We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 1 John 5:19.

When rebellion is in our hearts against God, by default we are under the rule of Satan. 

Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft; 1 Sam 15:23. When one rebels against God they will be overcome by the seduction of witchcraft that takes a hold of the mind.  Witchcraft mocks and mimics the Holy Spirit.  Witchcraft operates by a lying spirit and the father of lies is the head.  The Holy Spirit is truth who speaks only what God the Father tells Him; John 16:13. 

The whole world lies under the power of the wicked one (1 John 5:19) who is its god.  Anyone who chooses to abide in the world in any way – will listen to the master and god of this world; Ephes 2:1-3.  God calls out those who are His who have been bought by His Son’s blood (2 Cor 6:16-18) to Hear Him (Mt 17:5😉 and to follow Him; Mt 16:24.  He is the ONLY Way, Truth & Life; John 14:6.  

The farther we are away from God the closer we are to having minds that will be confused, in fear and full of all kinds of anxieties.  The closer we are to the Lord we will find rest no matter what is going on in our lives and around us because Jesus is the prince of peace; Is 9:6.

Witchcraft in the churches

The world and those who are of it are led by lies and fear, because Satan leads those who serve him, through the mind, emotions, and feelings.  In contrast, God leads by His Holy Spirit – according to the Word of God.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Rom 8:14.  

How often do we esteem good works as evidence of the authenticity of godly ministers, ministries, and people?  But is this how we identify true sons of God?  Gal 5:19-26 describes what works of the flesh are as as well as what the Holy Spirit produces in us.  Anyone can do outward good deeds but what is in our heart will reveals what is true.  God looks at our heart; 1 Sam 16:7.

While good works are part of the ministry of the saint it is not to be our boast.  We should be cautious with anyone who boasts in themselves, their ministries or good works above Christ.  For the Holy Spirit never talks of Himself to claim praise but recognizes and gives glory to Jesus in all things.

 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-14.

 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. John 14:17.  

When witchcraft operates in churches and their people it is a religious spirit at work and not the Holy Spirit.  How can we tell which is which?  Where the Spirit is, there is freedom.

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Cor 3:17.

Freedom from what?  Self, Sin, and Satan.  You can have manifestations of all kinds that claim to be the Holy Spirit’s doing but if the people and congregations are not walking in freedom and if if they do not reveal transformed hearts and lives then a religious spirit is what has taken hold.  This spirit seeks to dominate by control using flattery, manipulation and seduction. 

Make no mistake the Lord changes us from the inside out.  We are new creations in Christ (2 Cor 5:17) and are God’s workmanship.  If we have not experienced such change something is seriously wrong that needs to be addressed – today.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephes 2:8-10.