PODCAST

A moving personal testimony about the journey from a successful musical career to a fulfilling life in faith in God. The speaker shares her search for truth, her relationship with Jesus Christ, and her experiences with prayer, Bible study, family, and service to others. She places particular emphasis on warning against esotericism, occultism, magic, spiritism, and alternative practices, which, from a Christian-biblical perspective, can be spiritually dangerous. The video encourages viewers to seek help and deliverance from God, to read the Bible, to trust in Christ, and to find hope, peace, and true freedom in God's love.

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Narrator: Eva Větrovská (Czech original)
German dubbing: Maria Laufersweiler
Video footage: StoryBlocks
Background image: Adobe Stock – PHAISITSAWAN
Music: ElevenLabs | Orville Vroemen | Sonica Veith

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Transcript

Esotericism, occultism, spiritualism and magic from the perspective of the Bible

Moderator: Dear listeners, we have prepared a meeting for you with a woman who has navigated difficulties and changes. Just as almost all of us experience the highs and lows of human existence: joys and victories, but also the depths and pitfalls of life as a professional musician, a singer in a successful band. However, she has also had interesting experiences from a completely different world than we usually see with our eyes, and she would like to share these with you – with the desire to help those who are interested in understanding this darker world.

The musical journey

Narrator: I wish you a pleasant day. I'd like to introduce myself in a little more detail. I was born in North Bohemia, and shortly after graduating from secondary school, I received an offer from a West Bohemian music group to work abroad, as well as in the Czech Republic. Thus began my sixteen years in an orchestra, where I could practically live out my then-thriving love of music, dance, and theater. This work also involved traveling to a considerable part of the world, something almost impossible and not accessible to everyone under the previous political regime. Sounds good, doesn't it? In the public eye, I was socially successful. But there's a big "but," which I'd like to come back to later.

Moderator: So what specific successes have you had in your musical career?

Narrator: Okay, I'd like to mention my nearly year-long stint at a local radio station, specifically during my performances with the band. There, I was able to invite prominent figures from our region, including doctors and other individuals, as well as representatives from the city administration. The station management suggested I try to educate the listeners a bit, which, if I may say so, was already my area of ​​expertise back then. The listeners' reactions to these broadcasts were very positive. We even received letters at the station, including some from incarcerated individuals. With their permission, I quoted excerpts from these letters on the show, in which they described how they had re-evaluated their lives because of their belief in God. I think this could be helpful for both sides, for those free and for those behind prison walls. But I had absolutely no idea that God's education, guidance, and preparation for what I now do with great love and gratitude had begun there, and even long before. Regarding the course of my musical career, I received offers from well-known Prague orchestras and also from individual famous personalities. Because of my husband, then my fiancé, who didn't want to move to Prague, I declined all offers and stayed with my original band. I've known for a long time that this was a very wise decision, and I believe that God guided me through this as well, as you will understand from the following story. However, it must also be said: Although I am grateful to God for everything, and despite all respect for those who have achieved something in this artistic field, my earlier successes in this area now hold almost no value for me. They are merely memories.

The big "but" behind the career

Moderator: However, you also mentioned a certain "but" regarding your career. What should we understand by that?

Narrator: Surely almost all of you have heard about the temptations that the world of popularity, the spotlight, the stage, and the so-called nightlife can bring. It's a kind of freedom that only appears that way on the surface, but can later entangle people in various dependencies from which they then have to painstakingly free themselves. I must say, however, in all fairness, that not every artist lives like that. I don't want to offend or hurt anyone, but for me personally, it was a great relief when I was able to leave that world—victoriously, if I may say so—for something that is far more valuable to me. So I hope you don't mind if I summarize this chapter of my life in such general terms, because today we have much more interesting topics to discuss. And ultimately, thanks to God, I am able to lead a fulfilled and joyful life of faith, with my own family, many friends, very different values, and a life's purpose that consists of helping others.

A personal relationship with God

Moderator: What do you mean by that?

