What Does the Bible REALLY Say About Ghosts? | Ghost of Samuel, Sheol & Necromancy Explained

 What does the Bible actually say about ghosts? Are they real human spirits, demons, or something else?

In this in-depth study we examine ghosts according to Second Temple Hebrew beliefs — the same worldview held during the time of Jesus. Using the Masoretic Hebrew text and the Septuagint, we uncover what Scripture teaches about disembodied spirits, Sheol, necromancy, and the famous Ghost of Samuel in 1 Samuel 28.

You’ll discover:
• The biblical definition of a ghost (disembodied spirit)
• Two types of spirits that can become disembodied: human spirits and hybrid Nephilim/Rephaim spirits
• The structure of Sheol (שְׁאוֹל) — Paradise, Hades, and the Abyss
• Key Hebrew terms: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim), רוּחַ (Ruach), מֵתִים (Metim), רְפָאִים (Rephaim), אוֹב (Ob), and יִדְּעֹנִי (Yiddĕʿōnî / Oni)
• Why God strictly forbade necromancy in Deuteronomy 18 and Leviticus 20 — because it works
• The full account of Saul consulting the medium at Endor and the appearance of Samuel’s ghost
• How modern paranormal investigations compare to biblical commands
• The gift of discernment of spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10) and how to walk in it safely

This teaching draws a clear line between biblical truth and modern ghost hunting, spirit boxes, EVPs, and mediumship.

Whether you’re a Christian seeking biblical clarity, a student of theology, or someone who has encountered the paranormal, this study will give you a solid Second Temple framework for understanding ghosts, demons, and the afterlife.

Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:51 | 1 | Title – What is a Ghost? |
00:03:46 | 2 | Second Temple Era Framework |
00:05:40 | 3 | Definition – Disembodied Spirit |
00:07:06 | 4 | Two Types of Spirits (Man vs Nephilim/Rephaim) |
00:09:09 | 5 | Human Spirits After Death |
00:10:23 | 6 | Hybrid Spirits & Demons |
00:11:58 | 7 | Sheol – Prison of the Dead (שְׁאוֹל) |
00:15:38 | 8 | Structure of Sheol |
00:17:08 | 9 | Hebrew Terms: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) & רוּחַ (Ruach) |
00:20:28 | 10 | Hebrew Terms: מֵת/מֵתִים (Met/Metim) & רְפָאִים (Rephaim) |
00:21:40 | 11 | Oni – Knowing/Familiar Spirit (יִדְּעֹנִי) |
00:22:58 | 12 | Deuteronomy 18:10-11 Forbidden Practices |
00:23:33 | 13 | Medium (אוֹב) & Necromancer (יִדְּעֹנִי) |
00:26:04 | 14 | Leviticus 20:27 |
00:28:06 | 15 | Why Necromancy Is Forbidden (Because It Works) |
00:30:41 | 16 | Classic Example: Samuel (1 Samuel 28) |
00:33:09 | 17 | Modern Application – Paranormal vs Christian |
00:37:42 | 18 | Spiritual Discernment (1 Cor 12:10) |
00:41:10 | 19 | Warnings for the Discernment Walk |
00:45:41 | 20 | Summary |
00:48:56 | 21 | Comments on Purgatory |
00:51:32 | 21 | Closing – Ghost of Samuel Quote | 

Opening show music - ⁠Meagan Wright - My Inheritance

 
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 #GhostsInTheBible #GhostOfSamuel #BiblicalGhosts #Sheol #Necromancy #1Samuel28 #SecondTempleJudaism #DemonsVsGhosts #FamiliarSpirits #SpiritualDiscernment #BibleStudy #ChristianTheology #HebrewBible

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Show Notes

Till Next Time

Thank you for stopping by and spending sometime on this site.

God Bless

Rev. Mike

 

Angelic Visitations & Holy Oil Miracles: The Oil Church Supernatural Evidence Review (Extended Cut)

In Episode 169 of Tales of Glory, we dive deep into the director’s extended cut of Explorations Supernatural: The Oil Church — focusing on the powerful evidence reveal section of their discernment walkthrough.

Join investigators Michael, Abby, and Meagan as they examine a historic church in San Francisco’s Mission District that has reportedly experienced angelic visitations and spontaneous holy oil manifestations for over 47 years. Witnesses claim Bibles become saturated with miraculous oil, the pulpit drips with anointing, and the presence of angels fills the sanctuary during services.

Is this a genuine Christian supernatural miracle… or something that requires careful spiritual discernment?

In this extended evidence analysis, we break down the claims of angelic activity, holy oil manifestations, and the long-standing reports surrounding the Oil Church. Perfect for those searching for true stories of miracles, Christian paranormal investigations, angelic encounters, and supernatural phenomena documented with careful discernment.

🔔 Subscribe for more episodes exploring Christian supernatural events, miracles, angelic visitations, and paranormal investigations from a biblical perspective.

👍 Like this video if you’re hungry for truth and deeper understanding of the supernatural realm.

💬 Comment below: Have you ever experienced or heard of holy oil manifestations or angelic encounters?
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Explorations Supernatural - Episode 2 -The Oil Church San Francisco: Angelic Visitations & Holy Oil Miracles


#Angelic #Miracles #Paranormal #HolyOil #Supernatural #AngelicVisitations #OilChurch #ExplorationsSupernatural #TrueParanormal #DivineMiracles #SanFranciscoChurch #SpiritualEncounters #TalesOfGlory

Chapter Outline:

00:00:00 Introduction - ES Evidence Review - Director's Cut

00:02:12 Explorations Supernatural E02 Teaser Opener

00:02:36 Evidence Review Director's Extended Edition

00:07:24 DJI Osmo Pocket 3 camera motion analysis

00:10:21 Evidence Review #1 - DJI Osmo pans down on its own

00:10:36 Evidence Review #2 - drums glistening

00:10:59 Light comparison for drums from church service 2 days later

00:12:48 Evidence Review #3 - discerning seeping windows

00:15:15 Discernment vs. Remote Viewing

00:21:04 Residual spiritual energy from a hundred years of prayers

00:21:20 Pastor Mark McGovern on the Ten Days of Prayer

00:25:30 What are the feelings during discernment walks?

00:27:08 Team discusses discernment with their own mystical experiences.

00:33:50 Evidence Review #4 - the baptismal

00:34:18 Are angels still on assignment there?

00:37:30 The team dreams of future locations for Explorations Supernatural expeditions.

00:54:22 Why telling the stories of these spiritual events is important.

01:02:00  Conclusion

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Show Notes

You can watch the full investigation of the Oil Church on my Explorations Supernatural YouTube channel.

@Explorations_Supernatrual 

 

Explorations Supernatural - Episode 2 -The Oil Church San Francisco: Angelic Visitations & Holy Oil Miracles

Till Next Time

Thank you for watching the Director's extended cut of the evidence review. 

God Bless

Rev. Mike 

Explorations Supernatural - Episode 2 -The Oil Church San Francisco: Angelic Visitations & Holy Oil Miracles

 In this episode of Exploration Supernatural, we investigate the Oil Church — a little-known church in San Francisco’s Mission District that many believe has been an open portal to heaven for nearly 50 years. Located at 449 14th Street, this historic Free Evangelic Church became famous among believers for regular angelic visitations during services and powerful supernatural manifestations of holy oil that appeared on people, Bibles, window sills, the baptistry, and woodwork. For decades under the ministry of Reverend James Gianakos, worshippers reported angels and mysterious anointing oil inside these walls. Was this place truly touched by the supernatural… and does anything remain today? Join us as we explore the remarkable history, eyewitness accounts, and spiritual legacy of San Francisco’s legendary Oil Church.

#OilChurch #SanFrancisco #AngelicVisitations #HolyOil #Supernatural #MissionDistrict #ExplorationSupernatural #ChristianMiracles #ChurchHistory #SpiritualInvestigation

Chapters
00:00:00 Episode Opener
00:00:35 Explorations Supernatural title opener
00:01:06 Introduction to the Oil Church
00:08:44 Riding BART into the city
00:11:26 The nickel tour of the Oil Church
00:15:10 Reviewing the history of supernatural activity
00:29:46 Discerning Heavenly Spirits
00:51:12 Evidence Review

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Till Next Time

Be blessed!

