Demons

[turnorburn]

Exactly Potluck, a babe trying to act like an adult is what I did

Some will follow up this post with "we have power over the enemy"

"we have power over the enemy"

1Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

It's when we feel or think we are strong that we may very well be the most vulnerable.

 

[handy]

My daughter watched something the other day that prompted her to ask what to do if she was ever confronted by a demon. I told her that when the arch-angel Michael was confronted by Satan, his response was to simply say, "The Lord rebuke you." As Christians, Jesus told us that we would have the power and the authority to cast out demons, and so we do. But we do need to be wise in how we approach this. There was that incident when someone tried to cast a demon out in acts and the demon said, "I know Jesus and I know Paul, but who are you?" and then beat the guy up.

However, if our walk with God is strong, and we have the need to cast out a demon, then there is no reason to fear following this responsibility. But, for goodness sakes, study the issue and learn what is right and not right about demons and our authority over them. There's a lot of false teaching out there regarding demons.

Sometimes it will be a false positive, your thinking its an evil spirit when its your flesh.
The flesh can invent lots of things anger being one, anyway just a friendly tip from
someone that knows :wink:

This is true. Doesn't negate the fact that demons can and do influence us. But nonetheless, we do get carried away by our own lusts and our own pride and then want to say 'the devil made me do it.'

But back to the whole they can't harm born again believers.. i think maybe it would be better stated that they can't do anything to separate us from God in Christ (Romans 8:38-39)?

I agree with this as well. When we are born again and indwelled by the Spirit, demons cannot do anything to separte us from God, other than tempt us to do so. If we fall into the temptation, well that's our fault. I know other's believe differently, but I would like to see Biblical proof that a born-again believer can be compelled by demons to do something against their own will.

 

[turnorburn]

Handy have you been in front of one of these evil spirits, I mean up close and personal
when it hisses at you? Granted we have the power over them but its an experience you
won't soon forget

My daughter watched something the other day that prompted her to ask what to do if she was ever confronted by a demon. I told her that when the arch-angel Michael was confronted by Satan, his response was to simply say, "The Lord rebuke you." As Christians, Jesus told us that we would have the power and the authority to cast out demons, and so we do. But we do need to be wise in how we approach this. There was that incident when someone tried to cast a demon out in acts and the demon said, "I know Jesus and I know Paul, but who are you?" and then beat the guy up.

However, if our walk with God is strong, and we have the need to cast out a demon, then there is no reason to fear following this responsibility. But, for goodness sakes, study the issue and learn what is right and not right about demons and our authority over them. There's a lot of false teaching out there regarding demons.

Sometimes it will be a false positive, your thinking its an evil spirit when its your flesh.
The flesh can invent lots of things anger being one, anyway just a friendly tip from
someone that knows :wink:

This is true. Doesn't negate the fact that demons can and do influence us. But nonetheless, we do get carried away by our own lusts and our own pride and then want to say 'the devil made me do it.'

But back to the whole they can't harm born again believers.. i think maybe it would be better stated that they can't do anything to separate us from God in Christ (Romans 8:38-39)?

I agree with this as well. When we are born again and indwelled by the Spirit, demons cannot do anything to separte us from God, other than tempt us to do so. If we fall into the temptation, well that's our fault. I know other's believe differently, but I would like to see Biblical proof that a born-again believer can be compelled by demons to do something against their own will.

 

[handy]

Yeah, they are bullies to be sure.

I've only had one encounter with the supernatural (other than God of course). I guess I'll tell my 'dog' story. I don't know if this qualifies as a demon or not, although it was unsettling.

I was about 10 years old and we lived in a house where (totally unknown to us at the time) a man and his dog were murdered. Honestly, we didn't know about the murders until after we moved. My parents did, but they didn't tell us kids about it.

Anyway, one summer night, I said good-night to my mom and went to bed. No messing around or anything, I was already in my jammies so I didn't even turn on the light. I just shut my door and climbed in bed. I heard a thumping noise, but wasn't alarmed at all, because my dog often slept in my room and I thought it was just her wagging her tail against the wood floor. I sat up in bed, patted the bottom of the bed and told her to come up. I distinctly heard the claws clicking across the wooden floor, heard the movement of the jump and felt the 'dog' jump up on the bed, and curl up on my feet. Then within a moment, the lump on my feet turned hot and heavy. It felt as though a superheated ball of metal was laying on my feet. The weight was so heavy that I felt my feet being stretched painfully downward. I pulled up and went to push whatever it was on my feet off, and there was suddenly nothing there. I hopped out of bed and ran back to the living room, the whole episode lasting maybe a minute, no longer. All the dogs were accounted for.