Narrator: You've probably noticed that I've mentioned God several times today. When a person is allowed to get to know God as the Bible describes Him, and when they discover that this description aligns with what they experience and can experience with God in everyday life, in experiences, and even in miracles, when a person allows God to enter their life, then everything changes. Absolutely everything. I am convinced and know that it changes for the better, for something much better. If we want it, God will become our greatest help in everything, right here on this earth. That's why I consider the greatest success of my life today to be that I am allowed to have a beautiful, loving, personal relationship with God.

Moderator: What does it mean to have a personal relationship with someone who is invisible and untouchable?

Narrator: This means that I can speak freely with God daily, and indeed at any time, to talk to him in my prayers and invite him into my inner self, into my heart, if you will. But any of us can do that. And God speaks to me, to us, in the texts of the Bible, sometimes also in our thoughts, for example, through our conscience. So God speaks through the Bible, and I, or rather we, speak with him in prayer. This is actually a dialogue, an invisible but tangible encounter in which we are in God's presence. This is also true whenever we talk to someone about God. And I believe, by the way, that God is with us right now, at this very moment of my story.

The search for God

Moderator: You said you have your own family. Did faith come into your life later?

Narrator: What's special is that I began to search for God in an awkward way, precisely because I already believed back then. Probably thanks to my mother, who was religious. I hoped that God was the only one who could, so to speak, give a person children, and I longed for children very much. So I tried, in some clumsy way, to make contact with God.

Moderator: Ah. And what did you do to achieve that?

Narrator: I sought out a clergyman, but things were complicated there. I didn't understand anything, least of all the Bible. So I kept searching until I came across a woman, and I believe God placed her in my path, as he has everything else in my life. This woman wisely advised me to begin reading the Bible again, to pray, to pray for understanding. She also offered her help in understanding the Bible. Then came an invitation to a Christian community, and after some time, my completely free decision to be baptized. Out of deep gratitude, I longed to publicly profess my loyalty to God and surrender my life to him. Adult baptism is truly a beautiful celebration, a marriage with the Most High.

Moderator: So, a religious community.

Narrator: Yes, but first our two longed-for children were born, even though it looked like we wouldn't have any. This made me even more grateful to God and also to this faith community, this large and loving group of like-minded people. Something like a family in which our sons could grow up.

Family, ministry and Bible study

Moderator: So what are you actually doing today?

Narrator: Your question reminds me of the second greatest earthly success of my life: that I was able to meet my husband. Again, I believe, as a gift of love from God. We have been together for more than four decades and have been blessed to start a family. After coming to terms with God, this meant absolutely everything to me. Because not everyone manages to do that these days, especially in this artistic field, on their first try. So, I ended my career as a professional singer with immense happiness and began to dedicate myself to my family and children. Today, our sons are almost grown up and have left home, although, thank God, they often return. But even while they were growing up, I began working with and for people. Of course, in such a way that the children were not deprived of my love, my presence, and my guidance. Today, I occasionally offer relevant and unobtrusive health and spiritual literature to people whom I believe God places in my path: teachers, doctors, saleswomen, tradespeople—simply everywhere where duties and the demands of daily family life lead me. This leads to new acquaintances, later friendships, and people's interest in religious matters. They sense that this unpaid service is meant to help them selflessly and without ulterior motives. To everyone, without distinction, simply to anyone who is interested. Because these books, especially Bibles, contain valuable advice and help for every situation in life. I also visit individuals or families for Bible study. My husband and I help people who are socially disadvantaged. We also organize public book distributions for passersby on the street. We call it a "little table" where people can choose books for free. Or we also offer free books in shops, businesses, and at similar events. Of course, there are many more such volunteers. They exist practically all over the world. I am by no means the only one.

Changes through God's work

Moderator: Do you believe that such an activity can influence the general public?

