Spiritual Deliverance

The house cleaning debate

Stanley Franks

Copyright © 2014 Stanley Franks

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 1500317373

ISBN-13: 978-1500317379

PREFACE

Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit!

We believe in God the Father, who sent His Son Jesus Christ in the flesh, through Him, God brings salvation to the whole world.

Jesus is the only mediator between God and man.

Jesus was delivered by the Jewish leaders to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, to be crucified. He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, where He is at the right hand of God the Father, from whence He shall come to judge the world.

Through Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who convicts of sin, righteousness and judgment.

We also believe in the Bible, Old and New Testament, as the inspired scripture of God, which is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2Tim. 3:16.

We also believe that every human being is eternally lost through sin, but can receive salvation through the spiritual rebirth, in the Lord Jesus Christ.

We also believe in the "baptism of repentance", in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit after the spiritual rebirth.

It is our prayer and purpose, that this publication will edify every Christian; by clarifying doctrines, from sound biblical interpretations.

May this publication, be a blessing.

CONTENT

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

1 HOUSE CLEANING

2 IDOLS

3 EVIL SPIRITS IN ORNAMENTS

4 WHAT IS REAL IDOL WORSHIP?

5 THE ANOINTING PROCESS

INTRODUCTION

For years I have been involved in ministries that focuses on the cleaning of houses from demons and evil spirits. Not just did I agree to such ministries, but also practiced it.

In one particular ministry, we mainly researched and studied idol and demonic symbolisms and their working; from its origins, spiritual meanings and practices.

We literary ministered throughout the entire South Africa, as well as made video’s regarding this; exposing the new age movement and all sinister hidden occult symbols and practices within the secular world, that penetrated believers' lives.

Though, I learned a lot, there were still many unanswered issued I didn’t understand and like many, just followed after leaders’ opinions, living anxiously, aware of every evil and demonic spirit.

In this message, I discuss a principle regarding this all important, yet controversial topic, that will free every person without any guilt and anxiety.

Nothing that is said in this message are meant to attack a person, but it is to uplift the truth, so that believers might be delivered from the bondage of unnecessary guilt feelings.

1 HOUSE CLEANING

In this message, I am going to discuss a ministry which promotes the cleaning of houses and property from demons or evil spirits.

This type of ministry isn’t necessarily tied to as a specific church or denomination, but it is believers within the Christian community that propose such a ministry.

According to them, demonic spirits can be the cause for various negative incidences in believers and non-believers lives. Even towns and cities can be controlled by a specific demon.

The things that these evil spirits can influence, are for example: serious illnesses, poverty, relationship problems between families and within marriages, addictions, unruliness, rebelliousness in children, learning problems, etc. In towns and cities, it can control all or most of the inhabitants with a specific problem; according to this ‘deliverance ministry’.

Specifically, in believers' lives, it can seriously jeopardize their Christian walk.

The manner in which these evil spirits can occupy and gain access to houses and properties, is by things like ornaments, jewellery, paintings, photos, books, clothing or even by spirits left behind by the previous owner or tenants. Sometimes it is also suggested that someone could have buried things on the property or curses that has been placed upon the property.

Ornaments can be accompanied by evil spirits, because the makers of it have placed certain types of curses upon it, or it is linked to some ancient or modern-day false deity and idol due to symbolisms attached to it, therefore it is a form of worshipping (honouring) ancient gods.

From the beginning God made it clear to Israel, they are not allowed to worship and have idols, whether it is images of animals, the heavens, people or anything else. If they do, they are disobedient and even there offspring can be visited with iniquity (evil).

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

Ex. 20:3-5

The basic explanation to get rid of these evil spirits, is to repent of having such items and then removing it from the property, by breaking it and if possible burn it.

Such symbolisms can also be attached to clothing and jewellery. It also needs to be removed by breaking and/or burning it.

The property itself or unmovable objects, can be anointed with oil and/or grape juice. In certain cases, a mixture of oil, grape juice and salt is made that is used to anoint it, so that the evil spirits will leave such objects and be protected from future possession. Even ash – burned out wood – can be sprinkled in and around the property to ward off evil spirits.

In some cultures, not necessarily in the modern Christianity, holy water is used to ward off evil spirits and to drink it to cure illnesses and to drive out demons from people.

