DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY 2 CHRON 33

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY 2 CHRON. 33: 1 -22, ACTS 8: 1 -25 ALL SAINTS CATHEDRAL NAKASERO DIOCESE OF KAMPALA 19 JULY 2015 BY REV. DR. MEDAD BIRUNGIBYAYESU WORLD SHINE MINISTRIES.

TEAMWORK AS A COUPLE

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY • INTRODUCTION • Witchcraft has been a primary symbol of evil all over the world. The perception people hold on witchcraft makes them fear, hate and wish to eliminate from society those suspected or accused of it. There is no African society which does not hold belief in mystical power of one type or another. • In 2012 Uganda was ranked number 3 in witchcraft and sorcery in Africa following Gabon and Nigeria. • In terms of witch doctors per square kilometer we were number two. • 60% of Ugandans believe in and fear witchcraft and sorcery. • Uganda institutionalised witchcraft and sorcery when traditional healers and herbalists etc were given mandate to operate freely and publicly and were given licenses

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY • Witcraft and sorcery is one of the main Uganda’s problem and one of the causes of poverty and under development. • Witchcraft starts with a heart of rebellion and works by focusing on a distracter, a lie, which is some technique purported to release power. It is important to have "faith", to trust in the technique and not God. • Witchcraft and sorcery are rooted in bitterness, fear and control. It begins with the mind. • The church should no longer ignore but face the challenge of witchcraft and sorcery head on.

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY • Most Ugandans believe that witchcraft cause unusual phenomenon like accidents, conflicts, death, domestic and public aggression, loss of poverty, sickness and failure. • The mystical powers are controlled by witches who possess powers which stop or influence the aforementioned phenomena. • Belief and practice of witchcraft has negatively impacted the social, economic, political and spiritual development in Uganda. • Data reveals that some of those either suspected or caught in the practice are confessing Christians. • Because of inadequate teachings on causes and solutions to the aforementioned phenomena, the African Christians in spite of their commitment to Christianity feel insecure in their personal, physical, health and property safety.

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY • DEFINITIONS • WITCHCRAFT: The use of magic powers, especially evil ones. The concept, witchcraft therefore refers to the use, by some people of evil magic powers to harm or cause misfortune to others. • Witchcraft is therefore regarded as “… the supposed power of a person to harm others by occult or supernatural means. • The essence of witchcraft and sorcery is the causing of harm to persons or property by invisible means” (Hayes 1995: 339 -340). • Shorter (1985: 95) defines witchcraft as “a kind of penumbra of human wickedness, an inborn preternatural power to harm and kill, enjoyed for its own sake. ” • SORCERLY: Using magic to manipulate, kill, damage, terrorise, humiliate or frighten someone

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY • Witchcraft thus is an anomaly that needs a sound Christian response in respect of both the practitioners and victims thereof. • In a way, both are victims in that the practitioner, in some instances finds him- or herself invaded and possessed by this evil power, not by choice but either by inheritance or as a supernaturally inborn force. • Those who are bewitched or believe themselves to be bewitched experience tremendous pressure. • Direct victims because they are targets of evil spells and curses that are aimed at harming them for some reason or the other. • The former group will fit the description indirect victims as they are in a certain sense the carriers of evil powers and executors of evil acts. These people are said not to derive pleasure in executing acts of witchcraft, as it is forced upon them through powers beyond their control. • A person, especially a woman who practices witchcraft, is called a witch

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY-BIBLE • The Bible defines witchcraft as rebellion against God. Witchcraft is a desire to be a spiritual free agent without submission to God or regard for His word. • 1 Samuel 15: 23 (NIV) "For rebellion is like the sin of witchcraft/divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you. . . " • Psalms 107: 11 (NIV) For they had rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High.

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY • BASIC BELIEFS OF AGAINST WITCHES The following basic beliefs regarding witches: • Firstly, a certain category of persons, especially women, has recognisable and particular signs that single them out to be identified as witches. These people may bear physical stigma, such as red eyes, have a reserved personality, and be stingy or quarrelsome. • Secondly, certain misfortunes are ascribed to witches. These include natural calamities such as death, illness, drought or natural disaster. However, the context of the misfortune is always apparent. • Thirdly, witches turn against their own people and kinsmen; they do not harm strangers or people from far away. • Fourthly, they are driven by envy, malice or jealousy of individuals, rather than being in pursuit of material gain as such. • Fifthly, witches reverse all normal/acceptable standards. For instance, they eat their own children, dig up corpses, go naked at night, meet at particular spots to plan their evil deeds, and enjoy practicing their craft

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY • BIBLICAL VIEW OF WITCRAFT AND SOCCERY • 1 Samuel 15: 23. For rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshiping idols. And now because you have rejected the word of Jehovah, he has rejected you from being king. ” Leviticus 19: 26. “I am Jehovah your God! You must not eat meat with undrained blood nor use fortune-telling or witchcraft. Isaiah 47: 9. Well, those two things shall come upon you in one moment, in full measure in one day: widowhood and the loss of your children, despite all your witchcraft and magic. Micah 5: 12. I will put an end to all witchcraft—there will be no more fortune-tellers to consult— Revelation 9: 21. Neither did they change their mind attitude about all their murders and witchcraft, their immorality and theft. • •

