Archangelclk

The Legends of the Nephilim - Video

2012-01-27T23:34:00.000-05:00

I have completed a new vidoe on the Nephilim. This video includes legends and Jewish stories of the Nephilim as handed down by rabbinical tradition. I used very powerful music and am very happy with the final video. Originally I did not know what I would include in a 3rd video about the nephilim as I have felt in that I have nearly exhausted all that I have on this topic. I completed the script within a day while combing through Jewish encyclopedia souces, rabbinical history and combing it into a single compilation. It fell together quickly with 4 drafts and a quick and successful recording of the narration in about 1 hour. The sound quality appears to be alot better than previous/recent videos which was solved by simply not even wearing the headset but wrapping it over my neck with the mouthpiece positioned perfectly while using my earphones in a seperate audio desktop jack to review the recordings while recording. This seemed to work very well and I am happy that the quality of both the audio and the video sequences came out so elegantly. I have included the full script below of the narration as well as musical track lists. At the 9 minute mark I had completed the video, however I decided to extend the video with an additional music track and filled it in nicely with a star wars force unleashed sequence of video which fit nicely with David/Goliath.

Script Below

1) The Nephilim

In the bible the Nephilim appear before the flood and re-emerge after the global flood in large populations. They are described as having an immense stature, being powerful numerous and tall. Some tribes even possessed 24 fingers and toes with double rows of teeth.

Og, the giant King of Bashan, stood at 11 feet 10 inches. He is sometimes referred to in Jewish literature as being the only Pre-flood Nephilim survivor. It is said that upon the destruction of the world, Noah made a place for him near the lattice door of the ark, through which because Og had sworn to serve Noah and his descendants for all time, he handed him his food every day. The Talmud sees a reference to this in the word "the escaped. Arabic writers quote this escape of Og as a "Jewish" story outlining the same details as being the post repopulation of the Nephilim. However there is little credence to support this fanciful account.

In ancient times Gigantic stature was considered a blemish rendering a priest unfit for service, Men of tall stature were warned not to marry women of similar proportions, lest a "mast" or very tall being be born unto them.

Among the Philistines the Nephilim settled, in a place named the "valley of Rephaim" The Nephilim did not constitute a distinct, nationality, but were a breed of men of great stature found among various people in ancient times. Hence Og belonged to the Anakim who were also known as the Amorites at the time. King David's giants were Philistines and Gittites. If the Horites were Rephaim, they are the exception, inasmuch as they maintained their identity as a distinct people over other tribes of Nephilim. This view, however, is not generally accepted.
In the case of the Emim and the Zamzummim it is expressly stated in Deuteronomy that they were replaced by the Moabites and Ammonites, while the Avim were annihilated by the Philistines

The tradition in Enoch and the Book of Jubilees supplies the explanation why the giants were designated as "Rephaim." According to the Book of Jubilees, these (Nefilim) slew one another, and thus the curse pronounced against the shedders of blood fell upon them. These giants were also known as those who killed their own which can also be translated as childless.
2) The Chief angels
The Chief fallen angels as cited in Enoch were known as those that guided the world, but later, fragments were translated to those "who ruined the world". These giants who were direct offspring of the fallen angels would later be classed into generations. The original Giants, Nephilim and their sons and the Eliud or grandsons. The original Giants were probably largest in size.

In the Book of Jubilees the last-mentioned are called "Elyo" These three classes correspond to the three names employed in Gen. vi. 4 = "Nephilim," "Gibborim," and "Anshe ha-Shem" or"Anakim. In the Book of Jubilees these three are described as being different "they fought with one another."
According to the midrash, Adam before the Fall was of gigantic stature but in consequence of his sin was reduced to ordinary human proportions, and in addition lost the "demut" or his (likeness) to God. These giants, though molded like Adam before the Fall, "were not like" God; they were exempt from the forfeiture of original stature, they, like man, had lost the demut. The Rabbis hold that these giants had seven names: (1) "Emim," because whoever saw one of them was seized with terror. (2) "Rephaim," because their sight made people "soft" (fearful) like wax. (3) "Gibborim," because their brains alone measured 18 ells. (4) "Zamzummim," because they inspired fear and were fierce warriors. (5) "Anakim," because they wore huge necklaces in great numbers. (6) "Avim," because they destroyed the world and themselves (7) "Nefilim," because they caused the world to fall and fell themselves.
The description "Anshe ha-Shem" (Men of the Name) is interpreted as "men of destruction". The cabalistic commentators allege that they were called "Men of the Name" because they imparted to men the mysteries of the Divine Name and the names of demons, to conjure therewith. For in doing so, some of their kind had their noses pierced and were suspended from the dark mountains so that never again could they see the sun again.
The Anakim were the sons of the Nephilim, and the giants Og and Sihon were the sons of Hiya, who was the son of Samyaza, the chief fallen angel.
Some of these giants had feet 18 ells in length, and the same length is given for the thigh. An ell ranges from country to country but in general is about 114cm or 45 inches in length - often being measured from one elbow across the chest to the next elbow. Numerous rows of teeth are also ascribed to them
They were very voracious, eating as many as a thousand oxen, horses, and camels each day. Relying upon their great size, and upon the power of their enormous feet to stop the rising waters, they ridiculed Noah. These giants led a most shameful life, thus causing God to send the Flood. This is also the view taken by Arabic authors, where women seduced them by music, cosmetics while adorned with pearl necklaces, similar to the rabbinical translation of anak meaning neck.

3) Hebrew, Enoch and watchers
After the collapse of the Tower of Babel, Hebrew was forgotten until Abraham was taught it again by the angels. After the murder by Cain, it was announced and written down on the heavenly tablets that both he that committed murder, and he that witnessed it and did not declare it before the tribunal of justice for punishment, should be cursed; wherefore even the angels must declare every sin committed by man.

Enoch, who was the first man initiated by the angels into the art of writing, and who accordingly wrote down all the secrets of astronomy, of chronology, and of the world's epochs to the end of time, testified against the angels that fell by lusting after the daughters of men; and ever since he was taken to heaven he is said to have been recording the good deeds and the sins of men, and will continue to record them until Judgment Day.

Thus all the iniquities of men from the time of the Flood, and all that is done in heaven, earth, or Sheol, are written on the tablets of heaven for final judgment on the Last Day.

Son of Arphaxad and father of Salah was taught the art of writing by his father. The book of Jubilees says that he found rocks with carved inscription preserving the forbidden science of astrology taught by the rebel angels. Similarly, Josephus speaks of pillars of brick and stone upon which had inscribed astrological knowledge.
God reveals to Enoch His own great secrets, His creation, the story of the fallen angels, He then orders Enoch to go back to earth for thirty days to teach his children and grandchildren what he has seen in heaven. He gives them instruction to write down these in books. He teaches them the ways of the Lord and tells them there is no intercession of departed saints for sinners. Enoch gives renewed instructions as to a righteous life until the Lord calls Enoch, the people assemble to kiss him and he addresses them for the last time.
4)The fall of the angels
The angels who fell into sin over the daughters of man are both contested to have fallen out of heaven as well as coming to earth as righteous bearers of light. According to rabbinical tradition, the angels seeing God's grief over the corruption on the earth volunteered to descent to earth to teach mankind righteousness. In their new surrounding in flesh. they themselves yielded to the admiration of women.
Samyaza became passionately enamored of Isṭar. She, however, would only yield to his desires only on the condition that he tell her the name of Yahweh by virtue of which he was to return to heaven. As soon as she was possessed the secret, she is said to have rose to heaven herself. Samyaza and his companion mated and had children. Samyaza learns of the coming flood and the troubling dreams his offspring begin to have and as a result is unable to shed his flesh and return to heaven in his native spiritual form. This announcement of the world's end and his own children's impending doom brings Samyaza to repentance. However Azazel, who deals in rich adornments and fine garments for women, continues in his evil ways.

5) God
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

6)David and Goliath
The youngest of his fathers house, David kept his father's sheep, threatened by the Philistines; and being armed with Saul's armor, David finds that it impedes his movement, he discards it, takes his staff, and chooses five smooth stones out of the brook for use in his sling. He engages the giant, who, upon catching sight of his tiny adversary, is insulted with disgust. David declares that he comes in the name of the Lord, the God of Israel who Goliath has defied.
David moving forward slings one of the stones, which strikes the giant between the eyes, sinking deep into his forehead the giant falls. The sheep herder draws his enemies sword and defeats the Philistine champion. The young shepherd boy returns victorious amidst all odds with the forces of darkness fleeing in fear of the Almighty God of heaven and earth.

7) Ending Verses
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17

For there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

Music Tracks
Daft Punk - Tron Legacy - The Grid (Zero Unit Remix)
Future World Music - Sin And Restitution
Two Steps From Hell - Dark Harbor
Thomas Bergersen - Promise

The Spear of Destiny - Recut

2012-01-25T10:05:00.001-05:00

The Holy Lance (also known as the Spear of Destiny, Holy Spear, Lance of Longinus, Spear of Longinus or Spear of Christ) is the name given to the lance that supposedly pierced Jesus's side as he hung on the cross in John's account of his death.

The story goes that the Centurion who pierced Jesus side believed that Jesus was truly the Son of God. He kept the spear and handed it down generation to generation. Throughout history whoever so possessed the Spear would rule with great power. Hitler at the young age of 20 would go to the museum that held the spear. He had full knowledge of its history and would sit in front of it often while induced with a mind expanding drug. His following accounts he wrote in his journal.

Whoever possessed the Spear would rule the world. The Holy Lance also known as the Spear of Destiny is the name given to the lance that supposedly pierced Jesus's side.

Hitler Wrote in his journal
"The Air became stifling so i could hardly breath. The noisy scene of the treasure house seemed to melt away before my eyes. I stood alone and trembling before the hovering form of a superman - a spirit sublime and fearful, a countenance intrepid and cruel. In holy awe, I offered my soul as a vessel of his will."

The Prophecy & Sign of Jonah - Recut

2012-01-25T10:04:00.001-05:00

Jonah was a prophet of the old testament and is most famous for being swallowed by a fish. In the Book of Jonah, God reveals to him the wickedness of a neighboring gentile city called Nineveh. Jonah in his prejudice and disobedience decides to setout the exact opposite direction of Nineveh. Scholars believe that Jonah was prejudice because of the context in which he lived in. During this time, many Jews did not have any association or dealings with Gentiles. They often would have only known of the sinful and pagan nature of their neighboring cities and they avoided them with contempt.

Now In Jesus time, during one of the confrontations with the Pharisees, they ask Jesus to perform a miracle or sign to prove He is the son of God. Jesus does something strange and replies them and refers to the story of Jonah. This is referred to as the Prophecy and Sign of Jonah. I will touch on this scripture later, as it becomes relevant to the prophecy.

As the account of Jonah goes, Jonah flees from the Lord by ship to a place called Tarshish which is in the opposite direction. Jonah asleep on the boat is awakened by the captain of the ship who tells him to pray to his God to see if the storms will cease. The sailors cast lots to see who is responsible for the treacherous storm and it falls on Jonah which leads to the sailors throwing him overboard. Following this Jonah is swallowed by a large fish or whale and this is where the story changes. The conventional perspective from this point onward is that Jonah lives inside the fish for 3 days and 3 nights however details from the original text and King James Version indicate that Jonah died before he was spit out by the fish. Some of the other translations have been changed and do not reflect the same details as the original texts.
Jonah inevitably drowns and as a result God sends a large fish or whale to swallow him whole in order to preserve his body for 3 days and 3 nights. Jonahs soul departs from his body and he is swept deep into the earth under the mountains and in the water which is where the bible refers to the chambers of hell being located.

Location of the Chambers:
Under the earth: Numbers 16:30
Under the mountains Jonah 2:6
Under the waters Job 26:5

The Angel of the Lord & Captain of the Host - Recut

2012-01-25T10:01:00.000-05:00

The origins and history of the angels and the heavenly hosts have been a source of inspiration and of intrigue. During the early history of religion, supernatural knowledge was widely spread and known. There were even many forms of angel and occult worship. Angel is translated from the original Hebrew meaning messenger. The Angel of the Lord is Jesus, however Jesus was not created like the other angels, He is the Son of God and part of the Trinity(Father, Son & Spirit) Jesus is also appointed over the Angels and is the Captain over the Host(Army).

"Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him."
Exodus 23:20-21

"And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her,
Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son."
Judges 13:3

"...And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?"
Judges 13:17

"Tell me by what angel thou art frustrated." And he answered: "By the holy and precious name of the Almighty God, called by the Hebrews by a row of numbers,
of which the sum is 644, and among the Greeks it is Emmanuel."
Testament of Solomon 29

"So I said to him: "I adjure thee in the name of the God Sabaoth, to tell me by what name thou art frustrated along with thy host." And the spirit answered me: "The 'great among men,' who is to suffer many things at the hands of men, whose name is the figure 644, which is Emmanuel; he it is who has bound us, and who will then come and plunge us from the steep under water."
Testament of Solomon 52

The Coming - Recut

2012-01-25T09:58:00.001-05:00

And Uriel said to me: 'Here shall stand the angels who have connected themselves with women, and their spirits assuming many different forms are defiling mankind and shall lead them astray into sacrificing to demons as gods, (here shall they stand,) till the day of the great judgement in which they shall be judged till they are made an end of. . And the women also of the angels who went astray shall become sirens.' And I, Enoch, alone saw the vision, the ends of all things: and no man shall see as I have seen.

And these are the names of the holy angels who watch. . Uriel, one of the holy angels, who is over the world and over Tartarus. . Raphael, one of the holy angels, who is over the spirits of men. . Raguel, one of the holy angels who †takes vengeance on† the world of the luminaries. . Michael, one of the holy angels, to wit, he that is set over the best part of mankind and over chaos. . Saraqâêl, one of the holy angels, who is set over the spirits, who sin in the spirit. . Gabriel, one of the holy angels, who is over Paradise and the serpents and the Cherubim. . Remiel, one of the holy angels, whom God set over those who rise.

This Elect One is he who hath righteousness and was named before time began. Before the sun and the signs were created, before the angels of heaven were made, he was. He shall be a staff to the righteous whereon to stay themselves and not fall, and he shall be the light of the gentiles and the hope of those who are troubled of heart.

All who dwell on earth shall fall down and worship before him, and will praise and bless and celebrate with song the Lord of the spirits. For this reason has he been chosen and hidden before Him, before the creation of the world and for ever more. The wisdom of the Lord of the spirits has revealed him to the holy and righteous; for he has preserved the lot of the righteous, because they have hated and despised this world of unrighteousness, and have hated all its works and ways in the name of the Lord of the spirits: for in his name they are saved.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12

Music List
Sencit Music - Triumph

Megatrax - Birth of Darkness

Two Steps From Hell - The Cross of Antiquan

The Book of Enoch & The Son of Man - Recut

2012-01-25T09:54:00.000-05:00

In the 46th Chapter of The Book of Enoch, a spirit is seen in heaven amongst the angels. Enoch describes this being as having a head as white as wool and a countenance like that of a man.

And there I saw the One to Whom belongs the time before time, and His head was white like wool. With Him was another being, whose countenance had the appearance of a man, and his face was full of graciousness, like one of the holy angels. I asked the angel `who went with me [...] concerning that son of and who he was, and whence he was, and why he went with the One to Whom belongs the time before time.

Jesus - Just An Angel or Son of God? - Recut

2012-01-25T09:52:00.001-05:00

Jesus is the Son of God, God incarnate and part of the Trinity. He has a title reference which can be translated as Angel of The Lord & The Captain of the Host. That being said, Angel can be translated to messenger or courier(Greek - mal'akh/ Hebrew - Tanakh) Jesus Christ brought the good news and was the good news Himself, so He was a messenger but unlike any other angel He was not created, He was Eternal and always existed with the Father. Jesus created all the angels with the Father. Although Jesus took on flesh, was tempted, yet He never sinned.

The Creation & Fall of Lucifer - Recut

2012-01-25T09:49:00.000-05:00

A Narrative story telling the tale of the creation of the angelic host and God's highest ranking Cherubim Lucifer. Adapted from Judeo-Christian tradition and literature filling in the gaps of what could have happened at the rising and falling of Gods most anointed Cherub.
With the kingdom of heaven completed, the Lord God prepared Himself to speak into being its inhabitants. God said let us Create the heavenly beings as spirits, just as We are.
He created the angelic host numerous as the sands of the sea and as immeasurable as the stars in the heavens. He created the higher ranking seraphim, cherubim and ophanim first.

He created sixteen winged, and higher ranked twenty-four winged Cherubim. The twenty-four winged Cherubs shield themselves with their additional wings while in the presence of the Most High. For if they did not they would be consumed like flaming fire.

