Growth Can a Christian have demonic strongholds and also be in bondage even though they are saved?

[Deborah13]

Unfortunately, Satan is the ruler of this world (Jn. 12:31) and he has set up all kinds of traps, these would include, music, literature, entertainment, Arts, science, and a host of other sources. Most of these look quite innocent to the innocent, but to the alert Christian, we can see area's that if we become involved, it could become a habit, or a reoccurring practice in our lives. Although not demon controlled, they can become a stage where demonic pressure can be exerted.

I agree with this, too.
But I think to many times what people blame on satan and demons is their own fleshly desires. Paul didn't spend time preaching against demonics but he did spend plenty of time preaching about our own flesh ( will, fleshly desires) getting in the way of serving God.

 

[for_his_glory]

I have to say no unless you allow the flesh to take over that of the Holy Spirit which indwells you. If we have truly accepted Christ as our personal Savior and have been Spiritually regenerated, even though we live in this fleshly body, we are set free from any types of demonic powers and bondage as Christ have also given us his power and authority through grace to stand against that which tries to bring us into bondage again. Some people just do not exercise this power and authority that is in the name of Jesus and are soon overtaken by the things of this world as being Satan's kingdom.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

 

[for_his_glory]

I agree with this, too.
But I think to many times what people blame on satan and demons is their own fleshly desires. Paul didn't spend time preaching against demonics but he did spend plenty of time preaching about our own flesh ( will, fleshly desires) getting in the way of serving God.

I agree that people do like to put the blame on Satan, but most of the time it's their own fleshly desires they fall prey to their own bondage instead of being set free from the yoke that ties them down.

2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2Co 10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

 

[Chopper]

I agree with this, too.
But I think to many times what people blame on satan and demons is their own fleshly desires. Paul didn't spend time preaching against demonics but he did spend plenty of time preaching about our own flesh ( will, fleshly desires) getting in the way of serving God.

I have found it interesting, even questionable that when Jesus was in His ministry on earth, the Gospels note many occasions of demon possession. It is recorded many times of Him casting out demons. I would imagine that during the first Century, it kept up. What I find interesting is in undeveloped Countries, there are records of demon possession among the natives and even more educated areas. This Country, with a large Christian population, there does not seem to be as much. I am puzzled though, at the seemingly high percentage of mental disease there is in this Country, and how much the evil one has to do with that.

It is so difficult to know really if mental problems are a result of chemical deficiencies in our body's or if there is a more sinister cause. Extremely hard to differentiate.

 

[Deborah13]

I agree that people do like to put the blame on Satan, but most of the time it's their own fleshly desires they fall prey to their own bondage instead of being set free from the yoke that ties them down.

2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2Co 10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Thank you for the scripture! Couldn't find it.

 

[Deborah13]

I have found it interesting, even questionable that when Jesus was in His ministry on earth, the Gospels note many occasions of demon possession. It is recorded many times of Him casting out demons. I would imagine that during the first Century, it kept up. What I find interesting is in undeveloped Countries, there are records of demon possession among the natives and even more educated areas. This Country, with a large Christian population, there does not seem to be as much. I am puzzled though, at the seemingly high percentage of mental disease there is in this Country, and how much the evil one has to do with that.

It is so difficult to know really if mental problems are a result of chemical deficiencies in our body's or if there is a more sinister cause. Extremely hard to differentiate.

When we look at Bible times we need to remember that other than Israel everyone worshiped pagan gods and even some of those in Israel had taken up with the same corruption of idolatry, witchcraft, etc. it was part of the culture in that part of the world.
It is the same today in many third world countries. They still practice these things in their culture. Evil spirits are called in and given power. It is the same in places that are steeped in voodoo practices.
I have one friend who taught school for several yrs. on the Navajo Res. and another who's son-law-in is a close relative of a Zuni tribal member and another who is herself a full blood Navajo. Strange things happen on the Res. and I believe it is because of some of their belief practices.

 

[Brother Mike]

I would define oppression as being what Paul was contending with when the woman with the demon was following him around, the demon in the woman had to be rebuked. This demon was a burden and distraction to Paul's ministry.
So I believe that a person can be oppressed in this way by a demonic presence that needs to be rebuked. That does Not mean that that presence is IN them. As it would be in the case of possession.

This has been a big question for years. Is there a defining moment when a person is completely controlled or just under the influence.

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
(2Ti 2:25-26)

The women that followed Paul around for 3 days was not crazy, as she knew who Paul was and made a conscience choice to follow Paul. One thing to take note, is that Paul waited 3 days before dealing with the spirit that was attached to her. I fully believe Paul had to hear from the Holy Spirit first, as that women was hearing truth also. We deal with a devil in a persons life when instructed. Otherwise we give truth so that they may use that to recover themselves, submit to God, and the devil has to run.

Talking with someone in deliverance ministry who was a guest at my house, told me that sometimes it takes the power of the anointing and command to get devils to leave a person so that they may think clearly. This would be the part to rebuke and tell the devil to leave in the name of Jesus. In other words, He said just giving person the truth is not enough as that truth is subverted into something else through the evil spirit and into the persons mind.

The Lord gave me this definition of what possessed is. It can effect believers, and non believers.

Any person that is unable to "SEE" truth through their own hearing, because of unclean spirits enforced stronghold in their life. A person that will need my grace and power to remove that stronghold, that truth can be seen.

While I agree with you about some habits, say someone who is an habitual eater, they are in bondage to that habit which may very well have started as a comfort crutch.
But I would not say that person is serving satan. Nor, would I say that it is demonic.

Anything that is not in perfect harmony with the will of God, is devil influenced through the pull on a persons own lust. Jesus came to destroy the work of the devil, which is the reason he came.
We get a thought that sickness, or just some eating disorder could be just the person and circumstances, and not devils. The spirit realm controls the natural realm. We see something simple like Peter wanting to fight for Jesus a idea of the enemy, and Jesus caught that. Fighting for Jesus seemed like a good thing though, but the devil's Kingdom opposes God's. Anything introduced into a persons life that will destroy their witness, or hinder them from serving God fully, has devils influencing that situation.

Satan has to seek who he devours, that means he just can't come in a run things. He has to find area's of a persons life they will give in. We use to say the devil is always looking for our buttons we have exposed.

Every human being on the planet has a right to tell the devil no. Devils are just disobedient angels and man is not subject to them. This is why it's serious to make yourself subject to a created slave who disobeyed God, and not subject to God.

 

[Chopper]

When we look at Bible times we need to remember that other than Israel everyone worshiped pagan gods and even some of those in Israel had taken up with the same corruption of idolatry, witchcraft, etc. it was part of the culture in that part of the world.
It is the same today in many third world countries. They still practice these things in their culture. Evil spirits are called in and given power. It is the same in places that are steeped in voodoo practices.
I have one friend who taught school for several yrs. on the Navajo Res. and another who's son-law-in is a close relative of a Zuni tribal member and another who is herself a full blood Navajo. Strange things happen on the Res. and I believe it is because of some of their belief practices.

Thank you for that.

 

[Deborah13]

This has been a big question for years. Is there a defining moment when a person is completely controlled or just under the influence.

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
(2Ti 2:25-26)

The women that followed Paul around for 3 days was not crazy, as she knew who Paul was and made a conscience choice to follow Paul. One thing to take note, is that Paul waited 3 days before dealing with the spirit that was attached to her. I fully believe Paul had to hear from the Holy Spirit first, as that women was hearing truth also. We deal with a devil in a persons life when instructed. Otherwise we give truth so that they may use that to recover themselves, submit to God, and the devil has to run.

Talking with someone in deliverance ministry who was a guest at my house, told me that sometimes it takes the power of the anointing and command to get devils to leave a person so that they may think clearly. This would be the part to rebuke and tell the devil to leave in the name of Jesus. In other words, He said just giving person the truth is not enough as that truth is subverted into something else through the evil spirit and into the persons mind.

The Lord gave me this definition of what possessed is. It can effect believers, and non believers.

Any person that is unable to "SEE" truth through their own hearing, because of unclean spirits enforced stronghold in their life. A person that will need my grace and power to remove that stronghold, that truth can be seen.



Anything that is not in perfect harmony with the will of God, is devil influenced through the pull on a persons own lust. Jesus came to destroy the work of the devil, which is the reason he came.
We get a thought that sickness, or just some eating disorder could be just the person and circumstances, and not devils. The spirit realm controls the natural realm. We see something simple like Peter wanting to fight for Jesus a idea of the enemy, and Jesus caught that. Fighting for Jesus seemed like a good thing though, but the devil's Kingdom opposes God's. Anything introduced into a persons life that will destroy their witness, or hinder them from serving God fully, has devils influencing that situation.

Satan has to seek who he devours, that means he just can't come in a run things. He has to find area's of a persons life they will give in. We use to say the devil is always looking for our buttons we have exposed.

Every human being on the planet has a right to tell the devil no. Devils are just disobedient angels and man is not subject to them. This is why it's serious to make yourself subject to a created slave who disobeyed God, and not subject to God.

I am not saying that we are not tempted by satan, that's just silly. Who tempted Jesus?
satan appeals to our own lusts and willful desire to be in control.
But I think what this thread is about goes beyond temptation. At least what I have previously posted did.

 

[Brother Mike]

I am not saying that we are not tempted by satan, that's just silly. Who tempted Jesus?
satan appeals to our own lusts and willful desire to be in control.
But I think what this thread is about goes beyond temptation. At least what I have previously posted did.

I just came back from being unbanned, I am not sure what it's about. Can a christian have strongholds? Most definitely yes.

We should not just focus on sin though, as many things the devil gets a place to set up through our disobedience or ignorance.

The masters of setting up and causing accidents is the demonic Kingdom. The curse causeless shall not come, all things have something that push them from the unseen side. A believer can have given a large chunk of their life to the devil through unbelief and fear, yet still obey God and not understand why if it's not one thing that happens, its another. They have a lack of understanding that devils can stop health, prosperity, promotions, just by taking their side and not God's side who said all grace abounds towards us that we may be equipped for every good work.

We see in scripture that the devil is able to stop a believer in the plan of God temporarily, but that is the fight of faith. A believer who is constantly hurting, broke, unfavored should take a look at their life and compare it to scriptures.

God is never the one stopping his plan, or bringing pain or discomfort. We have an Adversary whom we resist steadfast in faith. Some think God needs to prove our faith, but God certainly does not need help from the enemy, and God has provided all the tools we need, even each other to get through all power of the enemy.

Breaking that love command is the number one blessing blocker. It even takes Love to Work faith, and without faith we can't please God. (Gal 5:6) (Heb 11:6)

Satan can form weapons, can hinder, but He has no ability to bring to a permanent stop unless we allow him place.

Blessings.......

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

Unfortunately, Satan is the ruler of this world (Jn. 12:31) and he has set up all kinds of traps, these would include, music, literature, entertainment, Arts, science, and a host of other sources. Most of these look quite innocent to the innocent, but to the alert Christian, we can see area's that if we become involved, it could become a habit, or a reoccurring practice in our lives. Although not demon controlled, they can become a stage where demonic pressure can be exerted.

I have been in situations when I just knew what someone was saying to me came from God, but then they turn quickly and the demonic starts to come out of their mouth. The devil knows the scripture and he knows God, we have to be very careful who we listen to what they say and how they say it. The devil is very deceitful and he will work to get anyone he can anyway he can. We live in the day that "even the elect might be deceived." We must be always mindful of the tricks of Satan.

 

[His_nee (Jeff)]

I think "even if possible the ele
ct would be deceived." is closer. Yet admittedly, many are deceived who claim to be christian.

http://www3.telus.net/trbrooks/mindbattlefield (below)

Matthew 24:24
J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)
23-28 “If anyone says to you then, ‘Look, here is Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ don’t believe it. False christs and false prophets are going to appear and will produce great signs and wonders to mislead, if it were possible, even God’s own people. Listen, I am warning you. So that if people say to you, ‘There he is, in the desert!’ you are not to go out there. If they say, ‘Here he is, in this inner room!’ don’t believe it. For as lightning flashes across from east to west so will the Son of Man’s coming be. ‘Wherever there is a dead body, there the vultures will flock.’

Matthew 24:24
Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)
24 For there will appear false Messia Paul continues by telling us from whence this danger comes: “if some one comes and preaches another Jesus than the one we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted” (v.4).

"The peril for the Christian is to have false teaching injected into his thought life so as to lead him astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. These are the works the “serpent” is perpetrating today. Satan has disguised himself as an angel of light to lead saints to worship with their intellect a Jesus other than the Lord, to receive a spirit other than the Holy Spirit, and by these to propagate a gospel other than the gospel of the grace of God. Paul pronounces these to be nothing else than the deeds of Satan in the Christian’s mind. The adversary translates these “doctrines” into thoughts and then imposes them upon the mind of the Christian. How tragic that few appreciate the reality of these activities! Few, indeed, who would ever think that the devil could give such good thoughts to men!

