The Lure Of The Occult

Written by Tim Burt   

There is an onslaught of the occult trying to make its way into every part of our lifestyle as "normal and innocent." Not only do we need to be aware of it, but also we need to resist it. If we don't it could be used to attack our homes in ways you would not think of.

Let me explain.

A Growing Concern
First of all, it's one thing to discuss how Disney movies, cartoons, and things which deal with magic touching our lives and our children. I'm not suggesting that the magic in those movies will leave an impacting or negative influence on our children (only the Lord knows that.) My children grew up watching these.

But it is another thing to discuss the levels of witchcraft now appearing in television and in movies that are upon us at unprecedented levels.

In addition to that, we have psychic channels and other shows (such as "Crossing Over") hosted by psychics and mind-readers.

And then there is the Harry Potter onslaught out there.

These things are different than the classic Disney themes. They pique people's interest into the possibilities of their existence, and they lead others to the belief of witchcraft, fortune telling, horoscopes, potions, and black magic.

Don't be deceived. Not only is this a billion dollar industry, it subtlety opens people up to demonic activity in their lives.

Do you have any idea of what likely happened to the people who experimented with Oujii Boards when they were young? People used these boards and then began to wonder if there was anything "real" to them. Even if they entertained only the slightest imagination that all of it was real, it is possible these people actually began to belief in the power of Oujii Boards.

This belief would then translate into faith - faith that Oujii Boards are real. That belief opened the door to demonic activity - even possibly demonic possession.

Satan's kingdom is a power - a demonic power - but a very real power nevertheless. When someone believes a lie, it changes the course of his or her life, whether they realize it at first or not.

Power To Deceive
Imagine if someone came up to you today and lied and said they knew your spouse was having an affair. Even if was an absolute lie, your emotions and thoughts would begin to rage. You would become upset because you wouldn't have known it was a lie.

Satan's power lies in his ability to deceive - that's how he works. The power of deception activates demonic activity - just by the belief that it is true. It is the opposite force of faith in God.

The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken….
(Deut. 18:15)

This verse is a word of instruction from God through Moses to His people. Moses had lead them out of Egypt through God's miraculous signs and wonders. God was now beginning the task of revealing Himself to these people and giving them instructions for living.

He was also continuously reminding them that He was a God of blessing and promise. He promised them that if they would trust Him and follow Him, He would lead them into their land of promise - into the Promised Land.

He wanted them to know that as they began to move into this land, they would bump up against many pagan and false gods. They would also bump up against those who communicated with "spirits."

The people that communicated with spirits were detestable to God. They proclaimed to have messages and direction for life and living from other gods or spirits.

They put their "faith" in these spirits and because they did, it empowered these spirits to deceive them further and begin to bring false signs and wonders as well as deceptive foretelling of future events.

Steer Clear Of Such People
God wanted His people to have nothing to do with anyone like this or anyone who worshipped false gods.

In this verse in Deuteronomy, God said that He would raise up a Prophet in their midst to speak God's ways and voice to them. At that particular time, it was Moses. Later it was other Prophets God raised up others such as Samuel and Isaiah. Then later in the early church it was the Apostles.

Then Ephesians chapter four reveals that Jesus left us with Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers as those who His church should listen to. He said that these offices of ministry were "gifts" to the Church (the Body of Christ) to help mature His people and prepare each and every believer to know, love, and serve God in some way in this earth.

He wanted His people to always be aware of any other kinds of voices and know that they were demonically inspired. So now let's read the verses that proceeded Deuteronomy 18:15 so you can see this for yourself.

In Deuteronomy 18:10-14 we read:

Let no one be found among you…who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritualist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD…You must be blameless before the LORD your God. The nations you will dispossess (take control of) listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do so.

Many people watch psychic channels. Psychics tell them to marry this person or take this job and so on. These people aren't led by God. They are led by the delusion of their own minds. But innocent and ignorant people buy into it and then fall under the power of it. Then their life becomes steered by the deception of this psychic.

There are thousands of witches in this country. Some kids experiment with black magic. They then formulate a belief in this stuff and become a witch themselves. You will find over 3,000 Wicca sites on the Internet.

You might not be able to step-by-step explain how drugs overtakes a person and turns them into an addict. Likewise we aren't able to see what happens spiritually as demonic activity works in the life of someone deceived by it. But, you don't want yourself or your children to be the victim of it.

So, what is the bottom line? Run from this kind of thing. Steer those you love away from it. And most of all keep your children far from it.

We are blessed to be able to a part of the Body of Christ and to have those, "the Lord will raise up, those that are inspired by Him…" to speak to us and to teach His truths and ways through the Bible. Then we can trust the voices we hear.