God's Truth About "Occult": Chapter One

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Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Truth FAQ
(1.1) What Does The Bible Say About: Witchcraft, Occultism, Seeking Counsel From the Spirit of the Dead and Fortune Telling
(1.2) Satan's Titles
(1.3) Satan's Doom
(1.4) The Dead are Judged
(1.5) Satan
(1.6) Satanism
(1.7) Black Mass

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT:

1.1) SATANISM, WITCHCRAFT, OCCULTISM, SEEKING COUNSEL FROM THE SPIRITS OF THE DEAD & FORTUNE TELLING?

We are living in a world where we encounter problems daily, worries in our business and our family life. Consequently, we are under enormous physical and mental pressures.
In the absence of a relationship with the Creator, depression and loneliness can overcome us. We try to anchor our hopes for survival by holding on to pieces of wood which are floating upon this turbulent sea of life. Often in despair, we seek sorcerers, fortune tellers, soothsayers and one who calls on spirits or practices witchcraft. We do this in the hope of hearing some soothing news. People try to quench their thirsty spirits in an effort to find some consolation.
The secret of a truly successful life is to have an obedient knowledge of God's Word in a living relationship with God. It is only God who is capable of giving consolation to the insecure soul.
The Bible tells us in Deuteronomy 18:10-13; "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you. You shall be blameless before the LORD your God."
Notes: The following information is released for your understanding, knowledge and recognizing Satan's strategy.
1.2) Satan's Titles:
Satan has been given other titles in the Scripture which describe his character and his method. These include: 1) Satan (Matthew 12:26) a Hebrew word meaning "the resistor or adversary." 2) Devil (John 8:44), 3) Father of Lies (John 8:44) He is not just a liar, he is the father of lies. 4) Accuser of our brothers, (Revelation 12:10), 5) Beelzebub (Mark 3:22, 23) meaning "Lord of dunghill." 6) Belial (2 Corinthians 6:15) meaning "worthlessness", 7) Power of Death (Hebrews 2:14), 8) Evil One (1 John 2:13), 9) Ruler of This World, in 2 Corinthians the enemy is even called "the god of this world", the two titles should give us some idea of the tremendous scope of Satan's power and activity on the earth. 10) Prince of the Power of the Air (Ephesians 2:1, 2) the enemy's power, in our age, is operative not only on the earth, but also in space. 11) Angel of Light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 12) Angel of the Abyss (Revelation 9:11), 13) Abadoon (Revelation 9:11), 14) Murderer (John 8:44), 15) Dragon (Revelation 12:10), 16) Enemy (I Peter 5:8), 17) Tempter (Matthew 4:3), 18) guardian cherub (Ezekiel 28:14), 19) Prince of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:12), 20) morning star is another name of Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12), 21) Roaring Lion (I Peter 5:8), 22) Serpent (Genesis 3:1), 23) Strong man (Luke 11:21). 24) spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient (Ephesians 2:11).
1.3) Satan's Doom:
According to Matthew 25:41, Satan is living on borrowed time. God has promised in His Word that Satan and his angels will receive everlasting punishment for the crimes they have committed against God and man. Then He will also say to those on His left, "Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels."
Revelation 20:10 says, and the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of burning sulphur, where the beast and false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
The Lord Jesus, the creator and Sovereign, will judge all creatures including evil angels. You may refer to John 5:22 for further information.
He defeated Satan and his demons during His time on earth by invading Satan's territory and casting out demons from those possessed. (Matthew 12: 28-29)
He anticipated the final defeat of Satan when His disciples returned with reports of demons being subject to them through Christ's power. (Luke 10:1, 17-20)
Through His death and resurrection, Christ sealed the final judgment of Satan and demons. The Cross reveals God's hatred and judgment of all sin. The Righteous One had to die if the unrighteous ones were to be forgiven. (1st Peter 3:18)
1.4) The Dead Are Judged
Revelation 20: 11-15 states, "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from His presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the `Book of Life.' The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."