The Lord God then appointed the Archangels, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Saraqael, and Remiel.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men,whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12

The Nephilim & The Ancient World Video - Recut

2012-01-25T09:45:00.000-05:00

After the flood there was an exponential decay in age. The change was due to the Fermament canopy over the earth, In the hebrew it was called the Raqiya. Accredited Physicist Dr Simhony Menahem, discovered that when applying 1.02 Megavolts of energy anywhere in space, out popped an electron and a positon. As a result a crystalline lattice would be generated. This Lattice would allow gravity, radition and particles to interchange freely through it but would also reassimilate harmful radiation. At the collapse of the Raqiya, the Fountains of the Deep had broken forth as well. After the collapse of the Raqiya and the global flood, the environmental conditions were no longer as favourable as they once were. This is why human life span rapidly decreased, including the dinosaur population.

In China, some of the earliest nephilim remains were found. The Chinese migrated eastward from the tower of Babel, which they have recorded in their own historical texts. Ancient antiquity and remains also show that Giant Cone Skulls were very common.

Later on in the Old Testament, David a sheppard boy has been annointed by God and called to liberate his people. David hears the taunts of the Philistine Champion Goliath. Being the only brave enough person to take a stand against the Giant Philistine, David picks 5 stones from the brook and confront Goliath on the battlefield. . David was prepared to not only take out Goliath but the reinforcements.

David conquered the enemy in the natural realm, but Jesus conquered the serpent in the Spirit. He conquered and accomplished all, when he spoke the words, And It is Finished.(John 19:30)

The Nephilim Video - Recut

2012-01-25T09:41:00.000-05:00

Satan, fallen angels and the nephilim were part of a plan to corrupt mankind and the bloodline of the Messiah Jesus. They spread rapidly in the ancient world and eventually succeeded in contaminating most of the earth. The global flood was to cleanse the earth of the nephilim destruction however fallen angels sinned again with the daughters of man and produced the second set of nephilim.

"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Genesis 3:15

Updates on my personal life & New Channel

2012-01-01T21:47:00.000-05:00

I have been recently migrating most of my videos to a new channel. You can find the link below under the username TheArchangelclk. I have been slowly reworking each video with newer or better quality footage and adjusting and fine tweeking different stuff. I can say that the recut versions are by far more interesting than previous, I also tried to cut down on using the same footage, but sometimes this becomes inevitable. I have also tried to update each video with the music tracks that were used, however some of the videos I do not have the original master save files so I cannot determine which music tracks I used, so if you do not see it in the descriptions of the video, its because I no longer have the draft versions and names of the songs.

It has been a busy year with allot of transitions. I have been quite busy with work and have literally been using almost all of my spare time of relaxation working on the recut videos. not to mention the highest grade of internet that Im using has a whopping 50mbits downloading speed yet a measly 2mbit Max upload speed. This means it takes me forever to upload a 300-500mb video file everytime. I can say that I am in a season of growth in my life with job transitions, 3 growing children aged 7, 5, 2. With the busy schedule of school, homework, life, it can sometimes become very exhausting.

I barely get to blog anymore and really pour out whats on mind, as during the days I have these excellent thought I would love to share, but simply do not have the time to do so and by the end of the day its all gone. In the mornings after dropping the kids to school, I arrive at work early and head to the gym. I can say that I have been consistently been going and have put on about 10lbs of lean muscle while bringing my body fat percentage down to about 7-6%. I workout from Mon-Fri and during my weightlifting sessions often listen to Christian Worship and Instrumental Epics similar to the ones which my videos contain. During these times I get alot of valuable time to think, reflect on life and just conversations with God.

Not too long ago I had a viewer write me about the struggles and backsliding in their life. I too sometimes felt this way and still do. When I become bogged down with lifes demands and things become clouded. I may feel angry, guilty, uneasy and fearful of what tomarrow holds. I end up feeling lost and empty, but I always find my way back. I remember how amazing God has been to me and continues to be to me and my family. I can say financially God has always provided even at times when I have not tithed what He has provided of me.

Sometimes I do take advantage of what He has blessed me with, and at other times I can be so thankful. Ive ound that surrounding myself with more fellow church friends has also helped me dramatically in my growth. During easter I volunteered for the first time to be part of the cast of our annual Christmas play. It is an outreach musical geared toward evangelization and letting people know about the sacrifice of Jesus. I was one of the Disciples and it was all new to me but I had so much fun and met so many awesome people of all ages. It was truly a blessing to be a part of it. This year I was also able to attend Promise Keepers Mens Conference here. It was called built for battle and was an absolutely amazing experience, to hear the hundreds of other Men praise and worship the everliving God. at the end of the conference, hundreds of people came up to give their lives or recommit their lives to God. It was an amazing experience and I learnt how important relationship was to the faith of a believer. So if you find yourself wishy washy in your faith, it is likely because you are lacking in the relationship with God and with other believers in a community church setting. Thanks for all the support with my fans/friends and viewers! My videos have come from a long way since I first began and I am glad that I was able to do them. God took a tiny seed and turned it into a small time ministry for me. God Bless & hope all a Happy New Year!

The Angels & Mystery of Heaven - 7/7 Recut

2011-12-29T21:41:00.004-05:00

"I saw on the four sides of the Lord of spirits four presences different from those that sleep not, and I heard the voice of those four presences as they gave glory before the Lord"

Editor Notes
This video is based off of Judeo-Christian and Hebraic roots, the Angels and Mystery of Heaven incorporate extra biblical non cannonitical content, but much of these manuscripts shed light on the mysteries of God and affirm the truths that we already know as Christians! Many references are made to the 'Elect One' or the coming Messiah which was Jesus, it sometimes boggles my mind how Jews can deny Jesus as the Messiah when He fulfilled so many of these prophecies. I spent much of a weekend putting together this video. First step in my productions are researching and compiling a narrative script outline. The next step is recording audio narratives and they are then imported into Premiere, a video editing program. I compile all of my video footage consisting of movie, and game trailers and determine what clips I will use to match the narrative. After importing the various clips and music, I scrub through the footage and cut-in the scenes and arrange the timeline and transition effects. I polish up the video and sequence the climactic parts adjusting audio levels where needed. I compile the video(encode) the video into 1 file and upload it. Encoding takes about 45-1:15 for a 10 min to 15 min video and uploading takes another 40-1 hour time. After the upload I check for different video publishing copyright policies as some companies allow distribution of their content without any regulation and some do not approve of their content. If all checks through the video is finished and ready for viewing by you guys.

The first, Michael, merciful and long-suffering, blesses the Lord of spirits for ever and ever; the second, Raphael, set over the diseases of the children of men, blesses the Elect One, the Messiah and the elect ones who cleave to the Lord of spirits; the third, Gabriel, set over all the powers, intercedes on behalf of the inhabitants of the earth; and the fourth, Uriel, set over repentance and hope of eternal life, prevents the Satans from accusing men."

These four stand near the crystal throne of God, which is encircled by flaming fire, seraphim, cherubim, and ofanim. These beings are referred to as "those that sleep not, and guard the throne of His glory" But Above these angels is seated the Most High, The Lord of Glory and seated at his right hand the Elect One.

The Watchers & The Book of Enoch - 6/7 Recut

2011-12-28T20:44:00.000-05:00

A journey into the heavens and chambers of hell with Enoch alongside the holy angelic host.

And I looked and turned to another part of the earth, and saw there a deep valley with burning fire. And I asked the angel of peace who went with me, saying: ' For whom are these chains being prepared ? ' And he said unto me: ' These are being prepared for the hosts of Azazel, so that they may take them and cast them into the abyss of complete condemnation, And Michael, and Gabriel, and Raphael, and Phanuel shall take hold of them on that great day, and cast them on that day into the burning furnace, that the Lord of Spirits may take vengeance on them for their unrighteousness in becoming subject to Satan and leading astray those who dwell on the earth.'

And in those days shall punishment come from the Lord of Spirits, and he will open all the chambers of waters which are above the heavens, and of the fountains which are beneath the earth. And all the waters shall be joined with the waters: that which is above and the water which is beneath. And they shall destroy all who dwell on the earth and those who dwell under the ends of the heaven. And when they have recognized their unrighteousness which they have wrought on the earth, then by these shall they perish.

The Fallen Angels & The Elect One - 5/7 Recut

2011-12-28T20:41:00.000-05:00

Based off of the Book of Enoch:

And it came to pass when the children of men had multiplied that in those days were born unto them beautiful and comely daughters. And the angels, the children of the heaven, saw and lusted after them, and said to one another: 'Come, let us choose us wives from among the children of men

And after that I saw all the secrets of the heavens, and how the kingdom is divided, and how the 2 actions of men are weighed in the balance. And there I saw the mansions of the elect and the mansions of the holy, and mine eyes saw there all the sinners being driven from thence which deny the name of the Lord of Spirits

And there I saw One who had a head of days, And His head was white like wool, And with Him was another being whose countenance had the appearance of a man, And his face was full of graciousness, like one of the holy angels. And I asked the angel who went with me and showed me all the hidden things, concerning that Son of Man, who he was, and whence he was, and why he went with the Head of Days? And he answered and said unto me This is the son of Man who hath righteousness

The Archangels & 4 Angels of the Throne - 4/7 Recut

2011-12-28T20:37:00.001-05:00

Angels are powerful and dreadful, endowed with wisdom and with knowledge of all earthly events, correct in their judgment, holy, but not infallible. Angels are almost always male and are referred to as 'the sons of God'. However Zechariah 5:9 is the only reference to female angels in which two female beings are seen with wings like that of a crane.

Matthew 28:2-4
Zechariah 5:9

According to Enoch and extra-biblical sources, there are Seven Archangels or Chief Princes of Gods presence, meaning they are permitted in his direct presence. Raguel is said to stretch his wings out over the throne and shield the ministering angels from the consuming fire God and the higher angels. The seven angels of the presence or throne of God are described primarily as. Uriel, Raphael, Raguel, Michael, Sariel, Gabriel and Jerahmeel.

Revelation 4:5
Revelation 11:15-18
Enoch 20:1-8
Michael, named as the fourth out of seven is first in rank as leader and is probably meant to stand in the middle as the Chief ruling prince. On the other hand, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel are introduced as "the four angels of the face of the Lord." In Enoch, these four archangels stand near the crystal throne of God, each surrounding him on four sides. The throne is encircled by fire and the first triad of seraphim cherubim and thrones.
Moses Ascension
The revelation of Moses is an account in which he travels up through the clouds and into the heavens on a celestial journey. Upon his arrival the angels ask God, what this man, born of a women desires? God replied he was to receive the Torah, in which the angels disapprove. As the angels are about to strike him down Moses replies at Gods command that the Torah was not fitting for them, as they had not the passions like that of mankind. The angels agree and befriend Moses during his 40 days in heaven.

Song: Chris Tomlin - King of Glory

The Angelic Hierarchy - 3/7 Recut

2011-12-28T20:35:00.000-05:00

The Fallen Angels mating with the daughters of man was controversial and eventually censored by the early church fathers of Christianity due to the impending celibacy of monks. However, it has survived through Jewish rabbincal traditions and is mentioned by historians and biblical writings in the Christian canon.

Seraphiel is described as an enormous, brilliant angel as tall as the seven heavens. He is beautiful like lightning. As chief of the seraphim, he is committed to their care and teaches them songs to sing for the glorification of God.Metatron, Lucifer, Kemuel, Nathanael, Gabriel, and Seraphiel are all thought to be Seraphim.

Together the angelic beings have been the source of blessings and curses, carrying out the will of God and sometimes falling from Grace. God allowed us to choose right from wrong, life from death, to love and follow or to hate and reject. It began with Lucifer in the garden, appearing as a brilliant charming angel of light. And we fell into sin, tainting the world God has created for us.

But yet God was not done, he sent someone. One who is mighty to save, who Forever is the Author of Salvation, He died but He rose and conquered the grave.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved..
Romans 10:13

Angel Names - Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Chamuel, Jophiel, Zadkiel, Hanael, Ariel, Cassiel, Chayyiel, Galgaliel, Jehoel, Metatron, Zerachiel, Yefefiah, Metatron, Sandalfon, Kemuel, Nathanael,

The Angelic Army - 2/7 Recut

2011-12-28T20:33:00.000-05:00

There are several mysterious appearance of an angel referred to as The Angel of the Lord(Angel translated originally from Messenger) and the Captain of the Host(Angelic Army)

The Fallen Angels mating with the daughters of man was controversial and eventually censored by the early church fathers of Christianity due to the impending celibacy of monks. However, it has survived through Jewish rabbincal traditions and is mentioned by historians and biblical writings in the Christian canon.

Angels are found throughout the bible during the Torah and in the life of Jesus. In the Torah or Old Testament. 2 classes of angels are named, Seraphim and cherubim. Saint Paul assigns additional ranks of angels. The seven additional classes are, angels, archangels, principalities, powers, virtues, dominions, and thrones. While some rankings work together in unison some are separate and distinct. The Angelic Hierarchy can be compared to the church body. All are important and significant and all work together to form the whole angelic body.

There are several mysterious appearance of an angel referred to as The Angel of the Lord. In the Testament of Solomon, many of the demon spirits reveal that they fear and flee at the sound and authority of an angel which has the sum of 644 in his name. In Exodus it is written,

Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.
Exodus 23:20-21

The Fallen Angels & Nephilim - 1/7 Recut

2011-12-20T23:05:00.002-05:00

I have been migrating some of my videos and starting a new youtube channel. Ive just completed video 1 and reuploaded it, below is some of the original text, however 80% of the video footage is new stuff.

The Fallen angels that were cast out of heaven & the 200 Angels that descended upon Mount Hermon, turned their eyes on the daughters of man and fell into sin. They came in unto them and they bore children called the Nephilim.

(Giants/Seed of the Serpent)

This is my first video, as I have been wanting to do a video compilation for a very long time. I took more of a biblical and ancient Hebraic perspective. Took 60 combined hours over 1 week. Allot of detail work put into the transitions and music track transitions.

*The apocryphal texts are not to be taken as biblical canon. However understanding the history of ancient Jewish teaching helps us gain a broader picture of what may have happened. Some of the missing or grey information(stories) in the bible can be illuminated by some non canonized sources which are not exclusively 'inspired texts' but still hold some validity to them. *

*It is important to note that these teachings were widely spread, accepted by the early church fathers up until the 4th century. (due to celibacy of monks and angel worship) Also the Book of Enoch was not accepted into biblical canon partly because of its controversial teaching of angels. In the end whether you believe in it or discard it as a whole is irrelevant, what really matters is that you have the saving faith in Jesus Christ.*

Most of the Nephilim were cannibalistic, vicious and greatly feared for their size and strength. The Nephilim spread rapidly and both man and giant were full of corruption. The Nephilim were intended to wipe out the bloodline of God, and God saw no other way but to cleanse the earth of its evil. After the Great Global Flood, 200 angels descended upon Mount Hermon to teach man righteousness.

Instead they fell into sin with the daughters of man after taking on the form of flesh. They gave birth to the Seed of the Serpent again, teaching man all sorts of forbidden arts. They produced Giants that inhabited and roamed the earth, the Nephilim even occupied the Promised land. In the Old Testament, they were called Anakims, Raphaims, Zamzumims. Many ancient Jewish sources tell us about the fall of the Angels in heaven and the ones who fell coming upon the earth.

It is written:

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15

This was a prophecy of Gods bloodline triumphing over satans offspring. It firs signified David whom God chose to slay the remnants of the Nephilim in the natural(flesh) and it was Jesus who would later conquer the Spiritual Giants of sin(spiritual)on the hill of Golgatha. This is also where the Philistine Goliaths skull was believed to be buried hundreds of years before by David.(Golgatha means Hill of the Skull in Hebrew and is interpreted in 2 ways, hill where the skull of Goliath and possible Adam and or the shape of a skull on one side of the hill)

Josephus the famous Jewish Roman Historian talked about the remains of the Nephilim that were on public display in his time. He says that it was common understanding that Giants previously inhabited the world during his time. These Giants stood from 10 to sometimes 30 feet in height, some Nephilim had 6 fingers and 6 toes. Some Nephilim had 2 rows of teeth on both the upper and lower jaw. Famous excavations and discoveries of Giants have been found all over the world, most notably in Ireland, USA, Canada, Europe and all over the Middle East. Native Indian tribes wrote down the account of Red headed double rowed Nephilim that were wild and canabilistic. The tribe eventually stood up against them and set fire to a cave they inhabited, as a result they died, modern day authorities searched the cave finding accurate remains from the accounts of the native tribes. Many legends and myths that we have today are adoptions and variations of the original stories of the fallen angels on Mount Hermon. The Bible and another ancient Jewish sources reveal to us that after death the Nephilim become just spirits, possibly the demonic spirits that inhabit the spiritual realm of earth today.

