October seems to be dominated with fall events, like outdoor festivals, hayrides and halloween. Given that, there has never been an October like this one which celebrates "Dancing with Demons." I say this, because observation points toward a national corruption inspired by demonic forces. The depth of deception and moral decay goes way beyond masks, costumes and revelry of days of yore. Spirits are on display everywhere, ranging from egregious acts of barbaric proportions to outright immorality declared acceptable behavior.

Governmental decay and judicial contempt for all aspects of our constitutional republic is rampant on every level of society. Outright treachery and calculated deception awaken everyday with new venues of expression causing panic and despondency.

How could all this be explained apart from demon spirits whispering their putrid designs in every listening ear? For this reason, John wrote in I John these words:

Yes, that includes not only the world and its many facets, but also the church. If ever there was a time to "Test the spirits," it is now-especially facing many political and religious pronouncements.

Even in John's Day the spirit of Antichrist was evident and operative, so he has had over two thousand years to hone his attacks. The one barrier he cannot penetrate is the indwelling Holy Spirit occupied heart. The litmus test is clear for the saint, "every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God." To the church, this means listening to the Holy Spirit as to what is truth and what is false.

It is testing time, and the Bible is clear on the subject. Many will discover they have been dancing with demons, and I don't mean just at the Halloween party.

Initially, I sat down to write about demons, spiritists, pagan religions and godless multitudes crossing our borders and how we must pray and use our power through Christ to confront them.

I was going to use the examples found in I Samuel & Deuteronomy 18:9-14:

Witchcraft is real, even in churches!

Until next month.

Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD.