By:Michael D. Justice

Introduction
There are only six references to the husband and wife team of Aquila and Priscilla in the New Testament, but the available details can reveal some interesting things about those who might be considered as lay people of the early church. There are no Bible references to either Aquila or Priscilla, without mention of the other. They worked together in a trade for their livelihood, and they worked together in the body, which is the church. Since Paul is such a prominent character in the New Testament, some detail of his activity will be included as he interfaced with the lives of Aquila and Priscilla.
 Because of the unique qualities of scripture, even just a few words in the original text can reveal important information. My Online Bible lexicon indicates that Aquila is translated from a word probably of Latin origin. Prisca appears only one time in the KJV, but the diminutive form, which is Priscilla, appears five times: and the original word is probably of Latin origin. As I prepared this study, I was impressed by the amount of long-distance traveling by some of the principal characters, during a time when transportation was rudimentary and slow by the standards of the 21st century. Communication was also basic, but the essential element was the Spirit of God working through frail human vessels to build his church, even as he continues to do to this very day.

Acts 18
1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; 2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. 3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. 5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. 6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. 7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.

COMMENTS: Verse 2 is the first mention in scripture of this couple by name, and there is no indication that Paul was their means of conversion to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. The text tells us that Paul had come to Corinth from Athens, which implies he would have traveled by land some fifty miles southwest. Aquila and Priscilla had recently come a much greater distance from Rome, probably traveling south and east on a sailing ship because a water route was practical for such a trip in those times. The text tells us that Paul "found a certain Jew", and "because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought." The text simply tells us that he stayed with them because they were of the same craft, and that Paul worked while he was with them. Paul may have "found" this "certain" Jew by seeking him out, or by coming upon him without specific intention. Use of the Greek word translated as certain, does not provide any certainty about how they met.

We also learn that Aquila had been born in Pontus, which is in the northeast of Asia Minor, a long distance away from Corinth, an from Rome. When Peter’s preaching brought thousands of people into the church by faith on Pentecost, their were visitors from both Pontus and Rome who carried their new faith back to their homelands. Aquila and Priscilla were possibly already Christians when they opened their home to Paul in Corinth. Historical records for the edict of Claudius would place this time of Paul being in Corinth in circa 52 A.D. That would be approaching two decades after Peter’s Pentecost sermon of Acts chapter two.

Paul spoke boldly each Sabbath in the synagogue about Jesus, and apparently hit a peak of fervor after Silas and Timotheus arrive from Macedonia, where Paul had previously been with them, first in Thessalonica, and then in Berea. Because of the Jews attitude in the synagogue, Paul said he would take his message to the gentiles, and "entered into" the house of Justus, one that worshipped God. The text does not detail whether this became a meeting place for Christian worship, or if Paul resided there, but the next passage leans towards it being only the former.

Acts 18
18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. 19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not; 21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

COMMENTS: The relationship of Paul with Aquila and Priscilla was apparently a close one, because when he left Corinth, they went with him. This could imply that they had continued to share their craft and there dwelling for the duration of Paul’s time in Corinth. Cenchrea was the eastern port for Corinth, some nine miles east of the city, and the logical port for sailing to Ephesus, which was close to the western coastline of Asia Minor, here loosely called Syria. The voyage would have been easterly, taking about 8 to 10 days, depending on wind conditions. When Paul subsequently left Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla remain there.

Acts 18
24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. 27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: 28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

COMMENTS: Apollos is a man well spoken of in the New Testament, though very sparingly. Secular history indicates that his birthplace of Alexandria was an international city in Egypt that was a center for learning, and apparently had a sizable population of Jews. The Greek translation of the Old Testament was completed in Alexandria long before the birth of Christ, after many decades of translation work. We do not have specific detail of the education of Apollos, or how long he had lived in Alexandria, but we are told that he was "an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures." The scripture goes on to say he was "instructed", he was "fervent in the spirit", he "taught diligently", and he knew "only the baptism of John." It seems that Aquila and Priscilla had attended synagogue in Ephesus, because scripture says, "And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly." This working class married couple made time for private discipleship, and in so doing they showed a concern for building up others in the faith, even one who had superior academic learning. We are not given detailed points of the conversation, but Aquila and Priscilla set forth in detail the "way of God" more thoroughly and completely." They must have been effective in their manner, for the text states that Apollos went from Ephesus to Achaia, the principal city of which was Corinth. There he was much help to the disciples who had believed through grace; for he publicly convinced the Jews through scriptures, that Jesus was Christ. So, it seems that Aquila and Priscilla had been instrumental in helping this educated and articulate man understand the crucial importance of salvation by grace through our Lord Jesus Christ, not through works of the law.

