Summary
Highlights
He discusses how legal rights to individuals are gained through various 'contracts,' even seemingly minor ones like addictions or engaging in soft pornography. He identifies these as 'open doors' that demons exploit, emphasizing the importance of renouncing such ties.
John highlights how witchcraft mimics Christian practices like fasting, laying on of hands, and speaking in tongues, demonstrating a demonic counterfeit. He warns against Christians dabbling in New Age practices, yoga, or even Halloween, as these open spiritual portals to demonic influence.
John Ramirez, an evangelist and author, shares his journey from being a high-ranking witch in New York City to a follower of Christ. He recounts a terrifying experience where he was instructed by a demonic entity to sacrifice a man, only to hear the audible voice of God intervening.
John clarifies the difference between a 'real witch' and someone merely dabbling in occult practices. He describes the intense and often painful ceremonies, including cuts and markings on his body, that marked his initiation into deep occultism from the age of 8 to 35. He explains that he sold his 'loyalty, time, and devotion,' not his soul, as he believes the soul belongs to Jesus.
Ramirez's family's involvement in witchcraft stemmed from his aunt seeking revenge for her father's death through sorcery. Growing up in the dangerous Bronx of the 1970s, his family blended witchcraft practices with Catholicism, believing statues and rituals offered protection.
John describes his 'demonic church' experiences, involving nightly rituals from 7 PM to 5 AM, where mediums would channel powerful deities. He recalls his first direct involvement at 7 and a half years old, when he found a demonic necklace, and at 8, when a witch prophesied a special calling for him, leading to an elaborate initiation ceremony.
The most extreme ceremony involved selling his soul, where he and 16 other witches endured severe blood loss. He describes Satan's presence during this ritual and the subsequent access he gained to immense demonic power, including astral projection for cursing regions. He recalls two instances where he was unable to curse neighborhoods due to the fervent prayers of Christians.
John expounds on the costly nature of witchcraft ceremonies and the deceptive tactics used by demons. He explains how familiar spirits provide accurate past and present information to gain trust, then instill fear about the future to extract large sums of money for fabricated solutions, creating an illusion of divine intervention.
Ramirez confesses his hatred for Christians, particularly 'lukewarm' ones, whom he easily manipulated through witchcraft. He then shares a pivotal story where even Satan himself admitted defeat in harming a Christian woman, explaining that 'her God said to leave her alone,' revealing the powerful protective grace of God.
He recounts his dramatic conversion in October 1999. After a near-sacrificial act under demonic influence, he heard God's audible voice. Later, in a church, he was demonically possessed, but upon uttering 'Jesus,' the demon left. A subsequent death experience took him to hell, where he encountered Satan and was saved by the appearance of the cross, returning to life transformed.
Following his conversion, John faced intense demonic retaliation from the witchcraft community. He endured tormenting attacks, including being suffocated and dragged from his bed. After 30 days of persistent prayer, God revealed that these trials were a test of his love and trust, and the attacks ceased.
Ramirez describes two significant deliverances: one during his baptism, where he felt Jesus' hands removing all past ceremonies from his body, and another during a discipleship class while reading Isaiah 53, which brought deep emotional healing from childhood trauma.
His mother, a former Jehovah's Witness he persecuted as a witch, converted to Christianity after a near-fatal allergic reaction and the prayers of Christians. John continues to face spiritual attacks, including his daughter's severe depression and suicide attempt, reaffirming God's promise to care for his family as he serves Him.
John's spiritual formation included 12 years under David Wilkerson's ministry. He recounts eagerly volunteering for mundane tasks like cleaning bathrooms, demonstrating his humility after being a high-ranking witch. This led to a personal connection with Wilkerson, who became a mentor and encouraged his writing.
Ramirez emphasizes his profound love for God, stating it's not about the work he does but his love for Him. He shares another profound near-death experience in 2019, where he felt peace and a desire to do more for God, solidifying his commitment. He urges everyone to experience this transformative love and commit their lives to Jesus.
John extends an invitation to those who don't know Jesus, challenging them to give Him 30 days. He encourages a simple prayer of acceptance, promising that God will transform their lives, just as He did for John and his brother, who also left a life of sin to follow Christ.
John Ramirez invites viewers to visit his website, johnrramirrez.org, for more information about his books, courses, and ministry. He emphasizes that the resources offered are divinely inspired and designed to equip individuals in spiritual warfare and personal growth.