The Sparkles and Shines of the Dark Side

June 5, 2022
by Barrett Vanlandingham 

            Even as a kid, I was fascinated by rock crystals. But it never crossed my mind to worship one, pray to one, or use it to cast a supernatural hex or occult-like spell on someone else so they would like me, and I never even thought about trying to use the rock’s energy to change me in some way. But for some people, that is exactly where they put their hope! Yes, in a rock, and I do not mean in Jesus the Rock of our salvation.

Trends and fads come and go, but as of late, it seems these so-called energy-channeling crystals, stones, and rituals associated with them are more popular than ever. You have probably seen these stones for sale in gift shops. Nothing wrong with sparkly stones unless you are using them in a way God has not instructed, such as trying to use “magical energy” or “vibes” from these created things to manipulate the spirit world, or consult them to bring about a better quality of life. That is called witchcraft and idol worship.

As Christians, we are supposed to pray to God, not the universe or any other created thing. God is the Creator of mankind and everything else, including stones! Why would anyone want to put their hope in a crystal or gem instead of God who continues to prove His love for us, and has fulfilled prophecies, provided miracles, a credible written account, and evidence everywhere of His existence?

For people who do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ, it is hard for them to imagine that striving for a spiritual connection to something as beautiful as nature could result in eternal tragedy. But if your appreciation of created things such as crystals, stones, sun, moon, stars, mountains, animals, and whatever else crosses the line into ritualistic supernatural practices that replace your faith and reliance on God, the Bible says you will not be allowed into heaven on Judgment Day.

Revelation 22:12-15 says, 12 “Look, I am coming soon! … 14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”

Among other articles I found on the internet: “Healing Crystals: A Guide to the 45 Essential Gemstones” and “11 Easy One-Minute Crystal Rituals That Will Help You Attract All The Good Vibes.”

            In articles about “healing” crystals, references to witches, goddesses, magic, Mother Earth, mysticism, and spirituality are common. These terms are used when talking about a supernatural connection between various crystals and someone’s desire for clarity, romance, health, motivation, or creativity.  One site says you can even meditate or pray to your spirit guides (gods) to connect to your crystals and your intention for them. There are also directions on cleansing and re-charging the power of your stones to prevent them from becoming ineffective in your life.

            In Deuteronomy 18:10–12, God declares the practice of the occult detestable, and in Galatians 5:19-21, witchcraft is named along with idolatry as ungodly behavior. As children of God, it is nice to know we can be confident in our God who never needs to be re-charged, and who is always ready to help us in our spiritual battles. Have a great week!

The End of High School Is Just the Beginning for Graduates

by Barrett Vanlandingham
May 8, 2022

            Our six graduating seniors may not fully understand it yet, but truly the best is yet to come in their lives.  That is something we as big brothers and sisters in Christ can help them with as we show them by our example what life can be like when we make good choices.

As church family and friends, we honored Tucker Christian, Mason Hopfer, Annie Seabolt, Cody Walkingstick, Ben Watts, and Toby West last Sunday night. It is always a fun evening, and at the same time a little sad because those of us who are older know that from this point forward, life has a way of kicking us in the gut when we least expect it.

Even though the challenges of life are unavoidable, there is a silver lining available to all.  Jesus and James say it this way, and keep in mind they are speaking to people who are already following Christ:

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus’ implication here is that if we follow Him, we can also overcome the world.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2-3).  The message here is that life’s struggles can make us stronger, as well as our friends, family, and others we may be able to influence for the cause of Christ.

True, none can escape the trials of life in this broken world. But it is also true that we all receive blessing after blessing. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says this about God the Father:

“He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

The apostle Paul doled out a lot of suffering to Christians before he believed in Jesus as the son of God, and our only hope. In his new life after his conversion, he experienced a lot of suffering because he chose to live for Christ.  But in his letter to the church in Rome, he basically says he would pick Jesus all over again.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). Paul is saying he’d much rather go through the valleys of life with Christ than without, especially knowing that heaven is waiting on the other side.

It is hard to watch our young Christian brothers and sisters learn tough life lessons. But I guess if perfection were possible, there would be no adversity or life experiences to bring about wisdom. In fact, repentance would not even be a part of the plan of salvation.

Let’s keep our young people in our prayers for a life of trusting in God, good choices, and blessings that come from being in Christ.  Proverbs 3:5-6.  Have a great week!