It was years later when my whole family were camping together that I found out that my brother and my older sister both had exactly the same experience when they stayed in that room. That's when my folks fessed up about the murder.

It was a strange house, and I started having nightmares which lasted until I became a Christian.

It might have been demonic. Other than that, I don't really know what else it could have been, but if it was a demon, it really wasn't all that effective of a demon. We all wound up giving our lives to God. Other than a fright, it didn't harm us in any way.

I do know this: If it was a demon, it was my folk's fault. Although they were born-again, at that time they were living in a backslidden state and we kids weren't Christians at all. It was shortly before we moved into that house that my mom allowed a friend to bring a Ouija board in the house. The Ouija board made a number of 'predictions' about my two sisters and my brother, including naming the guy my sister was going to marry (Bobby, not Bob, not Robert but Bobby which is exactly what is on his birth certificate). It didn't make any predictions about me as an adult and my brother scared the wits out of me, trying to convince me that it was because I was going to die. My mom put a stop to the proceedings at that time.

I'm convinced that the reason why the spirits or whatever couldn't divinate what was going to happen to me was because I was a Christian by that time. I don't think it could read anything about me as a Christian, as if the information was veiled. The information it gave about my brother and sisters that came true, all came true while they were still unbelievers.

Although nothing happened in the house where we played with the Ouija board, I do believe that by messing around with things that they knew better about, my mom and dad opened us up to some activity. But, then we all became Christians and became boring ole' church people and no worries from the 'other side'.

 

[turnorburn]

Kind of makes you do the two step don't it, scaring and confusing both at the same time but
me thinks what you had a run in with was a familiar spirit. Your story matches another
one dog and all I heard about. Its just as well Handy I used to work for the largest mental institution in the state of Washington as a counselor. This place was full of demon possessed people,
enough to make you wet your pants if your not a Christian. I could start a thread on it but
had rather not, curiosty seekers you know. I think it was a familiar spirit, it hasn't happened since has it, if it has send me a pm.

 

[handy]

Nope, my life since I've accepted Christ has been Spirit filled and spirit free. :wink:

 

[Alabaster]

I don't believe they are really human, and are probably demonic although there are other theories as to what they could be as well.

Why would they be human??? There is no other identity than demonic.

 

[Malachi45]

Hi Guys,

I've read through your postings, and found that some of the conceptions on the enemy: Satan; his forces of demons; and his children may be a bit faulty.

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving (and seducing) spirits and doctrines of demons†(1 Tim. 4:1)

Many are not aware that these days, and it’s happening right now in the Body of Christ that many are departing from the faith, but that doesn’t mean that they are leaving the church. There are many Christians who are being deceived by seducing spirit and doctrines of demons. In 2 Cor. 11:13-15 we are warned of counterfeit ministries, and we should also be aware that there are also counterfeit spirits as well. We are challenged to “put on the whole Armour of God†(Eph. 6:11).

In 1 Tim. 1:18, we are called to “wage the good warfareâ€Â, and to “fight the good fight of faith†(1 Tim. 6:12).

Far too many Christians ignore the enemy and give them free reign in their lives through their flesh, and lack of spiritual understanding and knowledge. Scripture speaks continually of the constant battle that is ours, and we are warned constantly to be alert “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of this devices†(2 Cor. 2:11). One of his devices is to lead Christians to believe and deny his existence, and that the little red imp is no match to them. Be aware, beware, and don’t be unaware.

Demons today, are everywhere; they are beside you daily, and right at your fingertip waiting to deceive, seduce, oppress, harass, dominate and influence. Always remember that they are always there waiting for any Christian to leave a gap in their Armour through bad choices and decisions, and mistakes.

Ananias had his heart filled by Satan, and he lied to the Holy Spirit, and unrepented Christians can be turned over to Satan for the destruction the flesh as well (see 1 Cor. 5:4-5)

You need to be very wary of many things that happen in our Christian walk through those “earthly and heavenly things†of the supernatural realm, as it’s not so simple and straightforward as many try to make it out to be.

Paul said that we wrestle against the “powers of darknessâ€Â, and to quench his ‘fiery dartsâ€Â, and “stand firm†against their assaults (see Eph. 6:10-16). The enemy can attack the “soul†of a Christian, their mind, will, emotions and feeling, and heart. The Lords’ Prayer tells us to pray daily “deliver us from the evil one†(Matt. 6:13).

Many Christians who have dabbled in the occult unknowingly have opened a door into their “house†allowing them to be oppressed by the enemy, and if we leave our “house empty, swept, and put in order†(see Matt. 12:43-45) then the opening will get bigger through temptation, deception, obsession, and pure sin, setting up “strongholds†in their lives.