Now, many had to get rid of expensive items and artefacts with far-reaching material and emotional losses, that even soured relationships. This is argued away as the attacks of the evil spirits, which wants to discourage them.

With this in mind, as Christians, we need to examine the scriptural soundness of this ministry, even though, this type of ministry also uses scripture for their doctrine.

What is the scriptural truth regarding this all important matter?, because it is the truth within the Scripture that sets us free (John 8:32).

It is important to understand that the Bible does not fight itself, but eliminates wrong interpretations, this is traditions of man, also described as imaginations or fables.

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Mark 7:13

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

2Cor. 10:5

Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

Tit. 1:14

2 IDOLS

First of all, I want to emphasize the fact, that we are not to worship – that is to honour – anything or anyone, even yourself, above God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ. If man does so, it is idol worship and spiritual idolatry, that is classified as adultery.

It is important to understand, it is not just material or outward honouring of false gods that is idol worship. It will become clear as the message unfolds.

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

Ex. 20:4-5

Secondly, I am not dismissing the fact that our spiritual warfare is against the principalities of darkness; demonic spirits in the spiritual world that can have a profound effect on us as human beings. I am discussing the principle regarding the power that idols and ornaments apparently can posses.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Eph. 6:12

Let's go to the book of Psalms, to a very well-known scripture regarding idols. Though, we tend to forget the real meaning of it. From it, I want to explain a principle regarding spirits that can be inside or be accompanied by ornaments, paintings, jewellery,... that are linked to idols, either by symbolism or by their stature.

The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;

They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.

They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.

Psa. 135:15-18

Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:

They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:

They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.

They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.

Psa. 115:4-8

In quoting these passages, I am not trying to explain that there are no such thing as idols or false deities. Even Paul made mention of such so-called gods and lords, as worthless objects, but that we as Christians worship, acknowledge and honour only God the Father, through the Lord Jesus Christ. This passage is written in context with idols, we discuss it fully later on.

For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

1Cor. 8:5-6

In these two Psalms, we learn how dead and useless idols are.

What is striking, they have no breath in them. Now, breath is a symbol of life and spirit; spiritual and/or earthly life (oxygen).

In this context, something that bears no life within them, is like dead materialistic things like trees, bricks, gold, silver, etc.

Furthermore, we need to understand the context of these idols. It wasn’t normal ornaments for the purpose of decorating the house, but was purposely made for worship.

Now, if purpose made idols, can under no circumstances accompany life in them, how is it possible for normal ornaments to have spirit, life, breath in them.

Remember, true (real) life is life in God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Life in Satan’s world is death and light is darkness. Though it is light and life, it is death life, and dark light. This is what Jesus referred to when He said, that the light in you, can be darkness.

Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

Luke 11:35

It is, thus, the context of the scripture that needs to guide us, to understand what life and light it refers to.

Also, these scriptures teach us, that the person making the idol, is as dead as the idol itself.

Thus, whatever spirit life he might think he is projecting into or upon the idol, doesn’t enter into or accompany it, because he himself have no real life; his dead life has no power to influence the idol he is making.

Let's go seek more truthful answers regarding this within the written Scripture, and not from man’s own imaginations. Remember, as discussed in my video, ‘The Enemy within the Church,’ it is man’s imaginations that are building up, by raising it up, against the knowledge of God’s Word. In other words, man’s own interpretation of the scriptures prevents the truth to set people free. This is what Jesus said to the lawyers (it was those teaching the law), that they have taken away the key of knowledge, because of this, they didn’t enter into the kingdom and prevented those who wanted to enter.

Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.

Luke 11:52

Jesus spoke this in context with their own interpretation of the Word of God. This made that they laid extra burdens on people, which is not based on sound scriptural knowledge.

In Jesus’ time, scriptural knowledge was reserved for the learned like the Pharisees, scribes, lawyers, priests, etc. We, on the other hand, have access to the knowledge within the Word of God. Still, we do not effectively utilize it, but we gain more knowledge concerning the Satanic kingdom, than Scriptural sound knowledge or sources outside the Bible. Because of this, believers follow after every wind of doctrine, therefore such believers are still babies in their spiritual walk and haven’t grown to maturity.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Hos. 4:6

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Eph. 4:14

We should not gain knowledge regarding the kingdom of Satan and its working, therein is no power, but real power is seated in gaining knowledge and understanding regarding the Word of Truth, and that is the Bible as a whole, which Jesus confirmed.

