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Christians casting out demons from Christians


Miss Elly

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This article says it for me:

Can a Christian have a demon?

When I first became involved in exorcisms, I assumed that a Christian was immune from the torment of demons. I based that assumption on the influence of other Christian leaders who convinced me of this. I had perfected the logic explaining my position: "The Holy Spirit and an evil spirit can't dwell in the same vessel." "Light and darkness cannot co-exist." "Those who cast demons out of Christians are making excuses for sin problems." I had given messages to large audiences, boldly declaring that the very idea of a Christian having a demon was heresy. I insisted that Christians claiming to have demons were making excuses for problems of carnality or personal lack of discipline; they were avoiding the tough part of growing in grace and maturing in a deeper understanding of Scripture.

When I began searching the Word of God more diligently about the matter of demons influencing Christians, I discovered that the issue wasn't as conclusive as I had thought. Gradually I understood that my error was based on a narrow understanding of demonic phenomena, and a predetermined reading of Scripture. In my honest moments of contemplation, I realized that those pastors and Bible teachers who had repeatedly reinforced the "Christians can't have a demon" outlook had very little practical experience with the phenomenon. I concluded that, while doctrine is not based on experience, the lack of experiential testimony about such a crucial area of spiritual deliverance was a glaring weakness.

As I began to discuss the subject with others, I learned that theological sentiments are often based on extreme examples. Almost everyone opposed to the idea of Christians having a demon could relate one or more horrific stories about exorcism sessions in which Christians were encouraged to think of their spiritual failures as having a demonic root. They were then told to vomit up demons of everything from morning sickness to nasal congestion-seriously! I had witnessed some of these deliverance sessions. Highly manipulative evangelists preyed on distraught and gullible people who were looking for a quick solution to their spiritual and physical misery. I have since learned the simple truth that when you belong to God, what Satan cannot invade is your spirit. The moment a person is born into the kingdom of God by faith in Christ (Eph. 2:8-9), the spirit is eternally reborn and belongs to God. Jesus declared in John 10:28 that no one has the power to "snatch" us out of God's hand. However, man is a tripartite being (1 Thessalonians 5:23), and there are aspects of the human condition that Satan can afflict. While he is prohibited from touching the spirit of God's saints, nothing prevents him from tormenting the body and soul-if the disobedient conduct of a Christian allows him to do so.

Much confusion about this issue exists because of the use of the word possession. The term doesn't appear in the original Greek language of the New Testament. Bible scholars say those who translated the King James edition added this word in order to classify varying degrees of demonic control. More correctly, the word translated "possession" should simply be rendered "demonized," that is, under the influence of a demon. Attempting to be verbally precise about such a supernatural phenomenon is pointless. You can't take something enshrouded in a mystical context and reduce it to a paradigm of human language. That's why we must cautiously use terms associated with demons.

By possession I mean that the spirit is internalized and claims certain legal rights to invade the person's body. Demonic "possession" never means a Christian's regenerated spirit has been invaded or that the demon owns the human being. It means that his or her soul or body is influenced by a demon. The demon can manifest through the host's faculties-that is, see with the eyes, speak through the vocal cords, and even subject the person to a trance state of mental oblivion. Deliverance comes when the demon inside is cast outside.

What about those instances in which a demon manifests in a Christian? In most cases the demon entered before the believer's conversion to Christianity, and the evil spirit continued to control some part of the person's life because the specific occult sin was never renounced. The demon claims squatter's rights.

The metaphor of what happens when territory is conquered in a war applies here. Even though the conflict may be officially ended, enemy snipers refuse to surrender, so they must be hunted down. Their right to remain may be technically voided since the territory is under new control, but that doesn't mean they leave automatically or give up easily. An offense must be mounted to enforce the terms of victory. The exorcist must diligently pursue every avenue of deliverance to be certain that every demonic influence has been conquered.

CAN DEMONS PHYSICALLY AFFLICT A CHRISTIAN?

To answer the question of whether a Christian can be physically afflicted, we must first explore the means by which demons influence Christians. Do Christians sin? Of course! First John 1:8-9 says we do. We cannot continue to abide in sin because of the indwelling nature of Christ. Note, however, that in Ephesians 4:23 Christians are admonished to "be renewed in the spirit of your mind." If the mind of the Christian needs renewal, then it stands to reason that when our minds are not renewed, they may be, to some degree, under the control of the ungodly forces.

"Present your bodies a living sacrifice," we read in Romans 12:1. This means our bodies may not be completely sacrificed to God, and could therefore be influenced by Satan. The lack of spirituality in the life of a Christian doesn't necessarily mean he or she is possessed. But it does mean that some part of the Christian's nature is open to evil forces.

In Luke 13:16, Christ cast a demon out of a 'daughter of Abraham'. It's true she wasn't living under the covenant of grace this side of the cross, but as an Old Testament devotee to God, she was spiritually protected by the best that God could offer that side of Calvary. Yet a spirit of physical infirmity demonized her. In fact, the first demon that Jesus cast out came from an apparently devout Jew in the synagogue on the Sabbath. Christ's first exorcism was in a church! The man in Luke 4:33-35 was certainly "possessed" because the demon spoke through his body. Christ told the unclean spirit to "come out of him" (Verse 35).

CAN SATAN CONTROL A CHRISTIAN'S THOUGHTS AND WORDS?

Let me explain how Satan can also control the thoughts and speech of a Christian. In Matthew, chapter 16, Jesus had just concluded His explanation to His disciples on the true nature of His earthly mission-that He must suffer and die (verse 21). Peter immediately spoke up in an effort to dissuade Christ from going to the cross: "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" (verse 22). The response of Christ was abrupt and stern. "Get behind Me, Satan!" Jesus said to Peter (verse 23). I'm not suggesting that Peter was demon possessed. I am proposing that Peter, while standing in the presence of Christ, was sufficiently influenced that he literally spoke the words Satan wanted him to say. Even more astounding is the fact that earlier in verse 16 of that chapter, Peter had given the confessional statement of faith on which Christ said He would build His church!

In Acts chapter 5, Ananias and Sapphira, members of the early church, lied to the apostle Peter. They had sold some possessions to give to the church, and then had second thoughts and conspired to keep back a portion for themselves. When Peter asked them what amount they had received for the sale, Ananias and Sapphira lied. What was the source of that lie? The apostle Peter said, "Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit" (verse 3). In judgment, God struck them dead. If we accept the assumption that Ananias and Sapphira experienced the new birth in Christ, then how can we explain away the fact that their hearts were filled by Satan to such an extent that they were capable of committing a sin worthy of such abrupt and severe divine judgment?

Satan can, in some instances, take over a Christian's mind and speak through his lips. Demons are in certain instances able to place Christians in a trance state so that the unclean spirit controls psychomotor functions and conscious mental processes. I have dealt with scores of cases with people who were undeniably followers of Christ and yet demons spoke through them and even violently attacked me. It is disingenuous to suggest that they somehow lost their salvation long enough to let a demon in and then thereafter resumed their Christian walk. If Satan can control our speech when we are disobedient and fill our hearts with evil when we are rebellious, he may be able to do a lot more to Christians than we would like to admit. What scriptural lessons can we learn from this startling information?

A Christian can be born again and have spiritual victory over the original Adamic sin that eternally separates mankind from God and still have besetting sins (Hebrews 12:1). Uncontrolled thoughts, resentment, anger, and bitterness are some examples. Salvation must not be confused with sanctification. The Holy Spirit's continuing work of grace is a progressive act of God's desire to draw us closer to Him. Those who, yet saved, resist this scriptural plea (1 Thessalonians 4:3) may find they have harbored demonic pockets of activity from their pre-conversion lives. This message needs a greater emphasis in our churches so that we may set free any of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering the "hangover" of Satan's influence from their former lives of sin.

As kindly as I can say it, those who underestimate what Christians can suffer at the hand of Satan are doing a disservice to the body of Christ. They are consigning sincere Christians to a life of continued demonic influence and causing needless suffering in the lives of those whom the Lord wants to set free. Let no one misunderstand me. A Christian cannot be demonized if by "possession" you mean "ownership." The child of God is owned by the Lord. But I will testify that a Christian can be severely influenced by demons and even be inhabited by them. I will also do all that I can in Jesus' name to see that those who are "heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17) will experience the hope of freedom from demonic bondage.

My thanks to: http://pullingdownst..._have_demon.htm

Axe, I think this is the best explanation of the subject I've seen. It also fits into my own personal experience.

Thank you---your response is most refreshing! :emot-hug:

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I tried to , but it was overlooked.

