1. If it works it must be true.

We are a spiritual people with many of our beliefs but that does not make us Christian.

Stories of Maurice s Rawlings M.D. “To Hell and Back” and testimonies

The problem with some testimonies of life after death experiences is that they teach opposite experiences so one of them can’t be right.

People are interested int he spiritual and the supernatural The book “Heaven is for Real” about a 4 year old encounter with heaven was a best seller.

2. Can’t avoid it all

Romans 1: 11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong

We want to be strong so we have to understand the spiritual realm

3. Not all spiritual experiences are from God.

Jesus talks about another spiritual realm. John 8: 44 For you are children of your father the devil …he was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Spiritual realm that is a lie from the truth.

2 Corinthians 11: 14 “Even satan disguises himself as an angel of light”

Why Light? 1 John 1: 5 “God is Light”

KEY POINT; The best counterfeit is close to the original.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE: Acts 16: 18 fortune teller girl “These men are servants of the Most High God and they have come to tell you how to be saved. Paul exasperated and cast out demon from the girl.

4. Biblical Spirituality

There are two sides to being spiritual

Ephesians 6:12 For our STRUGGLE is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the SPIRITUAL FORCES OF EVIL in the heavenly realms

2 John 1: 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist Remember this means Jesus is God

True spirituality will point us to Jesus coming in the flesh.

1 Corinthians 3:1-2 Brothers, I could not address you as SPIRITUAL but as WORLDLY — mere infants in Christ. [2] I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your SPIRITUAL act of worship. [2] DO NOT CONFORM any longer to the pattern of THIS WORLD…

•• Three characteristics of the spiritual man or woman:

(1) Lives life as a living sacrifice, not self-centered

(2) Lives a holy life

(3) Looks to live in such a way as to please God not about us or elevating ourselves

•• To be deemed “spiritual” by God, “do NOT CONFORM … to the pattern of this WORLD.”

Hunger to be spiritual

Romans 12:11 Never be lacking in ZEAL, but keep your spiritual FERVOR, serving the Lord