I had once been an atheist actor in the entertainment industry and my purpose in life had been defined by my resume. In 2004, Christ Jesus saved me from myself. I now preach GOD's Word and my purpose is found in dying to myself daily while living for others.
Due to a previous article about all the people who have never heard the Gospel, someone asked, “Does God really put the eternal destiny of mankind on our shoulders?”
Oof. That would be a bit heavy. The short and simple answer is no. Often times we cannot even carry our own burdens and that’s why Jesus says for all who are weary and heavy-laden to come to Him and He will give them rest (Matthew 11:28). That’s why we’re told to cast all our anxiety on Him because He cares for us (1Peter 5:7).
Is anything too difficult for GOD (Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17,27; Zechariah 8:6; Matthew 19:25-26; Luke 1:37; 18:27)? No. In fact, GOD is able to save (Psalm 76:9; Zechariah 8:7; Matthew 3:9; Luke 3:8; 19:10; Romans 11:23; Ephesians 3:20; 1Timothy 1:15; Hebrews 7:25; Jude 1:24). Are we supposed to share the Gospel? Yes (Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8). Is every single person’s salvation dependent upon us? Well, do you believe your works of sharing the Gospel is what actually saves people (Ephesians 2:8-9; 2Corinthians 10:17-18)? It can. It does. Certainly, people are saved by hearing the Gospel. Many will most likely quote Romans 10:14-15 or another closely related passage in order to argue that people cannot be saved if we do not tell them and they never hear; however, like I showcased in a previous article, GOD has/is/will speak to those He calls even if you and I fail to reach them (Isaiah 41:4; 46:10; John 6:44,70; 13:18; 15:16,19; Acts 10; Romans 8:29-30; 9:11,15-16; 11:29; 1Corinthians 1:26; Ephesians 1:4-6,11; 4:1,4; 1Thessalonians 1:4; 2Timothy 1:9; Hebrews 3:1; 2Peter 1:10). Again, GOD can reach all people even if we can only reach some people. We must not lack faith in the Lord. My GOD is mighty to save! Don’t place so much importance on what you do. If people are saved because of anything you say, it is only because the Holy Spirit spoke through you and helped the listener to understand (Luke 1:67; 21:15; Acts 2:4; 4:8,31; Romans 8:5-14; Ephesians 1:13-14). People still receive dreams and visions (Ex: Acts 10); GOD will call whomever He calls. GOD is able to speak to people directly. However, this does not release us from our duty to share the Gospel out from love for GOD and love for our neighbor. We most certainly do everything we can to share the Gospel, but we should also humble ourselves and realize that it is not our works that saves people (Psalm 138:6; Proverbs 3:34; Matthew 23:12; Luke 14:11; 18:14; James 4:6,10; 1Peter 5:5-7). However, GOD allows us to participate in the Kingdom work. Why do we believe this is so? By living out the great commission, does it not teach us the importance of loving GOD and loving our neighbors (which is the greatest commandment) [Matthew 22:36-40]? And truly, the fact that peoples’ eternal destinations is not determined by our efforts is a good thing. I’m incapable of saving you! However, I can tell you about and lead you to the One who can save you. And that’s what Christians do. We merely point people to the One who can save them – Christ Jesus!
If you would rather read this message, the words are provided below…
This is Part 20 of my Superhero series. In the introduction of this series, I provided the argument that heroes are real and then I distinguished between heroes and superheroes. I also provided a list of what defines a superhero. In Part 1, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute standard of Good and realize that evil is a mere privation of what is good. In Part 2, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute moral standard and realize that what is wrong can only be known by the standard of what is right. In Part 3, I defined and expounded upon love because all superheroes are full of love and are compelled to act out from love. In Part 4, I explained that superheroes desire to save people from all forms of danger and/or death and this desire comes from love. In Part 5, we learned that superheroes are solution seekers. In Part 6, we saw that solution seekers are willing to sacrifice if necessary. In Part 7, we saw that sacrificial love steps forward and offers service. In Part 8, we saw that superheroes go above and beyond the call of duty. In Part 9, we saw that superheroes never give up! In Part 10, we saw that superheroes don’t need recognition – they are motivated only by love! In Part 11, we saw that relationships matter and teamwork works! In Part 12, we saw that the struggle is real; however, Jesus is the real solution to our real problems. In Part 13, we saw that despite problems, superheroes are more than conquerors! In Part 14, we saw that true superheroes do not have identity crises – they know who they are even if others don’t! In Part 15, we saw that superheroes are always ready to fight evil with the belt of Truth. In Part 16, we saw that superheroes are always ready to resist evil by putting on the breastplate of righteousness. In Part 17, we saw that superheroes are always ready to walk with purpose. In Part 18, we saw that superheroes are always ready to deflect the enemy’s attacks by holding up the shield of faith. In Part 19, we saw that by wearing the helmet of salvation, superheroes always protect themselves from evil penetrating their minds with parasitic seeds of thought that contaminate, corrupt, and control.
