Demon Possessed?

[heron]

Just keep the possibility in your back pocket.

Carl Sagan said the "absence of evidence is not evidence of absence."

Some references to look into:

Historical beliefs about demons from University of Virginia
http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/cgi-local/DHI/dhi.cgi?id=dv1-79

Disguises of the Demon, The Development of the Yaksa in Hinduism and Buddhism SUNY series in Hindu Studies by Gail Hinich Sutherland, Louisiana State University


CF
Poll: Deliverance: Instant or Process?
"Haunted House" ?http://www.christianforums.com/t3308317-can-a-christian-be-oppressed-with-demons.html

I was looking up more anthropology links, but my browser froze.... later.

 

[CrazyforYeshua]

I've seen people with a demon, believe me when I tell you, they are real.
I have a sister who is manic/depressive, so I can relate to what you go thru, somewhat. I will pray for her, your dad, and yourself.

 

[Dr. Holly]

I too want to confirm that despite what has been said, demons are real! Also, despite popular belief, born again Christians can be demon possessed. As someone who grew up as a preacher's kid, I have witnessed many deliverances with my very own eyes under these very circumstances. Not to mention well known ministers that were called in to the deliverance ministry by God will confirm that it is true about Christians still being demon possessed and needing to have them cast out. It may be a controversial issue, but when you have witnessed it for yourself; you can NOT deny the truth. Believe what you will.

However, there IS always hope when your faith and trust is in Jesus. Addictions to anything do not necessarily mean demon possession. However, addictions can open up doors for the enemy to opress you. It's such a vast topic and research study needs to be done if you really want to know and get serious about what God has to say about this topic.

Just continue to seek the Lord. He will show you what needs to be done, and perhaps lead you to someone locally who can continue to lead you down the road of deliverance and healing. You are not crazy in any way and I do not believe that this was in your head from what I too have experienced.

 

[mont974x4]

Demons are real and spiritual attacks are real. If we are His then we can not be demon possessed. I agree that you were under attack. I have been through very similar situations a few times and it is quite scary.

The last time was a few months ago when a drunk woman staggered into my garage. She was locked out of her apartment and hiding from an abusive boyfriend. My wife and I let her in and talked to her until she was sober and we found a friend of hers to take her somewhere safe. The whole time something felt off but I couldn't place my finger on it. That night I went to bed and later I woke up and the house was pitch black depsite the hall light being on for the kids and the glow of the TV. I saw a dark shadow move in the doorway and just felt a heavy dark presence. I immediately prayed for protection for my family and commanded the presence to flee in Jesus name and the presence left and the light returned to normal. I believe the lady that visited us that afternoon left a little something behind. I am honestly glad it was left with us because I am afraid she wouldn't have been able to handle it.

A few days later my father came over and we went from room to room praying and haven't had any visitors since.

 

[UnderHisWings4Ever]

Personally I don't believe in being "demon possessed" but in a literal since, it ment you had a mental illness.

'The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world he did not exist.'

I believe that far too often we try to blame the work of the enemy on medicine and science and find some physical way to deal with that is truly spiritual. Why is it that so many times years of phychiatric treatment could not do for a person what one simple prayer did?

To the OP, it is difficult to say if this was truly possession, but i doubt it. There is a big difference between demonic posession and demonic strongholds. This sounds more like a stronghold than actual posession, though the solution is pretty much the same... prayer.

 

[Mattacious]

This is the second time this has happened to me in the last year... Both times were the same.

For the past months I've been struggling with alcohol, smoking, pornography, anger. I have been depressed to the point of wanting to die. I had been praying all the time asking for God to help me. I've been clean from alcohol and smoking for almost a month and a half now. But I still couldn't stop with the pornography or control my temper. In my prayers last night I asked God in these specific words to lead me down the narrow path and to help me in my dreams. I dreamt of myself laying in my own bed in the middle of the night nothing out of the ordinary, untill I started getting the feeling like something was watching me and clouding in on me and I was terrified. In my dream I spoke the words "In Jesus name demons flee" I dont know why I said those words but they came out. After I said that a hiddeous, loud, sizzling scream wrenched through my mind. It was unbearable, I was blinded by very bright light, and could hear the screams and shrieking going on. I have never been more afraid in my life. I could hear the sizzling and burning in the scream and I repeated the words again. Thats when it stopped and I woke up to find I was still dreaming, laying in my bed in the pitch black screaming at the top of my lungs for help. Someone who I thought was my mom came into my room telling me everything will be alright, I never saw her though but the voice I thought was female. Then I finally woke up in real life, laying in bed scared at what had just happened. I kept thinking... was this for real or an overactive imagination playing tricks on me. I wondered, why non christians hardly ever have experiences like these. I'm not one that believes in cooincidence and I believe there is meaning in everything... Can anyone talk to me and tell me what happened here... was this real... was it all in my mind?

I dunno.

The power of christ compels you. Hail Mary

Honestly though, I hope you recieve deliverence if that's what you need. Or gain understanding, whatever it be.

 

[JVarner83]

'The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world he did not exist.'

I believe that far too often we try to blame the work of the enemy on medicine and science and find some physical way to deal with that is truly spiritual. Why is it that so many times years of phychiatric treatment could not do for a person what one simple prayer did?

To the OP, it is difficult to say if this was truly possession, but i doubt it. There is a big difference between demonic posession and demonic strongholds. This sounds more like a stronghold than actual posession, though the solution is pretty much the same... prayer.

The devil has been the biggest escape goat for Christians today. We blame him for everything, when we Sin we blame it on the devil, When we feel bad, we blame it on the devil, When we don't want to do something, we blame it on the devil.

The probelm? If your always blaming someone else for your problems, then you will never mature.

It's important that we reconize

(Isa 35:8) And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shallbe for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

(Job 3:23)Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in?

(1Jo 4:4) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

(Heb 2:14) Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

(Joh 12:31)Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

 

[No Swansong]

The devil has been the biggest escape goat for Christians today. We blame him for everything, when we Sin we blame it on the devil, When we feel bad, we blame it on the devil, When we don't want to do something, we blame it on the devil.

The probelm? If your always blaming someone else for your problems, then you will never mature.

It's important that we reconize

(Isa 35:8) And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shallbe for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

(Job 3:23)Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in?

(1Jo 4:4) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

(Heb 2:14) Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

(Joh 12:31)Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

To be fair I don't think that the individual to whom you were responding was implying a lack of responsibility at all. Of course we are all responsible for the choices we make. I have met two who claim that they were posessed and the Church (one EO the other RCC) performed an exorcism. Both of these individuals claim full responsibility for their lives and sins. Neither blames any demon for their poor choices and sinful actions. What they do however claim is that since the exorcism (or deliverance or whatever name applies here) that they are better able to give God the credit for the good in their lives.
Becauee mental illness does occur, (which is the reason the RCC requires a complete medical and psychiactric exam) we certainly should examine those possible reasons early and continually. But as it is clear to me that since Jesus (who created all that is created) certainly did believe in the existence of Demons, I must also.

 

[heron]

1Pe 5:8
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

The devil has been the biggest escape goat for Christians today.

Yes, I agree with you. In this circumstance the OP admitted there were things he was trying to change.

We're all coming from different places here, and have seen different tendencies in groups, had different spiritual experiences. It's important that we gain from each other, and offer solutions that we've found to help.

 

[JVarner83]

Yeah I agree Heron

I just feel that the Devil was defeated on the Cross of Calvery and we can claim that victory through Jesus Christ if we truly believe he did it for us.

Before Jesus died I'm sure there were some strange things that went on, but now in this current time, we have just one thing to focus on...repent and be saved.

 

[mont974x4]

Yeah I agree Heron

I just feel that the Devil was defeated on the Cross of Calvery and we can claim that victory through Jesus Christ if we truly believe he did it for us.

Before Jesus died I'm sure there were some strange things that went on, but now in this current time, we have just one thing to focus on...repent and be saved.

I agree, the victory is won through Christ. That does not mean spiritual warfare has ended. Think of it like this, the war has been won but we still see small skirmishes or battles and there will still be casualties.

I have found when I make a big move towards Him in my walk that is when the attacks come. I am pretty well left alone when I am not a threat.

Remember Job was a holy and righteous man, yet he was attacked. I think we need to look at why we are attacked. God is still our God, even in distress. So instead of praying Lord get me out of this, pray Lord what is it You have for me in this? What am I to learn? How will this be used to glorify You? I know I rest fully in your hand and I don't always understand the why of things but I know that You are faithful to Your children.


As to the OP and your addictions, I want to encourage you. I was a drunk, no doubt about it. When the time came and I turned fully to Him, alcohol was one thing that was no longer an issue over night. The other things I still struggle with I give to Him daily. God works in His time, so continue the fight and be aware of what He has already delivered You from.

A good exercise when it seems that we are just spinning our wheels:
Think about where you were a year ago in your relationship with Christ,
Write down all the tough times and struggles that occured through your life...then write down what God did for you in each of those times (this is especially encouraging when we look at those times when things seemed most hopeless)


Rest in the knowledge that God is still God and be at peace (contentment) by brothers and sisters.

Jay

 

[JVarner83]

I agree, the victory is won through Christ. That does not mean spiritual warfare has ended. Think of it like this, the war has been won but we still see small skirmishes or battles and there will still be casualties.

I have found when I make a big move towards Him in my walk that is when the attacks come. I am pretty well left alone when I am not a threat.

Remember Job was a holy and righteous man, yet he was attacked. I think we need to look at why we are attacked. God is still our God, even in distress. So instead of praying Lord get me out of this, pray Lord what is it You have for me in this? What am I to learn? How will this be used to glorify You? I know I rest fully in your hand and I don't always understand the why of things but I know that You are faithful to Your children.


As to the OP and your addictions, I want to encourage you. I was a drunk, no doubt about it. When the time came and I turned fully to Him, alcohol was one thing that was no longer an issue over night. The other things I still struggle with I give to Him daily. God works in His time, so continue the fight and be aware of what He has already delivered You from.

A good exercise when it seems that we are just spinning our wheels:
Think about where you were a year ago in your relationship with Christ,
Write down all the tough times and struggles that occured through your life...then write down what God did for you in each of those times (this is especially encouraging when we look at those times when things seemed most hopeless)


Rest in the knowledge that God is still God and be at peace (contentment) by brothers and sisters.

Jay

The warfare to me is between the Flesh and the Spirit (Romans 8)

Our flesh desires to do wrong, but our spirit desires to do the will of God.

We have to mortify the deeds of the flesh, and put it in subjection.

This is what I meant when I said if I wanted to see a Demon all I had to do was look in a mirror.

Myself (My Flesh) is my own worst enemy.

I feel like Paul

(Rom 7:18) For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
(Rom 7:19) For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
(Rom 7:20) Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
(Rom 7:21) I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
(Rom 7:22) For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
(Rom 7:23) But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
(Rom 7:24) O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
(Rom 7:25) I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

 

[UnderHisWings4Ever]

Yeah I agree Heron

I just feel that the Devil was defeated on the Cross of Calvery and we can claim that victory through Jesus Christ if we truly believe he did it for us.

Before Jesus died I'm sure there were some strange things that went on, but now in this current time, we have just one thing to focus on...repent and be saved.

The devil's defeat is emminent, so in that case I agree with you that he has been defeated. And the Cross was a major victory in and of itself. I compare it to D-day. The victory won on D-day marked the beginning of the end of WWII, and everything from that moment on was simply delaying the inevitable defeat of the axis powers. However, the war was not finally over yet. Our ultimate victory will not come until after the millenial reign of Christ, when Satan is unleashed for the final battle. Until that time, he is still in the world, fighting to maintain control and take as many souls as he can with him.

As to the issue of personal responsibility, I am not denying that we should accept responsibility for our actions and the consequences that go with them. My own struggles with sin are no one's fault but mine. But recognizing the source of those struggles, and the enemy which I struggle against, is an important step on the road to victory. 'What I want to do, I do not do. And what I hate, I do. As it is, it is no longer I who do these things, but sin living in me.'- Paul (Romans 7).

 

[mont974x4]

There is no doubt that the battle to walk in the flesh or walk in the spirit is ongoing and very real. I also have no doubt the demans and spiritual warfare are just as real and ongoing.

I also agree with the personal responsibility issue. We are the ones held accountable.

