THE L.A. POLICE CHIEF SAID "THE DECADE OF THE 70's... THE OCCULT... WORSE THAN THE DRUGS OF 60's"

1. Two extremes- A: To ignore or deny Satan; B: To blame everything on him- witch-hunt everywhere
2. I am no expert -don't want to thrill or chill you; but bring you to Jesus- build defense
3. Tonight Matt 12; next week, Luke 8 on Casting out; knowledge of Bible words and events more important than wild hair-raising stories that tempt you to sin with Satan -

I.- THE POWER OF JESUS Matt 12:22 - HEALING & HELP

From our age of godless science has come a wave of occult, ESP, astrology, Ouija boards, etc.

A.- "THERE WAS ONE POSSESSED WITH A DEVIL, BLIND AND DUMB" - EITHER IT WAS SO, OR BIBLE LIES!

1. A Demon- (Knowing one) super intelligent, powerful, spiritual being- but not all powerful
2. Spirit- many theories of their origin- they seek a body (evil) to torment; (Unclean) abuse impure
3. Possessed-(Demonized) not owned, but taken over for moment to influence or control -Spiritually torment, physically ill or thorn - emotionally

B.- JESUS HEALED HIM!

1. The way to healing is described- but have care- Acts 19:13- men tried & got hurt -7 of them
2. We have no resource to battle Satan or demons- but what we find in the Lord Jesus Christ-
3. Word of God is plain- resist in the NAME of Jesus, the Blood of Christ, The Power of the Cross

C.- THE MAN RETURNED TO HIS NORMAL ABILITIES, SOUND MIND AND EYES- NO SUPER POWER FOR MEN!

1. The man could speak & see but the demon was adrift - seeking another body! -beware!
2. Does someone have a demon?-Base facts on Bible, not feeling, emotion, experience -Satan lies!  A: Do not play with Satanic things- B: You are not immune - being saved does not defend fools
3. A wave of Occult interest-Books, Movies, Magazines, TV series, - 3 Mil Ouija boards- beat Monopoly

II.- THE ACCUSATION - BY SATAN'S POWER   23-24

Witchcraft, peace sign, pentagram, Satan's toys - tarot cards, gurus, ESP, fortune telling, games-  The world does not want to come to Jesus- and to escape Him- will jump into lake of fire- demonized

A.- THE PEOPLE WERE AMAZED, AND WERE ASKING WHETHER OR NOT JESUS WAS THE SON OF DAVID v.23

1. The common people heard Him gladly- and often used only human resource - Common Sense!
2. Some today show lack of common sense- Jean Dixon, James A. Pike- claimed to be Christian
3. Unfortunately some Evangelicals have become curious- been caught playing with Satan- hurt

B.- THE PHARISEES ACCUSED JESUS OF CASTING OUT DEVILS BY THE POWER OF BEELZEBUB, PRINCE -v.24

1. Satan- (Lucifer) Ezek 38, 1sa 14; Rev. 12:3- created- highest, brilliant, leads 1/3 Angels-
2. Baal- II Ki 18:25 (Lord); Zebub, zebal- Isa 7:18 to torment by flies - "Lord of Flies"

Satan has a kingdom- They work to torment men like flies, cause you to sin against God

C.- IF PHARISEES ACCUSED JESUS OF WORKING WITH SATAN, REMEMBER SATAN CAN REVERSE THE TRICK!

1. Matt 24:24- almost deceive the elect- II Cor 11:14-angel of light 12:7- buffeted Paul
2. Some skirt the edge- Dr. Carlson- Xerox Corp - got idea by ESP - & put fortune into Duke & Beckley
3. Some boldly defy God- Anton LaVey-"Satanic Bible"- star of Rosemary's Baby = $17 Mil. Satanism

LA Police Chief said- 1971 -100 Occult murders, depraved, perverted, cruel, cannibalistic -weird

III.- THE DEFENSE, WARNING OF UNPARDONABLE SIN  25-32

The powers of God are great but you can place yourself outside the protection of His angels

A.- JESUS DENOUNCED THE PHARISEES WITH SOUND REASONING, AND STERN WARNINGS, - LISTEN CAREFULLY

1. Satan's kingdom is not divided, and there is a difference between God's & Satan's -
2. We have a choice v.28- The Kingdom of God is near- If we believe in Jesus, & His power
3. But v.30 - If we are not with Him- we are on other side!- Unpardonable sin- v. 31,32 Beware!

B.- SATAN WILL TRY TO TRICK YOU INTO OPENING YOUR HEART TO HIS POWER, DESIRING STRANGE POWER

1. To give in to your own emotion- anger, fear, being offended, hurt- all opens door to Satan
2. To let curiosity lead you to investigate, experiment- ESP, occult, Drugs, Sex, mind expansion
3. To seek fellowship with demons- (wise ones) - I Cor 10:20- reaching for strange powers-

C.- YOU CAN BUILD A DEFENSE AGAINST DEMON POWER, & INFLUENCE IF YOU WISH TO - IN JESUS

1. Accept the Jesus of the Bible- The Lord Jesus Christ- be saved & let Him be Lord of all
2. Accept the Bible as your wisdom-guide, not experience, or emotions, or feelings, or others
3. Know your defense is in Jesus.  Challenge spirits- Rev 12:11- Blood of Lamb, Testimony, Fearless
4. Do not live in fear- II Tim 1:7 - but in fellowship with Jesus!  Love Him, desire only Him

ONLY RARELY CAN A DEMON INFLUENCE OR HURT YOU UNLESS YOU OPEN THE DOOR TO HIS INFLUENCE!

1. Say - "I Will" - be Saved - Invite Jesus into your heart to be Lord of all of your Heart
2. Say - "I Won't" - play with Satan's toys - do not flirt with Satan if you love Jesus!
3. Keep the difference clear, sharp, and permit no interference!