Some people use witchcraft as a benefit, business, or job in their life. They do some stuff and people believe because they are using some evil powers. They may treat some for healing, and some countries refer to them as witch doctors. But they use many tactics to scare people. They appear to be treating people but in fact are killing them. They may use organs, animals, even other people close to them. These people have no friends. Their behavior is for them to keep strife continuing in relationships. These powers can control your life, affecting your family and environment!
Individuals living in developed countries who practice witchcraft, technology advances their cause and obviously they can do more, but they hide. Under-developed countries, witchcraft is more open and recognizable. Nevertheless, it is practiced all over the world. Can be seen in movies, TV, even comedy shows, among others.
In the Old Testament, these people who practice such things were there. God said, “Let not them be among you.” In Egypt, the children of Israel, learned so many things from Egyptians, who worshiped many idols. It was not God’s power, but it was witchcraft.
Exodus 7:10-12, 10So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and they did so, just as the LORD commanded. And Aaron cast down his rod before Pharoah and before his servants, and it became a serpent. 11But Pharoah also called the wise men and the sorcerers; so, the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. 12For every man threw down his rod, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.”
Exodus 9:11, “And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils, for the boils were on the magicians and on all the Egyptians.”
Witchcraft ruled the nation! All these things were to help them rule the country, but it is not godly! There is a lot of corruption and death because of these practices. They want to call it something else, but it is still witchcraft. Just as technology increases, these people advance also in their practices. Every country is practicing it. Again, some can be more openly.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter met a man who was a witch named Simon, Acts 8:9-25), who the bible said this man practiced sorcery in the city the people listened to him. The Apostle Peter preached the Kingdom of God and when this witch Simon heard it and saw the signs and miracles of God through these disciples, he eventually repented. This witch controlled the city and was well known in the community. This was the New Testament, after Christ. This is why Jesus gives the Believer’s authority and power of God over these evil powers! The Apostle Paul wrote about putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11).
Another example in the book of Acts 13:6, “Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus.”
When you continue reading, this man practiced witchcraft. Acts 13:9,10, “Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?”
Paul told Bar-Jesus by the Spirit of God; he would become temporarily blinded. And so, he was. In the end, this Bar-Jesus repented and believed the true God!
We need to realize; these evil powers are here in the world and there are people who practice witchcraft. The enemy uses them to work through and cause destruction, even death. Some knowingly and some are ignorant. Ask yourself, why would God give us power if we don’t need it! God knows, we need to live in this world and defend ourselves, not by evil powers (witchcraft) but by the power of the living God!
As Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by the devil, the devil is still promising the world, riches, and all that is desired to those who believe him. But he is deceiving people! Some say, they don’t want God, would rather go to hell, or believe there is no hell. I’m sure, one hour in hell, you will change your mind. But it will be too late. The enemy does not care if you perish!
Jesus demonstrated how we need to respond when the enemy whispers lies to us. He quoted the word, “It is written!” He rebuked (corrected) the devil. Jesus resisted him! The enemy is still talking the same way to us today. Doesn’t matter what the title, position, or how long you been in the church serving. The devil and his evil spirits are against the true Living God!
I hear sometimes people say, “God helps those who help themselves.” This is not God. People saying this rely on something else or even themselves to protect themselves. We need God’s protection! To fight these evil spirits, as the first disciples, we need to be filled with the power of God!
The Holy Spirit will help you to identify which power is operating.
Acts 16:16-18, “Now it happened, as we went to prayer that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation. And this she did for many days. But Paul greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.”
The Church or Believer needs to operate in the Holy Spirit as the early church. 2 Corinthians 6:15, “And what accord or fellowship has Christ with Belial (Satan).
We don’t need to fear. Most Christians fear because they are not operating in the Spirit of God. When things come to shake the world, even the church is afraid. Jesus knows what’s in the world and the challenges we will face until He returns! Jesus said He is sending us out as sheep in the midst of wolves. The church needs to be very wise and follow His instructions! Temptation is there but God has forgiven you and will deliver you if want.
Galatians 3:1, “O Foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified.” These were believers who although saved where bringing these practices to the church. Paul was saying think about what you’re doing. You know the truth. Repent and be delivered!
Moses & Marguerite Wafula
www.wakeuptohope.blog