DELIVERANCE PRAYER IN FORM OF MAGIC (PART 1)

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE(Eng.) ND/HD (Journalism); BA (Hons) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939  E-mail: profbenonyeukwu@gmail.com

DELIVERANCE PRAYER IN FORM OF MAGIC (PART 1)

VOODOO PREACHERS AS APOSTLES OF CHRIST

Main Text:

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. and no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness”… (2 Corinthians 11:13-14).

Writers Quote:

If the church must correct the world the world must notice its sincerity of purpose.

INTRODUCTION:

Voodoo, in the words of Hobart Freeman is a folk religion of Haiti, consisting of a mixture of African witch-craft and elements from other religions and cults, including Roman Catholicism and Spiritism. Nowadays, also, the voodoo religion has adopted various features of the Pentecostal styles of prayer and liturgy. The foregoing, however, does not association the Catholic Church or the Pentecostal movement with voodoo, but opines that certain voodoo elements may have gained admission into the ranks and files of these Christian bodies, thereby adulterating the doctrines and practices of the ecclesiastical groups.

            Voodoo is known for revenge killings, projection of strange illnesses, accidents, inquiries, curses and other ways of spell casting which adherents invoke in their prayers against their enemies, and this, at present, has became the common style of prayer in most religious groups, especially in the Pentecostal circle(s). Having said this it becomes important to note that:

DELIVERANCE PRAYER IS A FIGHT AGAINST DEMONS AND NOT HUMAN BEINGS

            The predictions of the last days carry the good, the bad and the ugly. In line with this, the Prophet Joel talks of the mighty move of the Holy Spirit that would affect every category of the human race, (Joel 2:28ff), as the Apostle Paul writes on a high level of apostasy that would lure the people to the doctrines of the devil, (I Timothy 4:1ff). In fact, one of the evils of the last days is the infiltration of the demonically inspired modes of prayer which are contrary to biblical standards.

            Today, the devil is amplifying his deceptions in the church, thereby taking many to the part of magic, against the power of the Holy Spirit. For instance, the “back to sender” style of prayer that is presently on the lips of most Christians is a “prayer of revenge” carried over from the world of Voodoo. But, God’s word says, “do not revenge”, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written; vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Romans 12:19). 

            Furthermore, the die! die! die! mode of prayer in some Christian denominations may have as well taken its roots from the voodoo cult, and remains unbiblical. Though, some adherents of such religious groups deny they target human beings in their prayers, but certain devotional expressions that seek to invoke injuries on who they refer to as “wicked uncles” or “unfriendly friends” show they really aim at the elimination of such lives in their prayers. Yet, the Scripture clearly teaches that, “The Son of Man did not come to destroy man’s life, but to save it”. (Luke 9:56). This shows that it is wrong to use the weapon of prayer to invoke death or harm on one that one views as one’s enemy, as such a practice is akin to the“black magic” of the voodoo fraternity, and not Christian. In this connection, Dr. Freeman reveals that “the reports of revenge killings, strange illnesses, accidents, injuries, curses, and other atrocities committed by voodoo cults against their enemies are well known”, and by implication advises that the Christian prayer warrior should not take after them or pray to hurt anybody in trying to deliver another person from demonic bondages. For, according to Ben Onyeukwu, “prayer is a wrestle against evil forces and not against human beings (Ephesians 6:12).

DELIVERANCE PRAYER IS IN THE NAME OF JESUS AND NOT THROUGH HUMAN INTERMEDIARY    

            Hobart Freedom, also, remarks that “one of the most curious aspects of voodooism is the incorporation into its rites some portion of Catholic rituals prayers, liturgies, and the reverence of the saints. Most voodoo services to honour an amalgamation of ancestral spirits and deities which is collectively known as “Loa” are conducted by priests before an altar covered with candles and surrounded with the pictures and statues of the saints, amid hymns addressed to them and to the Virgin Mary”. Scripturally this highlighted mode of prayer, whether in Christian or voodoo religion falls short of God’s holy standards, and cannot offer deliverance to anyone, as the casting out of demons (Mark 16:17) as well as answers to prayer is only possible in the Name of Jesus, (John 16:14).  