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY • BIBLICAL EXAMPLES • Practiced by King Saul 1 Sam. 28: 12 -22 and Manasseh 2 Chron. 33: 1 -20 Practiced » By the Egyptians (Isaiah 19: 3, 11, 12) • Practiced » By the magicians (Exodus 7: 11, 22; 8: 7, 18) • Practiced » By Balaam (Numbers 22: 6; 23: 23; with; ) • Practiced » By Jezebel (23 Kings 9: 22) • Practiced » By the Ninevites (Nahum 3: 4, 5) • Practiced » By the Babylonians (Isaiah 47: 9 -13; Ezekiel 21: 21, 22; Daniel 2: 2, 10, 27) • Practiced » By Belshazzar (Daniel 5: 7, 15) • Practiced » By Simon the Sorcerer (Magus) (Acts 8: 9; ) • Practiced » By Elymas (Bar-Jesus) (Acts 13: 8) • Practiced » By the girl at Philippi (Acts 16: 16) • Practiced » By charlatan Jews (Acts 19: 13) • Practiced » By sons of Sceva (Acts 19: 14, 15) • Practiced » By astrologers (Jeremiah 10: 2; Micah 3: 6, 7) • Practiced » By false prophets (Jeremiah 14: 14; 27: 9; 29: 8, 9; Ezekiel 13: 6 -9; 22: 28; Matthew 24)

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY • WHAT PEACE? • 2 Kg. 9: 22. When Joram saw Jehu he asked, “Is it peace, Jehu? ” • “How can there be peace, ” Jehu replied, “as long as all the idolatry, harlotry, witchcraft and sorcery of your mother Jezebel abound? ”

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY • • • WITCHCRAFT IN BUSINESS Greed for more money Human sacrifice=child sacrifice Underworld/water to get wealth Building and construction In shops and show grounds WITCHCRAFT IN POLITICS To get votes and get power To keep in power To be promoted and favoured Killing and crippling opponents Human sacrifice

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY • • • IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY Jealousy and envy-love portions Unhealthy competition Sickness, death and human sacrifice Husband stealing IN SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES Among lecturers and professors Teachers and head teachers Students and cooks Devil worshipers and schools

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY • • • • PROFESSIONALS/CIVIL SERVANTS Keep their jobs Promotions Prosperity Envy and jealousy WITCHCRAFT IN SECURITY OFFICES In the army In police forces In Prisons Need for protection and promotion IN MEDICAL PERSONEL Doctors and Nurses Promotion Envy and jealousy

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY • • • WITCHCRAFT IN THE CHURCH Church members Church wardens Church council Canons and church pillars Pastors, archdeacons Some bishops Need for good posts, transfers Need for power and control Elections Good health etc

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY IMPACT OF WITCHCRAFT Accidents, death, sexual abuse, sickness, human sacrifice, hatred, bitterness, bondage, poor selfesteem, disabled, suicide, rejection, delayed marriages, marriage breakdowns, under developments, failure, miscourages, religious conflicts, overstaying in power, Jezebelisation, menstruation, barrenness, mental retardation, academic problems, expulsions, unemployment etc

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY • AGENTS OF WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY • People-pipe smokers, wizards, spirit mediums, witchdoctors, sorcerers, devil worshipers, free masons. Satanists, some church leaders etc • Snakes, stones, cows, cats, sheep, dogs, sheep, chickens • Walking Sticks, hand sticks, huts • Special dedicated household items

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY HOW TO DEAL WITH IT 1. THE PROPHETIC APPROACH-PROPHETIC VOICE It is sin and should be Confronted and Condemn it openly It is a belief that can be confronted by expository preaching. Working with government to report and Punish offenders Advocate for laws that will deal with it 2. THE PASTORAL APPROACH-PASTORAL VOICE It is bondage and need freedom through the gospel of Jesus Christ • Prayer and deliverance-Our Mandate: The name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus, the anointing of the Holy Spirit • Through counselling and guidance • Emphasising Restoration and reconciliation • •

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY • 3. THE VOICE OF REASON- INTELLECTUAL APPROACH • It is a belief and should be reasoned out-use commonsense • Deal with the root causes-bitterness, unforgiveness, hatred, jealousy, polygamy, poverty, Greed, Power hunger, generational curse, decrees and proclamations, demons, covenants etc • Renewing the mind with the word of God-the promise of Jesus: I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU. • Trusting God always, faith in God 24/7

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY • GENERAL CONCLUSION 1. REPENT-KING MANASSEH REPENTED AND WAS RESTORED. KING SOUL REFUSED AND LOST THE KINGDOM. 2. READ THE BIBLE AND KNOW THE TRUTH-RENEW AND FILL YOUR MIND 3. PRAY FERVENTLY-ESTBLISH FAMILY PRAYER 4. FASTING REGULARLY 5. TRUST GOD WHOLEHEARTEDLY 6. DENOUNCE WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERLY 7. DESTROY ARTICLES OF WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY 8. FORGIVE AND ACCEPT FORGIVENESS 9. BE COURAGEOUS NOT FEAR-CALL FIRE FROM HEAVEN TO DESTROY THEM 10. DECLARE YOU BELONG TO THE LORD 11. PROPHESY TO THE SITUATION AND TO YOURSELF 12. RAISING OUT TRUE WORSHIP-GOD RAISED DAVID TO WORSHIP AND CHASE DEMONS FROM SAUL

DEALING WITH WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY • THERE IS HOPE FOR THE REBELLIOUS • Beloved, I could not deliver this message if God had not given me a word of encouragement for those who long to be free of their REBELLION. It’s found in Psalm 107: 9 -14. • • "For he satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness. Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; because they rebelled against the words of God, and condemned the counsel of the most High: Therefore he brought down their heart with labor; they fell down, and there was none to help. • "Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and breaks their bands in sunder. " • Have you been "brought down" by your rebellion, your bitterness? Cry out to the Lord of Hosts for divine deliverance! Let Him break the demonic bands around your heart -- and bring you out of the shadow of death and into His marvelous light!

AVOIDANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY IS SIN

Thank you for listening! God loves you