He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then He said, "write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
Revelation 21: 5-8 states, He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars - their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulphur."
1.5) Satan
Satan also known as Lucifer, has been the subject of a multitude of books and discussions for thousands of years. Some deny his existence, saying that he is merely a mythological figure. Others seem obsessed with him, seeing him behind everything imaginable.
We will explore answers to these questions: Is there such a creature? If so, who is he? Where did he come from? What power does he have? Should a Christian fear him?
Lucifer and his angels (devils or evil spirits) are real. The devil is not a figment of one's imagination or a mere symbol of evil; he has personal existence. How do we know he exists? The Bible is a supernatural book of revelations that gives information about the true and living God. It also, it tells about Lucifer and his plans. I do believe Satan and his demons exist, because the Bible says so, because of their existence I am called into a deliverance ministry.
Satan's career begins in a distant past. God created a multitude of angels to do His bidding. In the angelic rank there was one angel who was given the highest position/ guardian to the Throne of the Most High. His name was Lucifer.
Information about Lucifer is revealed to us in Ezekiel 28:11-19. This passage is addressed to the prince of Tyre, a man who was vain because of the wealth he possessed and thought himself to be God. While God is rebuking the prince of Tyre for his vanity, another character called the king of Tyre is introduced. He is revealed to be the real motivator of the prince of Tyre.
Ezekiel 28:11-19 "The word of the LORD came to me: Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre (Lucifer) and say to him: This is what the Sovereign LORD says: You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz and emerald, chrysolite, onyx and jasper, sapphire, turquoise and beryl. Your setting and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings. By your many sins and dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries. So I made a fire come out from you, and it consumed you, and I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. All the nations who knew you are appalled at you; you have come to horrible end and will be no more."
At this time Lucifer, along with the other angels were in perfect harmony with God. There was no rebellion nor any dissent, there was only one will in the universe, the will of God. Everything was harmonious until Lucifer decided to rebel against God. The prophet Isaiah reveals the unrighteousness in Lucifer.
Isaiah 14: 12-15 "How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star (Lucifer), son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High. But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit."
The sin of Lucifer was rebellion. Five times Lucifer said in his heart, "I will."

I will ascend into heaven;
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will sit upon the mount of the congregation;
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will be like the Most High.

Rebellion caused the downfall of Lucifer, it was then that he was transformed into Satan. When Lucifer rebelled, one-third of the angels (Revelation 12:4) rebelled with him, attempting to overthrow the authority of God. This resulted in Lucifer and his cohosts being banished from both God's presence and His favor. We are often asked, "Why would a good God create the devil?" It needs to be stressed that God did not create the devil.
God created Lucifer, the highest ranking of the angels, giving him beauty and intelligence and a superior position to every other created being. He also gave Lucifer a free will to do as he pleased. Eventually, Lucifer decided to stage a rebellion against God, and it was at that point that he became known as the devil or the adversary. He was not created for that purpose, nor did God desire for Lucifer to act independently of His will. However, Lucifer did rebel and consequently became the enemy of God and His work.
The existence of evil and the supernatural realm is led by Satan and supported by his legions of demons. Satan's devices are many, and his methods are as varied as his devices. We as Christian believers are never called to investigate all of these occult phenomena. Preoccupation with Satan's methods is not the best means of approaching our foe, our enemy, the accuser of the brethren. However, this does not mean we are to do nothing. Rather, as Christian believers, we are exhorted in three major areas.

We are called to understand- understanding that Satan has already been defeated. Christ's death and resurrection sealed Satan's fate and destruction. That fact became a reality for us when we believed in Christ.
We are called to know- know Satan's strategy. Not to know all his methods, but rather his means of operation. This includes him being disguised as an angel of light. Satan's modus operandi, aside from a direct assault of lies, also includes the more subtle and often used art of deception. He seeks to lure through the things of the world and the temptations of flesh. Satan's desire is to replace God's plan with his counterfeit, just as he attempted to do in the Garden of Eden.
