Here I was, standing in the New Age section of a large chain bookstore, feeling extremely uncomfortable and facing a wall of books. It would not surprise you to know there were books concerning astrology, tarot card reading, numerology, necromancy, and supernatural phenomena of various curiosities lining the shelves. I never knew I could huff so much and be so thankful to make my way back to the Bible section. Is that not fitting? After observing what I came to discover, it is ever more clear of the call to return to the Bible for proper instruction.

Why in the world was I in the New Age section? It all began with a dream dictionary. Now when I say dream dictionary, I am talking about a book that was published for Christians to purchase so that they can try and interpret their dreams and visions. I used to have one of these books (shown below), and I used it a number of times. I remember fixating on specific dreams for weeks at a time, seeking out other’s input while using this book to try and decipher what it meant and the significance of it. Looking back, I can see how much I focused on personal experiences such as these, enthralled with what God might be saying to me and diligently recording these dreams in a journal. And while I spent days and weeks meditating on these dreams and such, I neglected reading and studying the Word of God. I was more devoted to plumbing the “truth” of a dream than plumbing the truth of God’s Word and growing in spiritual maturity. I was convinced that spiritual experiences were the marks of spiritual maturity. Can I tell you that even false prophets have dreams? (Jeremiah 23:16,17,25-28,32)

• 

• 

As I thought about this dream dictionary I once had, a thought occurred to me which peaked my interest. Does the New Age section have books such as these? Are their contents similar? I began thinking about other topics that were so prevalent in what I was once accustomed, topics dealing with generational curses, Biblical numerology, angels visitations, dreams, visions, and prophetic signs. The trip to the local bookstore would answer my question, and it would stir an urgency in me ever more to return to the Word of God for truth and instruction.

Familiar Phrases in the Most Unlikely of Places

Where was I? Oh, yes. I was huffing in the New Age aisle and getting a headache from either breathing too frequently or letting my frustration get the better of me. It was no shock to find dream dictionaries from several authors, including Sigmund Freud. As I thumbed through the pages of some of these dictionaries, I noticed that no two dictionaries were the same in meanings of words. They were also vague and appeared more as suggestions. Some meanings were similar to what I had seen in my old prophetic dream dictionary, which I found interesting and also puzzling. Where are all these authors on both sides getting their information? As I perused the shelves of this section, another alarming thing was in plain sight. A number of these books discussed familiar topics, so familiar that should those particular books find their way into the Christian Living section, they would blend.

I understand that making such a statement is upsetting. It gives me no pleasure in making such a statement. Actually, it alarms me because I recognized topics being highlighted that are heavily discussed and taught in some movements. In addition to the dream dictionaries, there were books written from the perspective of conversations with God. There was a book about healing your ancestral bloodline to heal yourself. Another was titled How to Be Spiritual Without Being Religious, and it was at this point where I checked to see if I was indeed in the New Age section because of the saying in some Christian circles, “I want a relationship and not religion with Jesus”. Can we please note that Christianity is in fact a religion centered around being in right relationship with God the Father through faith in Jesus Christ? He is our Lord and Savior, not our boyfriend. Sometimes catch phrases sound deep, but they are in error and rather shallow. But I digress.

There were books talking about Jesus and the power of numbers in a person’s life, particularly repetitive numbers. At this point, you may think I am overreacting, or you may believe that we should be using these practices for the Kingdom of God and redeeming them from darkness. Maybe you agree and understand the sobriety of this observation with concern for others being led astray. Maybe you have found in Scripture that God redeems people and not practices, such as omen reading. Maybe you have freedom in understanding that Christ’s atonement once for all redeems us from the curse of the law, which includes generational curses.

Maybe you have had dreams and you believe God speaks through dreams. I had the opportunity to write about prophetic dreams for Christianity.com, and after doing some Biblical study on this subject, here was the conclusion: “Although Scripture does not explicitly state the occurrence or cessation of prophetic dreams today, we can rest assured that the Word of God is sufficient for receiving instruction and equipping followers of Jesus Christ for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16). The Word of God is a surer prophetic word, and it is not dependent upon human experiences or man’s interpretation and understanding for its validity and sufficiency (1 Peter 1:19,20). Furthermore, any experience that we have is to be tested by Scripture and is not to be automatically assumed as extra Biblical communication from God.“

It is not lost on me that this has been a mouthful. The trip to the New Age section was enlightening (pun intended) in more ways than one. Dear Christian, if you are reading this, I pray you test all things against Scripture. This includes your experiences. Do not be deceived into thinking that a book found in the Christian section of a bookstore is sound. If you crave supernatural encounters, ask yourself why. Ask yourself what defines your relationship with Jesus Christ. And realize this: God does indeed do supernatural and miraculous things. The greatest is the one thing you and I take for granted: our salvation. He gave us faith to believe in Him, and He raised dead sinners to life. If you ever need a page turner reminding you of this, look no further than the Bible.