If priests reject the knowledge of God’s Word, he rejects such priests.

Believers are called as priests and kings in the spiritual world, to serve God and man (the calling as priests), and to reign over the works of evil (the calling as kings). Thus, believers rejecting the knowledge of God, are in danger of being rejected by God. Furthermore, Revelations concur with this. God says, that those who knows, by actively studying the depths of Satan, will receive extra burdens, not just in this life, but also in the afterlife.

But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

Rev. 2:24

It is thus of the utmost importance to gain the knowledge of God regarding this issue and act upon it. Because not the hearers are justified, but the doers.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Jas. 1:22

All relevant scriptures discussed so far, is part of the inspired Scripture of God.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2Tim. 3:16

We are to learn from the Old Testament as well. Though, we are not practicing the law of ordinances, because Jesus came to fulfil it – that was to make an end to the ordinances. (I have a separate message on this, that discuss it in full) Still, the Old Testament reveals things as God sees it, from it, we should learn.

Let’s explore the knowledge of God’s Word further, regarding the significance and power of idols.

Every man is brutish [dumb] in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.

They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.

Jer. 10:14-15

What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?

Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it.

Hab. 2:18-19

These two scriptures fit in with Psalms and elaborates on the person who make idols; and every person, for that matter, that have the same mind as they.

The person who thinks that a dead idol can house a spirit, that is, having breath in him is dumb and without knowledge. Even those that think an idol can awake, this is by believing that it can contain a spirit, are cursed themselves: “Woe unto him...” (Hab. 2:19).

Those who believe that a spirit can be in an idol, actually believe that the idol is alive, thus, awakening something in the dead ornament that doesn’t exist. Even if they believe it, in reality, there is no spirit, life or breath in it.

According to the deliverance ministers, they say, that the makers of it, place curses on it to profit themselves. Though it profits the makers, the owner (the person buying it) are cursed. According to the knowledge of the Scripture, the idol cannot benefit the makers, therefore it cannot curse the buyer.

Let’s take a look at another scripture – Isa. 44:9-20.

They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.

Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?

Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.

The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.

The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.

He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.

Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.

He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:

And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.

They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.

And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?

He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?

Isa. 44:9-20

In this scripture passage, God spoke through Isaiah about the process of making and the vanity of idols. God remarked, is there no one that can understand, the idol that is made of wood (they were also covered with gold, silver, copper, etc.), also is used to make fire for roasting, baking and to give warmth.

According to those who believe that there can be a spirit in ornaments teach: that the makers of ornaments place curses on it, to benefit themselves (for whatever reason), in this way, the owner of it will be harmed, spiritually or materialistically. God says – not man’s imaginations – that the idol cannot benefit the maker, therefore it won’t be able to harm someone else, because there is no spirit in or on it.

Note: if a purpose made idol, for the sake of worshipping, cannot contain life, spirit and breath to profit or harm someone, it is impossible for ornaments, painting, decorations, etc. to have spirits.

To conclude this section, I want to present some examples of God’s called, that lived amongst idols and even wore their symbols, but were never cursed, because they knew that it contained no life, breath in them.

Josef lived in Farao’s palace, with all its fashion and jewellery that he wore. It didn’t make him to live under a curse.

Moses, also grew up in Farao’s palace, and looked like an Egyptian, he wasn’t cursed.

Daniel and his three friends, lived amongst the Babylonian rulers, ate of their food, wore their clothing, etc., they weren’t cursed.

Elijah, lived at the height of the Baal worship era of his time, and still kept the Word of God.

We can make a long list of God’s people who lived in the Old Testament, either in heathen kingdoms during Israel’s falling away, but weren’t cursed by idols.

Even Paul knew this and it came to light when he ministered in Athens.

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Acts 17:22-23, 29-30

Before he started to preach, he walked amongst the idols; saw a statue with the inscription ‘to the unknown god’. He used this to start his preaching, not agreeing with their methods or that they should erect a statue for God, but He taught them the counsel of God.

Even as he passed through these idols (false gods), he wasn’t cursed or spiritually bound. Also, he didn’t need to perform some ritual to break the power of the evil. Instead, he preached the word of truth, that has set those free that believed.

As Christians, we profess that Jesus in us, is stronger and more powerful than any power of darkness, and it is so, Amen. If Jesus is in us, then why do we do as some Israelites and fear so-called spirits in ornaments; then we are not even talking about idols?

