Cor. 5:4)

Note what he also says:

"But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.

"You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord's table and the table of demons.

"Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?" (I Cor. 10:20-22).

In other words, objects are not the problem. It's what they bring with them. Some objects attract demons, and the possessors of such objects fellowship with the evil spirits, usually unknowingly.

Another reason objects are problems for Believers is that no object can reveal the nature of God. He has made man to be in His image. The purpose of the reincarnation is to reveal God in the flesh. Paul warned, "We ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art's and man's devising." (Acts 17:29)

We are the expression that God wants. As we commune in personal fellowship with Christ, we are transformed into the image of His Nature. (See Heb. 1: 1-3)

The following lists are to help you find what might be a problem in your surroundings. They come from many discoveries of the past years in ministry.

TYPES OF OBJECTS

JEWELRY

Before Jacob could go to the house of God (Bethel), it was necessary that foreign idols including earrings, be put away. (Gen 35: 1-4)

You should also be aware that there are some jewelry companies that have been formed and are operated by people in witchcraft. One such organization includes a form of the word "coven" in their name. We have found such items to be sources of problems in believers' lives.

Rings - Can represent strong attachment and/or bondage.

Example: One lady wearing a "Nefertiti" (the name of an Egyptian queen ring had a kidney problem called "Ne

phritis." Following renunciation and destruction of the ring, she was finally healed.

Necklaces - Also can represent bondage. Since the neck represents our will, Necklaces can be like spiritual yokes.

Earrings - Represent servitude when they are the type for pierced ears (See Exo. 21:1-6); They were worn by Pagans; (See Jgs 8-24-26) They are related to harlotry (See Hos. 2:13); Piercing of the ears will bring a sin curse through mutilation of the flesh (See Lev. 21:5)

Example: We've found pierced earrings to be the door for several physical problems. After repenting, denouncing and removing pierced earrings, many have been healed of acne, female problems, Bell's Palsy, hearing problems and other infirmities.

Bracelets - Can represent bondage like shackles on the wrists.

Christian Jewelry - Crucifixes, crosses, fish symbols, doves, stars of David and like images are worn by some as charms or fetishes. We must see that WE are the image, not some inanimate object.

"Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold or of putting on of apparel; But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

1 Pet. 3:3-4

IMAGES

"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath or that [is] in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them."

Exo 20:4-5

For hundreds of years, the Israelites would permit no carved images on any of their structures. This was so important that King Herod, when building the great temple in Jerusalem, forbade any carving or picture on the edifice. He feared offending them.

Most people will say they don't worship such imagery in their possession. But honest study and interpretation of the Scriptures says not to make them, much less bow down to them. We have encountered many problems due to Believers just possessing such items.

The following comes from actual experiences in ministering where dealing with objects has been part of the answer:

Dolls and Stuffed Animals - Are obvious representations of living things. Rejected children are especially drawn to them. Even adults treat teddy bears as though they were living persons. This invites spirits of inordinate affection. We have numerous cases of these objects actually speaking, carrying on conversations and moving.

We have encountered many situations where children could not sleep or were having terrifying nightmares. When the dolls and stuffed animals were removed from their bedrooms, peace came. We have also found some childhood diseases related to the same.

Example: A mother brought her seven-year old son to one of our gatherings. He had many allergies, severe asthma and annual bouts of pneumonia This had even caused a sunken place in the child's chest. After praying for the boy, I was led to ask about any special toys or objects he had in his room at home. His mother said she had been buying him a collection of toys called "Masters of the Universe." The onset of symptoms of the child's infirmities had come following the purchase of the first Masters of the Universe figure. The symptoms had grown more severe as more objects were added to the collection. Although over one thousand dollars' worth of materials including curtains, bedspreads, tooth brushes and several images were involved, this young man, at his own initiative, bagged up all his collection and threw it away. The symptoms in his respiratory tract began to diminish. After two years now, he has very little evidence of any allergy.

