Witchcraft is the Work of Iniquity & Idolatry
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For rebellion against God (spirit of black magic) is as the sin of witchcraft (divination), and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. 1 Samuel 15:23 from King James Bible
Witches are in professing Christian Churches of every denomination, in Pulpits, in Pews, in Professing Christian Homes... In these perilous days, the "spirit of witchcraft" (iniquity) is abundant. Because of iniquity, the love of many shall wax cold per Matthew 24. --
Witchcraft In The Church
Deuteronomy 18:14 (NAS)
"For those nations, which you will dispossess, listen to those who practice witchcraft and to diviners, but as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do so."
A preacher or any person, who continues in the spirit of rage, verbal abuse, child abusing, child molestors, controlling his/her wife/or husband, etc. behind closed doors is bound by satan's chains and are hyprcrites, ministers of Baalim, Angels of Light, Ministers of Satan-These ministers or laypeople who profess Jesus' are characterized above in 1 Samuel 15:23. Rage and anger is rooted in witchcraft & idolatry. Persons bound in the spirit of rage and anger use their violent tempers to intimidate and control others, which is witchcraft and rebellion against Jesus. Anger/rage is not the Root, there can be many deeper evil spirits of iniquity ruling--even through the family line.. The Holy Spirit must reveal. These people are workers of iniquity and shall be casted into the eternal lake of fire without repentance.
Revelation 22:15 (NIV)
Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood (secret sins and iniquity).
A controlling pastor's wife, for example, one who is unhealed from roots of incest and suppressed bitterness & mammon spirit, who seeks and loves self attention in the church and controlling/manipulating the service and members; MORE than her love for Jesus and more than worship and obedience unto Father God---is a very spiritually dangerous woman. Unhealed incest particularly and all forms of domestic violence undealt with causes people to operate in the spirit of divination, the devil loves it, he loves flowing his evil spirit through the hurt, wounds and demons of the deeply wounded in church leadership.
Satan capitilizing manipulating the unhealed and soulish/spiritual demonic places especially in leadership of churches to transfer his demons and plant unclean spirits upon the members, especially the innocent children. This is why preaching/pastors, all the 5 fold ministers and laypeople who only go to church without a personal and initimate relationship with Jesus (religious but lost) is wrong, unscriptural, in error and dangerous to the salvation of souls.
Isaiah 1:23 (NIV)
Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow's case does not come before them.
There is no excuse for leaders to walk in inquity, lust, idolatry, anger, rage, bitterness, pornography, homosexuality, lesbanism, drug abuse, bitterness, unforgiveness, witchcraft, etc, as a lifestyle.
When a person knows & loves Jesus, they will continally obey God's command for their inner healing faith to faith NO MATTER THEIR TITLE per 2 Chronicles 7:14:
"If My people called by My name will humble themselves and pray, and seek My Face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and heal their land.
Meaning God shall heal through Jesus, a greater covenant, the inner person land, their offsprings, their home, every area of our lives. God is holy. We ALL sin and fall short of the glory of God, yet to continue in the same generational sin (iniquity) over and over again is idolatry and witchcraft, to rebell against the Most High. God is calling His people who truly love Him to repentance per 2 Chronicels 7:14, in a spirit of humility. Iniquitous leaders in the church, must set down and be set free before leading GOD"S PEOPLE!
THOSE WHOM ARE WOUNDED IN THE CHURCH, DESIRING RICHES MORE THAN JESUS-- BOTH IN THE PULPIT AND PEWS ARE CALLED TO REPENTANCE. BECAUSE JESUS LOVES US HE WARNS US. JESUS' WARNING BELOW:
3:13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.
3:14 "To the angel of the assembly in Laodicea write: "The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Head of God's creation, says these things:
3:15 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot.
3:16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth.
3:17 Because you say, 'I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;' and don't know that you are the wretched one, miserable, poor, blind, and naked;
3:18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich; and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see.
3:19 As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent.
3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me.
3:21 He who overcomes, I will give to him to sit down with me on my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne.
3:22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies."
REVELATION CHAPTER 3:13-22.
All wounded prophets bound in witchcraft and other iniquity---prophecy profit and money to the wounded, but not Jesus and His deliverance and healing blood. These prophets only use the name of Jesus as a footnote in their message.
