Some things never change. God, for instance, “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed” (Malachi 3:6).

In the New Testament we read “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8).

God has always loved His creation and so He gives us rules to live by. God hasn’t changed and neither has His rules. Many things don’t seem harmful by human reasoning, but because God knows much more than we do He warns us not to participate in them. God doesn’t want to ruin our fun, but He wants to protect us. He knows that there’s an evil being who wants to destroy mankind.

This evil being is known as Satan, the devil—Lucifer, and known by many other names. God loves us, but Satan only hates. Satan is the one who tempted Eve to eat the forbidden fruit and is also the one who was arrogant enough to try to tempt Jesus into sin. Satan is also at work today and he uses the same lies that he has always used.

Satan is a liar and two lies he uses to deceive many and open the door to his evil world is witchcraft and pharmakeia. He can make them look tempting, but they are a means of subduing your soul and allowing demons to take control. Horoscopes are just fun, right? Ouija boards are just parlor games and Yoga is just stretching exercises, right? Marijuana ‘harmful, right? Wrong, on all counts.

Witchcraft and pharmakeia are stepping stones into the evil and dangerous supernatural world of the occult. It’s a short journey from these activities to demon possession, Wicca, and satanic worship. Drugs, aka pharmakeia, are a natural part of these activities used to open the mind to the arena of the supernatural. Vines Expository Dictionary defines “pharmakeia” (translated witchcraft and sorcery in the New Testament) as: “primarily signified as ‘the use of medicine, drugs, spells,’ then “poisoning,” then “sorcery.”

In “sorcery,” the use of drugs, whether simple or potent, is generally accompanied by incantations and appeals to occult powers, with the provision of various charms, amulets, etc., professedly designed to keep the applicant or patient from the attention and power of demons, but actually to impress the applicant with the mysterious resources and powers of the sorcerer.”

If that’s not bad enough, according to the non-canonized book of Enoch, it was the fallen angels who taught mankind to use drugs, and no matter how you feel about this book, drugs are evil. The use of drugs or any occult activity will open portals for demons to enter. Throughout the Bible drugs/sorcery/witchcraft are equated with pagan cultures, sin, and Satan. Sorcerers are first mentioned when Moses and Aaron petitioned Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. Egypt was a demon worshipping nation with a god for everything. To show God’s power, Aaron threw down his rod before Pharaoh and it turned into a serpent.

“Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments” (Exodus 7:11).

Satan comes with all signs and lying wonders. He can duplicate some of what God can do, but Satan’s works are shabby and designed for confusion.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

Just because something looks miraculous doesn’t mean it’s from God. The wise men, sorcerers, and magicians in the above verse are all associated with occult practices. Along with other sins, sorcery is listed many times in the Bible as something we should not participate in. God’s judgment will come upon those who practice this sin, as well as others that many purported Christians participate in.

“And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 3:5).

God promises judgment against those who sin against Him, which includes those who practice sorcery. This wasn’t just an Old Testament warning. In his letter to the Galatians Paul warned them not to give in to the works of the flesh.

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).

That’s quite a list. You might want to check it twice to be sure you aren’t participating in any of these works of the flesh. The word “witchcraft” comes from the Greek word “pharmakeia” which, according to Strong’s concordance, means: “the use or administering of drugs, poisoning, sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it.”

Since the 1960s the use of mind-altering drugs has sharply increased and so has participation in the rest of the activities in the above list. As the use of mind-altering drugs becomes more widespread we see satanic rituals and practices becoming more open. Cannibalism, mass murder, child abuse, child sacrifice (abortion), and other heinous crimes are on the rise.

The word “pharmakeia” only occurs two other times in the New Testament (Revelation 9:21 and Revelation 18:23), and the root word “pharmakeus” which means “one who prepares or uses magical remedies; a sorcerer” is only used once (Revelation 21:8).

It seems ominous that these Scriptures refer to those who are left on earth after the Rapture and they are headed for the lake of fire. It’s clear that Satan’s lies encourage drug use and witchcraft need to be shunned by Christians. As these activities become commonplace, other sins become “acceptable.”

Adultery, fornication, homosexuality, disrespecting parents, and dishonoring God have become a way of life for many people, even those who say they follow Christ. Satan is quite adept at fogging our minds so we can’t see truth; he makes the ugliest things seem beautiful.

Friends, the supernatural is real, both God’s pure love and Satan’s pure evil. Halloween is swiftly approaching and it is a very important day on the satanic calendar. Many people, Christians as well as the unsaved, find it fun to dress up in hideous costumes that identify with Satan. If you are a Christian, why would you even consider donning a witch costume, a zombie costume, or any other costume that glorifies pure evil?

As a Christian your desire should be to identify yourself with Jesus Christ who gave His life to purchase your salvation, not with Satan. What has Satan ever done for you? He has only caused you pain. We live in a physical world, but our fight is supernatural.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Demons are real and witchcraft and pharmakeia have helped to open the way for them to get a foothold in this physical world. It takes very little research to understand that the “principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness of this world” are running wild. God is also real. It was His supernatural power that parted the Red Sea, caused the walls of Jericho to fall, gave us prophecy, healed the sick, raised the dead, allowed Him to walk on water and to enter locked rooms.

