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Can a christian have a devil or demon?
Varnel Watson
Ricky Grimsley Dake explains it great He’s a got a great way to explain the Bible
Scott Phillips
Can someone call themselves a christian and worship the devil?
Calling yourself a Californian, does not a californian make.
I believe we have stretched the meaning of definition of Christians.
The scripture said, “THEY WERE Called Christians…” They did not call themselves christians.
Sadly, many today claim a designation that their lives, language, lifestyle or values could not be found guilty of such a charge.
Leon Bible
Sarcasm alert! Well men say they are women and get to go to the women’s bathroom.
Scott Phillips
Do you believe in Jesus and can you sing amazing Grace?
We are good. Don’t worry about any scriptures that clash with your opinions or your denominational tradition.
Leon Bible
Scott Phillips Yes that is what they teach…. Creflo Dollar, Joseph Prince and Jimmy Swaggart all teaching the hyper-grace message!
Scott Phillips
Leon Bible , it’s deception and a doctrine from hell. However, this hyper grace is mainstream today. It’s the message most of our denominations are effected by.
Jerome Herrick Weymouth
Leon Bible
You are full of hypocritical judgment! And you don’t know hay from straw. Jimmy Swaggert don’t teach hyper-grace!
Leon Bible
Jerome Herrick Weymouth Here Donnie says a sinner can commit adultery and NOT repent and still go to Heaven. Why he says? “It is justification by faith.” Hear it here: https://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/audio/donnie-swaggart-license-for-immorality.mp3
Scott Phillips
that is a pile of demonic deception right there.
Scott Phillips
Of course some believe if you BELIEVE ONCE… you are always justified forever.
However, we know better.
1 Corinthians 6:9
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Faith is a continuation, enduring, pressing.
Jerome Herrick Weymouth
Watch Bro. Swaggert for years.. He’s sound and preaching the words of Christ…and no not going to watch something that been altered so that haters use to condemn those who don’t believe like they do.
Scott Phillips
That seed of calvinism is infecting Pentecostalism. Hep us Lord.
Jerome Herrick Weymouth
Wow Scott calling himself a Calvinist!!!
Scott Phillips
Swaggart is a fine example of someone whose public rhetoric changed to matched his weak morality. Gifted, yes. Deceived none the less.
Scott Phillips
I am an Anti- Calvinst.
Jerome Herrick Weymouth
So am i
Scott Phillips
Very common for those whose lives are exposed to be hypocrisy … they began to teach / preach a hyper grace to excuse their excess.
Jerome Herrick Weymouth
Trinitarian and full gospel!!!
Jerome Herrick Weymouth
Good day for a fight on FB!!!
Jerome Herrick Weymouth
And I still watch Jimmy Swaggert and videos on YouTube of R.W. Shambuck!!!
Leon Bible
Jerome Herrick Weymouth Swaggart tried to take the “message of the cross” from Watchman Nee and use as an excuse for his sin.
You see the deal was Swaggart had sinned. THREE times in as many years…
So after crying and saying he was sorry how was he now going to get people to believe him? Enter the “message of the cross.”
Swaggart claimed a NEW revelation that nobody had since the days of the Apostle Paul. This new found message of the cross would allow him to say that he never “backslid” and that God was getting him ready to receive “message of the cross.”
With this new found message of the cross you can sin all you want to and still go to Heaven. Just as Donnie said… commit adultery and don’t repent… no problem you still get to go to Heaven. For them the same would have been true for brother Swaggart.
It is nothing more than the ole time Baptist “once saved always saved.” It is the same thing churches across the land are preaching when they say that the running a red light is the same as committing adultery. we all do it – they say. For the modern church there is no sin that will take you to Hell.
And for Swaggart there is NO Death penalty sin. No Sin can keep you out of Heaven they tell us… only the sin of rejecting Jesus. So according to them commit adultery all you want – just don’t reject Jesus!
Hogwash!
