Are demons real and do they interfere with people?

Jon Osterman said:

Yes, they ar real. And some of them have active subscriptions to this forum.

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Hilarious, but true.

Jesus Christ came in the flesh..died on the cross was buried rose the 3rd day PRAISE GOD GLORY TO JESUS and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

Christ gave the Church ALL power over the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt us. We keep our mind on Him.. He will keep us in perfect peace. True most do not understand and the enemy can use this as fear ...always show Christ.. point to Christ...you resist the devil and he has to flee..The enemy does not play games.. does not joke around..never sleeps.. never takes a day off.

Just look here.. you have some going on about "if a believer can ""possessed" or "oppressed"".... not fully understanding "temple" OT and us today.. as if its the same. Theres a reason it got burned down after Christ...Most and thats like 99% never seen a demon or fallen angel. They can not tell the truth there is no truth in them and you NEVER in ANY WAY shape or form give then any kind of glory.

You have no power over them.. your nothing to them.. all they want is to kill you destroy you. It ALONE is CHRIST in you. So much confusion and this is not the place to just CHAT about it.. all one has to do is say things like .. holy rollers or falling down under the spirit.. things like that and .. watch that chat go nuts

Jesus Christ is LORD..HE alone is faithful and true. Want to know about something ASK HIM pray seek HIM. There are some things we DONT NEED To know...and HE will not tell you. It will not help your faith in any way

Francis Drake said:

For a handmaid of the Lord, you show little understanding of the practice of deliverance from demons, otherwise you wouldn't be saying such things. Show me anywhere in the gospels or Acts where casting out demons raises the possessed/oppressed issue, they just got on and did it.
Its a classic diversionary debate created by people who don't actually practice deliverance, Thus freeing people from spiritual bondage becomes of lesser importance than high minded theology.​

You haven't read Ezekiel or you wouldn't say the above! Clearly, the Holy Spirit did allow demons to enter the House of the Lord, and it was the Lord himself who eventually departed.

As Ezekiel reveals, the elders of Israel had installed their idols in the temple of the Lord, flooding the place with demons. These idols were obviously there for some considerable time before the long suffering Holy Spirit eventually departed the scene.

Ezekiel10v4Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub to the threshold of the temple, and the temple was filled with the cloud and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD. …..
.....v18Then the glory of the LORD departed from the threshold of the temple and stood over the cherubim. 19When the cherubim departed, they lifted their wings and rose up from the earth in my sight with the wheels beside them; and they stood still at the entrance of the east gate of the LORD’S house, and the glory of the God of Israel hovered over them...……
.....
23
The glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city and stood over the mountain which is east of the city. etc etc...……….​

Incidentally, I never actually used the word "possessed" or "oppressed", that was something you raised against me.
Nevertheless, as a debate, its a complete red herring compared to the urgency of actual deliverance, and if you used discernment, you would realise that.
The same as in the gospels, demons get cast out. Period.

For the last 40 years I have witnessed countless spirit filled believers having their lives turned around by deliverance. That is what Jesus commanded us to do.

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I have read Ezekiel but I am not going to argue with you about it.I know what I know. And why are you picking a fight with me? And why do you boast about how long you have ministered. I have not ministered that long ok? But just because you have ministered longer does not negate the fact that what I have learned is useful to this thread.What I have said in this thread is valid. I don't know you and you don't know me. So let us be at peace.

Your Brother In Christ said:

Here is a topic ignored in many Amarican churches, it may offend someone.

Are the Demonic forces actively seeking our downfall, are they dormant, have they never been a threat, or do they not exist at all. So, where do you stand?

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They exist. They are both clandestine, and overt in their actions. Most of us have been taught to be ignorant of these things, so there are many times these days when demons hide in plain sight.

I for one, know that demons are real and active. They are in a weakened state after the cross, but they are still actively trying to test us down to Hell.

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Right.

Your Brother In Christ said:

Direct physical possession it's not necessarily the only tactic that they have. 1000 small Temptations are much more effective then one physical possession definitely here in America's "enlightened" culture. In fact, a physical public possession may even be detrimental to their current strategy here in America and in Europe.

If you can make your enemy believe that you do not exist then you are at an extreme tactical advantage.

If they can whisper from the Shadows, creep Temptation in through the cracks, or slowly twisting your virtues, this will still lead to their desired outcome. This is where I find the most focused attacks from the enemy. Physical attacks do occur, possession does occur, but they are not as effective here in America as manipulation.

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My belief is that what many refer to as demonic possession or demonic manipulations is simply explainable aspects of the human condition. I don't need to blame a demon for being tempted. The more severe psychosomatic presentations you refer to are a result of psychological and psychiatric conditioning.

Demons are not an issue.
They have to submit to Jesus. As the apostles found, they just fled.
The problem is superstitions about demons and believers who claim they can be possessed by a demon at the same time as having the Holy Spirit. If you follow their teaching and experience it is full of heresy and demon experiences.

Another group believe in desiring to travel to the 3rd heaven, to talk to angels, to have messages via prophets with dead believers who are encouraging the current congregations.
Part of this group now support using the Holy Spirit and spiritual future prophecy cards to
predict the future outcome of people who come to consult the "spiritual" believer.

Their excuse is they are testing the spiritual boundaries of belief and guidance, where traditional legalistic christianity would not go. They are literally listening to demons and encouraging people to think this is part of the Christian faith, while it is sin and worthy of total expulsion and under the law, death. But then the same group believe speaking from God and being wrong is practising forth telling, not grevious sin against the Lord.

So I am 100% suspicious of this drift into the world of spiritual beings, who will be fried alive at judgement, by people who claim we need to spend large amounts of spiritual effort to defeat the spiritual principalities and powers in the heavenly realm.

Jesus has already done this, which is why they flee at His name. To claim they have value today, is to walk in unbelief and sin against the Lord. No wonder people get so defeated and messed up.

Handmaid for Jesus said:

I have read Ezekiel but I am not going to argue with you about it.I know what I know. And why are you picking a fight with me?

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Er?
I didn't pick a "fight" with you, it was you who challenged me when you quoted and then contradicted my post!

And why do you boast about how long you have ministered. I have not ministered that long ok?

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Its not a boast, I simply stated a fact to put what I said in context. Far too many Christians are first rate theologians about things they have no experience of.

But just because you have ministered longer does not negate the fact that what I have learned is useful to this thread.What I have said in this thread is valid.

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Valid for debate, but not biblically or factually accurate.

I don't know you and you don't know me. So let us be at peace.

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I'm sorry if what I said hurt you, but you shouldn't get too upset when people challenge your posts.

I sincerely hope you are ministering in this area, but I would plead with you to ditch the stuff about whether Christians can be oppressed/possessed. It's a total red herring, a doctrine of demons designed to throw people off the scent of actually doing the work.

I have ministered to many people who needed help, but who are embroiled in that debate. The first thing I have to do is fight the disinformation because its impossible to do any deliverance on Christians who argue that Christians can't have a demon.

When we finally bridge that gap, we can get on with it and the end result is their bondages being broken.

But that debate is a real curse, a doctrine of demons.

@Francis Drake You don't know what I have experienced. Any you strike me as a know it all who have little respect for the experiences of other people. You don't edify your sisters and brothers but rejoice in trying to put your foot on them. Shame, shaaame on you. It is this type of attitude that cause baby Christians to turn away from Lord Jesus to doctrines of demons.I will make a note of you and will not waste time addressing you again.

Francis Drake said:

I have been involved with deliverance for the last 40 years and can assure you that demons are real and they are very active in the church.

I don't know what you mean by a weakened state after the cross. Certainly the Lord established their defeat at that time, but we are till commanded to resist them and cast them out, and the evidence of their work in the NT is no different to the OT.

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The types of churches you are talking about maybe suffering from demons because the gospel is not preached or believed there. And the deliverance workers you may represent often have bigger issues themselves than their ministry suggests.

Putting things another way, where God is working powerfully, demons flee away.
Todd Bentley and the Toronto Blessing are just two examples of total confusion about what is God and His true ministry and what is spiritual counterfeit experiences.

