Medication of Your Mind
Written 04/09/2010, by Trevor Francis
It’s interesting to note, that just as Jesus called the children of Israel out of Egypt, that they might keep his Sabbath, so too today is Jesus calling his people out of Babylon, that they may not worship the beast or his image (see Revelation 13).
[Review & Herald, December 13, 1892 par. 1]
Do you realise that Satan and his angels are wide-awake, and intensely active, working with all energy and perseverance through human instrumentalities to bring about his purpose of obliterating from the minds of men the knowledge of God…?
[Review & Herald, December 13, 1892 par. 2]
Let’s take a look at Revelations 18:1-5, which states that:
“…after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.”
Although Satan works with his lying wonders, the time will come when the mighty angel that shall lighten the earth with his glory, will proclaim the fall of Babylon, and call upon God's people to forsake her.
[Review & Herald, December 13, 1892 par. 2]
We are living in the most solemn period of this world’s history... Events of vital importance are taking place around us; we are on Satan’s enchanted ground. We cannot afford to sleep, while our foe is lurking near, ready at any moment, should we become lax and drowsy, to spring upon us and make us his prey.
[A Call to stand Apart, 2002, p69.7]
QUESTION #1: What is it that Satan is using to enchant this world, that is making us lax and drowsy?
I think the answer to this question can be found in Revelation 18:23, which says:
“…the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.”
Did you find the answer?
Well according to Revelations 18:23 the Devil is using sorcery to deceive all nations. Now, let’s pause here and just take a few moments to do a little reflective analysis.
When you think of the word ‘sorcery’, what comes to your mind?
Do you know anyone who is struggling with ‘sorcery’?
Ok, so let’s move on, but keep your mind in analytical mode, as we’re about to go a little deeper and get a little more substance to our understanding of ‘sorcery’.
Now the word used here for sorceries in the Greek is ‘pharmakeia’ which is the root word for ‘pharmacy’ or ‘pharmaceutical’ in our English language. And according to Webster’s 1828 dictionary, the word ‘PHARMACEU'TICAL’ is used to describe the practice of witchcraft or use of medicine; including as a poison.
So if the Greek word ‘pharmakeia’ is inclusive of medication, sorcery, and witchcraft, then when the Bible talks about sorcery or witchcraft it must in essence be talking about “anything that medicates the mind so that it will not follow the will or the law of God.”
Let’s apply this definition of ‘sorcery’ practically to the following questions:
- Are there certain drugs that will medicate the mind so that it will not follow the will or the law of God?
- Can alcohol, medicate the mind so that it will not follow the will or the law of God?
- Can television, medicate the mind so that it will not follow the will or the law of God?
- Can music, medicate the mind so that it will not follow the will or the law of God?
- Can video games, medicate the mind so that it will not follow the will or the law of God?
Did you find that this definition tested positive to all the questions above? Interesting link, isn’t it…?
QUESTION #2: What name could we give to the industry, which incorporates television, music, video games, etc. and promotes the use of drugs and alcohol?
The Entertainment Industry...???
Now, here’s another very interesting connection I want you take note of. Ellen White writes, in the Review & Herald, December 13, 1892 that Satan and his angels are wide-awake, and intensely active, working with energy and perseverance through human instrumentalities to bring about his purpose of obliterating from the minds of men the knowledge of God.
QUESTION #3: What is Satan’s purpose? And who is Satan using to achieve this purpose?
Could it be, that Satan has specifically designed the Entertainment industry to take our mind of off God?
So again, I ask you, do you know anyone struggling with sorcery?
In Hebrews 13:2 Paul writes “be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
The Greek word for entertain, here means ‘to be a host’, and a host is someone who ‘entertains’ someone at his own house.
Let’s break the word entertainment down into its three components:
[1] ENTER – meaning to go or come in
[Oxford Referende Dictionary, 1996]
[2] TAIN – meaning to have, possess or to hold
[Catalan verb tenir http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/tenir, 25/12/09]
[3] MENT – meaning the state or condition resulting from a (specified) action
[http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ment, 25/12/09]
So when rebuilt the word ‘entertainment’ means to ‘come in to possess and keep in a state of possession.’
QUESTION #3: If it is possible for us to entertain good angels as Paul states, then it is also possible for us to entertain evil angels too?
QUESTION #4: Is it possible then, that through the entertainment industry, we could be a host for the devil and his angels?
You know in Revelations 12:9 we’re told that the Devil and his angels were thrown out of heaven, and in verse 4, the Bible tells us that a third of the stars of heaven were cast down to the earth.
The Devil was thrown out of heaven because he wanted to be like God, and ultimately to be in the place of God. Isaiah confirms this in chapter 14, verses 12-14.
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.”
The desire to be worshiped in place of God originated with Satan and this brought him into rebellion against the will and the law of God and these stars which were cast down to earth have been encouraging men and women to be stars, replacing the worship of God with the worship of self, and so we have movie stars, soccer stars, music stars, and a whole host of other stars.
In the Bible, God warns us against the practice of astrology, because it is a form of spiritualism and so we don’t follow our horoscopes, but do we still star gaze and govern our lives by how the stars dress, what they eat, and how they talk etc…???
Where in the world is the home of the Devil and his fallen stars? In other words, from what geographic location do they exert the most influence over the world?
Is it a coincidence that Hollywood is the home of the Entertainment Industry, and that Hollywood is located in Los Angeles, the City of the Angels?
Could it be that the Devil and his fallen stars are using the numerous mediums of the entertainment industry to reprogram us, and from a distance turn our hearts and minds away from the Gospel of Jesus Christ without us even realising?
