Demons

[onelamb2]

I think the bible is written for us as a guide to live right. Some of the writing, words like demons don't necessarily mean demons as in actual beings. To me a demon is more like something in our life that we can't cope with. When we can cope with it, it goes away.

Open up your Bible to Matthew 8 28-34 and see that you are incorrect.

I may be incorrect according to Cyber but that is all.

 

[tonysma]

threeinone, you do not believe in demons...do you think that they magically disappeared when christ was crucified...there are lots of evil people out there...do you think they just went to bed one night and woke up evil...

 

[onelamb2]

threeinone, you do not believe in demons...do you think that they magically disappeared when christ was crucified...there are lots of evil people out there...do you think they just went to bed one night and woke up evil...

So you believe in demons because the word is in the bible. Does that make you right? Not necessarily so. There are no demons, I've never met a demon, I have never met anyone who has met a demon, I have never met anybody who has met anybody who has met a demon, God has never indicated to me that there are demons. The word is in the bible, that's all. And if you have met a demon, fine, then you believe in demons. Doesn't mean I have to.

 

[onelamb2]

threeinone, you do not believe in demons...do you think that they magically disappeared when christ was crucified...there are lots of evil people out there...do you think they just went to bed one night and woke up evil...

I just went back and was reading some posts and see that most people have different views of what a demon is. And I have a different view of what a demon is. I just do not think of a demon as a person or being. I saw when in Matthew Jesus cast out the demons. That does not say a person or being to me, Just a different opinion.

 

[linssue55]

I do not watch the news if my life depend on it. I hear too many horror stories that make me sad. This world is very sad. I heard from a lady at work how this lady killed her children and then put them in the washer and dryer. She asked me how could someone do that. All I could reply is those demons. What is your knowledge about demons and scripture? What is a good book about demonolgy? I experienced...a lot of encounters with spirits. Demons...too, Do you think that is the only reason people can be so sick?

NECROMANCY, PARANORMAL ACTIVITIES, UFOS, EXTRATERRESTRIAL BEINGS, ETC?

(Satan or demons CANNOT indwell a believer (we are protected by the indwelling of the 3 person's of the Godhead) BUT he can INFLUENCE us through FALSE doctrines)

1. The potential of Satan.
   1. SATAN CAN PERFORM MIRACLES: For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew ( show ) great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. - Mt 24:24
      
      The elect will not be deceived and the deceived will not be the elect.
      
      For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world... - Rev 16:14
      
      One of the characteristics of the end times will be the proliferation of demonic miracles and deceptions.
      
      If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. - Deut 13:1-3
   2. SATAN CAN PRETEND TO BE GOOD: For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. - 2 Cor 11:13-15
      
      Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils... Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. - 1 Tim 4:1-3
      
      Satan does not mind that we be religious as long as we do not have the Savior - the Lord Jesus Christ.
   3. SATAN CAN POSSESS HUMAN BEINGS: And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils. - Lk 8:2
      
      Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being number of the twelve. - Lk 22:3
2. The purpose of Satan.
   1. SATAN SEEKS TO BLIND: But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. - 2 Cor 4:3-4
   2. SATAN SEEKS TO DECEIVE: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders. - 2 Thess 2:9
   3. SATAN SEEKS TO DESTROY: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. - 1 Per 5:8
   4. Satan promises the best, but pays the worst; he promises honor and pays with disgrace; he promises pleasure and pays with pain; he promises profit and pays with loss; he promises life and pays with death. - Thomas Brooks
3. The possibility of Satan.
   1. ASTROLOGY: Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee ( the coming Babylonian invasion of Israel ). - Isa 47:13
   2. WITCHCRAFT: And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shall have no more soothsayers. - Mich 5:12
   3. NECROMANCY: Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am your the Lord your God. - Lev 19:31.45

 

[linssue55]

Satan’s Strategy​

1. Heaven: Satan accuses believers to hinder the work of the Lord on earth. Satan has access to heaven — Job 1:6-11; 2 Corinthians 2:11; Zechariah 3:1. The believer’s defense attorney: the Lord Jesus Christ — 1 John 3:1.

2. Earth: Satan invites believers to ignore the Word and accept false doctrine — 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 Corinthians 10:19-20; 11:3,13-15; 1 Chronicles 21:1

3. Satan seeks to frustrate God’s will:

a) Operational will — James 4:7,8; Galatians 5:7.
b) Geographical will — 1 Thessalonians 2:18.

4. Satan seeks to get the eyes of the believer off the Lord Jesus Christ, obscures the focus of the believer.

a) Yourself: 1 Corinthians 1:10-11; Genesis 3:1; Elijah in 1 Kings 19:10; Peter in Matthew 26:31-35.
b) Things — Hebrews 13:5,6.
c) People — Jeremiah 17:5 (jealousy of people; admiration of people)

Answer: Hebrews 12:2; Colossians 3:1,2.