The Coming - Video

2011-12-09T10:06:00.000-05:00

I have completed the video The Coming, which talks of the destruction and imprisonment of the fallen angels as seen by Enochs vision. It covers the introduction of some of the mighty archangels Enoch meets and about the coming Elect One who will come in the future. The video took approximately a day to complete with about 8 or so hours combined. The footage used are the general Final Fantasy, Silver Sufer, Game, and a couple of movie scenes. It also fits in nicely with Christmas just around the corner, without it being a Christmas themed video.

The Coming

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12

Music Tracks

Sencit Music - Triumph

Megatrax - Birth of Darkness
Two Steps From Hell - The Cross of Antiquan

Avatar - Epic

2011-12-09T09:38:00.002-05:00

Recently completed an Instrumental Epic music video of one of my favorite movies. Took approximately 3 hours from start to finish, which included slow rendering due to high resolution quality. With these type of Music Videos, they are generally allot easier to do since they dont require any narrative audio writing and recording. As well they can be cut down into chronological order easier using a single video file versus multiple genre and cinematic files.

Music Tracks

Sencit Music - Triumph

Selectracks - Black Horizons

Megatrax - Birth of Darkness

Immediate Music - The Journey Begins

Gothic Storm - Defender of Worlds

Pravuil - The Archangel - Quick in Wisdom

2011-11-27T15:57:00.000-05:00

One of the mighty Abrahamic archangels is known as Pravuil. This angel is probably one of the very least known of the noncanonical archangels, however the Second Book of Enoch states that he has quite an important set of spiritual duties that he is in charge of. In Enoch is says that out of all the holy Biblical archangels, Pravuil is the quickest in wisdom. It goes on to state that the archangel is also in charge of writing down and cataloging all of the deeds of God himself. For example the Lord commanded Pravuil to gather books of quick writing for Enoch, a clear reference to him working as a scribe. Pravuil is then commanded to tell Enoch to write out all of the souls of mankind, regardless of how many there are. There is also mention within the Holy Bible of Pravuil carrying out some of these celestial cataloguing duties on behalf of the Holy Spirit of God, and thus Pravuil is very often linked to the entity.

Other Angel Profiles

Angelic veneration, worship, prayer and channeling is prohibited. All of the above are reserved alone for and with God. God reveals primarily through his Holy Spirit not through his angels. Many have been deceived by demonic and evil spirits appearing as angels of light, bearing false messages of new age religions and philosophies. If God wants to tell you something He will do so by His Spirit not through his angels.

Kushiel - The Archangel - Rigid One of God

2011-11-27T15:56:00.001-05:00

The mighty Kushiel, also known as the Rigid One of God, is a holy angel that appears within mainstream Judeo Christian inspired angelology and folklore. According to these beliefs, Kushiel is one of several heavenly angels that is responsible for punishing evil or lost souls in the bowels of Hell. The angel Kushiel appears within the Book of Enoch in Chapter 10 verse 3, where it states that Kushiel dwells within the third level of heaven, and despite punishing souls in Hell, the angel doesn't actually dwell or reside there, as that would clearly mean Kushiel isn't an angel at all, but instead a demon, which he is not said to be. According to the noncanonical scripture of Enoch, Kushiel has a long whip that is made of pure fire, also called hell fury. It is said that Kushiel uses this whip to punish any nations of the earth that sin against God. There are six other angels who share Kushiel's duties, which are Puriel, Hutriel, Makatiel, Lahatiel, Shoftiel, and the angel Rogziel.

Other Angel Profiles

Is there activity of demonic spirits in the world today?

2011-11-19T12:12:00.000-05:00

Ghosts, hauntings, séances, tarot cards, Ouija boards, crystal balls—what do they have in common? They are fascinating to most people because they seem to open the window into a curious and unknown world that lies beyond the limits of our physical existence. And to many, such things seem no more dangerous than opening a window in their homes.

Many that approach these subjects from non-biblical perspectives talk about the existence of ghosts and hauntings by the spirits of dead people who, for whatever reason, have not gone on to the “next stage.” These same people talk about three different kinds of hauntings: (1) residual hauntings (likened to video playbacks with no actual interaction with any spirits); (2) hauntings by human spirits, with those spirits being a combination of good and bad (but not evil), similar in nature to people we meet in life. Some may simply want to get a person’s attention, others may be pranksters, but in either case they do not truly harm people; and (3) interaction with non-human spirits or demons. These demons can sometimes masquerade as well-intentioned human spirits, but they are harmful and dangerous.

When reading material on ghosts and hauntings from such non-biblical sources, it should be remembered that just because an author may refer to the Bible or to Bible characters (such as Michael the archangel), it does not mean they approach the subject from a biblical perspective. When no authority is given for an author’s information, the reader has to ask himself, “How does he/she know this to be so? What is his/her authority?” For example, how does an author know that demons masquerade as well-intentioned human spirits? How does he know that it is good to ask advice from “spirit helpers,” while at the same time it is important not to “invite a spirit to manifest its presence” at a séance because it may be a demon? If demons can masquerade as well-intentioned human spirits, how can one tell whether his spirit helper is telling the truth about its identity or is truly a demon seeking to confuse and deceive? How can one be sure? Ultimately those who address such subjects from non-biblical sources must base their understanding on either their own thoughts, the thoughts of others, and/or the experiences of the past. But based upon their own words (that demons are deceiving and can imitate benevolent human spirits), experiences can be deceiving! Ultimately, if one is to have a right understanding on this subject, he must go to a source that has shown itself to be accurate 100% of the time—God’s Word, the Bible. Let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say about such things.

1. The Bible never speaks of hauntings. Rather, when a person dies, the spirit of that person is goes to one of two places. If the person is a true believer (not one who merely knows about Jesus, but one who has established a living relationship with Christ through faith), his spirit is ushered into the presence of Christ in heaven (Philippians 1:21-23; 2 Corinthians 5:8) and he will be reunited with his body (after it has been transformed into an immortal body at the time Christ “snatches” away his own from the coming judgment upon the earth at the time of the rapture [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18]). If one is not a believer in Christ and does not have his name written in the Lamb’s book of life, his spirit is put in a place of torment (Luke 16:23-24) called hell, to await his sentencing for his works in what is called the “great white throne judgment.”

At that time he is also reunited with his body and is cast into eternal torment in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10-15). But whether a person is a believer or an unbeliever, there is no returning to our present world to communicate and interact with people, even for the purpose of warning people to flee from the judgment to come (Luke 16:27-31). There are only two recorded incidents in which a dead person interacts with the living. The first is when King Saul of Israel tried contacting the deceased prophet Samuel through a medium (or witch), contrary to God’s command. God allowed Samuel to be disturbed long enough to pronounce judgment upon Saul for his repeated disobedience (1 Samuel 28:6-19). The second incident is when Moses and Elijah interacted with Jesus when he was transfigured in Matthew 17:1-8.

2. Scripture speaks repeatedly of good and bad angels moving about unseen (Daniel 10:1-21), but also as interacting with living people at different times, even to the point of evil spirits actual possessing people (dwelling within them and controlling them (see Mark 5:1-20, for example). Good angels, on occasion, appear to people as well (Acts 5:17-20; 12:3-11). The four Gospels and the Book of Acts are filled with many incidents of demon possession and of good angels appearing and aiding believers. Angels, both good and bad, can cause unusual natural and supernatural phenomenon to occur (Job 1-2, Revelation 7:1; 8:5; 15:1; 16).

3. Scripture repeatedly shows that demons know things of which the people around them are apparently unaware (Acts 16:16-18; Luke 4:41). Because these evil angels have been around a long time, they would know facts that those living limited life spans would not. Because Satan has access to God’s throne at the present (Job 1-2), the demons may also be allowed to know some specific events that pertain to the future, but this is speculation.

4. Scripture speaks repeatedly of Satan being the father of lies and a deceiver (John 8:44; 2 Thessalonians 2:9) and that he also can disguise himself as an angel of light. Likewise, those who follow him, whether human or otherwise, do the same (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

5. Satan and demons have great power (compared to humans) (again see Mark 5:1-20; Acts 19:13-16), even to the point where Michael the archangel trusts only in God’s power when dealing with Satan (Jude 1:9). But Satan’s power is nothing compared to God’s (Acts 19:11-12; Mark 5:1-20, etc.) and God is actually able to use Satan’s evil intent to bring about His good purposes (1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 12:7).

6. God commands us to have nothing to do with anything that smacks of the occult, devil worship, or involvement with the spirit world through the use of mediums, séances, Ouija boards, horoscopes, tarot cards, channeling, etc. He considers all of these an abomination (Deuteronomy 18:9-12; Isaiah 8:19-20; Galatians 5:20; Revelation 21:8), and those who involve themselves in such things invite disaster (Acts 19:13-16).

7. The example set by Scripture in dealing with items that pertain to the occult (books, music, jewelry, games dealing with the occult, and other occult objects) is to confess the involvement with such as sin and burn the items (Acts 19:18-19).

8. The main source of release from the power of Satan is through salvation through the believing of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 19:18; 26:16-18). And if one will not believe the Word of God, there is no other source of the truth they will believe, even if it came from one who rose from the dead (Luke 16:31). If one attempts to get rid of Satan and his evil angels’ involvement in his life without this, it is futile, as one merely leaves an empty dwelling place for even worse demons to return to in the future (Luke 11:24-26). But when a person comes to Christ for the forgiveness of their sin through His shed blood, the Holy Spirit comes to abide and remain until the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). The other main weapon would be simple prayer in total dependence upon God, even as Michael the archangel exemplified in Jude 1:9.

In view of the multitude of passages dealing with involvement of the unseen demonic world with the present world—in contrast with the two recorded incidents involving interaction between the living and those who have died—and considering that the dead cannot visit the living without permission and that permission is not lightly given (Luke 16:27-31), it would seem best to understand ghosts, hauntings, spirit helpers, voices at séances, etc. (besides those which are the mere illusions created by charlatans) as the work of demons. Sometimes these demons may have no intent to conceal their nature, and at other times they may seek to deceive by appearing as human spirits in order to generate credibility for the lies they seek to spread and the confusion they seek to create.

Again, God states it is foolish to try to consult the dead on behalf of the living or to consult with those who say they have an inside track on the future when instead one can actually consult with the wisdom of the living God (Isaiah 8:19-20). And if God considered the occult practices of contacting the spirit world for wisdom or guidance for the future an abomination worthy of judgment in Moses' time (Deuteronomy 18:9-12), then God who does not change considers it so today (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 1:12) and those who ignore this do so to their own hurt. Lastly, again, the largest weapon in God’s arsenal for freeing people from Satan’s kingdom is the good news of Jesus Christ.

How, why, and when did Satan fall from heaven?

2011-11-19T11:57:00.000-05:00

Satan’s fall from heaven is symbolically described in Isaiah 14:12-14 and Ezekiel 28:12-18. While these two passages are referring specifically to the kings of Babylon and Tyre, they also reference the spiritual power behind those kings, namely, Satan. These passages describe why Satan fell, but they do not specifically say when the fall occurred. What we do know is this: the angels were created before the earth (Job 38:4-7). Satan fell before he tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden (Genesis 3:1-14). Satan’s fall, therefore, must have occurred somewhere after the time the angels were created and before he tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Whether Satan’s fall occurred a few minutes, hours, or days before he tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden, Scripture does not specifically say.

The book of Job tells us that, for a time at least, Satan still had access to heaven and to the throne of God. “One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. The LORD said to Satan, ’Where have you come from?’ Satan answered the LORD, ‘From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it’” (Job 1:6-7). Apparently at that time, Satan was still moving freely between heaven and earth, speaking to God directly and answering for his activities. At what point God discontinued this access is unknown.

Why did Satan fall from heaven? Satan fell because of pride. He desired to be God, not to be a servant of God. Notice the many “I will...” statements in Isaiah 14:12-15. Ezekiel 28:12-15 describes Satan as an exceedingly beautiful angel. Satan was likely the highest of all angels, the most beautiful of all of God's creations, but he was not content in his position. Instead, Satan desired to be God, to essentially “kick God off His throne” and take over the rule of the universe. Satan wanted to be God, and interestingly enough, that is what Satan tempted Adam and Eve with in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-5). How did Satan fall from heaven? Actually, a fall is not an accurate description. It would be far more accurate to say God cast Satan out of heaven (Isaiah 14:15; Ezekiel 28:16-17). Satan did not fall from heaven; rather, Satan was pushed out of heaven.

Who is Satan?

2011-11-19T11:47:00.001-05:00

People's beliefs concerning Satan range from the silly to the abstract—from a little red guy with horns who sits on your shoulder urging you to sin, to an expression used to describe the personification of evil. The Bible, however, gives us a clear portrait of who Satan is and how he affects our lives. Put simply, the Bible defines Satan as an angelic being who fell from his position in heaven due to sin and is now completely opposed to God, doing all in his power to thwart God's purposes.

Satan was created as a holy angel. Isaiah 14:12 possibly gives Satan’s pre-fall name as Lucifer. Ezekiel 28:12-14 describes Satan as having been created a cherubim, apparently the highest created angel. He became arrogant in his beauty and status and decided he wanted to sit on a throne above that of God (Isaiah 14:13-14; Ezekiel 28:15; 1 Timothy 3:6). Satan’s pride led to his fall. Notice the many “I will” statements in Isaiah 14:12-15. Because of his sin, God barred Satan from heaven.

Satan became the ruler of this world and the prince of the power of the air (John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2). He is an accuser (Revelation 12:10), a tempter (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5), and a deceiver (Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:3). His very name means “adversary” or “one who opposes.” Another of his titles, the devil, means “slanderer.”

Even though he was cast out of heaven, he still seeks to elevate his throne above God. He counterfeits all that God does, hoping to gain the worship of the world and encourage opposition to God's kingdom. Satan is the ultimate source behind every false cult and world religion. Satan will do anything and everything in his power to oppose God and those who follow God. However, Satan’s destiny is sealed—an eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

What do angels look like?

2011-11-13T01:19:00.001-05:00

Angels are spirit beings (Hebrews 1:14), so they do not have any essential physical form. But angels do have the ability to take on human form. When angels appeared to humans in the Bible, they resembled normal males. In Genesis 18:1-19, God and two angels appeared as men and actually ate a meal with Abraham. Angels appear as men many times throughout the Bible (Joshua 5:13-14; Mark 16:5), although they never appear in the likeness of women.

At other times, angels appeared not as humans, but as something other-worldly. At times, their appearance was terrifying to those who encountered them. Often the first words from these angels were “do not be afraid,” because extreme fear was such a common reaction. Zacharias in Luke 1:12 was speechless before the angel who visited him, as were the keepers of Jesus’ tomb, who became as dead men when they saw the angel of the Lord (Matthew 28:4). The shepherds in the fields in Luke 2 were “sore afraid” when the angel of the Lord appeared and the glory of the Lord shone around them. To others, however, angelic appearances did not produce terror. Mary’s encounter with the angel who announced the birth of Jesus produced confusion at the pronouncement, but did not seem to produce the same fear experienced by Zacharias.

As for physical characteristics, angels are often described as winged. The cherubim on the ark of the covenant have wings that cover the mercy seat (Exodus 25:20). Isaiah also saw winged seraphim in his vision of the throne of heaven, each one having six wings (Isaiah 6:2). Ezekiel, too, saw visions of winged angels. Isaiah 6:1-2 depicts angels having human features—voices, faces and feet. Angel voices are heard singing and praising God in several other passages. One of the most complete descriptions of an angel is in Daniel 10:5-6: “I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of the finest gold around his waist. His body was like chrysolite, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.” The angel guarding Jesus’ tomb was similarly described: “His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow” (Matthew 28:3).

Whatever appearance angels take on, there is reason to believe they are incredibly beautiful. First, Ezekiel tells us that Lucifer’s beauty was such that it caused his heart to be “lifted up” in pride. In addition, it stands to reason that angels have extraordinary beauty because they are continually in the presence of Almighty God, whose glory is reflected upon all that is around Him.

Who are the Four Living Creatures in Revelation?

2011-11-13T01:03:00.000-05:00

The four living creatures are found in Revelation 4:6-9, 5:6-14, 6:1-8, 14:3, 15:7, and 19:4. The texts that describe these creatures do not indicate that they are figurative—they are real, actual beings. The four living creatures (literally “beings”) are a special, exalted order of angelic being or cherubim. This is clear by their close proximity to the throne of God. Ezekiel 1:12-20 suggests that they are in constant motion around the throne.

Revelation 5:6-14 describes the duties or purposes of the four living creatures. They fall down and worship the Lamb, Jesus Christ, offering the same reverence to Him that they did to the Father (Revelation 4:10), proof positive of the deity of Jesus Christ. Along with the 24 elders, they have “harps and golden vials full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” Harps are frequently associated with worship in the Old Testament, as well as with prophecy (2 Kings 3:15; 1 Chronicles 25:1). Incense represents the prayers of the saints. Therefore, taken together the four living creatures and 24 elders hold in their hands all that prophets ever prophesied and believers ever prayed for—all about to come to pass.

