Know the One who can set you free!

References to Victory

. . . by David Benoit

"Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:34-36)

Should we be afraid of the devil? "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).
Why should I fight this battle? "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses " (1 Tim. 6:12).
Are demons active today? "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Eph. 6:12).
Does a Christian fight the battle by himself? "Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said. The Lord rebuke thee " (Jude 8-9).

THE FLESH

Can a carnal-minded Christian be at peace? "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" (Rom. 8:6-7).
Can we trust our heart? "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies" (Matt. 15:19).
"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man" (Mark 7:21-23).
Where did sin come from? "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Rom. 5:12).
How can a person be free from sin's hold? "For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5:17).
Should we give place to the devil? "Neither give place to the devil" (Eph. 4:27).
What are the works of the flesh? "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and suchlike: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Gal. 5:19-21).
What are the fruits of the Spirit? "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law" (Gal. 5:22-23).
What should we as Christians do to the flesh? "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Gal. 5:24-25).
Should a Christian debate with endless questions? "But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes" (2 Tim. 2:23).
Does the devil have a trap set for you? "And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will" (2 Tim. 2:26).
Can Satan hinder you? "Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? " (Gal. 5:7).
Is there a war between the flesh and the spirit? "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the
flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would"
(Gal. 5:17).
How can one overcome the lust of the flesh? "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" (Gal. 5:16).
Are Christians dead to sin? "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:11).
What are the benefits of being crucified with Christ? "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me " (Gal. 2:20).
Can a man be free of sin? "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin" (Rom. 6:6-7).
What will the love of this world do to our love for God? "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world" (1 John 2:15-16).
Will the world love you? "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you" (John 15:19).
How do Christians avoid the darkness of this world? "Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them" (John 12:35-36).
What are the three steps to overcoming the world?
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23).
What two things does Christ promise to do for the believer?
A. Keep them
B. Pray for them
"I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. . . . I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine " (John 17:6,9).
Does Christ make provision for His own? "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as l am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world" (John 17:14-16).
Should we look like the world to win the world? "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Rom. 12:2).
How will the world try to trap you? "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ" (Col. 2:8).
Should we test the spirits? "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1).
What is our advantage over the world? "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? " (1 John 5:4-5).
What is our weapon? "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12).

SATAN'S BACKGROUND

"Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, 0 covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee" (Ezek. 28:12-17).
Why did Lucifer fall? "How art thou fallen from heaven, 0 Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit" (Isa. 14:12-15).
Can Satan cast himself out? "And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said. He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub " (Luke 11:14-18).
Has Satan been permitted into heaven since the fall? "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them" (Job 1:6).
What is the devil's final outcome? "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night" (Rev. 12:7-10).
How will the saints overcome the devil during the Tribulation period? "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death" (Rev. 12:11).
Can Christians come against Satan in their own strength? "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee" (Jude9).
Does Satan have limited access to the believer? "Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD" (Job 1:10-12).
Does the devil have power to cause sickness? "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him" (Acts 10:38).
How did Jesus conquer death? "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Heb.2:14).
How does Satan attack young leadership in the church? "Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil" (1 Tim. 3:6-7).
Can Satan control the very actions of people? "And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him " (John 13:2).
Can Satan personally possess a person? "And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, that thou doest, do quickly" (John 13:27).
Will Christians suffer direct persecution from Satan? "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life " (Rev. 2:10).
Can Satan hinder the believer from doing the work of God? "Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul,:once and again; but Satan hindered us " (1 Thess. 2:18).
Will Satan be bound? "And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled:and after that he must be loosed a little season" (Rev. 20:1-3).
What will the end ultimately be for the devil? "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever" (Rev. 20:10).
Is Christ capable of destroying the work of Satan? "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8).
How did Christ destroy sin in a believer's life? "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it" (Col. 2:13-15).
"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage " (Heb. 2:14-15).
Are Christians free? "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me "(Acts 26:18).
Why does the devil try to blind the unbeliever? "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" (2 Cor. 4:4).
Are Christians made alive? "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others " (Eph. 2:1-3).
Do Christians have power over darkness? "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" (Col. 1:13).
Are Christians redeemed? "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Col. 1:14).
Must a Christian resist the devil? "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you"' (Jam. 4:7). '
Must a Christian be sober and vigilant? "Be sober, he vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet. 5:8).
Should a Christian be strong in the Lord? "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might "(Eph.6:10).
Is Christ going to crush the devil? "And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen " (Rom. 16:20).
Should a Christian fear the devil? "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Tim. 1:7).
Should we trust a Satanist? "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it" (John 8:44).
Is it important to forgive? "To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Cor. 2:10-11).
Is pride a dangerous foe of the Christian? "Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil" (1 Tim. 3:6).
Is anger a popular tool against unbelievers? "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil" (Eph. 4:26-27).
Can a Christian be oppressed by Satan and why? "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when l am weak, then am I strong" (2 Cor. 12:7-10).
Can possession occur in children? "And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child" (Mark 9:21).
Is the Christian in battle? "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds)" (2 Cor. 10:3-4).
Can Christians have the power to take prisoners? "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5).
What happens if you do not specifically cast demons into the pit? "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out" (Luke 11:24).
What happens when a person who was possessed decides to turn over a new leaf without asking Christ to be their Savior? "And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first" (Luke 11:25-26).
Will Christ protect the believer? ". . . but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not "(I John 5:18).
Does Satan have power to work miracles? "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before" (Matt. 24:24-25).
What is the Christian's reward for battle scars? "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him " (Jam. 1:12).
Are we to consult Christ and not the occult? "Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts" (Isa. 45:11-13).NOTE: Should a person pay per-visit for information that is supposed to come directly from God? "Not for price nor reward" (vs. 13).
Can a person be of the devil yet be very like a Christian? "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away" (2 Tim. 3:5).
Who is of the spirit of the Antichrist? "And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world" (1 John 4:3). NOTE: Jesus was God who became man, not man who became God.
Does Satan have the power on earth to make one rich and famous if they worship him? "Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou -wilt fall down and worship me " (Matt. 4:8-9). NOTE: "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26).
Can the devil use the name of Jesus to deceive people? Yes. "For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him " (2 Cor. 11:4). NOTE: Mormons have another Jesus; the occultist have another Jesus-but not the Jesus as taught in the Word.
Can a demon acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God? "And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not" (Mark 5:7).
"And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God"
(Mark 1:23-24). NOTE: They even acknowledged Him as the Son of God, therefore they know who He is. However, there is a big difference in knowing someone and submitting to that person.
Will Jesus come back again as a man? No. "And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many" (Mark 13:5-6).
Are the devil's workers outwardly vicious? No. "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves " (Matt. 7:15).
How can you discern a false prophet? "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit;
but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them "
(Matt. 7:16-20). NOTE: Make sure you inspect all the fruit, not just a few that look good. Satan's fruits are not always easily detected.
Can a worker of Satan prophesy in Jesus' name? "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? ..." (Matt. 7:22).
Can they cast out devils? ". . . and in thy name have cast out devils? ..." (Matt 7:22). NOTE: Jesus said a devil cannot cast out a devil and this is not a contradiction. A demon cannot cast another demon into the pit; however, a demon will leave at the request of another demon. The purpose is this: when a demon is cast out by another demon-possessed person, the victim is then in bondage to the one who cast it out. When a Christian casts out a demon, the victim is totally in bondage to Jesus Christ, not the Christian involved in the exorcism.
Can a follower of Satan work miracles in Jesus' name? ". . . and in thy name done many wonderful works? " (Matt. 7:22). NOTE: Remember that the works are done for only one purpose, and that is to deceive.
Because a person's dreams come true, does that mean a Christian should follow them? "If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shall not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him" (Deut. 13:1-4).NOTE: Edgar Cayce was known as the "sleeping prophet."
What was the penalty for this crime against God? "And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God. . . But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage" (Deut. 13:5, 9-10).
What is the purpose of these dreams and visions? "... Because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God... to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee" (Deut. 13:5).
Should a person remain loyal to family members who encourage you to serve other gods? "If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers. . . . Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him" (Deut. 13:6,8).
Should a Christian read the horoscopes? "Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the star gazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it" (Isa. 47:13-14).
Can we rely on the answers given by a devil worshipper? "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it" (John 8:44). NOTE: Christians believe telling the truth pleases God. A Satanist believes that by lying they obey their god.
Are Satanists supposed to perform murder? See John 8:44. They must obey their father, who was a murderer "from the beginning."
With the rise of suicides, could some be blamed on demon possession? "And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us " (Mark 9:22). NOTE: The purpose for being thrown into the water and fire was to kill him. This boy was not suicidal by his own will, not suffering from severe depression. (In Mark 5:13 swine were destroyed.)
How does a Christian deal with this particular demon? "And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting" (Mark 9:29).
Is a person demon-possessed if he enjoys inflicting pain on others or himself? "And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones" (Mark 5:5). NOTE: There are those who enjoy cutting themselves, burning their skin with cigarettes, attending slam dances, etc. A doctor does not make a diagnosis by only one symptom; they run a series of tests. So not everyone that hurts himself is demon possessed.
People sell their souls to the devil in return for pleasure, but are all demon-possessed people happy? "And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones" (Mark 5:5). NOTE: This man probably would be diagnosed today as suffering from severe anxiety. As you see the worship of demons more and more in America, you also find a greater number of young people in mental wards. (Again, not every case is one of demon-possession.)