Besides having a good defense of knowing our position in Christ and recognizing Satan's strategy- We must be on the offensive in what we do. This means knowing God and making Him known. When we get to our LORD and share the gospel it pierces Satan as if with a sword. The LORD through us advances His kingdom and brings Satan's domain to ruin. For our mastery over Satan is not in our power, but in God's power and through His plan. We should share the Gospel with all who are interested.

This is why Jesus said in Luke 10:17-20, we should not rejoice because we have power over demons but because our names are written in the Book of Life. Paul in Romans 1:16 clearly states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes."
Communicating the Gospel should be our goal, even amid all the conflicts that Satan and the world attempt to throw at us. The command to believers is to grow in the gospel and share it with others. This is gradually and clearly illustrated in chapter six of Paul`s epistle to the Ephesians. The whole point of this chapter is often overlooked, as the emphasis is usually placed on the "armor of God." In the book of Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul points out that the true battle stems out the evil forces in the heavenly realms and that his purpose for life is to spread the gospel. His very prayer at the end of the book, which comes in the context of this section on the armor of God, is for him to be able to make known the gospel.
"Finally, be strong in the LORD and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist. With the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."
According to 2nd Corinthians 10: 4-5: "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
1.6) Satanism
The worship of Satan has deep historical roots. Known as Satanism, it is found expressed in various ways. Black Magic, Black Mass, all types of drug culture, blood sacrifice and sexual perversion associated with the devil all have connections with Satanism. The worship of a personal and powerful devil is traditional Satanism and associated with witchcraft and ritualism. Evil spirits manifest in blasphemy, profanity and filthy conversation. Persistent and violent opposition to God manifests in the lives of the demonically tormented individuals.
1.7) The Black Mass
is said in honor of the devil at the witches' sabbath. It is practiced by many satanic groups. The ritual reverses Roman Catholic mass, desecrating the objects used in worship.
Usually a nude woman (often a virgin) is stretched out upon the altar where the high priest dressed in a long red cloak wearing the devil's mask will end the ritual by having intercourse with her. The other high ranking males also dressed in their special attire will also seduce her. The dominant purpose of the exercise being the hopeful conception of the anti-Christ. This is done in total mockery of the birth of Jesus Christ of the virgin Mary. The rest of the crowd will participate in a mass orgy. These events take place on a full moon, often in a remote graveyard or an old church yard/building (which has been laid claim on, never to be inhabited by Christians again), hill tops, forests, anywhere where it is considered soundless. Satanists also have hidden underground dens or use an old barge, where they have built soundproof walls and ceilings. They recite the Lord's Prayer in reverse.
Sometimes the participants drink blood by tearing off the heads of living doves, pigeons and canaries, with their teeth. Also larger animals like sheep, goats, bulls, deer and humans, have their throats cut with a razor-sharp sacrificial knife. The blood is poured into vessels for consumption or sometimes for the santero (salutation with drinks), or to initiate during the ceremony, along with eating of human flesh in mock communion rituals.
Once initiated into this dark world, fear of loss of life is often instilled in its members and they are sworn into secrecy. Individuals are often fearful of leaving it even if they want to, in case their death is arranged. It is a closely watched and monitored secret society.
However, there are many that have been saved through the precious blood of Jesus Christ and are totally freed from the bondage of evil.
The black mass prevents and desecrates the true worship of God and is a blasphemous affront to all believers in Christ. The black mass is today's perfect image of the occultism so clearly condemned by the LORD in the Old and New Testaments. It is not possible to serve Satan and Jesus Christ. Christians should have nothing to do with the black mass or any satanic or witchcraft practices.
Satan worshippers are perversions of the true Gospel. As perversions, they bring eternal death rather than the eternal life promised by Jesus Christ. A day will come when even Satan, his demons and those who are bound in the occult will no longer celebrate the black mass, but will be forced to bow to the Lord Jesus Christ.