Jerome Herrick Weymouth
You Swaggert haters are the same ones who run down every Pentecostal preacher from Azusa St. to now. So when you haters start your hating. I write you off. Your just like those tankers who think the water in the baptismal tank washes away your sins.!!!
Leon Bible
Jerome Herrick Weymouth I don’t hate Swaggart – I watch him on TV often. Just like I do others. AND by the way you are NOT Christian by the Grace of God! You are Christian because you accepted Jesus as your Saviour and Lord! Now that option was available to you because of God’s grace, BUT you had to DO SOMETHING to receive it.
Jerome Herrick Weymouth
That something is believing and receiving Jesus Christ into your life. It is an act of your own free will and not by so called irresistible grace.
Scott Phillips
The Bible says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If you love the World, the love of the father is not in you.”
Oh, but can that scripture be true? Does it really mean that you got to REALLY NOT love the World?
IT can’t mean that, “Because we believe we are saved by faith alone.”
Throw away the whole Bible, New Testament epistles that speak to the many things one must do to be accepted, obedient, godly and faithful…
As long as you profess with your mouth, you can be anything, say anything do anything, wear anything go anywhere….
Do you believe in Jesus?
NO problem.
We believe we are saved by faith alone.
Varnel Watson
Scott Phillips These are major questions on delivery ministry today. I will repost what Paul L. King to help with some answers
ILLOGICAL SYLLOGISTIC REASONING
Major Premise: Every Christian is indwelt by
the Holy Spirit
Minor Premise: The Holy Spirit cannot dwell
with demons.
Conclusion: Christians cannot have demons.
Major Premise: Every Christian is indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
Minor Premise: The Holy Spirit cannot dwell with sin.
Conclusion: Christians cannot sin
Evidence of Demon Involvement:
• Had a spirit of sickness (weakness—Gr.—asthenia)—v. 11
• Was bound by Satan—v. 16
• Was proclaimed freed—v. 12, 16
But Not Full Demonic Control:
• Daimonion not used
• The spirit is not called an “unclean” or “evil” spirit
• It is called a healing—v. 14, distinguished from casting out demons
• Jesus laid hands on her—v. 13—which He did not do in exorcisms
• There was no violent manifestation or conversation with a demon
• Jesus does not say, “Come out,” or “Be gone”
Observations:
• A person may “have a spirit” without the spirit indwelling and needing to be cast out.
• A person may “have a spirit” that needs to be cast out.
• Thus, there are differing levels of “having a spirit” and differing deliverance methodologies for differing levels of demonic involvement.
Paul L. King
Thank you for reposting and aligning my earlier post material. The second half beginning with “Evidence of Demonic Involvement” are notes on Luke 13.
Scott Phillips
What fellowship hath Christ with Devils?
Can christians be oppressed, harrassed, under attack of the Devil?
What is the line between opression and possession?
I know from experience one can be under a heavy attack of the enemy. For a long time.
I have known people who for a season felt like they were losing their minds.
My general feel is, sometimes you have to outlast the enemy in the struggle.
Paul L. King
First of all, a Christian cannot be possessed (I.e., owned) by a demon. Oppression can usually be dealt with through binding and loosing without casting out, although severe oppression may require it. If it is at the level of an obsession/compulsion, it probably needs casting out (but not all OCD people have demons to be cast out. The final level of demonic control needs casting out.
Varnel Watson
There is a difference between a demonic attack and demonization
Robert Borders
The first time that I encountered a person openly manifesting a demonic presence was in a church service in a small COG in Indiana. I was 20 years old at the time and had never seen such a thing before. I didn’t know what to do except hold on to the teenage girl and pray while she was hissing like a snake and threatening to kill me. I knew the girl to be a Christian. God had mercy on us and the girl was set free that night!
Varnel Watson
was she water baptized ?