Rev. Mike
 

 

Deliver US from Deliverance Ministry Influencers - TOG Ep 167

 The body of Christ seems to be undergoing a housecleaning. As we talked about for some time here on Tales of Glory, the chopping block for the Instagram deliverance minister was inevitable. It has caused considerable division in the church body. What should the follower of Jesus be focused on when it comes to deliverance? Is it really important that Christians chase to expel demons? Or is there something of far greater importance we are missing here? Join us in this August 2026 back-to-school edition, of Tales of Glory. Pull up a chair, grab your favorite beverage - school is back in session!

Chapter Outline:

00:00:00  The Parable of the Ten Virgins Matthew 25:1-13
00:02:11   Tales of Glory Introduction to Episode 168
00:05:18   Tales of Glory tests Christian snake oil of the month Glyco-Reset
00:10:19   Deliver Us from Deliverance Ministry Influencers
00:14:06   What is Deliverance Ministry? Luke 10:17-20
00:19:41      What does it mean, "Jesus knows me?"
00:21:53   Why it's dangerous to follow a deliverance minister. Matthew 7:22-23
00:24:18   People shaking in deliverance is not a kundalini spirit
00:24:54   Why I chose to give away most of my books. The Christian MLM cash machine.
00:25:52   Know Jesus through reflection and prayer time.
00:28:45   Conclusion
00:31:42   Mini Life Celebration of our producer K.C.

Opening show music - ⁠Meagan Wright - My Inheritance

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Show Notes

Build Your Reference and Training Library! 

Cosmology and Demonology in Genesis 1-11: The Serpent, Divine Council, and Regional Spirits

I frequently discuss why we shouldn’t go outside our domain of authority and talk to angels, or try to put ourselves in the throne room of heaven. Do you know why? The modern church's view of angelology and demonology is wrong. It is not what Elijah, Ezekiel, and the saints believed. Where did the Apostle Paul get his language and context from Ephesians 6:12? It is not a choir of angels. They’re not even angels. An angel is specifically a messenger sent by God for a task. These bad guys in Ephesians 6:12 are divine spiritual beings - not messengers.  Did you know that demons are not fallen angels? Get the book! Highly recommended for the Tales of Glory audience!

 

 

Now on Audible!!!!

Get a copy of THE book you need in your training library for spiritual warfare!

A Field Guide to Spiritual Warfare - the power to PULL the IMPOSSIBLE from the HEAVENLY REALM was written by Michael Norton while he was a street minister on San Francisco's Night Strike Homeless ministry under Bob Johnson. Michael documents what he experienced and how the Holy Spirit trained him to move in the Holy Spirit's empowerment during spiritual encounters. This book is a must-read for anyone serious about entering into spiritual warfare ministry. This book has been used as training material for spiritual warfare for Teen Challenge and Cleansing Streams. 

 

 

 

 

Back cover information on A Field Guide to Spiritual Warfare.
 

A Field Guide to Advanced Spiritual Warfare - Deliverance, Exorcism, and the Healing Effects of Ritual Abuse was written by Michael in 2017, seven years after his first manuscript, A Field Guide to Spiritual Warfare. This book delves deeper into the question of the difference between deliverance and exorcism. Michael reveals information on identifying and working with Satanic Ritual Abuse and his work with numerous survivors. Another powerful book to pick up for spiritual warfare training and counselors wanting to know about handling these darker cases of fracturing and demonic possession.

YouTube Playlists to the M16 Ministries Training Series on Spiritual Warfare

 

Tales of Glory A Field Guide to Spiritual Warfare 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Tales of Glory - A Field Guide to Advanced Spiritual Warfare

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Tales of Glory - Cosmology and Demonology

 

 

Till Next Time

Thank you for viewing Tales of Glory, I appreciate your support. Please like and subscribe to your viewing channel of choice.

God Bless

Rev. Mike

 

Explorations Supernatural Episode 1 - The Gift of Discerning Spirits - Are Ghosts Real?

A Christian spiritual warfare minister sits down with the owner of a haunted psychic boutique shop. Are ghosts real, or are they demons? The denominations are unclear across their own doctrines on ghosts. In this expedition, we explore the spiritual presence of ghosts relying on the Holy Spirit’s gift of spiritual discernment. Then the evidence is analyzed by a team that is familiar with the supernatural.