When Jesus was on earth, the devils started to manifest and flee, even before Jesus came in contact with them. If Jesus is living in us, why then is their so-called devils in lifeless objects, weren’t they supposed to be gone when we repented – there are no spirits in objects, just to mention it for the sake of the argument.

There is a Scriptural reason, why people do believe that there are evil spirits in lifeless objects. We will discuss it in the following section of this message.

3 EVIL SPIRITS IN ORNAMENTS

To understand why people do believe that there are spirits in objects, we need to go back to Israel when they occupied Canaan.

As time passed, after Israel occupied Canaan, at the time of the judges, they followed after idols. Because of this, God delivered them in the hands of their enemies. At one such time, Israel cried out to God to deliver them out of the hand of their enemies. God sent a prophet to them telling them, the reason why they kept falling away and worshipping idols: because they feared the idols.

And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.

Jdg. 6:10

We should understand, idol practice and worship was something that Israel were familiar with. This was not since they occupied Canaan, but since their time in Egypt. They built the cities of Egypt and the idols in it during their time of slavery. When God delivered them from Egypt, God commanded them not to follow after the nations’ idol worship and therefore gave them new ways of worshipping Him. In spite of this, the majority still worshipped idols in their hearts; not all, but the majority.

Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.

Heb. 3:10

And the LORD saith, Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein;

But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:

Jer. 9:13-14

But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.

Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them:

Yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse than their fathers.

Jer. 7:24-26

Due to their knowledge of idols, they thought that they (the idols) had powers and need to be revered. They didn’t head to the voice of God that taught them, that the nations’ idols were dead and lifeless, but they walked after their own imaginations – this made the Word of God weak in their hearts. If they knew this fact by heart, they would never have followed after dead idols. Thus, the knowledge of idols (the depths of Satan), can make someone fall away from the truth, because it creates fear, not deliverance and power over it.

Not all were caught in this trap, but many kept on serving God in spirit and in truth in spite of their circumstances.

With this knowledge, why do some believers, belief that objects have spiritual powers? The answer is in the New Testament, that also concurs with the scriptures of the Old Testament.

The first scripture we need study is written in 1 Corinthians.

As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

1Cor. 8:4-7

In this passage, Paul wrote of the eating of meat offered to idols. According to the Old Testament law, if anyone should eat such meat, it is the same as worshipping idols.

Paul recognized, that people worshipped so-called gods, but he emphasized the fact that they are dead and nothing; having no spirit, life breath in them as idols. Then he went on to say, as to eliminate confusion, that there is only one God the Father and one Lord Jesus Christ who must be worshipped (honoured and revered).

But, some think that there is life in idols and therefore in the meat that is offered to them. Meat offered unto idols is believed to posses the spirit or life of that idol. Paul mentioned here, if the idol has no spirit, then it is obvious, that the meat won’t posses any spirit. Those that are convinced otherwise, are weak and defiled in their conscience. Thus, the material meat isn’t defiled or unclean, but the person that is convinced that it is defiled, are spiritually weak, causing him to defile his own conscience. This will be unclean, to him.

Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Tit. 1:15-16

Furthermore, he writes, the person that eats the meat isn’t condemned by God, for it doesn’t bring us closer or removes us from God.

But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

1Cor. 8:8

Those having this knowledge, should not be a stumbling block to those that are still weak and defiled in their conscience. But, those that are stronger and more mature in their faith should keep such activity to themselves, until such believers have come to the maturity in faith. Also, we should not be taught by defiled and weak conscience believers, rather, they should be taught by spiritual mature believers. Unfortunately, it is the other way around in the modern-day church.

But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.

For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

1Cor. 8:9-13

We must grow to adulthood in the faith, so that we can live in complete liberty in Jesus Christ, and not stay spiritual babies. If we then permit such teaching, “how immature are we then”.

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

1Pet. 2:2

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Eph. 4:13-15

The principle, though, those that see an evil spirit in objects, are defiled in their own conscience. In the conscience, is where the imaginations are stirred; it is either evil or good.

Jesus concurs with what Paul wrote and what is written in the Old Testament, when His disciples were blamed for eating with unclean hands.

Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

Mark 7:5

For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

Mark 7:8

There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.

And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;

Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?