Narrator: I wouldn't presume to judge whether it influences the general public, but in the twenty years of my ministry to the people I have met and continue to meet, truly great and joyful changes have taken place in their lives, and continue to do so. I am certain that these changes came through God's work and also through the information they gained, primarily through studying the Bible, but also through other literature. Many have gradually and willingly surrendered their lives to God in baptism and continue to walk with Him through life, helping others just as they have been helped. My husband has been doing this for quite some time now. Believe me, it is a wonderful activity that fills a person's heart to see these positive changes in others. Thank God for that. But believe me, this activity also has its pitfalls, its very dark and even dangerous aspects.

Esotericism, occultism, magic and spiritualism

Moderator: Working for God and dark sides? How should one understand that?

Narrator: I'm not talking about heartless rejections born of ignorance, because God has been portrayed to humanity with the most despicable intent—as evil, false, and distorted. Out of fear of faith and religion, such people either didn't accept this offer or later refused to give up things and activities that, in my opinion, only harmed them. I want to speak now of a much more serious spiritual state people were in when we first met. I only told you my life story so that you could get to know me a little better and understand the broader context of my story today, which deals with a very serious and exceptionally important topic. So that you can believe I'm speaking from personal experience about something that is very topical: the subject of esotericism, occultism, magic, and spiritualism. Just a brief explanation for those who haven't yet encountered these phenomena: these areas comprise a whole of mystical practices, including, for example, seemingly healing practices and teachings. They include supernatural phenomena, extrasensory and secret powers that cannot be explained by ordinary science. I recommend looking up these terms and their meanings in an encyclopedia or online. The main goal of the creators of this video, and of course my goal as well, is to help and advise people who find themselves in strange circumstances, caught in the grip of something seemingly mysterious, unknown, unpleasant, and dark, and who don't understand why this is happening, what or who it is, how it came about, and above all, what can be done about it and how to get out of it.

Moderator: That sounds really creepy.

Narrator: Yes, now we finally come to the part of our conversation about a topic that is actually quite foreign to me. I, too, initially didn't understand the Bible and therefore unknowingly and unintentionally stumbled into the dark world of esotericism. I sought help and thought I was looking to God. But after some strange and inexplicable events in our house and in our lives, and after I had begun to study the Bible and other literature with the help of a devout friend, I realized with horror that I had been looking in completely the wrong and opposite place.

What might be behind occult practices

Moderator: Ah. And what did you do with it?

Narrator: Surprisingly, despite the consequences, damage, and injuries, it was a great learning experience for me. After being led out of that period, which thankfully didn't last long, I began to research and study very deeply and honestly who or what was behind this strange and dangerous realm, and indeed, behind this power. And once I understood a great deal, I began to offer advice and help to others who were similarly affected, if I may put it that way. I discovered that all esoteric and occult practices seem to work temporarily, but at the same time, I was horrified because behind it all is not God, but another, very evil spiritual being. A being that once bore the beautiful name Lightbearer, which translates as Lucifer, and that corrupted itself out of envy. Even in ancient times, it cunningly tried to take God's holy place in the heavens, but after much persuasion from God and the fallen angels, it had to be banished from this holy place, along with a third of the angels it had seduced. Many people believe in the existence of God, but not all believe that this darkness, this enemy of God and humanity, descended to Earth with a host of these fallen angels, now called demons. By controlling some people, they may even be responsible for all the misery and suffering in the world. In my experience, it is very dangerous not to believe that this fallen and vile being and its demonic helpers exist, are active, and feverishly seduce people through invisible influence, leading them away from the light of God, the salvation that lies in darkness and ruin. Out of hatred for God and humanity, because this hidden enemy, Satan, failed in heaven, now tries to carry out his evil plans here on Earth. We humans on this Earth are actually living in a war between good and evil, between God, who wants to save us, and Satan.