Instead of giving Satan power in your life by defying God, turn to our Lord Jesus Christ and Satan will have no power over you. God has not left us defenseless. Christians are sealed with the Holy Spirit and His power is available to us.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but might through God;) 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; and having in readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

We have a choice as to whether we honor Christ or side with Satan. If you study your Bible you will be able to discern how to honor our Lord and eschew evil. Study Scripture and apply it to your life. When tempted to sin, turn to God in prayer. He can change your heart if you let Him. The nearer you draw to Him the more you will be offended by those who chase after witchcraft, sorcery, pharmakeia, or any other work of the flesh that is practiced in defiance of God Almighty.

While most children just like to dress up and go door to door asking for candy, there is a very real occult side to Halloween. Many congregations have a “harvest party” in order to draw children away from the pagan side of Halloween. You need to be sure, though, that you don’t allow the satanic practices to enter.

“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12).

Brethren, be careful. There is freedom in Christ, but there is also responsibility. If you love Jesus then celebrate Him rather than witchcraft and pharmakeia, sorcery and drugs, Satan and demons. Take every thought captive and reject all forms of witchcraft and drug use. What may seem like innocent fun is, in reality, playing with fire…possibly playing with the eternal lake of fire.

Very soon our Lord will call us Home. The Rapture should be on the heart of every Christian and our lives should be a living witness for Jesus. As we read the book of Revelation, in chapter four we see that prior to the wrath of God coming upon the earth (Daniel’s 70th week), Christians are called to “Come up hither.”

“After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne” (Revelation 4:1-2).

The call to “come up hither” and the “door opened in heaven” are in reference to the Rapture.
John is then before the throne of God. In subsequent chapters, John describes the horrors that those who have not accepted Christ as their Savior will face. Some will come to faith in Jesus during this time of Great Tribulation, and many of those will be martyred. Most people who will face this time will be so rebellious that they will continue in sin.

“And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, and they should not worship devils, and idols of gold and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts” (Revelation 9:20-21).

You don’t want to be among these people. If you have not accepted Christ as your Savior, then swallow your pride and come to Him now.

The tricks of Satan are not treats. The love of God is eternal. Jesus loves you, Satan hates you. Who do you celebrate?

God bless you all,
Nathele Graham

King Solomon was a wise man who wrote many proverbs which can be used as a guide in life. We can all learn from the proverbs he wrote and the book of Proverbs should be studied with diligence.
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise” (Proverbs 12:15).

Nobody wants to be foolish, but how many of us listen to the advice of the wise? There is no greater wisdom to be found than in the counsel of God’s word, but how many Christians listen to worldly people instead of Scripture? It’s understandable that nonbelievers ignore what God says, but it’s absurd for a Christian to ignore God’s counsel.

“Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding” (Proverbs 9:6).

Prayer and Bible study will move you away from the foolishness of the world and move you toward the wisdom of God. Scripture is the Christian’s guide in life. People who do not know Jesus are not filled with the Holy Spirit and therefore cannot fully understand God’s Word. Those who have accepted Christ are sealed with the Holy Spirit and He will guide them in understanding Scripture.

Read, study, and pray over Scripture; use it to guide you through life. Christianity isn’t a set of rules but is a way of life, and only Scripture will show us God’s way. All Scripture is inspired by God and we need to adjust our thinking to match God’s truths.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished in unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Doctrine means God’s truth revealed in the God-breathed Scriptures; reproof means the standard by which to measure our lives; correction means to fix what is wrong in your life, and instruction in righteousness means use Scripture to learn God’s ways.

We cannot pick and choose which Scriptures we will follow. All Scripture is from God and is not to be re-interpreted or updated to fit sinful lifestyles. Is that legalism? If following God’s instruction is legalism, then so be it.

Many professing Christians believe we should have a more relaxed attitude toward the Word of God, but that isn’t biblically sound. As Christians we need to continually look at our life to see what we need to change in order to become more Christ-like.

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience” (Colossians 3:5-6).

If any of these practices are a part of your life, you need to change. God will come against those who practice them.

“In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth” (Colossians 3:7-8).

Paul wrote these words to Christians and assumed they had stopped practicing fornication, uncleanness, etc. When you accepted Christ your sins were forgiven, but now you need to use Scripture to move away from sin. Scripture is the measure of truth. Christians shouldn’t relax His standards just because we fool ourselves into thinking we live in a society that has “evolved” into a higher consciousness.

The sins that exist in our world today are the same ones that have always come from listening to Satan. For instance, the culture in Colosse was very pagan and sin was a part of everyday life; yet Paul reminded the Christians living there that they had left the pagan ways behind. His letter to the Colossians could easily have been addressed to Christians today. You may think it is legalistic to take God’s Word seriously, but His truth hasn’t changed.

