Jesus, or Conspiracy Theories?
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Jesus, or Conspiracy Theories?
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I grew up surrounded by talk about conspiracy theories. Airplanes flying out of mountains; weather-controlling technology; black helicopters; domestic concentration camps — as a young person, I heard all the theories.
Have you taken your place on the wall?
Frankly, I hated those theories. Conversations got so negative because of them, and I became fearful in many areas because of that constant stream of “gloom and doom” I heard from the many people around me.
Having had such a negative experience as a youngster, I went the opposite direction when I became an adult. I not only didn’t care to hear about politics, but I went out of my way to avoid it. I loved America with a great passion, but I didn’t want to talk about or follow anything political—even before I gave my heart to Jesus at age 21—because conversations about politics soon turned to gloom and doom.
However, as the years passed, I was eventually able to put enough of those memories behind me that I became interested in politics again.
But then, during recent presidencies, conspiracy theories suddenly became top news. No longer were those theories relegated to whispers over dinner, but headlines and podcasts and websites were full of stories about “Q,” about The Plan, about 9/11, about No Name, and about every age-old conspiracy theory you could think of.
And, as someone who had gotten seriously involved in praying for America, my curiosity lured me in.
I began reading long threads on Twitter and listening to podcasts. I began researching photos of all the people “they say” are dead … or are they??? (Hey guys, Elvis would be 88 by now … let’s lay that one to rest, shall we? No pun intended.) And I read horror story after horror story of terrible things being done to innocent people.
The knowledge was not good for me.
It wasn’t even necessarily about “conspiracy theories,” although that is still the label that these different narratives, or pipelines of information, carry. But even information that was commonly accepted—information for which people were being prosecuted and imprisoned—was planted in my brain as I read about these things, and I suffered adverse effects from it:
- I sometimes had nightmares.
- I had a hard time getting to sleep at night.
- I found myself spending more time obsessing about who was working what evil on the earth than I was thinking about how Jesus was working good on the earth.
After quite some time, it finally became evident to me that my self-study of “conspiracy theories” was not beneficial to my spiritual, emotional, or physical health.
Why? Because it was taking my eyes off Jesus, and causing me to behold evil with my eye-gate, mind-gate, and ear-gate instead.
I am not saying that a person should bury one’s head in the sand at all.
However, the Bible is clear about where we should direct and focus our attention. Let’s examine two key Scriptures about this:
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV).
And:
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:1-2 NKJV).
Nowhere in the Bible does it tell us that we can read a Psalm or two in the morning and then focus on the news all day. Nowhere in the Bible does it even appear to give us permission to set our minds and keep them set on conspiracies, politics, or what evil is currently being worked on the earth.
Should we be aware of things? To some degree, yes. That’s wisdom. But are Christians called to talk conspiracy theories, walk conspiracy theories, and eat conspiracy theories for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
No.
Even if the information is easily accessible via your smartphone …
Even if the information is completely or partially true …
And even if we want to be somewhat informed for the purpose of prayer …
There is a difference between being briefly informed and becoming obsessive about monitoring evil.
And we cannot keep our eyes on Jesus if we focus on conspiracy theories, government corruption, or even “Who’s On First?” more than we obsess about Jesus all day long.
Remember the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:8:
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things (Philippians 4:8 NKJV).
Friend, there is a difference between what we are aware of at a cursory level versus what we meditate on.
And I would ask you today:
How much of your day are you filling with thoughts of what is true (which is only Christ, since He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life), noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy?
Compare that with how much time you may spend on conspiracy theories, worrying about America, or even embracing gloom and doom?
Friend, faith is not compatible with taking our eyes off Jesus.
Friend, God’s Word still says He can heal our land. Second Chronicles 7:14 is clear: If WE, God’s people, will humble OURselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from OUR wicked ways, then HE will hear from Heaven, forgive OUR sins, and heal our land.