The great battle between good and evil

Narrator: You can read much, much more in the book by author Ellen G. White, in which she faithfully and according to Scripture describes this great spiritual battle. This work is called The big fight respectively From shadow to light and is available free of charge in up to 125 languages ​​worldwide. It includes chapters with titles such as: The Origin of Evil respectively Man's worst enemy. Aside from that: Can we talk to the dead? or The Secret of ImmortalityFurther chapters are titled: Who are the angels?, but also God's people are freed and The victory of God's loveThere we learn that God is victorious over evil and will be forever, and that he offers this victory to humankind as well. Therefore, we need not be afraid if we confess God and cling to him.

For God said: “If you love me, I will also give you love for other people, so that you will do to them what you would have them do to you.” In short: Love does no harm to one’s neighbor.

This is God's principle of His infinite love. We find this text in the Bible, in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 22, verse 34. Believe me, I don't want to frighten anyone, and that's not my style. My sincerest desire, and even my joy, is to praise, reassure, encourage, and comfort with good reason. If we adhere to God's principles, or even better, to God Himself, then, as I said, we have nothing to fear.

Why people seek help in the wrong places

Moderator: You mentioned the serious mental state of the people you may have met for the first time. What exactly is this about?

Narrator: They were often very kind and loving people, like the ones I met, who were trying to lead good lives. They sought help in times of illness or other difficult situations. They looked for it in various places, just as I once unknowingly did, but they became entangled in a web of practices that outwardly appeared to be help or healing, but beneath the surface were a hidden trap. For example: Why doesn't God want us to know our future? I believe that, out of mercy, we don't need to know all the difficult things that are coming our way in advance and torment ourselves with them for years, sometimes almost a lifetime. Therefore, all practices that predict the future are not from God. In Scripture, we even read a strong warning against this inquisitive activity. Another example: God, who according to Scripture is the only giver of life, clearly writes in the Bible about one life on this earth. After the resurrection and the second coming of Jesus Christ to this earth, Scripture speaks either of eternal life with God or of the final end of humankind. It is the free choice of each of us. The belief in being born again and again, perhaps even in different bodies, even in animal bodies, or the belief in a so-called afterlife: God strongly warns against this.

The Bible as a guidepost

Moderator: And what if I don't believe in the existence of God or the Bible and what is written in it?

Narrator: I always ask people: What is the oldest book in the world? And how is it possible that it hasn't been burned or destroyed in almost two thousand years? Yes, I firmly believe that God preserves his Bible, because it is our only guide, showing us the path to heaven. It is a book that simply and directly acknowledges the existence of God. When I meet people, I always tell them: Everyone should read the Bible with humility before this book, and only then, informed, can they decide what or whom they are actually rejecting or denying, and what tremendous help and joy they are depriving themselves of, in my thirty-five years of experience. And let's look at nature, and at humankind. It is surely impossible that such perfect coordination and immense complexity could simply have arisen and functioned by chance. Some scientists today compare a single cell to the complexity and functioning of a vast metropolis. And according to the latest research, humans have thirty to forty trillion cells. Can we believe that any chance is possible here? Or does everything function under the loving hand of an almighty Creator and Sustainer of life? Please consider this. Believe me, throughout my life of faith I have experienced many times that God never leaves anyone without an answer who sincerely seeks, wants to know the truth, and asks for it. Never.

The Bible says in Psalm 95, verses 7 to 8: “When you hear his voice today, do not harden your hearts.”

How to recognize spiritual burdens

Moderator: That sounds like a great offer. But let's get back to those who are experiencing various difficulties. How do these people recognize that a dark force has entered their lives, one they neither invited nor wanted? Or did they invite it? Various very unpleasant things happen to them. For example, they are frequently and for extended periods ill. Of course, this doesn't apply to all sick people.

Narrator: In folklore, one might say that their house is becoming haunted. Appliances break down, they see dead people, objects move on their own, they feel choking or have the urge to jump out of windows. They can also hear voices. There are truly many such unnatural phenomena, very many indeed. Often, it's simply impossible to live with them.

Moderator: Do these dark forces always manifest themselves in this way?