 

[MarkEvan]

HI JVarner83,

Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkEvan
Hi



What then was it that adressed Jesus and knew Him to be the Son of the most High, would you say that the person who was mentally ill could of known who Jesus was? Did he make it up and miraculously hit the truth?

Many people with mental illnesses are not always in a "mental" state

I think unless you were in a complete brain dead state, I think you would have at least have herd about Jesus in those days.

How do you recon Nebuchadnezzar knew who the 4th person in the fire was?

Pilate knew about him.

Herod knew about him and wanted him to perform miracles for him.

Hearing that there is a great healer in town and believing that Jesus is the Son of the most High are quite different, also what about what the demons said, "have you come to torment us before our time?"
Did the illness itself asked to be transfered to the swine?

 

[JVarner83]

HI JVarner83,





Hearing that there is a great healer in town and believing that Jesus is the Son of the most High are quite different, also what about what the demons said, "have you come to torment us before our time?"
Did the illness itself asked to be transfered to the swine?

That is a very good point, and myself have never expierenced "demon possesion"

so I can only give my 2 cents based upon my expierences, for now though, i try and stay away from 3rd part spirits and demons and all that stuff, I still feel lead that through interputation they usually ment an illness of some sort

 

[MarkEvan]

Hi JVarner83,

That is a very good point, and myself have never expierenced "demon possesion"

so I can only give my 2 cents based upon my expierences, for now though, i try and stay away from 3rd part spirits and demons and all that stuff, I still feel lead that through interputation they usually ment an illness of some sort

I have not expierienced demon possesion, either in myself or in others, but I believe that the bible teaches that this can and does happen, so although I have no expeirience of this scriptural truth, I will believe what the scriptures say on this, ie that the people were demon possesed.
Demon possesion or oppresion, many times caused physical illnesses, the early church taught that Pauls messenger from satan that buffeted him, did so by causing severe migrains, sometimes God allows such things to hapen to teach those who are not believers (those who are possesed) that they have nothing not even their health, He does this to bring them to Him. To those who are christians (who are oppresed) He allows these to happen so that people will rely more on Him, "my strength is made perfect through weakness."

Would you agree with that?

Mark

 

[JVarner83]

Yeah Mark I understand your views

Although I just did a search in my KVJ electronic bible, and "Demon" is not even listed once.

Term used is "unclean Spirit"

To me the Spirit is the intellect of your soul, or the "mind"

we ourselves have a soul and our own spirit.

To say unclean spirit to me is pointing more towards a illness of the mind of some type.

again these are just my opnions and I'm not trying to force them on anyone

 

[stone]

saved from what?

you say you are saved?

 

[stone]

This is the second time this has happened to me in the last year... Both times were the same.

For the past months I've been struggling with alcohol, smoking, pornography, anger. I have been depressed to the point of wanting to die. I had been praying all the time asking for God to help me. I've been clean from alcohol and smoking for almost a month and a half now. But I still couldn't stop with the pornography or control my temper. In my prayers last night I asked God in these specific words to lead me down the narrow path and to help me in my dreams. I dreamt of myself laying in my own bed in the middle of the night nothing out of the ordinary, untill I started getting the feeling like something was watching me and clouding in on me and I was terrified. In my dream I spoke the words "In Jesus name demons flee" I dont know why I said those words but they came out. After I said that a hiddeous, loud, sizzling scream wrenched through my mind. It was unbearable, I was blinded by very bright light, and could hear the screams and shrieking going on. I have never been more afraid in my life. I could hear the sizzling and burning in the scream and I repeated the words again. Thats when it stopped and I woke up to find I was still dreaming, laying in my bed in the pitch black screaming at the top of my lungs for help. Someone who I thought was my mom came into my room telling me everything will be alright, I never saw her though but the voice I thought was female. Then I finally woke up in real life, laying in bed scared at what had just happened. I kept thinking... was this for real or an overactive imagination playing tricks on me. I wondered, why non christians hardly ever have experiences like these. I'm not one that believes in cooincidence and I believe there is meaning in everything... Can anyone talk to me and tell me what happened here... was this real... was it all in my mind?

if what you say here is true then you should be happy that you are makeing progress.