We all know that demons are under the authority of believers, and can only affect us if we give them place. We know that a Christian whose “house†is filled, cleansed, and walking in obedience and discipline with our Lord Jesus Christ, have nothing to fear from the enemy.

We also need to be aware in regards to the covering of His Blood, and understand that it’s not a “good-luck charmâ€Â. We honour the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ and trust in its cleansing protection and delivering power. Rev. 12:11 tells of the blood’s overcoming power against the enemy and cancels the enemy’s right to attack.

We need to be more aware and not to be “ignorant of Satan’s devices†(2 Cor. 2:11). Far too many Christians believe that Satan is a “toothless tigerâ€Â, and those who believe that, are deceived and seduced by false teaching. After all why would we be warned to “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walk about like a roaring lion, seeking who he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith†(1 Pet. 5:8-9). Of course the enemy is defeated, but he is still dangerous.

There is an offensive side that many don’t consider, whereby the ground gained by the enemy must be taken back, as in Matt. 12:43, we see a demon seeking a “placeâ€Â, and the same word is used in Eph. 4:27, “nor give place to the devilâ€Â, that is a “place in our houseâ€Â.

Sometimes it takes intensive warfare to get rid of the invaders in our life. For years after Timothy entered ministry, he battled a stronghold of fear, which was a spirit of fear (see 2 Tim. 1:7).

Many who believe that they are Free in our Lord Jesus Christ, needs to be aware, beware, and don’t be unaware that any retaken ground in one’s life must be defended. All sin must be purged and confessed and repented through prayer, and a complete life of commitment.

I've been around the traps a long time, and these days the powers of darkness try their hardest to have their presence fobbed off into the realms of fantasy through false teaching, as there are many agents of the enemy working within the Body of Christ.

We fight against his children, those physical opponents, who are flesh and blood, who “form weapons against usâ€Â, and we are not only contending with the supernatural of the “the principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual hosts†(Eph. 6:12), but higher levels of supernatural activity of the unimaginable that goes much deeper than most Christians will believe or accept.

As His Word says that if you submit to HIM they will flee, that is, Satan, his forces and his children, but within reasonable spiritual reasons.

Don't ever be unaware of the “earthly and heavenly things†of the natural and supernatural realms.

I pray that those who dabbled with the Ouija board or any forum of the occult in their past have taken back the ground from enemy through the prayer of confession, and repentance.

Today, the Body of Christ is being cheated by empty deceit through the philosophy of false teachers who teach the basic principles of the world, and not according to our Lord Jesus Christ (see Col. 2:6-15).

A Biblical understanding of Spiritual Warfare begins at the end and not at the beginning. The reason for that is that it is important for us to keep our focus on our Lord Jesus Christ and not on the power of the enemy.

Demonic spirits have absolutely no power, unless they can find an open door into the ìœhouse†(See Matt. 12:43-45), the “soulâ€Â, through the “mindâ€Â. We cannot allow sin, temptation, wrong attitudes, and past hurts go unconfessed, unchallenged, and unchanged, because if we do, then we will leave a gap in our Armour through which the enemy will attack.

Never try to fight the enemy with fleshly weapons, regardless how good you sound, or look, or loud you roar, because it’s no match for spiritual enemies.

 

[starbyfar]

Hi Guys,

I've read through your postings, and found that some of the conceptions on the enemy: Satan; his forces of demons; and his children may be a bit faulty.

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving (and seducing) spirits and doctrines of demons†(1 Tim. 4:1)

Many are not aware that these days, and it’s happening right now in the Body of Christ that many are departing from the faith, but that doesn’t mean that they are leaving the church. There are many Christians who are being deceived by seducing spirit and doctrines of demons. In 2 Cor. 11:13-15 we are warned of counterfeit ministries, and we should also be aware that there are also counterfeit spirits as well. We are challenged to “put on the whole Armour of God†(Eph. 6:11).

In 1 Tim. 1:18, we are called to “wage the good warfareâ€Â, and to “fight the good fight of faith†(1 Tim. 6:12).

Far too many Christians ignore the enemy and give them free reign in their lives through their flesh, and lack of spiritual understanding and knowledge. Scripture speaks continually of the constant battle that is ours, and we are warned constantly to be alert “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of this devices†(2 Cor. 2:11). One of his devices is to lead Christians to believe and deny his existence, and that the little red imp is no match to them. Be aware, beware, and don’t be unaware.

Demons today, are everywhere; they are beside you daily, and right at your fingertip waiting to deceive, seduce, oppress, harass, dominate and influence. Always remember that they are always there waiting for any Christian to leave a gap in their Armour through bad choices and decisions, and mistakes.