Matthew 12:44 states "Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order" If the Holy Spirit resides in the person, the "house" is no longer empty. Do you believe that the Holy Spirit will allow evil spirits to reside in His dwelling?

How many rooms are in that house?

Think. If a believer vacates his imagination (given over to say, pornography) will the Spirit and Light of the Lord force there to be light in the room of imagination?

No. He will step out of that room and not return as long as unconfessed sin is present.

"Neither give place (Greek - Topos = room) to the devil" Eph. 4:27

If it isn't possible to give room to devils by sin...then why are we given such a warning to begin with?

You really need to think this over better.

Scripture tells us our body is our earthly tent, so that answer is one.

Three: the outer court, the holy place, and the holy of holies. God's light NEVER goes out in the holy of holies (heart of the believer by analogy).

I will agree that we are a triune creation, tent is not about the three, but the one. I would like to see scripture that tells us that a Christian can be possessed by an evil spirit, and one that explains our tent being the mind, body and spirit.

I would recommend that you go back and read every passage of scripture I have listed on the last two pages and think hard about what they tell us.

I can guarantee you that I am not new to this debate. I can also guarantee you that you will never find in scripture where a Christian becomes possessed by a demon after accepting salvation and being sealed by the Holy Spirit. Anyone can take scripture out of context and create a false doctrine.

Being oppressed is different then being possessed.

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I tried to , but it was overlooked.

Matthew 12:44 states "Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order" If the Holy Spirit resides in the person, the "house" is no longer empty. Do you believe that the Holy Spirit will allow evil spirits to reside in His dwelling?

How many rooms are in that house?

Think. If a believer vacates his imagination (given over to say, pornography) will the Spirit and Light of the Lord force there to be light in the room of imagination?

No. He will step out of that room and not return as long as unconfessed sin is present.

"Neither give place (Greek - Topos = room) to the devil" Eph. 4:27

If it isn't possible to give room to devils by sin...then why are we given such a warning to begin with?

You really need to think this over better.

Scripture tells us our body is our earthly tent, so that answer is one.

Three: the outer court, the holy place, and the holy of holies. God's light NEVER goes out in the holy of holies (heart of the believer by analogy).

I will agree that we are a triune creation, tent is not about the three, but the one. I would like to see scripture that tells us that a Christian can be possessed by an evil spirit, and one that explains our tent being the mind, body and spirit.

I would recommend that you go back and read every passage of scripture I have listed on the last two pages and think hard about what they tell us.

I can guarantee you that I am not new to this debate. I can also guarantee you that you will never find in scripture where a Christian becomes possessed by a demon after accepting salvation and being sealed by the Holy Spirit. Anyone can take scripture out of context and create a false doctrine.

Being oppressed is different then being possessed.

Doesn't matter...both involve devils INSIDE the person who sins.

Oh, I showed you but you rejected it. I also showed you clearly that Peter had Satan in his mind and that Annanias and Sephira were invaded by Satan yet you let your

prejudices get in the way of grasping what the text told you plainly.

I will make no further effort in trying to persuade you..............but, I will continue to help Christians who have allowed devils inside of their hearts and/or mind by sin.

They were not "invaded", they accepted his guidance. They chose to follow his suggestions. Oppression and Possession are not the same thing. You will do well for those you choose to help by understanding the difference and not plant to idea that God cannot keep His won by a Christina being possessed by a demon. Fear is not of the Lord and by convincing any Christian that they can be possessed is flogging them with fear. You are, even if innocently doing so, accepting a twisted version of scripture.

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Fear is not of the Lord

The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Spend your time here in Fear and trembling. Fear him who can kill the body and soul in hell. Fear him who can send an evil Spirit to trouble you, as he did Saul, when you are a disobedient believer.

Being sealed by the Holy Spirit only speaks of ownership of the purchased thing that has yet to be redeemed. An obedient Christian has no reason to fear devils as he is regularly practicing being one with the Holy Spirit. To say that light and darkness cannot dwell together is false as even Satan has presented himself before the throne of God with the other angels and God once sought through those in his very presence for one who would be a lying tongue in the mouth of a prophet.

Demonic influence isn't always easily detectable. A disobedient Christian may not realize when an evil spirit has come into him as a lying tongue or poor counsel to direct him into chastening. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, departing from evil is understanding.