According to Philippians 2:10,11 "At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father."

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God's Truth About "Occult": Chapter One

Go to ... Main Page Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Truth FAQ		(1.1) What Does The Bible Say About: Witchcraft, Occultism, Seeking Counsel From the Spirit of the Dead and Fortune Telling (1.2) Satan's Titles (1.3) Satan's Doom (1.4) The Dead are Judged (1.5) Satan (1.6) Satanism (1.7) Black Mass
		WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT: 1.1) SATANISM, WITCHCRAFT, OCCULTISM, SEEKING COUNSEL FROM THE SPIRITS OF THE DEAD & FORTUNE TELLING? We are living in a world where we encounter problems daily, worries in our business and our family life. Consequently, we are under enormous physical and mental pressures. In the absence of a relationship with the Creator, depression and loneliness can overcome us. We try to anchor our hopes for survival by holding on to pieces of wood which are floating upon this turbulent sea of life. Often in despair, we seek sorcerers, fortune tellers, soothsayers and one who calls on spirits or practices witchcraft. We do this in the hope of hearing some soothing news. People try to quench their thirsty spirits in an effort to find some consolation. The secret of a truly successful life is to have an obedient knowledge of God's Word in a living relationship with God. It is only God who is capable of giving consolation to the insecure soul. The Bible tells us in Deuteronomy 18:10-13; "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you. You shall be blameless before the LORD your God." Notes: The following information is released for your understanding, knowledge and recognizing Satan's strategy. 1.2) Satan's Titles: Satan has been given other titles in the Scripture which describe his character and his method. These include: 1) Satan (Matthew 12:26) a Hebrew word meaning "the resistor or adversary." 2) Devil (John 8:44), 3) Father of Lies (John 8:44) He is not just a liar, he is the father of lies. 4) Accuser of our brothers, (Revelation 12:10), 5) Beelzebub (Mark 3:22, 23) meaning "Lord of dunghill." 6) Belial (2 Corinthians 6:15) meaning "worthlessness", 7) Power of Death (Hebrews 2:14), 8) Evil One (1 John 2:13), 9) Ruler of This World, in 2 Corinthians the enemy is even called "the god of this world", the two titles should give us some idea of the tremendous scope of Satan's power and activity on the earth. 10) Prince of the Power of the Air (Ephesians 2:1, 2) the enemy's power, in our age, is operative not only on the earth, but also in space. 11) Angel of Light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 12) Angel of the Abyss (Revelation 9:11), 13) Abadoon (Revelation 9:11), 14) Murderer (John 8:44), 15) Dragon (Revelation 12:10), 16) Enemy (I Peter 5:8), 17) Tempter (Matthew 4:3), 18) guardian cherub (Ezekiel 28:14), 19) Prince of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:12), 20) morning star is another name of Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12), 21) Roaring Lion (I Peter 5:8), 22) Serpent (Genesis 3:1), 23) Strong man (Luke 11:21). 24) spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient (Ephesians 2:11). 1.3) Satan's Doom: According to Matthew 25:41, Satan is living on borrowed time. God has promised in His Word that Satan and his angels will receive everlasting punishment for the crimes they have committed against God and man. Then He will also say to those on His left, "Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Revelation 20:10 says, and the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of burning sulphur, where the beast and false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever. The Lord Jesus, the creator and Sovereign, will judge all creatures including evil angels. You may refer to John 5:22 for further information. He defeated Satan and his demons during His time on earth by invading Satan's territory and casting out demons from those possessed. (Matthew 12: 28-29) He anticipated the final defeat of Satan when His disciples returned with reports of demons being subject to them through Christ's power. (Luke 10:1, 17-20) Through His death and resurrection, Christ sealed the final judgment of Satan and demons. The Cross reveals God's hatred and judgment of all sin. The Righteous One had to die if the unrighteous ones were to be forgiven. (1st Peter 3:18) 1.4) The Dead Are Judged Revelation 20: 11-15 states, "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from His presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the `Book of Life.' The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then He said, "write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." Revelation 21: 5-8 states, He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars - their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulphur." 