In this message (Part 20), we will see that by using the Sword of the Spirit, superheroes can not only block the enemy’s attacks, but also drive the enemy away.
Continuing the examination of the whole armor of GOD, we are now instructed to take the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). Roman soldiers had different types of swords at their disposal, but the word for “sword” here is taken from the Greek word machaira. This sword was approximately 19 inches long and both sides of the blade were sharp; it was a double-edged sword.
Consider the following comic book characters: Katana (DC), Deadpool, The Swordsman, and Black Knight (Marvel) – they all use swords as their weapon of choice to fight their opponents. Though the sword is not a popular weapon of choice for superheroes, those who choose to use it find the sword to be extremely useful. And like the aforementioned superheroes, ancient Roman soldiers also considered the sword to be extremely useful. Because the sword is capable of cutting through things or even taking life away from people, it is a symbol of power. The mere sight of the sword being drawn out from its sheath could strike fear into a person’s heart. The Roman Empire equipped all soldiers with this symbol of power and fear as a reminder of their dominance and control. And just as apostle Paul used the soldier’s armor to call attention to ways of defending ourselves, Paul also calls attention to the sword as an offensive weapon. Why? Because defense without offense is unsustainable stamina.
Just as bread/manna is actually the Word of GOD (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4; John 6:35,41,48,51), Ephesians 6:17 tells us that the sword is also the Word of GOD. The term “word” is taken from the Greek word rhema, which describes something that is spoken clearly; spoken vividly; spoken in undeniable language; or spoken in unmistakable, unquestionable, certain, and definite terms. Thus, this word is a special word of clarity that supernaturally comes into a believer’s mind. Some excellent examples of this can be seen in Matthew 10:19-20, John 14:26, and Acts 4:8-13. But we must understand that the rhema comes out from the logos. In other words, the Holy Spirit uses the written Word (that’s already within us) to extract and highlight a special Word of clarity for a specific time and for a specific purpose. If you don’t consume the written Word, then the Holy Spirit cannot highlight which specific Word to use at a specific time. Logos is prerequisite for rhema.
When Jesus told us that all who live by the sword will die by the sword (Matthew 26:52), Jesus was telling us that if we use violent, forceful, or underhanded methods against other people, we can expect those same methods to be used against us. Violence begets violence. Those who practice violence will come to violent ends. Essentially, the measure and method you use toward others will be the measure and method by which you also will be judged (Matthew 7:2; Mark 4:23-25).
If those who live by the sword also die by the sword, why did Paul call the Word of GOD the Sword? Are we supposed to strike people down like the Crusaders did? Are we supposed to beat people over the head with our Bibles and subdue them into submission until they claim to be Christians? No! Conquest and forced conversion only has the power to change minds, but never hearts. And even the change of mind will most likely be superficial and temporary. If threatened, someone might proclaim to be converted; however, that same person will most likely revert to earlier beliefs once the threat of dying is no longer a possible outcome.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) -ESV
As is evident from Revelation 1:16; 2:12, the double-edged sword comes from the mouth of the Lord — it is the spoken Word! The phrase “two-edged” or “double-edged” is taken from the Greek word distomos, which is a compound of the word di, meaning two, and the word stomos, which is the Greek word for one’s mouth. Thus, this double-edged sword is a two-mouthed sword. How so? GOD’s Word cuts in two ways. As explained in Hebrews 4:12, GOD’s Word cuts through sin, pride, and disobedience when it enters us humans. However, because GOD’s Word boomerangs and never returns void (Isaiah 55:10-11), the Word moves through us and out of our mouths, which then becomes the other side of the blade. So, GOD’s Word goes out from His ‘mouth,’ cuts into us, and then boomerangs back and out from our mouths, which not only strikes down the enemy, but also supernaturally splices into other humans. However, it is important to understand that GOD’s Word is not a sword that cuts people down; rather, it is the Sword used to cut people free from their enslavement of sin. GOD’s Word cuts through calloused and hardened hearts, exposing lies, revealing Truth, causing conviction, and leads to repentance and alignment with the absolute moral standard of GOD’s will. While striking the enemy down, the Word also sets people free (John 8:32)!