But what is the condition for that promise? We have to seek God in faith for our land. And we cannot possibly do that if we take our eyes off Jesus and become obsessed with watching the wicked instead.
Friend, I share my story today to challenge you also. For me, I had to stop looking at conspiracy theories altogether. They were taking my eyes off Jesus. It’s not about whether they’re factual. As a follower of Jesus, I cannot afford to take my eyes OFF Jesus without doing great spiritual, mental, and emotional damage to myself. (That’s to say nothing about the fact that taking our eyes off Jesus is sin, since it’s direct disobedience to God’s Holy Word.)
So where does this leave us? Only here:
I challenge you today to prayerfully examine your thought life and your information consumption. Are you keeping your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith? Or have you allowed yourself to become distracted or even obsessed with something other than the Holy One of Israel—the Pure and Spotless Lamb of God?
And if your eyes are too often off Christ, what do you need to do about it?
What is the Lord saying to you about these things, intercessor? Leave a comment below!
Jamie Rohrbaugh is the founder and CEO of From His Presence. She is the author of Getting to Know the Sevenfold Holy Spirit, and she seeks to equip you to carry His manifest glory everywhere you go. Her resources have been published by YouVersion Bible Plans and in Charisma magazine, as well as on The Elijah List, Spirit Fuel, and various other ministry outlets. You can find free mentoring on her podcast, Take Your Territory with Jamie Rohrbaugh, which is available through your favorite podcast streaming app. Download her free prayer tool, Praying the Names of God: 555 Biblical Names of God and How to Use Them in Prayer and Worship, here. Photo Credit: VALENTIN SUPRUNOVICH/Изображения пользователя SuprV.
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We can all struggle with a healthy balance of the things that effect our walk with Christ! It’s important to realize also that we ( the body of Christ) do have a role to play in all of the chaos! How did we get here? Could some of this be the church was silent for so long? This did not happen overnight! I personally do not like the word conspiracy theories!! in the first place conspiracy theories are just that they’re not proven fact! Today, most things are right out open in our face. They are proven fact you can read the documents. You can see the receipts.! The word conspiracy theory is simply white, washing a truth to make it sound like a lie.! With All that said we need to put our relationship with Yeshua 1st!!! Be sensitive to how, whatever we are doing is effecting our witness for Christ and our love for Him & others! God has chosen us to be here alive , In this generation, He the Lord equips us to walk through these days. We must rely on Him for direction in all things., protect our heart for out of it, flows the issues of life! There will be times when we have to pull back from the noise, the chaos and hide under the shadow of his wings, a time! It would be wise for us to every day have intimate time and be filled equipped, prepared for every good work! For we cannot give away what we have not been given, which is filled with the Holy Spirit His grace mercy love and truth!! Make a decision to walk in His righteousness’s to honor Him above all things!! When we mess up, speak wrong, feel those angry, bitter feelings we need to stop get with the Messiah and be healed, restored, and continue our journey with & for Christ!! we need to remember. We are nothing more than a sinner saved by the blood of Christ. We are better than no man we are redeemed by the blood and Him alone will we boast!!! There is a Peace Yahshua’s our Sar Shalom He Jesus is our Peace it is not contingent on our situation, circumstance, or any other thing.! He is a Person God ! He has given us His joy also which is not contingent on situations or circumstances either!! For me when I start to lose these things that Jesus Yeshua has given me to walk through life I know I need to pull back evaluate what’s happening in my relationship with the Lord and get it straightened out by seeking The Lord allowing him to correct me! He will keep us if we will obey and listen we don’t keep ourselves. God does the transformation in us. Abba changes us he grows us & he makes us look like Yeshua ! Praise the Living God Yahweh His Son God & The Holy Spirit God whom lives in me !!! my teacher, my guide, my lover, my friend, my discipline when needed my sustainer my every need is Christ indeed!!!
