10 Ways to Read and Understand the Bible

Posted by Oct 13, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism, Word of Faith 2 Comments
10 Ways to Read and Understand the Bible

The Bible is undoubtedly a mysterious Book that unfolds the solutions to all problems and challenges. The understanding I got from the Bible shows that it is the only Book that consistently expresses the personality of God.

The Bible explains your purpose on earth and the right direction to live a successful life. It guides you on how to enjoy peaceful eternity.

But, it is unfortunate that Bible illiteracy is increasing every day in the church.

The Bible in America, a new report from American Bible Society and Barma group, revealed that: In 2016, 71 percent of practicing Catholics and 84 percent of practicing Protestant expressed the desire to read the Bible more.

In spite of this positive perception of the Bible, the percentage of Americans who viewed the Bible as a book of teachings written by men had risen from 10 percent to 22 percent of the past six years.

In this same period, the percentage of Americans who viewed the Bible as a sacred had dropped from 86 to 80 percent. So, the majority of Americans hold the Bible in high regard, but Bible skeptics are on the rise. This must stop!

I will explain the best ways to find the Bible as an interesting book to read and understand.

What is the Bible?

God designed the scriptures to act like a reminder application to us. The Bible composed of 66 books written by 40 authors. And the Lord appointed all the authors for the purpose of divine documentation.

The Lord wrote the first Bible with His Hand. The Lord’s motive was to make sure that His children live according to His instructions. Exodus chapter 32 verse 15 and 16 say: “And Moses turned, and went down from the mountain, and the two tablets of the Testimony were in his hand. The tablets were written on both sides; on the one side and on the other they were written. Now the tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God engraved on the tablets.”

The Old Testament and New Testament were not collated for fun or literature review, but for guidance on how to live right with the Lord. Second Timothy chapter 3 verse 16 and 17 say: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

The Bible is an extraordinary Book and it is also the genuine map for the journey of life.

How to Deal with the Bible

1. Acknowledge the Bible

Respect the Origin of the Bible and believe the motive for the existence of the Holy Book.

2. Choose a distraction-free area

A silent place is very essential for Bible study. You cannot understand the scriptures in an atmosphere filled with the noise of your electronic gadgets. Shut down your internet connection if you are reading through your electronic devices. The pop-up messages from your social media platform are strong distractions.

3. Pray before reading

To read and understand the scriptures requires the presence of the Lord. So, your prayers to the Lord before reading the scriptures are highly essential. Invite the Holy Spirit to your premises as your co-reader and you will enjoy the company.

4. Consistent reading

You cannot understand the Bible if you read it once in a week. My experience with the Word of God shows that; a day’s failure to read the scriptures is equal to a month’s loss of divine understanding.

A vital step to take for the proper understanding of the word of God is to allot some minutes of Bible study every day.

5. Start small

Some people thought reading ten chapters or the whole book at a time is the best way of understanding the scriptures. That is not always true! God does not give everyone an equal level of intelligence (either physical or spiritual gift).

So, if a passage is the length you can read to avoid ‘overcharging’ of your brain, then stop your bible study at that point. I recommend you begin Bible study from the New Testament, and go ahead to the Old Testament. The New Testament has a simpler picture of Christ’s salvation. Don’t bind yourself to the number of verses or chapters you read, because they were introduced many years after the scriptures were written. Chapters were introduced to the Bible in the 1200s, while Verses were inserted around 1550.

The number of complete stories, instructions, poems, visions or parables you read from the Bible determines your level of understanding.

6. Don’t pick the Bible with a pre-set argument

Many people find it difficult to understand the Bible, because they search for verses that will support their carnal decisions. Thus, their ears will be deaf and their eyes will be blind to the true meaning of the scriptures.

This habit led to misconception, which is a great scandal in the Christendom today.

Read the Bible with an open mind teachable by the Holy Spirit. No one can understand the mind of God in every scripture through a carnal or theological concept.

