Prayer:
In the name of Jesus I bind every evil spirit that would try to come
against my mind (and my family’s minds) from allowing us to hear God’s
truth from the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, I ask that you would give me clarity
& encouragement, as I read this study and that You would direct me into
Your truth according to Your Word! I ask that You would give me wisdom
and revelation of Your will and direct my life in such a way that I would
bring the Lord glory in all I do and in the way that I live! In the Name of
Jesus Christ I pray – Amen!
So, often we hear from people who are experiencing demonic manifestations in
their homes, sudden dramatic behavior changes in their children, marital problems,
discord in the home, lack of hearing the Lord in prayer, lack of desire to seek the Lord,
depression, anxiety, fear, trouble reading the Bible, difficulties being able to focus in prayer
– and the list goes on. What is surprising is that when we stop to identify the root cause of
these problems, we come to find that a lot of it is from demonic assault allowed in through
sin, that people are unaware of. Once that the sin is removed and repented of, we see
incredibly positive behavior changes, peace back in a home and exponential growth in
every area – especially in their relationship with the Lord.
Psalm 101:3 (KJV), “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:
I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.”
This week’s lesson is going to focus on gateways – keep in mind there are so many
gateways that can allow in sin and we are only going to touch a few areas. We often tell
people that a good litmus test to know if something is sin or not is to ask “Is this item,
thought or activity glorifying to God?” And if the answer is no – then it is a gateway
that needs repented of and closed off. When these kinds of issues are happening it’s a good
time to stop and check to see if there is an area where Satan has legal right or grounds to
cause these adversities. If these can be addressed, we sincerely believe that God will move
on your behalf in your situation.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (KJV), “ There shall not be found among you any
one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that
useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11 or
a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a
necromancer. 12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the
LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive
them out from before thee.”
In the Book of Hosea, the Lord says, “My people are destroyed for lack of
knowledge (Hosea 4:6)” – A lot of time we suffer simply because we do not realize that
we have given legal ground to Satan.
There are a many reasons believers could come under
attack from Satan:
Legal Access
If there is any legal ground that Satan has in our life from sin – whether known or
unknown – ask yourself “have I or do I participate in or possess or own in my possession
any of the following examples: unholy conversations (gossip, slander, cursing), talking with
psychics, mediums, fortune tellers, reading your horoscope, astrology, stealing, fighting,
arguing, un-repented sexual sin, pornography, watching/listening to unholy things on
TV/Youtube/Radio/Internet, movies, video games etc. – These are just a few examples.
Do you have any occult items in your possession?
(Examples: foreign idols, dream catchers, statues, charms, pentagrams, items for
good “luck”, tattoos, satanic symbols, weegie boards, music or movies unpleasing to the
Holy Spirit, statues of angels or of things in heaven, statues of Jesus, Mary or other
“Saints”(these are idolatrous), other religious symbols (catholic holy water, crucifix, fleurde-
lis, etc.), pictures of temples, religious quotes of world religions, statues, certain video
games, even certain children’s toys, wicked labels on clothing, etc. ).
Exodus 20:3-4 (KJV), “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make
unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is
in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.”
God Allowing
Any area of our lives that has not been submitted and surrendered to the Lord can
give Satan legal access/grounds to assault. This even includes the confessions of our
mouths! If un-repented of, Satan can use your words and conduct against you.
Psalm 19:14 (KJV), “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my
heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
1 Peter 3:17 (KJV), “ For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing,
than for evil doing.”
Sometimes God will allow us to go through certain adversities, in order to
strengthen us or to cause us to seek Him more diligently with all our heart, mind and
strength. Because of the authority given to us, through the Blood of Jesus Christ, we can
come boldly to the throne of grace and counter Satan’s accusations –we can discuss this
further in another lesson.