The point is that without conspiracy theories IFA would not exist. They appear in the articles and some really bizarre ones in the comments. Belief in conspiracy theories is the reason IFA is supported – it provides the daily dose of outrage to those feeling powerless and forgotten be it ‘stolen elections’ , crime families in the White House, cannibalism, deep state, et al. Just publishing selecting bits of outrage is not news but no doubt profitable..
Lord God, please help us keep our eyes on you throughout this worldwide chaos 🙏! We face spiritual warfare and you know how it all ends in the book of Revelation!
Oh this article deeply resonates with me! Apart from growing up around conspiracy theories, I could have written it. 😮 During 2020, I immersed myself in research and scouring the internet and other news sources for ‘finding the truth’. It consumed me and led me down a path of disbelief and anger which became outrage, disgust, hatred and pride. I became a hot-headed self-righteous vocal ‘activist’. It even affected relationships in my life. Worst of all, I became bitter and filled with pride. :[ The end result for me was a hardened heart, and a loss of my faith. BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD do I stand today, even just coming out of the darkness I fell into. Not everyone would take it to level I did, nor should they. The turnabout mentioned in the article is truly the remedy: keep our eyes on Jesus — in fact that very verse from Hebrews was part of my redirection and correction — and think on the things noted in Philippians 4, and others in Scripture. Repent of pride and anger; do not sin in your anger. Keep your faith and trust in the Lord, keep reaching out to others in love, and understand it is the work and goal of the enemy to sow division, strife, hatred, and all other evil in our hearts. But we must guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) diligently. Stay in faith community and “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
Thank you for sharing your experiences and enlightenment. May we all be open to see the deceit and error of succumbing to the ways of the world.
Thank you for clearing the vision of my heart and soul by looking too long without reason at conspiracy’s and the damage of mankind. Thank you for bringing my souls vision back to Jesus. I am blessed to have sat down and read through all that you wrote to remind me who my true love truly is. And that’s Jesus Christ.
Lord, I confess I get angry at the evil I consistentky see in the news… and I give voice to frustrating judgment, not redemptive prayers.
Help me to “stand firm against all the strategies of the devil. AND remember that I/we are not fighting against people BUT against evil rulers and authorities in the unseen/demonic world.” (Rom 6:12)
Help me to recognize & pull down those strongholds when I see and hear them and to release a Spirit of Truth and conviction.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Need uplifting christian sources to learn what’s really going on, “real news” not “fake news”, not the deep state communist mainstream media propaganda mouthpiece! Many times when I learn of some horrific evil I immediately drop to my knees in weeping intercession in faith! How can one pray accurately if one does not know what’s really going on?
It’s true, it’s very frustrating trying to find ‘truth’ sources. Here are a few I’ve found that I rely on and are presented from a Biblical perspective:
https://www.tbn.org/programs/centerpoint
https://www.christianpost.com/news/
https://decisionmagazine.com/
https://dailycitizen.focusonthefamily.com/
https://ifapray.org/blog/
However, it still bears repeating to keep the focus on the Lord and His Kingdom and what HE is saying in all of this.
Shalom
I agree that we must keep our eyes on Jesus. I look at everything through a biblical world view. I am disappointed in the church members that refuse to do anything about the evil that permeates our schools the church and all of government, local, state and federal. I wish I was not the only one in my entire family that tries to learn as much as I can about the dangers of the pharmaceutical industry presently openly killing people and our government hoping we all just sleep walk into WWlll.
Yours truly is convinced of much that is going on including that the 2020 presidential election was indeed stolen. 2 things though, the core problem is that much of the American & Canadian population have ceased to obey God, turning their backs on Him. Add to that are these same ones who celebrate that which is wicked & evil. Never the less we need to look to Christ Jesus and remember in these events Bible prophecy IS being fulfilled. Though it still may be years in the future (no one knows the day) we grow closer to the return of Jesus to remove those who love Him, the church. Let us stand fast in our faith in love for the unbelieving that they may be drawn into the faith. Let us abide in the peace of God and occupy until Christ comes, let us remember God IS in control. He is accomplishing His plan in all that is happening. He will keep in perfect peace the ones who keep their minds on Him. This is a reminder to yours truly as well as her brothers and sisters in Christ.
