(NOTE: Some of the themes of these articles may not be appropriate for young readers. Please keep that in mind when sharing this information).
It is written:
“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16)
This will be the last article in this series of lessons on paganism. (I will eventually do some related studies on topics such as Wicca, Reincarnation, astral projection, etc.).
I would like to conclude with some “evangelism tips” when working with pagans and Satanists.
First, we are commanded by God to go and preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15-16). God loves every sinner, including witches and Satanists, and wants them to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Jesus shed His blood for every sinner (1 Timothy 2:6). Indeed, He died for all so that those which live would live no longer for themselves, but for Him Who died for them and rose again (2 Corinthians 5:15). The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men (Titus 2:11-14), and the servant of the Lord must be willing to share the Word of God with each and every person, whether they accept it or reject it (Acts 13:46-48).
There are some Christians who believe that we should not avoid pagans and Satanists, and not have anything to do with them. This is not true. I have seen the same attitude of some Christians towards drug addicts, drug dealers, homosexuals, prostitutes, gamblers, alcoholics, etc. Make no mistake about it: the Lord loves every sinner and wants even the most wicked to be saved (Ezekiel 18:23). On the Day of Judgment, we will answer for how we have treated our fellow man (Matthew 25:31-46).
Second, it is possible for pagans and Satanists to be saved. Over the last few years, we have been blessed to see several former witches and a former Satanist turn their lives to Christ and saved by HIs Cross. The watery grave is still available for whosoever will (Romans 6:3-4; Revelation 22:17). These brothers and sisters have been a blessing to our church, and to me personally. I have learned a great deal from them, and their friendship in the Lord has enriched my life.
Third, when you are studying with a pagan or Satanist, remember that you will be confronting all kinds of stereotypes which they have been taught about Christianity. With every pagan that we have been blessed to baptize into Christ, the first and most fundamental area of study was regarding Christian Apologetics. Prepare yourself to give a logical and rational answer to the questions they may ask, especially centering around the existence of God, the inspiration of the Bible, and the Deity of Jesus (cf. 1 Peter 3:15).
Fourth, remember that your pagan friends may come from a very difficult and traumatic background that has helped to harden them against Christ and the church. A few of the ones that I have worked with were raised in the Craft, just as I was raised in the church. Sometimes they may have come from a background of SRA (satanic ritual abuse). Despite many naysayers of this horrible and wicked practice, SRA is real and very common among some practicing occultists. Do your best to show the love of Christ and point them to the Cross. Remember to constantly point out that while you fall short, Jesus is the perfect Lover and Savior (Philippians 3:12-15).
Fifth, expect resistance from other people. Some of their coven members may work against you, and especially against them. Sadly, some Christians may oppose you when you reach out with the Word to your pagan friends. There will always be some in the church who want to help others with the speck in their eye while ignoring the beam protruding from theirs (Matthew 7:1-6). Others may have a sincere concern for the welfare of the church, but this must be tempered with love for the Lord and for the lost (Acts 9:26-31).
You may encounter extreme resistance from these people. Over the last few years, we have received death threats; had one attempt to destroy our home; four “strange” things happen to my car that two mechanics told me were no doubt deliberate, etc. This has not been confined to pagans and Satanists, but includes them among drug dealers in our area. Do not be surprised if you expect resistance from these groups (Luke 9:23).
Furthermore, expect resistance from spirits and demons. Sadly, a lot of brethren in the churches of Christ do not believe in the supernatural, even though the Bible speaks about it continually (cf. Ephesians 6:10-18). A few years ago, I did a study on the times that the word “demon” (or some derivative such as “demons” or “spirit” or “spirits”) is used in the Gospels. To my amazement, there were over 118 references, just in the first four Books of the New Testament! Clearly, spiritual warfare is something which the Bible speaks a great deal about, and we would be wise to open the Book of books and learn from it regarding the supernatural world. We have encountered resistance in this form time after time. Demons are real folks. Thankfully, so is our position in Christ! Remember that you have the authority of Jesus Christ in prayer (Ephesians 3:20-21; 2 Thessalonians 3:3), through His shed blood by the Cross (Colossians 2:14-16). As Christians, we have no need to fear (Hebrews 2:14-16). When we submit ourselves to God, we can resist the devil and know that he will flee (James 4:7; cf. Luke 4:13).
These are some suggestions that I wanted to share with you about working with pagans and Satanists. If anyone would like a copy of all these lessons, please let me know and I will send them to you on Facebook.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
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