QUESTION #5: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about restoration, we were originally made in the image and likeness of God Genesis 1:26-27, could it be that Satan is through entertainment channelling into our minds his character, his nature, his will and his image?
Just think about the things we invite to entertain us?
Do your choices in entertainment medicate your mind so that you do not want to, do not know, and cannot discern the will or the law of God?
Think about it: "Anything that medicates the mind so that it will not follow the will or the law of God is sorcery and is being used to divert us away from Jesus."
Could it be that what we allow to come in and hold us in a state of possession, ie. our choice of entertainment has actually put us into a state of hypnosis whereby we see Jesus, but cannot comprehend Him, whereby we know what He has done for us, but it doesn’t mean enough to us for us to discontinue perusing after our own lusts and the imaginations of our hearts?
Ellen White states in A Call to Stand Apart, p.69 that, “we are living in the most solemn period of this world’s history. The destiny of earth’s teeming multitudes is about to be decided. Our own future well-being and also the salvation of other souls depend upon the course which we now pursue. We need to be guided by the Spirit of truth. Every follower of Christ should earnestly inquire: “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” We need to humble ourselves before the Lord, with fasting and prayer, and to meditate much upon His Word, especially upon the scenes of the judgment. We should now seek a deep and living experience in the things of God. We have not a moment to lose. Events of vital importance are taking place around us; we are on Satan’s enchanted ground. Sleep not, sentinels of God; the foe is lurking near, ready at any moment, should you become lax and drowsy, to spring upon you and make you his prey.
The Holy Scriptures council us to “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
[1 Peter 5:8]
Did you know that the word ‘amuse’ means to deceive by diverting the attention?
[http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amuse, 25/12/09]
Just think about it… How was Eve deceived by Satan (Genesis 3:1-8)? She was beguiled by the serpent (Genesis 3:13). Satan used the serpent has a medium to deceive Eve and by diverting her attention, he was able to instil doubt into her mind about God.
Satan had subtly medicated Eve’s mind, so that she would not follow the will of God.
QUESTION #6: In Matthew 4:1-11 the Devil tried to deceive Jesus, but failed. Why was Satan unsuccessful?
Satan tempted the first Adam in Eden, and Adam reasoned with the enemy, thus giving him the advantage. Satan exercised his power of hypnotism over Adam and Eve, and this power he strove to exercise over Christ. But after the word of Scripture was quoted, Satan knew that he had no chance of triumphing.
[Ellen G. White, Letter 159, 1903]
If Jesus was selective over what he allowed to possess His mind, then ought we not to be the same? The Bible states, in Philippians 2:5 that we should “Let this mind be in us, which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Peter counsels us in 1 Peter 1:13-16 saying “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
I hope that you’ve been able to make some practical connections. In closing we are in the midst of the Great Controversy, which is the deciding battle over where we choose to place our allegiances, either with Christ or with Satan… On whose side will you stand…?
When a crisis comes, there is need of men of deep experience in the things of God, men who can carry the work forward with tact and forethought and skill. Those who allow themselves to be permeated by influences that endanger their spirituality are unfitting themselves to be used by God as men of opportunity. God calls for men who are prepared to meet emergencies, men who in a crisis will not be found standing on the wrong side, warring against God, full of wrath and bitterness. Great weakness is brought to his cause by men who, at the very time when they should be quick to discern the specious devising of Satan, are helping him to carry on his work by giving up to the power of his delusions, closing their eyes to light and truth.
[Review &Herald, November 5, 1903 par. 2]
We are pressing on to the final conflict, and this is no time to compromise. It is no time to hide your colors. When the battle wages sore, let no one turn traitor. It is no time to lay down or conceal our weapons, and give Satan the advantage in the warfare. But unless you watch, and keep your garments unspotted from the world, you will not stand true to Jesus Christ your Captain. It is no time for watchmen to slumber on the walls of Zion. Let them be wide-awake.
[Review & Herald, December 6, 1892 par. 1]
Seventh-day Adventists profess to believe that the day of this world's history is far spent, and that the night is at hand. Should we then, as the end draws nigh, manifest greater earnestness and zeal in the service of God, or may we now relax our energies, and participate in the pursuits and pleasures of the world? The Lord has ever required his people to show in all their habits of life a marked difference between themselves and worldlings.
[Review & Herald, November 12, 1914 par. 1]
The coming of the Lord is nearer than when we first believed. What a wonderful thought it is that the great controversy is nearing its end! In the closing work we shall meet with perils that we know not how to deal with; but let us not forget that the three great powers of heaven are working, that a divine hand is on the wheel, and that God will bring His purposes to pass. He will gather from the world a people who will serve Him in righteousness.
[Selected Messages, Vol.2, p391.3]
Are you hearing Jesus’ gentle plea...
Sweet promise is given to all who believe--
"Behold I come quickly, Mine own to receive;
Hold fast till I come; the danger is great;
Sleep not as do others; be watchful, and wait."
We'll "watch unto prayer" with lamps burning bright;
He comes to all others a "thief in the night."
We know He is near, but know not the day--
As spring shows that summer is not far away.
Yes! this is our hope, 'tis built on His word--
The glorious appearing of Jesus, our Lord;
Of promises all, it stands as the sum:
"Behold I come quickly; hold fast till I come."
"Hold fast till I come," sweet promise of heaven--
"The kingdom restored, to you shall be given."
"Come, enter My joy, sit down on the throne;
Bright crowns are in waiting; hold fast till I come."
QUESTION #7: On which side will you be found standing…?
God be with you!