Words Are Powerful:
How powerful are words? Let’s begin by realizing that GOD spoke the universe into existence (Genesis 1:3,6,9,11,14,20,24) – that’s how powerful words can be! When GOD created everything, He did it by starting with a formless void and then shaping it with His Word. Likewise, our lives are a formless void until GOD’s Word comes in to bring life and peace, beauty and order. The opposite is true as well: when GOD’s Word departs from our lives, they descend back into chaos.
But let’s also recognize the fact that words possess power even if they come from finite and fallible human beings. Words possess the power to affect emotions and even alter the direction in which a person will travel. Harmful words are like swords that cut people down (Psalm 55:21; 64:3; Proverbs 12:18). How many negative memories do you still have in your mind of hurtful words? Perhaps they came from strangers, friends, family, or even someone you loved most. I still carry with me a memory from my childhood when someone told me I should have been a girl because I had been crying. I also have a memory from my early adulthood when a relative of mine commented on how much time I ‘wasted’ on playing guitar and writing songs: “That will never amount to anything; dreams don’t pay bills.” But I also have memories of hearing the pretty girl I liked talk about what a perfect male looked like and me realizing I looked nothing like the male she described. I also have memories of hearing people tell me that either I wasn’t good enough or the work I presented wasn’t good enough. The old saying that “sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me” is a lie. As the old joke goes, those who don’t think that words hurt has never been hit in the head with a dictionary. Words can hurt; they do hurt. The power of the spoken word is so great that many people have ended up committing suicide due to their inability to block the hurtful words from penetrating their hearts and minds. In fact, at the age of 17, I even wrote out my own suicide letter because I had not been able to handle the heavy load of hurtful words I collected throughout the years.
“The words of the wicked kill; the speech of the upright saves.” (Proverbs 12:6) –MSG
“What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words.” (Proverbs 18:21) –GNT
“I can guarantee that on judgment day people will have to give an account of every careless word they say. By your words you will be declared innocent, or by your words you will be declared guilty.” (Matthew 12:36-37) –GW
How powerful are words? Words penetrate both mind and heart. Words can cut people down, but words can also build people up. So, what words will we speak? If we are all to be judged by our words, then it would be wise to speak life by speaking GOD’s Word. In fact, Paul tells us that GOD’s Word is our Sword and offensive weapon in our spiritual battle against evil. Like a fencing match or real sword fight, GOD’s Word is the Sword that blocks the enemy’s sword from connecting with our hearts and minds and also helps us to drive the enemy away.
Jesus provided the example for us when He spent 40 days in the wilderness to be tempted. The devil knows Scripture. When the devil spit out sword thrusts of destructive words, Jesus responded by using the Sword in a counter attack to not only block the attack, but to also drive the enemy away. Just as Jesus said, “it is written” (Matthew 4:4,7,10) as His offensive attack against the enemy, that must also be our response. With the shield of faith in one hand and GOD’s Word as your Sword in your other hand, you can block the enemy’s attacks and launch your own attack to drive the enemy away. Ultimately, GOD’s Word enables us to fight the lies of the great Liar and be more than conquerors in Christ (Matthew 4:10; Romans 8:37; James 4:7).