I ran into trouble when I interpreted the scriptures in my own ways. It exposed me to contradictions and terrible confusion. But, I never had problem anymore, since the day I accepted the Holy Spirit as the only Interpreter.

7. Choose the right Bible Translation

A lot of fake Bibles are available, and such translations can hinder your understanding. For instance, the new NIV translation version, Jehovah witness bible etc. are dangerous books to read.

I recommend New King James Version. Its translation comes from the original languages of the ancient scripts (Hebrew and Aramaic).

8. Pen and Jotter

You will have the full understanding of the scriptures if you jot the explanation of the Holy Spirit.

9. Identify the Context and Content

You will understand the passage in the Bible, if you are able to identify the perspective of the author. When reading the bible, always analyze the content and context of the passage. Such analysis in the presence of the Holy Spirit broadens the scope of understanding the subject. For instance, when Paul says: “we are no more under the law”… He did not imply that Christians can live a lawless life. He meant that we are no more under the Jewish law of sacrifice, because Jesus Christ had sacrificed Himself on the cross for us.

10. Meditate and Pray

Before closing your Bible, always read the points you jotted. And put the jottings into practical application. Meditate on the word of God, and pray to the Lord.

James chapter 1 verse 22 to 25 say: “But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

 

The process of understanding the Bible does not end on your reading table. You will have a full understanding when you practice the lessons you read in the scriptures daily.

Beautiful Heaven: Shocking Description of God’s Kingdom!

Posted by Oct 2, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism 8 Comments
Beautiful Heaven: Shocking Description of God’s Kingdom!

The Lord promised to give every obedient Christian an eternity in His beautiful Heaven. The following questions might be bothering your heart; how does Heaven look like…? Who can describe the kingdom of God…?

This article unveiled the answers to these questions, and you will enjoy more scriptural description of the beautiful Heaven.

I ‘stand on the Rock’ to be a living witness of the genuineness of Heaven. I am privileged to see a glimpse of the kingdom of God some years ago. The breath in God’s beautiful Heaven is peace. Comparatively, the oxygen we breathe on earth is like pumping heavy stones through our nostrils.

All the roads to the mansions I saw were purely gold. There are no words to describe the beauty of heaven. I saw various species of beautiful flowers planted around the golden mansions.

There is no noise pollution in Heaven. Rather, sonorous music that is more classical and melodious than what any musician on earth can perform filled the peaceful atmosphere.

My friend, every trial, suffering or persecution you are going through for the sake of gaining Heaven is worthwhile.

Description of the Beautiful Heaven

1. There are beautiful mansions in Heaven.

Jesus says: “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you”. (John 14:2)

2. God is the One and only King in Heaven.

Revelation chapter 4 verses 2 and 3 say: “Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a Sardinia stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.”

3. Constant worship of God takes place.

Revelation chapter 4 verse 8 to 10 say: “And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”… The twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever.”

4. The beautiful heaven lacks sorrow and death.

Revelation chapter 21 verse 4 says: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

5. Unlike hell, there is nothing like hunger or thirst in heaven.

Revelation chapter 21 verses 6 say: “…I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. Revelation chapter 22 verses 1 say: “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

6. The structures of the new heavens are carefully designed.

Revelation chapter 21 verse 18 to 21: “The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones:

the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.

7. I’m sorry; the church you attend cannot be found in heaven. But, the presence of the Lord will be your worship center in heaven.

Revelation chapter 21 verses 22 say: “But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.”

8. No power failure and no climatic predicament.

Revelation chapter 22 verse 5 say: “There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.”

9. The beautiful heaven has the best security measures.

Revelation chapter 21 verses 27 say: “But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.”

10. The awesome tree of life is available for you in the beautiful kingdom of God.

Revelation chapter 22 verses 2 say: “In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”

11. Christians who inherit the beautiful Heaven will see His face.

Revelation chapter 22 verses 4 say: “They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.”

12. Your beautiful robe in heaven would be white and not black!

Revelation chapter 7 verse 13 and 14 say: “Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” And I said to him, “Sir, you know.”

So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

13. Everyone that enters the beautiful heaven shall go through a transformation and naming ceremony.

Revelation chapter 3 verses 12 say: “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.”

 

The beautiful Heaven is real. It is a wonderful place to spend your eternity. Heaven is meant for the righteous. For instance, Enoch walked with God, and he went up to heaven (Hebrew 11:5). Elijah served the Lord, and he swung up to heaven (2 King 2:11). Jesus rose from the death, and He rose up to heaven (Mark 16:19). So, heaven is real.

Live a righteous life in Jesus Christ and you won’t miss the beautiful heaven.

Test from God: What is the Significance of Spiritual Trial?

Posted by Sep 22, 2016 Holy Word, Gospel Evangelism 1 Comment
Test from God: What is the Significance of Spiritual Trial?

It is inevitable that every Christian must go through the test from the Lord. Our God is merciful and He loves us. Every test from the Lord is for us to know the status of our strength in Him. Test is a reflecting mirror which shows your true stand in God.

I remembered the story of Lisa Ross. In a matter of days her comfortable world was shaken and she referred to the situation as a faith test; Her husband had a car accident; she was diagnosed with a terrible disease after spending more than six hours in the emergency room; a water pipe under their drive way burst to the tune of thousands of dollars and her future daughter-in-law miscarried a baby she desperately wanted.

Lisa went through hard times, but she did not forsake God. She considered the unwanted circumstances as a test of her faith.

I’ll take you through the scriptures for a full understanding of this topic, and I am sure you won’t be scared of God’s test at the end of the day.

Is the Test from God the same as Temptation?

There are differences between test and temptation. Test reveals how faithful you are to the Lord, while the motive of temptation is to knock you away from God’s salvation. God does not tempt His people, but the devil is the author of temptation.

James chapter 1 verse 13 says: “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.” This passage warned us not to mingle trial and temptation.

For instance, Clement was tempted to gamble, and he was ambitious to get quick riches. He fell into the trap and he lost all his money. At that point of his life, it is wrong for him to say: “God tested me”. His overzealous ambition to become rich put him into poverty.

The test approved by God keeps you strong in Jesus Christ. This is similar to the test your teachers conducted for you in school. The test is not meant to expel you from school, but to help you know how much of the teachers’ impartation you received.

Holy Spirit is your Great Teacher. So, He allows some good or difficult situations to happen to you as a form of test. The result of such test will let you know how much of the spiritual impartation you received from the Holy Spirit. If your test score is low, then you have the second chance to upgrade yourself in His grace and power.

But, temptation from the devil does not have the facilities for a second chance. The devil tempts us with the motive to steal our joy of salvation, and to oppress our faith in Jesus Christ. John chapter 10 verses 10 say: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

You have a reward for every test you pass, while temptation has destruction for his victims.

Right Perception of Spiritual Test

Many people thought that the spiritual test refers to the hard times and terrible circumstances of life only. That is not true!

  • Your good condition in life can also be a test for you.

For instance, the man with one talent in the parable of Jesus was richer than people who had nothing. But, he failed the spiritual test, because he refused to invest the wealth. (Matthew 25:24-28)

The Israelite were also tested in their abundance (Deuteronomy chapter 8).

For instance, the United States was a God-fearing country when the civilization, modernization and economy were not as developed as today. Presently, the rebellious lifestyle and the sodomy in the land are terrible. U.S is going through a trying period…

  • Another form of test from God is non-interference to the environmental factors.

Such as; famine, poor economic policy of the government, demoralized society and so on.

God chose not to interfere in all these situations to show you how strong or weak you influenced your life and the society with the word of God. For example; Isaac passed the test from the Lord and his obedience made him and his country rich in the midst of famine. (Genesis 26: 1-12)

  • God does not bring evil on innocent people, but He may allow temporal hardship for assessment.

