Paranormal Experiences Part 3

Interesting Police Officers

I was driving home from work one day and I was in the turn lane getting ready to take a left. I had a green arrow and proceeded into the intersection. Just before I was about to turn, I heard sirens and saw flashing red lights on two cars approaching me from the oncoming traffic. They beat all of the other cars and got into the intersection first. These two cars stopped in tandem, one right in front of the other blocking me from turning. What I then realized was that even though I had a green arrow in my lane to turn, the oncoming traffic also had a green light to go straight! The oncoming traffic proceeded through the intersection towards me and then through the light.

As I was studying these two cars I made some observations. There was one guy in each car, their cars had only flashing red lights with sirens blaring, however no cars from the oncoming traffic were stopping, but just kept on driving! Both cars had no license plates, no external identification writings/markings anywhere, no antenna in the back (like you normally see on police cars used for their CB radios). All police cars that I’ve ever seen have had some mix of red/blue/amber light combination but never solid red, especially in Nashville where I was at. Fire department vehicles do, but aren’t people supposed to stop when they see emergency lights and hear sirens?

Now onto the two policemen. This sounds weird but both guys had long blonde hair, they wore police looking uniforms -grey; not the color Nashville Police wear- but with no badges or anything to identify them. They both just sat in their car and each one stuck a hand out of the window motioning for me not to turn. As they looked at me they didn’t seem to have much emotion, but just kept their eyes targeted on me while waiting for traffic to pass. Once both traffic lights turned red, these officers just drove away with lights flashing and sirens blaring with no one following them. I waited for the next rotation to turn left. Once my arrow turned green again, I took a very cautious left and parked by the sidewalk.

I watched that intersection’s lights for quite a few rotations, looking to see if they would malfunction again but they didn’t! They did only that one time, when I was in the turn lane. The police spared me a head on collision. Who could’ve predicted this was going to happen, and only ONCE? Some have tried to explain this situation as a procession of some sort but the cars going through the intersection went every which direction like normal rush hour traffic would. Some got onto the freeway, some took right and left turns onto other roads etc. As I asked earlier, aren’t cars supposed to stop when they see emergency lights and hear sirens? Isn’t this a logical question to ask?

Paranormal Experiences Part 2

Stay In The Car!

Some years ago I was driving home from a band practice with my friend Doug. It was late at night and fairly cold outside. As we were driving down the freeway, I saw a woman dressed in shorts and a tee shirt walking on the shoulder of the road, which I thought was odd since we were in the middle of nowhere. The distance to the next city was tens of miles away and the area where we were consisted of  nothing but fields, cattle, and rolling hills. I felt compelled to stop and pick her up. This wasn’t unusual to me as I was rather used to picking up hitchhikers in order to tell them about Jesus. Once she got into the van I made the usual small talk “how are you, where you headed?” etc. She told me that she was headed to such and such town, which happened to be where I was going. She was very soft spoken, rather shy, and I was doing my best to make her feel comfortable. While talking to her, I was looking for a good opening to tell her about my Lord and savior.

My buddy Doug caught onto where I was headed in my conversation and started to say “Now when Paul was on his way to Damascus….” and he was cut off by this evil, dark, and deep voice. The voice exclaimed “OH I GET IT, YOU’RE ONE OF THOSE, YOU’RE GONNA WITNESS TO ME, I DON’T LIKE YOU…”, among other things. As I looked in my review mirror, I saw her eyes rolling back in her head and her whole body was swaying back and forth like a snake does with one of those charmer dudes. She was also kicking at my seat screaming “I CAN’T BE HERE! I CAN’T BE HERE SOMEBODY HELP ME!” over and over. This soft spoken woman had changed into something and somebody entirely else. Before I could react, she started pounding everywhere in the van looking for the door and a way out. I remember being very scared, thinking that if she finds the handle faster than I can pull over, she’s going to jump, and we’re going to prison. It didn’t look good, two guys abduct a woman, and throw her out of their vehicle, thus killing her. This news headline was playing out in my head.