The purpose of the four living creatures also has to do with declaring the holiness of God, leading in worship and adoration of God, and they are involved in some way with God’s justice, for when He opens for first four seals and sends out the four horsemen to destroy, their powerful voices, like thunder, command “come” (6:1-8). The horsemen respond to the summons of the four powerful creatures, indicating the power the creatures possess. That power is seen again in Revelation 15:7 when one of the four unleashes the last seven plagues of God’s wrath on mankind.

The four living creatures are very similar, if not the same, beings as those in Ezekiel 10:2, 14, and 20 and Isaiah 6:1-3. They are four in number, full of eyes, have faces like the beings in Ezekiel 1:10, six wings (Isaiah 6:2), and offer worship as the beings in Isaiah 6:3, saying “holy, holy, holy is the Lord.” They may not be the exact same beings, but they definitely are comparable and probably of the same order.

In summary, these beings are an exalted order of angels whose purpose is primarily that of worship (Revelation 19:4). They are very similar to the beings in Ezekiel 10 and Isaiah 6:1-3, and they are in some ways involved in God’s divine justice.

Are the demons the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim?

2011-11-13T00:42:00.000-05:00

With the understanding that the sons of God were the fallen angels, and that the Nephilim were the hybrid offspring of the union between the fallen angels and human women, the question then arises: What happened to the spirits of the Nephilim after they were killed, whether by the flood, or in the case of the possible post-flood Nephilim (Genesis 6:4; Numbers 13:33), after the flood?

Some speculate that the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim remained on the Earth and became what we now refer to as demons. The presumption is that as angelic-human hybrids, the spirits of the Nephilim would have been different from the human soul-spirit, including the ability to remain present in this world despite no longer having a physical body. This would possibly explain the desire the demons have to possess human beings, thus gaining control over a physical body. This would also make some sense from the perspective of the fallen angels, who are outnumbered 2-1 by the holy angels, giving them a good reason to seek to increase their ranks.

The Nephilim explanation for the origin of the demons is partly the result of a misunderstanding of who exactly are the “spirits in prison” in 1 Peter 3:19 (see also Jude 6). Many misunderstand the “spirits in prison” to be all of the fallen angels who rebelled against God. If all of the fallen angels are imprisoned, then there must be an alternate explanation for the existence of demons, thus the need for the Nephilim explanation. However, clearly not all of the fallen angels are imprisoned. Satan, the leader of the angelic rebellion against God, is not imprisoned. Why would God allow the rebel leader to remain free, but then confine the angels who followed Satan in the rebellion? No, it makes more sense to understand the “spirits in prison” as the fallen angels who participated in an additional rebellion, e.g., the sons of God / daughters of men incident. The fallen angels who mated with human females are the ones who are imprisoned. There is no solid biblical reason to reject the idea that the demons are the same beings as the fallen angels.

The idea that the demons are the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim is also drawn from the book of Enoch, which goes into great detail regarding the Nephilim. We have to remember, though, that while the book of Enoch contains some truth (Jude 14), it is not the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God. We should never base a belief exclusively, or even primarily, from extra-biblical literature. So, with no need to explain the existence of demons outside of the fallen angels, and with no clear evidence in Scripture for the spirits of the Nephilim continuing on Earth, there is no solid basis on which to identify the demons with the spirits of the Nephilim. While the idea is possible, it cannot be derived explicitly from Scripture.

Does the Bible promote or prohibit praying to Angels?

2011-11-13T00:30:00.000-05:00

While there is no verse which explicitly states, “You shall not pray to angels,” it is abundantly clear that we are not to pray to angels. Ultimately, prayer is an act of worship. And, just as angels reject our worship (Revelation 22:8-9), so they would also reject our prayers. Offering our worship or prayer to anyone but God is idolatry.

There are also several practical and theological reasons why praying to angels is wrong. Christ Himself never prayed to anyone but the Father. When asked by His disciples to teach them to pray, He instructed them “This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven…’” (Matthew 6:9; Luke 11:2). If praying to angels were something we, as His disciples, are to do, this would have been the place for Him to tell us. Clearly, we are to pray only to God. This is also evident in passages such as Matthew 11:25-26, where Christ's prayer introduction begins with "I praise thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth...." Jesus not only begins His prayers by addressing the Father, but the content of His prayers usually requests assistance that could only be granted by someone with omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent powers. Praying to angels would be ineffective because they are created beings and do not possess these powers.
The case against praying to angels can also be made by reviewing John 17:1-26 where Jesus prays on behalf of His followers, requesting multiple blessings on them from God the Father including sanctification, glorification, and preservation of the saints. These three blessings can only come from a source that presently holds them, and again, angels simply do not have this power. Angels cannot sanctify us, they cannot glorify us, and they cannot guarantee our inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14).

Second, there is an occasion in John 14:13 where Christ Himself tells believers that whatever we ask in His name, He will accomplish because He pleads directly with the Father. Offering a prayer up to angels would fall short of an effective and biblically guided prayer. A second occasion in which Christ mentions that prayers must be offered up in His name alone occurs in John 16:26. This verse conveys the message that after Christ's ascension to heaven, He acts as an intercessor to the Father for all believers. Neither angels nor any other created being is ever depicted as an intercessor with the Father. Only the Son and the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26) can intercede before the Father’s throne.

Last, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells the believer to pray without ceasing. This would only be possible if a believer has access to a God that is always present and available to listen to the pleas of every person at one time. Angels do not have this ability—they are not omnipresent or omnipotent—and as such are not qualified to receive our prayers. Prayer to the Father through Christ is the only necessary and effective means by which we can communicate with the Father. No, praying to angels is absolutely not a biblical concept.

Why were Michael and Satan disputing over the body of Moses?

2011-11-12T14:45:00.000-05:00

Jude verse 9 refers to an event which is found nowhere else in Scripture. From the text, we see that Michael had to struggle or dispute with Satan about the body of Moses, but what that entailed is not described. A similar struggle is related by Daniel who describes an angel coming to him in a vision. This angel, who is named as Gabriel in Daniel 8:16 and 9:21, tells Daniel that he was “resisted” by a demon called “the prince of Persia” until the archangel Michael came to his assistance (Daniel 10:13). So we learn from Daniel that angels and demons fight spiritual battles over the souls of men and nations, and that the demons resist angels as they attempt to do God’s bidding. In some sense, Michael was dispatched by God to deal in some way with the body of Moses, which God Himself had buried after Moses’ death (Deuteronomy 34:5-6).

Various theories have been put forth as to what this struggle over Moses’ body was all about. One is that Satan, ever the accuser of God’s people (Revelation 12:10), may have resisted the raising of Moses’ to eternal life on the grounds of Moses’ sin at Meribah (Deuteronomy 32:51) and his murder of the Egyptian (Exodus 2:12). That Satan was unsuccessful and Moses’ body was raised is made clear from Moses’ presence with Elijah and Jesus at the Transfiguration.

Some have supposed that the reference in Jude is the same as the passage in Zechariah 3:1-2, “Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. And the LORD said to Satan, ‘The LORD rebuke you, O Satan!’” But the objections to this being the same incident are very obvious: (1) There is no similarity between the two, except the expression, “the Lord rebuke you.” (2) The name Michael does not occur at all in the passage in Zechariah. (3) There is no mention made of the “body of Moses” there, and no allusion to it whatever.

It has also been supposed that Jude is quoting an apocryphal book which existed in his time which contained this account, and that he means to confirm that the account is true. Origen, (c. 185–254), an early Christian scholar and theologian, mentions the book “The Assumption of Moses” as extant in his time, containing this very account of the contest between Michael and the devil about the body of Moses. That book, now lost, was a Jewish Greek book, and Origen supposed that this was the source of the account in Jude.

The only material question then is whether it is “true.” Whatever the origin of the account, Jude does in fact seem to refer to the contest between Michael and the devil as true. He speaks of it in the same way in which he would have done if he had spoken of the death of Moses or of his smiting the rock or of his leading the children of Israel across the Red Sea or of any other fact in history. And who can prove that it is not true? What evidence is there that it is not? There are many allusions in the Bible to angels. We know that the archangel Michael is real; there is frequent mention of the devil; and there are numerous affirmations that both bad and good angels are employed in important transactions on the earth. As the nature of this particular disputing over Moses’ body is wholly unknown, conjecture is useless. We do not know whether there was an argument over which of them should get the body, or a contention about burying it, or any physical contention about it whatever.

These two things we do know, however: first, Scripture is inerrant, and second, this is the supreme illustration of how Christians are to deal with Satan and demons. The inerrancy of Scripture is one of the pillars of the Christian faith and is not to be questioned simply because of obscure references such as Jude 9. As Christians, our goal is to approach Scripture reverently and prayerfully, and when we find something we do not understand, we pray harder, study more, and—if the answer still eludes us—humbly acknowledge our own limitations in the face of the perfect Word of God.

The example of Michael refusing to pronounce a curse upon Satan should be a lesson to Christians in how to relate to demonic forces. Believers are not to address them, but rather to seek the Lord’s intervening power against them. If as powerful a being as Michael, as well as the Angel of the Lord in Zechariah 3:2, deferred to the Lord in dealing with Satan, who are we to attempt to reproach, cast out, or command demons?

Do Christians have the authority to command angels?

2011-11-12T14:40:00.002-05:00

Without question people today are fascinated by the concept and study of angels, called "angelology," which depicts them in everything from jewelry and Christmas decorations to movies and television programs. Many Christians also believe they have the authority command angels to do their bidding, while others believe they can command angels (and even demons) in the name of Jesus. There are no instances in Scripture where humans were able to give angels commands either directly or even through Jesus’ name. There are no passages where man has control over the work of the angels. We do know that they are above us since Jesus had to make Himself lower than the angels in order to come down and be born and suffer as a man (Hebrews 2:7-9; Psalm 8:4).

Additionally, as believers we do not have control over the angels. That is a false teaching made up by those who want to claim some great power over the spirit world that they do not have. The following passages, among others, show that men do not command angels, nor do angels obey the commands of men:

• Moses spoke of when the children of Israel “cried out to the LORD, he heard our cry, and sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt” (Numbers 20:16). The Israelites did not command an angel to come to them. They appealed to God, under whose command the angels function.

•Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s image, not knowing what God would do (Daniel 3:17-18). But God in His mercy “sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God” (Daniel 3:28). The Hebrew children did not order up the angel of the Lord. God did it. He “sent his angel” to deliver Daniel from the mouths of the lions in their den (Daniel 6:22).

• The church in Jerusalem prayed for Peter when he was in prison (Acts 12:5). But when Peter was delivered, he testified, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating” (Acts 12:11). The Christians praying for Peter were so surprised when he showed up at the door that they almost did not let him in. Certainly, they did not command any angel to go get him.

The bottom line to understanding the purpose and nature of angels is this: they are God’s “holy angels,” who do His bidding, not ours (Matthew 25:31; Revelation 14:10). As mere humans, we are sinful by nature, as the apostle Paul, in speaking of mankind, declared, “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.” Knowing that, how could men ever have the right, much less the authority, to command these holy ministers of God Almighty? The answer: we cannot.

Did one third of the angels fall with Lucifer?

2011-11-12T14:34:00.002-05:00

While there is no verse that says a "third of the angels fell from heaven," some verses, when put together, lead us to that conclusion. Sometime after their creation, and most certainly after the sixth day when everything was declared “very good” (Genesis 1:31), Satan rebelled and was cast out of heaven. “How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!” (Isaiah 14:12). When Lucifer sinned, Jesus said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18), and in the book of the Revelation Satan is seen as “a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth” (Revelation 9:1).

We are also told that one third of an “innumerable company of angels” (Hebrews 12:22) chose to rebel with him. John saw this great wonder in heaven, “…an enormous red dragon…His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth…the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him” (Revelation 12:3-9).

Since Satan is referred to as a star which fell or was cast down to earth, and Revelation 12:4 says a third of the stars were cast out with him, then the conclusion is that the stars in Revelation 12 refer to fallen angels, fully one third of the heavenly host. If the one-third number is in fact accurate, what assurance that is! Two thirds of the angels are still on God's side, and for followers of Christ, they are on our side as well.

What is a succubus? What is an incubus?

2011-11-12T14:29:00.000-05:00

According to medieval folklore, a succubus is a demon that takes the form of a woman in order to have intercourse with a man in his dreams. The name comes from Old Latin, and means “to lie under.” In Islamic superstition, there is a similar demon called the qarinah or karina, and in ancient Middle Eastern cultures Lilith was the night demon's name. Whichever name is used, the essential qualities are the same: a demon who tempts men sexually at night and who tries to kill infants at birth.

There are two biblical passages that may refer directly to this kind of demon. One of the Dead Sea Scrolls (4Q184) depicts a being called “the seductress” who has horns and wings and a multitude of sins in her wings. This being tempts men into sin and ultimately drags them into the Pit. The passage is quite similar to Proverbs 2:18-19, which describes the dangers of the seductress or “strange woman.” In describing the results of God's judgment on Edom, Isaiah 34:14 (KJV) says, “the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest.” The American Standard Version translates “lilith” as night demon or monster, and the Revised Standard Version uses the name “Lilith.” Some commentators have proposed that primitive cultures heard the cries of nocturnal animals and attributed them to demons because they had no knowledge of those animals.

Are succubi real? If we grant any credence to the widespread beliefs of ancient cultures, the answer would have to be yes. If we confine our search to biblical writing, the answer becomes more difficult. To be sure, the name has been associated with a demonic presence for several thousand years and fits in that context in the Bible. It is also certain that the Bible deals with demons as very real, very powerful beings which have dealings with mankind. Second Peter 2:4 speaks of angels who sinned and were cast down to hell in judgment. Jude 6 (KJV) likewise speaks of angels who “kept not their first estate,” and are awaiting the last judgment. Jesus cast demons out of people, as did His disciples. Whether or not we accept the idea of sexual tempters, there is no doubt that demons themselves are real.

The male counterpart of the succubus is the incubus, from the Latin incubo for "nightmare." An incubus was supposedly a male demon who would lie with sleeping human women in order to have sexual intercourse with them. Incubi were thought to be able to father children, and the half-human offspring of an incubus was called a “cambion.” Merlin, the legendary wizard from the King Arthur legends, was supposedly sired by an incubus, from whom he received his supernatural powers and abilities. Both succubi and incubi were the products of medieval superstitions and were most likely efforts to explain the natural phenomena that occur during sleep—nightmares, sexual dreams, sleep paralysis and night terrors. They are also thought to have been efforts to explain away nighttime rapes and other assaults on women by friends, relatives and even the clergy. It would have been easier to attribute such attacks to the supernatural than to admit they came from some person in a position of trust.

As Christians, we are warned against worshiping demons (Leviticus 17:7), and even their names should be forgotten (Zechariah 13:2). Some people study demons thinking that will help them carry on spiritual warfare. All we really need to know about the enemy is this: “Every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God” (1 John 4:3, NKJV). Our focus should be on learning more about the One who “has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14, NKJV). When we hide God's Word in our hearts, it keeps us from sinning against Him (Psalm 119:11) and gives us the weaponry to fight off any attack of Satan or his demons (Ephesians 6:17).

Can demons attach themselves to non-living/inanimate objects?

2011-11-12T14:12:00.000-05:00

There is no biblical support to the idea that demons can attach themselves to physical objects. This belief is actually part of superstitious practices and occult beliefs found in animistic cultures and among those who practice the occult. Some say that verses such as Acts 19:19, where magicians burned their magic books after believing in Christ, prove that objects can have demons. But this passage does not say that. It is more likely the new believers were burning their magic books to make a clean break with their past and to show that they were now believers in Jesus. They also probably burned these books because the books contained evil information.

When demons are found in the Bible, they are either independent (as with Satan) or are afflicting or possessing unbelieving people. They are never described as being in or attached to objects, nor does the Bible warn us about demons attaching themselves to objects. It is likely that occult practices attract evil spirits, and therefore, using objects for occult activities might attract the demons, but this does not mean the demons are in the objects. It is the occult activity itself that attracts them. When people who have been involved in the occult come to Christ and leave the occult, they are often advised to get rid of books or objects that they used as occult practitioners, not because the objects have demons in them, but because the books and objects would provide a source for future temptation.

Believers in Christ are not to fear demons, although we are to be vigilant and alert (1 Peter 5:8). The key is submission to God and walking in the truth of Christ daily: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Those who have put their faith in Christ have nothing to fear, as the apostle John explained, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them [Satan and his false prophets], because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Of course, we must always be on the defensive against the forces of evil who never cease trying to find inroads into our minds and lives. “The one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him” (1 John 5:18b).

Is there an angel of death?"