Every Christian’s desire should be to honor God in the way we talk, the way we dress, and in our moral choices. If we are ashamed to pray but happy to tell off-color jokes, or if we want to call attention to “me, me, me” by dressing to please the world, then we need an attitude adjustment based on Scripture.
When taking into consideration all of Scripture, we must not neglect the Old Testament. Isaiah tells us, “Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:21)

Everyone doing what is right in his own eyes is exactly where we are today. Relaxed attitudes of morals are creeping into congregations. Did I say creeping? I should have said running full speed ahead. Moral character based on Scripture seems unimportant and many preachers avoid preaching against sin because they don’t want to upset those who drop money in the collection plate; thus God’s truth is compromised.

Many who claim to be Christians have decided that marriage is an old fashioned idea, so they just live with their boyfriend or girlfriend until the thrill is gone, then move on to another partner. Marriage (one man/one woman) is God’s standard. When we turn a blind eye to “living in sin” we aren’t using Scripture as our guide, but flaunting our sin.

In the New Testament we read letters written by Peter, John, Paul, and other God inspired men. These letters are not written to non-Christians to tell them the rules and regulations of Christianity, but they are written to Christians to guide us in our walk with our Lord. They hit sin head on. Paul strongly rebuked the brethren in Corinth for compromising God’s truth by continuing to live sinful lives.
“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife” (1 Corinthians 5:1).
All sexual promiscuity is sin. Paul spoke plainly when writing about the sin in Corinth. His instructions are clear.

“To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” (1 Corinthians 5:5-6).

Paul was being very legalistic!The man who was committing sexual immorality with his father’s wife claimed to be a Christian, but Paul denounced this behavior; the man was to be put out of the congregation (delivered to Satan). Like the Corinthians, we need to stop condoning sin within our congregations.

Christians should know better than to continue living like the pagan world around us. First, try to restore the one who won’t let loose of his/her sin, but if they will not turn from that sin then drastic measures must be taken.

“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15).

Study Scripture and use it as your guide. Christ died to purchase our redemption and if we accept sin as a way of life then we mock Him. Another area of a Christian’s life that needs to be guided by Scripture is our manner of speaking. How many Christians do you know who use foul language, tell filthy jokes, and are crude in the way they speak?

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).

It’s impossible to minister grace to those around you if you are cussing and slandering other people. It isn’t only the words we use that show where our allegiance lies, but telling lies, making promises that go unmet and blaming others to cover our own errors also don’t honor God.

“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour” (Exodus 20:16).

Words can glorify God or they can identify you as following the way of the world. Choose to glorify God.

God’s truth is being challenged on every front, so it shouldn’t come as any surprise that nominal Christians are becoming more worldly. Most professing Christians don’t read Scripture so they can’t be led by it.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

This is what is known biblically as the great apostasy We are in that time when sound doctrine isn’t endured and God’s inerrant word is ignored. Many Christians have itching ears that only want to hear that sin is acceptable. False teachers are ready, willing, and able to lead the flock astray. The flock needs to study Scripture.

“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving thanks” (Ephesians 5:3-4).

Christians shouldn’t have to be reminded to stop participating in sin. Brothers and sisters, we need to pattern our way of living after sound biblical doctrine. We also need to be a loving witness to the people around us who are dying in their sin and lead them to Christ so they can find forgiveness in His love.
The Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery before Jesus. They had no desire for Jesus to forgive her, they just wanted Him to condemn her. First Jesus quietly convicted her accusers of their own sins and one by one they left. Then Jesus asked where her accusers were. Jesus’ love shone through.

“She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11).

Jesus is our example, not the Pharisees. The Pharisees only wanted to see the woman stoned, but Jesus brings forgiveness and restoration. Many people read the part where He didn’t condemn the woman for her sin but forget that He told her to “…go, and sin no more.”

Jesus didn’t leave her in sin. Each one of us has been brought to Jesus and our sin has been forgiven. Now, we need to allow Scripture to teach us how to move away from sin and “…go, and sin no more.”
Those of us who are over fifty years of age have seen a huge shift in our society toward living a lifestyle of complete abandon. As Christians, should we try and adapt to this new and ever changing way of life so we can blend in with the lost? We need to reach out in love to those who are lost, but we should never join in their sin.

“Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3).
The Holy Spirit draws us to Christ who forgives our sin. Lust of the flesh will never bring you closer to God. Jesus is always our example, and He said:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Tattoos, purple hair, skimpy bikinis, fornication, swearing, and many other things dim the light that should shine bright in you. Lusts of the flesh and they do not glorify God. Is that legalistic? Yep, but as Christians our goal is to become more like our Lord and less like the world. Christians who see no error in conforming to the world yoke themselves with the god of this world—Satan.

Many of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ have no desire to adhere to Scripture. Instead of using all of Scripture as a guide they choose which ones they like, take them out of context, then try to justify continuing in their particular sin. In doing so they neglect the whole counsel of God’s word.

Too many modern day Christians ignore Scripture and do what is right in their own eyes. They yoke themselves with the world and don’t measure their lives against God’s infallible word. Brethren, put aside your “self” and follow Christ. Let Scripture be your guide.

God bless you all,
Ron and Nathele Graham