I was more scared of going to prison and for her safety than the actual manifestation that was slithering around in my back seat. As I was playing the “lock the door unlock the door” game with her, I was trying to pass a semi truck so I could pull over to the shoulder on the right. I was so scared it didn’t dawn on me to just slow down and pull over. Soon as I passed the truck and merged right onto the shoulder, I hadn’t even fully stopped when she swung open the door, jumped out of the van, ran down the ditch, and jumped a fence into a field screaming ”SOMEBODY HELP ME! SOMEBODY HELP ME! I CAN’T BE HERE!” Keep in mind that it was the middle of the night and in the middle of nowhere. My original plan was to pull over and pray for her, hoping to bind what was manifesting, yes a demon. She took off so fast running, she was gone before I could even unbuckle my seat-belt; running away like a trapped animal being let out of a cage. Sorry for the bad analogy but you get the idea. There’s no doubt in my mind that I had just witnessed a demon possessed women manifest before my very eyes. The obvious sign, being that once we started discussing the Bible, this was the catalyst for her sudden change in behavior, it was instantaneous. Why such a reaction? Her reaction to the message of Christ, was exactly the same as what can be read about in various accounts in the gospels, from those that were demoniacs.

Paranormal Experiences Part 1

This is a subject that I’ve put off from writing about for various reasons. As this is a new blog, I’ve been trying to keep things out of the “taboo tavern”. One reason is that I do not want to alienate my empirical minded readers (and perhaps others), ones, that will use such material as a means to disregard everything I have to say on anything. I do realize that my research and study on philosophy, science, formal logic etc might not be viewed in the same light (even if sound arguments are presented) if I start to write about the paranormal, on things I have witnessed. I however, am not a people pleaser and cannot deny my testimony. I want to be empathetic to people and meet them where they’re at, but nevertheless I must follow my conviction -with the encouragement from a friend as well heh- to share things that led me to my conversion and recognition/understanding of the paranormal. So with that I unapologetically say, oh well…que sera sera. Those that know me know that I’m naturally a logical, rational, and skeptical person but I (and friends) have seen/experienced things in my life that just haven’t been easy to grasp from a naturalistic worldview. Some experiences that I’ll share are from before my conversion, and others are after. As you read through this series, I ask you to keep an open heart and mind to what you read. Now, release the arrows!

Drunk On New Wine

While still in high school and yet unwilling to accept a “god” that exists or loves me, I was sent off to various church camps. Ahh yes, the girls, the food, but dang even more religious B. S. (so I thought at the time). Towards the end of the week when one camp was wrapping up, there was a service where people were falling down like flies. Growing up in a Pentecostal houshold, I was accustomed to the spectacle of “holy rolling”, shoe kicking, tongue blabbering etc so this was nothing new, just another day in the “Jesus roller coaster”. I was jaded and numb to this silliness. However, for some reason this time seemed different though I had seen this a thous no a million times. Out of curiosity or perhaps to get closer to that cute Brunette in the second row (joking lol) I went forward to check it out.  I remember thinking, “God, if you’re real, let that happen to me”. My stipulation was that if a pastor tries to push me over I’m gonna deck him. I gritted my teeth waiting for that to happen so I could share a “highfive” with him.

The next part is a little fuzzy but was described to me by some friends that saw what happened. I remember one moment waiting to be “blessed” then the next moment wondering why I’m on the ground flat on my back “booger crying” for no apparent reason. Conviction? Conversion? Nah, but no one touched me, “ok who has the stun gun”? I tried to get up but I was “drunk in the spirit” -as drunk as I have ever been, which is saying a lot- as they say and I needed assistance back to my seat. As I was being helped back by two friends, my feet were dragging like uncle Bob’s when coming out of the saloon after “last call”. Though it had seemed like only a few minutes, I had actually been laying there for hours! Did this experience “convert” me and my “heathen” ways? Nope, I was a hard sell for that “Jesus juice”. Was this experience a mere power of suggestion? The falling down, perhaps, -I say no but I’ll consider the possibility- but what explains the warm sensation of “electricity” (think finger in light socket) throughout my entire body and the enrapture and loss of time? Hypnotism? Hardly.