Puppets - For many Christians, this is a very touchy area since puppets are used in many churches for children's ministry. But again, we address this instruction to those who sincerely want the full depths of the liberty of this Gospel.

"What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols? Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake, to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold it [is] laid over with gold and silver, and [there is] no breath at all in the midst of it. But the LORD [is] in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him."

Habakkuk 2:18-20

The Holy temple of the Lord is the physical body of Believers. Should we condition our children or anyone else for that matter, to give heed to carved images of wood and stone that seem to talk?

The throwing of the voice or ventriloquism was a technique used by the magicians and sorcerers in the Old Testament. They used it to practice their craft and deceive the people.

There is much more that could be shared here but this should be enough to get you moving toward liberty.

Any sort of ministry or teaching that resorts to trickery or deceit has an end result of causing spiritual dullness and eventually opens the door to deeper deception. BEWARE!

Photos and Pictures - We are often asked about these. We have found photographs of people displayed openly to bring familiar and oppressive spirits. This is an area that calls for personal discernment. Photos of old "soul mates" can cause problems. Certain paintings have brought heaviness and even poltergeists into homes. If you sincerely want direction, the Holy Spirit will guide you.

ARTIFACTS

"and Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, [even] in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house."

Judges 8:27

Perhaps, we should call this section miscellaneous. We have found some most unsuspecting items to have a negative effect on people's lives. The following is a brief list of such:

Imported baskets and rugs (often the knotting is "prayer knots" made to appeal to some demon god);

Incense and some candles (All incense is originally produced for worship to idols and false gods. It will loose spirits

in the place of burning. Some candles invoke unclean spirits and are used in witchcraft);

Furniture with dragon carvings or paintings; All jewelry with Turquoise;

All garments or shoes with Indian beads on them (The bead design is to invite a certain spirit to come help the wearer's life in some way);

Plaster castings or moldings of creatures such as frogs, owls, or other vermin (These invite spirits of witchcraft);

Family Heirlooms (Items handed down through the family will often carry familiar spirits causing "things' to run in the family" or a presence to be felt in a house);

Grecian vases (These are usually shaped like the female organs and bring female infirmities); (See example below);

Statues or figures of any kind (Fat little Buddhas are especially demonic);

Certain toys featuring personalities or creatures Any type of fortune telling game such as ouija board, witchcraft games like Dungeons & Dragons and even regular playing cards (originally designed to tell fortunes) are sure doors for demonic oppression. (Please, note the previous example of the seven year old boy);

Most collections of any sort (they invite allergy spirits through idolatry);

Many antiques (They invite a spirit of death or some familiar spirit).

Example: After tiling his bathroom a neighbor of a church member found that his children would not go into it anymore. They would cry and tremble with fear at the door. Samples of the tile were brought to me, and upon close examination the seemingly swirls of color on the tile were found to have grotesque faces and other demonic images in them. It was obvious that these designs were not planned. The bathroom had to be redone.

Example: A woman with chronic female problems had sought healing for several years. Through direction of the Holy Spirit a vase bought in Greece years before became suspect for allowing oppression in the home. The woman said that the family had moved several times and the vase, even though dropped many times, was always there unbroken. Upon closer investigation, the "Grecian Urn" was shaped like the internal female organs of a woman! After destroying the vase and praying, the woman was finally relieved of her infirmities.

BOOKS & RECORDINGS

"And many that believed came and confessed and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all [men]: and they counted the price of them, and found [it] fifty thousand [pieces] of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed."

Acts 19:18-20

Written and recorded material have strong attractions for spirits. A book or tape can be anointed in two different ways - the Holy Spirit or evil spirits. There are countless instances of deliverances following the destruction of certain books, records or tapes.

ASSOCIATIONS

"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves to obey, to his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death or of obedience unto righteousness?"