            In view of the foregoing, what then, happens to all the “candle burning” prayers which are conducted by some in the name of deliverance? To whom are the sacrifices of doves and rams as practiced by most Christian churches made? And, who receives all the prayers offered through the saints for protection and blessings? In answer to the questions raised, God’s word reveals that Jesus is the light of the world, and so, no candle is needed when one prays in His name, (John 8:12). He is equally God’s perfect sacrifice, therefore, the sacrifices of rams and goats are no longer fashionable (Hebrews 10:1-10). And, let it be noted as well that the offering of prayers through the saints had never been endorsed by God, as Jesus remains the only mediator between God and man, (I Timothy 2:5).

            The Voodoo religion, Freeman continues to stress, consists primarily of the worship of ancestors and a complicated hierarchy of gods who, according to Voodoo beliefs, seeks to manifest themselves by taking “possession” of their worshippers during their frenzied dance. During their ceremonies, as they drink and dance wildly, the participants fall into a trance and supposedly become possesses by these spirits (which are actually demons}. In this state, the possessing spirit may manifest itself and begins to speak, sing or curse as well as offer advice or cure the sick. This strongly indicates that most prophesies, songs, healings, messages, and even certain fellowship centres which exist today have their origins from the pit of hell, as Satan intensifies efforts in making his magic centres look like Christian denominations.

DELIVERANCE PRAYER IS BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND NOT BY MAGIC

            Voodoo agents perform black magic designed to inflict injury or death upon their enemies as well as take to white magic fashioned to bring good luck in marriage or success in business. In other words, Voodoo is associated with occultism, and this means, any involvement in/with fortunetelling, magic, spiritism or false religious cults and teaching, and this is not of God.

            This generation harbours a lot of Voodoo Pastors who masquerade as gospel ministers. These agents of darkness are in full supply from the Kingdom of hell, and are found among the Catholics, the Pentecostals, the Baptists, the Evangelicals, and of course, in all Christian denominations. However, they are known by their fruits.

            So, be mindful of those who present “fortune tell” as prophecy. There is nothing wrong in prophecy, as the Bible encourages it, (I Thessalonians 5:20). But, when prophecy becomes a “must tell” or stereotyped, and tells everything, it becomes “fortune tell”, and not prophecy, and this is one of the antics of magic preachers, who operate from the world of Voodoo or other secret fraternities.

            The essence of deliverance prayer is to set one free from demonic bondages, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and not necessarily to tell tales of origin of problems. But, false preachers delight in such tales (often false) in their bid to convince their victims, and by such intrigues many have been incited against their family members and friends, with the falsehood that their loved ones have been responsible for their woes. What a wickedness!

            Let it equally be impressed that these evil apostles often claim they have the power to enforce business and marriage successes, and by so doing brain wash the gullible members of the society, who troop out in large numbers to their worship contres, supposing they are messengers of God.  But, can Satan cast out Satan? In other words, can white magic proffer solution to problems enforced through black magic? Is Satan not the author of marriage and business failures? The truth is that magic pastors can only appease Satan and his demons, but cannot cast them out.

            Therefore, let it be remarked that God’s deliverance is by the power of the Holy Spirit through His anointed servant, and not by magic or any medium of the devil. Such a deliverance exercise does not require articles like, candle, religious beads, scapulas, cross, holy water, incense, olive oil, mustard seed, apron or the picture or image of any Saint, including Virgin Mary for the prayer, but faith in the word of God.

            In conclusion, be informed that in this era, occultists, spiritists, Voodooists and other agents of the devil do no longer disclose their identity, but disguise as apostles of Christ. They now have fellowship centres, conduct city-wide crusades, feature in radio and television just to maximize the ambition of Satan. Sequel to this, Freeman remarks that “there has never been a time in history when the warnings against the dangers of occultism were more necessary than at present. Multitudes of people, Christian and non Christian alike, find themselves suffering physical, mental, psychic and spiritual oppression, and few realizing that it is because they have allowed themselves to became ensnared in the diabolical web of occultism, which is under the influence and control of the powers of darkness. PLEASE BE CAREFUL.     

DELIVERANCE PRAYER IN FORM OF MAGIC (PART 2)

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE(Eng.) ND/HD (Journalism); BA (Hons) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939  E-mail: profbenonyeukwu@gmail.com

DELIVERANCE PRAYER IN FORM OF MAGIC (PART 2)

THE MENACE OF THE FORTUNETELLERS IN CHURCH AND SOCIETY

Main Text:

 “Let no one be found among you… who practice divination (fortunetelling), interpret omens or consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord” (Deuteronomy 18:8ff).

WRITER’S QUOTE:

“To discover faith is to discover solution, but to misapply faith is to miss a target”.