10 Signs That You’re In A Cult

1. Your sect has it’s own Bible translation

2. Your hierarchy of leaders claim to be God’s only channel/representative on earth

3. There is no salvation outside of your organization

4. Your group claims to be a restoration of Christianity

5. Your organization has inspired books -and study aids- which contain revelations/information that only your sect is “aware” of

6. Date setting concerning end times events has been an integral part of your organization’s history

7. Differing exegesis of scripture/doctrine is not allowed, uniformity is the order of the day

8. You need your organization to understand the Bible, independent Bible reading/study is not encouraged

9. Former members of your group are demonized, shunned, and off limits for association

10. Your standing/status in the organization is dependent upon works

Spotlight On ISWA U

The International Society of Women in Apologetics (ISWA) is an organization whose curriculum is geared towards helping woman from all over the globe defend their Christian faith. This ministry is founded by Sarah Ankenman, also know as “The Valley Girl Apologist“. From their website they say:

ISWA U will equip and train you in basic Apologetics and provide you with the resources to go even deeper in your study of why you believe what you believe. In the world we live in today, it is crucial for women to engage in Apologetics, not just for the strength of our own faith, but that of our kids and others around us who are in desperate need of the truth. Each lecture is 30 minutes to an hour in length, and will come with a workbook, to further enhance your Apologetics study, and are all taught by top women apologists across the country.

Starting tomorrow (October 28th) they will be unlocking some great features from their site including free videos and audio of various lectures. For more information about ISWA go to their website.

Watchtower End Of The World Prophecies List

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has a laundry list of false prophecies dating back to the late 19th century. I’m making this list available to those that want to see the reality of what was really said in their history as an organization. It’s been an unfortunate case that the Watchtower’s latest history book (the 1993 “Proclaimers” book) has both misquoted their own publications and misrepresented their previous position(s). The purpose of this list is not to sling mud but merely to make available failed prophecies that the Society would like to hide from it’s members. And from there, give each member a fair chance to make an informed analysis of their organization’s claims. I could add many more publications (showing such failed predictions) to the list, but what I have presented below will be suffice. Here’s a passage to keep in mind when reading the list:

 Deuteronomy 18:22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

 

1914

“We see no reason for changing the figures-nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, GOD’s DATES, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the END of the time of trouble.” -1894 Watchtower July 15th pg. 226 [IMAGE]

Be not surprised, then, when in subsequent chapters we present proofs that the setting up of the Kingdom of God is already begun, that it is pointed out in prophecy as due to begin the exercise of power in A. D. 1878, and that the “battle of the great day of God Almighty ” (Rev. 16: 14.) which will end in A. D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth’s present rulership, is already commenced. -1911 Edition The Time Is At Hand page 101 [IMAGE] (compare to the 1915 edition below)

 

1915 

“The ‘battle of the great day of God Almighty’ (Rev. 16:14) which will end in A.D. 1915 with the COMPLETE OVERTHROW of earth’s present rulership, is already commenced. The gathering of the armies is plainly visible from the standpoint of God’s word.” -1915 Edition The Time Is At Hand page 101 [IMAGE]

“The Gentile Times prove that the present governments must all be overturned about the close of A.D. 1915; and Parallelism above shows that this period corresponds exactly with the year A.D. 70, which witnessed the completion of the downfall of the Jewish polity.” -1915 Edition The Time Is At Hand page 242 [IMAGE]

 

1917/1918 

“The present great war in Europe is the beginning of the ARMAGEDDON of the Scriptures (Rev 19:16-20). It will eventuate in the complete overthrow of all the systems of error which have so long oppressed the people of God and deluded the world. We believe the present war cannot last much longer until revolutions shall break out.” -1917 Pastor Russell’s Sermons page 676 [IMAGE]

“Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by millions, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of ‘Christianity’.” -1917 The Finished Mystery page 485 [IMAGE] 

 

1925 

“Therefore we may CONFIDENTLY expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the prophets of old particularly those named by the Apostle in Hebrews chapter eleven, to the condition of human perfect.” -1920 Millions Now Living Will Never Die pages 89-90 (NOTE: THE SOCIETY ALSO BUILT TWO HOUSES FOR THESE MEN IN SAN DIEGO, ONE WAS CALLED BETH-SHAN THE OTHER BETH-SARIM. This was the prophesied 7 thousandth year for the reality of paradise earth.) [IMAGE]

“There was a measure of disappointment on the part of Jehovah’s faithful ones on earth concerning the years 1914, 1918 and 1925, which disappointment lasted for a time. Later the faithful learned that these dates were definitely fixed in the Scriptures; and they also learned to quit fixing dates for the future and predicting what would come to pass on a certain date, but to rely (and they do rely) upon the Word of God as to the events that must come to pass.” -1931 Vindication pages 338-9 (semi apologies for false predictions) [IMAGE] [IMAGE]

 