We strongly urge you to seek the Lord in humility and repent of any open
gateways/sin and any areas that the Holy Spirit brings to your understanding that perhaps
you may have been unaware of. Once you have repented, you will be able to take proper
authority in Christ and for deliverance and break off any curses or witchcraft coming
against you or your family.
When we are walking in righteousness and holiness, then we can start putting up a
defense against afflictions that may be occurring. We have seen many miracles by the Holy
Spirit and believe that when we address the legal access that Satan has and put a stop to it,
then we can have victory in our spiritual walk with God, in health and in areas of provision.
Also, whenever you are feeling fear, depression, discouragement or any reactions –
remember to submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you, taking captive every
thought according to the knowledge of God and command every devil to leave from your
presence in the name of Jesus Christ. In addition to this, simply pray in faith believing and
asking God to put on your full armor (which is described in Ephesians 6). Remember,
the armor of God can only be active in the life of a righteous follower of
the Lord Jesus.
A Christian who has surrendered their life to the LORD Jesus Christ, must not
participate in the works of evil, such as: books and media having to do spirits, ghosts,
vampires, fairies, monsters, witches, wizards, warlocks, etc. Many movies and books try to
make these things look fun and pretend. They are presented as entertaining to peak
people’s curiosity. Some Christians even believe that it’s ok to watch as long you don’t
believe in it. “It’s just pretend,” people say! Jesus teaches us in the in Matthew 5:28 that if it
you are seeing it and imagining it in your heart, it is reality, and you are participating in it!
Matthew 5:28 (KJV), “ But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust
after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
The reality is the things of the demonic truly are real and we will be held
accountable if we participate in them (the deeds of darkness). Wickedness goes against
God and opens your soul to darkness. The truth is, when we are interested in entertaining
the things of evil, it is because it is already in our hearts and needs to be repented of, it is a
root of iniquity. Many people do not realize this and do not believe that the spiritual realm
is real. It is not a fairy tale. Witches and other evil creatures (regardless of the names they
go by) – are real and they are servants of Satan. As Christians, if we willing sin and allow
garbage into our minds (and our children’s minds) and souls, we open our families and
ourselves up spiritually and physically to demonic afflictions!
Romans 8:1 (KJV), “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ
Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
We often hear Christians quote the first part of Romans 8:1 and leave out the
second part. They say, “look brother, there’s no longer any condemnation, I’m in Christ.
God’s grace is so abundant and so loving that He has already bore all my sins at Calvary.”
That ways of thinking is a false grace message! Yes, God’s grace is so abundant, but if you
walk after the Flesh then this verse is saying that there is condemnation. God’s grace
is to empower us to live Holy lives as Christians – His grace is not to be
abused to live as close to the line of sin as we can! We must repent and walk in
the Spirit, living righteous. Living righteously is not only doing the right thing but it is also
believing “rightly”!
Matthew 6:22 (KJV), “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy
whole body shall be full of light.”
Your eyes, and ears give an entrance into your soul (mind, will and emotions).
What we see, hear and participate in goes into us. We can fill ourselves with either light or
darkness. This is why it is important that we fill ourselves with things that are pure, holy and
righteousness!
2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV),“ Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth
itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the
obedience of Christ…”
We must be careful to only think and have things in our minds that are what Jesus
would have us focus our minds on. If you were aware that the Lord is in the room, would
you still participate in the same things? If you are parents, it is your responsibility before
God to train your children, by doing your best to only allow righteousness to enter their
minds as they grow. As their caretakers, you are responsible to guard them from the things
that Satan desires to fill their hearts with (spiritually, emotionally and physically.) If you
watch wicked things, but don’t allow your child too – you are still not protecting them –
because what you participate in – you bring into your home spiritually.
Philippians 4:8 (KJV),“ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are
honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think
on these things.”
These are the things we as Christians must think about – so we must only watch and listen
to things that cause pure, lovely, holy, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy
thoughts in us and our children.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV”)… bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of
Christ…”
The reason these shows and books are so popular in society is because Satan and
his devils are doing their best to influence our cultures and especially the Christian Church
to cause people to fall away from The Lord. When we observe and participate in these
types of things it brings in satanic afflictions into our lives and families.
