Choosing Enlightenment Over Brainwashing

Digital Discernment: Balancing Faith and Media in a Modern World   

As a Christian, I've spent much time pondering the influences of television and social media on our lives. In a world where Scripture warns us to "be not conformed to this world" (Romans 12:2, KJV), it's crucial to discern how these mediums shape our beliefs and behaviors. Television and social media are both powerful forces, but they wield their influence in markedly different ways.

Television: A Passive Influence

Television, by its nature, tends to promote passivity. It often presents a singular perspective, encouraging viewers to accept information without question. This aligns with the warning in Colossians 2:8 (KJV): "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit."

The Krugman Experiment (1969)

Herbert Krugman's groundbreaking experiment in 1969 provided scientific evidence of television's hypnotic effect on the brain. Krugman discovered that watching television induces alpha brain waves, similar to those experienced during hypnosis. This state of relaxed wakefulness suggests a reduced level of critical thinking, potentially making viewers more susceptible to suggestion and influence.

Cultivation Theory and Mean World Syndrome

George Gerbner's Cultivation Theory, developed in the 1960s-1970s, further supports the notion that television shapes our perception of reality. Gerbner's research found that heavy TV viewers were more likely to perceive the world as more dangerous and violent than it actually is. This led to the concept of the "Mean World Syndrome," where excessive television consumption leads to a distorted, often more negative view of the world.

These scientific findings align with the biblical warning to guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). They suggest that the passive nature of television viewing, combined with its ability to alter brain states and perceptions, can indeed act as a form of subtle indoctrination.

Social Media: A Platform for Engagement

In contrast, social media invites active engagement. It provides a broad range of viewpoints, which allows users to explore and question different perspectives. Proverbs 18:15 (KJV) teaches, "The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge." By participating in discussions and seeking out diverse opinions, we can cultivate a discerning heart and mind, safeguarding ourselves against the passive consumption that television often demands.

Community and Accountability

Television is a one-way street, offering little opportunity for dialogue or accountability. Social media, however, thrives on interaction and community building. It provides a space where we can "exhort one another daily" (Hebrews 3:13, KJV), holding each other accountable and sharing in collective wisdom. This community engagement strengthens our ability to resist the "unfruitful works of darkness" (Ephesians 5:11, KJV) that unchecked media consumption can breed.

Empowerment Through Control

Where television often dictates content, social media empowers users with the ability to curate their own experiences. We can choose who to follow and what to engage with, allowing us to "prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21, KJV). This empowerment contrasts sharply with the passive reception that television encourages, offering us a path to enlightenment rather than indoctrination.

A Call to Discernment

Ultimately, both television and social media require discernment. Television's potential for brainwashing through passive consumption, as evidenced by scientific studies, stands in opposition to the interactive, diverse environment of social media. As Christians, we must navigate these waters with wisdom, ensuring that we are not "yoked together with unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14, KJV), but instead using these platforms to enrich our understanding and spiritual growth.

By approaching television with caution, understanding its potential to alter our perceptions and brain states, and engaging with social media responsibly, we can fulfill our calling to be "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14, KJV). Let us remain vigilant, ever seeking truth and wisdom in our digital interactions, and guarding against the subtle influences that may shape our worldview contrary to biblical teachings.

My Journey Through Doubt: Discovering the Reality of Divine Healing

From Skeptic to Believer: My Journey to Embracing Divine Healing

Have you ever found yourself questioning the authenticity of divine healing? As someone who once stood firmly on the side of skepticism, I can relate. I'm Conrad from ConradRocks.net, and I want to share the transformative journey that led me from doubt to faith in God's miraculous power.

Growing Up Skeptical

My skepticism began in my early years. Raised in a cessationist church, I often watched televangelists with a critical eye. Their displays of healing seemed insincere and manipulative, targeting vulnerable individuals searching for hope. This perception was further solidified by scandals involving fake healings and financial exploitation. I was deeply angered by these acts, which I perceived as taking advantage of the weak-minded.

This critical view wasn't just limited to televangelists. I questioned the entire foundation of Christianity, especially when I heard about figures like Jim Jones, who manipulated and deceived countless people. The stories of fake healings, where people were tricked into believing they had experienced miracles, left me jaded and suspicious of any claims of divine intervention.