In the 1999 movie, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, the scene where Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan battle against Darth Maul can provide a visual depiction of what our spiritual battle looks like against evil. Darth Maul kills Qui-Gon and then immediately turns his attention toward Obi-Wan. Imagine Darth Maul as a demon, Qui-Gon as an unprepared human who allowed evil to overtake him, and Obi-Wan as yourself. Obi-Wan screamed in horror at the sight of Qui-Gon falling. Likewise, we should all be screaming in horror at the knowledge that millions of people are succumbing to the devil and his demonic deeds. But we are not exempt (1Corinthians 10:11-13). The demons are going to turn their attention toward us. Obi-Wan was prepared to battle against evil and prevailed over Darth Maul. Are you prepared to effectively battle against the devil and his demons? If the adversary knows how to use the Sword, how much more should you know how to use it? Have you been trained up in the ways of the Lord? Do you know how to handle the Sword?
The Sword Is A Weapon:
Without GOD’s Word, we have no offensive weapon to drive the enemy away. In the 2010 movie, The Book Of Eli, the evil villain, Carnegie, spoke the truth when he reprimanded his henchmen, informing them that capturing the Bible was of utmost importance because, “It’s a weapon!” And because GOD’s Word is the best weapon against evil, Satan has done everything possible in this life to ban it, burn it, discredit it, and disregard it. But of course, we already know that GOD’s Word lasts forever (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35) and Satan knows this as well. And because the enemy knows that GOD’s Word is forever, he often uses the tactic of twisting the text in order to manipulate the masses. There are many buildings proclaiming to be Christian churches, but upon closer investigation, the pastors are devils in disguise. There are many wolves in sheep clothing. We shouldn’t be surprised by this – Jesus and His disciples told us it would be this way (Matthew 7:15; 10:16; Acts 20:28-31; Romans 16:17-18; 2Corinthians 11:13-15; 1Timothy 4:1-2; 6:3-5; 2Timothy 3:1-9; 4:2-5; 2Peter 2:1-3; 1John 4:1,5-6). GOD’s Word warns us about false teachers in the world. And this is why it is important for us to have the Sword. However, an available weapon won’t be of any use to a person who doesn’t know how to use it. In order to use GOD’s Word, you must know GOD’s Word. Do you know the Word of GOD? Is it in you?
The Word Saves:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
(2Timothy 3:16-17) -ESV
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) -ESV
“Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’Peter replied, ‘Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.’Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, ‘Save yourselves from this crooked generation!’Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.”
(Acts 2:37-41) -NLT
GOD’s Word is the Sword that cuts people free from the Counterfeiter’s cage of captivity. Those who have been released from the the devil’s dungeon (like myself) find themselves shouting praises of gratitude for the gift of GOD’s grace. Like Paul, I was once blind to the Truth, but now I see! Think about it! How did 3,000 people get saved in one day? Because Peter was so amazing? No. Peter finally allowed the Holy Spirit to guide him and he used the Sword of the Spirit. Thousands of people were saved due to Peter and the apostles slicing through Satan’s snares with the Sword of the Spirit – GOD’s Word! In fact, in Acts 4:4, it is written that 5,000 men had been saved due to the preaching of the Gospel – and that number didn’t even include women or children! Thousands of people can be saved if we would only allow the Holy Spirit to guide us as we share the Gospel with them! Do you know GOD’s Word? Are you sharing the Gospel like Jesus commanded us to do?
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20) -NLT
“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”
(2Timothy 4:2-5) -NLT
Are you able to defend the faith like the apostles had been able to do (2Corinthians 10:5; 1Peter 3:15)? If you don’t know GOD’s Word, then you are not trained to use the Sword. If you’re not able to use the Sword, the devil and his demons will use the Sword against you. How do you know if someone is preaching the true Word of GOD? What if someone uses GOD’s Word by twisting the text like Satan did? Without GOD’s Word, we cannot know Truth. If we do not know Truth, we will inevitably believe lies. If you have the Bible in your possession, then you have the Sword in your possession. If you do not know GOD’s Word, you do not know how to use the Sword. If, however, you do know GOD’s Word, then you know how to use the Sword. Understand this: Satan has targeted you and is coming after you. Are you prepared to not only block the enemy’s attacks but to also drive him away? If you don’t know how to use the Sword, you better start training before it’s too late. If you do know how to use the Sword, you need to start training others how to use it. It’s time to take up the Sword! It’s time to cut people free from bondage and to release them from the darkness of the devil’s dungeon! How do we do that? We reflect the Light and shine bright!
It is written in Psalm 119:130 that GOD’s Word gives light. Why? Because GOD is able to bring unbelievers out of the darkness and into the light. Jesus is the Light
(2Samuel 22:29; Job 12:22; Psalms 18:28; Isaiah 42:16; John 1:5; 8:12; 12:46; Acts 26:16-18; Ephesians 5:8; 1Peter 2:9-10; 1John 1:5-10). And Jesus commanded us to be the light in the darkness of this world (Matthew 5:14). So, we are the light? But John 9:5 states that Jesus is the Light. So, which is it? Both. The first half of John 9:5 is the key to understanding this. Jesus “passed the torch” to His followers. Jesus is the primary Light; we are the secondary light, a reflection of the Light. We are light-bearers. As the light of the sun is to the moon, so the light of the Son is to us. Jesus shines the Light, the light enters us, casts out darkness, and then we reflect that light to everyone around us.
However, examine Matthew 5:14 in context. Jesus spoke about salt and light. But right before He spoke about salt and light, He gave the Sermon on the Mount and spoke about the “Beatitudes,” which is a list of blessings. In this, there are nine individual promises that come together to form one: we will be blessed if we are in alignment with GOD’s will. Within the entirety of the Beatitudes, there is only one command: rejoice and be glad. It happens to be in the midst of the warnings about persecution. The command is immediately followed by a promise that we will have a great reward in Heaven. This means we need to begin with the end in mind and make decisions based on our eternal destination, not our temporal circumstances (Psalm 30:5). Like Paul, we need to keep our eyes on the prize if we are to obtain the Beatitudes’ promise of being blessed (1Corinthians 9:24; Philippians 3:14).
Jesus then goes on to say that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We already discussed the light, but what about the salt? Salt is a necessity of life and has been used as a seasoning, a preservative, a disinfectant, and even used on icy conditions. Think: Are we preserving all the good qualities of life? Are we enhancing the ‘flavor’ of life? Are we a disinfectant, helping to eliminate the ‘germs’ of false doctrines? Are we being used for icy conditions? Are we thawing ice-cold hearts with our love? Are we helping people gain traction on slippery slopes? Our salty ‘flavor’ should cause people to salivate for salvation. Are we shining the Light and sharing the Gospel or are we hiding under a basket, thereby making it a casket? Hiding the Light under a basket is remaining silent when we should be speaking the Word. Superheroes don’t hide under baskets! Couch potato Christians are consumers in comfort-coffins.
Comfort Is The Coffin Of Christianity:
When Jesus told us not to hide our light under a basket (Matthew 5:14-16), He meant that we should not go into hiding and remain sheltered. In fact, Jesus commanded us to go out into the world, sharing the Gospel (Matthew 28:28-20). Do not be content with the knowledge of your own salvation!
“None of you should be looking out for your own interests, but for the interests of others.” (1Corinthians 10:24) –GNT
“Keep being compassionate to those who still have doubts,and snatch others out of the fire to save them. Be merciful over and over to them, but always couple your mercy with the fear of God. Be extremely careful to keep yourselves free from the pollutions of the flesh.”
(Jude 1:22-23) -TPT
If you are content with your own comfort and decide to build protective walls around yourself and refuse to leave that safety-box, it is more than likely that you will shelter yourself into non-existence. How can superheroes save anyone if they are hiding in a box? Evil wants you to build walls of comfort around yourself and for you to stay in your safety-box – the longer you stay inside your sheltered life, the more that shelter becomes your coffin. And if you stay inside your sheltered life, how could you have relationships with others and lead people to Christ? If you cut yourself off from the rest of the world, you cut yourself off from GOD’s plan for your life. If you cut yourself off from GOD’s will, you will be the substance without its source and you will slowly wither and die. Don’t shelter yourself; however, don’t live as the rest of this world lives. Rise above with love and speak out and reach out while inviting others in.
The safety-box of a sheltered life is a comfort-coffin. People try to justify their sheltered lives in many different ways, but here is the truth: those who are content with their own salvations and live sheltered lives don’t obey GOD’s laws nor live by His decrees. GOD has called us to love others – it’s not possible to reach out (with love) to those in the darkness if we are hiding in our safety-box (hiding our light).
