Human beings have always been fascinated by fairy tales-mythical stories of enchanted lands inhabited by elves, trolls, giants, and ogres. Unicorns and dragons roam the countryside; witches and warlocks cast their magic spells. Heroes and villains engage in the epic battle between good and evil, darkness and light. They embark on the quest for adventure and romance and, most of all, power. Power to escape from bondage, power to conquer those who held them captive, power to rule over all they possess.

Many people enjoy these stories as an entertaining escape from the hassles of everyday life. Others find themselves wishing the fairy tales were true, that somehow they could experience the intriguing mysteries of the fantasy world. Is there such a thing as magic? Could supernatural beings really exist? Can life and power be found in another galaxy, a parallel universe, or an unseen spirit world?

To find answers, some people experiment with Ouija boards and tarot cards and role-playing games. to crystals and amulets - or psychics, who claim to have mystical powers. Still others consult handbooks on the practice of witchcraft and spiritualism. 

The Bible teaches us that there is an unseen spirit world - a world populated not by sorcerers and magicians, but by angels and demons. There is a battle going on, a battle for the survival - or destruction-of the human race.

"Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against...the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).

Before time began, an angel named Lucifer led a rebellion against God, his Creator. He wanted power and glory and worship for himself, and he succeeded in convincing a third of the angels in heaven to join him in his revolt. But they were no match for Almighty God; they were cast out of heaven in humiliation and defeat. Ever since, Lucifer (Satan) has been seeking revenge. He is determined to destroy the people God created, by turning them against God, inciting them to rebellion and wickedness, luring them into the darkness of sin. Satan knows that the consequence of sin is death - eternal separation from God. What could hurt God more than to destroy His beloved creation, separating them from Him for all eternity?

It is the ultimate battle of good and evil - a battle for all time. But the outcome was settled more than two thousand years ago. God triumphed over Satan's schemes by sending His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus paid the penalty for us so that we could be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God. He triumphed over sin and death, setting us free from the power of darkness once and for all. 

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord"
(Philippians 2:9-11). 

Those who put their faith in Him will discover that their true destiny is far more wonderful than anything the fantasy world imagines.

"You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9).

In Christ, we become a "new creation." The power of God5 Holy Spirit works in us and through us to accomplish His perfect will. 

But those who reject Jesus and who seek supernatural power apart from Him have aligned themselves with the enemies of God. The Scripture warns,

"Let no one be found among you who...practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord" (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).

Such persons will be separated from God forever; their eternal destiny is hell,
"a fiery lake of burning sulfur" (Revelation 21:8). 

This is no fairy tale - it's the gospel truth. And every one of us must make a choice-we must take sides in the unseen battle of the spirit world. It's truly a matter of , life and death. Choose life! Begin your own personal relationship with Jesus Christ by praying something like this: 

"Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner in need of a Savior: Thank You for dying on 
the cross for my sins. Thank You for calling me out of the kingdom of darkness and into Your wonderful light. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may have power to live my life in a way that pleases You. Amen. " 

CHRISTIN DITCHFIELD 

Bible references: NIV

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