Why the PROPHETIC CONDITIONS Series? Knowledge and technology are exploding, yet the world is drowning The in a sea of problems! Alcohol abuse is PROPHETIC on the rise. Vast regions of farmland CONDITIONS are “dying of thirst” due to droughts Series and erratic weather patterns. The allure ABOUT THE COVER The tools of the occult arts, once con- of drugs is fast seducing a younger generation that no longer sidered dark and ominous, are gradu- knows how to be kids. Crime is more violent, more ally becoming viewed as tools of entrenched, more widespread than ever. Immorality is robbing enlightenment. As each day goes by, a growing number of people from all families and youth of their innocence by “entertaining” sick, walks of life are turning to these tools, perverted, carnal desires. And the earth is choking in the pol- searching for answers to life’s many problems. luted filth produced by humanity. WHY? PHOTO: Inertia Stock.xchng 003 The Prophetic Trends and Conditions Series will report global trends and problems. It explains why humanity is del- uged with such overwhelming—and insoluble—problems. And points to mankind’s only solution! Condition reports in the Series: The ALCOHOL EPIDEMIC EARTHQUAKES and VOLCANOES in Prophecy The Tragedy of DRUG ABUSE What’s Wrong With THE WEATHER? The Worldwide CRIME WAVE This POLLUTED EARTH WITCHES, WIZARDS and SPIRITS: Grave and Growing Danger The IMMORALITY EXPLOSION! Out of the Ashes: THE RISE OF EUROPE

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Contact The Restored Church of God P.O. Box 23295 Wadsworth, OH 44282 (330) 334-2266 P.O. Box 4064 St. Catharines, ON L2R 7S3 Canada www.TheRCG.org [email protected] WITCHES, WIZARDS and SPIRITS GRAVE AND GROWING DANGER

HROUGH A BARRAGE of Today, spiritism is spreading like wildfire. Through media influences, the supernatu- books, magazines, television and movies, witchcraft T ral is spoon-fed to young minds virtually every night on television. Its and the occult reach into virtually every facet of life. presence can reach into every home Increasingly, people are turning to spiritism for that is plugged into the Internet. Is society’s fascination with the answers to their problems. Do witchcraft and the spirit world just innocent curiosity? Or occult reveal “ancient wisdom” to life’s big ques- is it dangerous? Is there a dark side to this trend? tions? Does the spirit realm exist?—and should men In this report, we address the grow- communicate with it? Are astrology, Tarot cards, ing influence of spiritism around the world. Ouija boards and crystals harmless fun—or is there something more to them? What are the implications The Modern Face of Paganism of this growing trend? And where is it headed? Will it Meet Sue. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, with include you? her husband and two sons, ages 5 and one of many attempts to normalize to teaching them the inner workings of 10. She is a computer programmer for ancient, pagan religions and belief witchcraft and black magic. On the a nationally-known bank. Like many systems into the mainstream. other side of the fence are those who people, Sue’s life is filled with many So far, the plan seems to be work- say that any literature that gets chil- roles—wife, mother, employee… ing. dren to read—even if it is about wiz- Wiccan. Sue is an elder and high ards, witches and sorcery—is a bless- priestess in a Wiccan coven. Harry Potter—Blessing or Curse? ing. On Easter 2002, she joined about Study the world around you. The ten- Which side is right? 200 marchers in the Bay Area’s first- tacles of paganism, spiritism and the Some parents work hard to keep held Pagan Pride Parade. Since the occult are touching almost everything their children from being exposed to parade’s official theme was “Return of you can imagine. any form of spiritism and witchcraft— the Snakes,” Sue brought along her Take Harry Potter, for example. including Halloween and Harry pet, a 10 1/2-foot, 50-pound Every book in this series about a boy Potter. Yet, many times, their efforts Colombian boa constrictor named wizard has been in the top 20 of are undermined by others. Dora. Publisher’s Weekly’s list of the all-time For example, in an attempt to According to an estimate by the bestselling children’s books. Thus far, replace Halloween, teachers at parade’s leader, there may be as many hardcover and paperback sales for McNear Elementary in Petaluma City, as 50,000 pagans, witches and Harry Potter have skyrocketed to California, exposed fourth-graders to Wiccans living in the Bay Area alone. almost $37 million. Add that to Harry the Mexican holiday “El Dia de los And their beliefs are as varying as Potter movie ticket sales and you can Muertos”—the Day of the Dead. The denominations of mainstream see why so many writers, publishers children were encouraged to observe Christianity. Some pagans view them- and filmmakers are scrambling to the ancient pagan ritual of honoring selves as “ceremonial magicians” or come up with their own kid wizards. the deceased with altars (or tables) sur- “eclectic pagans.” Some belong to the Yet, despite its success, the series rounded with flowers, food and pic- Covenant of the Goddess; others wor- has come under fire. Many concerned tures. ship Oshun, a Yoruba goddess. parents and religionists argue that let- The objections of parents fell on The Pagan Pride Parade is only ting children read Harry Potter is akin deaf ears.

