Magic Charms and Spells

I've noticed a growing trend in the apostolic-prophetic movement toward magic charms and spells — objects and phrases that supposedly give those who use them supernatural power. One example: On Oct. 1, the Elijah List sent an e-mail advertising a book, titled Portals to Cleansing by Henry Malone, to help Christians learn how to cleanse their houses and property from curses. Malone also sells a "Portals to Cleansing Property Dedication Kit" (pictured here). See the full ads.The kit includes instructions, scriptures, anointing oil and stakes to drive into your property.Steve Shultz, the publisher of the Elijah List, promises his readers: "Use it and make the enemy flee!" Shultz said he's cleansed his own property three or four times, in the past six years, and each times he's seen "a noticeable change in the atmosphere and circumstances." Shultz added: "If you don't believe those curses have power, you'd be hard-pressed to explain certain sicknesses, diseases, and even death that comes upon very anointed and pure-hearted people you know."Then, on Oct. 16, the Elijah List published a testimonial from a reader, named Tom Panich, who used the book to cleanse his property. Panich wrote:Recently, I finished Dr. Henry Malone's book, Portals to Cleansing. I actually used 3-foot, scripturally-endorsed stakes to stake our property. I utilized the scriptures found in the book, Protecting Your Home from Spiritual Darkness by Chuck D. Pierce and Rebecca Wagner Sytsema. I also poured our "Third Heaven Vision" anointing oil over the top of the stakes. After I drove the first stake into the ground, I felt the Presence of the Lord come across the yard, hit me, and then I almost fell over. It really surprised me! These spiritual, prophetic acts actually have awesome and powerful effects. Try it." Read the testimonial. For the record, "Third Heaven Vision" anointing oil (pictured here) is another product advertised by the Elijah List, that, "coincidentally," is sold by Tom Panich. Learn more about the oil. Panich claims it will give users visions of the Third Heaven.It's troubling that Christians are devolving to a magical worldview that has more in common with occultism than biblical Christianity. It's equally troubling that people — like Steve Shultz, Tom Panich and Henry Malone — in the name of Christianity — are seeking to profit from these magic charms and spells.