5. Encourages believers to worry — 1 Peter 5:7-9.

6. Satan gets believers occupied with temporal solutions to man’s problems and therefore neglect divine solutions.

7. Satan instills fear of death in believers — Job 5:21; Psalm 23:4.

8. Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers: 2 Corinthians 4:3,4; 2 Thessalonians 2:9,10.

9. Satan deceives nations: Revelation 12:9; 20:3, 8.

 

[linssue55]

IN RELATION TO BELIEVERS​

A. Satan, the Tempter
Just as Satan tried the Lord, he also tries believers. His aim is to get us to commit evil. God may sometimes use Satan in testing us to prove us in resisting his tests. Tests can have three beneficial purposes in the life of the believer: (a) to prove us (1 Peter 1:6-7); (b) to teach us (4:12-13: see also Heb. 5:8); and (c) to increase our love for God (James 1:12). But Satan’s only purpose is to tempt the believer to commit evil.
There are at least three areas in which Satan tempts believers. The first is in the area of conforming to the pressures and structures of society (1 Thes. 3:5). Paul, you remember, had been forced to leave Thess­alonica after probably only one month’s ministry in that city (Acts 17:5-10). Further, Satan had used some governmental ban to keep him from returning (1 Thes. 2:18). So he sent Timothy, who was not under that ban, back to Thessalonica to see if they had succumbed to Satan’s temptations. What temptations? It is too early in the first century for Paul to be referring to official persecution from the Roman Empire. These temptations must have been more of an unofficial, societal, personal nature. For instance, we know that women enjoyed more freedom in Macedonia than anywhere in the empire at that time, and we also know that a number of leading women in Thessalonica were converted under Paul’s ministry. Perhaps Satan tempted them to continue to conform to the lifestyles they experienced before they were saved. It was a tempta­tion to put status before sanctification. Also many of the converts were Gentiles, and Satan may have tempted them with the pride of intellect.
Second, Satan tempts believers to cover up selfishness. The story of Ananias and Sapphira serves as the classic illustration. This couple wanted to retain some of the money they received from the sale of their property, while at the same time receiving praise for their contribution. Peter discerned that it was Satan who had filled their hearts to lie (Acts 5:1-11). They had the right to own and sell property. They had no necessary obligation to give all the proceeds to the church. But they were obliged not to feign generosity and at the same time eater to their selfishness by keeping part of the money received.
Third, Satan tempts believers to immorality (1 Cor. 7:5). God provided marriage for proper expression of physical needs and relationships and He expects husbands and wives to assume their respective and mutual responsibilities. When this is not done, Satan has opportunity to tempt believers to illicit or perverted sexual sins.

Satan, the Adversary
As adversary, Satan accuses and opposes believers in various areas of their lives. First, he opposes our witness to the Gospel. He does this by confusing us when he plants tares among the wheat (Matt. 13:38-39), by snatching away the Word that has been sown (Mark 4:15), by aligning governmental authorities against believers (1 Thes. 2:18), or by imprison­ing believers, believing this will keep their testimony from spreading or make them fearful of witnessing (Rev. 2:10).
Second, Satan spotlights our sins (12:10). He accuses us before God when we sin, thinking he can cause us to lose our salvation. But Christ, our Advocate, takes our case and reminds the Father again and again that He paid for all our sins when He died on the cross (1 John 2:1-2).
Third, Satan opposes the believer by bringing pressure on him which he may not be able to bear. There are two examples of this in the New Testament. One concerned the man disciplined in 1 Corinthians 5. Apparently the discipline had had its desired effect, and he had con­fessed his sin of incest. Now the church should have received him back into fellowship. Seemingly, some wanted to do this and some did not. So Paul urged them to do so, not only to heal any division that might develop but also lest the brother involved be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. He needed to know the forgiveness of his brothers and sisters (2 Cor. 2:5-11). Not to restore him would give Satan an advantage.
The second example concerns women who are widowed at a young age (1 Tim. 5:14-15). Paul urged them to marry again and bear children and lead useful lives. Some, idle and gossiping, were following Satan.
In general we may say that Satan the adversary wants passionately to squelch the believer’s testimony. To accomplish this he prowls the earth like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). The word “devour” is the same word used to describe the way the Red Sea swallowed up the Egyptians when they were pursuing the Hebrews (Heb. 11:29). It paints a vivid picture of Satan’s ultimate goal—to completely drown the believer’s testimony and usefulness.
As I mentioned earlier, Satan may prefer to do some things over others. But he will do whatever he has to in order to promote his plans and programs successfully. Remember too that he is powerful, he is experienced, and he has a host of demons to help him. Therefore, the believer can successfully fight him in the strength and power of God who dwells within him. Other aspects of the believer’s defense will be discussed in another chapter.