The Lord will restore you after every test you go through. A practical example is the case of Job. Job chapter 42 verses 10 to 16 say: “And the LORD restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before…”

Seven Advantages of Christian Test

1. It helps you to measure your level of faith.

2. Spiritual test strengthens your ability of perseverance.

3. Your spiritual growth increases.

4. It draws you closer to the Lord.

5. Trials strengthen your relationship with the Lord.

6. Test discloses your true identity (either as; church goer, lukewarm Christian, or genuine Christian).

7. Spiritual test reveals your level of obedience to the teachings of the Lord.

 

5 Rewards for Passing the Christian Test

1. You will receive the crown of glory. (James 1:12)

2. The Lord will honor you; Abraham passed his test and he received a big award. (Hebrew 11:17)

3. The Lord will make you exceptional – David enrolled for God’s test and he passed, the Lord declared him as someone after His heart. (Psalm 26:2)

Jesus passed the test at the mount Olive and the Lord declared His Name as the Savior (Philippians 2:8-11)

4. Restoration (Job 42:10-16)

5. You’ll Gain Heaven – You will become an heir in God’s kingdom when you pass the test from God. Revelation chapter 3 verse 5 says: “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.”

 

Whatever condition of life you are going through now, either hard times or comfort zone, live your life according to the standard of the Lord. The Spirit of the Lord is your Teacher, and He will test you when the need arises. And you will pass the test if your lifestyle sticks to the obedience of the Lord’s instructions in the Bible. Stay fit in Christ!

Crown: The Golden Reward for Christians

Posted by Sep 10, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Gospel Evangelism 2 Comments
Crown: The Golden Reward for Christians

Crown is an object of honor and authority. The faithful children of God who did not misuse the grace of God would receive eternal crowns in Heaven. The golden crowns are designed for Christians who obey the rules of God.

Golden crowns await the genuine Christians in heaven. Thus, all your commitment to godliness is not a waste of time and effort.

I am confident to share this message with you, because I enjoyed the privilege to see the beauty of heaven.

Is Crown available in Heaven?

Don’t doubt this wonderful gift in Heaven. God is not a man that He should lie… The Lord revealed various visions to John as regard this topic. Revelation chapter 4 verse 4 says: “Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.”

I am also a living witness by the grace of God to tell the world about the availability of crowns in Heaven. The Lord revealed a vision to me thirteen years ago. I saw a golden crown descended on the shoulder of the Great Judge, and He declared Jesus and His followers victorious while the devil and his followers were condemned to lake of fire.

I did not see a golden crown on devil and his followers; rather I saw a golden handcuff on them, which signifies a ‘pure’ judgment.

Golden Crown as Christian Inheritance

Golden crown is your reserved inheritance in heaven as explained in the book of First Peter chapter 1 verse 3 to 5: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Did your faithfulness to God results to a crown of tears today? I have good news for you. You will wear the crown of Joy when you get to heaven. Revelation chapter 21 verse 4 says: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Crowns of this world include; fame, awards, wealth, big cars and houses, luxury and so on. All these earthly honors and authorities are temporal and will fade away soon.

But, the crowns in heaven have features such as; holiness, love, righteousness and obedience. The crowns in heaven are not comparable to the crowns on earth, because heavenly crowns are eternal. First Peter chapter 5 verse 4 says: “…and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”

It is wise to spend all your energy on the things that yield beautiful reward in Heaven. Jesus says: “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with your entire mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment.”

The crowns in heaven are part of the treasures awaiting Christians in heaven. So, Jesus Christ advised us to focus on how to secure the crowns in heaven. And He discouraged His followers from spending their strength on worldly gains.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for your treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew chapter 6 verse 19 to 21)

5 Things to Do Before Receiving the Crown

  1. Run the Race of Faith

It is impossible for unbelievers to get the crown in heaven, except they give their lives to Jesus Christ. Don’t fold your arms when you stand in Christ. The rewards in heaven is not automatic, you must play your role of obedience to the instruction of Jesus Christ.

Fill your spirit with the word of God always, so that you can stay strong in the race to heaven. You must rebuke spiritual laziness, because no one (not even your pastor) can earn the golden crown on your behalf.