WITCHES, WIZARDS AND SPIRITS: GRAVE AND GROWING DANGER 1 Many parents are unaware that they Trickery and fraud among so-called Other Media Outlets have sent their teens off to colleges psychics, spiritualists and for- Now consider the “Hollywood-ization” (such as Syracuse University) that tunetellers are nothing new. The of the occult: The Exorcist, Carrie, offer courses in witchcraft. renowned magician Houdini regularly Devil’s Advocate, The Craft, The Sixth Wicca, which has been described as exposed such people for what they Sense, The Blair Witch Project, a “contemporary neo-pagan religion,” truly were—scam artists. Halloween, Friday the 13th and is becoming popular among U.S. col- The book Psychic Mafia, by M. Nightmare on Elm Street. These and lege students, especially among young Lamar Keene, a former “psychic,” countless other films tantalize, please women. Wicca’s goddess-oriented revealed the extensive tricks and and ultimately desensitize the senses to belief system is popular among femi- scams that so-called psychics used to demonism, witchcraft and magic, nist mindsets. For example, defraud the gullible. many times with blood and gore. Swarthmore College—an Ivy League But is there anything genuine to Now consider television. The school—offers the following course, spiritism, witchcraft and the occult? Or minds of young and old alike have entitled Women and Religion: is it all “smoke and mirrors”? been entertained by the exploits of “This course will examine the vari- Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Dark ety of women’s religious experiences The Modern-day Origin of Angel, Charmed, The X-files, The in the United States. Topics will Spiritism and Wicca Dead Zone, Millennium and include the construction of gender and Founded in 1954 by Gerald Gardner, Witchblade. Such shows, featuring religion, religious experiences of Wicca is a modern version of pagan witches, vampires, voodoo and black women of color, spiritual autobiogra- beliefs, practices and rituals handed magic, have spawned millions of dedi- phies and narratives by women, Wicca down from pre-Christian times. Over cated viewers. and witchcraft in the United States, the centuries, much information was For those who wanted reality-based and feminist and womanist theology.” lost, so it has been recreated and shows dealing with spiritism, there Student chapters for Wicca and restructured. Wicca is a nature-wor- was the highly popular TV talk show other practices of paganism have shipping, goddess-oriented, polytheis- Crossing Over with John Edward. Its spread nationwide: The University of tic religion. host was a self-ascribed psychic medi- Arizona, Auburn University, Clemson, But not all Wiccans are the same. um who claims to predict future events Georgia Tech, Penn State, Just as there are different forms of pro- and communicate with the dead— Purdue…the list goes on. fessing Christianity (Catholic, those who have supposedly crossed Not to be outdone, universities and Lutheran, Baptist, etc.), there are dif- over to the “other side.” schools wholly devoted to the study of ferent “branches” within the Wiccan As you can see, filmmakers and tel- mysticism and witchcraft are being religion. These branches are called evision producers have learned to mar- established in Europe. “traditions.” Within each tradition, ket the occult into a highly profitable there can be variations from coven to franchise. Sanitized, Normalized and Accepted coven. And then there are computer and Curiosity in the occult is increasing When a coven gathers together at video games. Virtually every role- even in places as remote as northwest- night, its members form a circle and playing game sold requires players to ern Arkansas. Recently, The Morning hold hands as they chant and walk get involved with witchcraft, sorcery, News/NWAonline.net published a news around an altar. They welcome the casting spells and conjuring up spirits. report (“Library Board Plans for north, south, east and west. They wel- Many argue that this is nothing more Future”) about a library announcing come forces with mythological names. than harmless fun. plans for future expansion. Sometimes they cast spells to cast But is it? According to the article, the Rogers away any “bad energy.” Library Board, in order to meet the Wiccan is largely based on sym- Spiritism 101 growing demands of new readers in bols, and seasonal days to celebrate Picture this: Johnny spends his entire the region, planned to spend thousands and worship ancient deities. Wiccans childhood weaned on the occult, via of dollars on purchasing audio books claim to be in tune with the earth; they children’s books, television and and electronic books (or e-books). In use many herbs and roots to concoct movies. Should it be a surprise that, the middle of the article was a passing, spells and potions. Their biggest holi- upon going away to college, Johnny matter-of-fact quote from the library day of the year is Halloween, which seeks out even more of the same? director: “Car-repair manuals and they call Samhain (pronounced so- It would help to explain why books on witchcraft are books that wane). paganism is alive and well on college constantly walk out of the library, and Modern spiritism began in early campuses across the U.S. An ever- we have to keep buying new copies.” 1848, in Hydesville, New York. A growing number of teens and twenty- Spiritism is now as common as giv- farmer, John Fox, along with his wife somethings are studying more than ing your car an oil change. Margaret and their two daughters, just English Lit—they are wholeheart- But what is spiritism? How did Kate and Margaretta, moved into a edly delving into ancient pagan rituals. Wicca originate? house that was said to be haunted.