1.5) Satan Satan also known as Lucifer, has been the subject of a multitude of books and discussions for thousands of years. Some deny his existence, saying that he is merely a mythological figure. Others seem obsessed with him, seeing him behind everything imaginable. We will explore answers to these questions: Is there such a creature? If so, who is he? Where did he come from? What power does he have? Should a Christian fear him? Lucifer and his angels (devils or evil spirits) are real. The devil is not a figment of one's imagination or a mere symbol of evil; he has personal existence. How do we know he exists? The Bible is a supernatural book of revelations that gives information about the true and living God. It also, it tells about Lucifer and his plans. I do believe Satan and his demons exist, because the Bible says so, because of their existence I am called into a deliverance ministry. Satan's career begins in a distant past. God created a multitude of angels to do His bidding. In the angelic rank there was one angel who was given the highest position/ guardian to the Throne of the Most High. His name was Lucifer. Information about Lucifer is revealed to us in Ezekiel 28:11-19. This passage is addressed to the prince of Tyre, a man who was vain because of the wealth he possessed and thought himself to be God. While God is rebuking the prince of Tyre for his vanity, another character called the king of Tyre is introduced. He is revealed to be the real motivator of the prince of Tyre. Ezekiel 28:11-19 "The word of the LORD came to me: Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre (Lucifer) and say to him: This is what the Sovereign LORD says: You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz and emerald, chrysolite, onyx and jasper, sapphire, turquoise and beryl. Your setting and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings. By your many sins and dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries. So I made a fire come out from you, and it consumed you, and I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. All the nations who knew you are appalled at you; you have come to horrible end and will be no more." At this time Lucifer, along with the other angels were in perfect harmony with God. There was no rebellion nor any dissent, there was only one will in the universe, the will of God. Everything was harmonious until Lucifer decided to rebel against God. The prophet Isaiah reveals the unrighteousness in Lucifer. Isaiah 14: 12-15 "How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star (Lucifer), son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High. But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit." The sin of Lucifer was rebellion. Five times Lucifer said in his heart, "I will." I will ascend into heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit upon the mount of the congregation; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High. Rebellion caused the downfall of Lucifer, it was then that he was transformed into Satan. When Lucifer rebelled, one-third of the angels (Revelation 12:4) rebelled with him, attempting to overthrow the authority of God. This resulted in Lucifer and his cohosts being banished from both God's presence and His favor. We are often asked, "Why would a good God create the devil?" It needs to be stressed that God did not create the devil. God created Lucifer, the highest ranking of the angels, giving him beauty and intelligence and a superior position to every other created being. He also gave Lucifer a free will to do as he pleased. Eventually, Lucifer decided to stage a rebellion against God, and it was at that point that he became known as the devil or the adversary. He was not created for that purpose, nor did God desire for Lucifer to act independently of His will. However, Lucifer did rebel and consequently became the enemy of God and His work. The existence of evil and the supernatural realm is led by Satan and supported by his legions of demons. Satan's devices are many, and his methods are as varied as his devices. We as Christian believers are never called to investigate all of these occult phenomena. Preoccupation with Satan's methods is not the best means of approaching our foe, our enemy, the accuser of the brethren. However, this does not mean we are to do nothing. Rather, as Christian believers, we are exhorted in three major areas. We are called to understand- understanding that Satan has already been defeated. Christ's death and resurrection sealed Satan's fate and destruction. That fact became a reality for us when we believed in Christ. We are called to know- know Satan's strategy. Not to know all his methods, but rather his means of operation. This includes him being disguised as an angel of light. Satan's modus operandi, aside from a direct assault of lies, also includes the more subtle and often used art of deception. He seeks to lure through the things of the world and the temptations of flesh. Satan's desire is to replace God's plan with his counterfeit, just as he attempted to do in the Garden of Eden. Besides having a