Paul advised a smart race in first Corinthians chapter 9 verse 24: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.”

  1. Fight a Good Fight

Am not talking about boxing tournament, neither do I refer to the act of terrorism. The Christian fight refers to your act of patriotism in Jesus Christ. It reveals your status of godliness in every position you find yourself. So, don’t entertain unrighteousness. Jesus says: “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” (Matthew 11:12)

Ephesians chapter 6 verses 11 to 13 say: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

The golden crown is for everyone that fights and wins the battle through the use of Power and the Grace of God. The Christian fight implies rejection of any enticing temptation from the devil. Always use the word of God to tackle any spiritual warfare from your enemies. Paul said: “Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air…” (1Corinthians 9:26b)

  1. Discipline your Body

Don’t satisfy all the cravings of your body without screening them with the word of God. Paul said: “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.’’ (1 Corinthian 9:27).

For instance, when your mouth feels like eating the whole food varieties in an eatery, stop the cravings of gluttony and remind your sense of taste the warning in Proverbs chapter 23 verse 21: “For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.”

When your eyes are interested in watching the half nakedness of the women on the street, turn your eyes away and remind your eyes the warning of Jesus in Matthew chapter 18 verses 9: “And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.”

  1. Endurance

Listen! If you are going through hard times, because you are faithful to God in all your dealings at home, office, market, church or in the society. I have good news for you; Jesus is watching you and He will reward you accordingly!!

Jesus knew you would suffer persecution, but He promised to give you a crown of Life.

Revelation chapter 2 verse 10 says: “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Don’t get discouraged from doing things in a godly way, because the suffering on earth and the Crown of Glory in heaven is incomparable. James chapter 1 verse 12 says: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

  1. Consistent Obedience

Let the truth abides in you always, and live a righteous life. You can’t break the rules and expect God to give you the crown of Eternal life. The grace and salvation of Jesus Christ do not give you the access to take His rules for granted.

First John chapter 2 verse 24 to 26 says: “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us–eternal life. These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you.”

The proclamation of Christianity is not an automatic ticket to receive the golden crown. So, consistent obedience to the word of God is a key factor to the reward of the golden crown. Hebrew chapter 12 verse 14 says: “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord…”

 

The spirit of Understanding made it clear to me that the golden crown is set aside for you as soon as you start a lifestyle controlled by the fear of God. So, intensify the practice of holiness according to the grace of God; love God with all your heart; and give to the poor.

When you hold fast to these practices, then the devil cannot snatch your glorious crown from you. The LORD says: “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” (Revelation 3:10-11)

Witchcraft in the Church: 5 Ways to Defeat Rebellious Spirit

Posted by Aug 30, 2016 Holy Word, Church, Family, Youths 3 Comments
Witchcraft in the Church: 5 Ways to Defeat Rebellious Spirit

Witchcraft is a spiritual practice that makes the practitioner to receive power from the spirit realm for ‘good’ and evil purposes. God is the source of power, and He gives all His creatures a form of power to survive the existence of life.

Lucifer received a remarkable power in heaven, but he rebelled against God with the attempt to over-throw the Mighty Throne. Other powerful angels fought against Lucifer and he was chased from heaven to the earth. And his name changed from Lucifer to Satan, the evil one.

Prophet Isaiah revealed devil’s intention: “…How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God…” (Isaiah chapter 14)

Revelation chapter 12 verse 7 to 9 say: “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”

Witchcraft seems to be appealing or helpful, but its source is from the devil.

The official statistics of witchcraft across the world are uncertain due to the historical public condemnation of the witches. Though, the modern practices of witchcraft are increasing day by day, and it had crept into the Christendom in a harmless form.

The American Religious Identification Survey revealed that Wicca (a modern pagan witchcraft religion) is doubling every 3 years. Wicca had an average annual growth of 143% between 1990 and 2001. Wicca is one form of paganism and it is the fastest growing spiritual identification in America.