2 PROPHETIC CONDITIONS (The prior tenant had moved out due As their fame grew, the sisters eventu- paganism is so appealing to so many. to several unexplainable instances of ally charged fees for their services. Most witches, Wiccans and pagans raps, taps, footsteps and other noises.) Even famous personalities from histo- embrace the Witches’ Creed: “Do as The Fox family soon began to be ry sought them out: Horace Greeley, ye will and ye harm none.” Wrapping disturbed by strange sounds and activ- P.T. Barnum, James Fenimore Cooper themselves around this moral code, ities, such as spontaneous movement and many others. they proudly proclaim that not all of furniture by “unseen hands.” Yet, despite their fame, the lives of witches are bad. They claim that, just Believing their home was haunted by Kate and Margaretta Fox were filled as there are good and bad Christians, some “restless spirit,” Kate Fox cried with betrayal, accusations, poverty there are good and bad witches. out to the mysterious unseen power and heavy drinking. Both sisters died and challenged it to copy her in snap- prematurely from complications due How Does this Compare to the Bible? ping her fingers. Her sister Margaretta to alcoholism. They were buried in On the surface, the Witches’ Creed did the same, challenging the spirit to paupers’ graves. does appear to advocate a simple form copy her in clapping her hands. of morality (“Harm none”). But when Then Mrs. Fox made a challenge: Why the Appeal? compared to the spiritual excellence “I then thought I could put a test that Why are people turning their backs on found in the laws and teachings in the no one in the place could answer. I professing Christianity and seeking Bible, the Witches’ Creed falls short. asked the noise to rap my different spiritual answers through the occult? “Do as ye will and ye harm none” children’s ages, successively. Many have felt let down—in some is solely based on individual opinions Instantly, each one of my children’s cases, betrayed—by mainstream of what seems to harm others. ages was given correctly, pausing Christianity. They point to widespread In the Bible, the book of Judges between them sufficiently long to indi- church scandals, such as the recent records that, after God had delivered vidualize them until the seventh, at revelation of child abuse cases among the Israelites into the Promised Land, which a longer pause was made, and the Catholic priesthood, and then ask, the people soon rebelled. Time after then three more emphatic raps were “If so-called Christian leaders can time, they turned their backs on God given, corresponding to the age of the preach from the pulpit one minute and and His Law—the Ten little one that died, which was my sexually abuse helpless little children Commandments, and numerous youngest child” (The Ayer Institute). the next, then what’s so bad about statutes, precepts and judgments. After asking the spirit several more paganism?” Collectively, God’s Law taught the questions, the Fox family soon invited Man has always been curious to Israelites how to live. This Law was all their neighbors to come and com- know if there is more to this life than founded on two overarching princi- municate with the unseen spirit: just the physical, material world. ples: “All heard the same questions and Desperately wanting to believe that (1) “You shall love the LORD your answers. Many remained in the house life is more than simply birth-exis- God with all your heart, and with all all night. I and my children left the tence-death, a growing number of peo- your soul, and with all your might” house…On the next Saturday the ple are willing to be open-minded to (Deut. 6:5). house was filled to overflowing. There any religion that appears to fill the (2) “You shall love your neighbor were no sounds heard during the day, spiritual void in their lives. as yourself” (Lev. 19:18). but they commenced again in the For many, mainstream Christianity The first four of the Ten evening. It was said that there were no longer does this. The fruits of Commandments show how to love and over three hundred persons present at Christian religionists, leaders and serve God. The remaining six show the time. On Sunday morning the nois- groups—child abuse and sex scandals, how to properly love and serve other es were heard throughout the day by inappropriate use of funds, question- people. When obeyed, they produce all who came to the house.” able stances on hot-button political peace and harmony. But when dis- The spirit claimed to be Charles B. and social issues, active involvement obeyed, strife and chaos reign. Just Rosna, a peddler who had stayed at the in civil governments—are turning off one read of any reputable newspaper house five years previously. Many and driving away believers and non- or news magazine will prove this. years later, The Boston Journal report- believers alike. Though God had personally given ed that the skeletal remains of a man The voice of a new generation them the only real way to produce had been discovered at the Fox house, says, “The truth is out there…some- peace and happiness, the Israelites “clear[ing] them [the Fox family] where.” Spiritism, paganism and the repeatedly relied upon themselves and from the only shadow of doubt held occult are becoming a popular alterna- “did their own thing.” They fell into a concerning their sincerity in the dis- tive. miserable and deadly cycle: (1) They covery of spirit communication.” In addition, some say that they are rejected God and broke His laws. (2) As adults, the Fox sisters, acting as tired of rules that restrict their moral No longer under God’s rule and pro- mediums for the spirit world, enter- behavior. They want to set their own tection, the Israelites were invaded tained hundreds of people. This was rules, their own standards of right and and oppressed by enemy nations. (3) the beginning of modern-day séances. wrong. This is another reason why They cried out to God for deliverance. WITCHES, WIZARDS AND SPIRITS: GRAVE AND GROWING DANGER 3 (4) Hearing their cries, God intervened Take the daily newspaper. At least choosing your candle, colors and and delivered them from oppression. three-quarters of U. S. newspapers properties, and creating candle mag- (5) The Israelites obeyed God for a carry daily horoscope columns. ick. generation or two. But soon they According to one report, perhaps “Chants, Prayers and Invocation: would reject Him and break His laws. about 25% of people worldwide A selection of incantations you can use So went the cycle. believe in astrology to some extent. daily to invoke spiritual deities. Throughout Judges, even to its About 48% of Americans believe that “Curses: Here’s [an] article on the final verse, God summed up this astrology is valid, and up to 30% history of curses throughout the world, cycle: “Every man did that which was believe it to the point of using their and the current uses of curses and right in his own eyes.” This attitude astrological sign to mold their self- hexes… has always yielded bloody results. image. And up to 90% of Americans “How to Cast a Spell: A simple, The Bible plainly shows that the say they are “open minded” to the easy guide to creating magic for Witches’ Creed of “Do as ye will and authenticity and value of astrology. beginners. Magic should not be per- ye harm none” is an oxymoron. It is Every