INTRODUCTION:

          Today, it is becoming obvious that certain individuals in the Christian church who parade themselves as messengers of God with special prophetic gifts are demonic fortunetellers in the network of Satan. These spiritual bandits claim they have insights into the past, present and future happenings in the world, as well as operate by the Holy Spirit. But, a cross examination of their activities show they are members of the black art of finding out hidden information, known as “fortunetelling”, which is a counterfeit way of obtaining revelation and prophecy from God.

          No doubt, the human society, from time to time suffers a great deal of misgivings projected into it by these unholy and lying prophets who delight in inciting the Christian Community and the wider world against one another in the name of prophecy or revelation, as most family and community rifts are traced to these prophetic robbers. Therefore, be mindful of the fact that;

DELIVERANCE PRAYER SHOULD RESTORE AND NOT DESTROY RELATIONSHIPS

          God’s kind of deliverance primarily aims at the rescue of a victim of a demonic bondage, and this, strictly abhors fortunetelling. According to Hobart Freeman, “fortunetelling is the ancient black art of divination practiced the world over in an effort to uncover hidden information or foretell the future. Fortunetelling is today widely used by occult preachers who counterfeit the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ as a means of getting into what they refer to as hidden knowledge.

          In furtherance, Dr. Freeman remarks that “man has always been intrigued with the desire to determined the future, learn his fate, obtain hidden knowledge or gain help or power from the unseen world, and this curiosity, has always been his deceiving point, as agents of hell use this a great deal in leading him out of the will of God. In fact, man is anxious to know, and Satan is eager to let out illegal information. For, God’s word forbids man from looking for information or guidance from demonic sources, and therefore, advises the Christian faithful who needs wisdom and guidance to ask God (James 1:5), as secret things belong to Him, (Deuteronomy 29:29).

          But, is information about the origins of problems necessary in the act of deliverance? If it is, Bible already fingers the devil as man’s arch-enemy. Though, human beings often partner with him in enforcing wickedness against others, yet we are told that our warfare is not against flesh and blood (human beings), but against principalities and powers, (Ephesians 6:12). In other words, we should not consider human beings as enemies as we seek deliverance from problems.

          Furthermore, is it proper to consult the dead to obtain messages of what happened in the past during deliverance prayer? Biblically speaking, the answer is no. yet, most fortunetelling preachers who know too well that it is against the will of God to do such a thing, still engage in it, in their false deliverance operations, in the name of obtaining hidden information, and by so doing destroy peoples relationships with God, since such an art is detestable to Him, (Deuteronomy 18:9ff).

          Another hurdle of the magic preachers in the act of deliverance is the use of demonic prophecies to destroy friendship in society. Now, imagine the outcome of a deliverance prayer which, in the name of prophecy falsely indicts one as the brain behind one’s predicaments. This type of predictions may sound unbelievable, but magic preachers are at home with such satanic utterances, which undoubtedly have set many families and friends apart.

DELIVERANCE PRAYER SHOULD ENFORCE LIBERTY AND NOT BONDAGE

          Fortunetelling preachers never enforce liberty, but bondage. These false deliverance ministers of hell do not set anyone free from problems, as they claim to; rather, they increase their sorrows and burdens. They have one prominent interest at heart, that is, making their victims, milk-cows. If the truth must be told, what looks like deliverance within the circles of these spiritual criminals is “magic tricks” that results in “the more you look, the less you see”, as well as “hypnosis”, which Hobart Freeman describes as “the ancient occult practice of charming and enchanting, which is the psychic method by which an individual gains influence and control over the mind and actions of another”.

          The Bible refer to Satan as one who does not set his captives free, (Isaiah 14:17), the ambition his ministers pursue with vigour. In the Scripture, we discover that the “fear of death” is the main tool for satanic bondages, whereas, the mission of Jesus is to free those in his prison custody, (Hebrews 2:12). This informs the reason why magic preachers are driven to “death visions” to instill fear in the lives of their victims, as a way of holding them down in perpetual bondage.

          Therefore, mind the so called prophets or prophetesses who always come-up with visions of death and coffins, and desist from them, for they are not messengers of God, but of the devil, as you keep in view that God has given us victory over death, through our Lord Jesus Christ, (I Corinthians 15:55).

