Edited 12/15/23
Visions from God or Not?
There is a common thread that is dividing the Christian community. Here are a few examples of people who claimed to have a run in with God, or angels.
In 1858 a young girl named Bernadett Soubiorios, at the age of 14 had numerous visions with a spirit, a spirit call Mary, who claimed to be the mother of Jesus. From this sprang the doctrine of the Virgin Mary, which is adhered to by multi millions of people who pray to her, and in a sense glorify her. This people believe from the bottom of their heart that Mary does intercede for them, they are happy, and well adjusted. But are they Scriptural in this type of worship?
At the age of 14, Joseph Smith experienced a spiritual revelation. He claimed this revelation to be of God, and Jesus Christ. Three years later an angel directed him to some (so called) buried golden plates. From this, Mormonism was born, and millions of people follow these teachings. Mormons are exceedingly joyful, and believe they are chosen of God.
In 1872 at the age of twenty, a young man renounced the teaching of orthodox Christianity. He claimed to have received messages from heaven, then wrote about the second coming of Christ. His name was Charles Taze Russell the founder of the Jehovah Witnesses. Millions now follow him. The witnesses are united on all fronts, believe they are the chosen of God, happy and secure in their beliefs.
I am very familiar with the Jehovah Witnesses, because my close family are involved wholly in this organization.
In 1901 a young girl named Agnes Ozman said she had experienced a Spirit baptism. She began to speak in an unknown tongue. From that day forward, modern day Pentecostals declared that speaking in tongues was the initial evidence one needed to say they have been truly Spiritually baptized. Their growth has been phenomenal, they appear to enjoy their so-called gifts, claiming they are of God.
The Pentecostal church has had many divisions within its own walls. Splinter groups going their own way. Millions follow these various movements. Each happy yet separated and segregated. Also, a great gulf exists between them and other Christian denominations.
1950 L. Ron Hubbard started the religion of Scientology. According to him, this religion is based on mental images, irrational behavior, environment situations, life energy, matter energy, etc. Their followers seem to be doing well financially, successful in their employment, and appear to be happy in their teachings and beliefs.
What is the common thread that runs through these organizations? It’s the young claiming to have personal visions or visitations from God, their leaders then follow. Millions of people have been drawn away from the established doctrines of the Scriptures. Millions having been lost to God.
The body of Christ is to be one body, faithful and united? So, what’s the problem? Is it the Holy Spirit that has caused this confusion? or is it man who have chosen to go their own way?
Let me conclude. Visions to children, encounters with angels, personal feelings, high emotions, unusual behaviour patterns, these are the common threads that precede a fall.
Phil LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com