2011-11-12T14:07:00.000-05:00

The idea of an “angel of death” is present in several religions. The “angel of death” is known as Samael, Sariel, or Azrael in Judaism, as Malak Almawt in Islam, as Yama or Yamaraj in Hinduism, and as the Grim Reaper in popular fiction. In various mythologies, the angel of death is imagined as anything from a cloaked skeletal figure with a sickle, to a beautiful woman, to a small child. While the details vary, the core belief regarding the angel of death is that it is a being who comes to a person at the moment of death, either actually causing death or simply observing it—with the purpose of then taking the person’s soul to the abode of the dead.

This “angel of death” concept is not taught in the Bible. The Bible nowhere teaches that there is a particular angel who is in charge of death or who is present whenever a person dies. Second Kings 19:35 describes an angel putting to death 185,000 Assyrians who had invaded Israel. Some also see Exodus chapter 12, the death of the firstborn of Egypt, as the work of an angel. While this is possible, the Bible nowhere attributes the death of the firstborn to an angel. Whatever the case, while the Bible describes angels causing death at the command of the Lord, Scripture nowhere teaches that there is a specific angel of death.

God, and God alone, is sovereign over the timing of our deaths. No angel or demon can in any sense cause our death before the time God has willed it to occur. According to Romans 6:23 and Revelation 20:11-15, death is separation, separation of our soul-spirit from our body (physical death) and, in the case of unbelievers, everlasting separation from God (eternal death). Death is something that occurs. Death is not an angel, a demon, a person, or any other being. Angels can cause death, and may be involved in what happens to us after death—but there is no such thing as the “angel of death.”

Does Satan still have access to Heaven?

2011-11-12T14:04:00.001-05:00

Satan was originally one of God’s holy angels, but he rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven (Luke 10:18). That was only the first stage of his judgment. Satan’s kingdom was vanquished at the cross (John 12:31-32). Later, he will be bound in the abyss for one thousand years (Revelation 20:1-3) and then will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity (Revelation 20:10).

Until his final judgment, Satan is “the prince of this world” (John 14:30), but it seems that he still has restricted access to the heavenly realms. In Job 1:6, Satan stands in the presence of God. (See 2 Chronicles 18:18-21 for a similar situation involving a “lying spirit.”) Since God is holy and absolutely without sin (Isaiah 6:3), and since He will not even look on evil (Habakkuk 1:13), how can Satan be in heaven? The answer involves God’s sovereign restraint of sin. In Job 1, Satan stood before God to give an account of himself. God initiated the meeting, led the proceedings, and remained in absolute control (verse 7). The result was that Satan’s power was limited (verse 12) and God was glorified.

Here are some other facts to note: 1) Satan does not have open access to God’s presence. He is summoned by God. 2) The visits are temporary. His time before God’s throne is limited. 3) In no way is the purity of heaven tainted by the brief, God-ordained presence of a sinful being, “quarantined,” as it were, by God’s regulatory power. And, 4) Satan’s access is only granted prior to the final judgment. After the judgment, God creates a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1), wipes away all tears from our eyes (verse 4), reveals the New Jerusalem (verse 10), and promises the complete absence of sin (verse 27).
When we say, “God cannot allow sin into heaven,” we simply mean that God cannot allow human beings who are still in their sin to live in His presence. But it is possible for God to command a sinful being to stand (temporarily) in His presence in order to commission him (Isaiah 6), to exact an account from him (Job 1-2), or to judge him (Revelation 20:11-15) without compromising His holiness.

God’s holiness will eventually consume all sin. Until that day, His holiness regulates sin, and that means that Satan, on certain occasions, is briefly summoned before his Creator to give an account of his actions.

Who were the spirits in prison?

2011-11-12T13:18:00.001-05:00

Speaking of the time between Jesus’ death and resurrection, 1 Peter 3:19 declares, “. . . He went and preached to the spirits in prison…” Who were these “spirits in prison,” why was Jesus preaching to them, and what was He preaching to them?

First, let’s look at the word spirits. It is from the Greek word pneumasin, a form of the word pneuma, which means “air, breath, wind.” It is used in the New Testament to refer to angels (Hebrews 1:14), demons (Mark 1:23), the spirit of Jesus (Matthew 27:50), and the Holy Spirit (John 14:17). While the Bible makes it clear that human beings have spirits (Hebrews 4:12), the Bible never refers to human beings as “spirits.” We have spirits, but are not spirits. God the Holy Spirit, angels, and demons do not have spirits; they are spirits. So the standard meaning of the word spirits in the phrase “spirits in prison” seems to argue for the spirits being something other than human beings
If the spirits in prison are not the spirits of deceased human beings, and we know that the Holy Spirit is not imprisoned, and that God’s holy angels are not imprisoned, that leaves us with one option—the spirits in prison are demons. Now, it is clear that not all the demons are imprisoned. The New Testament gives countless examples of demonic activity. So the spirits in prison must be a select group of demons who, unlike the rest of their demonic allies, were at one point imprisoned.

W hat might be a possible reason for some, but not all, of the demons to be imprisoned? Jude verse 6 gives us an important clue, “And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.” Again, the New Testament makes it abundantly clear that not all of the demons are “bound with everlasting chains.” Jude verse 6, which is similar to 1 Peter 3:19, must be speaking of a select group of demons who sinned even more grievously against God.
What might this sin have been? Genesis 6:1-4 records the “sons of God” mating with the “daughters of men” and producing a race of giants, the Nephilim, who are now disembodied Demonic spirits. The sons of God were fallen angels mated with human females, and this is the most likely identity of the spirits in prison in 1 Peter 3:19. The demons who committed this sin were imprisoned by God to prevent them from recommitting this sin, and to discourage the other demons from participating in the sin. This interpretation is also supported by the fact that 1 Peter 3:20 mentions “the days of Noah,” and the sons of God incident occurred just prior to God sending the flood in Noah’s time (Genesis 6).

The spirits in prison mentioned in 1 Peter 3:19 were allen angels and their offspring the Nephilim demons who sinned grievously against God by “abandoning their proper abode” (Jude 6) in the incident involving the sons of God and daughters of men (Genesis 6:1-4). The Nephilim were a form o genetic warfare and corruption whom occupied much of the Old Testament biblical times.

What are Territorial Spirits?

2011-11-12T13:03:00.001-05:00

“Territorial spirits” is a term some Christians use to identify demonic occupation of a specific geographic location. Interestingly enough, and perhaps ironically, it is also a term pagans use to describe an otherworldly presence believed to be residing in a specific geographical location. The Christian concept of territorial spirits comes from passages such as Daniel 10; John 12:31; John 14:30; John 16:11; Mark 5:10; and Ephesians 6:12. All of these passages imply that fallen angels have been given some type of responsibility over a certain area. Thus, they seem to be territorial. However, we need to remember that this is by inference; the Bible never explicitly defines a hierarchy of demonic authority and control in the world. What the Bible is clear about is that demons are definitely at work in the spiritual realm and that believers are very much involved in a battle against them.

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
Daniel 10:13

In Daniel 10, for example, the angel struggled against a demonic adversary the entire time Daniel was praying and fasting. It wasn't until the resolution of Daniel's spiritually focused time that the angel could finally break away and come to Daniel. Ephesians 6 exhorts believers to stand firm against our spiritual adversaries and to remain alert and ready for battle. So there is no doubt that our struggle on earth is mirrored in some way in the spiritual realm.

The problem that comes with the use of the term “territorial spirits” is that some Christians believe it is their duty to engage territorial demons in spiritual warfare. This, however, cannot be justified by Scripture. There is not a single instance in the Bible where someone actively sought out a demon in order to engage it. Demon-possessed individuals were encountered, and even brought to Jesus and His disciples for healing, but the disciples didn't go out looking for demons to cast out of people. Nobody in the Bible ever prayed that the demon princes of their town be bound from working their will against the residents of that town.

Territorial spirits, although not a scriptural idea, may very well exist, as seen in the previous passages. Such a term as "territorial spirits" is really not that important, though. What is important is our response. A believer in Christ has no biblical support to engage in prayer-led spiritual warfare against demons. Rather, a believer needs to be aware that there is a spiritual battle and to take it seriously (1 Peter 5:8). Our lives need to be focused on prayer and on growing in faith. Should we ever encounter a demon, we definitely have the Christ-given authority to deal with it, but we should not go looking for them, territorial or otherwise.

Do angels sing?

2011-11-12T12:41:00.000-05:00

Job 38:7 tells us that during the creation of the world, "the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy." Revelation 5:11-13 declares, “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels . . . They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’ Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: ‘To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’” Luke 2:13-14 informs us, "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.'"

The above Scriptures appear at first glance to give clear evidence to the idea that angels sing. However, in each instance, the words that are translated "sing" or "sang" could also be referring to speaking. At the same time, the fact that the angels are worshipping and praising God seems to argue for singing as the meaning, not just speaking. God has created humanity with an innate connection to music and singing, especially in regard to worship (Ephesians 5:19). It would seem logical that God would have created the angels with that same "propensity" for singing. Whatever the case, whether singing or speaking, we know the angels are all about worshipping and praising God. May we follow their example!

Was Satan the Serpent in Genesis Chapter 3?

2011-11-12T12:37:00.001-05:00

Yes, the serpent in Genesis chapter 3 was Satan. Satan was either appearing as a serpent, possessing the serpent, or deceiving Adam and Eve into believing that it was the serpent who was talking to them. Serpents / snakes do not possess the ability to speak. Revelation 12:9 and 20:2 both describe Satan as a serpent. “He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years” (Revelation 20:2). “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him” (Revelation 12:9).

While the Bible is not clear as to whether or not the serpent stood up or walked before the curse, it appears likely that like other reptiles it probably did walk on four legs. That would seem to be the best explanation of Genesis 3:14, "So the LORD God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life.’” The fact that the serpent was cursed to crawl on his belly and eat the dust of the earth forever is also a way of indicating that the serpent would be forever despised and looked upon as a vile and despicable creature and an object of scorn and contempt. Why did God curse the serpent when He knew that it was actually Satan who had led Adam and Eve into sin? The fate of the serpent is an illustration. The curse of the serpent will one day be the fate of Satan himself (Revelation 20:10; Ezekiel 28:18-19).

Do angels have wings?

2011-11-12T12:33:00.002-05:00

The most common image of an angel is essentially a human being with wings. This is not Biblical. The Bible often presents angels as appearing as human beings. However, this does not indicate that angels in their essence resemble human beings. Further, the Bible vary rarely describes angels as having wings. However, there are definitely two types of angels mentioned in the Bible that have wings: Cherubim (Exodus 25:20; Ezekiel 10) and Seraphim (Isaiah 6). Cherubim and Seraphim are two types of angels, possibly the two highest orders of angels. So, this much is clear, some angels do have wings.

The Bible tells us that angels are spirit beings (Hebrews 1:14). The descriptions of the Cherubim in Ezekiel chapter 10 and the Seraphim in Isaiah chapter 6 are highly unusual. It is clear that Ezekiel and Isaiah were having trouble accurately describing the amazing visions they saw of Heaven and the angels. As spirit beings, it is unclear as to why the angels would require wings. A spirit being does not need wings in order to fly. The angels are not bound by the laws of the physical universe. So, do angels have wings? Yes, some angels do have wings. However, we should not limit what the angels can or cannot do based on our limited understanding of the wings angels possess as described in the Bible.

What are Seraphim? Are Seraphs Angels?

2011-11-12T12:30:00.001-05:00

The seraphim (fiery, burning ones) are angelic beings associated with the prophet Isaiah's vision of God in the Temple when God called him to his prophetic ministry (Isaiah 6:1-7). Isaiah 6:2-4 records, “Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’ At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.” Seraphs are angels who worship God continually.

Isaiah chapter 6 is the only place in the Bible that specifically mentions the seraphim. Each seraph had six wings. They used two to fly, two to cover their feet, and two to cover their faces (Isaiah 6:2). The seraphim flew about the throne on which God was seated, singing His praises as they called special attention to God’s glory and majesty. These beings apparently also served as agents of purification for Isaiah as he began his prophetic ministry. One placed a hot coal against Isaiah's lips with the words, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for” (Isaiah 6:7). Similar to the other types of holy angels, the seraphim are perfectly obedient to God. Similar to the cherubim, the seraphim are particularly focused on worshipping God.

What are Cherubim? Are Cherubs Angels?

2011-11-12T12:27:00.001-05:00

Cherubim/cherubs are angelic beings involved in the worship and praise of God. The cherubim are first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 3:24, “After He drove the man out, He placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.” Prior to his rebellion, Satan was a cherub (Ezekiel 28:12-15). The tabernacle and temple along with their articles contained many representations of cherubim (Exodus 25:17-22; 26:1, 31; 36:8; 1 Kings 6:23-35; 7:29-36; 8:6-7; 1 Chronicles 28:18; 2 Chronicles 3:7-14; 2 Chronicles 3:10-13; 5:7-8; Hebrews 9:5).

Chapters 1 and 10 of the book of Ezekiel describe the “four living creatures” (Ezekiel 1:5) as the same beings as the cherubim (Ezekiel 10). Each had four faces—that of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle (Ezekiel 1:10; also 10:14)—and each had four wings. In their appearance, the cherubim “had the likeness of a man” (Ezekiel 1:5). These cherubim used two of their wings for flying and the other two for covering their bodies (Ezekiel 1:6, 11, 23). Under their wings the cherubim appeared to have the form, or likeness, of a man's hand (Ezekiel 1:8; 10:7-8, 21).

The imagery of Revelation 4:6-9 also seems to be describing cherubim. The cherubim serve the purpose of magnifying the holiness and power of God. This is one of their main responsibilities throughout the Bible. In addition to singing God's praises, they also serve as a visible reminder of the majesty and glory of God and His abiding presence with His people.

Who is The Angel of The Lord?

2011-11-12T12:10:00.001-05:00

The precise identity of the “angel of the Lord” is not given in the Bible. However, there are many important “clues” to his identity. There are Old and New Testament references to “angels of the Lord,” “an angel of the Lord,” and “the angel of the Lord.” It seems when the definite article “the” is used, it is specifying a unique being, separate from the other angels. The angel of the Lord speaks as God, identifies Himself with God, and exercises the responsibilities of God (Genesis 16:7-12; 21:17-18; 22:11-18; Exodus 3:2; Judges 2:1-4; 5:23; 6:11-24; 13:3-22; 2 Samuel 24:16; Zechariah 1:12; 3:1; 12:8). In several of these appearances, those who saw the angel of the Lord feared for their lives because they had “seen the Lord.” Therefore, it is clear that in at least some instances, the angel of the Lord is a theophany, an appearance of God in physical form.

The appearances of the angel of the Lord cease after the incarnation of Christ. Angels are mentioned numerous times in the New Testament, but “the angel of the Lord” is never mentioned in the New Testament. It is possible that appearances of the angel of the Lord were manifestations of Jesus before His incarnation. Jesus declared Himself to be existent “before Abraham” (John 8:58), so it is logical that He would be active and manifest in the world. Whatever the case, whether the angel of the Lord was a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ (Christophany) or an appearance of God the Father (theophany), it is highly likely that the phrase “the angel of the Lord” usually identifies a physical appearance of God.

Do we have guardian angels?

2011-11-12T11:46:00.002-05:00

Matthew 18:10 states, “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” In the context, “these little ones” could either apply to those who believe in Him (v. 6) or it could refer to the little children (vs. 3-5). This is the key passage regarding guardian angels. There is no doubt that good angels help protect (Daniel 6:20-23; 2 Kings 6:13-17), reveal information (Acts 7:52-53; Luke 1:11-20), guide (Matthew 1:20-21; Acts 8:26), provide for (Genesis 21:17-20; 1 Kings 19:5-7), and minister to believers in general (Hebrews 1:14).

The question is whether each person—or each believer—has an angel assigned to him/her. In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel had the archangel (Michael) assigned to it (Daniel 10:21; 12:1), but Scripture nowhere states that an angel is “assigned” to an individual (angels were sometimes sent to individuals, but there is no mention of permanent assignment). The Jews fully developed the belief in guardian angels during the time between the Old and New Testament periods. Some early church fathers believed that each person had not only a good angel assigned to him/her, but a demon as well. The belief in guardian angels has been around for a long time, but there is no explicit scriptural basis for it.

To return to Matthew 18:10, the word “their” is a collective pronoun in the Greek and refers to the fact that believers are served by angels in general. These angels are pictured as “always” watching the face of God so as to hear His command to them to help a believer when it is needed. The angels in this passage do not seem to be guarding a person so much as being attentive to the Father in heaven. The active duty or oversight seems, then, to come more from God than from the angels, which makes perfect sense because God alone is omniscient. He sees every believer at every moment, and He alone knows when one of us needs the intervention of an angel. Because they are continually seeing His face, the angels are at His disposal to help one of His “little ones.”