Robert Borders
Her church did not have a baptistry and I do not know if she had been baptized. I did see her praying at the altar. Her life and school performance greatly improved after being set free. My life was changed that night as well.
Varnel Watson
Thank God
Paul L. King
Certainly, if we see clear demonic manifestation, we cast it out. The problem is that some people are claiming something is demonic when it is not or is at a level of influence in which casting out is not the issue and is not of benefit. As Derek Prince once said, “You can’t cast out the flesh and you can’t crucify a demon.” Discernment is needed to know which is which.
Joseph D. Absher
God help us
Varnel Watson
How do you feel about the interpretation Dake gives on this portion of the Bible?
Melvin Shomo
Is dementia of the devil?
Do certain Christians get old timers?
What did King Nebuchadnezzar have when his mind went from him, could it of been a form of Dementia?
Someone that has old timers you might find outside eating grass
Robert Borders
but they don’t grow feathers
Varnel Watson
William DeArteaga has done some study in the area and in some cases they could be related
William DeArteaga
Most dementia is not demonic, but as we learn more about the healing ministty, we my be able to pray moreeffecive for it.
Paul L. King
William DeArteaga, I agree. Most dementia is the effects of a body and mind in a state of dying and shut down. My father had dementia for 2 years before he passed away last June. But his dementia itself was not demonically caused, although sometimes it was demonically aggravated. Singing hymns was effective for my father .
William DeArteaga
Paul L. King Very interesting. I noticed in my years of nursing home ministry that people with dementia came alive when we sang some old hymn, such as “The Old Rugged Cross’
Melvin Shomo
William
If we as Christians could learn how to bring the authority given to us by Christ we would see more people delivered.
The hymns brought forth life.
We as Christians have to learn to give people life.
Louise Cummings
He wasn’t a Christian. He didn’t even believe in God.
Louise Cummings
I was talking about Nebuchadnezzar
Paul L. King
I have been involved in deliverance ministry since 1971 when as a youth pastor my C&MA pastor mentored me in it. I have sat under the teachings of many deliverance ministries through the years–Derek Prince, Don Basham, Lester Sumrall, John Wimber, Francis MacNutt, Oral Roberts, Randy Clark, missiologist Ed Murphy, Neil T. Anderson, among others, and in my own C&MA denomination Dr. Keith Bailey and Dr. K Neill Foster (with whom I co-authored a book on Binding and Loosing). I did my first doctoral dissertation on spiritual warfare pioneer & missionary John MacMillan, who wrote the original book The Authority of the Believer, from which Kenneth Hagin and others got their teaching. Through the decades I have seen (and done) the good, the bad, and the ugly in deliverance. So much unsound teaching and practice in both ditches, so much balance, wisdom and discernment is needed. Early on I got hold of the book “Pigs in the Parlor” by Frank and Ida Mae Hammond, which basically says all mental illness is demonic, and has very elaborate teaching and diagrams, etc. I swallowed the whole teaching “whole hog” (bad pun intended). My mother was paranoid schizophrenic, so I tried to cast demons out of her using Hammond’s method. It was a disaster! No demons manifested. If my mother was not paranoid before, she was after I got done with her. And it sure did not help our relationship. I came to realize that there were no demons to cast out of my mother. She had a chemical imbalance, and there was some history of mental illness in her side of the family so some generational bondage to be freed from, but no demons to cast out. I also realized that demons would take advantage of her physical and emotional weakness and vulnerability, so at times I was able to bind demons harassing her and to loose her effectively for periods of time (sometimes she would go 3-4 years without an episode or medication), but no demons to cast out. She was a believer and loved Jesus, and prayed me back from a period of rebellion as a teenager.
Varnel Watson
http://www.pentecostaltheology.com/paul-king-john-a-macmillans-teaching-regarding-the-authority-of-the-believer-and-its-impact-on-the-evangelical-pentecostal-and-charismatic-movements/
Melvin Shomo
Paul can we assume since the disorder was in the family roots somewhere,, could it not be a generational curse.