Romans 6:16

To understand the effect of associations in one's life, it's necessary to understand the Biblical principle of submission. When one joins some organization or group, he places himself under the influence of their beliefs and actions. The submission principle causes a "flowing down" from leadership influencing all those involved. This influence will manifest in the participants' even though they don't know everything that's going on in the organization or group. This, of course, is the crucial part of associations. In other words, "What you see is not always what you get."

We have encountered several situations where Believers couldn't understand why some problem was continuing in their lives. Deliverance would not hold until they repented from belonging and renounced some organization they were associated with in the past or present.

The following groupings should help identify problem associations. They, too, come from actual experience and guidance by the Holy Spirit:

SECRET OR MYSTERY ORGANIZATIONS

"For the king knoweth of these things before whom also l speak freely: for l am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was done in a corner."

Acts 26:26

The most harmful associations are with organizations that have secret rituals and works. In all cases, we have found secret rituals to be demonic in nature and rooted in some form of witchcraft.

Masonry and the Shriners - The Blue Lodge is a false religion in that it excludes the blood atonement of Jesus Christ. There are no "good works" without a changed heart through the salvation experience in Christ Jesus. The secret rituals of masonry are highly demonic in form and nature and should be renounced by any Believer who is or has been a part of such.

Order of the Eastern Star - This is the women's part of Masonry. Its symbol is the satanic five pointed star representing the goat's head. Its rituals and works are centered around a harem where the women dress as harem girls.

Example: A woman gave testimony at a workshop about her daughter who had unusual problems with the young men she dated. Although they were upstanding Christians they would become very forward with her when on a date. One young man, who was planning to be a minister, so lost control with the daughter that he fell away from the Lord through shame.

The daughter was deeply distraught and was doing nothing to encourage such behavior.

A friend of the mother who was asked to pray about this problem said that she saw a sign of Masonry or the Shrine while praying. The friend asked the mother if she or her deceased husband belonged to the lodge.

Although the mother was no longer active, before becoming a Christian, she and her deceased, husband had been deeply involved in Masonry and the Eastern Star. He had been a Shriner and 33rd Degree Mason. The mother also realized that she still had all the paraphernalia of their membership in her possession. She not only had a harem gown, but also had pledged allegiance to the goddess of love in her rituals. The ritual went back to Egyptian lore of drawing prostitutes through rituals.

All the items were destroyed. The mother repented and renounced her association with Masonry. The daughter was then prayed for and ministered to for deliverance.

Not only did the problem with the daughter cease, but the young man who had left the Lord, returned to his Christian walk and is now a pastor!

Fraternities and Sororities - Much to our surprise, we found that the Greek organizations found on college campuses have secret initiation rituals akin to the Masonic Lodge. Some use lodge buildings for their initiations.

One brother we ministered to revealed his experience of crawling on hands and knees from altar to altar in order to be approved as a fraternity brother. An officer wearing a robe and a pointed hat sat at each altar to see that the initiate properly fulfilled his vows to the fraternity.

The hazing and harassment that precedes the final initiation, is designed to "brain wash" and gain control of the

members giving them a sense of brotherhood. This opens doors for demonic activity and ungodly soul ties.

There is no brotherhood except through the blood of Jesus Christ and the waters of baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Boy Scouts and The Order of the Arrow - The Boy Scouts appear to be nothing more than a beneficial organization for boys. We were greatly surprised at what ministry uncovered for those who were or had been involved in the scouts.

First of all, this group pledges to God. This is futile and deceptive without acknowledgment of the blood atonement of Jesus Christ.

Secondly, referring to the principle of submission and the "flowing down" from leadership, it is publicly known that the founder of the Boy Scouts was inordinately fond of young boys. As a consequence, there are thousands of cases of scout masters molesting the boys in their troops. (You may write us for copies of documented materials about this).