It cannot be emphatically answered from Scripture whether or not each believer has a guardian angel assigned to him/her. But, as stated earlier, God does use angels in ministering to us. It is scriptural to say that He uses them as He uses us; that is, He in no way needs us or them to accomplish His purposes, but chooses to use us and them nevertheless (Job 4:18; 15:15). In the end, whether or not we have an angel assigned to protect us, we have an even greater assurance from God: if we are His children through faith in Christ, He works all things together for good (Romans 8:28-30), and Jesus Christ will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). If we have an omniscient, omnipotent, all-loving God with us, does it really matter whether or not there is a finite guardian angel protecting us?

Why did God allow Satan and the Demons to sin?

2011-11-12T11:36:00.001-05:00

With both the angels and humanity, God chose to present a choice. While the Bible does not give many details regarding the rebellion of Satan and the fallen angels, it seems that Satan—probably the greatest of all the angels (Ezekiel 28:12-18)—in pride chose to rebel against God in order to seek to become his own god. Satan (Lucifer) did not want to worship or obey God; he wanted to be God (Isaiah 14:12-14). Revelation 12:4 is understood to be a figurative description of one third of the angels choosing to follow Satan in his rebellion, becoming the fallen angels—demons.

Unlike humanity, however, the choice the angels had to follow Satan or remain faithful to God was an eternal choice. The Bible presents no opportunity for the fallen angels to repent and be forgiven. Nor does the Bible indicate that it is possible for more of the angels to sin. The angels who remain faithful to God are described as the “elect angels” (1 Timothy 5:21). Satan and the fallen angels knew God in all His glory. For them to rebel, despite what they knew about God, was the utmost of evil. As a result, God does not give Satan and the other fallen angels the opportunity to repent. Further, the Bible gives us no reason to believe they would repent even if God gave them the chance (1 Peter 5:8). God gave Satan and the angels the same choice He gave Adam and Eve, to obey Him or not. The angels had a free-will choice to make; God did not force or encourage any of the angels to sin. Satan and the fallen angels sinned of their own free will and therefore are worthy of God's eternal wrath in the lake of fire.

Why did God give the angels this choice, when He knew what the results would be? God knew that one-third of the angels would rebel and therefore be cursed to the eternal fire. God also knew that Satan would further his rebellion by tempting humanity into sin. So, why did God allow it? The Bible does not explicitly give the answer to this question. The same can be asked of almost any evil action. Why does God allow it? Ultimately, it comes back to God’s sovereignty over His creation. The Psalmist tells us, “As for God, His way is perfect” (Psalm 18:30). If God’s ways are “perfect,” then we can trust that whatever He does—and whatever He allows—is also perfect. So the perfect plan from our perfect God was to allow sin. Our minds are not God’s mind, nor are our ways His ways, as He reminds us in Isaiah 55:8-9.

Traditionally, Lucifer (English pronunciation: /ˈluːsɪfər, ljuːsɪfər/) is a name that in English generally refers to the devil or Satan before being cast from Heaven, although this is not the original meaning of the term. In Latin, from which the English word is derived, Lucifer (as a noun) means "light-bearer" (from the words lucem ferre). It was the name given to the dawn appearance of the planet Venus, which heralds daylight. For this meaning, English generally uses the names "Morning Star" or "Day Star", and rarely "Lucifer".
Use of the name "Lucifer" for the devil stems from a particular interpretation of Isaiah 14:3–20, a passage that does not speak of any fallen angel but of the defeat of a particular Babylonian King, whom the passage names Helel (הֵילֵל, Shining One), a Hebrew word that refers to the Day Star or Morning Star (the Latin term^[2] for which is lucifer)^[3] In 2 Peter 1:19 and elsewhere, the same Latin word lucifer is used to refer to the Morning Star, with no relation to the devil. In Revelation 22:16, Jesus himself is called the Morning Star, but not "Lucifer", even in Latin.
It is uncertain when precisely the Isaiah passage, which in its Latin translation contains the name "Lucifer", began to be applied to Satan, but it was certainly used in this way by 3rd-century Origen,^[4] and some scholars claim that the identification of "Lucifer" with the devil was first made by Origen, Tertullian and Augustine of Hippo.^[5]

When did God create the angels?

2011-11-12T11:28:00.001-05:00

Trying to determine when God created the angels is somewhat tricky because anything God did “before the foundation of the world” puts the event outside of time itself. Time and space are characteristics of our world, not God’s. He is not limited by hours, days and years as we are. In fact, the Bible tells us that “with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” (2 Peter 3:8).

We do know that God created the angels before he created the physical universe. The book of Job describes the angels worshipping God as He was creating the world: “Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone - while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7).

If we consider the function of angels, we might conclude that God created the angels just prior to the creation of mankind because one of their duties is to be “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). We also know they existed prior to the Garden of Eden, because Satan, who was formerly the angel Lucifer, was already present in the Garden in his fallen state. However, because another function of angels is to worship God around His throne (Revelation 5:11-14), they may have been in existence millions of years—as we reckon time—before God created the world, worshipping Him and serving Him.

So, although the Bible does not specifically say when God created the angels, it was sometime before the world was created. Whether this was a day before, or billions of years before—again, as we reckon time—we cannot be sure.

Can Satan read our minds / know our thoughts?

2011-11-12T11:22:00.001-05:00

First, it is important for us to remember that Satan is not omnipresent – he cannot be in more than one place at a time. Only God is everywhere, only God knows everything, while Satan must rely on his army of demons to do his bidding.

Can Satan and/or his demons read our minds? Scripture does not say specifically whether or not Satan can read our minds. The Bible does teach us that Satan indeed is very powerful. Likely he was the highest of all the fallen angels, as he was persuasive enough to convince one third of the angels to join him in his rebellion (Revelation 12:4). Even after his fall from heaven, not even Michael the archangel dared to confront him without the Lord’s help (Jude 9). Satan is the “the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient” (Ephesians 2:2b). Believers are exhorted “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7b).

The Bible gives us no reason to believe Satan and his demons can read our minds. Clearly that would take a measure of omnipresence and omniscience, which they do not have. However, Satan and his demons have been observing and tempting human beings for thousands of years. In addition, they can overhear our speech when we talk to others (and to ourselves!). Surely they have learned a few things about us over the years. Even without the ability to know our thoughts, they can probably make a well-educated guess as to what we are thinking, and then attempt to use it to their advantage. That is why we are commanded to “Submit yourselves, then, to God” (James 4:7a), before we are told to “Resist the devil” (James 4:7b).

What Are The Archangels?

2011-11-12T11:15:00.001-05:00

The word “archangel” occurs in only two verses of the Bible. First Thessalonians 4:16 exclaims, "For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first." Jude verse 9 declares, "But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you!'" The word “archangel” comes from a Greek word meaning "chief angel." It refers to an angel who seems to be the leader of other angels.

Jude verse 9 uses the definite article "the archangel Michael," which could possibly indicate that Michael is the only archangel. However, Daniel 10:13 describes Michael as "one of the chief princes." This possibly indicates that there is more than one archangel, because it places Michael on the same level as the other "chief princes." So, while it is possible that there are multiple archangels, it is best not to presume upon the Word of God by declaring other angels as archangels. Daniel 10:21 describes Michael the archangel as "your prince," and Daniel 12:1 identifies Michael as "the great prince who protects." Even if there are multiple archangels, it seems that Michael is the chief among them.

In post-Biblical Judaism, certain angels came to take on a particular significance and developed unique personalities and roles. Though these archangels were believed to have rank amongst the heavenly host, no systematic hierarchy ever developed. Metatron is considered one of the highest of the angels in Merkavah and Kabbalist mysticism and often serves as a scribe. He is briefly mentioned in the Talmud,^[6] and figures prominently in Merkavah mystical texts. Michael, who serves as a warrior and advocate for Israel (Daniel 10:13), is looked upon particularly fondly. Gabriel is mentioned in the Book of Daniel (Daniel 8:15-17) and briefly in the Talmud,^[7] as well as many Merkavah mystical texts. The earliest references to archangels are in the literature of the intertestamental periods (e.g., 4 Esdras 4:36).
Within the rabbinic tradition, the Kabbalah, chapter 20 of the Book of Enoch, and the Life of Adam and Eve, the usual number of archangels given is at least seven, who are the focal angels. Three higher archangels are also commonly referenced: Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel. There is confusion about one of the following eight names, concerning which one listed is not truly an archangel.^{[clarification needed]} They are: Uriel, Sariel, Raguel, and Remiel (possibly the Ramiel of the Apocalypse of Baruch, said to preside over true visions), Zadkiel, Jophiel, Haniel and Chamuel.^[8] Medieval Jewish philosopher Maimonides made a Jewish angelic hierarchy.

Giant Remains - Kentucky Cave Story

2011-10-18T13:03:00.000-04:00

Two young men named White, while idly wandering in a large tract of wild, dense forest, in the south-eastern part of our county, discovered what they supposed to be a sink-hole or fox-

den, (A) and with that idea proceeded to explore it. After a little trouble in making their way through the entrance, the cave (for such it proved to be) became large enough to admit of their

walking upright. They had proceeded thus in this passage probably, 150 yards, when they emerged into a large and picturesque gallery, the beauty and grandeur of which will rival that

of the old Mammoth itself. The room, according to their calculations, is about 150 by 100 feet, and abounds in all the varieties of the stalactite and stalagmite.

But, it's not the things that we naturally expect to find in caves that we wish to mention particularly, but the curios remains that were discovered therein. In the northeast corner of the first

gallery, (for there are five, which we will speak of), about five feet from the ground, they noticed some strange characters or hieroglyphics neatly carved in the wall, which, upon close

examination, proved to be the head-rock of a vault. A few minutes prying served to loosen this and disclose to view the interior of an enclosure in the solid rock of about five by ten feet,

which contained the remains of three skeletons, which measure eight feet seven and a half inches, eight feet five inches and eight feet four an three quarter inches in length

respectively. The heads were lying toward the east, each body parallel to the other. Beside them lay three huge (what looked to be) swords, but they were so decayed that upon being

touched they crumbled to dust.

After examining the remains closely, but finding nothing that would serve to throw any light on the question as to who and from whence they are, they closed the vault, but in doing so,

knocked their torch out, which they had contrived before entering, leaving them in anything but a pleasant predicament. After searching some time for their lost treasure, they concluded

to try to escape by feeling their way out, but in this they made the matter worse. They stated that after leaving the first large room they struck a good sized branch, and continued following

it until forced to turn into another passage the stream disappearing suddenly in a huge perpendicular gulch which led them into another spacious hall, the size of which they believe to

be quite as large as the first.

Out of this second opening, and through what they conceived to be three others similar at least in size their way seemed to gradually ascend, until their hearts were made glad by the

discovery of light ahead, and finally emerged from their ugly confinement through a hole about midway, the cliff of Russell's Creek, having been confined in their subterranean discovery

over thirty eight hours. The whole country thereabouts is rife with speculations concerning the interesting discovery, and numbers of citizens will visit it as soon as the Messrs. White

finish their work of rendering the entrance less difficult to pass.

The above is a correct account and may be replied on, as the young men are of unimpeachable veracity. With a party from town, your correspondent will start in the morning to further

explore and should now curiosities present themselves, will give you the account of an eyewitness.

This entire site is in the Southwestern portion of the United States on private property. (A) The entrance to the many chambers underground.

(B) Skeleton number 2. (C) Skeleton number 3. (D) This is their script? designs? records? map? (E) A cloth sample from a burial inside the chamber. (F) A fishing net. Reminiscent of

the great inland sea that once covered much of today's present southwest. (G) Woven footwear, a type of moccasin? (H) Tanit, the Phoenician goddess Asarte sometimes referred to as

the face of Ba'al, as worshiped in the Mediterranean area, found here in America.

Louisville-Courier-Journal

Columbia, Kentucky

January 30, 18 76

Ancient American magazine has been republishing articles similar to the specimen included above for more than eight years. Then, as now, the first question invariably generated by

such old stories is: What became of the alleged bones and artifacts? Countless similar finds were reported during the early populating of North America in private journals and

newspaper articles not unlike that published by the Louisville Courier Journal, 146 years ago. They can't all have been hoaxes, as skeptics claim.

Indeed, it appears that during the early 19th Century partial physical evidence for over-sized human beings were sometimes discovered in a prehistoric context. But complete skeletons

have been lacking. For the first time, however, investigators may actually be able to study first-hand an intact burial of one of these larger than normal individuals. Our cover photograph

shows the remains of such an ancient man who allegedly stood some eight feet tall. His thousand-year-old grave was accidentally uncovered by a private landowner. The burial

chamber contained several human and animal bones, plus manmade objects well preserved by the local desert climate. Other unviolated prehistoric graves in the immediate vicinity

have also been located.

Ancient American will shortly be assisting the landowner in choosing a licensed archaeologist to examine these finds and prepare a site-plan for possible (but anticipated) excavation.

The cultural identity of these "giants" is still a mystery, although some researchers detect signs of Mediterranean origins. Their burials are said to contain traces of metallurgy, examples

of graphic art, and evidence for a knowledge of astronomy atypical of native tribal peoples in the American south west.

Even so, could they have originated here, or does their provenance lie in the Eastern Hemisphere? Carbon-datable materials retrieved from the site may be able to establish some time-

parameters for these vanished people, and thereby help us to understand their place in prehistoric migration, not only across our continent, but over the seas, as well.

(A) The entrance to the many chambers underground.
(B) Skeleton number 2. (C) Skeleton number 3. (D) This is their script? designs?
records? map? (E) A cloth sample from a burial inside the chamber. (F) A fishing
net. Reminiscent of the great inland sea that once covered much of today's
present southwest. (G) Woven footwear, a type of moccasin? (H) Tanit, the
Phoenician goddess Asarte sometimes referred to as the face of Ba'al, as
worshiped in the Mediterranean area, found here in America.

Goliath's Footprint

2011-10-18T11:01:00.001-04:00

Did giants exist on earth? This interesting rock formation may suggest so. Goliath's Footprint, as the locals dubbed it, is one of South Africa's little-known secrets. Nestled in the forests near the Swaziland border of South Africa, this print is definitely not a tourist hot-spot. One may speculate that erosion caused the interesting shape of this upright rock formation, but it features exactly five "toenails," and it looks like the earth has been pushed away around the big toe. If I encountered this photo on the internet, I might have attributed it to Photoshop techniques and have had some doubts about its existence, but I have been to the spot, and felt the grooves with my own fingers. It is very real. If this mystery of nature was indeed made by a giant human, I don't think I would have wanted to encounter him! Locals in the area are all mystified by the footprint. South African folklore does contain mentions of giants, but up to date I haven't heard any stories about the origin of this giant footprint. Some say that there are similar rock formations in India and in Australia, but an internet search has not given me any results.

Resource

Quantum Superconductors & Magnetic Fields

2011-10-18T09:27:00.003-04:00

Thought this was super cool! Skip to 2:27 for the action!Suspending a superconducting disc above or below a set of permanent magnets. The magnetic field is locked inside the superconductor ; a phenomenon called 'Quantum Trapping'. Liquid nitrogen is used to cool a superconductor and then a magnet levitates showing the Messiner effectin motion. The Meissner effect is the expulsion of a magnetic field from a superconductor during its transition to the superconducting state. The German physicists Walther Meissner and Robert Ochsenfeld discovered the phenomenon in 1933 by measuring the magnetic field distribution outside superconducting tin and lead samples.[1] The samples, in the presence of an applied magnetic field, were cooled below what is called their superconducting transition temperature. Below the transition temperature the samples canceled nearly all magnetic fields inside. They detected this effect only indirectly; because the magnetic flux is conserved by a superconductor, when the interior field decreased the exterior field increased. The experiment demonstrated for the first time that superconductors were more than just perfect conductors and provided a uniquely defining property of the superconducting state.

Jesus - Just An Angel or Son of God?

2011-10-16T11:11:00.005-04:00

In his native spiritual form Jesus was often referred to as the Captain of the Host or The Angel of the Lord. In the Old testament Jesus appeared only in spiritual form bringing messages of good news to people. However because the word Angel is often used one sided in the English context, I elaborated briefly that Jesus is not created like the other angels and therefore is also above all the other Angels. So Jesus is not an angel in the contemporary context that we understand but is God Himself manifested through flesh, who died death on a cross for mankind. Here are some examples of Jesus' appearance and or references to him in the Old Testament.

"Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him."

Exodus 23:20-21

"And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her,

Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son."

Judges 13:3

"...And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?"

Judges 13:17

The translation of secret in this text is Wonderful (His name shall be called Wonderful). The revelation to Samsons mother in Judges also paints a prophetic picture of Gabriel appearing to Mary. Samsons Mother like Mary could not be pregnant without divine intervention. In the Video 'The Angelic Army 2/7' toward the end, I talk about The Angel of the Lord and sum of his name in that Demons refer too. You can also find corresponding blogs and articles on my blog found in comments or the main channel on my youtube page.