good defense of knowing our position in Christ and recognizing Satan's strategy- We must be on the offensive in what we do. This means knowing God and making Him known. When we get to our LORD and share the gospel it pierces Satan as if with a sword. The LORD through us advances His kingdom and brings Satan's domain to ruin. For our mastery over Satan is not in our power, but in God's power and through His plan. We should share the Gospel with all who are interested. This is why Jesus said in Luke 10:17-20, we should not rejoice because we have power over demons but because our names are written in the Book of Life. Paul in Romans 1:16 clearly states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Communicating the Gospel should be our goal, even amid all the conflicts that Satan and the world attempt to throw at us. The command to believers is to grow in the gospel and share it with others. This is gradually and clearly illustrated in chapter six of Paul`s epistle to the Ephesians. The whole point of this chapter is often overlooked, as the emphasis is usually placed on the "armor of God." In the book of Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul points out that the true battle stems out the evil forces in the heavenly realms and that his purpose for life is to spread the gospel. His very prayer at the end of the book, which comes in the context of this section on the armor of God, is for him to be able to make known the gospel. "Finally, be strong in the LORD and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist. With the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." According to 2nd Corinthians 10: 4-5: "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 1.6) Satanism The worship of Satan has deep historical roots. Known as Satanism, it is found expressed in various ways. Black Magic, Black Mass, all types of drug culture, blood sacrifice and sexual perversion associated with the devil all have connections with Satanism. The worship of a personal and powerful devil is traditional Satanism and associated with witchcraft and ritualism. Evil spirits manifest in blasphemy, profanity and filthy conversation. Persistent and violent opposition to God manifests in the lives of the demonically tormented individuals. 1.7) The Black Mass is said in honor of the devil at the witches' sabbath. It is practiced by many satanic groups. The ritual reverses Roman Catholic mass, desecrating the objects used in worship. Usually a nude woman (often a virgin) is stretched out upon the altar where the high priest dressed in a long red cloak wearing the devil's mask will end the ritual by having intercourse with her. The other high ranking males also dressed in their special attire will also seduce her. The dominant purpose of the exercise being the hopeful conception of the anti-Christ. This is done in total mockery of the birth of Jesus Christ of the virgin Mary. The rest of the crowd will participate in a mass orgy. These events take place on a full moon, often in a remote graveyard or an old church yard/building (which has been laid claim on, never to be inhabited by Christians again), hill tops, forests, anywhere where it is considered soundless. Satanists also have hidden underground dens or use an old barge, where they have built soundproof walls and ceilings. They recite the Lord's Prayer in reverse. Sometimes the participants drink blood by tearing off the heads of living doves, pigeons and canaries, with their teeth. Also larger animals like sheep, goats, bulls, deer and humans, have their throats cut with a razor-sharp sacrificial knife. The blood is poured into vessels for consumption or sometimes for the santero (salutation with drinks), or to initiate during the ceremony, along with eating of human flesh in mock communion rituals. Once initiated into this dark world, fear of loss of life is often instilled in its members and they are sworn into secrecy. Individuals are often fearful of leaving it even if they want to, in case their death is arranged. It is a closely watched and monitored secret society. However, there are many that have been saved through the precious blood of Jesus Christ and are totally freed from the bondage of evil. The black mass prevents and desecrates the true worship of God and is a blasphemous affront to all believers in Christ. The black mass is today's perfect image of the occultism so clearly condemned by the LORD in the Old and New Testaments. It is not possible to serve Satan and Jesus Christ. Christians should have nothing to do with the black mass or any satanic or witchcraft practices. Satan worshippers are perversions of the true Gospel. As perversions, they bring eternal death rather than the eternal life promised by Jesus Christ. A day will come when even Satan, his demons and those who are bound in the occult will no longer celebrate the black mass, but will be forced to bow to the Lord Jesus Christ. According to Philippians 2:10,11 "At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father."