This article speaks directly to my emotions and spiritual well being. I had come to the place where I needed to back away from all the bad news, but then I felt guilty about “not being informed”. Again, thank you for this article. Lord, You are the King of Victory over evil!
The first time I heard the words “conspiracy theory” was when I was a teenager and people did not accept the “official” report that Oswald killed John F. Kennedy. When I became an adult and began doing my own research on President Kennedy’s murder, I came also to the conclusion that there were a lot of unanswered questions concerning his death being committed by Oswald. So anytime the “official” government narrative is not believed fully or is questioned, here comes the words conspiracy theory. Since Clinton’s presidency, the only people I hear constantly accusing others of conspiracy theories are the democrats. Its almost like no one else is entitled to their own opinion that may not match the accepted rhetoric coming from the government! 🤔 So now when I constantly hear those words, I think, “what are the dems lying about now!” Thank YOU FATHER GOD that we can come to YOU, the Revealer of all Truth, when we have questions! YOUR WORD tells us to “trust no flesh”, so I don’t! Thank YOU for keeping us in perfect peace that keep our mind on YOU in every situation and in everything we hear or see! Please continue to order our steps and direct our path into all truth in JESUS MIGHTY NAME!
Thank you for sharing this. What a timely and well written article for me today.
Thank you.
I needed that!
Man, I really needed this reminder. I get caught up in the headlines but this reminded me of what I need to keep my thoughts focused on, Jesus! It’s exactly what I needed to read today.
Thank you very much. ❤️
This a great article. I too have fallen down the rabbit hole of conspiracy and all that goes along with it.
Lord thank you for the reminder to keep our eyes and ears on you!!
“Conspiracy Theories” have come true more often than the evening news.
Balance, yes. Discernment, yes.
We keep our eyes on Jesus, but we still live on earth and Jesus told us to “occupy until I return.”
Same!
This was such a great reminder! Thank you.
In the midst of lies, we who are in Christ need to seek the truth for our own selves THEN for other people.
Oh Lord God Most High let your people hear your voice let them listen when You tell them to listen! Then give us grace to pray what You have revealed, back to You!
For we KNOW that YOU have a plan, that YOU have had before the foundations of the Earth and that Your Will, will be done!
Psalms 11:3 If the foundations are destroyed what can the righteous do? We can pray, we can intercede, we can hear the voice of God, and remind Him of His Word through prayer.
…. calls into existence the things that do not exist. (Rom. 4:28)
God chose what is low and despise in the world, things that are not too reduced to nothing things that are,
(1 Cor.1:28)
Isaiah 58:9 then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and He will say, here I AM.
Isaiah 61:4 they shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruins cities, the devastation of many generations.
Glorify your name Lord Jesus in all the earth!
Let your people hear your voice and walk in obedience! Amen
Being a good watchman, standing on the wall, as an intercessor can be a weary job. Sometimes deception the enemy places can drag even the most faithful into dark places. Information is information. It has no feeling no impact and no effect until someone allows the information to affect them. This is where the whole armor of God is your true protection. Philippians 4:8 shows us where our peace is. And the wisdom of God. That is freely given by the Spirit is your place of discernment, to understand the wiles of the devil.