Thirdly, in America, scouting has a secret society called the Order of the Arrow. One can only join this order by invitation and passing the initiation. The Indian lore taught and passed on to the young men is demonic through and through. Because of the controversial nature of this category, please refer to the appendix in the back of the book. This material was given to us by a former Eagle Scout who found fuller freedom in his Christian walk after renouncing the vows and receiving deliverance from the demon spirits that had come into his life through this association. (See Appendix Pg. 32 for copy of ritual)

Example: A college student came for ministry because of severe oppression and hindrances in his efforts to train for ministry. Ministry led us to pray about his association with scouting. He had been one of the leading scouts in the United States and deeply involved in the Order of the Arrow.

Further questioning revealed that this Brother had been the Medicine Man for the Order. His responsibility was to go out into the woods and call up spirits, determine their names and assign them to the other members of the group. These spirits were assigned as spirit guides to the individuals

When ministering to this young man about this, the spirit began to throw him violently on the floor and scream out in rage at being discovered! After several sessions of ministry changes began to manifest in this brother's life. He is now fulfilling his ministry in France.

VOWS AND PLEDGES

"Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

Proverbs 18:21

"For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith."

Mark 1:23

OBSERVANCES

"Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in drink or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath [days]: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ."

Colossians 2:16-17

Special observances open doors of oppression in some Believer's lives. Most of us are aware of the depression that can come during holiday seasons. Sometimes it is so severe, people commit suicide and do other things they would not consider in the course of everyday living.

Although the significance goes unnoticed, the spirits of holiday times are named. As with all spirits, each of these have traits that influence people according to their particular nature.

For instance, the spirit of Christmas brings with it moods of reminiscence, melancholiness and guiltiness. This spirit also causes people to have attitudes of carelessness and irresponsibility. So often there is a great sense of "letdown" following this season due to participation in the influences of the Christmas spirit.

Experience has taught us that the greater the need to defend any particular holiday or observance is sure indication of a problem in the life of one who needs such gratification.

Although most of the activity associated with special observances seem harmless and often religious in origin, spiritual discernment reveals a deadly fellowship with demon powers cunning in their deceit.

Only a person who desires to be deceived can deny the recorded facts of the merging of the pagan holidays with historical events in the life of Jesus. The roots of such observances honor demons more than Christ and cause such mixture of truth that the Gospel is left of none effect.

As spiritual people under the new covenant, our celebrations focus on Jesus Christ as a full-grown Son of God Who died for the sins of the world. Israel of the Old Testament had external celebrations by observing the three feasts instituted by God. Now we celebrate the feasts inwardly through Jesus, Who fulfilled them. The only external observances for believers today are the Lord's Supper or Communion and water baptism.

"And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice [and] to hearken than the fat of rams. "

I Samuel 15:22

We have divided observance into two main areas: holidays and traditions. The information on holidays is not exhaustive since so much material is available for those who want to study further.

HOLIDAYS

CHRISTMAS

The so called birthday of Jesus, if it is to be observed, is certainly not December 25. Close study of the Scriptures plainly reveal His birth to be near harvest time or in the fall of the year, although some scholars date it in the spring. Actually the date has reliably been determined to be September 29, 2 B.C.

The date chosen for Christmas, in fact, is a pre-Christian festival day related to the springing forth of Nimrod as he comes back to life from the earth.

All of the symbols and objects of Christmas are related in some way to pagan lore and rituals.

The following is a brief list of Christmas objects and their true meanings. For further investigation see the Bibliography in the back of the book.

Christmas Trees - Semiramis the mother of Tammuz claimed that overnight an evergreen tree sprang up from a dead stump. The dead stump supposedly symbolized her dead husband Nimrod. The new evergreen tree was the symbol that Nimrod had come to life again in the person of her virgin born son, Tammuz. From this time on, the evergreen tree was worshipped. In at least ten Bible references, the "green" tree is associated with idolatry and false worship.

