MEMORY VERSE: “Regard not of them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them; I am the LORD your GOD.” Leviticus 20:27
BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 47 : 13 – 14
INTRODUCTION
Alternative spirituality is a loosely defined term generally used to describe spiritual practices that do not conform to true christianity. It is largely characterized by some spiritual practices and rituals that often are chosen by the particip[ant to fit their individual needs. In this lesson ,we shall attempt to highlight some of them and spiritually view what our perspectives should be as believers.
OUTLINE
1. SOME ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
2. SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVES.
SOME ALTERNATIVE SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Astrology or the belief in the potency of zodiac signs and predictions is the interpretation of an assumed influence that the starry host ( and planets) exert on human destiny Isiah 47: 13; Daniel 2 : 27 . According to astrology, the sign you were born under, like aquarius, Pisces, etc impacts your destiny. Crystal is the belief that a precious stone have an inherent power that can be used to man’s benefit. Like attracting wealth, rekindling romance, expelling of evil spirits or bad energy thus bringing good luck. Necromancy is the conjuring of the spirit of the dead for purposes of magically revealing the future or influencing the course of events. In the Bible, necromancy is also called ‘’Divination’’ ‘’sorcery’’ and spiritism’ Exodus 7:11; 2 Kings 17: 17
Other include practices like palm reading, spiritual bathing, playing of some seemingly harmless games designed to initiate people into divination, visiting websites that promises to guide and reveal destiny to unsuspecting victims , buying perfumes and cosmetics , capable of bringing good luck or warding off bad luck, visiting false prophets, using charms, amulets or talismans etc. Leviticus 19: 26 , Deuteronomy 18 : 10- 11
SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVES
Astrology, crystals as well as necromancy are forms of divination expressly detestable and forbidden in scripture, Deuteronomy 18 : 10- 14, Stars, along with the sun and moon, were given for ‘’signs’’ and ‘’season’’ Genesis 1: 14. To ‘’worship the starry host ‘’ is a clear violation of God’s law, Deuteronomy 4 : 19; Exodus 20: 3 – 4 . the royal astrologers of Babylonian court were put to shame by Daniel God’s Prophet Daniel 1: 20; 2 : 27
Our wisdom comes from God, not the dead James 1 : 5. Also, those who are dead, either go to heaven or hell for condemnation, anything outside this is the conjuring of demonic spirits. Likewise, anything that seeks to manipulate the spirit world can be categorized as witchcraft which is named along with idolatry as ungodly behavior Galatians 5 : 19 – 21. All these practices involve demonic manipulations and expose those who practice it to demonic attack. It is worshiping created things rather than the creator Roman 1 : 25. The word of GOD is and must remain our guide through life Psalms 119 : 105.
CONCLUSION
Every spirituality outside the will of Christ is false and demonic . It should not be embraced by true Christians..