In this post, I would like to share some information on spirit guides and channeled material (psychic readings, automatic or “divine” writing, etc…).

As usual, I have had a difficult time trying to determine just how far down the “spiritual” rabbit hole I should go, so this post will actually be more of a compilation of articles and videos from people who are very familiar with this particular subject matter.

Channeled material, via spirit guides, has found its way into popular books and teachings – even within the church. I pray that you would take some time to consider this material. I also pray that the Body of Christ would have their eyes opened to the subtle deception that has made its way into the church…and that we would be willing to let go of the things – no matter how precious to us – that point to a Jesus, spirit, or gospel that has zero to do with the God of the Bible.

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 NIV

SPIRIT GUIDES

So, what is a spirit guide? Marcia Montenegro, from christiananswersforthenewage.org has written some great articles on spirit guides – who may also be referred to as: angels, ascended masters, loved ones who have passed on, aliens, or biblical characters such as Abraham…or even Jesus.

Here is what she has to say in her article, What Is A Spirit Guide? :

“Spirit guides are fallen angels, also known as unclean spirits, evil spirits, or demons. Jesus referred to these spirits quite frequently and showed his power as the prophesied Messiah by casting them out of those possessed by them…

…The guides initially seem benevolent and helpful. However, people can have bad or scary experiences with them later, but not always.

Since the guides are fallen angels, they hate Christ with a passion, and will do whatever they can to keep the person from knowing Christ. Although many who have guides see the guides as their friends, in reality, the guides hate the person whom they are “guiding,” since Satan and his angels are opposed to humans, who are made in the image of God. Angels are not made in the image of God. Additionally, fallen angels cannot be redeemed, since Christ became man to die for men only, and this likely increases the fallen angels’ hatred of men. As we are told in the book of Hebrews:

Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:14-17

Fallen angels serve Satan (a title, not a proper name, meaning “The Adversary”). Jesus referred to Satan many times as a real, personal being, including when Satan was cast out of heaven:

And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Luke 10:18 (see also Revelation 12:9)

Spirit guides can behave or even appear as a beautiful angel, a dead person, a well-known religious personage (those involved in Eastern-based spiritual groups often are visited in dreams by a figure appearing as their guru, before and/or after the guru’s death), or any type of creature, usually attractive and appealing. There are also animal spirits that appear as different animals; these may sometimes be called “spirit animals” or “totem animals.”

Some guides may even appear as what people think is Jesus, matching the way many imagine Jesus to have looked (of course, we don’t know what Jesus looked like since the Bible only tells us that he had no special appearance, Isaiah 53:2). My guide appeared as a bald middle eastern man in his 50s, with a wise and benevolent demeanor. (I had other guides according to many psychics, but I never saw them).

No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14” (Marcia Montenegro, What Is A Spirit Guide?)

Montenegro, Marcia (2018, October). What Is A Spirit Guide? Retrieved from http://www.christiananswersforthenewage.org

The following is a video of a woman who had spirit guides. They were friendly and helpful until she decided she no longer needed them. There are many stories of guides turning on people once they felt they no longer wished to be under the spirit’s control or “guidance.” (video length: 7:45)

CHANNELED MATERIAL

Marcia continues, in her article, to describe channeled material:

“Not all guides appear visually; some may only be psychically heard, or channeled via automatic writing or a tool such as the Ouija Board. Those who claim to “channel” books are getting messages from these guides, no matter what sources are claimed. Many have asserted that they are getting communications from angels, aliens, various deceased saints, ascended masters, dead spiritual leaders, Jesus (as in “A Course in Miracles”), and others.

The messages will often sound comforting and very spiritual. Embellished religious language, biblical references, and Bible quotations are often used (or misused) in order to enhance the deception and make it seem more spiritual. Satan can quote Scripture; he did so when tempting Jesus. All channeled books are inspired by Satan or his angels, are full of spiritual poison, and are not from God.” (Marcia Montenegro, What Is A Spirit Guide?)