Tree Decorations - "Balls" symbolize the sun and represent the worship of Nimrod who was supposed to be the god of the sun. Lights on the trees originally were candles that were burned to the god of lights - Februa - today electric lights are used.

Gifts - Supposedly gifts were found under the evergreen tree that sprang up, so from that time to this, gifts are given on December 25th in honor of the birth of Tammuz

the child-god, hundreds of years before the wise men brought gifts to Jesus.

Santa Claus - He is a fake god and is depicted as living in the north. That is where the Bible says God is: "the sides of the North." (See Isa. 14:13) He is depicted as being omnipresent by being every place and all knowing. Besides, it is a lie to tell children about something that is false.

Holly and Mistletoe - The holly and mistletoe were used in ceremonies of the Druidic priest in worship to Satan.

"Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people [are] vain: for [one] cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers that it move not. They [are] upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also [is it] in them to do good. Forasmuch as [there is] none like unto thee, 0 LORD; thou [art] great, and thy ]name [is] great in might."

Jeremiah 10:2-6

EASTER

The word "Easter" is not a Christian expression. It is a modern form of the word Ishtar or Astarte, another name for Semiramis of Babylon. Although the church claims this holiday as Christian, honest investigation reveals it to be pagan to the root.

We must keep in mind that God condones no form of fantasy or deceit. He hates lies and liars. (See Prov. 13:5) To say that God is pleased with and receives forms of worship that mix truth with

lies, is evidence of great misunderstanding of the Word and ways of our Lord.

Here is a brief list of Easter activities that are obviously pagan in nature:

Good Friday - Any third grader can calculate that, if Jesus was in the grave three days and three nights, He could not have been buried on Friday and risen on Sunday morning. A study of the feasts of the Old Testament will reveal that Passover was a Sabbath in addition to the seventh day Sabbath. The fact is that Jesus was crucified on Wednesday and not on so called "Good Friday."

Sun Rise Services - This custom which argues that because Jesus was risen early in the morning we should have a "Sun Rise Service," is really a reversion to sun worship. Worship of the rising sun goes back to Baal worship.

Easter Egg Hunts - The egg was a sacred symbol of the Babylonians. It is a symbol of fertility and of renewed life dating back to the ancient Egyptians and Persians, who had a custom of coloring and eating eggs during their spring festival. It has absolutely nothing to do with the faith of the Kingdom of God.

Bunny Rabbits - The Easter hare is a symbol of fertility also. It is associated with the moon in ancient Egyptian legends. The Egyptian word for hare means "period' and relates to the period in women's cycle signifying renewal of life. Also, rabbits DO NOT lay eggs. For those wanting "proof," please, refer to the list of materials in the back of this book.)

HALLOWEEN

A quick look at any encyclopedia will reveal the origin of All Hallow's Eve or Halloween. It was originally a celebration by the Druids in honor of Samhain, lord of the dead and fell on November 1. The Celts chose October 31 as their New Year's Eve and celebrated everything wicked, evil and dead. They would gather around "bon" or "bone" fires and offer sacrifices including themselves. Wearing costumes made from the heads and skins of animals, they would tell one another's fortunes for the coming year.

Oddly enough, the very day chosen to honor Christian saints by Pope Gregory IV was the Druid Samhain. The old gods and beliefs were not to be surrendered. The Christian church adopted the policy of incorporating what is considered harmless pagan folkways in an effort to win over the folk. New branches were thus grafted onto the old Druid oak.

Everything about Halloween refers to witchcraft, evil and death. It should never be celebrated in any way by any Believer in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Jack-O-lanterns - Named after a man called Tack, who could not enter heaven or hell, symbolize the lantern he carried as he wandered in darkness until judgment day. The candle inside is to scare evil spirits away.

Trick-or-treat - Hundreds of years ago in Ireland, fanners went from house to house begging food for festivities in the name of their ancient gods. Good luck was promised to generous donors, and threats or "tricks" were made against those who would not give.