          One other point of the bondage of the fortunetelling prophets is that they are uncompromisingly in need of the money and the materials of their victims, and to achieve this, they encircle them with magic powers, projecting evil to call for prayer, and providing temporary relief to call for testimonies and offerings. Don’t be surprised that certain individuals who claims they pray for people, may as well be the brain behind their problems. Also, take note of the merchandising syndrome in some religious groups, where every item of prayer is sold for money, and advise yourself that such caliber of people are in for private business, and not for the good of any soul.

DELIVERANCE PRAYER SHOULD PRESENT CHRIST AND NOT MAN

          The Magic Pastors will never present Christ, as the deliverer, in their programmes, because they operate from anti-Christ. And, they will never openly present Satan, for the fear that people would notice their insincerity, and in turn, desert them. So, they resort to self-projection, which is, the very nature of the devil. In fact, these ego-centric personalities are prone to exhibitionism, and are always saddened when people fail to give them attention. But, the true ministers of Christ will always magnify Him as well as seek His glory in every ministerial endeavour.

          God is not prodigal of His Power, and does not release it when His glory is at stake, and no one is delivered from the powers of darkness if not by the power of the Holy Spirit, through a chosen vesse, (Acts 10:38). Just because there is no God to glorify in the ministries of the fortunetelling preachers, every glory, therefore, goes to them and this indeed is vain glory.

          Now, have you ever considered why the radio, television or newspaper spot light on some preachers and their ministries are often centered on what they do, and not what Christ does or did for the human race, on the cross of Calvary? Does it border you when such individuals talk of miracles with no reference to Jesus Christ, the miracle worker? Or, what do you think is the reason why some pastors spend much of their preaching times, telling stories of helps rendered to people, instead of presenting Christ and His Word? And, how do you feel, when people are made to idolize certain brand of preachers who they now see as messiahs of the time? Without mincing words, such misconceptions come from the pulpits of the fortunetelling preachers, who today give the wrong socialization to the church and society, as a way of making people feel great about them, and this, had resulted in people making them object of meditation, instead of Christ and His Word, which are the bedrock for deliverance. What an idol worship!

          But, notice that no deliverance comes from God, where Jesus is not prominently in focus, (John 15:5), and no answer is granted to a deliverance prayer aside His Name, (Mark 16:17). Also, no miracle is confirmed in any prayer meeting, where the Word of God is not faithfully and sincerely presented, (verse 20). This shows that the purported miracles of deliverance from the platforms of the fortunetelling preachers are nothing, but false.

          In conclusion, beware of those who say, “Every blessing comes from God” or that “every power is of God”, as a way of deceiving the people. Absolutely, power belongs to God, but administratively, power delegated to Satan was usurped, and misapplied, and today, is illegal and detestable to God, (Deuteronomy 18:9ff). DON’T BE DECEIVED.           

DELIVERANCE PRAYER IN FORM OF MAGIC (PART 3)

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE(Eng.) ND/HD (Journalism); BA (Hons) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939  E-mail: profbenonyeukwu@gmail.com

DELIVERANCE PRAYER IN FORM OF MAGIC (PART 3)

THE EVILS OF IMPRECATORY PRAYER

Main Text:

“Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse”, (Romans 12:14).

WRITER’S QUOTE:

“Cursing in prayer is bargaining with the law of sowing and reaping”.

INTRODUCTION:

          Imprecatory prayer is a “prayer of revenge, which seeks to invoke harm or curses on one’s offender or enemy, in retaliation of the wrongs done to one. This type of prayer is one of the evil tools of the occult pastors, and all those who are under the demonic web of the kingdom of Satan, as well as a great sin against God and humanity. In a biblical admonition, the Apostle James, advises that tongue, which is an organ of prayer, be used to bless and not to curse, the man made in the image of God, (James 3:6-16).

          But, nowadays, a meticulous observer would notice that the Christian Church is fast becoming a cursing community, courtesy of the activities of some preachers who exhibit the concept of magic in the body of Christ. In fact, such a people must be resisted, for they do not serve the interest of God and His Kingdom, but that of the devil. By this, therefore, the writer opines that;

DELIVERANCE PRAYER SHOULD NOT CURSE BUT BLESS

          One of the problems of the present day Christianity is that Satan has successfully redirected the amour of God, designed to work against him and his demons, and has put it against the people and the church. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). The Christian soldier, who is anointed to wage war against Satan and his cohorts, now deploys the power of the Holy Spirit against the members of the human race, he is suppose to protect or help out of the powers of darkness. The foregoing, therefore, serves the purpose of imprecatory prayer, demonically designed to foster the destructive programmes of the Kingdom of hell, (John 10:10).

