Discerning Evil Spirits in the Church: How to Expose Occult Practices with Scripture
📖 “I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy, For You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities, And have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a wide place.” — Psalm 31:7-8, NKJV
Discerning Evil Spirits is Spiritual Warfare
In these last days, deception has crept not just into the world but into the church. What once seemed holy or helpful is often a cleverly disguised counterfeit rooted in the occult. Believers must awaken to spiritual discernment, recognizing that this is not just a matter of error—it's war.
🔍 How Do You Discern Occult Practices in the Church?
Many Christians unknowingly participate in or accept demonic modalities cloaked in Christian language. To walk in purity and power, we must test every spirit and expose the works of darkness (1 John 4:1, Ephesians 5:11). The Bible calls us to be watchmen, not passive participants.
Use these biblical methods to evaluate any spiritual practice or teaching:
1. Who Founded It?
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Look into the origin of the practice.
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Was it birthed by someone with New Age, Eastern mystic, or occult ties?
2. What Was Their Spiritual Belief?
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Did they worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
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Or did they practice divination, energy manipulation, or channeling?
3. What Culture Did It Originate From?
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Was it rooted in Hinduism, Buddhism, Witchcraft, or paganism?
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Cultures steeped in idolatry pass on unclean spiritual inheritances.
4. What Were Their Beliefs?
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Do these teachings align with the gospel of Jesus Christ, or do they promote self-divinity, inner light, or cosmic consciousness?
5. Who is Their god or gods?
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The spiritual source behind a practice matters.
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If their god is not the Lord Jesus Christ, the God of the Bible, it is a false god—often demonic.
📖 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” — 1 John 4:1, NKJV
📚 God’s Word is the Ultimate Discernment Tool
The Word of God is our measuring rod. If a teaching, vision, or practice contradicts Scripture or cannot be supported by it, reject it.
God is not vague. He has clearly warned against:
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Divination and sorcery (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
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Consulting the dead (necromancy – Isaiah 8:19)
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Mixture and syncretism (2 Corinthians 6:14-17)
No matter how “Christianized” a practice appears—if it originated in darkness, it cannot be sanctified.
✝️ Walking the Narrow Path
Jesus said:
“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad… But the gateway to life is very narrow, and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”
— Matthew 7:13–14, NLT
We live in a world—and often a church—that tells us to widen the path, to be more inclusive, tolerant, and open to “new revelations.” But this wide road leads to spiritual destruction.
Biblical Christianity requires discernment, courage, and a willingness to stand alone for truth.
🛡️ Discernment Is Spiritual Warfare
Discerning spirits is not just about being cautious—it’s about protecting the flock, cleansing your temple, and advancing God’s Kingdom.
When occult practices are allowed into the church:
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Demonic infiltration begins
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People open gates to spiritual torment
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Confusion replaces sound doctrine
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Counterfeit experiences mimic the Holy Spirit
This is why discernment is war. And God calls us to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12) by wielding the sword of the Spirit—His Word.
🚫 Common Occult Practices Found in Churches Today:
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Energy healing or “Christian Reiki”
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Soaking prayer influenced by Eastern mysticism
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Visualization as a form of “manifestation”
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“Christian” yoga
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Theophostic/Inner healing with hypnotic techniques
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Centering prayer and contemplative prayer rooted in mysticism
If it’s not found in the Word, don’t do it.
🙏 Prayer of Repentance and Discernment
Heavenly Father,
I repent for any agreement I have made with false teachings or occult practices. Forgive me for following experiences over Your Word. Cleanse me with the blood of Jesus. Teach me Your truth, and sharpen my discernment. I choose the narrow path. Holy Spirit, lead me into all truth and reveal what is not from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Teresa Morin
President & Ordained Minister, Touch of God Int’l Ministries of Healing and Deliverance
Recipient, Who’s Who of America
🌐 https://www.touchofgod.org
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