The Spiritual Realm is REAL

Intro - story

Ok…Feelings can deceive and God’s presence is real…but…GHOST STORIES

What about ghosts?

Do they exist? Should believers in Jesus believe in them?

48% of Americans believe in ghosts.

1 in 3 people feel they have been contacted by the dead in some form or another. ( 20% of evangelical Christians)

What is a ghost?

Pop culture would tell you that ghosts are the spirits of human who have died but have not yet crossed over to heaven or hell.

Does the Bible reference them?

What about Eliphaz’s experience in Job 4?

Or Saul’s experience with the witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28?

What about the transfiguration of Jesus? Did he communicate with the dead?

And the disciples…who on several occasions mistook Jesus for a ghost?

Where do we go to find TRUTH? (The Word of God) So, what does the Bible have to say ?

Ephesians 6:10–13 (ESV)

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Spiritual forces do exist. The Word of God speaks of these forces as the enemy of the believer.

So, are ghosts really the departed revisiting to take care of unfinished business? Uh…no.

2 Corinthians 5:8 (ESV)

8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

Hebrews 9:27 ESV

27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16:26

Luke 16:26 (ESV)

26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’

Clarity from the WORD

1. Any spirit not from God is not to be messed with.

Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (ESV)

10 There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer

11 or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead,

12 for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you.

2. Deceptive spirits can manifest to humans

2 Corinthians 11:14–15 (ESV)

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.

Should we entertain evil?

Ephesians 5:11 ESV

11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Matthew 6:13 ESV

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Romans 12:9 (ESV)

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

Here is what matters the most...Greater is HE!

John 14:16–17 (ESV)

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,

17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

John 14:25–27 (ESV)

25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you.

26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

1 John 4:4 (ESV)

4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

The ultimate ghostbuster!

When you feel that God has abandoned you, remember....

Your feelings can deceive you

God’s presence in REAL

His Spirit is REAL (and powerful!)