VALENTINES DAY

Valentines Day was originally a day set aside by the pagan Romans- in honor of Nimrod who was also named Lupercus or "wolf hunter." So another name for Nimrod is "Valentine." It is from this

name relationship that we get our expression for flirtatious men or wolves.

The holiday was a pagan free-for-all, when names of young women were put in a box and drawn out by men. The women were then to be the men's lovers in fornication for the coming year.

Pope Gelasius brought this holiday into the church as the feast of St. Valentine since the Roman citizens refused to give up their sensual observance.

Here we have another case of a thoroughly pagan observance being brought into the church of Jesus Christ under the guise of some religious meaning.

Having a Valentine Sweetheart - This custom relates to the picking of the women for fornication for the year. To ask someone to be your valentine is to ask them to be your lover in fornication.

Symbol of the Heart - In the Chaldean tongue, the word for "heart" was "bal." The heart became the symbol of Nimrod or Baal because of the similarity in sound. It has nothing to do with love. In fact, this heart symbol is not really shaped like a heart but refers to the female sexual organs.

TRADITIONS

WEDDINGS

Most every aspect of wedding traditions are devoted to rites of magic and taboos. In general, the magic was designed to ward off barrenness and the evil eye of those who were jealous. Certainly the Lord wants us to marry in a fitting way, but it's His desire that we put away those customs that pagans used to bring "luck" and ward off evil spirits.

Only the name and blood of Jesus Christ are effective in dealing with evil and the spirits involved.

Rice and/or Confetti - Rice especially is an emblem of fruitfulness and a magical protection against barrenness.

Flowers at Weddings - These too symbolize fertility. They were originally introduced from the Near East by the Crusaders and used for centuries as love charms and magical protection against barrenness.

The Bride's Veil - It was thought that if the bride was seen, she could do psychic injury to her neighbors and family, not to mention her husband to be. The veil was also used to protect the bride from the evil eye of jealous rivals and spinsters.

BIRTHDAYS

Surprising as it may be, casual research reveals deep pagan and superstitious roots of the birthday celebration. No where in God's Word can we find any suggestion to celebrate Jesus' birthday, nor is there any hint about personal observances. We do find reference to the celebration of Pharaoh's and Herod's birthdays. In both instances, people were put to death during the festivities.

Regarding cakes, we find this reference in Jeremiah 7:18 :

"The children gather wood, the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead dough, to make cakes for the queen of heaven; and they pour out drink offerings to other gods, that they may provoke Me to anger."

The making of special cakes with candles and the "blowing out while making a wish" is obviously superstition which would divert our trust and hope for future well being to some source other than the Lord.

Example: Birthdays can be a time for special recognition for individuals. Eveyone needs recognition and confirmation fromtime to time. I do not believe the Lord wants us to simply throw everything away, but for us to recognize the pagan roots of some of our traditions and rituals, renounce them as such and make the Lordship of Jesus Christ the center of everything we do. In spite of all rationale and effort, though, some traditional observances support such outright perversion of reality, they should be completely abandoned. There absolutely is no Santa Claus or Easter Bunny.

In the New Testament we find Jesus giving the church only one thing to celebrate: His death. He told us to remember and celebrate His death—not His birth, resurrection or ascension—only His death. We should give this prayerful consideration.

SUPERSTITIONS

There are so many superstitions it would take an entire book to cover them. All of them are motivated by fear or greed. There is no place in the Christian walk for "luck" good or bad. Thank the Father that our lives are not ruled by fate or coincidence.

As long as any superstition is observed in one's life, demonic powers will have influence in that life. Fear, especially, will have grounds to oppress any such individual Christian or non-Christian.

SUGGESTIONS

One sure sign that any holiday observance has some sway in your life is defensiveness about it. When presenting this material to groups, I have seen people react with strong emotions, insisting that they keep their holiday.

No Other Gods - by Stephen Bell