Exodus 20:7 (NIV)
"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name."
The iniquitous wounded pastor, pastor wife, false prophet, false apostle, false teacher, false, evangelist, primary concern is getting the money, having control, idolatry to a mammon church system, praises and commitment unto higher religious leadership as to the number of people in their congregation and money, gaining a popularity contest and making a name for themselves, to be idolized by naive sheep-guilable people. Looking good to mankind, training their members in church protocal, without any concern for inner santification nor true holiness. Their definition of holiness is for membership to obey them and make every church meeting and pay tithes. Making replicates of themselves instead of lives being transformed into the image of Jesus. The salvation of souls, evangelistic training & preaching of the cross & repentance no importance. These leaders are blind leaders.
Pastor wives who are secretly abused and deal with rage and anger and mistreated behind closed doors, too often love their positions more than Jesus and His command for holiness.
These truths are ugly, these are the days which we live: APOSTATE AND INQUITIOUS!
These wives hide their husband's iniquity, to keep a position of leadership in the church. Secret iniquities in the pulpit transfer to the sheep and defile, lead astray and destroy many. Saints of God must have a personal relationship with Father God through Christ Jesus and be very prayerful about whom you set under in church. All forms of domestic violence and whoredom must be purged in leadership and laypersons.
With all the warnings in Scriptures about witchcraft, Do our ideas come from Hollywood or Scripture?
Isaiah 1:2 (NIV) Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the Lord has spoken: "I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me."
Has Satan repackaged witchcraft to fit our modern Christian tastes?
Exodus 22:18 (KJV) "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live."
When Witchcraft, one form of iniquity is ruling in a person's soul instead of Jesus?
1 Samuel 15:23 (NAS) "For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and is as iniquity and idolatry..." Note: False prophets prophecy through a soul of divination, not Jesus.
Witchcraft is one major form of Iniquity: Wanting to be a spiritual "mover and shaker" without submitting to God. Witchcraft is rebellion coupled with a desire to "stay in the game", to be a spiritual player.
How Witchcraft Works
John 8:44-45 (NIV) "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire... When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!" Sorcery (drug abuse) is an example.
All supernatural power comes, ultimately, from God, He is ALL mighty. Satan has power too. God gives power to those who believe the truth. To approach God, truth is the cost of entry.
But it is the opposite with Satan, whose nature is deception. Satan gives power to those who believe a lie, which includes the iniquitous at heart. Believing the lie is the cost of entry to access Satan's power. Witchcraft bolsters up the lie with: mystery, pseudo-science, ancient knowledge, new knowledge, mammon seekers, the uncleaned, defiled, those living in secret sins as a lifestyle, abusers, the rageful--note: greater judgement shall come upon leadership.
If one mix certain ingredients in a drink... If one eats a special herb... If one arrange candles in a certain configuration... If one stares into a crystal ball... If one turns over Tarot cards... If one "reads" the stars... If one speaks a certain phrase, or mantra... If one has secret demon knowledge... If one draws certain symbols... then spiritual forces will come into play.
James 3:15 (NIV) Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. This is also true about domestic violence, incest and rageful hearts, where there is strife and division there is every evil work. These works are devilish too!
Witchcraft starts with a heart of rebellion & works by focusing on a distracter, a lie, which is the technique purported to release demonic power. Believing in lies, fornication, adultery, spirit of Jezebel & violence committed over & over again are "acceptable sacrifices" to Satan, the father of lies, who honors his children exercising these & other iniquities.
The irony is, that due to the inherent deceptive basis of witchcraft, the practitioners of it often think they are serving God, while accessing a power from below (earth)--not from above. This is the voice of iniquity speaking to the soul and spirit of the iniquitous professing believer. There are many voices in the water... Psalm 93
WARNING ABOUT WORKERS OF INIQUITY FROM JESUS:
Matthew 7:19-23 (King James Version)
19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.
DEPART MEANS TO BE CASTED INTO THE ETERNAL LAKE OF FIRE!
Witchcraft defined as rebellion (bondage), and having a desire to be a spiritual free agent without submission to God or regard for His word (another form of iniquity).