1 Corinthians 6:20 (KJV), “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your
body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
If you are truly a Christian, then your life no longer belongs to you!
If you have given your life to Christ, then don’t try to take it back again!
Give Him everything and gain everything that He has for you! Focus your
mind on Jesus – live for Him in everything you do – do all you can to have every action
bring Him Glory!
Remember when questioning whether something is ok, just ask yourself – does this bring
glory to the Lord Jesus?
May the Lord Jesus bless and keep you,
Joseph & Christina
Bara International
https://barainternational.org/
Additional verses you may want to study:
Psalm 34:7 (KJV), “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him,
and delivereth them.”
Deuteronomy 7:26 (KJV), “Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest
thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it;
for it is a cursed thing.”
Exodus 20:1-4 (KJV), “And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God,
which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt
have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any
likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the
water under the earth.”
1 Corinthians 10:20-21 (KJV), “But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they
sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with
devils.Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of
the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.”
1 Corinthians 10:14 (KJV), “Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.”
Leviticus 26:1 (KJV), “Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a
standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto
it: for I am the LORD your God.”
1 Corinthians 12:2 (KJV), “Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away
unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.”
2 Kings 23:24 (KJV), “Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the
wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were
spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he
might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that
Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD.”
Leviticus 19:4 (KJV),“Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves
molten gods: I am the LORD your God.”
Spiritually Cleansing Your Home Q&A’s
Q: What kind of items should I remove to cleanse my home/life?
A: Anything that is not glorifying to the Lord Jesus
Legal Access
If there is any legal ground that Satan has in our life from sin – whether known or
unknown – ask yourself “have I or do I participate in or possess or own in my possession any of
the following examples: unholy conversations (gossip, slander, cursing), talking with psychics,
mediums, fortune tellers, fortune cookies, reading your horoscope, astrology, stealing, fighting,
arguing, un-repented sexual sin, pornography, watching/listening to unholy things on
TV/Radio/Internet, movies, video games etc. – These are just a few examples.
Do you have any occult items in you possession? (examples: foreign idols, dream
catchers, statues, charms, pentagrams, items for good “luck”, tattoos, satanic symbols, weegie
boards, music or media unpleasing to the Holy Spirit, statues of Angels or of things in heaven,
statues of Jesus, Mary or other “saints”(these are idolatrous), pictures of temples, pagan religious
symbols (catholic holy water, crucifix, fleur-de-lis, etc.), pictures of temples, pagan religious
quotes from world religions, statues, certain video games, even certain children’s toys, wicked
labels on clothing, (magic wands, amulets, magic 8 balls, vampire dolls, monsters, etc.) false
religions etc.
Q: How can I start recognize these items in my life/home?
A: A lot if it should actually be blatantly obvious, but we must pray for discernment through the
Holy Spirit that He would open our eyes and give us understanding as we read the Word and
fellowship with other strong Believers in Christ. Ask yourself, “does this item glorify God?
Pagan Items and entertainment glorifies Satan and we as Christians must not defile ourselves
and families with them!
Hebrews 4:12 (KJV),“ For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two
edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and
marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Matthew 10:16 (KJV), “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore
wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”
1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV), “ But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:
for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually
discerned.”
Q: Where does the Bible say that evil items bring wicked spirits/afflictions into my life?
A: Read the additional appendix A study verses – these verses make it very clear that wicked
idolatrous things (as well as familiar spirits and wizards/witches) are not to be in your home or
life. Anything associated with these abominable things or anything that represents them is not
Godly – as they do not glorify God.