I believe that there are plenty of references to the nephilim in the Old testament. In numbers pertaining to the Promised Land Giants, some of the translations come back as a bad report and in the kjv 'slander upon the land'. When applied with the negative talk that the spies conjured up, I believe that the judgement was for their poisonous talk and attitude toward God and Moses.Verse 26 says how the people's murmers were against God and later in the passage the account of the bad report and murmers against Moses.

After the Flood there is the famous King Og of Bashan, who the bible describes his bed being gigantic in size and made of iron. As well the Raphaim are only one tribe/name of giants. In many of the other parts of the postflood lands tribes of people are referred to as being large in size or of similar stature to other tribes of nephilim. The Bible also refers to the Giants as Amorites, Cannanites, Zamzummims, Anakims, Emims. Depending on the geographical location some people called them different things, which is why there is some confusion of them in the Old Testament. Goliath is probably one of the most famous post flood Giants who was accompanied by a whole family of giants. However I am thoroughly convinced that they did exist post and pre flood through rabbinical tradition and historical documentations. Also I believe that it was an essential mirror or prophetic picture of David slaying Goliath(Natural) and Jesus defeating Sin(Spiritual) The first prophecy of the bible found in Genesis refers specifically to this tension and defeat of the enemy. The Video 'The Nephilim' & 'The Nephilim & The Ancient World' touch on the prophecy of the seed of the serpent and historical and archaeological evidence of Nephilim.

My Life & Who Created God?

2011-10-15T12:16:00.000-04:00

A viewer had an objection to the belief of God based off of the argument of Who Created God. This is a straw man argument and is based on the misrepresentation of an opponent's position. Sadly far too many people reject God on logical fallacies and silly misunderstandings of theology and philosophy.

The objection and denial of God was due to the argument of Who Created God? This is a simple misunderstanding of the cosmological argument for God's existence. It is a fallacious requirement that everything needs a cause for its existence. Instead what he was trying to say is that, everything that BEGINS to exist in the natural realm needs a cause. However by God's very definition, He is supernatural and eternal. Either He exists forever and has no cause or He does not exist and will never exist. His essence is one within his existence. If He was not eternal than neither can He claim to be God.

I remember thinking this way before I became a believer. I wanted to believe on a certain level of consciousness, but there were so many false assumptions and arguments and oppositions I had. Even if I had proof God existed I would have probably rejected it and walked in ignorance. I didn't want to be restricted by all these rules and regulations that Christians called the commandments. I lived a double minded lie, on one hand I hoped that if I did die that I would be magically forgiven by God and or I would have a deathbed conversion. This would be absolutely ideal, I wouldn't have to live a life of restrictions and if there was a God just before I died He would forgive me. After all God is an all loving and forgiving God who understands. This type of liberal thinking was a gross exaggeration of the truth and far from the Gospel and word of God. It was not until I was faced with grand trials in my life that I would take a deep hard look at God and who I was. The trials I faced had the ability to alter the course of my life, my future with the ones I loved and relations that I had. I was alone, no one could walk down with me through this time, I was abandoned, alone and had to overcome this low point in my life by myself. I examined life, I read and began to search for something unquenchable in my soul. Through that I began to realize that the things I once clasped most desirably too were nothing to be cared for. My misconceptions of life and God were a result of educated ignorance and philosophical fallacies. I got down on my knees one night with a broken humble heart, tearful eyes, failed dreams, failed aspirations, failed relationships and accepted Jesus Christ into my life as my Lord and Savior.

I realized that I was not alone and the path that I had been walking, although was not God's best for me would be used for the greater good. I knew from that day on that God was all that I needed, even though I faced insurmountable difficulties in getting my life back on track. I began to pray and attend a local church that was outside of my parents wishes. I had sought the answers to questions and objections that I still had lingering and found that every single one of them were put to shame as a result of taking a fresh and new perspective from the believers side. You see many Christian's believe but as a result cannot give an account to questions that unbelievers may have. This has been a generational curse as elders before us have often overlooked such things and it has continued down the line of the youth. The low point of my life was an opportunity for me to rise, learn and overcome life's difficulties and tragedies. It was through this time that I had grown the most and matured. I may not always get things right and is that not the point, we all fall short. The bible is filled with sin, tragedy and failure, every single prophet fell short. Yet even though we were undeserving, Jesus Christ came to earth in the flesh and died a death on a cross for a people who could never repay Him. He knew that some would reject this gift of salvation while others would hate Him and mock Him.

I continue to struggle with life's upsets, temptations, fears, failures and sin, I know I will never get it fully right, but I will continue to get back up and follow Jesus whenever I stumble. One thing is for sure and that is God will never abandon me and with a repentant heart of faith, I look forward to the day I can stare God face to face and hear Him say - Well done, good and faithful servant.

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:23

The Names of God

Among the Greeks His Name is the Sum of 644

2011-10-15T10:11:00.001-04:00

In the New Testament, the Book of Revelation (13:17-18) cryptically asserts 666 to be "the number of a man," associated with the beast, an antagonistic creature that appears briefly about two-thirds into the apocalyptic vision.

In modern popular culture, 666 has become one of the most widely recognized symbols for the Antichrist or, alternatively, the Devil. Earnest references to the number occur both among apocalypticist Christian groups and in explicitly anti-Christian subcultures. References in contemporary Western art or literature are, more likely than not, intentional references to the Beast symbolism. Such popular references are therefore too numerous to list.

It is not uncommon to see the symbolic role of the integer 666 transferred to the digit sequence 6-6-6. Some people take the Satanic associations of 666 so seriously that they actively avoid things related to 666 or the digits 6-6-6. This is known as hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia. So whose name is it that the Greeks associate to 644?

“So I said to him: "I adjure thee in the name of the God Sabaoth, to tell me by what name thou art frustrated along with thy host." And the spirit answered me: "The 'great among men,' who is to suffer many things at the hands of men, whose name is the figure 644, which is Emmanuel; he it is who has bound us, and who will then come and plunge us from the steep under water.”
Testament of Solomon 52

How do we calculate the Gematria of Εμμανουηλ and get the number 644?

Gematria - also known by its Greek name Isopsephia - is the study of the numerical relations implicit in the Greek and Hebrew languages. The values shown in the Alphabet Table have been in use for at least two thousand years. They have been found on coins dating from the Maccabean period

Remember: To fully appreciate the results derived from this table, it must be understood that these values are recognized by all scholars of the biblical languages. The table is an undisputed artifact of history. The values given in it are as well established as the alphabets themselves. All identities derived from it are therefore immutable - solid as a Rock.

Εμμανουηλ Emmanouel Sum = 644
E=5, M=40, M=40, A=1, N=50, O=70, U=400, E=8, L=30

All the Verses in the Bible with Sum = 644

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Psalm 107:20

Key to the Table Abbreviations
OV	Ordinal Value: This is the position of the letter in the Alphabet.
NV	Numerical Value: This is the standard value associated with the letter since ancient times (i.e. more than 2000 years ago).
SV	Sofit Value: Five Hebrew letters change form when written at the end (Sof) of a word. These letters have an alternate value associated with them as shown at the bottom of the Hebrew section, where the letters "SV" stand in the Ordinal Value column.

Resource

The Angel of the Lord & The Captain of the Host

2011-10-15T09:14:00.010-04:00

On one account Jesus cast a legion of demons out of a man, the demons were terrified and subsequently Jesus allowed them to come out of the man and go into a group of idol sacrificial pigs. The pigs dove off a cliff and plunged to their death, however Jews do not eat pork, so some historians attribute these pigs as pagan sacrifices used in worship to the Greek god Zeus which was rampant during this time. We can see that Jesus not only grants the possessed man freedom from the demons but he also destroys the pigs used in idol worship, doing away with both. In many other biblical and non biblical accounts there are mysteries that are shrouded with clues that help us see the bigger picture. In another demon possession story Jesus makes reference to details of Solomon's life in which Solomon summoned demons with the power of the Host.

The Testament of Solomon, is not canon but pseudepigraphical. This means it was authored with the intent of being from Solomon's account but was in fact written by someone else, usually a close pupil, student, or family member. Now although it is not inspired scripture the account of the story may hold some truth and validity. Several ancient Jewish sources including ancient Jewish oral tradition detail the Testament of Solomon. In this book, Solomon is portrayed as a great sorcerer that wielded a ring given to him by Archangel Michael. King Solomon was given this ring which was called The Ring of Sabaoth (Sabaoth translates to Host or Army) With this ring Solomon summons the Chief Fallen Angel Beelzebub. With this ring, it gives him power and dominion over this Chief Fallen Angel and with it he puts him and his demon subjects to work building the Holy temple. However in this account these demons spirits make mention of their tasks, assignments and even the names of the angels that they are terrified of and that can overpower them. To understand how this relates to Jesus we must first look at several passages.

In the new testament book of Matthew, the Pharisees accuse Jesus of driving out demons by the power of the Chief of the demons, Beelzebub.

"Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when
the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "It is only by Beelzebub,[d] the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out
demons." Matthew 12:22-24

Now according to the Testament of Solomon, the name of the demon prince is revealed and it would follow that the Pharisees as well as Jesus had intimate knowledge of these accounts of Solomon.

"Then I summoned Beelzeboul to appear before me again. When he was seated, I thought it appropriate to ask him, 'Why are you alone Prince of the Demons?' He replied, 'Because I am the only one left of the heavenly angels (who fell). I was the highest-ranking angel in heaven, the one called Beelzeboul. There is
also accompanied me another ungodly (angel) whom God cut off and now, imprisoned here, he holds in his power the race of those bound by me in Tartarus. He is being nurtured in the Red Sea; when he is ready, he will come in triumph.""I
said to him, 'What are your activities?' He replied, 'I bring destruction by means of tyrants; I cause the demons to be worshiped alongside men; and I arouse desire in holy men and select priests. I bring about jealousies and murders in a country, and I instigate wars." - Testament of Solomon 6:1-4

The conversation between Jesus the crowd and Pharisees continue. Following Jesus’ reply to the Pharisees that a kingdom divided against itself would crumble, he says the following in comparison between Solomon and Himself.

The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and
shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. Matthew 12:42

In this comparison Jesus essentially rebukes the Pharisees but also asserts that He is above Solomon, who is considered one of the most famous and glorious kings of all time. This outraged the Pharisees among many other things but it also tells us the spiritual belief and knowledge context in which they lived in, during their time. As a result this helps gain some background regarding several mysterious appearances of an angel referred to as The Angel of the Lord and the Captain of the Host in the Bible. In the Testament of Solomon, many of the demon spirits reveal that they fear and flee at the sound and authority of an angel which has the sum of 644 in his name. When these references are compared to scripture verses in the bible they begin to reveal more about this entity known as the Captain of the Host. In Exodus it is written,

“Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee
into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke
him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.”
Exodus 23:20-21

On one occasion in Judges, the angel of the lord appears to Samson’s mother and gives news that she will bear a son even though she has been barren and unable to conceive. They ask the angel his name so that they can offer thanks but the angel says why do you want to know my name for it is a secret.

“And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her,
Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.”
Judges 13:3

“…And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?”
Judges 13:17

In the Testament of Solomon there are demonic and angelic names revealed, the account details the conversation between Solomon and the demons that are summoned. In each scenario Solomon asks by what Angel thou art frustrated? And the demons responses are intriguing as follows.

"Tell me by what angel thou art frustrated." And he answered: "By the holy and precious name of the Almighty God, called by the Hebrews by a row of numbers,
of which the sum is 644, and among the Greeks it is Emmanuel.”
Testament of Solomon 29

“So I said to him: "I adjure thee in the name of the God Sabaoth, to tell me by what name thou art frustrated along with thy host." And the spirit answered me: "The 'great among men,' who is to suffer many things at the hands of men, whose name is the figure 644, which is Emmanuel; he it is who has bound us, and who will then come and plunge us from the steep under water.”
Testament of Solomon 5

Now the wod used in the bible for secret in Judges 13 translates to one found in Isaiah 9:6. The Angel of the Lord or Captain of the Host in the Testament of Solomon and the Bible refer to a mighty Angel whom many of the demons are terrified of, the Angel is said to even bound up demons and cast them into the abyss. The word used in Judges is translated in ancient Hebrew to the same meaning in Isaiah which would translate to Wonderful. The Captain of the Host is none other than Jesus. He is Emmanuel, whose name in Greek is the sum of 644. He is the author of salvation who suffered many things at the hands of men but defeated and conquered death.

“…his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6

Εμμανουηλ Emmanouel {em-man-oo-ale'} of Hebrew origin 06005;; n pr m AV - Emmanuel 1; 1 Emmanuel = VGod with usV 1) the title applied to the Messiah, born of the virgin, Mt 1:23, Is. 7:14, because Jesus was God united with man, and showed that God was dwelling with man
Gematria: 644

All Verses in the Bible = Sum of 644
Numeric Value of Emmanuel (92x7) = Sum of 644

Nephilim - Bible Passages

2011-10-10T15:15:00.001-04:00

Here is a list of bible passages relating or in reference to the Nephilim. Keep in mind that the bible does not give direct historical descriptions of the Nephilim history.

Genesis 6:4

The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown.

Genesis 6:1-22

When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.” The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown. The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. ...

Numbers 13:33

And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.”

Genesis 6:1-4

Genesis 6:1-8

Numbers 13:31-33

Then the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.”

Genesis 6:1-7

Jude 1:6

And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day—

Numbers 13:30-33

But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” Then the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.”

2 Peter 2:4

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment;

Deuteronomy 3:11

(For only Og the king of Bashan was left of the remnant of the Rephaim. Behold, his bed was a bed of iron. Is it not in Rabbah of the Ammonites? Nine cubits was its length, and four cubits its breadth, according to the common cubit.)

Job 1:6

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.

Genesis 6:1-2

When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose.

Deuteronomy 2:10

(The Emim formerly lived there, a people great and many, and tall as the Anakim.

Genesis 6:12

And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.

Genesis 6:2

The sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose.

Job 2:1

Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the Lord.

Genesis 3:15

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

Amos 2:9

“Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars and who was as strong as the oaks; I destroyed his fruit above and his roots beneath.

Daniel 3:25

He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”

Job 38:7

When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Joshua 14:15

Now the name of Hebron formerly was Kiriath-arba. (Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim.) And the land had rest from war.

Jude 1:6-7

And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day— just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.

Hebrews 13:2

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Hebrews 12:22

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering,

2 Corinthians 11:14-15

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

Isaiah 26:14

They are dead, they will not live; they are shades, they will not arise; to that end you have visited them with destruction and wiped out all remembrance of them.

1 Chronicles 20:8

These were descended from the giants in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.

Numbers 13:1-33

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a chief among them.” So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran, according to the command of the Lord, all of them men who were heads of the people of Israel. And these were their names: From the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur; from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori; ...

Genesis 6:9

These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.

Genesis 6:3

Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.”

Genesis 5:1-32

This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them Man when they were created. When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. The days of Adam after he fathered Seth were 800 years; and he had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days that Adam lived were 930 years, and he died. ...

Revelation 12:9

And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

Matthew 22:30

For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.

Revelation 12:1-17

And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth. And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, ...

Red Dragon Rising - The Coming of Mr Xi

2011-10-06T20:07:00.000-04:00

I really enjoyed this issue of VOI article of the Dragon in revelation and the parallels to current worldly events and leaders. This article is an excerpt from Perry Stones new book.

Two books in the Bible, Daniel and Revelation, are filled with apocalyptic symbolism. Ancient symbolism was used to identify nations and even certain world leaders, both past and future. In Daniel chapter 7, the prophet identified major prophetic empires as a lion, (Babylon) a bear (Media-Persia), and a leopard (Greece). In John’s vision he saw rising up from the sea a beast that was a combination of all three animals from Daniel in one body — a body of a leopard, with feet of a bear and heads like a lion (Rev. 13:1-2). !ese three empires, Babylon, Media-Persia and Greece, cover the modern day lands of Egypt, Libya, Ethiopia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and areas of Greece and Turkey as the main territories.

The dragon is a legendary creaturefound in the mythology and folklore ofmany East Asian countries, includingChina, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and others.In the Bible a coalition of the “kings ofthe east” will unite an army and marchfrom theeast towards Iraq, cross the deadEuphrates River, and bring an army of“two hundred thousand thousand” or 200 million (Rev. 9:14-16; 16:12-16).

The nations of the world will eventually form coalitions based upon regions, religion, and ethnic groups for survival. is is clear as the Antichrist will have his unit of ten kings under his control, and the Kings of the East are an Asian coalition.