1940′s Armageddon 

“Receiving the gift, [Rutherford's book, Children] the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure, but the Lord’s provided instrument for most effective work in the remaining MONTHS BEFORE ARMAGEDDON.” -1941 Watchtower September 15th page 288 [IMAGE]

 

1975 

…ONLY A FEW YEARS, AT MOST, remain before the corrupt system of things dominating the earth is destroyed by God. -1968 October 8th Awake page 13

…the end of that sixth creative day could end within the same Gregorian calendar year of Adam’s creation. It may involve only a difference of weeks or months, NOT years. -1968 WT August 15th pg. 499

“If you are a young person, you also need to face the fact that you will NEVER GROW OLD in this present system of things. They also said Bible prophecy indicates that this corrupt system is DUE TO END in a few years.” -1969 Awake! May 22 page 15

 

2000 

Shortly within our twentieth century, the battle in the day of Jehovah will begin…” -1971 “The Nations Shall Know” book page 216 (NOTE: ARMAGEDDON IS TO HAPPEN BEFORE THE YEAR 2000)

“He (Paul) was also laying a foundation for a work that would be completed in our 20th century” -1989 Watchtower Jan. 1st page 12 (NOTE: KINGDOM PREACHING TO BE DONE BEFORE 2000)

Another Take on Heaven and Hell

By Carson Weitnauer

Orthodox, Biblical Christianity teaches there are only two ways to heaven:

  1. Live a perfect, sinless life or
  2. Experience forgiveness of your sins through faith in Jesus.

Furthermore, given that heaven is a place of moral perfection and endless joy, we are taught to be grateful that option #2 even exists. That is, Jesus’ entrance into our world as a human being, his holy life and sublime teachings, his agonizing death, and his glorious resurrection from the dead are not events which are to be taken for granted.

Well, why should we be so grateful? The main reason is that if we, as the guilty party, demanded that God give us what we deserve, the results would not be to our liking.

Consider this: why think we are entitled to receive mercy and grace? Are these not, by definition, undeserved gifts? How did we come to believe these were owed to us? Christianity asks us to take a perspective of sober, honest reflection upon our selfishness in light of the high demands of God’s moral code. When we do so, the announcement that there is forgiveness available for anyone who wants Jesus to save them is very good news.

All the same, one primary response to the Christian doctrine on heaven is to argue that Christianity has a narrow-minded, exclusive, and very judgmental approach towards those who are not Christians.

The objection finds much of its force from a common-sense understanding of fairness. For instance, if you give one child a Christmas gift, you should give all of your children a Christmas gift. To say to little Johnny, “Hey, Christmas gifts are gifts. Therefore, you don’t deserve one,” comes across as a bit heartless.

And it seems like this is what Christians are saying about God. He gives gifts to some people, but not to others, and that doesn’t seem fair. But if God is unconditional love and grace, then we should at least expect him to be fair. It seems like a low standard, actually, and the seeming contradiction naturally creates emotional and intellectual challenges for people.

On a strictly intellectual level, there are excellent formal and logical responses to this objection. These range from considerations of free will to applying the concept of “transworld depravity” to the discussion.

However, there is another response which we sometimes overlook in the discussion, and which directly addresses some of our emotional hesitation. Even the finest arguments can still leave us feeling disturbed, like something is just off, and we want more.

One way to speak to our emotional objection is to talk about a practical solution to what is, in some ways, a very concrete problem: some people have not yet heard about Jesus. Part of what we are asking, then, when we query a Christian about “the unsaved” is to test how seriously they care about the issue.

Speaking personally, my wife and I give regular financial gifts to Wycliffe Bible Translators as part of our commitment to seeing that all people have an opportunity to hear the good news about Jesus’ offer of forgiveness. We pray for different people groups that are yet to be reached with the gospel. We work to support missionaries as we have opportunity to do so. I personally was able to attend the Cape Town Congress on World Evangelization in October of 2010. In multiple ways, we are dedicating our time, energy, and resources to letting everyone know that God does love them and offers salvation to all who will respond in faith.

If you are personally troubled by the Bible’s teaching about those who have never heard, I hope that understanding how Christians are motivated to global evangelism offers you encouragement. If you are a Christian, but are not active in praying for and supporting missionaries, consider starting today. The best response to this question would be if we could respond, “By God’s grace, we’ve shared the good news with everyone!”

Carson Weitnauer blogs at Reasons for God.

You may be interested in his series of articles on searching for God.