Everyone’s coffin is different, yet they are all the same: the coffin is crafted to contour to your comfort. What does your coffin look like? It’s important to know what your coffin looks like – knowing what it looks like will help you stay out of it! A coffin can look like the car that someone loves to work on and invest in, it can look like the sports team someone spends all his/her time studying, it could look like the beer can someone can’t let go of long enough to use his/her hands for a better purpose, or it could even look like someone’s television set or his/her own apartment/house. Understand this: a coffin can even look like protection against evil. Although the coffin appears to be protection that keeps evil away from you, is the opposite – you need to realize that it is a trap, designed to keep you out of the world. Evil doesn’t want Christians out in the world. A comfort-coffin can even look like a church building.
I urge you – do not seek shelter! I urge you to step outside of your sheltered life; I urge you to get out of your comfort-coffin. Batman does not stay in the Batcave! If he did, he would never save anyone. Too many men are hiding in their man-caves. Do your hobbies consume all of your free time leaving you unable to help others? Examine your decisions and the motives behind your decisions. With the time you do have, do you use it to advance the Kingdom of GOD? Are you willing to leave your comfort-coffin in order to save others? Are you willing to go places you might not want to go and help people regardless of your opinion of them? Do your video games, beer pong, sports, etc. stand in the way of leading people to Christ? We are called to love others and to lead people to Christ. Let us go out and do exactly that! How? By knowing GOD’s Word and sharing the Good News! But how can you do that if you don’t know GOD’s Word? Is it in you?
The Word Is The Link To Your Sword:
Because rhema (a special word of clarity from the Holy Spirit) only comes from logos (the written Word of GOD), we must first know the Word of GOD in order to receive the Sword. Some people sit idly by in the darkness of their comfort-coffins, hoping to receive a Sword from GOD. But we will only receive the Sword by living in the light and reading our Bibles.
Consider the classic 1986 video game, Legend of Zelda. The main character, Link, can find and collect helpful items that enable him to live a victorious life. In the game, you are able to uncover hidden areas and discover game-changing items such as a map, compass, food, potion, shield, candle, bomb, key, boomerang, or even an upgraded sword.
To be a superhero in the name of the Savior, we must go on a quest much like Link does in the Legend of Zelda. Think about it. The only way Link will ever find and attain any game-changing items and reach the end of the game is by advancing forward, examining everything, and using his gifts while battling evil. To Link, game-changing items help him to be victorious and reach the end; likewise, superheroes end up as conquerors for Christ due to the life-changing Word. Link has a map and compass to help him find his way; likewise, we have GOD’s Word and moral compass to guide us in life. Link is sustained by food he finds; GOD’s Word is our food. Link has potion to give him life; GOD’s Word comes from the Lord, the Lord is Life and gives life. Link has a shield to protect him from evil’s attacks; we have the whole armor of GOD. Link has a candle to give him light to use in the darkness; the Lord is the Light and we are the light of the world. Link has a bomb he can use to blast his way through walls; we destroy strongholds with Truth-bombs. Link has a key to unlock new areas; by reading the Bible, the Holy Spirit will help us understand ‘secret passages’ and this will unlock new areas of life for us. Link has a boomerang that returns to him; we have GOD’s Word, which also acts as a boomerang because it never returns void. Link can get an upgraded sword; we receive a Sword as an upgrade after knowing the Word. According to zeldauniverse.net, Link can attain an upgraded Magical Sword by following these steps:
“Requirement: Min. 12 Heart Containers
From the starting screen, head right one screen, up five screens, left two screens, down one screen, left one screen up one screen, left two screens, down one screen, left two screens, and up one screen to find yourself in part of the graveyard.
Push the middle grave in the third column from the left to reveal a stairwell leading to the sword.”
Likewise, in order for superheroes (Christians) to receive a rhema (Sword), we must be willing to take the required action of the necessary steps. What are these necessary steps? Just as there was a minimum requirement of 12 heart containers for Link to receive the Magical Sword, there is a minimum requirement for us to receive the Sword: we must read the Bible. Just as there are directions to follow in order for Link to receive the Magical Sword, there are directions we must follow to receive the Sword: read the Bible, study the Bible, meditate on what is written, and trust the Holy Spirit to present you with the Sword at the right time. Link received the Magical Sword only after the secret passage was revealed. Likewise, the special Sword we receive from the Holy Spirit is like a secret passage being revealed. But if we have not read GOD’s Word, then the Holy Spirit cannot help us bring it to mind at the right time for a specific purpose. Link had to put forth effort in order to attain game-changing items. Likewise, we must also put forth effort in order for the life-changing Sword. All we need to do is know the Word. Have you consumed the Word? By consuming the Word you can receive the Sword. Is it in you?