Since the dragon, or Satan, is identified with the color red, it is clear that communism was, and is, one of the belief systems of the dragon.In this light, and the fact that the three letters of the beast are chi, xi and stigma, consider an interesting fact with the name Xi. The Man Named Xi Just as the animal symbolism marking ancient empires can have certain parallels among contemporary nations, the Bible also alludes to prophetic names in the original Hebrew and Greek languages that may have little bearing on the actual prophetic fulfillment, but are quite interesting.

Click to read the full article featured in this months VOE magazine
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http://www.voe.org/

"180" Movie - Why Did 8 People Turn 180 Degrees on Abortion Stance in Seconds?

2011-09-28T18:45:00.001-04:00

Why Did 8 People Turn 180 Degrees on Abortion Stance in Seconds?

God Doesnt Exist - Good & Evil

2011-09-22T21:39:00.000-04:00

Most atheists assume that a personal God would only create a universe that is both good morally and perfect physically. However, according to Christianity, the purpose of the universe is not to be morally or physically perfect, but to provide a place where spiritual creatures can choose to love or reject God - to live with Him forever in a new, perfect universe, or reject Him and live apart from Him for eternity. It would not be possible to make this choice in a universe in which all moral choices are restricted to only good choices. One cannot choose between good and bad if bad did not exist. It's an amazing simple logical principle.

Introduction
Atheists often claim that the presence of evil is an argument against the existence of God. The Christian God is supposed to be both loving and all-powerful. Despite these characteristics, God seems to be unable or unwilling to prevent the vast amount of evil and suffering in the world. The atheist concludes that either God is not loving or not all-powerful or that God does not exist, because if He did exist, He could stop all the suffering. The atheistic arguments contain some subtle assumptions that, as I will show, do not apply to the God of the Bible and His created universe. Even the assumption that evil and suffering are bad for us must be questioned in light of what the Bible says. This page specifically defends the principle that moral evil must exist. Another page examines the reasons why natural evil must exist. Although many atheists claim the presence of moral evil precludes the existence of God, others admit that God would be completely justified in allowing moral evil.

The atheists' logical argument
What I have found is that atheists like to say that their arguments against God's existence specifically exclude the God of the Bible as a God who could exist. However, in reality, atheists produce generic arguments against a generic God whose characteristics and creation do not match those that are described in the Bible. Atheists may not accept what the Bible says, but they cannot say the God of the Bible cannot logically exist and then ignore what the Bible has to say about the characteristics of God. If the atheist states that the God of the Bible is logically impossible, he cannot pick and choose which arguments from the Bible to accept in order to "prove" his point.

Let's formalize the atheist's arguments:
1. God is all-powerful, loving, and perfect.
2. A perfect, loving God would create a universe that was perfect (e.g., no evil and suffering).
3. The universe is not perfect but contains evil and suffering.

Therefore, God does not exist.

The Bible's Response
The Bible does state that God is "all powerful." In the Old Testament, one of God's titles is "El Shadday," which is translated "God Almighty."2 The Bible also states that God is loving.3 In fact, the Bible indicates that God is love.4 The Bible also indicates that God is perfect.5 So, we can agree that the first statement is a correct interpretation of what the Bible says about the characteristics of God.

The next statement indicates that a perfect, loving God must create a universe that is perfect. This is the statement that is false and invalidates the argument. Nowhere does the Bible state that the universe was created to be perfect. God Himself called it "good"6 and "very good,"7 but never "perfect." In fact, God Himself stated that part of the original creation was "not good."8 The Bible states that the current universe is not perfect,9 but was designed to be temporary10 and will be replaced with a perfect universe11 that will be permanent.12 Science also tells us that the universe was designed to be temporary.13

Why two creations instead of one?
Why would God create an imperfect, temporary universe only to replace it later with a perfect one? Why wouldn't God have created a perfect universe in the first place? This is a good question, but shows a lack of understanding of the biblical reason of why God created the universe. One can find the reason for the creation of the universe in the first few chapters of the Bible. God created humans in order to have a personal relationship with them, which He had with Adam and Eve before they sinned (Genesis 2). Jesus said that the first and foremost commandment was to "Love the Lord your God..."14 A personal relationship, characterized by the possibility of love, is only possible if created beings are given free will. If God had created the universe with no possibility of evil or sin, then the created beings would have had no free will, and, as such, would essentially be programmed computers. Such beings would be incapable of love, since love involves making a choice - which requires the ability to choose not to love. For example, I can program my computer to say "I love you" when it starts up. Does this mean that the computer really loves me? Of course not! Likewise, God could have programmed humans to say that they loved Him, without the possibility of rejecting Him or performing evil deeds. However, these programmed beings would exhibit about as much true love as my computer - not a very satisfying relationship. Therefore, God created the universe for the express purpose of allowing free will spiritual beings the opportunity to have fellowship with Him (and likewise, reject Him).

What does God want?
God's purposes in creating the universe go beyond merely creating free will beings that love Him in this temporary universe. Jesus explained the ultimate goal of God in the parable of the banquet:

Jesus replied: "A certain man [representing God] was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.' Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.' Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.' The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.' 'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.' Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. (Luke 14:16-23)

This parable tells that God wants not only a relationship with humans in this universe, but a relationship with billions15 of these creatures in His future, perfect creation. If God's purpose is to have relationships with free will beings in a future creation, then there must be a means by which these beings can make a choice to enter or not enter into this relationship. The means by which we make this choice is exactly the message of the Bible.

Therefore. the Bible says that God allows temporary, bounded evil16 in order to allow free will beings to have the ability to love and to make choices. I am going to propose something which seems to support the atheists' arguments regarding evil. I agree that there is a lot of evil in the world. In fact, there is too much evil in the world from what would be expected from chaos theory or the laws of physics. Evolution does not explain the vast amount of evil done by mankind. None of the other creatures on our planet have the capacity for evil that mankind have. No other mammals kill arbitrarily. They only kill to eat and survive - but not mankind. Just watch the nightly news or read your newspaper. Look at all the evil perpetuated in the last century alone - 6 million Jews killed by Hitler, 40 million Russians killed by Stalin, 2 million Cambodians killed by their own government in the 1970's. In fact, the Pol Pot regime specifically preached atheism and sought to exterminate all religious expression in Cambodia. In addition to these atrocities, there have been hundreds of massacres committed in virtually every nation of the world. The Bible says that the presence of evil is due to the spiritual component of our nature - something that animals do not possess. God endowed His spiritual creatures (humans and angels) with free will to love God or to oppose Him. The most powerful created being (the angel Satan) rebelled and led one third of the angels into opposition against God. Those humans who oppose or ignore God follow Satan into rebellion - either consciously or unconsciously. Some people blame the evil on "society." However, society is composed of individuals who make individual choices. Most of the evil is committed by people who oppose the will of society. In contrast, there are many examples of societies in the animal kingdom, especially among the An order of mammals including man, apes, monkeys, etc., often characterized by large brains and flexible hands and feet.primates. None of these societies have the capacity for evil that we have. We are different from all other animals on our planet - a fact that has no scientific or evolutionary explanation.17

Why pain is necessary
The atheist also makes the assumption that all pain, suffering, and death are bad or evil. In fact, physical pain is absolutely vital to our survival. If we felt no pain, we would do things to ourselves that could be very destructive.18 For example, if we didn't feel pain when we touched a hot object, we would not react until we saw our flesh smoking. This is obviously not a good thing to do. Pain tells us we need to react to a situation before serious damage occurs.

Evil as a means of spiritual growth
Many things that people consider to be bad are, in fact, useful in our spiritual growth. The Bible says that trials in our lives produce perseverance, which helps make us mature and complete.19 These trials also increase our faith - a "refining by fire."20 The Bible tells us that "all things to work together for good to those who love God."21 Let me give you a couple concrete examples in my own life that illustrate these points.

I got very sick in 1985, at which time the tests revealed I had Crohn's disease, a serious, incurable inflammatory disease of the intestines. I found myself unable to do things using my own abilities and strength. I was bedridden in severe pain for two months, with the medicine doing nothing to improve my condition. I considered that I would probably spend the rest of my life in pain, in and out of hospitals. Not being able to do anything else in my own strength, I cried out to God and promised to try to follow Him and do what He wanted me to do (although I had no idea what that was at the time). Within three months all symptoms of Crohn's disease had disappeared. The trial was awful at the time, but God had to break my will, so that, when I heard the gospel of Jesus Christ three years later, I accepted it and turned my life over to Jesus, which has been the greatest joy of my life. In addition, I am much more thankful for my good health since that time of trial, and have been more sympathetic and helpful to others who are undergoing similar trials.

In 1996 my wife Carole and I learned that she had an inoperable brain tumor, and was expected to live four to seven years. We had been married only seven years and had three sons, aged 5, 3 and 1 years old at the time. The time since then has been difficult, but it has produced some remarkable changes in Carole. Her interest in jewelry, clothes, and other unimportant things has been replaced by a heightened commitment to family, and raising our boys. She also is more committed to helping others and regularly offers help as she is able. In addition, during this time God has been faithful in answering our prayers and comforting us through the many people who have loved us. What has been abundantly clear is that those people who have gone through the most severe trials are the ones who have ministered most to us. The trials these people have experienced have made them sensitive to the needs of others in similar situations, in ways that only they can understand. I know through this trial God will make me a better ambassador of Jesus Christ, and bring me opportunities for ministry which I would have ignored, had I not gone through this experience. In talking to other Christians about sufferings, you will find that it is through trials that they grow in their character and their faith. During the "easy" times, we become complacent. For the non-Christian, he sees the trials as mere annoyance or pointless suffering, often resulting in bitterness.

Conclusion
1. God did not design this universe to be perfect, but as a temporary creation where free will beings make choices about where they want to spend eternity (in the new creation, which will be perfect).
2. The new creation will be perfect, but will not have absolute free will for its inhabitants. We must agree in this life to give up some of our free will in the next life. Those who are unwilling to give up their own free will choices will not be forced to do so in the next life. However, they will have to be separated from the new creation, since God is unwilling to compromise His character.
3. All people will suffer at least somewhat because of bad choices that others make. In addition, because of the temporary nature of the universe, some bad things will happen to us due to "bad luck" or chance. However, these things will teach us to be more sensitive to the needs of others, and will prepare us to show God's love to others when they suffer through similar things. God want us to learn from this life, not just have a party.

Resources

I Am Second - Vitor Belfort

2011-09-15T21:13:00.000-04:00

Vitor Belfort is living a dream. He is a Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) hero from Brazil with a beautiful celebrity wife and millions of followers around the world. Life must be easy for him, right?

Yet Vitor’s road to his dream was marked by great challenges that brought pain into his life and the spiritual journey that accompanied. First was the challenge to train and be a champion fighter. The next was in seeing significance and balance to a life displayed to the public. Following that came significant grief and pain in a personal tragedy.

It is a road to God that was marked by pain at every step. But he has no pain now—only joy and peace through a relationship with Jesus that he knows can be shared by others.

Flower Art

2011-09-15T19:46:00.000-04:00

Viewer Questions

2011-09-12T18:56:00.003-04:00

Is the Book of Enoch accurate and trustworthy? What about other apocryphal and non canonized books?

The book of Enoch is dismissed by 'Mainstream Christianity', however many christian scholars, historians and bible teachers believe in its accuracy as a historical account of the fall of the angels. In short, The Book of Enoch is a pseudepigraphical text, authored with the intent of being through the account of Enoch but in fact was written by someone else, perhaps a close student or family member. It is not uncommon for ancient texts like this to be written by someone else, however this unfortunately failed the test for it to be canonized into the bible. I have not studied in detail any of the apocryphal texts you mentioned except for the book of enoch and a few others. I believe the Book of Enoch is indeed accurate in its visionary sense, but other than that, it does not directly contradict any biblical salvation beliefs or christian theology. Instead I believe it further broadens Christian history and strange prophecies found in Genesis and throughout the bible.

Since the Fallen Angels taught cosmetics and ornamenting of the eyelids are cosmetics bad/evil?
In reference to cosmetics, I do not believe that it is essentially bad for a person to wear makeup/jewelery etc. However we must be modest in our dress, as well not overdo it or become obsessed over such 'earthly' things.

If the book of Enoch interests you, you can view the following threads which were posted earlier this year. The 1st talks about the book of enoch and the mystery behind this prophet. The 2nd is about the sight of Jesus in Heaven in his native spiritual form. The 3rd a summary of some of the main chapters.

Book of Enoch - Enoch The Prophet
Enoch Sees Son of Man
Watchers - Chapter Summary

I Am Second - Stephen Baldwin

2011-09-10T21:05:00.000-04:00

In an absorbingly witty confession, Stephen Baldwin takes you on a journey from a life centered around money, fame and self absorbance to a place where life centered around him no longer mattered.

His confession orbits around the divine purpose of people who entered his life, the places he went and the things that were said and done even when life seemed meaningless. Hiring a housekeeper to free his time, she instead brought him a message that liberated his life, leaving him on an uncertain road but a sure foundation.

His testimony is a journey of maturing from the burden of people pleasing and self gratification to a life of liberation and humility.

I Am Second - Ashley Rawls

2011-09-05T09:01:00.002-04:00

Ashley carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. While they watched a beauty queen win pageant after pageant, she began to lose herself. “I didn’t know how to be normal. I didn’t know how to have a normal relationship with food.” How do you let go of control without losing control? Who do you talk to when you fear judgment of a huge secret you’ve harbored? Her dilemma was never about image it was about control – the control of having a normal life. Stability. Balance. It was about security and at her lowest point she found just that.

I Am Second - Bethany Hamilton

2011-09-01T21:00:00.000-04:00

At age thirteen Bethany Hamilton was a rising surfing star. From her home in Hawaii she had everyday access to some of the world’s best waves and basked in the warmth of a loving family. But her tranquil beach surf life was shattered one morning when a shark completely bit off her arm. Only the immediate help of her friends, heroic work by doctors and an overwhelming peace kept her alive in the critical moments after the attack. That fact that she survived was a miracle.

What is one to do when your outward passion and purpose in life is seemingly taken away? Bethany looked inward to her relationship with Jesus, who renewed her spirit while also restoring her surfing ability, to even greater heights. Her story today is retold in the movie SOUL SURFER, and continues to inspire others to not give up on themselves..and God.

Goliath

2011-09-01T20:41:00.000-04:00

A Philistine giant of Gath (I Sam. xvii. 4). The name "Goliath" is probably connected with the Assyro-Babylonian "Guzali" = "running, ravaging spirits," "destroyers" (Jastrow, "Religion of Assyria and Babylon," p. 500; Muss-Arnolt, "Concise Dictionary," s.v. "The Throne-Carriers"; Delitzsch, "Assyrisches Handwörterb." s.v.).

Biblical Data
Goliath was the champion of the Philistines, who had encamped between Shochoh and Azekah against Saul and the men of Israel arrayed for battle in the valley of Elah. He is describedas being six cubits and a span in height, having upon his head a helmet of brass, and wearing a coat of mail weighing five thousand shekels of brass, with greaves of brass upon his legs and a target or gorget of brass between his shoulders. The staff of his spear is said to have been like a weaver's beam, the spear's head weighing six hundred shekels of iron.

Insolently challenging Israel to appoint one of their number to meet him in single combat, with the condition that the people whose champion should be killed should become the slaves of the other, Goliath strikes fear into the hearts of Saul and his men. David, sent by his father with some provisions to his brothers and to their captain in Israel's army, hears the giant's challenge, and inquires what reward there shall be for the man who dares meet the monster. Rebuked by his brother Eliah for his presumption in leaving the sheep, and taxed by him with idle curiosity, David persists in his inquiry. Saul hears of David, and sends for him. The latter relates his experiences with lions and bears, and declares that the uncircumcised Philistine shall at his hands meet a similar fate.

Is Slain by David

On being armed with Saul's armor, David finds that it impedes his gait, whereupon he discards it, takes his staff, and chooses five smooth stones out of the brook for use in his sling. He meets the giant, who, upon catching sight of his diminutive adversary, resents his coming as an insult. David declares that he comes in the name of Yhwh of hosts, the God of Israel, and warns the monster of his imminent destruction. David, using great strategy in running forward and backward, watches until the giant exposes his face, when, rushing upon him, he slings one of the stones, which, well directed, strikes the giant between the eyes, and, sinking deep into his forehead, fells him to the ground. Drawing the giant's own sword, the shepherd boy severs the head from the trunk. The defeat and death of their champion are the signal for a hasty flight of the Philistines. In consequence of this feat, David is received into Saul's family, but Saul becomes jealous of the young conqueror's popularity (I Sam. xviii. 9). Goliath's sword is reported to have been kept, "wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod," in the sanctuary at Nob in which Ahimelek was priest. David, a fugitive from Saul, knowing its worth, takes it with him in his flight to the King of Gath (I Sam. xxi. 9 [A. V. 10]). According to another account (II Sam. xxi. 19), Goliath was killed by Elhanan from Bethlehem.

This is Discipling

2011-09-01T20:13:00.002-04:00