This generation has seen a corresponding quest and denial of supernatural power. While some have sought all means at gaining more power, churches have been lacking the manifestation of God's power; some even denying God's power is for today. With the lack or denial of power, this generation has gone where there is a promise of power, witchcraft and Satanism.

Phyllis Curott, a New York City civil rights attorney and Wiccan high priestess, was reported in the Toronto Sun saying, "In a poll of the top 60 interests of teenage girls, witches are Number 1. It's the fastest-growing spiritual practice in the United States." She went on to report that interest in Wicca is growing.

"Whenever there's a new movie, we do get a spurt of interest from teenagers, but most of the increasing membership I see is from 20 to 30-year-olds," says Tamarra James, high priestess of the Wiccan Church of Canada." According to James, 40% of Wiccans are men.

The reasons for the rise in attraction to witchcraft and Satanism are many, but the list begins with a quest for power. The rise in popularity of the TV show Sabrina demonstrates this generation's infatuation with power. It's not a coincidence that witchcraft is the fastest-growing spiritual practice while our churches remain quiet and emotionless. The Bible predicted that there would be those with "a form of godliness" but "deny the power." (2 Timothy 3:5).

This generation is fervently seeking power and we have been content to quietly sit in church, hesitant to proclaim that the sacrifices of Satanism are powerless against the power of Jesus' blood sacrifice. The power of witchcraft's curses cannot compete with the power of God to bless. Elijah stood before the prophets of Baal and said, "if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him" (1 Kings 18:21). Today, we must say boldly, if the Lord is God, follow him: but if Satan, then follow him. Why do we hesitate to stand so audaciously for the only true and living God? Do we not serve the same God of Elijah who sent down fire from heaven?

Do we truly believe that we can still see a sovereign display of God's supernatural power? The Almighty is still the same God He was in Elijah's day when He caused fire to fall from the sky. He can still turn water to blood, divide seas and make mountains melt. The demonstration of God's power within the church today falls far short of what the Bible advertises!

Israel was excited they were going to meet God at Mt. Sinai -- until He actually arrived. Then the mountain became covered with fire and smoke. The mountain shook and "the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder" (Exodus 19). Then they were afraid!

The first century church lived in "great fear" of God (Acts 5:11). The Bible tells us about Ananias and Sapphira, a husband and wife in the first century church who lied. The moment they lied, they died. God and sin cannot exist together for God's power will deal with sin.

In past moves of God, people fell under conviction while riding within 20 miles of a church service. Today we're hard pressed to see people fall under conviction within the four walls of our church. Where is the power of God? Where is the fear of God?

When we began to think the church was our work, the power of God left. In part, we today have denied God's power for people like Ananias and Sapphira to feel comfortable within our church. Rather than calling out for God to reveal His power, we replaced it with idolatrous religious entertainment. We are no longer willing to live in great fear of God and, therefore, are intimidated by the power of Satanism and witchcraft.

Are we ready for the true power of God to show up in our services? When true manifestation of God's power shows up, only God, and not man, will be in control. When the Almighty God shows up, people with sin within church will repent or drop like Ananias and Sapphira.

"Sin within churches" one might exclaim! Jesus forgives us for our sin. Yes, but there is no forgiveness without true repentance. While outwardly appearing righteous, there remain unrepentant hearts corrupted with the sin of religious pride and jealousy.

When the Almighty shows up, sin is terrified and hearts are cleansed of hypocrisy; the camouflage of religious righteousness falls away; and the justification for compromise fails to cover man's nakedness, just like Adam's fig leaf left him naked in the presence of God. Only then will the church once again become the house of power God intended.

God is no longer looking for a sacrifice; the blood of Jesus Christ's sacrifice in enough. He's simply looking for obedience from pure hearts to stand as Elijah and call for His power to be revealed to those seeking supernatural power. Obedience is what moves God to reveal His power. Then the church will be able to adequately show every Satanist and witch the love and real supernatural power of the only true God in heaven.

Copyright © 2000 Eternal Hope Ministries, Inc., P.O. Box 466, Ellerslie, MD 21529. www.ehope.com
Not-for-profit use and/or reproduction of this material is encouraged, providing attribution is given and all copies are in its entirety.