In Jesus Name,

Gary

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Fear is not of the Lord

The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Spend your time here in Fear and trembling. Fear him who can kill the body and soul in hell. Fear him who can send an evil Spirit to trouble you, as he did Saul, when you are a disobedient believer.

Being sealed by the Holy Spirit only speaks of ownership of the purchased thing that has yet to be redeemed. An obedient Christian has no reason to fear devils as he is regularly practicing being one with the Holy Spirit. To say that light and darkness cannot dwell together is false as even Satan has presented himself before the throne of God with the other angels and God once sought through those in his very presence for one who would be a lying tongue in the mouth of a prophet.

Demonic influence isn't always easily detectable. A disobedient Christian may not realize when an evil spirit has come into him as a lying tongue or poor counsel to direct him into chastening. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, departing from evil is understanding.

In Jesus Name,

Gary

The fear mentioned toward the Lord is that of reverence, not of dismay. Fear has many meanings, depending on how it is used. To fear God is to know He is all powerful, yet this type of fear does not have me cowering away from Him, but draws me to Him in reverence. The fear that is brought upon a Christian thinking they have been possessed by evil spirits is not the same fear toward God.

When a Christian lies, are they possessed by a demon? Absolutely not! When a Christian looks at a person and finds lustful thoughts, are they possessed by a demon? Again, absolutely not! A demon, or evil spirit may oppress a Christian, but they can never possess them.

I would be more then willing to change my mind on this if anyone can provide scripture that states that someone who accepted Christ became possessed by an evil spirit or demon. So people don't waste their time, by following the leading of sin does not prove that they are demon possessed.

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Wrong, friend. It is clear that Satan filled the heart of Annanias and his wife because of their sin and the text tells us so plainly.

Satan did not take up residence in their heart. They listened to and accepted the guidance to lust after their money to the point of lying to the Holy Spirit. It is written this was to show a point, not to be taken literal, just like the parables Christ taught from. This is where discernment comes into play, rightly dividing the word.

But for others who might be reading, let me put the bottom line on this:

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;"

So where, pray tell, are these 'strong holds' that we are to pull down? Three guesses...

"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;"

II Corinthians 10:4-5

Answer; in the mind. The true battle over the believer in Christ is in the heart and mind of the believer...not on his shoulder or at any given distance outside of the body. 'Casting down' the evils in the imagination is = casting out devils ....down to hell. It couldn't be clearer.

I have many times cast devils out of backslidden Christians who gave in to the temptations of pornography or lewd entertainment. It was the imagintion that was polluted just as Paul told us can happen in II Corinth. 10. The devils can and do build strongholds in the minds of any believer in Jesus Christ who surrenders their thought life to sin. They longer they are involved in such thing the greater the stronghold.

Fear is not of the Lord and by convincing any Christian that they can be possessed is flogging them with fear. You are, even if innocently doing so, accepting a twisted version of scripture.

You are the only one with fear right now. Why would you even suggest such a thing if that hadn't entered your mind?

If anyone else has questions about this I would be happy to answer your questions.

Best wishes.

I have no fear of being possessed at all. You say this to belittle the argument I have presented against Christians being demon possessed.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

According to you, every evil thought, be it active or passive, must be a demon. This is sad to hear, coming from someone who claims Christ. How many demons do you have in your mind daily? How can you ever think with all that chatter going on?

It is absurd to think someone who has the Holy Spirit in them can also have a demon living in them. Do you really believe that the Holy Spirit would just move on over and let them take up residence beside Him? You give satan tooooo much power, not to say his demon followers.

'Casting down' the evils in the imagination is = casting out devils ....down to hell. It couldn't be clearer.

Casting down means taking them from a high places, a place of authority. It does not mean casting out. You are adding onto scripture your own personal meaning. Read the Greek is you doubt me.

2 Corinthians 10:5 "reasonings pulling-down and every height being-elevated against the knowledge of-the God and leading-into-captivity every apprehension into the obedience of-the Christ."

2 Corinthians 10:1-6

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Spiritual War

Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Ephesians 6:10-20 (NKJV)

The Whole Armor of God

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Nowhere in these verses do we find that we are battling against any evil spirit that is within us. That would be one lousy set of armor if they could penetrate it and possess us.

I would highly suggest that those who claim to be backslidden to a point where they became possessed by demon(s) were never truly saved in the first place. I do believe that a Christian can be oppressed without being possessed.