1 Samuel 15:23 (NIV) "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you..."
Psalms 107:11 (NIV) For they had rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High.
Nehemiah 9:26 (NIV) "But they were disobedient and rebelled against you; they put your law behind their backs. They killed your prophets, who had admonished them in order to turn them back to you; they committed awful blasphemies."
Does Witchcraft Work? Yes, It controls others & is embedded/rooted in rebellion & iniquity.
Satan may be the furthest thing from some minds, Yet he is the "father of lies" honors the self-delusion inherent in witchcraft by releasing power, even doing supernatural miracles for those who have rebelled against God and yet still want to be spiritually effective. (I.e.False Prophet)
By this means, even satanic power can be exerted to achieve health, beauty, enchantment, supernatural sensitivity, "insight" through drugs and experiences, oracles and visions, and the like. In this sense, witchcraft works.
Exodus 7:22 (NIV) But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh's heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said.
Exodus 8:7 (NIV) But the magicians [Jannes and Jambres] did the same things by their secret arts; they also made frogs come up on the land of Egypt.
Witchcraft is characterized by belief in "knowledge from below", and rejection of "knowledge from above". In it's more advanced and powerful stages, delusion and belief in what is clearly not of God is key. Satan's tactic "deal" is: if you sacrifice on his altar, he will give you power for what you want now. But lies are flimsy things to put your trust in...
Exodus 8:18 (NIV) But when the magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, they could not. And the gnats were on men and animals.
Isaiah 47:12 (NIV) "Keep on, then, with your magic spells (abuse & controlling others for example) & with your many sorceries (drugs for example), which you have labored at since childhood (iniquity planted early). Perhaps you will succeed, perhaps you will cause terror."
Witchcraft In The Church Continued:
Acts 8:9-11 (NIV)
Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, "This man is the divine power known as the Great Power." They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic.
Deuteronomy 18:14 (NAS)
"For those nations, which you will dispossess, listen to those who practice witchcraft and to diviners, but as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do so."
Jeremiah 5:23 (NIV)
But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts; they have turned aside and gone away.
Witches speak both blessings as well as curses, 'bind and loose', prophesy, pray, lay hands on, anoint with oil, etc. Professing Christians bound in the spirit of witchcraft often feel superior understanding & many worship Jesus (but not in truth)--along with a pantheon of other gods. These decieved carnal Christians are enemies of God. Note: Abuse & incest roots in witchcraft and iniquity. Pastors and leaders who do such are workers of iniquity.
This should not surprise us, it was the same in Jesus' day; nor should it poison our desire to practice real spiritual gifts. But given the similarity, how does one tell the difference? The spirit of jezebel (has no gender)--infitrating the end day church operates in witchcraft & iniquity. We must be able to detect truth. Only the pure in heart shall see God. Matt. 5:8.
Isaiah 30:9 (NIV)
These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the Lord's instruction.
2 Timothy 3:6-8 (RSV)
For among them are those who make their way into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and swayed by various impulses, who will listen to anybody and can never arrive at a knowledge of the truth. As Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of corrupt mind and counterfeit faith.
Deuteronomy 18:10-11 (NIV)
Let no one be found among you... who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or cast spells, or who is a medium or spiritist.
Jesus, Miracles, and Technique
In one situation, Jesus spits in the dirt and rubs it in someone's eye (John 9:6). In another, He touches the person (Luke 5:13), or from a distance speaks a condition of obedience (Luke 17:12-14). Sometimes He speaks calmly (John 4:50), sometimes He yells (John 11:43). Jesus was not relying on technique; He was relying on, and submissive to, His Father (John 8:28-29). The specifics of how the miracles were performed varied. It is almost as if God was trying to make the point: trust in Me, not the procedure.
Are we relying on God or technique? If God, then the technique may change. In one case the Spirit may lead us to help someone believe with some physical act, like anointing with oil. In another, the Spirit may lead us to do something which may make it harder to believe, like rubbing dirt in someone's eye. Clearly, the technique is not the important thing, it is more like a Spirit-inspired sermon that accompanies the miracle.