And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Mark 7:15-23

To eat without the washing of hands, was as unclean thing to do, as eating any type of unclean meat. Even the bread, fruit and vegetables were made unclean. Jesus said, because of the traditions of men, they push the commandment of God aside. Not only was Jesus talking about unwashed hands, but many such things that place emphases on cleaning outward, materialistic things rather than the things that really defiles man.

To push the truth of God away, is rejecting it, even if you don’t outright rejects it. The Pharisees had to acknowledge the commandments, but they used it to ignore it.

Jesus said, and it concurs with Col. 3:4-6, that idol worship, comes from inside the heart, by intentionally continuing in sin without the desire and will not to.

When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

Col. 3:4-6

When Jesus’ disciples didn’t understand this, he asked them, if they were also without understanding. For they, at the time, didn’t understand that materialistic things cannot contain life, spirit or breath that cannot defile the soul of man, but man is defiled due to his own desires and lusts.

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Jas. 1:13-15

God also described this principle to Noah: that the imaginations of man’s thoughts, seated in his heart, are continually evil.

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Gen. 6:5

It is, thus, the evil thoughts of man, that calls up imaginations that is contrary to God’s written truth. This is the Scripture that God himself has established and gave as the precepts by which man should conduct their lives.

If imaginations can be exalted against the knowledge of Christ and render it powerless in individuals' lives, then it is powerful enough to call up and see things contrary to the truth. From this, such believers see visions, dream dreams, receive revelation, prophecy as if God’s voice, etc.

Not all dreams, visions, revelations,... are wrong, it is just those who ignore the written truth that are in error.

The moment the truth within the Scripture is accepted, the truth prevails and is stronger than the imaginations. Thus, guilt feelings and convictions will disappear indefinitely that has taken hold of your conscience.

Furthermore, Jesus nor Paul or the disciples cast out evil spirits from objects, only from demon possessed human beings. They all described the temple or house that must be cleansed, as man’s heart that must be set free from evil desires that causes him to sin.

The imaginations, within a man’s heart, can cause him to see visions about evil spirits in objects and not in people’s hearts. Such believers, see their own defiled and weak conscience, through their ignorance of the truth. In so doing, they go into houses and projects images onto objects in houses. Though, the object doesn’t get possessed, such believers convince the owners that it is so.

In most cases, people feel the evil by a hair raising experience. The only thing that they do experience, is the evil spirit that has been brought in by the believer’s ignorance. There is an evil spirit present, but not as they portray it. If such believers should leave the house, the evil will be gone, unless the owner’s has opened up to it.

THE IGNORED IMAGE

What fascinates me the most, as mentioned in the beginning, some objects are burned and broken, but unmovable objects are anointed, so to rid them of evil.

The only object that can project evil is left in the house, sometimes there are more than one; it only gets anointed. This is the television. It is the only dead object that can project sin and unrighteousness into peoples thoughts, creating imaginations, that eventually bears sin and stimulate the evil desires and lusts in man’s heart, by ungodly actors. By anointing the television, doesn’t make the sin that it projects, sinless and powerless. This, alone, should make people weary of such ‘ministries’.

It is spiritual babes that teach the Church, then how immature is the Church and their ministers then, that they permit such teachings?

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

1Cor. 13:11

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

1Cor. 14:20

Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Gal. 3:3

In Israel, because they empowered evil by fearing idols, it caused their downfall. As we speak, it is one of the most powerful weapons that Satan uses to destroy the Church. This, as so many other incorrect doctrines, robs the Church from its real power, thus, only the form of godliness remains.

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

2Tim. 3:5

The real power is to convict of sin, righteousness and judgment. If this isn’t present and preached, in love, from pulpits the power of God isn’t present.

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

John 16:8

The power isn’t all about miracles – Jesus warned, even the false preachers would be able to do it – but the power is to convince believers to change their ways, by picking up their cross of self-denial on a daily basis. Though many preach it in words, the real conviction is absent.

How can we eliminate these imaginations and live in freedom?

4 WHAT IS REAL IDOL WORSHIP?

At this point many might argue, then what about the scripture in Corinthians regarding the table of Christ and Belial, and that we should not touch any unclean thing.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

2Cor. 6:14-18

The aforementioned scripture also concurs with the scripture in Revelation regarding Jezebel and Balaam. Thus, reasoning that we must heed to the eat of meat sacrificed to idols and the honouring of them by having them in our possession, as explained earlier.

Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Rev. 2:20-23

First of all, Jezebel (the same as Balaam) is a type of doctrine, it is not a specific single woman in a church.

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

Rev. 2:14-15

THE SPIRITUAL HOUSE

To fully understand these scriptures, and many like them, we need to understand what the spiritual temple, building or house of God is; including the body of Christ.

The first encounter in Jesus’ time, when people discovered this principle, was when Jesus drove out devils from demon possessed people.

At one time he healed a blind and dumb person, by driving out a demon from him. Very displeased, the Pharisees remarked that He drove out the devils by, “Beelzebub the prince of the devils.”

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

Matt. 12:24

During this encounter, Jesus taught, that if a devil leave a person, it seeks another person to posses; going through dry, i.e. waterless places, in other words, where the Word of God does not abide.

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.

Matt. 12:43

If for any reason he doesn’t find a suitable home, he will do his best, by gathering seven spirits worse than himself, to posses the house he was driven from. That man, will become worse than before, if he gives him the right to enter again. Jesus concludes, that even this nation, the Jews, will be worse in rejecting the truth, than before he came to them. This analogy, is thus twofold in nature.

Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

Matt. 12:44-45

The way how the evil spirit can come back and enter again, was clarified when Jesus healed a man at the pool of Bethesda from his infirmity. Later, after Jesus healed him, He said to him, that he should not sin anymore unless something worse might happen to him.

Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

John 5:2

And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

John 5:5-6

Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

John 5:14

Jesus wasn’t referring to the daily stumble and fall after repentance, but a turning back to the old way of life, without the desire and drive to live a godly life.

For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

2Pet. 2:21-22

This is the very reason why Jesus placed emphasis on picking up your cross, by denying yourself on a daily basis, not just once, or now and again, but until the very end.

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Luke 9:23

All through the New Testament until Revelation, believers are often admonished to endure until the end and not to deny the faith, it doesn’t matter what the stumbling block might be; be it yourself or circumstance.

And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

Matt. 10:21-23

This is also why Jesus said, that uncleanness are rooted in man’s heart.

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Mark 7:21-23

Thus, the sinful desires and nature within man, makes him to sin. If it is not dealt with on a daily basis, it can take control of such a person, causing him to become tired and fall away from the faith.

James continued with this idea, and wrote, it is the desires, rooted in the heart of man, that makes him to stumble, which is also spiritual adultery.

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Jas. 1:12-15

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Luke 8:13

Paul wrote about the sin within man, that makes him to stumble. On a daily basis, we must put down the members that are on earth, because it is seen as idol worship if we don’t make an effort to rid ourselves from it.

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Col. 3:5

We are thus responsible, to make an active effort to overcome the sinful nature in us, that war against the truth of the Word.

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

Rom. 7:23-24

Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Heb. 12:4

As you make an effort, God will help you and deliver you from the temptation so the evil nature.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

1Cor. 10:13-14

Usually, it is believers who don’t want to make an active effort in humbling themselves and confessing their sins, that falls prey to this kind of ministry. Also, those who don’t understand their own responsibility through ignorance, in regards to their spiritual growth, falls prey, but once they understand it by gaining knowledge, they are set free.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Casting all your care [also: sinful nature] upon him; for he careth for you.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

1Pet. 5:6-9

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Php. 4:6

Those who intentionally don’t humble themselves, by excusing themselves through weakness, starts blaming people and material things for their lack of spiritual growth. This dates back to the Garden of Eden, where Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. If you don’t acknowledge – this is an active humbling process by heart – that you are to blame, because of sinful desires that is still rooted in you, you will keep on blaming material things and people; eventually, you will fall away if they don’t repent by heart.

For example: a non-alcoholic will live next to a liquor store or pub, and won’t have the desire to go into it and buy him a drink. On the other hand, an alcoholic will live miles away from a bottle store or pub and will seek for it, enter it and drink. The pub and bottle store aren’t inventions of God, but of man and is wrong. Still, the one with the sinful desire will fall prey to it.

This is one of the reasons why Jesus said, that we need to work hard to enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Luke 13:24

Jesus never meant to condemn man, but to reveal the truth, so that He can set man free from the lustful desires that causes him to sin, which is rooted in man’s heart.

