I always read these posts, as i find them food for thought and of interest. Almost hesitate to reply, but i do not speak against but rather FOR. I must speak on what Christ has done for me (and others). I do this from time to time. I usta belong to some of these esoteric paths. i dont mean namby pamby stuff, but even at a point it was one of two choices: be initiated or literally go insane. (I received the former.) Normally i never talk to folks about this. Years of walking that stuff. Not lightweight but the deep metaphysics. i only say that as having been a seeker on a number of these paths some lasting like half a dozen years, finally ending up in a cult. Not as some stoopid moron as most folks think such people are, but to come alongside a very intentional "earth saving, evolution of humanity" group. Many were very intelligent and even well to do. The teacher liked when folks were well to do. Heh. All works based, and what a racket i came to realize. More than a dozen years in that. Headed home one night, exhausted and knowing that we never ever rest (seems i will always say "we".) i got pulled over by the Highway Patrol. I wont say the whole of this story, but it ended up my just crying out to God. And guess Who showed up?? When He said: "Why are you struggling so hard when you are loved just as you are?" That cut the ties and i was freed and delivered IMMEDIATELY. With that i also immediately dropped occultic use of the "abilities" i was born with or was trained in. If there is anything i am assigned to do beyond the means of the natural, it is only at the behest of His Holy Spirit and by His guidance. Right use. I only say all of this, because since then, being a simple soul, His Word has been sufficient. His Holy Spirit teaches. I participate in fellowship with others as that is how He modeled His Life for us. And of course prayer. The Gospel is open handed. Nothing secret, nothing esoteric. Within secrecy lies the means to deceive, misled, and abuse people. Where power and position are as well as secrecy is the open invite for abuse. "You need this to make the next grade." I do know that His Holy Spirit preserved me from all manner of harm. Did not realize that until later. There are miracles that i observe and even receive and others receive, REAL miracles are not uncommon. Christ Jesus is alive and active. The agency of His Holy Spirit is massively powerful. I dont just mean hope and a wish miracles, but healing even verified by exam and imaging. It is all actually so very very simple that even a child can get it. I was around years of secrecy and initiations and the like. Even coulda made BANK on some things, but no, who really needs things to be much more complicated then they need to be? Look at the somber tone of Ecclesiastes. And that man had EVERYTHING this worldly life could offer. Even the wisdom of the ages, and at his end what did he have??? It does not even near TOUCH what He does in one's very simple walk. All of the trappings will burn up, what will remain? His Word. What are the two commandments of Christ? It is really very very simple, for it is TOTALLY a matter of receiving His offer of salvation. Then everything shifts. Thank God.