Jesus' miracles were done out of love in obedience to the Father. He did not do "miracles on demand" (see the temptation of Jesus in Mark 4:1-12. The temptation to "do a miracle" without God's leading is apparently for advanced, not carnal souls.) or boast of great power. He even told many He healed to "keep it secret" to thwart the adulterous spirit of fascination. But heal and deliver (cast out demons) He did, and told us to do likewise.
To be sure, some common techniques do emerge from Scripture: like the laying on of hands or anointing with oil. But these are meant to be symbolic of where the power really comes from, not to be believed in superstitiously as a power unto themselves. They are not needed for God to move, except as an act of obedience when the Spirit leads. For the Holy Spirit never leads us into superstition, indifference to God's will, or self-glory.
Isaiah 2:6 (NIV)
You have abandoned your people, the house of Jacob. They are full of superstitions from the East; they practice divination like the Philistines and clasp hands with pagans.
When we start relying on technique and not God, then we are flirting with witchcraft. Miracles may be done, supernatural power may come into play. But if the soul doing these works is not yielded to God's will, or iniquitious/bound in witchcraft, sexual sins, idolatry, etc. then it is an act of rebellion. The witch in any one wants God "on a leash". God must perform a trick for us when we jerk His chain. Like Satan, we twist Scripture: "But doesn't God say...?" (Matthew 4:5-6, Genesis 3:1)
The destiny of those who continue to practice witchcraft as "free agents" from God is certain, even if their miracles are "good works".
Matthew 7:22 (NEB) "Many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, cast out devils in your name, and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them to their face, 'I never knew you; out of my sight, you workers of iniquity (wicked ways)!'"
Revelation 22:15 (NIV) Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
Revelation 21:8 (NIV) But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.
Are We Getting Away With This?
Isaiah 57:1-5 (NIV) "The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.
But you--come here, you sons of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes! Whom are you mocking? At whom do you sneer and stick out your tongue? Are you not a brood of rebels, the offspring of liars? You burn with lust among the oaks and under every spreading tree..."
Isaiah 57:7-8 (NIV) "You have made your bed on a high and lofty hill; there you went up to offer your sacrifices. Behind your doors and your doorposts you have put your pagan symbols. Forsaking me, you uncovered your bed, you climbed into it and opened it wide; you made a pact with those whose beds you love, and you looked on their nakedness."
Isaiah 57:10-12 (NIV) "You were wearied by all your ways, but you would not say, 'It is hopeless.' You found renewal of your strength, and so you did not faint. Whom have you so dreaded and feared that you have been false to me, and have neither remembered me nor pondered this in your hearts? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear me? I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not benefit you."
Micah 5:12 (NIV) I will destroy your witchcraft, and you will no longer cast spells.
Malachi 2:
1And now, O ye priests (Christian husbands), this commandment is for you.
2If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.
3Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces. . .
4And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you...
5My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.
6The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity (i.e., spousal abuse).
7For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.
8But ye are departed (apostate) out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.
9Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.
10Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?
11Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god (this would in joining with the spirit of the whore thru pornography--which is to unite to baalim).
12The LORD will cut off the man that doeth this...
13And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.
14Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously (i.e., harsh treatment, cruelity, abuse of all forms): yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.
15And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed (i.e., children witnessing abuse is evil). Therefore take heed to your spirit (REPENT), and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
16For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth (DIVORCE & ABUSE which causes separation--the solution is the blood of Jesus--healing)putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment (violent spirit in husband), saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.
17Ye have wearied the LORD with your words (verbal, emotional & mental abuse). Yet ye say, Wherein (come out of denial) have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?
Worker of Iniquity = Balaam's Error
Balaam was a prophet for hire, a "prophet for profit". We would never do such a thing, at least not for so large a bribe. Instead, we sell out for much less: To look good, to come off as "really spiritual", to have people believe in us. But it is still the spirit of Balaam which sells out to gain, even if the wage we get for our rebellion is cheap and ephemeral.
2 Peter 2:15 (NIV) They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.
Jude 11 (NIV) Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam's error.
Jeremiah 14:14 (NIV) Then the Lord said to me, "The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds."
Deuteronomy 13:5 (NIV) That prophet or dreamer must be put to death, because he preached rebellion against the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery; he has tried to turn you from the way the Lord your God commanded you to follow. You must purge the evil from among you.