It is possible for a child of God to have a new life and a new heart but be without a new head. With too many saints, the mind, though their heart is new, is still quite old. Their heart is full of love whereas their head is totally lacking in perception. How often the intents of the heart are utterly pure and yet the thoughts in the head are confused.hs and false prophets performing great miracles

— amazing things! — so as to fool even the chosen, if possible. "

 

[Chopper]

I have been in situations when I just knew what someone was saying to me came from God, but then they turn quickly and the demonic starts to come out of their mouth. The devil knows the scripture and he knows God, we have to be very careful who we listen to what they say and how they say it. The devil is very deceitful and he will work to get anyone he can anyway he can. We live in the day that "even the elect might be deceived." We must be always mindful of the tricks of Satan.

Oh, my Dear Sandy. You are so right! What you have just said is so much more important in these very last days. Thank you for your reminder Dear Prophetess.

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

Oh, my Dear Sandy. You are so right! What you have just said is so much more important in these very last days. Thank you for your reminder Dear Prophetess.

I don't know if it is prophetic or just learning the hard way through experience. It is horrible the lengths the devil will go to to deceive God's children.

 

[Brother Mike]

I don't know if it is prophetic or just learning the hard way through experience. It is horrible the lengths the devil will go to to deceive God's children.

How be it the devil can not deceive the children of light or confuse the anointed ones. Be of good courage.

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

How be it the devil can not deceive the children of light or confuse the anointed ones. Be of good courage.

This is true, but the devil will go about as a roaring lion seeking to devour those who are weak and immature. He can't devour you if you are strong in the Lord and understand his tricks, but he will still try.

 

[sojourner4Christ]

I will keep this brief because, in general, I don't like posting in forums. There is a spirit which presides over such lands of consensus. Having said that, I endeavor to go only where my Lord would call me to go...

My wife and I continue actively in an addictions ministry (drunkenness and sorcery aka alcoholism and drugs). We have been shown much e. g. manifestations, possessions, false miracles, ad nauseum.

There are two here who we believe have nailed this topic: the poster "Sandy Zalecki" (see posts #22 & 23) and "Brother Mike" (see post #47). This is not to necessarily counsel against the posts of others here, but you only need to read those posts we indicated to learn of the spiritual (and physical) dynamics of satanic oppression and possession.

As for the poster "Sandy Zalecki," my wife and I will be praying for you today, that your calling will be fulfilled to the glory of the King. Godspeed!

 

[Chopper]

I will keep this brief because, in general, I don't like posting in forums. There is a spirit which presides over such lands of consensus. Having said that, I endeavor to go only where my Lord would call me to go...

My wife and I continue actively in an addictions ministry (drunkenness and sorcery aka alcoholism and drugs). We have been shown much e. g. manifestations, possessions, false miracles, ad nauseum.

There are two here who we believe have nailed this topic: the poster "Sandy Zalecki" (see posts #22 & 23) and "Brother Mike" (see post #47). This is not to necessarily counsel against the posts of others here, but you only need to read those posts we indicated to learn of the spiritual (and physical) dynamics of satanic oppression and possession.

As for the poster "Sandy Zalecki," my wife and I will be praying for you today, that your calling will be fulfilled to the glory of the King. Godspeed!

God calls where ever there is a desperate need. There are needs right here Servant, what can you offer?

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

I will keep this brief because, in general, I don't like posting in forums. There is a spirit which presides over such lands of consensus. Having said that, I endeavor to go only where my Lord would call me to go...

My wife and I continue actively in an addictions ministry (drunkenness and sorcery aka alcoholism and drugs). We have been shown much e. g. manifestations, possessions, false miracles, ad nauseum.

There are two here who we believe have nailed this topic: the poster "Sandy Zalecki" (see posts #22 & 23) and "Brother Mike" (see post #47). This is not to necessarily counsel against the posts of others here, but you only need to read those posts we indicated to learn of the spiritual (and physical) dynamics of satanic oppression and possession.

As for the poster "Sandy Zalecki," my wife and I will be praying for you today, that your calling will be fulfilled to the glory of the King. Godspeed!

Thank you so much for the kind words and the prayers. I am sure that in your ministry you have seen the same things I saw when I worked with the mentally ill. I will pray for you also and godspeed in your ministry.

 

[BigSodaExposer]

The more worldly stuff in my life I gave up, the more truth Jesus revealed to me. Even though its truth, it is very hard to take in at first. Cause I realized basically everything I ever cared about was fleshly, and had nothing to do with Jesus It helps greatly to know the devices of the devil and how they work. If you are full of light there is no room for darkness. Figure out what all is negative and of darkness and cut it out of your life. Ephesians 5:11 "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."