year, some 20 million books on formed for fun or to fulfill wishes, this the same misguided idea of “Do what astrology are sold in the U.S. alone. article says. It should be performed to feels good, as long as it doesn’t hurt This is not merely “harmless fun,” improve your life and the lives of anyone”—the problem is that one as some claim. Astrology has been those you love by solving needs. man’s pleasure is another man’s pain. used to guide the decisions of the most “An Introduction to Voodoo: People cannot agree as to what “hurt powerful government office on the [This] provides a brief history of none” means. planet: The Presidency of the United voodoo, its beliefs, its rituals and This is because “The way of man is States of America. When he was in more. not in himself: It is not in man that office, former President Ronald “Love Spells: Five love spells are walks to direct his steps,” and “There Reagan regularly consulted astro- provided here. You might want to read is a way which seems right unto a logers. the lengthy introduction first, howev- man, but the end thereof are the ways Consider the proliferation of adver- er, so you know what you’re getting of death” (Jer. 10:23; Prov. 14:12). tisements for psychics and other for- into. Ironically, the vast majority who tunetellers. This marketing of such “Pagan/Wiccan Religion: [This profess to be Christian—who claim to “services” has greatly increased since site] features everything you need or love “every word that proceeds out of the 80s, when it made its debut. want to know about the subject, the mouth of God”—ignore the above Take the booming market of books including insightful articles. verses and follow their own rules and offering readers the inside scoop on “How to Find the Right Psychic: ideas. For example, many professing witchcraft, tarot cards, divination, Expert tips, articles and advice on how Christians preach against homosexual- communicating with the dead, casting to find the best psychics and clairvoy- ity, while quietly giving a nod and a spells. These books are not hidden in ants on the net. Excellent list of rec- wink to adultery and fornication. Yet the back corners of musty used book- ommended psychics, clairvoyants and the Bible, which they claim to love, stores—they are displayed in plain mediums for advice, love and des- condemns all sex outside the holy view in the top bookstore chains tiny.” institution of marriage. nationwide. Even in the children’s sec- Children today can learn every Witches, Wiccans and pagans are tion. minute detail about the occult without not fooled by the hypocrisy. They Now consider the Internet. Like a ever leaving their bedrooms. No won- embrace the Witches’ Creed, which contemporary “tree of the knowledge der so many are “coming out of the gives them the green light for virtually of good and evil,” the World Wide Web broom closet” upon reaching adult- any sexual relationship, under the offers anything and everything to titil- hood. They have been secretly weaned guise of moral freedom. late the senses. There are easy to find on the milk of paganism—and they But are they really free? Or has websites featuring documents such as want more. such thinking actually enslaved them the “History of Spiritualism.” One The booming market for paganism to an “unseen power” darker and more such site displays a network of student and the occult is not limited to just the dangerous than they can imagine? chapters of paganism at college cam- United States. Citizens in Canada, puses nationwide. Just one popular Britain, Australia and other modern, More Common Than You Think search engine lists the following: westernized nations are leaving the Remember Sue, the Wiccan high “The Art of Casting Spells: To cast “broom closet” too, openly embracing priestess from the Bay Area? She is a spell is to project energy through a pagan rituals and traditions. not alone in choosing witchcraft as a symbol. The most powerful spells are And here is something you may not way of life. There are many more like often improvised from materials that know: When professing Christians her. In fact, it would not be a stretch to feel right or that simply happen to preach against the dark beliefs and rit- say that paganism and the occult is come to hand. uals of Wiccans and pagans, witches firmly entrenched in mainstream mod- “Candle Magick: How to perform knowingly smile. Why? Because they ern society. candle magick, including preparation, understand that the holidays embraced 4 PROPHETIC CONDITIONS by mainstream Christianity—Easter, “interact with people who are interest- The latter eventually developed Christmas, New Year’s and others— ed in witchcraft, druidry and shaman- into astrology, similar to what is prac- originated from ancient pagan beliefs ism…and hear what they have to say ticed today. Between 612 and 539 and traditions thousands of years about our faith.” B.C., Babylonian priests divided the before Jesus Christ was even born! At a recent press conference, the sky into twelve sections of thirty Involving child sacrifices and temple Vatican gave its approval to the Harry degrees each, constituting the twelve prostitution, these were the same Potter series. Justifying its new posi- signs of the zodiac. Once mathemati- pagan rituals and customs that God tion, a spokesman reasoned, “I don’t cal astronomy developed (under the had warned ancient Israel to avoid think there’s anyone in this room who Persians, 539-331 B.C.), it became (Deut. 7:1-5, 16). grew up without fairies, magic, and possible to calculate some motion of Amazing, but true! Not only is angels in their imaginary world.” the moon and various planets. This paganism alive and well, but it is also Part II will examine three reasons made way for the development of thriving. why so many are turning to the horoscopes, similar to what exists occult—and why it will continue to today. grow worse. Other tools of divination include Ouija boards and Tarot cards. The Thirst for Knowledge Though often used by both chil- PROPHETIC Humanity’s fascination with the stars dren and adults as a game, Ouija CONDITIONS is nothing new. Man has always had a boards are used to contact the spirit Series: Part 2 thirst to know more, to understand the realm. Human participants invite spir- world around him. This thirst has led its to control their hands in order to men to explore continents and oceans. answer questions involving the after- ASS MEDIA—books, maga- It has sent people to walk on the moon life, past human lives of these spirits, M zines, television, movies—mer- numerous times. It has sent remote or future events. chandizes paganism. And occultism control vehicles to explore the surface Favored among Wiccans, Tarot also thrives on college campuses of Mars. It inspired men to create the cards are used to predict future events nationwide. And mainstream Hubble telescope and peer into the and cast spells, and meditation. Christianity is learning to tolerate and vastness of space to unlock its myster- Whatever tool of divination used, even embrace it. ies. people want to know the future. They In San Francisco, California, no Men will do anything to quench want to know the past. They want to fewer than 105 psychics, 20 spiritual their thirst for knowledge—even turn understand the world in which they consultants, and 17 astrologers are to the supernatural, such as divination, live. Which is why throughout history, listed in the local phonebook. the occult art of looking into the men have turned (in one degree or Recently, the city has had to create a future. another) to witchcraft and the occult. bill that, if made into law, would ban Astrology is an ancient tool of div- The term occult comes from the certain scam-artist techniques com- ination used to gather information, Latin word occulere, which means “to monly used by fortuneteller and other usually about either the future or a per- hide.” This word applies to anything diviners to part the gullible from their son’s personality, through examining based upon mysterious, secret, or hid- money. the “heavenly bodies”—stars, planets, den forces. Yearning for knowledge, In Australia, witchcraft is the the moon, comets, etc. power and personal fulfillment, men fastest-growing religion, with nearly The earliest records of astrology often turn to the mysterious “hidden 9,000 believers, up from less than date back to the 19th century B.C. The powers” of the occult. 