 

Timeline:
00:00:00 Episode teaser
00:00:42 Show intro
00:01:12 Leaving ES HQ
00:04:47 Meeting George
00:10:20 Meeting Carol
00:11:47 Carol's haunted childhood experiences
00:20:09 Carol's supernatural experiences
00:32:42 Concluding conversation with Carol
00:45:00 Post-mortem thoughts
00:48:43 Spiritual clean off with the Holy Spirit
00:51:17 Evidence Reveal

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Cosmology and Demonology in Genesis 1-11: The Serpent, Divine Council, and Regional Spirits

I frequently discuss why we shouldn’t go outside our domain of authority and talk to angels, or try to put ourselves in the throne room of heaven. Do you know why? The modern church's view of angelology and demonology is wrong. It is not what Elijah, Ezekiel, and the saints believed. Where did the Apostle Paul get his language and context from Ephesians 6:12? It is not a choir of angels. They’re not even angels. An angel is specifically a messenger sent by God for a task. These bad guys in Ephesians 6:12 are divine spiritual beings - not messengers.  Did you know that demons are not fallen angels? Get the book! Highly recommended for the Tales of Glory audience!

Now on Audible!!!!

 

Thank you for watching our content. Please leave feedback and subscribe to the channel, Explorations Supernatural, on YouTube or Rumble!

God Bless!

Mike the M16 Bishop 

 

 

Are GHOSTS real? The Postmortem Analysis Part 1- TOG Ep 167

Following the premiere of the Explorations Supernatural episode 1, “Are GHOSTS Real?”, I did quite a bit of analysis with Abby that didn’t make it into the video. Due to time constraints in the video, much of the analysis was cut out. Now, in its entirety, here is the full meeting on video of Abby assessing the haunting and its evidence at the psychic shop in Benicia, California. In this episode of Tales of Glory, I present the full conversation with Abby and what she discerned.

 

 

 

 

This is the Postmortem discussion from the new channel Explorations Supernatural.
 

Explorations Supernatural Episode 1 - Are Ghosts Real?
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Chapter Outline:

00:00:00  Explorations Supernatural episode 1 opening trailer.
00:00:54  Welcome TOG audience
00:02:54 So why am I producing Explorations Supernatural?
00:09:26 Analysis of ghost and supernatural evidence with Abby
00:45:03 Conclusion

Opening show music - ⁠Meagan Wright - My Inheritance

 UNDER CONSTRUCTION 

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Show Notes

Cosmology and Demonology in Genesis 1-11: The Serpent, Divine Council, and Regional Spirits

I frequently discuss why we shouldn’t go outside our domain of authority and talk to angels, or try to put ourselves in the throne room of heaven. Do you know why? The modern church's view of angelology and demonology is wrong. It is not what Elijah, Ezekiel, and the saints believed. Where did the Apostle Paul get his language and context from Ephesians 6:12? It is not a choir of angels. They’re not even angels. An angel is specifically a messenger sent by God for a task. These bad guys in Ephesians 6:12 are divine spiritual beings - not messengers.  Did you know that demons are not fallen angels? Get the book! Highly recommended for the Tales of Glory audience!

Now on Audible!!!!

Till Next Time

The Shift Returns - the Epic Multiverse Crossover - TOG Ep 166

The hosts of the Shift podcast are back in an epic multiverse crossover with Tales of Glory. Throw a log on the fire, bring your favorite beverage, and join us as we banter, share some laughs, pontificate, and Thanos snap on the events in the church today—a fireside chat you won't want to miss.
 

 

 

Chapter Outline:

00:00:00  Opening Introduction
00:04:00  Truly, I tell you, no podcaster is welcome in their own town.
00:09:00  Prayers stop the flying monkeys.
00:16:00  We discuss another discernment walk expedition somewhere on holy grounds.
00:25:00  Round table discussion on relationship with Jesus.
00:46:10  Discussion on prayers and decrees.
00:49:13  NAR - don't throw the baby out with the bath water.
01:00:37  Context vs. Word of Faith
01:04:00  The Parable of the Mulberry Tree
01:10:24  Final Thoughts

 Opening show music - ⁠Meagan Wright - My Inheritance

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Show Notes

Gather People - Meagan and Abby's community of worshipers.

Gather People Facebook

Till Next Time

It's always great to have our friends from the Shift podcast on. They are dear friends of mine and incredible followers and disciple raisers of Jesus.

God Bless

Rev. Mike