One of the most intriguing things today in movies, television and “talent” shows is the use of magic. When I see one, it reminds me of the story of a man called Simon who lived in the ancient city of Samaria. Acts 8:9-13(ESV) But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great…
Simon used magic to make people think he is a great person.
In a number of cases in our world today, God’s name is being used the same way, as a magic tool by humans to make a name for themselves. Some individuals are starting churches for monetary gain, to make a name for themselves or both.
People have continued using God’s name in insincerity! They practice loud prayers, loud preaching and talk big hoping that nobody will discover who they really are. Exodus 20:7 says: “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”. Meanwhile these people, secretly hope that using God’s name will win the unsuspecting and thereby create opportunities to trick the congregants and make money from their giving or doing business. Ephesians 5:12 (NIV) It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
Such people are rebellious to the ways of righteousness but only do things to control people and be seen by other humans as something great. 1 Timothy 4:1-2 (NIV) The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
Like Simon of Samaria, they lead nobody to God by doing this but to bondage because they themselves are under a bondage. Innocent seekers of God are demonised by association with these characters and before long they fall into a road to nowhere. Romans 7:15, 17 (NIV) I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.
Sin, is the evil living inside such people! If you don’t look up on them and regard them as great, you will be ignored, be punished with cold love, be demeaned and indirectly hunted down until you toe their line! If you want to avoid this, the bible clearly says that you should not associate with anyone who ticks any of following boxes! 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 (NIV) … But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.
If we are not careful, the devil uses the good of this world to trap us. Darkness will be sold as light disguised as achievements, elite profession or wealth! John 9:39 (NIV) Jesus said, “…I have come into this world, so that the blind will see…” Unless you are really delivered, know that you are blind, and cannot see the intrigues coming from people operating under inspiration of hell! You will bow down to them because of titles and in the process give your spirit to their manipulation. God will cease to be Lord in your life!
You will however continue to stare and be wowed by what your “masters” are “achieving”. Meanwhile, God’s blessings of real peace, joy and happiness will become a distance pipe dream! One day, your jaw will hit the floor as you suddenly realise that the intrigues of hell are behind the spiritual curtain that has been blinding you all along!
There is no doubt that at this point you will need deliverance and healing! The process may take long to achieve! It will involve confessions to undo inflicted damage, acts of repentance and a period of healing of your wounded soul. Read more on deliverance from this site.
Live In Victory 