Powers of Darkness

(1) Alienation from family and Christianity.

(2) A drastic drop in grades and lack of school involvement.

(3) Evidence of increasing rebellion against society and authority.

(4) Cut or tattoo marks on the body. The little or middle fingernail of the left hand, painted black, indicates a dedication to evil.

(5) Heavy involvement with fantasy or role-playing games.

(6) Compulsive interest in "heavy metal" or "black metal" music.

(7) Increasing involvement with alcohol and illegal drugs.

(8) Growing interest in the occult and the use of occult/satanic symbols drawn on hands or arms and on books and other possessions.

(9) Possession of occult books and magazines, black candles, ceremonial knives, a chalice, altars, robes, animal or human bones and other ritual paraphernalia.

(10) Heavy interest in "horror" videos, TV programs, movies and books.

(11) A lack of humour. Smiles are rare.

(12) Seeming pleasure regarding the suffering of animals or people.

(13) A fascination with death or dying.

(14) Sudden behaviour changes (depression, fear, outbursts of anger); nightmares and screaming in one's sleep.

(15) Sudden use of obscenities or vulgar language to express anger or displeasure.

RECKONING

"LOVERS OF THEMSELVES"

Describes an anarchy of "meism." "I'm number one. No one else matters if I get mine."

This is the direct opposite of a strong culture where loving God and loving others hold the culture together.

"LOVERS OF MONEY."

Colossians 3:5 urges believers to "put to death...greed, which is idolatry."

This is the opposite of finding it "more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

"BOASTFUL."

The Greek word means to puff oneself up in speech. This is the vocalization of pride, the direct opposite of "the meekness and gentleness of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:1).

"PROUD."

Pride, the opposite of humility, is an arrogant display of excessive self-esteem and often expresses overbearing scorn for inferiors.

"ABUSIVE"

Describes the mistreatment of others by words or actions, taking advantage of an inexperienced or weaker person for selfish gratification, often through verbal, physical or sexual abuse. It connotes taking pleasure in inflicting hurt on others.

"DISOBEDIENT TO PARENTS"

This is oppoiste of obedience. Obedience is"BETTER THAN SACRIFICE." Samuel warned Saul that "REBELLION is as the SIN of WITCHCRAFT, and STUBBORNNESS is as INIQUITY and IDOLATRY" (1 Samuel 15:22-23).