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Fear is not of the Lord

The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Spend your time here in Fear and trembling. Fear him who can kill the body and soul in hell. Fear him who can send an evil Spirit to trouble you, as he did Saul, when you are a disobedient believer.

Being sealed by the Holy Spirit only speaks of ownership of the purchased thing that has yet to be redeemed. An obedient Christian has no reason to fear devils as he is regularly practicing being one with the Holy Spirit. To say that light and darkness cannot dwell together is false as even Satan has presented himself before the throne of God with the other angels and God once sought through those in his very presence for one who would be a lying tongue in the mouth of a prophet.

Demonic influence isn't always easily detectable. A disobedient Christian may not realize when an evil spirit has come into him as a lying tongue or poor counsel to direct him into chastening. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, departing from evil is understanding.

In Jesus Name,

Gary

The fear mentioned toward the Lord is that of reverence, not of dismay. Fear has many meanings, depending on how it is used. To fear God is to know He is all powerful, yet this type of fear does not have me cowering away from Him, but draws me to Him in reverence. The fear that is brought upon a Christian thinking they have been possessed by evil spirits is not the same fear toward God.

When a Christian lies, are they possessed by a demon? Absolutely not! When a Christian looks at a person and finds lustful thoughts, are they possessed by a demon? Again, absolutely not! A demon, or evil spirit may oppress a Christian, but they can never possess them.

I would be more then willing to change my mind on this if anyone can provide scripture that states that someone who accepted Christ became possessed by an evil spirit or demon. So people don't waste their time, by following the leading of sin does not prove that they are demon possessed.

OK, help me to understand this. You see:

Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and understanding is departing from evil

And it is all about reverent fear to you? The scripture states that this fear of God causes one to depart from evil. Why would they depart from evil? Because they are 'drawn to him in reverence'? NO. They are terrified of the judgment they know is imminent if they continue being evil. But not for those who believe that Jesus died for them and what they do (evil) has no effect upon the upcoming judgment. To them it is a 'drawing to him in reverence'. They do evil and fear not. They are deluded to believe that their works don't matter.

Fear him who can kill both body and soul in Hell. Depart from evil and do good.

Maybe it would be good for you, Alan, if God would send a couple of evil spirits to give you a workout so that you might understand what it means to fear God? I have had it happen to me. It isn't nice.

Gary

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Furthermore, I made it clear that demonic invasion of believers is not possession. The devils who manage to enter the lives of believers are squatters...they do not own the believer; Christ does. But just as His temple in the old testament was at times invaded by evil enemies, so can the 'temple' (body, mind, heart) of any believer who sins against God without confession and repentance of sin. Paul made it clear that strongholds he was speaking of were/are in the imagination need to be brought down.

This is the truth. It has been my personal experience and the experience of many I know.

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Fear is not of the Lord

The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Spend your time here in Fear and trembling. Fear him who can kill the body and soul in hell. Fear him who can send an evil Spirit to trouble you, as he did Saul, when you are a disobedient believer.

Being sealed by the Holy Spirit only speaks of ownership of the purchased thing that has yet to be redeemed. An obedient Christian has no reason to fear devils as he is regularly practicing being one with the Holy Spirit. To say that light and darkness cannot dwell together is false as even Satan has presented himself before the throne of God with the other angels and God once sought through those in his very presence for one who would be a lying tongue in the mouth of a prophet.

Demonic influence isn't always easily detectable. A disobedient Christian may not realize when an evil spirit has come into him as a lying tongue or poor counsel to direct him into chastening. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, departing from evil is understanding.

In Jesus Name,

Gary

The fear mentioned toward the Lord is that of reverence, not of dismay. Fear has many meanings, depending on how it is used. To fear God is to know He is all powerful, yet this type of fear does not have me cowering away from Him, but draws me to Him in reverence. The fear that is brought upon a Christian thinking they have been possessed by evil spirits is not the same fear toward God.

When a Christian lies, are they possessed by a demon? Absolutely not! When a Christian looks at a person and finds lustful thoughts, are they possessed by a demon? Again, absolutely not! A demon, or evil spirit may oppress a Christian, but they can never possess them.

I would be more then willing to change my mind on this if anyone can provide scripture that states that someone who accepted Christ became possessed by an evil spirit or demon. So people don't waste their time, by following the leading of sin does not prove that they are demon possessed.