The statesman Anne Elizabeth Wynn said that there are more than 200,000 registered witches and about 8 million unregistered practitioners of Wicca in the U.S.

If the United States could have these figures more than a decade ago, then I can’t imagine the present figures across the world. This is a serious issue I want to open up for you in this article as the Spirit of the Lord takes the lead.

The Principles of Witchcraft/Sorcery

It is impossible to have the complete list of how witchcraft is done in this article due to the spiritual background attached to this practice. The basic principles include:

  1. Control of the Mind

The Sorcerers get their request from the devil when they give their state of mind to the demons to control. Your mind is the strong threshold that determines the success of witchcraft.

  1. Incantation/Spells

Repetition of a name, word, or phrase in a specific number of times is one of the ways to conjure demonic spirits for magic.

  1. Materialism

The practice of sorcery is not complete without the use of living or non-living materials. Example of a living material is human or animal blood/flesh. Examples of non-living materials are not limited to black, white, or red clothe, plants, drugs, candles and occult books.

What is God’s View to Witchcraft?  

God hates the practice of witchcraft, because it is the devil’s magical powers, which distract people from the Sovereign Lord. Sorcery is rebellion against the Spiritual Power of the Almighty God. So, God did not support witchcraft, either for good or bad purposes.

The book of Deuteronomy chapter 18 verse 9 to 12 say: “When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations.

There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.

For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you.”

How Witchcraft Strikes!

1. It takes control of the victims’ passive mind to deceive (just like the case of Eve in the Garden of Eden) or to create various forms of fearful imaginations.

2. The demonic voice speaks evil suggestions, discouraging words, or harmful instructions to the heart of the sufferers.

For example; witchcraft makes the sufferer feel sickness, and if the victim admits to such thought, then it leads to affliction of unexplainable or incurable sickness.

Note: Not all sickness is witchcraft.

3. Unholy Anger – the evil power of witchcraft creeps into the heart of some people and makes them feel unworthy. This leads to sad feelings and the sufferers loses their sense of dignity. The evil caused by witches/wizards contributes to the high cases of suicide in our society.

4. Deception – Devil reassure those who practice witchcraft a lot of goodies such as; healing, wealth, power, long life etc. Hmm! whatever devil gives to you is always counterfeit, and it is temporal. He gives one to collect one thousand!!

 

Questionable Practices in the Church

It is no more news that some Pastors visit the witches/wizard for ‘white witchcraft’. These shameful Pastors were not patient with the Lord. So, they went to the attractive servants of the devil for the magical power of miracles, wealth, healing and so on.

They claimed that such power is for the growth of the church. It’s a pity that the Lord will reject such ministers on the judgment day.

Matthew chapter 7 verses 21 to 23 say: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’

And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

Witchcraft is an act of lawlessness!

If the church you attend is involved in one of the practices discussed below, then please go on your knee and ask God to open your eyes:

1. Abusive prayers

This include: Spells of death sentence to someone whom you claimed as your enemy; repetitive prayers; repeating a word or phrase for a specific number of times.

For instance, a Pastor told his congregation that they would enjoy spiritual protection if they read Psalm 23 repeatedly for seven times before leaving the house in the morning. This is a churchy witchcraft method of incantation. False Prophets invented Bible incantation into the church. Jesus did not support this witchcraft practice.

Jesus says in the book of Matthew chapter 6 verses 7 and 8: “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them…”

2. Praying to God through Angels or Mary

It is a witchcraft practice to call the names of angels or saints during prayers. And it is not right to pray to God through ‘holy Michael’ or ‘holy Mary’. The name of Jesus is the only authentic Name to mention in your prayers.

Philippians chapter 2 verse 9 to 11 says: “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

3. The Use of Materials as a Medium for Prayers

When a pastor asks you to come into the presence of the Lord with materials such as; water, soap, handkerchief, oil, candle, rosary etc., then, he is controlling your mind to believe in Jesus and materials (modern idols).