I know of sincere believers who still think Todd is of God, which seriously staggers me of how much people want something tangible in their emotional lives beyond fellowship with the Holy Spirit in praise at our services.

Handmaid for Jesus said:

@Francis Drake You don't know what I have experienced. Any you strike me as a know it all who have little respect for the experiences of other people. You don't edify your sisters and brothers but rejoice in trying to put your foot on them. Shame, shaaame on you. It is this type of attitude that cause baby Christians to turn away from Lord Jesus to doctrines of demons.I will make a note of you and will not waste time addressing you again.

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You really need to stick to the subject rather than issue personal attacks. I apologised for my abruptness, but I don't apologise for defending the truth.

LightLoveHope said:

The types of churches you are talking about maybe suffering from demons because the gospel is not preached or believed there.

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Was Paul attacked by a messenger of Satan because he wasn't properly taught, or because of the abundance of his revelations?

And the deliverance workers you may represent often have bigger issues themselves than their ministry suggests.

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Did you bother to read my posts?
I am not representing any deliverance workers, so its a rather pointless comment to make.

Putting things another way, where God is working powerfully, demons flee away.

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More unbiblical nonsense. As I said above, the demons didn't flee from Paul did they, they attacked him.
As I pointed out in a previous post, Ezekiel describes the idols with their attendant demons that were installed and worshipped in the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, whilst the Spirit of the Lord was still resident.

Todd Bentley and the Toronto Blessing are just two examples of total confusion about what is God and His true ministry and what is spiritual counterfeit experiences.

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Why not bring up the JWs, Mormons, or maybe the Hindus and Muslims as well, it might help you sort your viewpoint maybe...……
You keep making silly straw man arguments about things that have nothing to do with me. If you want to prove a point, try sticking to biblical arguments please.

I know of sincere believers who still think Todd is of God, which seriously staggers me of how much people want something tangible in their emotional lives beyond fellowship with the Holy Spirit in praise at our services.

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What has this got to do with me?
I am sure there have been plenty of threads about Todd Bentley, why not go and vent your spleen over there?

Francis Drake said:

That's complete unbiblical nonsense.
By your theology Satan must have attacked Adam and Eve because they weren't properly taught by the Lord?​

Was Paul attacked by a messenger of Satan because he wasn't properly taught, or because of the abundance of his revelations?

Did you bother to read my posts?
I am not representing any deliverance workers, so its a rather pointless comment to make.

More unbiblical nonsense. As I said above, the demons didn't flee from Paul did they, they attacked him.
As I pointed out in a previous post, Ezekiel describes the idols with their attendant demons that were installed and worshipped in the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, whilst the Spirit of the Lord was still resident.

Why not bring up the JWs, Mormons, or maybe the Hindus and Muslims as well, it might help you sort your viewpoint maybe...……
You keep making silly straw man arguments about things that have nothing to do with me. If you want to prove a point, try sticking to biblical arguments please.

What has this got to do with me?
I am sure there have been plenty of threads about Todd Bentley, why not go and vent your spleen over there?

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Are you really into deliverance or abuse, lol?
I apologise for proding you. I love to hear of people who have been helped by anybodies ministry, because it is good to minister Gods blessing on anybody.

But then turning the other cheek maybe something you missed.
You claimed churches are where demons in your ministry are found.
Are you suggesting in my fellowship I will find possessed people, who have not been noticed? I know it is possible, but I am wondering where you are leading.

I have had "spirit" led preachers suggesting I was possessed. They then talked about how in their ministry people had spoken against them, and were struck dumb. This particular preacher believed he could create things ex-nihilo. When I talked about Jesus conquering through love and repentance through the cross, he gave up and disappeared. The sad reality is there are some disturbed people who will behave in strange ways if pressured, so I am sceptical about such claims.

Why should I not believe you are the source of the problems you are claiming to resolve. To put it mildly, there is no deliverance ministry listed in the gifts or authority in the church. So why should anyone take you seriously?