2,000 in 1996. Pagans have more than Babylonian Empire attempted to link In Part I, we examined how people doubled there, to 10,632. And druids, earthly events, such as famine and are being turned off and let down by animists and pantheists have also war, with other events observed in the mainstream Christianity. They are increased. Yet, from 1996 to 2000, heavenly bodies above. Astrology was growing tired of religionists and the- membership among Australian church an integral part of the polytheistic ologians who preach smooth, comfort- denominations only grew by 1.4%. Babylonian religion. The people back ing words, but secretly live lives in While some churches condemn then believed that earth was the center contrast to God’s Word. In despera- fortunetelling, witchcraft and pagan- of the universe and that all the stars tion, many former believers often turn ism, others see little, or nothing, and planets revolved around it. to “ancient wisdom” supposedly wrong with them. For example, the Babylonian priests were regularly revealed through paganism and witch- Church of England has given one of its called upon to use their “connections” craft. priests permission to attend a witches’ with their gods to predict the future. All people want to know who they coven in order to research a thesis on Two principle means of doing this are, why they exist, what is their Wicca. Believing it was “something were (1) inspecting the liver of a sac- future. When professing Christianity that God has called [him] to do,” the rificed animal, and (2) reading omens cannot answer these questions, tools priest said that Christianity must in the sky. of divination—astrology, Tarot cards, WITCHES, WIZARDS AND SPIRITS: GRAVE AND GROWING DANGER 5 Ouija boards and others—are seen as has been rampant with all kinds of 13). They look like righteous leaders. an alternative. evils, suffering and turmoil. Cut off They seem like faithful workers. But A wise man often said that if we from God’s revealed knowledge, peo- they transform themselves into want to understand why the world ple cannot agree. And walking in com- appearing to be chosen representa- exists as it does today, we must look at plete agreement is the path that pro- tives of God. the beginning of civilization: The duces peace. Such deceivers do this because Garden of Eden. When God created Some people think certain wars are they lust for power. And they grab and the first man and woman, He placed justified. Others think all war is wrong maintain power through cunning them in a garden paradise (Gen. 2:8, and inexcusable. Still others think that deceit. 15). all war is acceptable, just as long as God’s Word says that we should God told Adam and Eve, “Of every they are the ones pulling the strings. not be surprised: “And no marvel; for tree of the garden you may freely eat: In the same way, men have devised Satan himself is transformed into an but of the tree of the knowledge of various means to gain knowledge. This angel of light. Therefore it is no great good and evil, you shall not eat of it: includes witchcraft and the occult. thing if his ministers also be trans- for in the day that you eat thereof you formed as the ministers of righteous- shall surely die” (vs. 16-17). Lust for Power ness; whose end shall be according to The two trees represented the History is replete with power-hungry their works” (vs. 14-15). knowledge of two opposite ways of dictators—such as Hitler, Stalin, Nero. Lust for power is nothing new to life. The Tree of Life symbolized the Since the First World War, the manu- religion. The Bible shows that practi- way of give, love, peace, and outgoing facture and accumulation of weapons tioners of witchcraft often resorted to concern for others. Eating of its fruit of mass destruction have grown. And human sacrifices to instill fear—and means to trust in God (Prov. 3:5). The though the image of “one world order” power—over the lives of others. tree of the knowledge of good and evil frightens many, some long for it— Recall the Garden of Eden. The symbolized the way of take, hate, especially if it means personal power serpent told mother Eve that the for- strife, and selfishness. Eating of its on a global scale. bidden fruit would give knowledge— fruits means to trust in self. The lust for power is a common secret, hidden knowledge—that would God allowed Eve to be deceived theme in mankind’s story. Casting empower her to become “as gods, into eating the fruit of the forbidden spells, divining the future and commu- knowing good and evil” (Gen. 3:1-6). tree: “Now the serpent was more subtle nicating with spirits are tools many Eve was seduced into lusting for than any beast of the field which the have picked up to satisfy this lust. Fed power. Adam followed suit. LORD God had made. And he said unto up with mainstream churches, many Ironically, God does want to give the woman, Yes, has God said, You believe that witchcraft will empower power to man. But people must first shall not eat of every tree of the gar- them to bring personal control to their learn to qualify for it. This requires den? And the woman said unto the ser- lives. They even turn to the powers of building holy, righteous character. pent, We may eat of the fruit of the the occult in order to control the lives Without godly character, men have trees of the garden: but of the fruit of of others. always used power to destroy. Our his- the tree which is in the midst of the gar- History records that men have tory of war and strife proves this. den, God has said, You shall not eat of often used religion (pagan and so- The apostle James wrote about the it, neither shall you touch it, lest you called “Christian”) to force their will true origin of all war and strife: “From die. And the serpent said unto the upon others. In fact, much of man’s where come wars and fightings among woman, You shall not surely die: for recorded wars involved, to some you? Come they not hence, even of God does know that in the day you eat degree, religious beliefs—especially your lusts that war in your members? thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, by organizations calling themselves You lust, and have not: you kill, and and you shall be as gods, knowing Christian! desire to have, and cannot obtain: you good and evil. And when the woman Concerning His Second Coming fight and war, yet you have not, saw that the tree was good for food, and the end of the age (Matt. 24:3), because you ask not. You ask, and and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and Jesus Christ warned, “Take heed that receive not, because you ask amiss, a tree to be desired to make one wise, no man deceive you. For many shall that you may consume it upon your she took of the fruit thereof, and did come in My name, saying, I am Christ; lusts” (Jms. 4:1-3). eat, and gave also unto her husband and shall deceive many” (vs. 4-5). Feeling that church denominations with her; and he did eat” (Gen. 3:1-6). Many religious leaders will arise and leave them powerless and direction- Adam and Eve wanted knowledge, claim that their authority comes from less, some turn to crystals. Believing but they wanted to acquire it their Christ—and they will fool many! they can be used to transmit spiritual way. So they rejected God and ate the How can this be? In II Corinthians energy into light, crystals are used in fruit of the forbidden tree. In doing so, 11, the apostle Paul reveals the an attempt to cleanse the “blocked man decided to rely upon himself to answer: “For such are false apostles, aura” (a supposed invisible electro- judge right from wrong, good from deceitful workers, transforming them- magnetic field) around a person’s evil. This is why mankind’s history selves into the apostles of Christ” (vs. body. People also rely on crystals to 6 PROPHETIC CONDITIONS “Try the Spirits” fy for a short time. The constant pur- SYCHICS, FORTUNETELLERS, channelers and others who practice the black art of divination do so by tapping into the demon world. But suit of physical pleasure quickly P how can one tell if a person is practicing divination—especially when becomes meaningless. People will that person’s “prediction” comes to pass? turn to almost anything that will bring In Deuteronomy 13, God gives the criteria to judge with: “If there arise purpose and meaning to their lives. among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spoke unto To some, casting spells, gathering you, saying, Let us go after other gods, which you have not known, and let in the dark around open fires with us serve them; you shall not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that other pagans, and divining the future dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proves you, to know whether are an attempt to gain control and pur- you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (vs. 1-3). pose in their lives. Uttering accurate predictions is not proof that God is working with a per- Like King David of Israel, people son. The real proof is whether that person teaches people to serve and throughout millennia have looked up worship God through keeping His commandments. Yet, God does allow spiritual charlatans to make accurate (or nearly accurate) predictions as a into the night sky and wondered, test for His people. He wants to know whether or not they will put His Way “When I consider Your heavens, the first. Demons have existed far longer than man. Their acute understanding work of Your fingers, the moon and of human nature, coupled with their limited knowledge of future events, the stars, which You have ordained; allows them to make predictions. This is the source of false prophets’ pre- dictions. what is man, that You are mindful of In Matthew 24, Christ warned that in the end time, many would come in him? And the son of man, that You His name—claim to speak by His authority—“and shall deceive many” (vs. visit him?” (Psa. 8:3-4). 5). He also warned, “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive Humanity began in the Garden of many” (vs. 11). People are deceived by false prophets, enchanters and psy- chics when they see their predictions come to pass. Such people then jump Eden. Man was created physical, of to the conclusion that “if he was right about this, certainly he must be right the ground. But he has spiritual needs. about that.” This is just one of the many ways Satan has kept the world Since he has rejected the only true deceived and spiritually blind. source that can fill those needs, man Therefore, we must be careful to “believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out tries to feed spiritual desires with the into the world” (I John 4:1). physical—“the works of the flesh.” It But how do we “try the spirits”? Isaiah 8:19-20 reveals the answer: “And cannot be done. 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 Paul wrote, “Now the works of the their God? For the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if flesh are manifest [obvious], which they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in are these; adultery, fornication, them.” uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft…” (Gal. 5:19-20). Witchcraft is a “work of the flesh”— heal diseases, trauma, and emotional part of carnal nature. Men cannot feed problems; to create feelings of joy, Desire for Purpose a spiritual need (such as the desire for peace and love; for insight into past Knowledge is exploding. More people purpose) with anything carnal. life lessons; to be positive, responsi- possess more power—government, Notice: “For the flesh lusts against ble, brave; for advance “spiritual” financial, corporate—than ever before. the Spirit, and the Spirit against the practices; and to generally enhance Yet, few are ever truly satisfied. flesh: and these are contrary the one to one’s career and relationships. Man is physical, limited to five the other” (vs. 17). Though they will deny it, those senses and a temporary lifespan. Like Spiritual cravings are fed and satis- who rely upon crystals are putting animals, man was created “a living fied by “the fruit of the Spirit…love, their trust in the wrong rock. The Bible soul”—mortal (Gen. 2:7; 3:19). Yet, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, shows which Rock all people should unlike animals, man is endowed with goodness, faith, meekness, temper- turn to for help: “Moreover, brethren, I creative mind power. He does not just ance” (vs. 22-23). would not that you should be ignorant, build a building. He plans, assembles This world’s brand of how that all our fathers were under the and builds houses, barns, office build- “Christianity” has failed to teach this. cloud, and all passed through the sea; ings, military complexes, arenas, sta- It has failed to give purpose and mean- and were all baptized unto Moses in diums, and airports of every shape, ing to life. Also, nature abhors a void. the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat size and color thinkable. He sculpts, If a person’s needs are not met, he will the same spiritual meat; and did all paints, illustrates, writes, photographs, find another way to meet them; often drink the same spiritual drink: for they sings—does anything he can to with disastrous results. drank of that spiritual Rock that fol- express himself. lowed them: and that Rock was Yet, man wants—needs—some- God of This World Christ” (I Cor. 10:1-4). thing more. Upon seeing the innocent suffer, peo- Witchcraft, spiritism and the occult Traditional Christianity cannot ple are quick to ask, “Where is God? are powerless to reveal such amazing meet the desire. Neither can material- Why has He allowed this to happen?” knowledge! ism. Money