This next passage from a later time as recorded in Acts, gives an example of Paul expounding about Jesus, probably much the same as Aquila and Priscilla had done with Apollos. Acts 28:23 "And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening." It is very important to notice that whether it was the apostle Paul, or laity such as Aquila and Priscilla, the Old Testament (the Jewish scripture) was the authoritative source of verification that all that Jesus did and taught fulfilled the prophecies about God our Savior. In our era, the New Testament is the record of events surrounding Jesus, and the more complete explanation of the finished work by the Lamb of God, who is the source of eternal life for all who will believe and receive.

1 Corinthians 16
19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

COMMENTS: By Paul’s testimony, as he writes to Christians in Corinth, Aquila and Priscilla have a church body in their home, and that most likely being in Ephesus. Perhaps they attended synagogue, where they had encountered Apollos, only until the time came for them to be more established in distinct Christian worship. The only cities specifically mentioned in connection with Aquila and Priscilla are Rome, Corinth, and Ephesus, with the province of Pontus noted as the birthplace for Aquila. There were likely people still in Corinth who knew Aquila and Priscilla from when they had lived there, and it is possible they heard some good words about this couple through Apollos after he left Ephesus and went to Corinth.

2 Timothy 4
19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

COMMENTS: Timothy had become the church leader in Ephesus, as indicated in 1Timothy; but Aquila and Priscilla were still there as Paul wrote a second letter to Timothy. Paul was specific in sending greeting to them in this second letter. There is no other new information given about them, unless we infer that they do not conduct a church in their own home, but now are part of the local church lead by Timothy. . They may have been preparing to return to Rome after the expiration of the earlier edict by Claudius, and that could be part of the reason Timothy is the church leader. . Or, it could be that they continued to be employed in their trade, choosing to allow someone else to lead the church after it outgrew a home setting and required a full time pastor. For whatever reason, our last reference finds them back in Rome.

Romans 16
1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

COMMENTS: It seems from this reference that Aquila and Priscilla were in Rome when Paul sent this letter, perhaps returning to their preferred city after expiration of the decree by Claudius to expel all Jews. It is possible that they were even Roman citizens, born of Roman citizen parents, and given Latin names. Paul declared in acts 22 that he was a free born Roman, which is an interesting detail found only in that reference. Paul again states that they have a church in their house, indicating their continued leadership in part of the Christian community in Rome. Paul speaks of this Jewish Christian couple with high personal regard and appreciation that they had "laid down their own necks" for his life; and credits them with being important even to the development of the greater church body among gentiles. The "wellbeloved" Epaenetus (the name means praiseworthy) is stated here as being the firstfruits unto Christ in Achaia. This is the only mention in all of scripture of this name, and it may lend support to the idea that Aquila and Priscilla were already Christians before they arrived at Corinth in Achaia, since our first reference implies that Paul made contact with them, before any other people are mentioned.

SOME CLOSING THOUGHTS
The temple was rebuilt in Jerusalem according to the word of the Lord, after most Jews had been widely scattered outside the boundaries of Israel for more than a century: first from the northern kingdom, then from the southern kingdom. Jerusalem and the temple were once again the focal point for worship of the true God, through centuries more of foreign domination, until the appearance of Messiah. The Jews had been absorbed into various cultures as they were widely dispersed to other lands, and occupied in Israel. But they were not indistinguishable, and they continued to gain converts to Judaism. When Paul went to synagogues in various cities, there was often mention of his discourse with both Jews and Greeks (or gentiles). The Jewish scriptures had been translated into Greek, which made those inspired texts cross-cultural literature. Those Jews who truly sought after God with their hearts were used of God to be an influence on the gentile populace, even those gentiles who did not convert, because the Jewish practice was distinctive enough to be noticed by others. Christ had come in fulfillment of the law and the prophets, and great leaders of the church such as Peter and Paul would not have had as much fertile soil for the further spread of the word if not for the long-term Jewish influence on such a composite group of people as that portion of the world contained. The Holy Spirit was truly doing the work ahead of the efforts of the men who were given such privilege of leadership in the body of Christ; and since the closing of the canon of scripture, the Holy Spirit is still the active force. Christ is the true builder of the assembly of those called out by grace through faith, and all glory and honor is due to him alone. Jesus said, "I will build my church."