As we have already established, those not living a life of self-denial are worshipping idols and commits spiritual adultery and idolatry. Preachers who don’t teach that the power of the Spirit is to convict of sin, righteousness and judgment, teaches the doctrine of Jezebel (the same as Balaam); it is not women alone, but also male preachers.

Peter wrote, that believers feast (eat) when they worship together.

And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.

These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

2Pet. 2:13-17

Those with the wrong doctrine, living a life according to their own imaginations, defile those who are upright. In this way, by denying/ignoring the power of the Spirit, believers are taught to eat unclean things that are sacrificed to idols; this is to live a liberal life, without conviction.

All through the New Testament, we get clear instructions regarding those believers that keep to their own way of thinking: after a fair disciplinary proceedings, in love, they must be removed from the fold, as not to defile more believers; the same as the leaven that must be removed. If they repent, they can be accepted back into the fold.

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Rom. 16:17-18

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

2John 1:9-10

To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

1Cor. 5:5-11

From this we can understand, why it is written in the book of Colossians, that whoever are preaching and teaching, that any type of outward ordinance can cleanse the soul and it should be practiced as such, is uplifting, honouring and satisfying the flesh. Furthermore, this kind of teaching projects a gospel of discipline and godliness, but it is aimed at gratifying the old nature in man.

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

(Touch not; taste not; handle not;

Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Col. 2:16-23

Just to clarify, this passage and a lot of other passages like it, does not fight anything in the Bible, it merely highlights material and outward ordinances as vanity, that cannot cleanse the heart and soul of man. This is the major difference between the Old and New Testaments as well as any other religion.

The truth and life way that Jesus taught, is the way of the heart; if it is cleansed, your outward manner of doing, speaking, acting and seeing things and people will change.

Jesus directed man’s attention to the motive of what he is doing, not just the outward correct manner of doing things. This separates the chaff from the wheat.

5 THE ANOINTING PROCESS

To conclude with this message, I am going to discuss the spiritual meaning of the anointing of material things with grape juice, oil and in some cases salt. Sometimes ash, burned out wood, is used to evict or contain evil spirits and even holy water.

First of all, if ornaments cannot possess or contain evil spirits, then the anointing of it is unnecessary. Still for the sake of the argument, I will discuss it.

The entire idea of anointing objects, originate from the Old Testament law of ordinances. The temple was the holy place; in it was the forecourt; the holy place; then the most holy place where the ark of the covenant stood. There were different types of sacrifices and cleansing rituals that needed to be performed by the priests, before they could perform their temple duties. Hebrews chapter nine and then give a brief description of these services and their purposes. Verse ten of chapter nine sums it up in one verse.

Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

Heb. 9:10

The law book; the temple itself; the sacrificial utensils; the ark of the covenant; the priests themselves; and the nation had to be cleansed by the sprinkling of a water mixture, known as holy water, and blood in various rituals and methods. Priests and kings also had to be anointed with oil, before they could have performed their duties.

These things were in place, until our High Priest, Jesus Christ, came and sacrificed Himself; cleansing our hearts with His blood; wash us with the water of the Word; and anoint us with the baptism (filling) of the Holy Spirit.

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Heb. 10:22

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

1John 2:27

As determined so far, man is the temple of God and the body of Christ, it is not earthly material things anymore.

At the time when it was still necessary, God protected the temple and raised it up to unite Israel to itself. This was only until Jesus Christ came. For the first time, the ark of the covenant, that were the holiest object in the temple – even if people just looked at it they were killed – disappeared altogether. The temple is destroyed completely, never to be rebuilt on earth again. All this happened since the appearing of Jesus Christ, so that we can understand what Jesus meant when He said, God are looking for those that will worship Him in Spirit and Truth, not at a specific location anymore.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

John 4:21-24

Since there are no more earthly temple and priests, we as human beings are the temple of the Holy Spirit that needs to be cleansed by the blood of Jesus and anointed by Him through the Holy Spirit. He is now the only High Priest who is the Anointed one of God, we as human beings, can receive the anointing of the Spirit, but we are not anointed ones as in the Old Testament. Jesus said, we are brothers of each other, called to serve – fulfilling the calling of a priest.