Montenegro, Marcia (2018, October). What Is A Spirit Guide? Retrieved from http://www.christiananswersforthenewage.org

Doreen Virtue was a very popular author of books and “angel” cards when she was still in the New Age. Here is what she has to say about channeled books (video length: 5:19):

There are MANY channeled books available. Some of the more popular ones would be:

A Course in Miracles by Helen Schucman. This book is said to be channeled directly from Jesus; however, what is taught in ACIM is very much anti-biblical. It is also a favorite of Oprah Winfrey’s and has been featured on her programs.

Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch (another favorite of Oprah’s) was also obtained via automatic writing and is anti-biblical, as well. The following is a video of what happened to Peter Hockley after he read the books and opened himself up to automatic writing (video length 1:51:12):

I won’t describe every book, but some other popular titles are: The Voice of God by Eileen Caddy (new age/spiritual teacher); Abraham by Esther Hicks (law of attraction); Book of the Law by Aleister Crowley (occultist); Doctrine and Covenants by Joseph Smith Jr. (founder of Mormonism); the list goes on…

Another channeled book is God Calling by The Two Listeners (edited by A.J. Russell). This book was written by two anonymous women as though God or Jesus was speaking, directly, through them. Many of the things written in the book contradict what is found in the Bible. It was also the inspiration for the very popular Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. Sarah, herself, has admitted as much – although, you would have to pick up an earlier edition of the book to see references to God Calling or other obvious earmarks of channeling. Thomas Nelson Publishing has done a number of edits (without explanation) to remove these references.

Warren B. Smith has written a book called “Another Jesus” Calling to address these issues. Here is a video where he talks about some of his findings (video length: 37:15):

Marcia Montenegro has an informative article about Jesus Calling. Follow link to read commentary:

JESUS CALLING BY SARAH YOUNG: WUI (WRITING UNDER THE INFLUENCE) A Commentary by Marcia Montenegro September 2013

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God has been calling a number of people out of the New Age and into the Truth of Jesus Christ. There are, now, many resources available to help those who do not have much knowledge in New Age/New Thought/New Spirituality/Eastern Mysticism beliefs and practices. (christiananswersforthenewage.org is an excellent resource and a good place to start.) We, as Christians, need to be discerning. We need to test the spirits. We don’t need to know EVERYTHING about these other beliefs and practices (though, a basic understanding is essential). However, we DO need to be so familiar with the authentic Jesus Christ, that we can spot an imposter. The only way to do this is to follow what God lays out in His Word (in CONTEXT) concerning spiritual warfare.

We also need to understand that there is a whole mission field that is being left, untouched. Some of the lost souls on this mission field may even be sitting next to you at church on Sunday morning. They are the ones chasing after the “more,” instead of pursuing God, Himself. The ones who are discontent with God’s Word and are seeking in other realms to fulfill this hunger. They long for “special knowledge” and “secret wisdom,” and will attempt to obtain it, at any cost…even if it means stepping outside of God’s will (though, they may not realize that is what they are doing). I used to be one of these people. But my eyes have been opened. And what I see, now, is that the church is ill equipped to help those who are finding themselves wide open to the metaphysical – spirit guides, channeled material, astral projection/traveling to the third heaven, guided visualization/meditation, yoga, (white) witchcraft, psychic readings/personal prophecy, tarot/”angel” card readings, “holy” laughter, raising vibrations, God is all and in all, I am God/little gods doctrine, etc… And in some cases, it is the church that is creating the very atmosphere that welcomes in demonic influence (I’m looking at you Word of Faith and NAR).

My heart breaks for those (both Christians and non-Christians), who have been blinded to the source behind these practices – these beliefs and practices that they love and believe have helped them (in life choices, relationships, and even their walk with God). I know many will not yet be ready to see the Truth. And I know I may lose friends and family (both Christians and non-Christians). But I will continue to write, and to share, and to pray. Because it is to salvation, through the Son of God – Jesus Christ – that is the most important journey. And if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36).

Quick note for those who might wonder – I am not a cessationist. I still, very much, believe that God continues to heal and perform miracles, signs and wonders. I just don’t believe that EVERY healing, sign or wonder comes from God. I have had many experiences along my spiritual journey and am currently sorting out which were from God and which were from “another spirit.”