Sermon Tone Analysis

The Occult

The word Occult means “knowledge of the hidden”, or “knowledge of the paranormal”.

Involvement in the occult is growing at an alarming rate, especially among teens.

Its spread has virtually become viral in our time.

Many people from all walks of life are knowingly and deliberately becoming involved in some form of occult practice.

Some of these people are using these occult powers with malicious intent to hurt others.

And, then there are those who, through lack of knowledge and understanding of its dangerous nature, unknowingly venture into the world of the occult.

The devil can tempt us, but he cannot gain dominion over us unless we open a door to him.

Anyone who ventures into occult practice opens a door to demonic influence and the risk of demonic attacks.

These attacks can start off with haunting or poltergeist activity, and could possibly lead to demonic oppression or even possession!

Demonic attacks can affect our mental and physical health.

They can directly impact our family, marriage, business, social relationships, and ultimately our spiritual well-being.

Demons use this activity as a way to gain a foothold, and the Bible strongly warns against it.

Warnings against occult practices

Leviticus 20:6

Isaiah 8:19

Zechariah 10:2

We are inundated with the occult through TV, internet, and all forms of popular culture.

It has become a favorite form of entertainment.

Witchcraft and the supernatural make for very popular books, TV and movies.

We may find it entertaining, but it is no joke!

One cannot just "dabble" in the occult.

Such dangerous practices include:

seances

mediums

ouija boards

witchcraft / spellcasting

ghost hunting

transcendental meditation

fortune telling

astral projection (out of body experience)

astrology

channeling

clairvoyance

enchantment

necromancy

hypnosis

reincarnation

yoga

labyrinths

. . .

and many many more

MANY of these are simply different ways of contacting spirits (evil), and/or communicating with the dead (neither Biblical nor possible).

Luke 16:24-29

1 Samuel Chapter 28 (Saul and the medium)

Many of these beliefs find their home in organized religions and beliefs.

wicca

new age religion

hindu

islam

voodoo

mysticism

spirituality

Scientology

some of these practices have been incorporated into mainstream Christianity, yet we should not associate with them.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Labyrinths

Hypnosis

meditation

A technique of meditation derived from Hindu traditions that promote deep relaxation through the use of a mantra.

yoga to name a few.

Comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" meaning to yoke, join or unite.

It is a Hindu system that incorporates a combination of breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation for the purpose of integrating the mind, body, and soul of the individual to achieve harmony, balance, spiritual enlightenment and unity with the supreme.

both of these involve "clearing the mind".

You are not meditating on anything good.

The clearing of the mind opens the door to satanic influence, by removing God and His word from our thoughts.

instead, we are to set our minds on things above.

We are to meditate on God and His Word

Colossians 3:2

Psalm 119:23

In fact, the Bible mentions meditation 21 times.

15 of those reference meditation on God, His Works, or His Word.

We are to keep Him central in our thoughts.

Often times, people get very real results when engaging in such activities.

The results are demonic activity!

When engaging in any of these activities, you are literally opening the door and inviting satan in.

You give him free reign to work in whatever way he chooses.

The result is that you are lead farther and farther into darkness, and away from the truth.

You truly become a prisoner.

These all lead to:

Darkness

Disbelief in God

Hatred of God

Demonic influence and control

Alcohol / drug abuse

sexual immorality

violence

self abuse

depression

death

There is no need to venture outside of the realm of God for enlightenment or guidance.

John 14:26

2 Timothy 3:16

Psalm 19:8

Joy is not found in the realm of darkness, but in the light of the Lord

Hab 3:18

Isaiah 60:1

God's grace is sufficient for all our needs.

We don't need to turn anywhere else.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Christ is your only salvation.