— REFLECTIONS IN PRAYER —

Lord, I thank you that scripture records the ministry of this Christian couple who were dedicated Jews, who completed their faith by receiving Christ as their Messiah. They moved around to various cities, working together for their livelihood, while standing firmly on the word, and supporting leaders in the church. They also were willing to take an eloquent and learned man aside to expound from scripture, what they knew as the more complete way of God. Their manner seems to be one of accepting whatever role you had for them in your church, whether starting a church in their home, or allowing others to become leadership figures. Their consistent desire to see local churches established wherever they located is a testimony of the importance of the many parts of the body of Christ. Thank you Lord that by your Spirit, their type has been duplicated down through the centuries. May I be as faithful in the plans you have for me. Amen.

Originally posted 2006-08-30 08:04:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Colossians 2:15  And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

2 Corinthians 10:3  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Revelation 12:11  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Originally posted 2006-08-28 12:52:19. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

1.                       Living a sinful life.

2.                       Laying on of hands

3.                       Lust of the flesh.

4.                       Eye gate and ear gate.

5.                       Though the medium of words.

6.                       Witchcraft and idolatry.

7.                       False religions and cults.

MIND MANIPULATION

The Bible shows that the mind can be manipulated by supernatural forces. "But
their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth ,the same veil
taken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done  away in Christ," (2 Jn. 6:14).

———————————–Top Christian movies

These devils use deception to transfer spirits through the mind "Satan disguises himself as an "angel of light," (2 Jn. 11:14), appearing to men as a messenger of that which is  good and wholesome  to indicate that truly he comes from God.

Satan uses false teaches too spread his lies capture souls.

 CHARACTERISTICS OF A FALSE PROPHET  

1.                      Profess to be believers.

2.                      Believe they are servants of righteousness because of the deception of spirits.

3.                      Act in the name of Jesus.

4.                      They preach another Jesus. (Like Jim Jones did).

5.                      Can use the Bible as teachers or preachers.

6.                      Some may have large followings.

7.                      Will mislead many (Matt. 24:11).

Word of God is subordinate to experience.

FALLING AWAY          

The Apostle Paul warns of the spread of heresy from the Christian faith. The word Apostasy conveys the particular idea of falling away, a withdrawal, a defection from the faith.  Always
remember you can’t fall away from something that you’ve never had. Paul
goes on to say in the scriptures that misrepresentation of the truth is
a primary avenue for the great end time falling away.

 "Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day  shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition," (I Thess. 2:3).

Another
avenue is following a strong erroneous belief or illusion. The Bible
shows in (2 Thess. 2) the last days that a spirit of "strong delusion" will  overtake the whole world.  Have you noticed that "another spirit, another Jesus, another Gospel," is being preached everywhere?

CHRISTIANS DABBLING IN THE OCCULT

Can
a Christian be made subject to these occult powers? Many spiritual
authorities believe they can when they play around with the occult!
Dabbling in the occult and even reading books on the black arts can
bring much spiritual, mental and spiritual distress. A Christian who
might wish to learn more about this subject should only consult books
written by evangelical Bible scholars for their information.

"Ye
cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: Ye cannot be
partakers of the Lord’s table and of the devils. Do we provoke the Lord
to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?" (I Cor. 10: 21,22).

Christians
should never seek service, direction or healing from an occultist or
psychic. When any Christian pursues healing from these demons, they
will be bewitched and guided by the devils. Many have discovered to
their surprise and horror that Satan is the one who is willing to
divulge supernatural affairs and give them momentary assistance. Often
too late, they find that the real source of their advice and
supernatural ability is demonic. Confusion results and many end up
going into insane asylums and never return! Occult powers come from
Satan. When one uses occult power he or she opens a door for the devil
to enter into their spirit. Once the door is opened, very few victims
ever get it to shut again.

Many
Christians and others are prone to be skeptical about the existence of
spirits and demons, Nevertheless, they do exist and they are
responsible to Satan for deceiving curious humans. Such is the case
with the well-known clergyman, Bishop Pike, who was convinced that he
was talking to his dead son!