Even a chemical imbalance can be considered from the enemy of our soul.
Because sin is what brought sicknesses and diseases into this world.
My sister had the book Pigs in the Parlor.
I didn’t care for the book.
Dementia along with Alzheimer’s is definitely not of God.
And they are losing their mental state of mind.
We are not the healer, Christ is. We are just an extension of his hand.
Paul L. King
Melvin Shomo Yes, I agree. I prefer not to use the term “generational curse” often, because some things can be generational, but not a curse from the iniquities of the forefathers per se, but more the results of of the general bondage of sinfulness of humankind (Romans 8:19-22). I prefer to use terms like “generational bondage” or “generational vulnerability,” or A.B. Simpson’s terminology of “hereditary cloud” long before the current language was used. I frequently command chemical imbalances of the body to come back into balance and proper alignment–all deficiencies to be brought up to normal, all excesses to be brought down to normal.
Paul L. King
With mentally handicapped persons, I don’t necessarily think that a generational curse is at work, although it certainly could be in some cases, but more for other reasons. At the same time, while their minds may be handicapped, their spirits are not. I have led worship services in homes for the mentally handicapped, and many of them in their own child-like way love Jesus. They love to sing the old hymns. The Holy Spirit and their human spirit commune, bypassing the mind. In the church I pastor, there is a man in his 30s, but with the mentality of a child, but he really loves Jesus, watches the news, and asks our church to pray for the weekly tragedies. He is big, much bigger than me, and he gives me a big bear hug after service and lifts me off my feet.
Paul L. King
Others overcome their physical and mental disabilities and receive a great degree of healing even if not total. A good friend of mine was born with cerebral palsy. He has somewhat slurred speech and is confined to a wheel chair. He was not supposed to live to be 2 years old, and if he did, he was supposed to be a vegetable. He survived and not only completed elementary school, and high school but also college, grad school, and recently a doctorate, and has presented papers at the Society for Pentecostal Studies academic conference. And he is married. Some word of faith people said he didn’t have enough faith for healing. I tell you, he is a man of faith and courage! Some people look at the cup half empty; he looks at it half full. The fact is, from the way he was and was predicted to be the rest of his life, he is 80% healed!
Melvin Shomo
Paul L. King there is a group that I have joined on here called Heart of Miracles Reign in Life.
They are actually talking about this on there, and they seem to agree with you.
You might want to check this group out.
Nice talking with you Sir
Louise Cummings
I wasn’t thinking of Dementia about Nebuchadnezzar when I said what I said about him. I thought you was asking about demon Possession. What he had , I believe was given to him from the Lord. I don’t know what you would call that. For a certain time I believe it came on him because of rebellion and unbelief. It could hav been some kind of possession. But when his time was up. He came back to his right mind.
Louise Cummings
Paul L. King thank God. If it’s who it is that I’m thinking about. I don’t believe the devil had on part in it. He parents could have smoked or something like that. But I wouldn’t dare say that either. Only the Lord Knows things like that. There was a question ask in the Bible. This man or his parents or him. Jesus said neither. But that they could see the Glory. I don’t think that’s our call to say who is the cause.The Bible says it rains on the Just and the unjust. This man I’m talking about. I believe is s great man of God.
Melvin Shomo
I believe Nebuchadnezzar was taken over by demons because of his rebellion.
But even when our minds go from us we can think normal within.
When Nebuchadnezzar came to himself he than acknowledged the God of Israel.
And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
Melvin Shomo
Can you imagine how the Babylonians turned their backs on Nebuchadnezzar and had left him roam in the Fields.
That is crazy
Louise Cummings
Melvin Shomo Amen. I agree. Completely.
Link Hudson
If someone gets dogmatic about this, he can end up judging other people’s salvation.
Louise Cummings
No. The devil can oppress you. The Bible said resist him and he wold flee. The Bible also said bitter water and sweet water, cannot come from the same fountain.