Neopaganism (new paganism) is a revival of ancient paganism and is a form of pantheism or polytheism or both. Neopaganism is also manifest in witchcraft (Wicca), occultism, and other religions that fit under the broad umbrella of New Age. At its core, the New Age movement borrows, mixes, and matches spiritual practices from paganism, Buddhism, Hinduism, aboriginal religions, and other sources. As a result, New Age religions present an incredible variety of practices. Psychics, horoscopes, the Dalai Lama, Wicca, witchcraft, crystal therapy, contacting the dead, worship of the moon goddess, past life regression, communion with higher beings, white/black magic, feng shui, and the quest for one’s “higher self” are all incorporated into New Age spirituality. The impulse to mix different religious beliefs and practices is ancient.
There are obviously a variety of beliefs that are practiced under the broad neopagan heading; however, there are some generally shared characteristics and beliefs that draw on polytheism, the occult, relativism, pluralism, and sometimes even pantheism.
Neopaganism sprouts from the soil of paganism, Hinduism, Wicca, and, indirectly, atheism, and other systems. Of course, the main root of neopaganism is ancient Greek and Roman polytheism. Neopagans are free to worship any gods and goddesses. But not all modern paganism comes from Greece. The revival of Buddhism and especially Hinduism with its multimillions of gods also supports New Age religion and neopaganism. Hinduism has infiltrated virtually every level of Western culture, tailored to fit Western humanism by teaching that each of us is a little god.
Another stream of neopaganism is the religion of Wicca (a.k.a. witchcraft or the Craft). This movement, popularly known as witchcraft, has a strong overlap with the feminist movement, which is evident in the feminist witch, Margot Adler. Wicca does not [intentionally] endorse evil or worship Satan (as some believe); rather, Wiccans attempt to draw on the spiritual powers in the universe to promote goodness and healing. Wicca recognizes many gods, including the supreme goddess, who is represented by the moon. This religion teaches that there are many invisible lines of spiritual power crisscrossing the world around us and that it is possible to tap into them for the sake of helping others. Wicca often likes to paint itself as the female alternative to male-dominated established religion [even though Gerald Gardner (1888—1964) is widely known as the father of modern Wicca]. Wiccans often envision their own versions of the Source of power; consequently, this makes Wicca individualistic and attractive to those who desire to maintain control and those who like alternative lifestyles. Others, feeling a special connection with animals, enjoy Wicca’s emphasis on nature.
On April 11-14, 1974, the Council of American Witches listed 13 basic principles in the creed they called “Principles of Wiccan Belief.” These beliefs include moon worship, harmony with nature, the creative power in the universe manifest in male and female polarities, and sex as pleasure. The core Wiccan ethic says, “harm no one; do what you will.” Another rule says, “Anything you do will come back to you three times over.” Spell-casting and magic are vital parts of Wicca. Spells are symbolic acts performed in an altered state of consciousness to cause a desired change. Interestingly, though Wicca is synonymous with the demonic deeds in the Judeo-Christian theology, the Council of American Witches disavowed devil worship and the belief that there is “the only way” and rejected absolute Truth. Wiccans have an abhorrence to monotheism because it contradicts their polytheistic, pluralistic, and relativistic beliefs.
Neopagans are almost inevitably involved in the occult. They believe in an impersonal force, energy, or power, into which they can tap to do supernormal things. Whatever the source of ‘the Force’ of Star Wars, it clearly is similar to the force believed in by neopagan witches. Luke Skywalker is a classic model for this belief; this was evident when he had engaged in white magic when he tapped into the “light side of the Force.”
Neopagans are strongly pluralistic. Polytheism by its nature leaves room for more gods and goddesses. All forms of worship of whatever god one may choose are legitimate for the worshiper; however, such belief rejects absolute Truth in favor of an irrationalism in which opposites can both be true.
