FRIDAY October 6, 2023

A Book Burning

Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.
Acts 19:19-20

Ephesus was a main center for the occult. People had all kinds of books on magic. Yet after hearing about the failure of what had transpired between the Jews and a demon-possessed man, and how Paul had power over demons through Jesus’ name, the Gospel began bringing people to their knees in repentance: ...fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds (Acts 19:17-18).

Lives were changed! As a witness of their conversion, they burned their occultic books on magic. They were valued at fifty thousand pieces of silver! Imagine, these books valued at several million dollars went up in smoke in the fire. After these people came to Christ, for them, there was no longer any more association with Satan. Through the Word of God, Ephesus experienced a true revival. The light always wins!

As believers, we have to be careful. Once we have the light, we cannot bring back any darkness into our lives. Look to see if there is anything in your house that has to do with the occult. Especially if you are a new Christian, burn anything you find and get rid of it. Do not keep occultic things as good luck charms. If you have any books about demons––again, burn them––get rid of them; otherwise, you will feel great oppression. Put on the armor of light! Romans 13:12 tells us: Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

Christians who play with sin are also opening the door to be oppressed by demons. Not possessed, because that can only happen when a person denies the Lord and wants nothing to do with Him. No child of God can be demon-possessed, only non-believers. If you are a child of the light, renounce anything to do with darkness. Walk in the light!

The light of God’s presence in our lives is a purifying flame that will draw us near to Him.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!