Invariably, your faith is attached to the materials, and that is an act of witchcraft. I saw some Christians tying handkerchief and wooden cross to their vehicle; because their pastor said that it will protect them from an auto crash…

There is no verse in the Bible that instructs Christians to gather any form of material for prayers.

False Prophets and Pastors presented this idolatrous practice as a form of prophetic innovations in many churches. God says: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them…” (Exodus 20:3-5)

4. Abuse of Speaking in Tongues

Demons have their own languages. Whenever you are lured or forced to speak in tongue, your mind will be controlled by the power of witchcraft. The demons in-charge of such disorganized church service will speak his language through your tongue. Demonic languages are filled with false confession and curses. And we don’t know all these, because there is no one interpreting the strange speaking in tongues to us.

I am sharing a true life experience with you. Please, do not speak in tongues when you are not led by the Holy Spirit.

Watch out for pastors that practice witchcraft; when they speak in tongues, there is always a consistent word or sentence in the one thousand and one tongues they speak. That specific expression is an incantation – top secret!

5. Liberal Acceptance of Worldly Practices

Many churches embraced idolatry holidays such as; Halloween, Christmas, Easter and so on. But, Jesus Christ did not instruct the church to celebrate such holidays. If you find out the origin of these holidays, then you will agree with me that it is purely witchcraft practices in the church.

The early church leaders who endorsed the celebration did so with the intention to attract idol worshipers into the church. Unfortunately, the liberal acceptance did not convert the idolaters to Christ, rather it made them to become ‘white witches/wizards’ in the church.

The act of celebrating a dead person by organizing party is a witchcraft practice. I am sure that many Pastors and Reverend who make a lot of money through burial ceremonies will hate me for exposing this truth. But, I won’t stop telling you the truth.

Satan used Entertainment and fashion as strong weapons of witchcraft to attack the church. Rock and rap music, movies and games were embraced by many Christians. This is one of the reasons for the increase in immoralities, divorce, suicide and indiscipline in the Christendom today.

Unscriptural fashion in the church increased the power of seduction, and this act results to the enthronement of the spirit of Jezebel. For instance, I heard of a pastor falling into the arms of a charming woman (she had heavy cosmetics on her face) to commit sexual immorality…

6. Smart Fundraisers

Beware of a church where your mind is controlled by the soul power and pressure of the Pastor during the contribution of funds. Example of such witchcraft practices are:

a. Forceful donation: A pastor insisting on a particular amount of money to be contributed before anyone could leave the church service.

b. Reference donation.

c.  Creation of millionaire’s club in the church etc.

How to defeat Witchcraft

1. Let your faith be in the Lord Jesus Christ alone and disregard materialism.

2. Keep your heart hot all the time: The powers of witchcraft find it easy to attack a passive heart. So, always keep your heart active with the word of God and good inspirational gospel music.

Colossians chapter 3 verses 16 says: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

3. Always read the Bible every day and practice the instruction of the Lord written in the Bible. Demons find it difficult to attack the obedient Christians. But, rebellious ‘Christians’ are cheap goats for the witches to prey on.

4. Don’t take part in worldly practices that are generally accepted by the society. Please, focus your lifestyle on the spiritual activities that are clearly stated in the Bible.

Jesus says in John chapter 15 verses 18 and 19: “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”

5. Discipline yourself: The secret of my victory over witchcraft today is linked to the ceaseless prayers through the name of Jesus Christ.

It is not easy for your carnal nature to easily obey the word of God. So, discipline yourself by staying away from spiritual laziness and sins and the grace of the Lord will sustain you.

 

Witchcraft is a practice that distracts the mind and faith of the practitioner from the Almighty Power of the Lord. And the use of witchcraft to help the church is ungodly and cannot stand the test of fire.

So, you will defeat any form of witchcraft if your heart is always active in the presence of the Lord.

I previously experienced witchcraft oppression, but I give God all the Glory for saving my life. My points in this article might sound unbelievable to you, but I have spoken the truth. I recommend you to do a deep research on this topic, and don’t hesitate to write your comments.

God with you.