Thank you for the words of wisdom
Our Father in Heaven,
I pray for a much greater awareness of the Presence of Your wonderful Son The Lord Jesus Christ in all of our lives. May we turn off the t.v., the laptop, and all other electronic devices, and sit quietly before You as did Mary who seated herself at Your feet. May Your stillness fill our hearts and minds and may Your wonderful Holy Spirit minister Your truth to us as we read Your Word. Blessed are YOU Our GOD who gives us Your grace for every trial. Help each of us to know and to do Your will every day. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Thank you for this article. Many people around me are constantly listening to things, following Q and others who are promoting stories that may or may not be true, some of which probably are true, and some of which seem suspicious. I find myself concerned on a few levels. Satan is the great deceiver. One of his ploys (working through men) is to promote information that is 95% the truth to get people to trust everything they say. Then they will plant a humdinger of a lie in that last 5%, be it about God, or salvation or even a holy person – that can seriously impact someone’s spiritual life and perception of reality. Also consider the LURE of knowing SECRET KNOWLEDGE – which is the basis of the occult, and that is eerily similar to Q and others on the internet. Let us be wise. We really have no idea who many of these people are. Many of them promote the Law of Attraction, wrapped in pretty Christian wrapping paper, but nonetheless also rooted in the occult.
“For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.” – Matthew 24:24
We need Jesus more than ever to help us discern truth from lies. Lord have mercy on all those who love you and seek your face that we can discern and run from lies that would lure us away from the truth that is found only in Jesus.
God bless you for writing this article and may it help shift our focus to God as our source of wisdom, discernment and knowledge.
Thank you! This article is so refreshing, and necessary as its message is honest, Biblical, balanced and challenging for all of us, not to mention timely. Whether it’s political issues, social media, or a particular spiritual emphasis (e.g. the demonic realm or end times prophecy), this article reminds us as individuals and Christian ministries to be vigilant to keep Jesus central.
Lord Jesus, please forgive me for putting off reading and meditating on Your Word and putting more emphasis on what’s going on in our country at so many levels. Today and every day after today I will try to put on the full armor of God and be in Your Word more. Forgive me for worrying so much and feeling helpless these days. I will try to meditate on Your many names and what they stand for to build my faith up and learn how to pray more effectively. Thank You Father for Your precious Son, Jesus, for saving me. I didn’t deserve it BUT Your grace IS AMAZING. I love You, Lord for loving me and forgiving for all my failures in Jesus beautiful Name I pray, amen!
Correction: the first Scripture is Hebrews 12.1-2
You are correct; I apologize! We will get that fixed.
Be wise concerning good, simple concerning evil. Thank God for His unspeakable gift of His son.
Excellent advice!
Unfortunately, so-called “conspiracy theories” continue to come true. The Work of the Holy Spirit gives us discernment to recognize Truth, meaning Jesus, “I am the Way, the TRUTH, and the Life . . . . ” (pun intended). If omwe are Saved by the grace of our Savior, the Holy Spirit reveals Truth through His Word as we study and meditate on the Bible.
The phrase “conspiracy theory” was coined in recent years to mock, shame, and shut down legitimate knowledge of satanic corruption. When we are negligent in God’s Word, we are vulnerable to mockery, shame, and silence. The Apostle Paul was involved in Biblical political activism to the very highest levels of religious and secular government. As the author says, balance is the key . . . remain informed from a balanced Biblical perspective.
Heavenly Father:
We ask Your Spirit to guide us in discernment between what is Your Son’s Truth and what is false. Thank You for creating us in Your Image through our minds, wills, and emotions. Grant us Your supernatural wisdom to apply Your Son’s Word to Truth vs fiction.
In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
Keith and Megan, you say that Paul was involved in politics to the very highest level. How? He never sought political office or campaigned for others to do so. He didn’t agitate against the existing govt (Caesar) but rather called for its respect and payment of taxes. When he was brought to trial before Felix, Festus and eventually Nero who reportedly executed him, it wasn’t over a political issue but a religious dispute betwen him and the Jews. This is not to say that political activity is bad but we often overstate the involvement of the early church leaders in it sometimes to excuse wrong political things we do today in the name of Christianity. eg Trumpism and the conspiracy theories it has spawned which gives a poor witness of the gospel
Our morning prayer group just addressed this very issue, especially how wrong focus on deceptive information produces fear, a tool of the enemy, while right focus on God and His word causes faith to arise. When a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with Him. Faith pleases God. Even at broad scales, God scatters enemies.