Joshua 13:22 (NIV) In addition to those slain in battle, the Israelites had put to the sword Balaam son of Beor, who practiced divination.
2 Chronicles 33:6 (NIV) He... practiced sorcery, divination and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, provoking him to anger.
Jeremiah 27:9-10 (NIV) "So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums or your sorcerers... Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have."
Isaiah 1:23 (NIV) Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow's case does not come before them.
Lying Divinations
Ezekiel 13:6 (NIV) Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. They say, "The Lord declares," when the Lord has not sent them; yet they expect their words to be fulfilled.
Ezekiel 13:7 (NIV) Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divinations when you say, "The Lord declares," though I have not spoken?
Ezekiel 13:9 (NIV) My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.
Isaiah 47:9 (NIV) Both of these will overtake you in a moment, on a single day: loss of children and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and all your potent spells.
Malachi 3:5 (NIV) "So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers..." says the Lord Almighty.
It Is The Witch In Us... That Must Die!
Job 24:13 (NIV) "There are those who rebel against the light, who do not know its ways or stay in its paths."
A.W. Tozer: "Christianity is so entangled with the world that millions never guess how radically they have missed the New Testament pattern. Compromise is everywhere. The world is whitewashed just enough to pass inspection by blind men posing as believers..."
Consider and discuss these provocative suggestions of how witchcraft may have been repackaged to appeal to the rebellious hearts of Christians:
Spells Eze 13:6, Lam 3:37
Readings False Prophecies Jer 23:25-38, Isa 28:7-22
Incantations, Mantras Repetitive Prayers Mat 6:7, Ecc 5:7
Potions Health Food? 1 Tim 4:1-5, Mat 15:8-17
Tarot Cards Scripture Flipping 2 Tim 2:15, Mic 3:6
Horoscopes Temperaments Jam 3:13-15, Isa 47:14-15
Oracles, Spirit Guides False Teachers 2 Tim 4:2-4, Acts 13:10-11
Do we trust in God, or in our favorite "distracter"? Will we follow Satan's seductive siren song to spiritual power and become His possession, or will we follow the Holy Spirit into truth?
Some simple questions to ask in discerning witchcraft: Is it based on the truth, or a distracter or outright lie? Is it "power of suggestion" or God's power? Are we blind not to see how similar it is to traditional witchcraft? Is it born out of waiting upon the Lord in faith, or out of impatience? Who is in control? Who gets the glory? In whom, or in what, are we trusting?
2 Kings 17:17 (NIV) ...They practiced divination and sorcery and sold themselves to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, provoking him to anger.
Repentance
Deuteronomy 18:14 (NIV) "The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the Lord your God has not permitted you to do so."
While some revel in witchcraft under a "Christian" banner, others see through this and are so disgusted that they are suspicious of real gifts of the Spirit. We need to be careful not to be spiritual prostitutes... or to become spiritually frigid.
Jeremiah 3:13 (NIV)
"Only acknowledge your guilt--you have rebelled against the Lord your God, you have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every spreading tree, and have not obeyed me," declares the Lord.
Acts 19:19 (Jer)
Hosea 14:9 (NIV) Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.
Leviticus 19:26 (NIV) ... "Do not practice divination or sorcery."
Tools to Identify and Defeat the Enemy of Witchcraft
Witchcraft is a subject that most people do not like to talk about. Just the thought of it conjures up visions of black magic, black pointed hats, and broomsticks. There are, of course, many forms of witchcraft. Practicing witches take every form from simple nature worship to casting spells and invoking demons. However, there is a very subtle form of witchcraft which often goes unrecognized even though it is just as evil and more dangerous as the stereotypical form. What we will address here is only one of the many types of witchcraft. The purpose of the below information is to give you the tools to identify and defeat this enemy.
The scripture says in 1 Samuel, "(15:22) And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams. (15:23) For REBELLION [is as] the sin of WITCHCRAFT, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king. (15:24) And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. (15:25) Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD. (15:26) And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel."
In this setting, we find that King Saul rebelled against the authority of God's command because he was intimidated by the people. The people also rebelled against the command of God when they intimidated Saul so that he would obey their will instead of God. In response to this rebellion, the scripture states that rebellion is "witchcraft."