Christians
should never look for guidance or healing from an occultist or psychic.
Yes, if any Christian seeks healing from these demons, they will be
lured and lead by the devils. The author heard about a certain man
whose wife had lung cancer. A group from his church encouraged him to
take to see a New Age faith healer. Another Christian warned him that
the occult healing that she was doing was being done by Satan. He said,
"I don’t care if she is hurling conch shells, I just want my wife to
live. This man was serving on an international ministry board. His wife
died!

Many
have found that it is Satan who willingly reveals supernatural
mysteries to them. The help that they get in the beginning is not
lasting. They fall into confounding confusion spiritually, physically
and mentally unstable.  Satan is the real root
for their counsel and the occult supernatural power is coming from the
powers of darkness. It is really demonic. They become bedeviled, unable
to pray, read their Bible and uninterested in Christian activity. Soon
they drop away from Church. In fact many fall away from the faith of
Jesus and never return.

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing  spirits, and doctrines of devils," (1 Tim. 4:1).

It is truly hard for the person that has entered  into Satan’s world of binding powers to find help to be released.

The Scriptures show, (Hos. 4:12b), " . . . for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err . . . "

Look at the New Testament, (2 Jn. 4:4), "The god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe; and prevents  the light of the glorious  Gospel of Christ, the image of God, from shining on them," (2 Jn. 7). Then a corresponding Scripture reveals, "For
many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus
Christ is come in the Flesh. This is a deceiver and an Antichrist," (2 Thess. 2:9).

The
coming of the lawless one is, according to Satan’s working, with great
power and signs and miracles, all of them false, and the limitless
DECEIT of wickedness for those who because they did not welcome the
love of truth for their salvation, are going to destruction. And for
this reason God visits them with a delusion that operates on them to
believe a falsehood, so that all who hath not believed the truth but
have taken pleasure in wickedness may be judged. "

(Rev. 12:9), "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the  whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."

i.            "Shall go out to deceive the nations,"  (Rev. 20:8).

ii.          "The devil that Deceiveth them,"  (Rev. 20:10).

       Sin
is the reason for the lack of peace in the mind of men and women. We
cannot counsel the demons out of their minds. We cannot change their
lives with psychology. We must return to the basic of the Word of God.
Jesus Christ is Lord.

       We
must depart from this global explosion of false religious peace of a
strange, new, universally accepted Jesus that is being introduced into
the Christian Church, a "Jesus" who resides in Buddhist and Shinto
Temples and shrines. This is a "Jesus" who approves homosexuality, and
never condemns.

       Texe
Marrs says it is the global explosion of religious blasphemy that has
women dancing and mentally having sex with a dreamy "Jesus." Through
the spiritual powers of this blasphemy, people are laughing
hysterically in churches, barking like dogs, roaring like lions and
screaming like hyenas.[i]

The
stage is being set to bring the Antichrist to power. Will this new
Jesus deceive the whole world? Is the Great Apostasy as prophesied in
II Thessalonians 2, the end-time stage in which the full powers and
miraculous works of Satan’s Antichrist come to fullness?

STEPPING STONES TO WITCHCRAFT

 The American media have found a new horror story to promote.  Full page advertisements and articles show these powers as helpful, not harmful.  A
typical advertisement may read: "Whatever it is you need or want,
Witchcraft can get it for you quickly, easily, and automatically, say
these experts. You’ll discover how it can bring abundant and
overflowing wealth, find or bring back a lover, ward off evil
influences, and much more . . .   Step-by-step in plain English, with complete easy-to-follow instructions!"

Magazines
and newspapers do not seem to realize the terrible forces they are
unleashing on the deceived individuals who will respond to the power of
witchcraft. Hundreds of thousands have become spiritual slaves. They
are captives because of the media’s spiritual blindness. They don’t see
the psychics, for example, as dangerous influences on society.

A recent issue of Psychic Life Magazine
carried articles on astral travel, reincarnation, psychic healing,
meditation, spirit guides and prayer to "Your God" – whoever he might
be. Psychics are being used by police to help solve murders and give
"valuable information" in other crimes. The use of mediums or psychics
by institutions and conservative law enforcement agencies is not new
and, lately, it has become commonplace. With society generally
accepting the validity of ESP, the increase of psychic activity can be
seen everywhere.

There
are occult means that people use with the intent of tapping into
demonic wisdom. But the Bible warns us that God condemns and forbids
seeking after demonic wisdom. This is clearly expressed in (Deut.
18:9-12), where we are told not to learn to imitate detestable demonic
ways such as divination, sorcery, witchcraft, channeling, necromancy,
casting spells and more because they are said to be an abomination to the Lord.