Some excellent reminders. Ask for discernment. Pray for wisdom. Consider one’s sources carefully. Remember that the term conspiracy theory was created by the CIA to distract from truth. Most of the so called conspiracy theories related to covid and the so called vaccines were the truth. Most of the lies are coming from governments, MSM, big tech and leaders compromised by globalists and big money. The world is evil and Satan is the father of lies.
Lord, lead us into truth in all things. Grant us discernment and wisdom. Expose Satan’s lies and deceptions that hold people captive. Free us to fight the good fight with your spiritual armor until Jesus returns. Amen
Thank you for this. Through the 2020 election, the lockdowns, and so much else I have been able to keep my eyes on the Lord and stay positive. Yet lately I have felt crushed by the weight of bad news and the plethora of opinions that are out there. Only bad fruit. Nothing and no one is beyond His reach, and He is now and always has been the source of life, light, and truth. Thank you.
Yes! I agree whole heartedly! Starting with the craziness of covid and now with the continued craziness, lies, corruption etc,etc…I am always reminding our family and friends of this exact thought process. Stay focused on Jesus. Read the Bible, not the news articles. Watch Him, not the world.
And this article is the kind we need to be reading! Thank you!
And may God continue to bless IFA.
(Hebrews 12: 1-2)
This is so true and a worthy reminder. I took a serious nose dive spiritually after the 2020 elections. I focused on all of the injustices and reports of evil and actually built a case against God for not ‘doing something’ to stay the hand of evil! As I read daily the reports of what had been done in secret I became overwhelmed with grief and sadness of the condition of our land. I have since battled the lie of ‘what’s the point in praying, God doesn’t respond’. Now I look at my inbox, see the headline and keep scrolling as I cannot allow myself to be consumed with the evil reports but know that God has a plan and yes I must pray into that that plan for our nation and the world.
I feel your angst Hilary. Same happened for me. It became a huge dark internal battle for me. For me it was very difficult to climb out of and find hope, faith, and strength again. Our desire for information and ‘truth’ can lead us down a dark tunnel. Prayers for God’s peace and strength to rule your heart, and that you and all of us can become consumed with Jesus and the Father’s kingdom.
While train loads of people rolled past in route to death camps…the church sang louder.
Don’t ever forget.
The body of Christ must engage and stand on all fronts against evil.
We are given full ARMOR and Biblicial instructions to follow. Evil is not pleasant to face yet we can’t fight against it if we know nothing.
Take time to pray for what you need and for God’s guidance but we must stay engaged in the Political attack on our country. 🙏
I wholeheartedly agree with you, Annalee..
I’m so thankful for this Jamie. I too once was fearful as a young person, but have since learned to keep my eyes on Jesus. This is so spot on! Almost every person that talks about conspiracy theories are bound by fear and anxiety. I have recently had people ask ne things and I point them to Jesus. I’m so thankful you wrote this and your heart.
Thank you, sister. I appreciate you!
This was a very good article. Exactly what I needed right now because I was getting stressed out with everything going on in our country. I’m keeping my eyes on Jesus!
Amen! Thank you for the reminder. 🙌🏼
Thank you, I really appreciated this article.
Amen! Thank you for this. It’s a great reminder for us all.
Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have let the worries of this world would consume our thoughts, minds and actions. Holy Spirit, help us focus our minds on things above alone. In Jesus name, Amen
Beautiful prayer. Amen.
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You have written truth but it is easier said than done. It is a daily battle in the mind. It takes great discipline. Being aware is a first step. Finding balance is another. Thank you.
Becoming too focused on anything other than Jesus, is detrimental to one’s spiritual health. He is all of those things the Word of God tells us to meditate on – He is: Truth, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. And He will help us to focus on what is like Him, and upholds and reflects His character.