and career will only satis- What most do not understand—and WITCHES, WIZARDS AND SPIRITS: GRAVE AND GROWING DANGER 7 religionists, theologians, priests and ways, confusing and misleading Finally, an angel appeared to “Christian” leaders fail to recognize— gullible minds into believing them to Daniel (vs. 10-11) and said, “Fear not, is that God is not running the affairs of be the righteous ways of God: “And no Daniel: for from the first day that you this world. All societies, governments, marvel; for Satan himself is trans- did set your heart to understand, and to empires and kingdoms of this world formed into an angel of light. Therefore chasten yourself before your God, are being run by “the god of this it is no great thing if his ministers also your words were heard, and I am come world”—Satan the devil. be transformed as the ministers of for your words. But the prince of the It is unpopular to admit that the righteousness” (II Cor. 11:14-15). kingdom of Persia withstood me one devil exists. Most people scoff at the Yes, the devil does use human and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one idea. The very thought seems ridicu- instruments as tools of his deception. of the chief princes, came to help me; lous to them—and yet their disbelief Recall verse 13: “For such are false and I remained there with the kings of falls right into Satan’s scheme. The apostles, deceitful workers, transform- Persia” (vs. 12-13). Bible plainly teaches that Satan is “the ing themselves into the apostles of Were Michael and the other angel god of this world [age]” and “has Christ.” “withstood” by mortal men 21 days? blinded the minds of them which Satan does rule the governments of Of course not! The above verses are believe not” (II Cor. 4:4). He deceives this world—but he is not alone. The about a battle of wills between angels people into believing he is a fairy tale devil has plenty of help from others. (servants of God) and demons (ser- because he does not want humanity to vants of Satan). Satan controls the be alerted to his world-ruling pres- Satan’s Government kingdoms of this world. Christ said ence. God describes Satan as “the The Bible reveals that there is a spirit that Satan’s kingdom is not divided great dragon…that old serpent, called realm. These spirits are: (Mark 3:23-26). Although it is based the devil, and Satan, which deceives (1) Obedient angels, who faithfully on competition, strife, hatred, selfish- the whole world” (Rev. 12:9). serve God. Part of their purpose is to ness—the “get” way of life, symbol- During a tremendous battle of help God’s people achieve their awe- ized by the tree of the (self) knowl- wills, Satan took Christ to a high some human potential: “But to which edge of good and evil—it is organized mountain and, in a vision, instantly of the angels said He at any time, Sit and structured. showed Him all the kingdoms and on My right hand, until I make your God’s servants always seek to powers of the world (Luke 4:5). Then enemies your footstool? Are they not teach, serve and build. Satan said to Him, “I will give You all all ministering spirits, sent forth to The devil’s agents (demons) their power and grandeur, for it has minister for them who shall be heirs of always seek to confuse, blind and been made over to me and I can give it salvation?” (Heb 1:13-14). destroy. Among their tools are witch- to anyone I choose” (vs. 6-7, Moffatt (2) Fallen angels, called demons. craft, spiritism, paganism and the translation). They serve their own selfish lusts, occult. They want us to believe that we How did Christ respond? Did He under the world-ruling authority of can harness “earth energy” through dispute or deny the devil’s claim of Satan, “the prince of the devils crystals, or that we can predict the possessing world-ruling authority? [demons]” (Mark 3:22). Demons are future, or speak with the dead (see Did He say, “What are you talking fallen angels who sinned as they fol- “Witch of Endor” inset). Demons love about, Satan? You can’t give Me what lowed Lucifer (now Satan) into rebel- to use mediums, making it seem like doesn’t belong to you! God rules this lion against their Creator (II Pet. 2:4; these “guides” are communicating world, not you”? Jude 6; Isa. 14:12-14; Rev. 12:3-4, 9). with the “afterlife.” No. Christ simply said, “Get you They are the “unfruitful works of Why? Because it helps to perpetu- hence, Satan: for it is written, You darkness” that Paul warns about in ate the myth of the immortal soul. shall worship the Lord your God, and Ephesians 5: “…have no fellowship Recall Satan’s lie to Eve in the Garden Him only shall you serve” (Matt. with the unfruitful works of darkness, of Eden: “You shall not surely die” 4:10). but rather reprove them” (vs. 11). (Gen. 3:4). The serpent who told that Clearly, the Bible shows that the In Ephesians 6:12, Paul wrote that lie is the same serpent, or dragon, who devil has the authority to grant world- Christians “wrestle not against flesh “deceives the whole world” today ruling power—Christ did not dispute and blood, but against principalities, (Rev. 12:9). or deny this! In fact, several times against powers, against the rulers of Jesus described Satan as “the prince of the darkness of this world, against Misguided Values this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; spiritual wickedness in high places.” Men place great value on the writings 16:11). Because a matter weighed heavily of other men. They often quote the As such, the devil has humanity so upon his mind, the prophet Daniel musings of dead human beings, yet thoroughly deceived, people who think fasted so that he could draw closer to ignore—and even make light of—the they are seeking the light of truth are in God, and perhaps receive an answer one true source of knowledge, the reality finding darkness, misery, and (Dan. 10:3-4). The fast stretched into Holy Bible. even death. Throughout history, Satan “three full weeks” before an answer God’s written Word is truth (John has deceitfully disguised his dark from heaven could arrive. 17:17)—revealed knowledge of who 8 PROPHETIC CONDITIONS A King Seeks a Medium ARLY IN HIS MONARCHY, Saul, Israel’s first king, me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall rebelled against God, refusing to obey His commands name unto you.” Saul was in disguise for two reasons: (1) E (I Sam. 15). The prophet Samuel told Saul, “…for you He did not want his subjects to know that he was seeking have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has out a witch. And (2) so the witch would not be frightened off, rejected you from being king over Israel” (vs. 26). thinking that Saul was trying to entrap her (see verse 9). In chapter 28, the Philistines gathered into a massive Amazingly, Saul made an oath to the witch in God’s army, positioning themselves to conquer Israel: “And when name, promising not to punish her for practicing witchcraft! Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his Yet, this was clearly against God’s will (vs. 10). heart greatly trembled” (vs. 5). Now read verses 11-13: “Then said the woman, Whom Saul was gripped by stark fear because he knew that shall I bring up unto you? And he said, Bring me up his sins had cut him off from God’s guidance and protec- Samuel. And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with tion (Isa. 59:1-3). He had rebelled against God’s will—and a loud voice: and the woman spoke to Saul, saying, Why “rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is have you deceived me? For you are Saul. And the king as iniquity and idolatry” (I Sam. 15:23). said unto her, Be not afraid: for what saw you? And the Verse 6 of I Samuel 28 states that “Saul enquired of woman said unto Saul, I saw gods [elohim—also means the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, “judge”] ascending out of the earth.” In other words, she nor by Urim, nor by prophets.” claimed to have seen the prophet Samuel, who had also With Samuel dead (vs. 3), and God remaining silent, been a judge, come up from the grave. Saul was desperate. He sent his servants to seek out a But notice that Saul did not see “Samuel”—only the witch—“a woman that has a familiar spirit” (vs. 7).Yet, iron- witch could: “And he said unto her, What form is he of? ically, Saul spent the beginning of his rule putting away And she said, An old man comes up; and he is covered “those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and land” (vs. 3). he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed him- Saul’s servants found a woman from Endor who self” (vs. 14). secretly practiced witchcraft. Both Saul and the witch assumed that it was Verse 8: “And Saul disguised himself, and put on other Samuel—but it was not! The Bible teaches that “the living raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing” to the woman by night: and he said, I pray you, divine unto (Ecc. 9:5). and what man is, why he exists, what military generals, legislators and other them out from before you” (Deut. his purpose is. The Bible reveals who dignitaries while in a trance, the 18:9-12). God is, why society is the way that it priestess’ inarticulate cries were inter- Leviticus 19:31: “Regard not them is, and what future events will soon preted and recorded by an official that have familiar spirits, neither seek come to pass. interpreter, in verse, then later in after wizards, to be defiled by them: I God inspired Paul to write, “All prose. am the LORD your God.” Scripture is given by inspiration of Plato is recorded to have written, Notice what they were to do if they God, and is profitable for doctrine, for “All questions should be left to the found such people among them: “A reproof, for correction, for instruction decision of the oracle, as is the usual man also or woman that has a familiar in righteousness: that the man of God practice in Greece.” The influence of spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely may be perfect, thoroughly furnished spiritism and the occult is centuries be put to death: they shall stone them unto all good works” (II Tim. 3:16- old. with stones: their blood shall be upon 17). them” (Lev. 20:27). True knowledge comes from God: Strong Words From God Also notice: “Take you therefore “The fear of the LORD is the beginning Millennia ago, God delivered ancient good heed unto yourselves…lest you of knowledge: but fools despise wis- Israel from slavery in Egypt. Just lift up your eyes unto heaven, and dom and instruction” (Prov. 1:7). before they were about to inherit the when you see the sun, and the moon, The empty, vain writings and tradi- Promised Land, God warned the and the stars, even all the host of heav- tions of men cannot compare to the Israelites: “When you are come into en, should be driven to worship them, truth of God’s Word. the land which the LORD your God and serve them, which the LORD your Yet, men often highly value gives you, you shall not learn to do God has divided unto all nations under famous writings of literary “giants”— after the abominations of those the whole heaven” (Deut. 4:15, 19). men who were often possessed by nations. There shall not be found Astrology was not to be tolerated in demons! Ancient Greek writers, such among you any one that makes his son the Promised Land. as Homer, commonly sought to speak or his daughter to pass through the God commanded the Israelites to for their “gods” (demons masquerad- fire, or that uses divination, or an totally destroy all nations found in ing as god-like beings) by being observer of times, or an enchanter, or Canaan because the people dwelling directly under their control. a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter there practiced witchcraft and the Ancient Delphi grew to interna- with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a occult. Their perverted and twisted tional prominence for the famous ora- necromancer. For all that do these pagan religions even involved human cle of the Greek god Apollo, who fore- things are an abomination unto the sacrifice—including infants! told the future through his priestess. LORD: and because of these abomina- Yet, the biblical record shows that Responding to questions from rulers, tions the LORD your God does drive Israel failed miserably. The people tol-

WITCHES, WIZARDS AND SPIRITS: GRAVE AND GROWING DANGER 9 erated—even encouraged—witchcraft deceiver will draw his powers from out are dogs, and sorcerers, and and the occult throughout ancient “spiritual wickedness in high whoremongers, and murderers, and Israel. The same is happening today places”—the same source of witch- idolaters, and whosoever loves and among the modern-day descendants of craft and the occult. But those powers makes a lie” (vs. 15). Israel. Just as ancient Israel and Judah will appear to be Christian. Also, Satan and his demons, the were severely punished for these and But in the end, the great false authors of witchcraft and the occult, other national sins, the modern-day prophet will meet his end (20:10) at will be imprisoned in darkness, no peoples and nations of Israel will also the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. longer the “god of this world.” be severely corrected. From then on, God’s government As you can see, witchcraft and the will be set up at Jerusalem, and will occult are not alternatives worth con- Witchcraft in the “Last Days” spread across the earth (Isa. 9:6-7). sidering. They are paths leading to Christ warned that just before His True knowledge will flow freely to danger, and even death. Return to set up His kingdom, quench the thirst of all who desire it. Those who choose to submit to “…many false prophets shall rise, and Power will be in the hands of those God and resist Satan (Jms. 4:7) can shall deceive many” (Matt. 24:11). who have qualified to properly use receive the knowledge, power and He also inspired the apostle John to it—Christ and His righteous kings, purpose all men long for: “For God warn of a great, end-time false judges and priests (Rev. 5:10). has not given us the spirit of fear; but prophet. Possessed by an “unclean All who obey God will have access of power, and of love [which is man’s spirit,” this false prophet will perform to the Tree of Life, and enter into the true purpose for life], and of a sound miracles, deceiving the masses into kingdom (22:14). mind [deep knowledge, understanding receiving the “mark of the beast” and But the Bible says that there will be and wisdom]” (II Tim. 1:7). worshipping the beast’s “image” those who refuse to obey. They will Witchcraft, spiritism and the occult (Rev. 16:13; 19:20). This future not enter God’s kingdom: “For with- can do none of these. F

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