There
is a rise and social acceptance of the occult and witchcraft in
America. We have entered the supernatural age of progressive interest
and involvement in the occult. Satan’s ambassadors are very successful
and extremely evangelistic, capturing spiritual slaves. Also Witchcraft
and  Satanic worship, coupled with human sacrifices is widespread and happening now! ²

SHOCKED WORLD

When the world discovered Nancy Reagan, wife of President Reagan, was using an astrologer. Everyone was shocked! Why?  Americans
had been sold on the reports that Ronald Reagan was Born Again and they
probably assumed that his wife was also a Christian.

What Is the Occult? 

Is
it just for fun and games? Too often Christians and others are prone to
be skeptical about the existence of spirits and demons. But they do
exist and they are directly responsible to Satan for deceiving curious
humans. Such is the case with the well-known Episcopalian clergyman,
Bishop Pike, who was convinced that he was talking to his dead son!

HIDDEN KNOWLEDGE

The
occult is defined as secretive-hidden knowledge or wisdom beyond human
understanding. It could also be described as supernatural perception
from sources other than God. "The secret things (hidden knowledge) belong  to the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us," (Deut. 29:27).

A young girl says:  "I was bored and unhappy.  Then
someone told me that I had telepathic powers. I became fascinated with
ESP, witchcraft, and the likes. It wasn’t long until I was hooked. I
wanted power. But when I got it, I was terrified. I almost lost my mind
before I found release through Jesus Christ."

If
Jesus does not really occupy the highest place in our hearts,
controlling all, something else does – millions are now serving other
gods.  "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God," (Exo. 34:14).

THE OCCULT IS RELIGIOUS

The
occult is very religious and many seeking it hope to find themselves, a
reason for their being and to fill a void in their soul. Instead, they
will enter a door that very few are returning back through.  Once
ensnared by the Devil, the person’s mind, body and spirit is totally
bound by the powers of darkness. The only way out is through the grace
of God and the Blood of Jesus Christ!

The
modernistic occult movement is a do-it-yourself religion. People are
looking for a power or force other than the living God. They are
seeking a supernatural experience that will require no change in their
sin life. They want supernatural adventure without spiritual
responsibility.

Others
participate in the occult through curiosity and knowing better. Even if
a person does not know the demon power behind these activities and does
not believe in them, they are still and sinful and have  supernatural
results over their lives. There is no such thing as innocent
participation nor can you study occult materials to refute them.

ALL OCCULT POWERS COMES FROM SATAN

When
one uses occult power, he or she opens a door for the devil to come
into their lives. The Bible talks about demons. KING JAMES VERSION
calls them devils.

Sometime ago, the Author ministered to a so-called Christian pastor.  He
was not born again and therefore was drawn by the Devil into a group
that was operating in New Age spiritualism out of his church. They were
channeling spirit guides to contact the dead.

He had the biggest church in his town. He said that he could get the people’s money and was living a high lifestyle.

Eventually,
this minister was bound by the powers of demons and began to lose his
mind. He eventually lost his church and family. He found himself in a
mental institution diagnosed as schizophrenic. He was put on heavy mind
altering drugs and released. He was walking around like a zombie. He
was confused and barely alive.

We
prayed and commanded the demons to lose him in the authority using the
name of Jesus. This minister was set free exactly like Mary Magdalene
and the divination girl shown in Acts 16. The Name of Jesus has never
lost its power to set the captives free, it’s just that not many
Christians are willing to obey Jesus and do it.

When
someone brought this former pastor to me, he was doing odd jobs and
totally bound by devils. This man had demons speaking out of his mouth
saying such things as, "I am God the Father, God the Son, and God the
Holy Ghost and I hate (cursing me) your guts." I delivered these
imitating demons out of him. He served the Lord the rest of his life.

Once
a person knows God and turns away, Satan is always there to give these
false prophets or a false religious experience and false hope.

Unfortunately,
help is rare once one is entrapped. The workers are truly few and most
Christians are totally ignorant concerning the power they have in
Jesus’ name to set the captives free. to do so.

This formerly possessed minister returned to serving Jesus Christ  . . .  Free! To God is the glory.

ENDTIME OCCULT ACTIVITY 

The
Scriptures prophesied of increased occult activity that, "in the latter
times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing
spirits, and doctrines of demons." God’s word states clearly and gives
us graphic warnings concerning occult practices that God defines
abominations.

