It’s making the rounds on social media again. If you’ve been around Charismatic/Pentecostal circles long enough, you’ve no doubt heard of an evil spiritual entity called the "Jezebel spirit.” Stories circulate about the damage this demon has done to churches and individuals. Numerous books and sermons pontificate about it. Formerly disgraced pastor Mark Driscoll rebuked what he called the "Jezebel spirit" at a recent men's conference. Not coincidentally, Driscoll is marketing a book on the topic. The notion of a Jezebel spirit has circulated for decades. It began as a means for Continue Reading
How Prophetic Gatherings Offer Insight and Guidance for Followers of Christ
Years ago, my husband Scott and I flew to a city fifteen hundred miles from home to experience a special prophetic gathering for the first time. Three people recognized as prophets would be ministering to the candidates chosen by the pastor and elders of the church. All of us had prepared with prayer and fasting. I approached the platform nervously, Scott at my side. We took our seats facing the rest of the congregation. The prophets stood to the side of the platform. As the Holy Spirit prompted them, they took turns sharing what God was giving them, mic in hand. I’d resisted the Continue Reading
How Good Friday and Easter Remind us Jesus is a Savior to whom Women can Relate
As a child, I developed some interesting theologies. I figured God created everything in the world except for yellowjackets and poison oak. I also wondered if Jesus could truly relate to me because of my femaleness. After all, he never had periods, the bane of my twelve-year-old life. It took some growing up to realize to my beautiful Savior is not hindered in any way from understanding and caring about women. In a YouTube video series by Seminary Now, Dr. Cynthia Westfall explains a different approach in understanding what Jesus accomplished on the cross. I’d always understood Continue Reading
Why Junia the Apostle wasn’t Imprisoned for Organizing Church Potlucks
As the couple enters the courtyard, a joyful cheer erupts from the fifty Jesus-followers gathered in the enclosure. “Praise God! You’re home again. The Lord has spared you—glory to his name!” The brothers and sisters crowd around the man and woman, hugging them, weeping with joy and relief. The woman wipes a tear from her eye, careful to avoid the large purple welt on her cheek and the bloody gash on her eyebrow. Several sisters surround her, anxious to help. “We’re so grateful our prayers for your release have been answered. You have suffered much for the Name. Please, be seated Continue Reading