The Bible is clear that the Spiritual battle against evil is real and that we are to be aware and
strong in the Lord:
Ephesians 6:11-12 (KJV), “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be
able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and
blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Then we come to this passage:
Deuteronomy 18:9-12(KJV)
“ When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not
learn to do after the abominations of those nations. 10 There shall not be found
among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth
divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11 or a charmer, or a consulter
with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12 For all that do these things are an
abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth
drive them out from before thee.”
According to this passage these things are not to be practiced or participated in – in fact you are
not to even entertain them, but rather follow God’s instructions, be obedient to the Lord your
God and drive them out from before you!
When we break this down we can discover some interesting things:
~Passing through the Fire – pagan practice – Do we do any of these things for fun these days in
our culture? (walking over hot coals, etc)
~Divination, Strong’s Number: 07081, meaning: divination, witchcraft of the nations,
Balaam, of false prophets – It was also “The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or
the unknown by supernatural means.” The only way we should seek spiritual/prophetic knowledge is through the Holy Spirit of God and through His Word.
~Observer of Times, “Strong’s Number: 06049, (Piel) to make appear, produce, bring
(clouds), (Poel) to practise soothsaying, conjure, to observe times, practice soothsaying or
spiritism or magic or augury or witchcraft, soothsayer, enchanter, sorceress, diviner,
fortuneteller, barbarian, Meonenim (participle).” Astrology, horoscopes, etc.
~Enchanter, Strong’s Number: 05172, to practice divination, divine, observe signs, learn by
experience, diligently observe, practice fortunetelling, take as an omen.” – this is “one who
practices magic or divines by signs” also “a person who uses magic or sorcery, esp. to put
someone or something under a spell.” So, we shouldn’t have anything in our home or life that
celebrates, encourages or supports these things? For example do you watch shows or cartoons
with Fairies and Spells or practicing magic in them? These things are real in their power and are
presented in a fun way to encourage you to allow these spirits into your home. Do you have
games, movies or books that encourage the role play of this or accept it as “ok” and “pretend”?
Do you have clothing with designs of these magic wands on them? Do you think its fun to play
with fortune telling items? These are sinful according to scripture and need to be removed.
~Witch, Strong’s Number: 03784, to practice witchcraft or sorcery, use witchcraft,
sorcerer, sorceress (participle).” Again do you have, watch, read or have items that in
anyway encourage, make light of or support what the Holy Bible says to drive out from
among you as a Holy People? Another example of holding onto items would be when
Rachel in the Bible hid idols in the saddle – this was a great sin – Gen 31.
What about Occultic symbols that witches use? Do you have them around your home also
showing your acceptance of what is unholy? What are some of these symbols and forms of
witchcraft?
~Secret Society Symbols – masonic or society symbols, rings with the symbols, books,
memorabilia, etc
~Occult Symbols – pentagrams in all versions, worship objects etc
Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”
~Charmer, “Strong’s Number: 02266, to unite, join, bind together, be joined, be coupled, be
in league, heap up, have fellowship with, be compact, be a charmer. (Qal) to unite, be
joined, to tie magic charms, charm.(Piel) to unite with, make an ally of, to unite, join,
ally.(Pual) to be allied with, be united, to be joined together.(Hiphil) to join together, pile
up (words).(Hithpael) to join oneself to, make an alliance, league together.”
Do you have, watch, read or have items that in anyway encourage, make light of or support
voodoo, charmers, charm bracelets, etc? Do you “wish” things in your conversations? We all
have to stop and do an inventory of our life materially, spiritually and conversationally.
~Consulter with Familiar Spirits – this is a person who consults with or asks questions of a spirit
(not the Holy Spirit of God). The same question again applies, do we support blatantly or in a
not blatant fashion (movies, tv, jokes, conversation, items about spirits) things the Lord says are
not to be found among us? Do we do activities such as Yoga? These are used to connect
oneself with the Brahman god, as well as, invite in a spirit of python. Do we go to fortune tellers
for fun at carnivals or watch shows with them? If so, we open ourselves up to these spirits that
the Lord said to drive out from among us.