My Final Thoughts:
Due to the pluralistic beliefs and relativism regarding Truth, neopagans claim we should discard reason as normative in life. But if this is done, then opposites could both be true and this violates the fundamental laws of thought. The person who claims that opposites can both be true does not really believe that the opposite of that statement also is true. All Truth cannot be relative. That very claim is presented as a nonrelative truth claim. There cannot be one and only one GOD (monotheism) and more than one god (polytheism) at the same time and in the same sense. The pluralistic desire to embrace all forms of religion runs into the same problem. Everything cannot be true, including opposites. This violates the law of noncontradiction. Polytheists have to deny pluralism in order to affirm it, for they do not believe the opposite of pluralism is true. But if opposites are not true, pluralism is false.
We encounter a problem even in the claim that Wicca promotes goodness and healing. For if one were to tap into the ‘force’ in order to use it for something bad, that would imply that there is an absolute standard of good by which the bad can be measured. And if using the ‘force’ for bad violates Craft Law, that indicates that there is a universal craft law that defines right and wrong. If it does not, witchcraft can be done in any way one wishes. And if the dictum to not do anyone harm yet do what you will is to be taken seriously, an absolute moral standard must exist. If ethics are autonomous, then the very notion of what is and is not considered “harm” to another becomes wholly subjective. After all, Truth is absolute and never relative; consequently, teaching children that Truth is relative is harmful. Thus, Wiccans are harming children by teaching them Wicca as being true while they are also contradicting themselves by appealing to a claim of absolute truth.
Even the “Principle of Wiccan Belief” adopted by the Council of American Witches has a strong statement excluding the belief that Christianity is “the only way.” All inclusive groups fail to realize that every truth claim is exclusive. Under a cloak of inclusive language, neopagans believe that the only way is to deny that there is an only way. If witchcraft is true, all non-witchcraft beliefs must be false. Neopaganism is just as exclusive as any other religion that claims to have discovered truth about reality.
In her book, “Drawing Down the Moon,” Margot Adler states that modern pagans remain antiauthoritarian, taking pride in being the most flexible and adaptable of religions, who are perfectly willing to throw out dogmas. A neopagan ‘creed,’ therefore, is an oxymoron. Neopagans are noncreedal by definition. However, their protest notwithstanding, neopagans have their own creeds and dogmas. While protesting creeds, Adler declared a set of “basic beliefs” that she proclaims most people share. She seems unaware that she is thereby defining a creed. The creed she confessed was that the world is holy, nature is holy, the body is holy, sexuality is holy, the mind is holy, and the imagination is holy. She also declared that the individual is holy — the woman a goddess, a man a god. Divinity is immanent in all nature; it is as much within the individual as without. There are several standard doctrines of neopaganism in her creed, including pantheism, polytheism, animism, self-deification, and, covertly, free sexual expression.
Some pagan religions speak of origins, but few ask ultimate questions about them. There are gods acting, but how did they get us to this point? What caused it all to be? This has all been discussed already in the anthropic principle, the Big Bang cosmology, and the teleological argument. What creates and what is created are two, not one. The doctrine of creation empties nature of divinity. In polytheism, people prefer to worship a god they make rather than the GOD who made them. But why worship a finite god that is not an Ultimate? Worship should be reserved for the Ultimate.
Conclusion:
Neopagans acknowledge a ‘force’ greater than themselves yet it is ultimately used for self. Even if this ‘force’ is to be used to promote goodness and healing, the end goal would ultimately be the same as secular humanism in that pleasure is to be pursued and there is to be no absolute moral law to restrict people. Neopaganism is saturated in self-centeredness for the purpose of obtaining personal power. It is self-worship. Neopaganism provides no reason for life and death nor purpose for life. Furthermore, neopaganism is pantheistic, polytheistic, relativistic, and pluralistic; pantheism, polytheism, relativism, and pluralism have all been rejected; therefore, it simply follows that neopaganism and all of its subcategories must be rejected as Truth and eliminated as a choice. Neopaganism does not logically coincide with reality.
But what is Truth? Christ Jesus is Truth and is the only way. But does that make me narrow-minded? Yes. But for good reasons. Truth is narrow. See my other article, “Are Christians Narrow-Minded?“
Quest For Truth 