Narrator: Sometimes they work in secret. For example, when we believe false doctrines like reincarnation, transmigration of souls, the immortality of the soul, the existence of UFOs, or when we pray to angels. And which angels are we actually praying to, if there are also fallen angels? This is a very dangerous situation. They can cause various addictions or an aversion to reading the Bible, praying, and speaking with God. They invisibly lead us away from our relationship with Him. And what is almost incomprehensible is that this also happens to people in churches who neglect Bible study or are not interested in such insights. So we must learn to discern who is behind what is happening: God or the other. As I have already said, Scripture teaches us to distinguish between good and evil. It is the only source of truth and spiritual nourishment, without which we perish inwardly day by day. Let us not neglect its study.

How people can open occult doors

Moderator: And how do these forces suddenly enter a person's life?

Narrator: One could say, as I have already indicated, out of ignorance, as it were, through our unintentional invitation. But before I begin to answer the question, I would like to ask you to pay particular attention. In what I am about to describe, I consider it very important to preface this by saying: Nothing I am about to say is intended to belittle or speak contemptuously of anyone. Every human being was created by God for a worthy and good life, whether we believe it or not, and is immeasurably loved by God. Everyone, even those who seem most insignificant from this world's perspective, has immense value in God's eyes. However, it is our bad deeds and actions that can separate us from God, degrade us, and lead us into bad, even critical, situations. But even then, God longs to save absolutely every human being, if they desire it and allow it. I will now describe and warn you about how and when we can come into contact with this invisible power: through people who serve it, are used by this entity, and whose work is often its source of income. This includes fortune tellers, so-called clairvoyants, as well as witchcraft, palmistry, and various healers. It also includes reading horoscopes, that is, engaging with astrology and numerology, watching inappropriate programs, horror films, pornography, violent programs, and the like. Even the so-called summoning of spirits, even if supposedly done only for fun, is an invitation. A large part of today's music, art, superstition, graphology, as well as the veneration of and prayers to the deceased, for example, to alleged saints, also belong to this category. For they cannot hear us. They sleep in the grave, as the Creator says through Scripture.

Ecclesiastes 9:5: “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing.”

Any kind of magic, the use of intoxicating, addictive substances, and even objects we might unknowingly have at home—statues, pictures, occult literature, inscriptions on clothing—can be problematic. But please believe me, I don't want to instill fear in you. The goal of this video is quite the opposite: to give you joyful hope for the future if you choose to remove these practices from your life. For God is the most powerful of all, and He loves humankind deeply. He wants to protect and save us. So there is a way out, and God longs for you to live joyfully and freely. Please believe me.

Alternative practices from a biblical perspective

Moderator: How can one be sure which so-called force is involved?

Narrator: The powers of darkness move in the realm of mystery. For example: How is it that the entirety of Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure seem to work? What exactly are these mysterious points on and within the human body? Or Ayurveda, Reiki, Tai Chi, and other purported exercise practices that work with so-called chakras and originate from Indian spiritual traditions. This also includes yoga, so popular with the public, which presents itself as gymnastics. But beware: Yoga, too, is part of a spiritual movement that is directly opposed to Christianity. In some yoga exercises, people bow to the sun. Breathing techniques are used, along with connecting the universal self with the unconscious. My most negative experiences are connected with yoga. Then there is kinesiology. This is the work with so-called past lives, which we Christians, as it says in the Bible, believe do not exist. I, too, have had very negative and intense personal experiences with this. Furthermore, there's mesmerism, healing with magnets, homeopathy, pendulums, dowsing, hypnosis, autogenic training, belief in the healing power of stones, and many other practices. So I ask: On what mysterious basis do these practices actually operate? And where is the genuine medical evidence?

1 Corinthians 6:12: “Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I shall not be mastered by anything.”

God gives us good things freely out of love: love for Him, for our neighbor, and for ourselves; friendship, children, nature, and so many wonderful things. But this fallen being always demands a kind of copyright tax for the use of things that, so to speak, originate from its workshop. And it refuses to let go of such a captive human being. It fights for them.