(See the NOTES at the end of this article for more detail on "is" vs. "is as" in 1 Sam 15.)
WHEN A REBEL IS NOT A REBEL
It is important to understand that not everything we label as rebellion is actually rebellion. You may have heard someone say, "One man's rebel is another man's freedom fighter." In relation to 1 Sam 15, a rebel is a man who resists the authority of God or a man who resists the authority established by God. Someone who resists unjust or illegitimate authority would be more properly called a freedom fighter even though the dictionary definition of rebel fits him as well. But when someone resists the authority of God or the legitimate authority that God has established, he is rebelling.
When someone is resisting an authority like Hitler, they should not be labeled as a rebel. If a person in authority (i.e. Hitler) abuses their authority or has assumed the position of authority illegitimately, then the one who resists them is not rebelling. In this case, it is actually the person who is exercising the unjust or illegitimate authority that is rebelling.
REBELLION DEFINED
Rebellion occurs when someone rejects the authority of God or the legitimate authorities established by God. There are many different types (or levels) of legitimate authority. Some of these are: the authority of God Himself, the authority of His Word, the apostles and prophets, teachers, governments, parents, etc. All of these authorities are established by God and should be obeyed to the full extent that they are godly and legitimate.
In their proper context, these authorities benefit mankind. They provide us with guidance, understanding, order, and spiritual covering that can aid in keeping us safe from evils that would try to separate us from God. The benefits of legitimate authority make it clear why we should avoid rebelling against them and why we should avoid the use or influence of illegitimate authority.
FREE WILL
The legitimate authority that we will focus on here is the authority of "free will." God has given every man the freedom to make his own choices (whether right or wrong). When a person imposes their will on someone else in such a manner as to cause them to do something against their will, then that person has rebelled against the authority of "free will" that was established by God.
In 1 Sam 15, King Saul rebelled against the authority of God when he was intimidated by the people so that he followed their will instead of God's will. One should have little doubt that Saul would have obeyed the command of God if his will had not been intimidated by fear of the people. This rebellious disobedience is said to be witchcraft. I believe this rebellion of Saul stemmed from his sick soul, Saul was a tryant leader with anger/rage issues and was tormented by evil spirits. He had a mental sickness, undealt with.
This is also what happened in the church at Galatia when false teachers used deception to manipulate the Galatians into circumcising themselves in an attempt to complete their salvation in the flesh. Then Paul asked, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, ...?" The truth was that their salvation had been completed by grace through faith. They had no need to circumcise their flesh.
In the book of Galatians this group of false teachers rebelled against the authority of the Apostle Paul and the apostles in Jerusalem by manipulating the Galatians so that they followed an unauthorized doctrine. Paul said that these false teachers had bewitched the Galatians. (Galatians 3:1)
We can see from the examples in 1 Samuel and Galatians that the Scriptures define witchcraft as rebellion. The Bible also refers to divination, fortune telling, necromancy, etc. which are also considered witchcraft; but for the purpose of this segment, we will focus on the Biblical statement, "rebellion is witchcraft."
AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY GO HAND-IN-HAND
Rebellion is not limited to the common perception of the rebelliously defiant teenager or the dissident military faction. Rebellion occurs any time that there is an act which usurps or subverts the authority of God or the authority established by God. Sometimes rebellion is called illegitimate authority because it takes authority where it does not have authority.
To determine if you have authority in a particular area, ask yourself the simple question, "Do I have responsibility in that area?" Authority and responsibility go hand-in-hand. If you DO NOT have responsibility then you DO NOT have the authority. If you DO have responsibility then you DO have the authority. A person commits an act of rebellion whenever they try to take authority in an area where they do not have responsibility.
This is what King Saul did when he decided to spare certain animals in the battle in order to offer them as sacrifices. He had not been given responsibility to provide for a sacrifice and yet he authorized the sparing of these animals in direct opposition to what he had been told to do. King Saul took authority where he did not have responsibility thereby committing an act of rebellion which is witchcraft.
Perhaps an even better example of this is the one found in the book of Galatians. (Galatians 5:7-12) Some false teachers went into Galatia and began teaching a doctrine that had not been approved by the Apostle Paul or the apostles in Jerusalem.