NEW AGE


What does the Scripture say about astrology? "Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the star gazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it" (Isa. 47:13-14).
Concerning reincarnation, the New Age teaches that man will become as gods. Is this true? "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil" (Gen. 3:5).
Should a person consult channellers? (Channelling is a New Age term for possession. People like Shirley MacLaine and Linda Evans advocate going to channellers who speak by "spirit guides.") "Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor. And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee " (1 Sam. 28:7-8). NOTE: When Saul was right with God, he was against such things.
Can a channeller say good things of Christians? Can they tell the future? "And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying" (Acts 16:16). NOTE: Paul spoke to the spirit, not the woman. "And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour" (vs. 18).
Should your children watch cartoons with wizards? "Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God" (Lev. 19:31).
Does God tolerate or endorse a witch when he claims to be a Christian? "A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them " (Lev. 20:27). NOTE: God is "the same yesterday, today, and forever."
What about tarot cards, Ouija boards, crystal balls, and other occultic tools? "If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shall not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul "(Deut. 13:1-3).NOTE: People who use the devil's tools will never lead you to a saving knowledge of God.
Should Christians run to places where people claimed Jesus or Mary have appeared? "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before" (Matt 24:23-25).
How will Christ appear when He comes again? "For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be " (Matt. 24:27). NOTE: He will not appear on screens and walls; He will come in glory.
What is the danger in following the New Age teaching that man will become as a god? "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen " (Rom. 1:25). NOTE: Romans 1:26-31 tells of people who made themselves to be as God.
Should a person try to contact those who are dead? "And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?" (Isa. 8:19). NOTE: Our God is a living God; therefore, those who seek the dead must go to the god of death rather than the God of the Living.
"There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee "
(Deut. 18:10-12).
NOTE PROBLEM: "And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger" (2 Kings 21:6).
NOTE PENALTY: "Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and halh made Judah also to sin with his idols: Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, lam bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle " (2 Kings 21:11-12).
Can Satan's disciples perform miracles? "Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron 's rod swallowed up their rods" (Exod. 7:11-12). NOTE: Miracles are not always a sign from the Lord.
What is the purpose of a sorcerer? To turn a man's heart from God? "And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, And said, Ofull of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?" (Acts 13:6-10).
Should a person who claims to be a Christian follow mediums and wizards? "Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God. . . . And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a
whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people"
(Lev. 19:31;20:6).
Will people in the latter days turn to the Lord for guidance? 'Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (1 Tim. 4:1).
Can Christians have victory over these spirits? "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by I us in every place " (2 Cor. 2:14).
Should we as Christians be ignorant of Satan's devices? "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices " (2 Cor. 2:11).
How do Christians overcome the devil? "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death " (Rev. 12:11).
What does the Bible say about the dragon? "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him " (Rev. 12:9).
What was Satan like before the fall? "Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty" (Ezek. 28:12).
Can we rebuke the devil in our own strength? "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee " (Jude 9).
What about guardian angels (angels that minister to saints)? "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? " (Heb. 1:14).
Can the devil reward his followers? "And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever 1 will I give it" (Luke 4:5-6). NOTE: "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? " (Matt. 16:26).
Do those who follow astrology disobey the commands of the Lord? "And they left all the commandments of the LORD their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal. And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger" (2 Kings 17:16-17). NOTE: It started with astrology and ended with human sacrifice.
What should be done with former objects of astrology and witchcraft? "And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven: and he burned them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Bethel" (2 Kings 23:4).
Did God tolerate astrology in Old Testament times? "If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant, And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded; And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and enquired diligently, and, behold, it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel: Then shall thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shall stone them with stones, till they die" (Deut. 17:2-5).
Should Christians have graven images in their homes (i.e., zodiac signs, favorite rock albums, etc.)? "Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth" (Deut. 5:8).
Is it God's will for us to know all about the future? "And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:7-8).
Should a Christian practice and teach reading tea leaves, palm reading, tarot cards, witching for water, etc.? "When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee" (Deut. 18:9-12).
What about reincarnation? "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Heb. 9:27).

* This article was used by permission from David Benoit's book, "Fourteen Things Witches Hope Parents Never Find Out" Chapter 6. For information on how to obtain this excellent book see:

Glory Ministries http://www.gloryministries.com

or

Southwest Radio Church,
P.O. Box 100
Bethany OK. 73008
Phone : (800) 652-1144 or (405) 789-1222 web site: www.swrc.com

 


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