What can you do about it?

Moderator: So what can ultimately be done about it?

Narrator: Let's talk about all of this with God in prayer. For faith is nothing other than a loving relationship with God and obedience to His commandments. Let's read the Bible. If we are beginners, it is recommended that we do this with the help of someone who is a sincere Christian, knows the Bible well, understands it, and can help us with our study. The Bible describes some of these phenomena and warns against them. God and His purposes for each of us are only the best, understandable, and clear. God also recommends a healthy diet, preferably plant-based, regular exercise, sports, walking, drinking enough fluids, getting enough fresh air, sunlight with wisdom, positive thinking, ideally faith, and getting enough good, sufficient sleep and rest, at least one full day a week.

Exodus 20:8: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”

In the New Testament of the Bible, we read that only God's power in Jesus Christ can drive demons out of a person's life and from everywhere else, and command them. The enemy of God and humanity, that fallen angel, is merely a created being. Therefore, I ask: Who is more powerful? God or this enemy? The answer is clear and biblical: the uncreated and eternal God.

John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

The way to liberation through Jesus Christ

Let us therefore turn to Almighty God. Let us abandon these practices, throw out everything from the house that could be an invitation, and ask the Lord Jesus Christ for help, for He paid the ransom for us with His blood on the cross. Let us confess to Him that we gratefully accept His sacrifice, and dissolve all previous agreements, who knows with whom, even if they were unintentional. Ask fellow believers or experienced, sincere Christians to pray with you, perhaps even repeatedly in the place where these unpleasant phenomena occur. Believe me, this works wonders, even if it may sometimes take a while. But persevere. God is and always will be victorious. I have personally seen and witnessed dozens of people who had truly great and varied difficulties with these fallen forces, and yet today they live fulfilled, joyful, and free lives. They believed that Jesus Christ was born and lived on this earth to free us from our sins and to give us His righteousness and eternal life. They repented. And I want to emphasize this, because it is a very important part of liberation: repentance. That means confessing before God with shame and remorse that we have done this or that evil in our lives, and asking God for forgiveness.

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

The greatest discovery of life

Moderator: So a victory for everyone, who wants to build a relationship with God or has already built one?

Narrator: Yes.

Moderator: And finally?

Narrator: The summary of all this is: I told you this so that I wouldn't selfishly keep the greatest discovery of my life to myself. It is solely thanks to God that I have understood that the meaning of my existence, and the existence of all of us on this earth, is to share this joyful and true message. God loves each of us infinitely and desires to be our most faithful and closest friend, our Savior. He wants to help us even in this life, to give us genuine and true dignity and freedom, and to be with us forever in that wonderful, promised future world without pain and suffering. Death is not the end of life for those who accept this truth. We believe that the Lord will come very soon for His faithful, for everyone who desires to be with Him forever. Let us not postpone our decision and let us prepare for this encounter, the greatest event in the history of humankind, but also of the entire universe. Now we know how. So I bid you farewell and wish you all the very best from the bottom of my heart, from God's loving hand.

Closing quote from "The Great Contest"

And finally, I don't want to end with my own words, but with the words of a book that I believe will greatly encourage us all. A book I've already spoken about here, which helped me immensely to understand the Bible and gave me so much. I'll read the entire conclusion from the book. The big fight respectively From shadow to light by Ellen G. White.

The great battle between good and evil is over. There is no more sin and no more sinners. The entire universe is pure. Harmony and happiness reign throughout all immeasurable creation. From God, who created everything, life, light, and happiness flow in all directions of infinite space. From the smallest atom to the largest celestial bodies, everything, living and inanimate, proclaims in untarnished beauty and perfect joy: God is love.

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Song (Sonica Veith):

He that sets his love on me, on the Lord Most High,
I will honor and answer him and satisfy him with long life.
He is my peace. He is my calm in the storm, my refuge and my trust.
I will not fear the darkest night, for his word will be my light.
I will not fear the darkest night, for his word will be my light.