S6E6 - Book Review: The Return Of The Gods

Have you ever wondered why Jesus had so many encounters with spirits? Jonathan Cahn researches and presents an in-depth historical dive into the relationship between the “gods” past and present and their connection with humanity. Jonathan traces BAAL the Possessor, ISHTAR the Enchantress, and MOLECH the Destroyer, displaying once again that there is nothing new under the sun - even when it comes to gods.

The God Story outlines the backdrop for Cahn's study in Ephesians 6:10-18 (Romans 8:38 et al). "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."

√   Rulers: from the beginning “corners” of the earth
√   Principalities: gods who rule over regions
√   Powers: lawful authorities under God’s sovereignty
√   World Forces: networks of strong dominion over the earth
√   Wickedness in Heavenly Places: the evil, counterfeit wind

There appear to be "legal rights" over each of our souls which Adam and Eve forfeited on our behalf. Jesus reversed this death blow by giving Himself for our sins. “When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.”                     - Colossians 2:13-15

Cahn traces the Mesopotamian gods of Babylon, Ur (where Abram emerged), and Usak. Absu (freshwaters and sky) Elil (flood) and then to a contemporary god of Hamurabi named Marduk who is associated Nabu (Mercury). From Tiamat (saltwaters) emerged the Norse god Anunnaki and then Tamuz or Inana (Venus). From here ISHTAR and then BAAL (Canaanites) and Molock (Egyptians). Israel’s God-followers (America) have given way to world paganism as well.

Page 11: We have always been “a planet of the gods - Enlil of Sumer, Ra of Egypt, Amorak of the Arctic, Kukulkan of Central America, Wotan of northern Europe, Dionysus of Greece, Obatala of Africa, Tiamut of Babylon, Bixia of China, Oro of Polynesia, Ahura Mazda of Persia, Perun of Russia, Shamash of Assyria, Dagda of Ireland, Juno of Rome, Shiva of India...”

It is fascinating how Jonathan weaves ancient and modern connections to where “the Galilean” fits as our Savior, and along with that He is also a “spell-breaker.” (pages 20-21) He then describes a “dark trinity” (part IV) made up of the mind Possessor (Baal), the Enchantress (Ishtar), and the Destroyer (Molech).

Artist Keith Green speaking first person for satan: 

Oh, my job keeps getting easier
As time keeps slippin' away
I can imitate the brightest light
And make the night look just like day
I put some truth in every lie
To tickle itchin' ears
You know, I'm drawing people just like flies
'Cause they like what they hear
I'm gaining power by the hour
They're falling by the score
You know it's getting very simple now
Since no one believes in me anymore

Return of the Gods helps us see the big picture of what and why things are happening around us and gives us a greater context for what occurs in our lives. Sadly, we are surrounded by evil - the Possessor, the Enchantress, the Destroyer - yet we are covered by God's powerful Goodness.

Some pretty freaky perspective, right?!

Dave & Burnadette

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