          Exegetically, the Scripture shows that the Christian prayer should bless and not curse, but many today have taken after the occult world, to curse and not bless in prayer, a development which the part one of this discourse says is akin to voodoo way of prayer, which a good number of Christians have adopted as a way of deliverance prayer in the church.

          No doubt, to curse in prayer is to assist Satan in destroying the human race, and such an act, logically speaking, poses a setback on Christ and His Kingdom, since it fosters the objective of the devil to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10), as well as shows that God never answers such a prayer. But, such a prayer works, at times, one may say. Yes, it sometimes works, and this is because Satan, who is the god of destruction, takes delight in executing such a wicked prayer, just to establish faith in the act. However, the verdict of the Bible is that we should bless and not curse, even in prayer, (Roman 12:14).

DELIVERANCE PRAYER SHOULD ENFORCE LIFE AND NOT DEATH

          The “Holy Ghost Fire” form of imprecatory prayer is a societal evil of this age, and Jesus sealed off this type of prayer when two of His disciples opted to use it against those who opposed their entry to Samaria. The story shows that “when the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, Lord do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them, as Elijah did?” But, Jesus rebuked them and said, “You do not know the kind of Spirit you are made of, for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them”, (Luke 9:51-56).

          Truly, what Jesus said shows that He is not the author of the “Holy Ghost Fire” type of prayer that is widely said by Christians today for vengeance. Though, some deny they use it against human beings, but against the unseen forces a darkness. However, prayer expression like, “anybody who is against my business”, Holy Ghost Fire!” or “any person behind my backwardness, Holy Ghost Fire!” as are heard from their prayer closet contradict their claim.

          Also, the claim that the “Holy Ghost Fire” prayer is employed against witches and wizards under the guise of “suffer not the witch to live”, (Exodus 22:18) carries a dispensational error. According to Edwin Hartin, “a dispensation is a period of time during which God deals in a particular way with man in respect to sin and responsibility”. During the dispensation of law, that is, from the giving of the law at Mount Sinai to Calvary or from the exodus to the cross, Moses said, “kill the witches”, (Exodus 22:18). But, this time, since we are now in the dispensation of grace, that is, from the descent of the Holy Spirit to the descent or return of Christ, Jesus says, “don’t kill, but save them”, (Luke 9:56).

          Therefore, those who invoke “Holy Ghost Fire” to destroy witch in the acts of deliverance should better have a rethink, as the “Great Commission”, (Matthew 28:19) is a call to save souls, including, witches and wizards, and not to destroy them (Luke 19:10).

DELIVERANCE PRAYER SHOULD SUE FOR FORGIVENESS AND NOT MALICE

          The strongest force that stirs-up imprecatory prayer is unforgiveness, informed by string of malicious contemplations buried within the fabric of the heart. If one may ask, why do Christians engage the Voodoo Pastors, in deliverance prayers to invoke injuries on those they view as enemies? What do you think is the main factor that lures politicians to Witch Doctors for imprecatory invocations against their opponents? And, how does one explain the ceaseless echoes of “Holy Ghost Fire” prayers that take place in almost every Christian vigil?

          The answer to the questions in focus is unforgiveness. In fact, if forgiveness is allowed to reign in church and society, imprecatory prayer will die a natural death, for the good of all. On this note, the organizers of deliverance prayer should learn to present messages that promote reconciliation, against those that breed hatred. They should as well put up a “Holy Ghost Fight” against the demon of malice, instead of unnecessarily invoking “Holy Ghost Fire” on those they should pray to save, reconcile or deliver.

          Furthermore, the absence of morality in the deliverance programmes of the Voodoo Pastors marks a major pitfall in such exercise of faith. It is obvious that these fortunetelling messengers of hell present economic emancipation, with little or no consideration for the moral problem of man. However, the Bible promotes that man should be holy, as well as live in peace with his fellow man, if he must or desires to partner with God, here or hereafter, (Hebrews 12:14). In line with this, man is admonished to see to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble by which people in society may become quarrelsome or defiled”, (Verse 15). 

          In conclusion, please note that deliverance prayer is God’s design to set people free from the powers of darkness, but the use of imprecatory prayer in the exercise is strange and demonic, especially in this dispensation of grace in which non is allowed to use the anointing of the Holy Spirit to destroy lives, (Luke 9:51-56). Therefore, the man of God should not violate the principle or take after the Voodoo Pastors, whose stock in trade is cursing in prayer. BE GUIDED.