(Gal 5:7) "You were running the race nobly! Who has interfered and caused you to swerve from the truth?"
The false teachers were not in a position of responsibility for the church at Galatia and therefore they were interfering with the legitimate authority. By illegitimately exercising influence over the Galatians, they engaged in rebellion and damaged the church there. Paul wrote to the Galatians and told them that when they became manipulated by the illegitimate authority of the false teachers, they had become bewitched. (Gal 3:1)
THE MECHANISM OF WITCHCRAFT
Let us look in detail at the mechanism which this type of witchcraft employs. There are primarily three things that indicate the practice of rebellion which is witchcraft. Those three things are MANIPULATION, INTIMIDATION, and DOMINATION. If you remember nothing else from this article, remember those three words. Whenever you see these things being utilized, an act of rebellion (which is witchcraft) is being committed. They cast a spell on you.
When we consider the stereotypical witch involved in the spell casting, we see that she/he uses potions (i.e. chemicals), incantations, evil spirits, etc., in order to force their will on another person. Whether it is a "love potion," "hex," or a "curse" they are trying to override someone else's will. Manipulation, intimidation, and domination act in a similar way to cast a spell on another person (root issues: bloodline iniquity as domestic violence/incest uncured is running rampant in and out side of the church). It is more subtle than the stereotype, but the results are the same. A person's free will has been violated.
MANIPULATION
Manipulation may be the most subtle of the three. This has become such a common practice that it has become socially acceptable, and most people do not even realize they are doing it. Manipulation differs from persuasion in that it tries to override a person’s decision. Persuasion will try to change a persons mind. Manipulation causes someone to do something that they would not do under normal circumstances.
People use guilt, fear, embarrassment, sympathy, etc. to get someone to do something that they would not otherwise do. You may have heard someone say, "They made me feel guilty so I..." did what the other person wanted.
People will also play on the sympathy of others in order to manipulate them. There are legitimate needs and sympathy has a proper place. But when someone deliberately uses another person’s compassionate heart as a means to manipulate them into complying with their will, it is witchcraft.
Even fear can be used to manipulate. This happens all too often in churches when ministers intentionally instill fear.
INTIMIDATION
Intimidation is another means of employing this subtle brand of witchcraft. Intimidation very often comes in the form of bullying or threats. Just because someone has the capacity to push someone else around whether physically, emotionally, financially, or otherwise does not mean that they have the authority to make that someone abide by their will.
Many people who possess strong and dominant personalities cross the line from a God-given ability to lead into an ungodly intimidation. These people often seem intimidating to others simply by virtue of their personality. But all too often these people abuse their gift and deliberately intimidate others into compliance with their wishes.
DOMINATION
Domination is the third and most obvious of the three. This occurs many times in criminal acts such as rape, murder, or kidnapping. Domination is, however, not limited to these examples. Other forms of domination would be spousal abuse, an employer wrongfully terminating an employee, the use of a "date rape" drug, or any abuse of authority that forces someone to comply with the abusers will. You will find that this type of witchcraft is manifested any time that someone forces their will on someone else leaving them absolutely no choice whatsoever, Domination in church leadership is to force members to obey the voice of the pastors, without being ablew.
LEGITIMATE OR ILLEGITIMATE
Let us be careful not to confuse legitimate authority with illegitimate authority. Consider the following when attempting to discern legitimate authority:
(1) Legitimate authority attempts to persuade through presentation of facts or good salesmanship. Illegitimate authority attempts to manipulate in order to get its own way and override someone else's choice.
(2) Legitimate authority is a strong influential leader. Illegitimate authority is a bully who intimidates in order to make someone do his bidding.
(3) Legitimate authority is a police officer who arrests and imprisons a criminal offender. Illegitimate authority is wrongfully and unduly forcing the abusers will on an innocent person. Illegitimate authority is rebellion and it is witchcraft.
One area where people cross the line into witchcraft is in their marriage. They get married with the idea that they can change their spouse. But only God can change people, and even He will not do it against their will. When entering marriage, people need to carefully consider their spouses ways. They will not change unless they want to.