Christians
and Jews will surely be without excuse when they stand before the
Judgment seat of God because they have the Word of God.

"When
thou are come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou
shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There
shall not be found among you anyone that maketh his daughter to  pass
through the fire or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or
an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar
spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things
are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the
Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee," (Deut. 18:8-12).

The
occult, according to the Bible, was shown to Moses and Aaron in
Pharaoh’s courts. They witnessed that the devil’s priest could copy
their powers. (Exo. 7)! But God’s power was greater.  (Aaron’s  rod
swallowed up the magicians’ rods), but any spiritual power is greater
than any human power and many people today need the greater power of
Jesus to free them from the devil’s powers.

ARTICLES & METHODS OF OCCULT

Demon
inspired religions and books: Sorcery, Divination, Ouija boards,
fortune-telling, Satan Worship, Voodoo, Spiritualism, parapsychology,
Numerology,  Fetishes,  Table-tipping, Tarot Cards, Clairvoyance, Great Seal, Alchemy,  Talismans,
Telepathy, Witchcraft, Astrology, Black Arts, Materializations, Tea
Leaves, Levitation, Palmistry, Scientology, White Magic, Colorology,
Black Mass, Phrenology, I Ching, E.S.P., Kabala, Automatic Writing,
Clair audience, Pendulum Healing, Psychic Portraits, Crystal Gazing
Dream Analysis, Rosicrucian’s, Yoga Meditation, Reincarnation,
Devil’s Pentagrams, Person Programming, Astral Projection,
Transcendental Meditations, New Age Channeling,  and many more.

EXPERIENCE FROM MINISTRY 

The Author ministered to a young man who  I’ll call Danny about 19 years old. He had simply gone to a movie called The Serpent and The Rainbow.  This was a movie about Voodooism.

Danny
was not a believer. However, when he came out of the movie house, he
was spiritually entrapped by the powers of darkness. He said that it
was as if someone had stolen his soul.

The experience also had an influence on his emotions. He was so confused, paranoid and  devastated that his family placed him under psychiatric care.

One
day, Danny saw some people standing in front of a church. He pulled his
car over and began to talk to them. They instructed him in the doctrine
of salvation and he got saved. It was months after, he came to me. He
was still in a state of confusion and needed further ministry. He was
totally demon possessed and needed deliverance.

Many
pastors will read this and just excuse this true testimony as false
because they will reason that "a Christian can’t have a demon."
However, if you will read your Bible, you’ll see that Jesus always
drove the evil spirits out before the person could follow Him and He
gave His followers the power to do the same! (Matt. 10:8); (Lk. 9:1)
The disciples did the same thing! The millions who have now been
infected by the spiritual Aides can be free if the Church will obey the
Lord and cast them out!

"The
Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me; because Jehovah hath anointed me
to preach good tiding unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the
brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of
the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the year of Jehovah’s
favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that  mourn; to appoint  unto  them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy  for
mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they
may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah, that he
may be glorified!"  (Isa. 61: 1-3).

Pastor E. friend of mine told me this story:

"I
was preaching on Wednesday night and Mrs. Jones called the church.
Could pastor come to house after service? My son is drunk and needs
ministry."

Pastor
E. said, "When I came into the house, I said to him, "You know what you
need?" I was going to tell him that he needed Jesus. However, a demon
spoke through his voice and said, "Yea, he  needs deliverance but you can’t cast me out."

The
pastor said, "I closed my eyes and said, I cast you out in Jesus’
name." When I opened my eyes, the room was jet black because all the
lights had gone out. I looked out the wind and all the lights in the
neighborhood were out too."

The
pastor said, "I stood shaking in great fear. Then the lights came back
and the man’s face was white with fear. However, he was free and
accepted Jesus as his Savior."

The
truth is, neither the Christian nor the unbeliever can safely cross
over the forbidden line investigating the occult and remain free from
demonization.

Repent, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, be saved.

John 3:16-21

16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only
begotten Son of God.

19
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and
men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

KJV
——————
source:
Pat Holliday: http://www.patholliday.com/ebooks.php

Originally posted 2008-11-28 15:24:10. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

These are the archives, or part of them that we have. We will add material to this section as we can. These cover many topics. Our research for many years has covered virtually every kind of subject. These are just a few that we have put in the archive here so far.