Hello everyone!

I don't know if any of you have read any of these books- "He came to Set the Captives free and "Prepare for war". I read both books about 10 years ago I wasn't even a strong christian then and I was just 15. I remember feeling very scared and also remember not being able to sleep in my room alone for weeks as a result of being very disturbed from reading the books.

My fiance read the book-He came to set the Captives Free recently and gave it to me, a few ago. I picked up this book today and read about 70 pages or so. However, something didn't feel right, I felt really scared. Alot of it had to do with the way the devil was projected as being all very powerful.... anyway to cut a long story short, I got a prompt to look her up on the net. I read a few articles about her being a fake (but then anyone can post anything on the net nowadays). There's something about her book that doesn't go very well with what I know about God. Your opinions please!!! Thank you

Lexxy,
You are right not to immediately accept everything you read by reportedly Christian writers. Eventually the Bible is the final benchmark against which anything else should be measured, especially Christian literature. Know that the Lord God Almighty is sovereign and has won the victory- you have no need to fear. Pray and spend time studying scripture discerning what God himself says about such issues and always keep that as the final word on the matter. Personally, I have not heard of the books you mention, but I am also cautious of what can be written on the net about people. If the leadership team at your church has heard of this author, what do they think about her? I hope that helps.
Your sister
Katya

I am not familiar with the book or the author you mentioned. However, I would like to comment on your concern about the devil being "very powerful." It is true that the power of God is much greater than that of the devil. But, remember, the power of God was greater than that of Satan in the Garden, yet Adam and Eve fell. Man has been sinning on planet earth for about 6000 years now, and our fallen nature is much weaker than was that of the original man. Further, we are told that in the last days, Satan will be going about as a "roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." I think Satan's strength is gaining in the world at large; though God's people are promised the power to overcome sin, the rest of the world will become more and more demonic until He comes. When Jesus appears, there will be a sharp distinction between the righteous and the wicked. There will be no "middle ground," no "fence-riding" Christians. There will be sheep and goats, only 2 groups. So we must be on our guard, praying always that we will be accounted faithful. I hope my thoughts are of some value to you.

Dear lexxy

I feel just like you. I have been very disappointed lately in info I came across on the net of Biblical teachers of the stature of John MacArthur and Bruce Wilkenson, especially on the latter's "Prayer of Jabez". The stories I read were of controversies these men have been involved in. Not just them, type almost any great Biblical teacher's name into a search engine and you could expect to be a bit dissappointed afterwards.

I understand that these men (and ladies) are fallible human beings. But you know, you expect of those with such insight into the Word and blessing from the Lord to do their utmost to keep their lives pure of controversies. Yes, there will always be those, even Christians, that try and slate others.

And yes, God's Word is the final authority. But is there no Christian leader in the public eye that can keep his/her name pure of such things anymore? That is why I greatly appreciate your wisdom, Mr Troxel. Stay focused on the One and Only, Jesus Christ. Be careful of pride.

There are some leaders that I have always had doubts about, and those things I read just confirmed it. But the above mentioned two, what a great disappointment.

Mr. Troxel, I would appreciate your point of view on this issue too, please.

Stay focused on Jesus, our Lord!

Anthony

Anthony,

I have also read a commentary regarding Bruce Wilkinsons "The Prayer of Jabez". There are always three sides to any story. Yours, mine and the truth, and as many opinions as there are living people.

After reading Bruce's book, Ifound seeds of truth in it that helped me in my prayer life and to draw closer to God. It also helped me open the Scriptures in better understanding. So of course there was some good coming from it.

But remember, measure it against God's word yourself. Do not take anything at face value. Read it while praying that God open the Scripture that the author is writing about, for you and give you a better understanding. That way you will grow in your Spiritual life. And that is the ultimate we should strive towards.

The comentary I read, says that Mr Wilkinson focusses on the demand from God by Jabez but says nothing about God's demand from Jabez. I am sure that Mr Woilkinson knows about this as well.

