Beware of Demons - Ron & Nathele Graham -twotug@embarqmail.com
Demons are not myths or fairytales. They aren't something we like to think about, but they are real and we need to beware of them. Jesus knew the reality of demons and cast many out of people who were possessed. Jesus is the ultimate authority, so since He says demons are real, then they are real. Jesus is our example and is to be believed over human ideas. He taught those who followed Him to spread the Gospel, heal the sick, and also to cast out demons. There were twelve disciples who were very close to Jesus, but in addition to those twelve there were many others who followed Him. Jesus sent seventy of these men out to put what they had been taught into practice. "And the seventy returned again with joy, saying Lord even the devils are subject unto us through thy name." Luke10:17. Jesus didn't tell them there were no such things a devils demons or evil spirits, but told them He gave them power over the enemy. These men did many miracles in the name of Jesus, but they were especially excited about the demons being subject to the name of Jesus. The name of Jesus is powerful. "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:10-11. Christians have authority in the name of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Many Christians deny His power because they think the enemy is not at work today, or that the Holy Spirit stopped His work after the Apostles died. That's what the enemy would like you to believe. That's like being in a war (which we are) and believing the enemy when he says that guns don't need bullets to be effective. Study God's word so you won't be deceived.
Scripture contains many examples of demons, variously called evil spirits or devils, being cast out. When Jesus saw that some of His disciples were having a discussion with a group of people, He went to talk with them. A man had brought his demon possessed son to them, but the disciples could not cast the demon out. The man told Jesus that his son had been possessed since childhood. As this young man was foaming at the mouth and wallowing on the ground, the father asked Jesus to help. Jesus told him that all things are possible to those who believe." And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." Mark 9:24. Jesus told the demon to come out and to stay out; the demon had to obey. Later the disciples asked why they were unable to cast the demon out. "And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting." Mark 9:29. This insight tells us that not only are demons real, but there are different kinds of demons.
Demons are pure evil and casting them out is not to be taken lightly. The Apostle Paul was a man who was given many spiritual gifts, including the ability to cast out demons. Paul's life was devoted to serving Christ. "Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth." Acts 19:13. These men didn't know Jesus and therefore had no authority to use His name. Demons know who has authority in Christ's name and who doesn't. "And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded." Acts 19:15-16. Don't doubt the power of Jesus name, but don't use it unless you truly know Him and are spiritually ready for battle.
What are demons? There are many opinions about their origin, but the bottom line is that they are disembodied spirits seeking embodiment, so what do you suppose their most sought after and treasured possession is? You guessed it, living bodies. The bodies that they prefer are those where they find no obstructions, bodies that voice no objections to these entities moving right into their new habitat. Christians have the protection of the Holy Spirit, but non-believers are unprotected. It's not difficult to attract demons; people do it all the time. The difficult part is evicting them once they've taken up residence in a human body. Jesus said "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first." Luke 11:24-26. Casting out demons is a serious matter. Once the demon is gone the space once occupied by the demon needs to be filled with the Holy Spirit. If the space is left empty the demon will return and bring others with him. The only way to be filled with the Holy Spirit is to accept Christ for salvation.
Demons are present everywhere and poised to pounce like a lion hidden and waiting for its prey. God's word is specific about how to be protected against demons. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." James 4:7-8. God is the only protection against demons. Even a Christian can be oppressed by demons if you embrace sin instead of submitting to God. Some of the ways to open yourself to demons are using drugs, participating in any kind of witchcraft, horoscopes, tarot cards, Oujia boards, meditation, contemplative prayer, embracing any sin, yoking yourself with those who are not of God, and the list goes on. Anything that encourages you to "empty your mind" is satanic. Many "Christian" groups embrace these practices and therefore invite demonic forces to enter the congregation. Yes, Satan is bold enough to enter a Christian gathering. There is no such thing as Christian yoga and none of these Eastern mystic activities have any place in a Christian's life.
Necromancy is another way to invite demons in. It is defined as the conjuring of the spirits of the dead and always involves demons. Their intention is not to communicate truth or wisdom, but pure lies. This practice is forbidden by God. Scripture is quite specific concerning the prohibition of necromancy. "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD..." Deuteronomy 18:10-12a. The Israelites were heading to the Promised Land, which was filled with demon worshipping people who practiced child sacrifice (maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire) to their demon god, Moloch. Today children usually aren't placed on the red hot arms of Moloch, but babies are sacrificed through abortion. This is a demonic practice that opens portals to demons. Of course there are many prohibitions given to us from our Creator which people will ultimately ignore. Necromancy, child sacrifice, and witchcraft are dangerous and prohibited by God.
Most people today simply shrug off any idea that demons might actually be real. Hollywood has an agenda to make demons seem entertaining or cute. The desensitizing of the populous to demons has been very successful and most folks give them no more thought than smiling at the little ghouls and goblins making ready to trick or treat on Halloween. Yes, our little ones begin at a very early age to make friends with demons. A little devil costume is so cute on Billy and Susie is adorable in her witch hat and black robe. Is this just harmless fun? No. As Christians grow increasingly deaf and blind to Satan's lies we deny our power to stand against him. We become weak in our Christian walk and see the powers of evil as more of a myth than reality. The fact is demons, and their leader Satan, do exist and are very active in the world today. Only the deceived say "There is no such a thing as demons."
Born again believers in Christ cannot be indwelt by a demon or demons, but that doesn't mean we cannot be oppressed by them. We are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God and He doesn't share space with evil. We still live in this fallen world and are in a battle against demonic forces. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12. This war will continue until Satan is ultimately defeated. The war is made up of many battles, but many Christians side with the enemy. We join forces with Satan when we embrace sin, join occult practices (horoscopes, yoga, necromancy, etc.), and in any way compromise our walk with Jesus. You can allow demons to build a stronghold over your life if you don't apply God's word to your everyday living. God knows this battle is real, and has told us how to fight. God has not left us without weapons, but it's up to us to take up those weapons and use them. "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:13. The armour of God consists of the supernatural weapons required to fight the supernatural battle and are described beginning in Ephesians 6:14. Study them and learn to use them before you are in the midst of battle. Only a foolish soldier neglects his weapons until the day of battle.
Do you believe God? He never changes. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and forever." Hebrews 13:8. What was true in Old Testament times, was true in New Testament times, and is true today in the End Times. He is our only protection against the spiritual evil which surrounds us. Satan has always attempted to come between God and humans, and he always lies. Demon possession is real and happens today just like it did in times past. If you have been keeping company with the enemy you are in danger of coming under his control. Here's the good news, and listen very carefully to this, Jesus Christ is all powerful and all loving. He gave His life for you. There is no sin you can possibly commit that He will not forgive. Ask Him to come into your life and to forgive your sins. He will. If you have dabbled in yoga, necromancy, or have been a part of Satanism or witchcraft, you may need a strong Christian to help you get free of demons. Today is the day to come out from under the control of Satan and place your life in the loving hands of God Almighty. This is true for Christians as well as non-Christians. If you are a Christian and have been participating in occult activities or keeping company with those who do, you may well have invited demonic oppression in your life. You may need the help of a fellow Christian who is stronger in their walk with Jesus to help you. Whatever your situation, it is only Jesus who can free you from demons.
As we see Halloween approaching, stores are filled with demonic costumes. Parents will buy their children costumes that will identify them with demons. Adults will also dress up in costumes that glorify Satan. It's all in good fun, right? As a Christian, why would you dress up in satanic costumes and identify yourself with the enemy? When we resist Satan he's useless, powerless, and he must flee from those who resist him "...Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7b. When Christians refuse to believe Satan and his minions of evil are real, they've fallen for his lies. Demons aren't just costumed pranksters wearing masks; they are pure evil amassed to destroy humanity. They are relentless as they understand all too well their days are numbered.
Christ triumphed over the minions of evil. "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." Colossians 2:15. Beware of demons and don't invite them into your life. Walk close to Jesus for His protection. Don't fight the spiritual battle unarmed.
God bless you all,
Ron & Nathele Graham
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