​

 

[linssue55]

THE MEANING OF THE COSMOS
The word “cosmos” is used 185 times in the New Testament, 105 of which occur in the writings of John. Basically the word denotes an ornament or order, the word “cosmos” being the opposite of chaos. That concept is found in its use in 1 Peter 3:3 and in our modern word “cosmetic.” The universe (that is, heaven and earth) is called the cosmos because it is an ornament of harmonious relationships (Acts 17:24). The inhabited earth is also designated by the word “cosmos” (Rum. 1:8), as are the people who live on the earth (John 3:16; 12:19). It is the people of the world whom God loves and for whom Christ died (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2).
But usually the New Testament views the cosmos as an orderly system that functions apart from God. This concept of the world as opposed to Christ is a new use that the word acquires in the New Testament in contrast to its usual use in Greek writings as referring to something attractive. B.F. Westcott sums it up this way: “It is easy to see how the thought of an ordered whole relative to man and considered apart from man passes into that of the ordered whole separated from God. Man fallen impresses his character on the order which is the sphere of his activity. . . . The world, instead of remaining the true expression of God’s will under the conditions of its creation, becomes His rival” (The Gospel according to St. John [London: John Murray, 1908], 1:64-5). The only feature missing from Westcott’s statement is the position of Satan as the head of the world system. Thus there must be three facets to any definition of the world: the idea of an ordered system, the relation of Satan to it, and the concept of its hostility to God. Here is a suggested definition: the cosmos world is that system organized by Satan, headed by Satan, and run by Satan, which leaves God out and is a rival to Him.

SATAN AND THE COSMOS​

A. His Authority over the Cosmos
Clearly the Scriptures teach that Satan does have supreme authority over the cosmos. Of course, this is within the sovereign purpose of God and with His permission. Nevertheless, Satan’s usurped authority over the cosmos is supreme. Our Lord recognized this when He called him the ruler of the world (John 12:31; 16:11) and when He did not dispute Satan’s prerogative in offering Him the kingdoms of the world in the temptation (Mart. 4:8-9). The Apostle John acknowledged the same truth when he wrote that the whole cosmos lies in the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19).

B. His Aim in the Cosmos
Satan’s aim is to create a system that rivals God’s kingdom but which leases Him out. It is to promote a counterfeit order. Basically, the cosmos is evil because it is independent of God. It may contain good aspects as well as overtly evil aspects, but its inherent evil lies in its being indepen­dent of God and a rival to Him. This sharp rivalry surfaces in such verses as James 1:27 where the believer is told to keep himself unstained from the world; in 4:4 where friendship with the world is said to be hostility toward God; and in 1 John 2:16 where John declares that all that is in the world is not from the Father.
To achieve his aim, Satan must try to make the values of his godless system seem attractive. Thus he works to make people give top priority to self as number one and to the here and now as most important. When John wrote that all that is in the world is not of the Father he explained what he meant by “all” by three epexegetical statements that fellow in 1 John 2:16. All of them emphasize self as number one. Satisfy the lusts of the flesh, Satan counsels. Try to get what the inordinate desires of the eyes make you covet. And build a self-sufficient, arrogant attitude that arises from boasting about the possessions one has in life. This selfish­ness is, of course, the prevailing philosophy of the world, and it comes from Satan who promoted himself from the beginning.
Satan also seeks to focus people’s attention on the present rather than on eternity. That is why John reminds us in verse 17 that the world passes away but the one that does the will of God abides forever. Thus Satan seeks to achieve his purposes by trying to change our priorities (self first) and our perspective (here and now more important). In reality the truth is that God is first and eternity most important.

 

[Starcrystal]

I do not watch the news if my life depend on it. I hear too many horror stories that make me sad. This world is very sad. I heard from a lady at work how this lady killed her children and then put them in the washer and dryer. She asked me how could someone do that. All I could reply is those demons. What is your knowledge about demons and scripture? What is a good book about demonolgy? I experienced...a lot of encounters with spirits. Demons...too, Do you think that is the only reason people can be so sick?

I heard about that the other day. First thing my wife said was they had to be possessed. I agree. having been involved in some pretty dark forms of practice 25 years ago I know what demons are and what they can do. I know how they can enter in. I don't doubt that woman let them in and then was given over to their diabolical will.
Only God can break such powers. they are very dangerous and without God people are vulnerable.

