Haunted house

[Neighbor]

4 hours ago, missmuffet said:

Christians should avoid all contact with the paranormal. 

Hi, Here is a sample of what is confronted by some Christians, all so that any may be found mature in Christ Jesus. http://www.soshope.org/benin-update-nayon-comes-to-christ/ 

May God bless, and may many be turned about to Christ Jesus.

[Tigger56]

On 1/1/2020 at 2:22 PM, Melinda12 said:

What is the best advice to give to a friend whose house appears to be haunted. 

Unexplained sounds upstairs, a ghostly entity seen. Often centred on one very troubled member of the family who is often suicidal and is an addict. The noises are often heard when he is not in his bedroom or even at home. 

So far i have suggested prayers of protection in the name of Jesus Christ. Referral to our vicar of course. I presume the Church of England has some remedy for such situations? 

I have provided a small cross for the troubled addict to put in his room along with a bible. 

Have i done right and what other steps can the family take? There is definitely something unwholesome being sensed in their home. 

 

 

Demons do exist and they are of the darkness, however light is more powerful than darkness. Prayer and fasting was mentioned by one respondent and that is always good advise and is biblical. Praising is also something that drives darkness away, also placing items of light in a home such as the Bible etc... helps. Another principle is found in Job. Pray for a Hedge of protection to be placed around the home. We are indeed in a spiritual warfare but we do have powerful tools to combat darkness with. 

[Guest]

That is what i think. 

[missmuffet]

7 hours ago, Neighbor said:

Hi, Here is a sample of what is confronted by some Christians, all so that any may be found mature in Christ Jesus. http://www.soshope.org/benin-update-nayon-comes-to-christ/ 

May God bless, and may many be turned about to Christ Jesus.

If a born again Christian wears their full armor of God daily Ephesians 6:13-17 and prays daily for God's protection they should not be focused on demons and paranormal activity and haunted houses. That does not mean that they will never be harrassed by Satan or his demons. God is bigger than Satan and He also has an army of angels to protect us. There is spiritual warfare going on all around us that we can not see. I am not afraid because God is with me. 

[missmuffet]

7 hours ago, Justin Adams said:

That is exactly what the principalities and powers want. They have done a good job of getting believers to strip the supernatural out of their scriptures and beliefs. Thus they have a free and open field and are unopposed.

Question: "How much emphasis should be given to demonic deliverance in the Christian life?"

Answer: There are two extremes in people’s thinking about demons. One says that what we call demons are nothing more than negative thoughts and behaviors that any human being is capable of. Those who hold this view believe that “deliverance” from a “demon” is brought about by the application of self-control; this view is usually accompanied by the discounting of anything supernatural. The other extreme says that any bad happening whatsoever is the work of demons. Those who hold this view often “rebuke” everything from the common cold to a drop in the stock market. The correct emphasis on demonic deliverance lies somewhere between these two extremes.

Scripture is clear that demons are real and that they interfere in human affairs (Matthew 12:43; Mark 1:26; Acts 8:7). Demons were very much at work in Bible times, and there is no reason to assume that demons are inactive now (1 Peter 5:8). However, among those who do believe demons are at work today, there are a variety of perspectives. Some tend to over-emphasize the work of Satan, giving him more attention than he deserves. Our focus should be on the glory of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), since "the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). Satan and God are not “equal” or “balanced” opposites, in a yin-yang way. Satan is a created, finite being who possesses only the power God allows him to have (Job 1:9-10).

Jesus cast out many demons during His earthly ministry, and the early church continued to address spiritual warfare after Jesus had ascended back to heaven (Acts 5:3; 8:7; Ephesians 6:11-13; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5). There is no evidence to suggest that Satan and his fallen angels have ceased to torment human beings. However, James 1:13-15 makes it clear that much of our struggle against sin is due to our own fleshly desires, not a direct attack from Satan.

The Greek word daimonizomai, often translated "demon-possessed" in the Gospels, simply means "demonized." The word refers to more than just possession. Anyone under the influence of a demon could be considered "demonized." Even a Christian can be "demonized" or suffer demonic oppression if he allows his thoughts, actions, or attitudes to be influenced by demons. Even Peter, one of the Lord's closest friends, allowed himself to be a mouthpiece for Satan when he tried to talk Jesus out of going to the cross (Matthew 16:21-23). Although a Christian has been purchased by the blood of Jesus (John 10:28-29; Romans 5:9), Satan can still wreak a great deal of havoc if allowed. He cannot steal the soul of a Christian or possess him, but he can render him fruitless and rob his life of joy and victory.