~Wizard, Strong’s Number: 03049, – “a knower, one who has a familiar spirit, a familiar
spirit, soothsayer, necromancer (meton).” The same question that we have asked before
applies here – do you have things, objects, books, movies, etc that are supportive or part
of what a wizard would use? Do find yourself drawn to these kinds of stories even
though the power in them is actually satanic? It is important to remove these things –
the Word of God is very clearly against it not only in the above verse but this one also:
Leviticus 20:27 (KJV), “A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall
surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.”
~Necromancer, Strong’s Number: 01875, to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire,
require, to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place),to consult, enquire of, seek of
heathen gods, necromancers, to seek deity in prayer and worship, heathen deities to
practice, study, follow, seek with application
-Do you watch magicians? Or are you interested in magic shows etc? These are not of the Lord
and it says they should not be found among you. In Hebrew this word “necromancer” means:
to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require, to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a
place), to consult, enquire of, seek of heathen gods, necromancers, to seek deity in prayer and
worship heathen deities, to practice, study, follow, seek with application, to allow oneself to be
enquired of, consulted, to be sought, be sought out, to be required (of blood) – also “seeker of
the Dead” or “one who conjures up spirits.
Remember for all these things we must remove from them from ourselves and our homes
anything physical or spiritual, even the symbols associated with them. While it is a strong
command, we must realize it is because the Lord loves us so much to teach us how to live for
Him and protect ourselves from falling into sin and assaults from the devil.
A Short note on Symbols
When it comes to pagan symbols -for example a pentagram – if the Lord says not to participate
with witchcraft and to keep it far from us – then keeping an item with their symbol of
representation that they actively use is like opening a gateway/door for demonic influence. Yes,
I did mention symbols being entry points. When one looks into each of these different practices
(witchcraft, other religions, etc.) you will find that they will say that they use their symbols and
objects as entry points to afflict others with demons. Their symbols are basically like marking
territory for evil. Witchcraft, the people and methods (which would include their symbols and
icons) is not accepted by God. The best example I can give would be in the book of Acts:
Acts 19:19 (KJV), “Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together,
and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty
thousand pieces of silver.”
When these people chose to live for Jesus they removed these unholy books of sorcery from
their lives. A basic question would be does this symbol I am holding onto glorify Jesus? If not,
and does it glorify a pagan or witchcraft or idolatrous practice then it should not be seen
amongst believers.
As far as demonic afflictions coming from these kinds of items – again having these items that
have the marking or symbols is giving Satan legal grounds/territory into your home and lives to
operate and afflict. One example in the scripture about idols causing afflictions of false dreams
is in Zechariah –
Zechariah 10:2 (KJV), “For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have
seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they
went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.”
There are numerous believers that will testify to their own afflictions from these items in their
own homes and have seen so much victory from affliction after their removal both spiritual and
physical. The reason the scriptures tells us not to have them is not only because these things and
practices are ungodly, but also for our Spiritual and physical protection.
Appendix A
Deuteronomy 7:26 (KJV), “Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine
house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and
thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing.”
Exodus 20:1-4 (KJV), “And God spake all these words,
saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of
Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any
thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in
the water under the earth”
1 Corinthians 10:20-21 (KJV), “But I say , that the things which the Gentiles
sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye
should have fellowship with devils. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and
the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of
devils.”
1 Corinthians 10:14 (KJV), “ Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from
idolatry.”
Leviticus 26:1 (KJV), “Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither
rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in
your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.”
1 Corinthians 12:2 (KJV), “Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto
these dumb idols, even as ye were led.”
2 Kings 23:24 (KJV), “Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the
wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were
spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might
perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the
priest found in the house of the LORD.”
Leviticus 19:4
(KJV), “ Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your
God.”
Deuteronomy 29:17
(KJV),”…and ye have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold,
which were among them…”
Bara International 