By the way I am not fearly of your rebuke, however it might be delivered. I hope you know the Lord and walk in His love and grace. May you find love and peace in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.

Sir Francis Drake - a great spiritual warrior whose example we should not follow.

If you want a hero, I would pick Paul or Peter.
Paul was annoyed with a possessed slave girl, following them and declaring their ministry.
It was not as if she was a threat, but Paul cast the demon out and things went badly, because the owners of the prophetess lost money as a result.

It is there ironic that money and greed was the scheme used to cause trouble.
Funny how this is actually still the case, but then the enemy would rather we think
he is the bigger problem. But if he can keep people from reading and believing Jesus and His word job done.

An observation on what I talked about, about deliverance ministries.
Francis Drake got upset, and did not acknowledge this demon emphasis in the church is a problem. Maybe he is not what he appears to be.

A sure sign things are not as they should be is words like nonsence and you are not biblical. What did demons say about Jesus and Paul
"Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" Acts 19:15

My experience of demons is, they appear, you call on the Lord, they go away.
My brothers in the Lord have had similar experiences.

So christians demon possessed? Junk. Christians oppressed and disturbed because of sin
and bad things in there past? Very likely. But most people involved in spotting such things are very likely quacks. Going to the elders or leaders of a church, them laying hands and praying for people, now that is where the power of God works.

Your Brother In Christ said:

Here is a topic ignored in many Amarican churches, it may offend someone.

Are the Demonic forces actively seeking our downfall, are they dormant, have they never been a threat, or do they not exist at all. So, where do you stand?

I for one, know that demons are real and active. They are in a weakened state after the cross, but they are still actively trying to test us down to Hell.

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Matt 4 - they are active, real and interfere with everyday life.
Eph 6 - they are powerful and only by the infinite power of the armor of God are we able to stand.
They are more powerful after the cross than before

BobRyan said:

Matt 4 - they are active, real and interfere with everyday life.
Eph 6 - they are powerful and only by the infinite power of the armor of God are we able to stand.
They are more powerful after the cross than before

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You appear to be claiming demons has more power now than before the cross.
This sounds like a definitive statement. I would suggest you are wrong as their
influence has waned, and our understanding has increased as to the true causes
of a lot of emotional stress and life issues that in the past would have been
called possession etc.

As far as people getting more anxious and not applying the peace of God to their hearts and walking in faith, this has certainly declined.

The problem I have with increasing the fear in people about spiritual powers outside the Lord is this is actually a sin. It is stating we need to be worried about these beings, when they are submitted to the hand of the Lord totally.

But if you want to listen to the enemy and deny the Lord it is your choice, and you will find it will be true for you, but not because what you say is true, but because sin opens the door to their influence and the Lord may hand you over to them for a rebuke, exactly as Paul did to some believers.

LightLoveHope said:

You appear to be claiming demons has more power now than before the cross.

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Indeed they do.

This sounds like a definitive statement. I would suggest you are wrong as their
influence has waned,

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On the contrary - it has grown. They are the "god of this world"
2 Cor 4: 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this world has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them

The TV, Movies, Video games, drugs, inappropriate content, music, culture... total apathy in the population and downright hatred of Christians in the entertainment and political environments. His power is ten fold. maybe 100 fold.

Interesting thread here, OP. I wish that you could have added another option or two, but that is true with almost all polls here at CF. I would say that they do seek our downfall, but I do not accept that the lives of most Christians are bothered to any great extent by demons.

FatalHeart said:

I can send you one if you want to see.

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It's fine - I respect your beliefs are different to mine on the matter

Your Brother In Christ said:

Here is a topic ignored in many Amarican churches, it may offend someone.

Are the Demonic forces actively seeking our downfall, are they dormant, have they never been a threat, or do they not exist at all. So, where do you stand?

I for one, know that demons are real and active. They are in a weakened state after the cross, but they are still actively trying to test us down to Hell.

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Have you ever heard new stories where the offender, states they were told to kill someone?

People do hear voices telling them to do certain things. Not sure whether this phenomenon is understood by the medical world.