There is a prevalent culture in America that is embracing the Occult and its practices like never before.  Some of these things have crept into the church and have even manifested themselves as "godly" gifts.  What a deceptive grip Satan has on this world!

America has rejected Jesus Christ and has turned to a "god" whom their fathers and fore-fathers did not know.  America has embraced the demonic and called it godly.  America has rejected truth and has accepted deception.  America has lain aside sound doctrine and a right relationship with God in exchange for the ear-tickling message of newfound spirituality. 

Men have termed this "spiritual enlightenment":  New Age, but in reality, the New Age is nothing more than Old Babylon.   

Television, movies, talk shows, newspapers and magazines have all embraced practices that God has clearly forbidden and sadly, many in the Church today see nothing wrong with partaking of this "forbidden fruit".

Until recently, I was employed as a "Field Engineer" in the computer industry.  My job often took me into home-based businesses and in the case of traveling salesmen and other executives, into their private homes.  I remember several such times when "soap operas" were being played and I have been shocked at the themes portrayed in these programs.  In addition to the already pornographic innuendos, lusts, adulteries, lies and deceptions displayed, there is now an element being broadcast that is even more sinister than ever. 

In one particular case, there was chanting, spell-casting and summoning of "spirits" (read that as what they really are:  DEMONS).  I thought this was isolated until over the last few years, as I caught bits and pieces of these shows, I found that nearly the entire cast was caught up into the devilish side of spirituality.

Isaiah 8:19-20   "And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." 

Israel was to NEVER inquire of a wizard, soothsayer, astrologer or a fortune teller and the instruction of God concerning this continues to this day!

Ephesians 5:11  "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."

2 Corinthians 6:14-17  "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,..."

According to the instructions given by God and according to the Lord's own words, the people of God were to have NOTHING to do with such practices as American is embracing today.  God said it was for this reason that the other nations were driven out from "before" Israel.

Deuteronomy 18:10-14 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or 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. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.

There are 9 things listed in this passage that God has specifically forbidden.  Let me list them and explain them one by one. 

1.  One "that maketh his son or daughter to pass through the fire". This refers to human sacrifice.  You may think that in today's modern world this is not applicable but let me ask you about an issue:  What about abortion?  Is this NOT human sacrifice?  I believe it is the equivalent simply because one life is being sacrificed for the convenience of another.  Sure, go ahead and use the "life of the mother" argument but you're only trying to justify killing innocents.  The life of the mother is in danger in less than 2% of all abortions. 

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Say what you will, friend, but life begins at CONCEPTION.  The bible says:

Leviticus 17:11  "For the life of the flesh is in the blood:..."

2.  One "that useth divination":  Divination is defined as the practice or art of discovering hidden knowledge.  It is also defined as the "foretelling" of future events by using supernatural means not of God (occult practices).  A Christian should NEVER go to a fortune teller or a psychic for ANY reason.  God is the creator and HE is the only one who knows the truth about the future, whether it is about your future or the future of the world.

A Christian should NEVER consult psychics, fortune tellers, Ouija boards, crystal balls, tarot cards, tea leaf readers, palm readers, etc.

See 2 Kings 17:17, Jeremiah 27:8-9, Acts 16:16-24. 

3.  One that is "an observer of times":  An Observer of times is a "stargazer", an astrologer (not astroNOMER).  Although this is a form of divination, it incorporates a different aspect in that it attempts to predict personalities, life events and the day to day life according to the stars.  A Christian should NEVER consult horoscopes, numerology, astrology or any other such source for guidance.  Guidance and direction should ONLY come from the Lord Himself! 

4.  One that is "an enchanter".  Another word often used here is "magician" and it literally means "one that casts spells" or one that "bewitches".  This would seem simple enough to understand but are you aware that HYPNOSIS is a form of "bewitching"?  You should NEVER allow ANYONE but you to have control over your mind.  To do so may open a path for a demon to operate in you (possess you).

Beware of hypnotists, subliminal tapes, yoga, meditation (blanking the mind in meditation as if to "receive" some message or something spiritual), mantras, New Age medicine, etc. 

Let's cover 5-9 on the next page.