Ephesians 6:10-17 instructs us in combating the forces of darkness. We are told to continually put on the "full armor of God" and "stand firm." Although Satan and his forces are constantly at work to "steal, kill, and destroy" (John 10:10), God's armor allows His children to be victorious against the attacks. Often, in situations when demonic oppression in a believer's life is overwhelming, it is due to that believer's sinful choices (2 Corinthians 2:11). We are told to resist the devil (James 4:7), be careful of him (1 Peter 5:8), and not give him room in our lives (Ephesians 4:27).

The most scriptural way of defeating demonic influence in a Christian's life is to follow Jesus’ example when He was tempted by Satan. Luke 4:1-12 recounts the conversation between Jesus and Satan. Although Jesus is God in the flesh, He did not rely on His own wit or authority to rebuke His enemy. Every time Satan came against Him, He replied, "It is written..." The best defense against demonic attack is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

Christians are in a spiritual battle, and we need to be aware of the spiritual realities around us. But our focus should not be on the demons; our eyes are to be fixed “on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). That’s where the victory is.

https://www.gotquestions.org/demonic-deliverance.html

Edited January 3, 2020 by missmuffet

[Guest]

9 hours ago, Tzephanyahu said:

Shalom Melinda,

Tricky one.

A small cross and a Bible is not likely to do much.  The symbol of the cross only is seen to have power by religious types, catholic exorcists and in movies.  The Bible in itself is not likely to be a deterrent for an evil spirit as they often know the book more than some Christians.

Is the family Christian?  If not, it makes things trickier. But what you can suggest to them either way are the following things...

• To remove any idols (such a statues, icons, sculptures or art)
• To remove any occult imagery or trinkets (such as pentagrams, hexagrams, dreamcatchers, incense burners, Masonic jewellery)
• To remove any tribute or shrine to a dead loved one.

Then, if the man (or leader of the house) prays in each room of the house to clear it. Such as saying "In the name and by the authority of the Lord Yahushua (Jesus), the son of Almighty Yahweh,  I command any evil or lost spirit to leave this house as once".  Now, even if they are not Christian, it shouldn't matter as it's the name and authority of the Messiah which the spirit will obey - not the fact of who they are  or how good they are.   Any spirit that refuses to listen to a command in His name, will be in a great deal of trouble on Judgement Day, so it's likely they will flee.

Hopefully something in the above helps.

Love & Shalom

 

Thanks, all your info is very helpful. 

Only the mother in the house, my friend, is christian. The son is in a great deal of trouble. I am reaching out as is possible but i am limited. I thought giving her a spare rather beautiful cross i had plus a bible to put in her son's room is at least a start. We are both trying to bring him to Jesus Christ but so far he resists. He is addicted to a lot so listens to other voices not God. So his mum and i are daily praying for him and for protection from anything bad around him. 

[Tzephanyahu]

17 minutes ago, Melinda12 said:

He is addicted to a lot so listens to other voices not God. So his mum and i are daily praying for him and for protection from anything bad around him. 

Ah, the son sounds like the gateway then. You do well in praying for him. 

If you get the chance to pray with him one to one, even better - but I appreciate that might not be possible.  Maybe pray for that opportunity.  If that opportunity arises, don't go with preconceived ideas of what to pray. Go clear-minded and don't be afraid to say what comes into mind. 

Tricky one though. As if the son wants this influence (or whatever is allowing that influence) its not going to be over quickly. 

Have you seen the Christian series 'the Chosen'? It's free to watch online and whilst it's a drama about the apostles and the Messiah, it's not heretical and serves as an excellent modern series for Non-believers to watch without feeling preached to.  I highly recommend you watch it yourself and, if you like it, refer it on to him. Www.thechosen.tv. 

May Yahweh give you Wisdom and insight. 

Love & Shalom 

[Justin Adams]

Do not focus on them. Just flush them away with the Spirit as your bleach, and move on. No biggie.

[miaandme]

Although I don't believe in Haunted houses I do believe demons do exist. I think the only ways around it is prayer, fasting, the Word and praises all things the demons don't want to hear too. Like get away from me I belong to Jesus have your friend say these words over and over and over again.

[Guest]

12 hours ago, Tzephanyahu said:

Ah, the son sounds like the gateway then. You do well in praying for him. 

If you get the chance to pray with him one to one, even better - but I appreciate that might not be possible.  Maybe pray for that opportunity.  If that opportunity arises, don't go with preconceived ideas of what to pray. Go clear-minded and don't be afraid to say what comes into mind. 

Tricky one though. As if the son wants this influence (or whatever is allowing that influence) its not going to be over quickly. 

Have you seen the Christian series 'the Chosen'? It's free to watch online and whilst it's a drama about the apostles and the Messiah, it's not heretical and serves as an excellent modern series for Non-believers to watch without feeling preached to.  I highly recommend you watch it yourself and, if you like it, refer it on to him. Www.thechosen.tv. 

May Yahweh give you Wisdom and insight. 

Love & Shalom 

Thankyou. That is very helpful indeed.