Read Deutronomy 28.

You see, if you keep God's commandments (and I don't mean just the 10 commandments as given to Moses, but , more importantly, those given by Jesus as found in the first four Gospels) You will be blessed. And you may demand your hearts desire from God. He has promised this to us. and He says in Isiah 55 that we are to remind of His promises. On the other hand, you will also miss God's blessing if you veer from the Way He has set for us as His children. His friends, His Bride.

Draw encouragement from great spiritual leaders like Mr Wilkinson and Mr Troxel, but remember:
1. They are ordinary people like yoy and me. They have just been chosen by God to lead His people closer to Himself in explaining and opening God's Word for us.
2.Accept the example they are setting by living God's Word. But do not look upon them as the final yea or nay. Only God must be that in your life.
3. If you look at peopleand not at God in them, you are going to be disappointed.
4. PRAY FOR THEM. That way you are ensuring that God keep on using them in helping bring in the harvest. If you keep focussed on God and pray for His annointed, you will always reap a blessing out of what they say or do.

May the peace of God beyond understanding be with you today and all your days.

Nic

Dear Nic

Thanks for your advice and encouragement. I truly appreciate it. I will remember that and apply it.

The Lord bless you.

Anthony

Dear Nic and Anthony!
Thank you very much for your replies. I've come to realise that christian authors and spiritual leaders in our society are just human, every day people like you and I.As humans, we are all fallible. Society makes us beleive that that people in prominent positions are immune to sin and are some kind of "super saints". This is very untrue. Like Nic mentioned, our bit is to continue to pray for our leaders and people we look up to that God should continue to uphold them in all they do it should always involve all of God and none of them. Have a blessing filled day everyone!

Kind Regards
lexxy

I know this is a very old topic, but I just recently subscribed to this ministry so I just now saw this commentary.
I have read many of Dr Rebecca Brown's books, including the two you mention. I found them very helpful in dealing with demonic forces. Most of us don't run into Satanists and witches like Dr. Brown did, so it seems strange and unbelievable. I have encountered demonic attack from channelers and satanists, however, and believe me, it IS scary. It is a blessing to have authors like Dr. Brown available for those who need her valuable information and experience.
As to her being a Christian, she herself says in her books not to believe anything she or any author says without checking it against the Word of God. I do not find any unbiblical teaching in her books, but that is up to each one to determine for themselves.
No one likes to hear what the enemy can do or has done, but a good soldier knows his enemy in order to fight him better. General Patton studied Rommel in order to defeat him in WWII.
The Bible does not encourage us to be ignorant but to "be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." God is always more powerful than the enemy. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. There is no need to tremble in fear of the enemy, and in fact I find Dr. Brown's books a testament to the power of Jesus Christ. I think you will find that every scenario she presents ends in victory for the Lord if the person involved is submitted to Jesus Christ.
There are other authors who deal with this subject matter in a more positive, uplifting way, however. Check out Charles Kroft, Bob Larson, and Rick Joyner for example. Also, Frank Perretti has some wonderful works of fiction that describe demonic warfare in a non-threatening fictional setting.
These are the end days, and I believe Christians will need to know more and more about how to battle the forces of darkness. We have a very real and powerful enemy, but oh, how much more real and powerful is our God!

I didn't read those books but I just have a couple of scriptures that may be able to help.
Isa 8:20 To the law and the testimony, if they speak not according to this word, they have no light in them.
Jn 10:4-5 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: foir they know his voice. And a stranger they will not follow, but flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
I believe the key is an in-depth personal study of God's word because if you have heard the word for yourself then the promise of Jesus that the holy spirit will bring all things to your rememberance, whatsoever he has told you can be fulfilled; not to mention that the scripture says to study to show yourself approved, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
One way to think about it is like this - if it doesnt agree with what the bible has to say then it is no good. Paul said that although he or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel then that wich you have recieved, let him be accursed.(Gal 1:8)