 

[tonysma]

So you believe in demons because the word is in the bible. Does that make you right? Not necessarily so. There are no demons, I've never met a demon, I have never met anyone who has met a demon, I have never met anybody who has met anybody who has met a demon, God has never indicated to me that there are demons. The word is in the bible, that's all. And if you have met a demon, fine, then you believe in demons. Doesn't mean I have to.

so i guess jesus just cast out an opinion...demonic spirits do exist....imo....they exist in our society today, look around, do you think that these really evil people are just an opinion....homosexual is in the bible, but that must just be an opinion....killer is in the bible that must just be an opinion...there are a lot of words in the bible i believe,,let's see....all of them....

 

[onelamb2]

so i guess jesus just cast out an opinion...demonic spirits do exist....imo....they exist in our society today, look around, do you think that these really evil people are just an opinion....homosexual is in the bible, but that must just be an opinion....killer is in the bible that must just be an opinion...there are a lot of words in the bible i believe,,let's see....all of them....

Okay. YOu describe homosexuals as demons. I call homosexuals people which is exactly what they are.....people. Jesus did not cast out homosexuals from the guy who was crazy or whatever. Jesus did not drive out a homosexual...the bible does not say and a homosexual came out of the crazy man. Nor did Jesus say that He cast out any other type of person that you don't approve of. When you see your demon, it won't be a person.

 

[jehovahjira]

O GOD let your blessings of wisdom flow through your people...... homosexuality is a mind change if homosexuality has a spirit in it that spirit would be lust.Remember demons only influence us they can't make us do anything.

 

[tonysma]

Okay. YOu describe homosexuals as demons. I call homosexuals people which is exactly what they are.....people. Jesus did not cast out homosexuals from the guy who was crazy or whatever. Jesus did not drive out a homosexual...the bible does not say and a homosexual came out of the crazy man. Nor did Jesus say that He cast out any other type of person that you don't approve of. When you see your demon, it won't be a person.

NO, I did not say homosexuals were demons...I said i guess homosexuals were just an opinion...which refering there are a lot of people on here who think that being homosexual is fine....a twist of the word here, and a twist of the word there,,what do you have left....

 

[onelamb2]

NO, I did not say homosexuals were demons...I said i guess homosexuals were just an opinion...which refering there are a lot of people on here who think that being homosexual is fine....a twist of the word here, and a twist of the word there,,what do you have left....

I don't recall using the word homosexual. That came from you and really doesn't belong in a thread about demons. And really all I meant was that demons for me just means something different than it does for you. I don't see that as being a bad thing. We all see things differently and different doesn't mean wrong or bad.

 

[tonysma]

I don't recall using the word homosexual. That came from you and really doesn't belong in a thread about demons. And really all I meant was that demons for me just means something different than it does for you. I don't see that as being a bad thing. We all see things differently and different doesn't mean wrong or bad.

It was not my intention to offend you....to offend you would be a sin, i apologize....

 

[onelamb2]

It was not my intention to offend you....to offend you would be a sin, i apologize....

You did not offend me and you need not apologize. It is difficult betimes to keep our messages clear when typing and not seeing expressions. I was not feeling offended.

 

[Krysstian]

About homosexuality...it might be a "mind" thing but thats how satan attack us mainly. Through our minds, I'm not sure about the men with men/women with women. I know one thing its not of God so therefore its of satan.

 

[onelamb2]

About homosexuality...it might be a "mind" thing but thats how satan attack us mainly. Through our minds, I'm not sure about the men with men/women with women. I know one thing its not of God so therefore its of satan.

I watched on TV a while back something like 300 men singing most beautifully and with passion songs of love, hymn, all manner of music. Harmony for more than an hour. At first I just heard the singing and that was all I knew and it was beautiful.

And then there was talking and I discovered all 300 or so of these men were homosexual, only one heterosexual, a woman playing the piano. Then beautiful singing, intersperced with the lives of these men. It was awesome and I saw homosexuality in a new light.

Some spoke of being kicked out by their families because they were abominations. Abominations....these awesome singers, natural everyday people. At the end of the program two of them brought in their new baby girl, precious baby and the love in their faces was something I'll never forget and the love and acceptance from everybody in the choir.

I cannot speak ill of homosexuals since then. It was an eye opening experience.

I do not prescribe to homosexuality, do not think it is the best thing to be, but these guys are from just one small part of the world and all of them have a life to live and far be it from me to judge them.

 

[free2love]

"The secret of the devil's success is the secrecy of his moves"

It's simple. If one does not believe that demons are a reality, they do not believe God's word whatsoever.

 

[heron]

I think there are a lot of CF people who want more answers about demons, because they've had experiences they can't explain otherwise.

I gained a lot from Prophetic Insights Into Spiritual Warfare (1974), Frank Hultgren.