OK, help me to understand this. You see:

Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and understanding is departing from evil

And it is all about reverent fear to you? The scripture states that this fear of God causes one to depart from evil. Why would they depart from evil? Because they are 'drawn to him in reverence'? NO. They are terrified of the judgment they know is imminent if they continue being evil. But not for those who believe that Jesus died for them and what they do (evil) has no effect upon the upcoming judgment. To them it is a 'drawing to him in reverence'. They do evil and fear not. They are deluded to believe that their works don't matter.

Fear him who can kill both body and soul in Hell. Depart from evil and do good.

Maybe it would be good for you, Alan, if God would send a couple of evil spirits to give you a workout so that you might understand what it means to fear God? I have had it happen to me. It isn't nice.

Gary

It seems it is a waste of time to carry it further with one light. I have given scripture after scripture, even nailing the matter down with II Corinth. 10:4-5 which proves that the battle is within and not without. How hard is it to grasp that the land of Canaan had STRONGHOLDS that were manned with evil enemies...and that those STRONHOLDS were to be brought down by God's command; so by analogy Christians who have surrendered parts of their heart and/or mind have STRONGHOLDS that are manned by the enemy (devils) and those STRONGHOLDS must be cast down and the enemy eliminated.(?)

Furthermore, I made it clear that demonic invasion of believers is not possession. The devils who manage to enter the lives of believers are squatters...they do not own the believer; Christ does. But just as His temple in the old testament was at times invaded by evil enemies, so can the 'temple' (body, mind, heart) of any believer who sins against God without confession and repentance of sin. Paul made it clear that strongholds he was speaking of were/are in the imagination need to be brought down.

But one cannot persuade someone who doesn't have the will to believe what God's Word plainly says.

Amen

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Fear is not of the Lord

The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Spend your time here in Fear and trembling. Fear him who can kill the body and soul in hell. Fear him who can send an evil Spirit to trouble you, as he did Saul, when you are a disobedient believer.

Being sealed by the Holy Spirit only speaks of ownership of the purchased thing that has yet to be redeemed. An obedient Christian has no reason to fear devils as he is regularly practicing being one with the Holy Spirit. To say that light and darkness cannot dwell together is false as even Satan has presented himself before the throne of God with the other angels and God once sought through those in his very presence for one who would be a lying tongue in the mouth of a prophet.

Demonic influence isn't always easily detectable. A disobedient Christian may not realize when an evil spirit has come into him as a lying tongue or poor counsel to direct him into chastening. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, departing from evil is understanding.

In Jesus Name,

Gary

The fear mentioned toward the Lord is that of reverence, not of dismay. Fear has many meanings, depending on how it is used. To fear God is to know He is all powerful, yet this type of fear does not have me cowering away from Him, but draws me to Him in reverence. The fear that is brought upon a Christian thinking they have been possessed by evil spirits is not the same fear toward God.

When a Christian lies, are they possessed by a demon? Absolutely not! When a Christian looks at a person and finds lustful thoughts, are they possessed by a demon? Again, absolutely not! A demon, or evil spirit may oppress a Christian, but they can never possess them.

I would be more then willing to change my mind on this if anyone can provide scripture that states that someone who accepted Christ became possessed by an evil spirit or demon. So people don't waste their time, by following the leading of sin does not prove that they are demon possessed.

OK, help me to understand this. You see:

Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and understanding is departing from evil

And it is all about reverent fear to you? The scripture states that this fear of God causes one to depart from evil. Why would they depart from evil? Because they are 'drawn to him in reverence'? NO. They are terrified of the judgment they know is imminent if they continue being evil. But not for those who believe that Jesus died for them and what they do (evil) has no effect upon the upcoming judgment. To them it is a 'drawing to him in reverence'. They do evil and fear not. They are deluded to believe that their works don't matter.

Fear him who can kill both body and soul in Hell. Depart from evil and do good.

Maybe it would be good for you, Alan, if God would send a couple of evil spirits to give you a workout so that you might understand what it means to fear God? I have had it happen to me. It isn't nice.

Gary

How many different definitions does the word fear have? Fear is not always shaking in your boots. Fear is also respect and reverence. I did not turn to God because I feared God, I came to Him because He loved me. What kind of a relationship is based on fear? Compare that to what kind of a relationship is based on love.

Gary, you have no idea of my past and what I have come through. Please never wish on anyone that God sends them an evil spirit. That is the most unloving thing anyone has said to me in years.

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