They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus,
who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus.
The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.
👉🏻But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.
Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said,
“You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?
Acts 13:6-10
Some things never change!
You’re minding your own business and preaching the gospel and here comes the deceitful, sorcerer who never stops perverting the right ways of the Lord.
Anytime they hear “Jesus” they freak out. Why? Because as scripture puts it;
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 1:18
Everything has to do with the cross!
Evil people with their demonic sorcery, think that if God has rules, commands or expectations for Mankind, then they can’t live a life of selfish desires.
Then, there’s the demonic spirit that has been around since the beginning of time. No new tricks, just a different approach. This evil spirit, tries to get believers to turn their hearts over to sinful pleasures.
When Satan attacks, his main purpose is to divert your attention away from God’s Word and over to your circumstances. He wants you wallowing in the pits of despair.
“My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart.
For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
Proverbs 4:20-23
When we are facing this difficulty of being maligned for our faith, it’s important we continue to walk in faith.
From the very beginning, Christ was hated, his followers were treated poorly and the world was in chaos.
Satans tactic is using witchcraft to prevent people from finding hope in Christ alone.
The Bible speaks of the consequences of following false idols and falsehood, and it doesn’t end well.
He sacrificed his children in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced divination and witchcraft, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger.
2 Chronicles 33:6
Know God well, keep seeking his face and remember that it’s all about knowing him personally. This way, you’ll recognize the fake lying spirit that uses witchcraft to get by.
The Bible mentions in many places that we are not to dabble in witchcraft, sorcery, or consult with those that do, such as mediums and witches.
Obviously, there are those that fake this in order to make money, but there are those that really do have access to these dark things, and they enjoy it.
From them, RUN!
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.
John 16:13
Many Blessing’s,
Connie