I would like to address some unbiblical practices that have become commonplace in charismatic churches today. I am unabashedly charismatic so please understand that this is in no way an attack on this particular denomination. However, it grieves my spirit to see charismatic witchcraft being embraced by the church. Let us study one by one some of these demonic manifestations.

Drunk in the spirit: be very careful when you hear charismatic leaders use terms that remind you of a particular bible verse but is not the actual verse. The term “drunk in the spirit” probably refers to Pentecost, when the apostles were accused of being drunk while under the anointing of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:13). It may sound similar but is in fact quite different. The verse itself says they were mocked for appearing to be drunk. Peter, being completely sober clarified for them in verse 15 that they were in fact not drunk. He went on to explain that it was simply prophecy being fulfilled (verses 15-18). The remainder of that chapter reveals that after this revelation thousands came to Christ. How many visitors in church come to Christ seeing christians acting “drunk in the spirit”? Remember to test the spirit (1 John 4:1) by the Word itself. What does the Word say? Well, for one, self control is a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:23).

Signs and wonders: in the very same chapter of the book of Acts the term signs and wonders is referenced (Acts 2:19). Charismatic christians are quick to get excited over signs and wonders in the church. Again, I ask you to test the spirit. Compare gold dust, gold tooth fillings, holy laughter or any “signs and wonders” you have witnessed for yourself with the verse named above. Can you honestly say one has anything to do with the other? Be very careful. I am not saying that miracles cannot occur: of course they can and still do. Christ said it, so I believe it (John 14:12). I have no problem with miraculous healing and deliverance, and I welcome an outpouring of the Holy Spirit over His followers. It is the completely unbiblical nonsense I see in the modern church that I find deeply disturbing.

False tongues: Some feel pressured to speak in tongues and just babble. Then there are others who (whether knowingly or not) speak in demonic tongues. It is alarming to me that the body of Christ is seriously lacking in discernment. I always say it is free for the asking.

Laying on of hands: this practice is based on Acts 6:6, 8:17 and 9:17. Read on a little further and you will see just how quickly some look to profane such a holy act (8:18-22). [Christians commonly misquote 1 Tim 5:22 believing it to be within the same context; in reality it is a reference to naming leadership in the church.] You are under no obligation to have anyone lay hands on you. If you do not know the person or feel uneasy when someone offers to lay hands on you, feel free to politely decline. If the person gets offended it is an issue they need to work out with the Lord. Also, keep in mind witches and satanists attend church, as well. They pantomime worship, pretending to be born again while eagerly searching for christians to lay hands on in order to transfer demons and demonic tongues.

Kundalini spirit: this demon plagues Pentecostal churches in particular. Remember, Satan is a master counterfeiter; he will twist everything godly and offer a demonic imitation. Under the anointing of the Holy Spirit people will dance, sing, cry and become slain in the spirit. Some examples are found in 2 Samuel 6:14, Daniel 8:17, Matthew 17:6, Acts 2:1-4, Psalm 98:4, Psalm 100:1-4 and Revelation 1:17. On the other hand, Kundalini will make people shake uncontrollably, bend their bodies into unnatural positions, hiss and crawl like a snake. The most common entry point for this demon is through yoga, which invites the Python spirit and all its familiar spirits with it. I cannot believe that in Christian churches today yoga is being practiced right in the church building. These pastors are opening their church doors wide open to the enemy. While the Holy Spirit is free to do as He pleases, our God is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40). He would never create a sideshow that will drive visitors away (verse 23).

New Age Practices: which brings me to the alarming trends I’m noticing being brought into the church. Angel cards, which are supposed to be the clean, holy version of the Tarot. Are you kidding me?! Grave sucking-the act of lying on a person’s grave with the intent of soaking their anointing. This is a twisted interpretation of bible passages referencing the prophets Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 17:20-22, 2 Kings 4:32-35, 2 Kings 2:9-14). In reality what they are doing is closer to necromancy, which is prohibited (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) I’ve heard of water witching being done during church service. Should you witness any of these occult practices, follow biblical protocol (Matthew 18:15-17, Titus 1:13-14, 2 Timothy 4:2-5, Titus 3:10).

You may be the only one in that church with eyes to see. Please pray for the persons affected. They need deliverance. If these manifestations continue to go unchecked even after the pastor has been advised, ask the Lord to place you in another church. Put on your full armor every morning when you wake and cover yourself with the blood of Christ. We are to be on the offense, not the defense. Do not allow the devil to pull the wool over your eyes. We are instructed to test every spirit (1 John 4:1). I pray this blesses you.