But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Matt. 23:8-12

THE GRAPE JUICE

In the New Testament, since the Old Testament of ordinances has passed, the only method and means where we are allowed to use the fruit of the vine (grape juice), is during communion. Then, and only then, because the grape juice symbolizes the blood of Jesus to cleanse our heart and soul. Any other method, dishonours (blasphemes) Jesus’ blood, because a lifeless materialistic thing has no heart and soul to be cleansed.

If grape juice can be applied as the blood, then surely such items and properties can be baptized too. Faith in Jesus saves the soul, not the application of grape juice.

Humans must accept Jesus Christ, so that he can cleanse them and wherever they go, they carry purity and holiness in them, in this way no evil will prevail against them.

When communion is used, for that moment, believers proclaim the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This doesn’t mean, that the rest of the grape juice and the bread become Jesus’ flesh, but for that brief moment when it enters your mouth, it symbolizes Jesus blood and flesh. Therefore, practicing it unworthily, will have negative consequences.

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

1Cor. 11:27

If it is unworthy to apply it on earthly vessels outside the church buildings and property, the church building is also made from the same materials, thus, to apply grape juice to church material brick and mortar buildings, is also an unworthy practice of Jesus’ blood.

OIL

The same principles apply to the anointing of oil. In the New Testament, the only scriptural application for material oil, is when a human believer is ill; according to James 5:14-16.

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Jas. 5:14-16

The sick believer, not unbeliever, also needs to confess his/her sins in the presence of the elders, if it caused the illness, then such a believer will be healed.

The only other instance of oil used for anointing, was when Jesus had sent out the twelve to preach the gospel... and healing of the sick. Though, after this, it is never recorded as the letter of the law.

And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

Mark 6:7,13

Neither was any believer anointed for any other reason, because Jesus is our Anointed High Priest that gives us the anointing, the Holy Spirit. Believers are brothers, not anointed ones.

When God had called someone to ministry in the early New Testament, the leaders and the called believer would fast and lay hands on him and pray for him to preach the gospel. They weren’t anointed with oil.

Also, never were babies and children anointed; never were believers randomly anointed for any reason, even to receive the Holy Spirit.

Jesus taught, that we should repent and believe in Him; be baptized; then we will receive the Spirit that we ask of the Father. We weren’t instructed to anoint one another with oil to receive the Spirit, this is not sound Scriptural doctrine, but imaginations.

Furthermore, to anoint lifeless materialistic things, is to wake it up, and to profess that it contains life, spirit and breath which is idol worship.

God’s spirit cannot be forced into or onto material dead objects, but He fills believers’ hearts with the Spirit – the anointing of oil.

ASHES

Sometimes, even ash, burned wood, is scattered in or around properties and even prayed upon. Some even sprinkle it over their body and in their clothes to keep evil away for the day.

First of all, no where does the Bible give rise to exactly such practice. Though, in the Old Testament, people used to tear their clothes and would throw dust or ash over them as a symbol of humiliation or if they mourned. There was no clear ordinance for this practice in the Bible, but were purely traditions of man.

God also said, that man should rather tear his heart and not his clothes.

And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

Joel 2:13

In Jeremiah – the passage regarding the idols – God said, those that keep themselves busy with ashes, a deceived heart has led them away, so that they cannot deliver their soul, through repentance, while not perceiving they are busy with a lie.

He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?

Isa. 44:20

IN CONCLUSION

Nothing said in this message were meant to attack a person, but it is to uplift the truth, so that believers might be delivered from the bondage of unnecessary guilt feelings.

Those practicing and belief that there are spirits in lifeless objects, are weak and defiled in their conscience, spiritual babies, that need to subject them to the power of the truth.

As children of God, we worship the One and only God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, therefore we need to glorify Them in our walk, talk and in our possessions. Christians, as a rule, are not to have idol statues in their homes or on our person, even though it contains not spirit.

Ornaments, paintings, photographs, even idols, etc. cannot bind or influence someone negatively, it is the imaginations, lust and desires in our heart that defiles us, leading us astray, especially to watch defiled things on the biggest and best maintained image in our homes, the television.

Jesus, and all the prophets and apostles taught that the inside of man, the heart, must be cleansed from idol worship. This is unscriptural imaginations and sin. Amen

Table of Contents

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

1 HOUSE CLEANING

2 IDOLS

3 EVIL SPIRITS IN ORNAMENTS

4 WHAT IS REAL IDOL WORSHIP?

5 THE ANOINTING PROCESS