The Occult Agenda & How To Stand Against The Enemy’s Deception | Jonathan Cahn Sermon

Spiritual Warfare: Understanding the Reality of the Invisible Battle

In today’s culture, many movies and entertainment especially horror films are built around themes of the occult: witchcraft, demons, spirit channeling, and supernatural powers. While these elements are often dramatized by Hollywood, they raise an important question:

Is the spiritual realm real?

The answer, according to the Bible, is yes.

For believers, it is essential not to become obsessed with darkness, but to remain aware that spiritual forces, opposition, and unseen battles do exist. The Bible teaches that we are engaged in spiritual warfare, whether we recognize it or not. As the Apostle Paul wrote, we are not to be unaware of the enemy’s schemes.

A Biblical Example of Spiritual Conflict

In the Book of Acts (chapter 16), we find a powerful example of this reality. The Apostle Paul and his companions arrive in Philippi, a leading city in Macedonia. There, they meet Lydia, a woman whose heart is opened by God. She becomes one of the first converts in Europe, marking the beginning of the Christian church in that region.

However, soon after this breakthrough, opposition arises.

A slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination begins to follow Paul and his companions. She had the ability to tell fortunes, bringing great profit to her masters. The Bible describes her as having a “spirit of Python,” linking her to ancient pagan practices and spiritual deception.

This moment reveals an important truth:
wherever God begins to move, resistance often follows.

The Danger of the Occult and False Spirituality

Practices such as fortune-telling, astrology, psychic readings, and spirit channeling may appear harmless or even intriguing. However, Scripture warns that these are counterfeit forms of spiritual power.

They imitate what is real:

Fortune-telling imitates prophecy
Channeling imitates the work of the Holy Spirit
Occult knowledge imitates divine revelation

But these imitations are ultimately deceptive.

The Bible consistently teaches that believers should have nothing to do with occult practices, as they can open doors to spiritual confusion and darkness. Even when such practices seem to offer insight or power, they distort truth and lead people away from God.

The Nature of Evil: A Parasitic Force

One of the most important spiritual principles is this:

Evil does not create it corrupts.

It is parasitic by nature. Just as a lie depends on truth to exist, darkness depends on light to have any influence. This is why spiritual opposition often targets what is good, pure, and aligned with God’s will.

For example:

You can have truth without lies, but not lies without truth
You can have life without death, but not death without life

This explains why attacks often come when someone is growing spiritually, praying more, or stepping into God’s purpose.

Why Opposition Increases When You Grow

Many believers are surprised when challenges arise when they begin to pursue God more deeply. But this is often a sign of spiritual progress, not failure.

When you:

Pray more
Share your faith
Seek spiritual growth

…you may encounter resistance.

This is because the enemy seeks to discourage, distract, or stop the work of God in your life. However, such opposition can also be a sign that God is preparing something greater.

The Power of God’s Presence and Name

There is power in the presence of God and in the name of Jesus. Throughout history and personal testimonies, moments of spiritual confrontation often intensify when God’s power is present.

Darkness resists light but cannot overcome it.

In fact, the more opposition there is, the more it often reveals the authority and power of God at work.

Discernment: Truth vs. Deception

In Acts 16, the possessed girl actually spoke truth, declaring that Paul and his companions were servants of the Most High God. Yet her words were still problematic.

Why?

Because the enemy often mixes truth with deception.

This is one of the most dangerous tactics: