For the purpose of this teaching, I will write two instalments on the subject of charismatic witchcraft and discuss how this manifests in the body of Christ. I will draw examples and make reference to points when this was seen in the Old and New Testament and share some of the insight from Jesus, Peter and Paul, in terms of how this manifests in the church. The term charismatic witchcraft can be referred to as the misuse of spiritual gifts, authority and influence within Pentecostal and charismatic Christian circles. This is in an attempt to manipulate, control or dominate people for the purpose of personal gain or hidden agendas. The term witchcraft relates to the use of supernatural powers outside of Christianity. However, charismatic witchcraft relates to spiritual manipulation, using Christian language and teachings to cover up or mask the true intention. – https://learn.openchristian.education/blog/sangwa/charismatic-witchcraft.
Peter spoke to the disciples in the New Testament, about the role of leaders who were assigned to care for the church. In 1 Peter 5, he spoke to the elders of the church about caring for God’s people. They were urged to care for the church with a willing heart and not out of obligation. They were to ensure that their desire for leadership in the church, was not in order to gain dishonestly from members. They were warned not to act as Lords over people or be domineering and controlling, but to live by setting an example. Peter said that when Jesus returns, the good leaders would receive a crown of glory that does not fade away. Jeremiah lived during a time when Jerusalem was led astray by false prophets and leaders. ““Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the Lord”” (Jeremiah 23:1).
He called both the prophets and priests profane and there was wickedness in the house of God. There was fierce judgement prophesied over false prophets and leaders who spoke when God did not send them. “And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten’ ”” (Jeremiah 23:40). Jesus had several woes and condemnations for the religious leaders during his time, who shut up the kingdom of heaven, so they can’t enter and they also blocked others from entering. They did all of their good deeds to be seen by men and wore elaborate clothing. They wanted to be seated in the best places in the synagogues and loved to have special greetings from people calling them Teacher and father. “Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven” (Matthew 23:9). It was within this context that Jesus said, that anyone who exalted themselves would be humbled and whoever humbled themselves would be exalted.
He also said that the religious leaders devoured widow’s houses and prayed long pretentious prayers. They traveled far to make a disciple and then made him twice a son of hell as themselves. They focused on the traditional things, such as paying tithes, yet they neglected the more important things such as mercy and justice. They pretended to be clean by outward showing, but internally they were unclean. All throughout the bible, there are examples of church leaders and congregations that veered away from the path of holiness and righteousness. Many churches are doing their best to lead people to Christ and prepare the church for Christ’s return. Similar to what was happening in the bible days, there are also congregations and leaders who have become deceitful and self seeking. We have to constantly test the spirits to see whether they are of God or they are of the devil. Don’t place any minister or ministry on a pedestal, as we are all human beings and are subject to failure.
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
A.P.-Y. – Anneta Pinto-Young
Devotional Inspirations 
Well said! Look forward to part 2. Thank you, Anneta.
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Amen 🙏🏾. Bless you Sandy. ❤️
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Sometime in the past this used to happen at a low scale… however, it has now escalated so much reflecting the times we are now in.
Witchcraft is being used in the house of God. They lay hands on God’s people imparting evil & misfortune to them.
They feed them food worked on and give them gifts that are accursed. Sound doctrine is compromised & there’s spiritual starvation in the house of God (where God has provided everything that His body needs).
May the church be protected against ravenous wolves because they desire nothing but to lead them astray. Let the church arise by submitting to God & resisting te evil.
Thank you so much for the word sis. 🙏🏽❤️
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Amen 🙏🏾. Spot on and this is what I delve into more in part 2. God is truly speaking and as the watchers and intercessors, we have to arise, sound the alarm and raise a war cry! We will not help the body of Christ by being silent and these things need to be called out. Blessings ❤️
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Constantly test and see if what is spoken is in alignment with the word and never to keep anyone on a pedestal- so very true.
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Amen 🙏🏾 🥰❤️
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Anetta, the bible does speak of ministers who abuse the flock of God, taking advantage of their immaturity in the faith, but Paul wrote of these things as a necessity, and as gifts of the Holy Spirit to profit the entire church.
I have seen these times, even in the past 30-40 years that it was like a roller coaster of sorts with many ministers abusing these gifts, but the necessity remains.
I hope I got the meaning of your post correct, there is a sense of spiritual type abuse in the church today, but the necessity of the gifts and power of God remains.
Blessings
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Amen 🙏🏾. There’s a part 2, so perhaps reading the next part will provide further context. We NEED the gifts of the spirit. I’m referring to half baked ‘ministers’ who either abuse their gifts or in extreme cases, some even use diabolical powers to masquerade as gifts. Blessings
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Yes, sis, I did read it, I believe that you can see the differences between true and false servants. There really is a problem, and it has been for a very long time.
God needs a voice to speak about these things, and he has chosen you.
I think I missed something in your post that I felt the need to give my two cents.
In the prospect of the power of God in the current church, there will still be those who misuse the gift, or as you put it, that some will use diabolical ways to present the power.
It is why John wrote to test every spirit, because not everything is of God.
I’m sorry if I misunderstood, but again, it was my two cents.
Much love, blessings.
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Blessings Pedro. Always appreciate your feedback. I might have misread as well. 😊 our prayer is that the power of God will be manifested in the church like never before. I guess we won’t ever get away from apostasy and false prophets and teachers. This is why we can’t stop teaching about it. Happy Saturday. 😊
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Definitely! Jeremiah’s struggle was against a tide of false prophets and a failed priesthood. We are accountable for our time as well as Jeremiah was for his. Paul knew there would arise false teachers and prophets, it’s why he put the church on guard.
Stay on guard, happy Saturday to you as well. 😊
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Amen 🙏🏾. Indeed. We are here for such a time as this! 😊
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