The New Age Detour

Feeling disillusioned, I turned to the New Age movement. It promised answers to my questions about supernatural experiences that the church couldn't explain. The New Age community seemed more open to discussing phenomena that I had personally encountered, but their answers, though well-intentioned, were ultimately misguided.

My involvement with the New Age was a search for truth, but it was also a reaction to what I perceived as the church's failure to address the supernatural. The Bible says, "My people perish for lack of knowledge," and I realized that much of the church was ignorant of the spiritual gifts and supernatural elements present in scripture.

A Turning Point in 1995

By 1995, I was at a crossroads in my life. Outwardly successful, with a penthouse in Los Angeles and a thriving business, I was internally battling depression. Desperate for change, I challenged God to reveal Himself to me. In that moment, He did, speaking to me in a voice I had long suppressed. This encounter marked the beginning of my spiritual awakening.

Despite learning to recognize God's voice, I still struggled with the concept of divine healing. I had personal experiences of being healed, such as when God healed my back in Hawaii, yet my heart remained clouded by unbelief. The journey from hearing God's voice to trusting in His power to heal was gradual and filled with moments of doubt.

Influences Along the Way

Several key figures influenced my journey. At Fellowship Christian Church in Houston, Howard Jackson's prayers resulted in numerous healings, including instances of infertility and cancer. Witnessing these miracles firsthand opened my eyes to the reality of God's healing power.

Howard Jackson was not just a pastor; he was a vessel through which the Holy Spirit worked mightily. People would bring prayer requests, and through corporate prayer, miraculous healings occurred. I saw eyes straightened, infertility issues resolved, and cancers healed. These were not just stories—I personally witnessed the transformations.

I also encountered Dave Lage from Holy Spirit Led Ministries. His teachings emphasized our authority as believers to heal, challenging my preconceived notions. Dave's perspective, rooted in scripture, inspired me to explore healing ministry further. His conviction that God had already given us the power to heal was revolutionary to me. It forced me to reevaluate my understanding of scripture and the role of believers in continuing Jesus' ministry on earth.

My path crossed with Garry Nesbit, whose childlike faith and healing ministry profoundly impacted me. Seeing Garry pray for others with unwavering belief was a pivotal moment in my transformation. His approach was simple yet profound—trust God fully and act on that faith. Garry's ministry was a testament to the power of belief and the reality of God's healing touch.

Overcoming Doubt and Unbelief

One of my greatest struggles was overcoming doubt and unbelief when praying for others. I had to learn to cast down negative thoughts and trust in God's power, not my own abilities. This journey required a significant shift in mindset, moving from skepticism to faith in divine healing.

The Bible talks about renewing our minds, and for me, this was a process of metanoia—repentance through changing my mindset. I had to let go of the critical, analytical part of me that demanded logical explanations for everything. Instead, I had to embrace the mystery of faith and the supernatural.

The Importance of Saturation

To grow in faith, I discovered the importance of saturating myself with Scripture and testimonies of healing. Reading about healing evangelists like Smith Wigglesworth, John G. Lake, and Maria Woodworth-Etter helped reinforce my belief in the supernatural.

Listening to modern-day testimonies also played a crucial role in strengthening my faith. Hearing stories of miraculous healings and witnessing them firsthand provided undeniable evidence of God's power at work today. The testimonies of others served as a reminder that God is still active and powerful in our world.

Realizations and Continued Growth

Through this journey, I've learned that healing is real and available to us today. Despite this understanding, I recognize that not every prayer results in an immediate miracle. Some prayers of faith have led to healing, while others have not.

One memorable experience was praying for a woman with carpal tunnel syndrome. As we prayed, she began opening her hand, experiencing healing right before our eyes. Conversely, I've also prayed for individuals who didn't receive healing, reminding me of the mystery and sovereignty of God.

Conclusion

My journey from skepticism to belief in divine healing has been transformative. While I don't have all the answers, I am convinced that God still heals today. I encourage you to explore this topic with an open heart, saturate yourself in God's word, and be willing to step out in faith.

Call to Action

I welcome your thoughts, testimonies, or even disagreements. Let's engage in a respectful discussion about divine healing and grow together in faith. Share your experiences in the comments below or reach out to me directly.

Remember, as believers, we're called to: "And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."(Luk 10:9)

Let's embrace this calling with childlike faith and see what God will do!

Unlocking Spiritual Power: Praying the Psalms and Lord's Prayer

Transform Your Prayer Life: Unlock Spiritual Insights

Hey there, fellow spiritual seekers! Conrad here from ConradRocks.Net. Today, I want to share with you an incredible revelation that has reignited my prayer life and deepened my connection with God. It's a powerful approach to prayer that combines the timeless wisdom of the Psalms with the transformative template of the Lord's Prayer. This method isn't just a suggestion – it's a command from Jesus himself, and I'm excited to show you how it can revolutionize your spiritual journey.

The Power of Praying "After This Manner"

When Jesus taught his disciples to pray in Matthew 6, he used a specific Greek word, "houtos," which means "after this manner." It's not about reciting a rigid formula, but rather following a model or template for prayer. This approach keeps us focused on God's will, aligning our hearts with His purpose.

As I've rediscovered this method of prayer, I've noticed something amazing happening. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." By praying the Psalms and the Lord's Prayer, we're truly delighting ourselves in God, and in turn, He's shaping the desires of our hearts to match His will.

The Sources Invloved

To fully grasp the power of this prayer method, it's crucial to understand the main sources of information we encounter during this kind of prayer:

The Word of God (Scripture)

The Spirit of Truth (Holy Spirit)

Our Heart (Internal Monologue)

Our Conscious Mind

When we pray "after this manner," we learn to discern between these sources, especially distinguishing the voice of the Holy Spirit from our own thoughts and emotions.

Building a Strong Foundation

Before diving into this deeper level of prayer, it's essential to have a solid foundation in Scripture. Jesus emphasized building our spiritual house on the rock of His teachings (Matthew 7:24-27). This foundation of biblical knowledge allows us to accurately discern the Spirit's leading and protects us from deception.

The Nuts and Bolts of Praying the Psalms and Lord's Prayer

Now, let's get practical. Here's how to apply this powerful prayer method:

Start with the Lord's Prayer as a template (Matthew 6:9-13).

Take each line slowly, meditating on its meaning.

Allow your heart to respond, addressing any objections or questions that arise.

Listen for the Spirit of Truth to bring Scripture to mind or provide insight.

Be watchful in the spirit, paying attention to any visions or impressions.

Incorporate relevant Psalms to expand on themes in the Lord's Prayer.

For example, when praying "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name," you might:

Reflect on God's nature as a loving Father

Address any heart issues regarding your relationship with Him

Listen for the Spirit's affirmation of your identity as God's child

Visualize God's holiness and majesty

Watching in the Spirit

Ephesians 6:18 encourages us to pray "in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." This watchfulness in prayer opens us up to receive visions, words of knowledge, and deeper spiritual insights.

As you pray, be attentive to:

Images or symbols that appear in your mind's eye

Scriptures that suddenly come to memory

Emotions or physical sensations that align with what you're praying

A sense of God's presence or leading

The Benefits of Praying After This Manner

Aligns our will with God's will

Increases our spiritual discernment

Deepens our understanding of Scripture

Strengthens our faith and trust in God

Enhances our ability to hear God's voice

Prepares us for more effective ministry and evangelism

Personal Reflection

Since I've returned to this method of prayer, I've experienced a renewed sense of purpose and clarity in my spiritual life. Dreams and visions from years ago are suddenly making sense, and I feel more in tune with God's calling on my life than ever before.

This approach to prayer isn't about brainwashing ourselves or vain repetition. Instead, it's an invitation to engage in a dynamic, transformative conversation with our Heavenly Father. It addresses the objections of our hearts, renews our minds, and opens us up to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

I encourage you to try this method of praying the Psalms and Lord's Prayer for yourself. Start with just a few minutes a day and see how it transforms your prayer life. As you practice, you'll develop greater discernment and a deeper connection with God.

Remember, this isn't about perfection – it's about pursuing an intimate, spiritual relationship with Jesus. Be patient with yourself as you learn to distinguish between the voice of your heart, your mind, and the Holy Spirit.

I'd love to hear about your experiences as you explore this powerful prayer method. Leave a comment, or reach out to me on social media. Let's encourage one another as we dig deeper to go higher in our spiritual lives!