EXAMINE YOURSELF
Witch hunts are unacceptable. Do not use the information in this article to seek out witches under every rock. Rather, look for the practice of witchcraft in your own life. Ask yourself if you are manipulating, intimidating, or dominating someone yourself. Or ask yourself if someone is trying to put you under their spell. These are the issues we should deal with. Leave the pagans to their own folly. Their real problem is not being washed in the Blood of Jesus.
You may correct a brother. If you know a fellow servant of the Almighty God who is involved in this type of witchcraft, you may gently correct them in love. But, as it is with any other ministry, correcting a brother must be done with the guidance and anointing of the Holy Spirit. If you try to correct someone acting solely with your own ability, you will probably do more harm than good. And remember, always "remove the beam from your own eye before you try to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye." (Matthew 7:3-5)
FREEDOM FROM WITCHCRAFT
Let us look now at the issue of becoming free from the practice of witchcraft. Like all other works of the flesh, (Galatians 5:19-21) witchcraft must be dealt with as the sin that it is.
STEP ONE
We begin with salvation by the grace of God through faith {grace demonstrated in the Blood of Jesus}. Without salvation, all other steps to ending witchcraft in your life are meaningless. If you have never been born again, then the experience of salvation is your first step to freedom. If you have been saved for a while, but are just now learning about this bondage of witchcraft, then you will be prepared to take further steps.
STEP TWO
One thing you must do is to determine in yourself by an act of your will that you will stop practicing witchcraft. This act of repentance is necessary to achieve freedom. (Luke 13:3)
STEP THREE
The Scripture says that as Christians we are named with the Name of Jesus and are given the right to use His Name. (Ephesians 3:15, Mark 16:17, 1 Corinthians 5:4) So then, stand in the Name of Jesus and your repentance will be strengthened. Begin to declare you are free from bondage of witchcraft & speak the promises of the Bible outloud & in your prayers..
STEP FOUR
Then immerse yourself in the Word of God. The Sword of the Spirit is a powerful weapon that will build your strength in overcoming witchcraft. (Ephesians 6:17) When you are immersed in the Word of God, your thought processes will begin to change. Your thoughts will become more like His thoughts and this will drive the practice of witchcraft far from your life.
STEP FIVE
The Scripture also says that the victorious ones overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. (Revelation 12:11) So remind yourself of the Blood of Jesus and what He has done for you. Whether you need deliverance from the spirit of witchcraft which I believe everyone operates in it to a degree, or whether you are a victim--the Blood of JESUS was paid for you. Deliverance and healing is for you. See resources on this site.
ARE YOU BEWITCHED, BY SOMEONE?
Not only does witchcraft need to be dealt with when you are practicing it yourself, but it must also be dealt with if someone else is trying to put you under their spell or satan's. You can resist this evil. (James 4:7). By worshipping the Lord, praying, caging the evil spirits, speaking the Word of God, i.e. reading out loud Psalm 91 & Psalm 71, 63, 23, etc, using annointing oil on yourself & in your surrounding, etc. If you are being abused and controlled in an abusive relationship, go to "Stop the Cycle" & "Warfare" tabs at the top of this page.
STEP ONE
The Scripture says to resist the devil and he will flee from you. Refuse to be manipulated. Refuse to be intimidated. Refuse to be dominated. In some cases just saying "No," is enough. But in many cases, if in a controlling/abusive marriage the battle is very intense.
STEP TWO
And always you can intercede, fast ans warfare for the offender praying that the Lord will draw them to Himself (Jeremiah 31:3, John 6:44) so that they may experience salvation and freedom from the bondage to witchcraft. Remember "the Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all might come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
STEP THREE
Sometimes, depending on the circumstances, you may have to separate yourself from the one attempting to bewitch you. When the offending person is a spouse or child, every effort should be made to preserve the relationship and defeat the witchcraft. Nevertheless, your safety & life is imperative. God releases the oppressed from the wicked, for life not death.
CONCLUSION
Rebellion is witchcraft. When someone rebels against the authority of "free will" moreover "God's Will" in order to override another person's choice/God's will, an act of rebellion (which is witchcraft) has occurred. This rebellion manifests itself in the form of manipulation, intimidation, or domination. But thank God for His mercy. He has provided a way of deliverance by the Blood of the precious Lamb.
