Those who swim in the ocean realize there are all types of fish and sea creatures of which most people are unaware. Because we are land dwellers we seldom think of creatures of the sea (unless, of course, you swim in the ocean).
It is similar with regards to the invisible realm. Unless we intentionally turn our attention to that realm, we could go through our entire life without realizing it exists.
In America, especially, we are taught to respect scientific evidence which proves something exists or has a possibility of existence. If it cannot be quantified or measured in a test tube, science lab, or through some other physical scientific approach, it is usually considered a fable, fictitious, or some type of hallucination.
Yet, on the other hand, there seems to be an uptick of morbid curiosity for the paranormal and occult.
Some years ago, a popular book series came out on the life of H___ Potter. The books have been widely accepted by many, including uninformed believers who are totally oblivious of God’s abhorrent attitude for the powers of darkness and the deceptive and damnable lies they spread.
They willingly open themselves up to this deception on a regular basis through literature, the arts, media, music, and entertainment. These individuals are unaware how the so-called innocent fantasies they dabble with can ultimately lead them into a demonic trap, spiritual darkness and bondage.
Folks, the invisible realm is real. There are only two sides to this realm, good and evil, holy and unholy, godly or ungodly, light or darkness.
If you believe you have ever opened yourself up to this type of spiritual darkness, through games, movies, TV, books, or other avenues, please stop and repent, and ask the Father to deliver you from the unseen bondages over your life and the life of your family members. Seek help from someone who understands how to minister deliverance and get any occult or questionable objects out of your home immediately.
Your influence in the realm of darkness will not only affect you but those around you, especially if you are a parent our spouse. The enemy only wants a door to get a foothold into your life and the life of those you love.
“…nor give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:27
This is serious and should not be taken lightly. The power of darkness is real, and though we are not to fear the enemy, we are never to dabble with his power of evil influence.
10) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11) Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13) Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14) Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15) and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16) above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18) praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…. Ephesians 6:10-18
Paul recognized the invisible warfare against the church and warned Christians to put on the full armor of God in order to stand in the evil day. He did not ignore the reality of the spiritual realm around him.
I was sitting in a church service in Hawaii, on the island of Oahu, while stationed in the Marine Corps many years ago. To my amazement, the youth pastor’s sister-in-law and wife were looking at their horoscope during the service. I was appalled and confounded how they were ignorant of God’s direct condemnation against the occult, including astrologers and stargazers (not astronomers).
9) "When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. 10) There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11) or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12) For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you. 13) You shall be blameless before the LORD your God. 14) For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not appointed such for you. Deuteronomy 18:9-14
12) "Stand now with your enchantments And the multitude of your sorceries, In which you have labored from your youth—Perhaps you will be able to profit, Perhaps you will prevail. 13) You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, And the monthly prognosticators stand up and save you from what shall come upon you. 14) Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves From the power of the flame; It shall not be a coal to be warmed by, Nor a fire to sit before! Isaiah 47:12-14
This is sobering and clearly shows there is a dark side to the invisible realm that we are to completely abhor and avoid.
A friend of ours named Sally was heavily involved in the occult before she became a true believer in Christ and received deliverance. Her family had dabbled in the occult, and she continued the legacy even though she attended church and was involved with the youth ministry.
She believed it was fun and fascinating to levitate objects and delve into the realm of the occult and undertook to demonstrate those powers to her children and the youth group.
She and her husband came to a FGBMI meeting where I was speaking. Her husband surrendered his life to Christ and soon after received the baptism with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 2:1-4; 19:1-6). She shortly followed and was saved and delivered from her involvement with witchcraft and the occult.
Millions of individuals have been overcome and oppressed by the devil and powers of darkness through their unwitting participation in that forbidden area of the invisible realm.
We’ll discover more about the righteous side of the invisible realm next time. Until then, may God our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ continually bless and keep you.
James Brown
CST 07/18/2024