Ananias had his heart filled by Satan, and he lied to the Holy Spirit, and unrepented Christians can be turned over to Satan for the destruction the flesh as well (see 1 Cor. 5:4-5)

You need to be very wary of many things that happen in our Christian walk through those “earthly and heavenly things†of the supernatural realm, as it’s not so simple and straightforward as many try to make it out to be.

Paul said that we wrestle against the “powers of darknessâ€Â, and to quench his ‘fiery dartsâ€Â, and “stand firm†against their assaults (see Eph. 6:10-16). The enemy can attack the “soul†of a Christian, their mind, will, emotions and feeling, and heart. The Lords’ Prayer tells us to pray daily “deliver us from the evil one†(Matt. 6:13).

Many Christians who have dabbled in the occult unknowingly have opened a door into their “house†allowing them to be oppressed by the enemy, and if we leave our “house empty, swept, and put in order†(see Matt. 12:43-45) then the opening will get bigger through temptation, deception, obsession, and pure sin, setting up “strongholds†in their lives.

We all know that demons are under the authority of believers, and can only affect us if we give them place. We know that a Christian whose “house†is filled, cleansed, and walking in obedience and discipline with our Lord Jesus Christ, have nothing to fear from the enemy.

We also need to be aware in regards to the covering of His Blood, and understand that it’s not a “good-luck charmâ€Â. We honour the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ and trust in its cleansing protection and delivering power. Rev. 12:11 tells of the blood’s overcoming power against the enemy and cancels the enemy’s right to attack.

We need to be more aware and not to be “ignorant of Satan’s devices†(2 Cor. 2:11). Far too many Christians believe that Satan is a “toothless tigerâ€Â, and those who believe that, are deceived and seduced by false teaching. After all why would we be warned to “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walk about like a roaring lion, seeking who he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith†(1 Pet. 5:8-9). Of course the enemy is defeated, but he is still dangerous.

There is an offensive side that many don’t consider, whereby the ground gained by the enemy must be taken back, as in Matt. 12:43, we see a demon seeking a “placeâ€Â, and the same word is used in Eph. 4:27, “nor give place to the devilâ€Â, that is a “place in our houseâ€Â.

Sometimes it takes intensive warfare to get rid of the invaders in our life. For years after Timothy entered ministry, he battled a stronghold of fear, which was a spirit of fear (see 2 Tim. 1:7).

Many who believe that they are Free in our Lord Jesus Christ, needs to be aware, beware, and don’t be unaware that any retaken ground in one’s life must be defended. All sin must be purged and confessed and repented through prayer, and a complete life of commitment.

I've been around the traps a long time, and these days the powers of darkness try their hardest to have their presence fobbed off into the realms of fantasy through false teaching, as there are many agents of the enemy working within the Body of Christ.

We fight against his children, those physical opponents, who are flesh and blood, who “form weapons against usâ€Â, and we are not only contending with the supernatural of the “the principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual hosts†(Eph. 6:12), but higher levels of supernatural activity of the unimaginable that goes much deeper than most Christians will believe or accept.

As His Word says that if you submit to HIM they will flee, that is, Satan, his forces and his children, but within reasonable spiritual reasons.

Don't ever be unaware of the “earthly and heavenly things†of the natural and supernatural realms.

I pray that those who dabbled with the Ouija board or any forum of the occult in their past have taken back the ground from enemy through the prayer of confession, and repentance.

Today, the Body of Christ is being cheated by empty deceit through the philosophy of false teachers who teach the basic principles of the world, and not according to our Lord Jesus Christ (see Col. 2:6-15).

A Biblical understanding of Spiritual Warfare begins at the end and not at the beginning. The reason for that is that it is important for us to keep our focus on our Lord Jesus Christ and not on the power of the enemy.

Demonic spirits have absolutely no power, unless they can find an open door into the “house‚¬Â (See Matt. 12:43-45), the “soulâ€Â, through the “mindâ€Â. We cannot allow sin, temptation, wrong attitudes, and past hurts go unconfessed, unchallenged, and unchanged, because if we do, then we will leave a gap in our Armour through which the enemy will attack.

Never try to fight the enemy with fleshly weapons, regardless how good you sound, or look, or loud you roar, because it’s no match for spiritual enemies.

well said

 

[Alabaster]

Excellent, Malachi45!!

 

[Malachi45]

Thanks you Alabaster and Staryfar for your encouragement.

The coal-face is really dirty.

I received an email from a friend and he said that he asked a newsagent what is his best selling magazine and book, and the newsagent said the books on witchcraft and the occult. And he also asked him what sort of person buys them, and he said girls and women between the age of 12 and 25. Interesting.