Varnel Watson
So William DeArteaga Paul L. King could king Saul be diagnosed with dementia? 🙂
William DeArteaga
No. plainly demonic, but maybe complicated with dementia.
Robert Borders
William DeArteaga or temporary delerium
Varnel Watson
Well he did know who David was before the battle and then after the battle asked who David was 🙂
Louise Cummings
I would say no. The Bible said an evil spirit from the Lord came upon him. Until little David played the Harp. And it would drive the evil spirit away. That’s what we need in our world and our Churches. Is get to playing some good old gospel song. And singing some good old or new Spirit Filled gospel singing and drive the Of devil out of our services. And then see us give all of us to God, and see souls saved and filled with the Sweet Holy Ghost.
Jerome Herrick Weymouth
Some things are of sin…let’s go to slaves and masters…Paul said ” to whom you submit to… you become its slave… Whether sin or righteousness…I see a lot of men and women that are bound in sinful lifestyles…a stronghold upon a mind. Which has to be pulled down. Remember that we are to loose, undo, and break every yoke. Sometimes it’s a demonic manifestation or times it just plan old rebellion.
Scott Phillips
No demonic possession needed if we believe doctrines of demons.
Varnel Watson
Melvin Shomo How would you approach a demonized person in church who starts screaming or charging you at the altar ?
Paul L. King
This happened to Paul Radar, pastor of Moody Church, who became President of the Alliance after A.B. Simpson passed away. A man came down the aisle barking like a dog. He immediately cast the demon out and when on with his sermon.
Melvin Shomo
I believe that I would do exactly what Paul has mentioned here.
There is a video on YouTube where a person enters the church with a gun to shoot the Pastor.
The Pastor rebukes him in the name of Jesus.
I believe that the video is legit
Varnel Watson
yap Paul L. King been there – indian chiefs coming to service all high from lodge all high charging the pulpit It was either that or put few of them in the hospital Joseph D. Absher knows
Joseph D. Absher
The worst ones hide behind the pulpit.
Varnel Watson
YES? Isara Mo
Gary Micheal Epping
Are you talking about somebody on here?
Varnel Watson
do tell if you have a word of discernment
Joshua Wheeler
It may be an unpopular opinion but yes they can. I’m not claim full on possession but oppression.
Varnel Watson
give us the exegesis on possession VS oppression Robert Franzen
Robert Franzen
Troy Day oh, I see; if ya start loosing ground in one debate start throwing a hundred others to distract –
Let’s finish one thing at a time
Fun subject tho;)
Varnel Watson
I think I gave you half of dozen chances on the Gap and you have fallen through its cracks 🙂
Robert Franzen
Troy Day you won’t respond or follow me in my exegesis – watch:
Have we established a very important vital interpreting principle that we MUST go to the original language & not the modern translations:
Have we established that the word replenish simply means “to fill?”
If we have, let’s go to verse 2.
Gary Micheal Epping
Robert Franzen What? “Have we established a very important vital interpreting principle that we MUST go to the original language & not the modern translations.” Why even have a modern translation when we have you to tell us?
Nora Neel-Toney
No they cannot. They can be oppressed but not possessed
Varnel Watson
where do we find this difference in the actual BIBLE?
Nora Neel-Toney
I’ll have to find it
Soussi Soussi
There are no demons or devils! All imagination and can be traced in the evolution of humans from myths to religions..
Nora Neel-Toney
Soussi Soussi there are demons. I’ve witnessed people who were demon possessed. Satan (devil) is as real as you are and is in many forms. He mostly represents himself as pleasures that are sinful.
Joseph Walker
Soussi Soussi a Christian can have anything they want
Soussi Soussi
They is not a possessed person! A mentally ill/disturbed person suffering mental issues. I deal with them on a daily basis. In the past, they had no neuroscience! So they attributed the brain chemical imbalance to demons! They couldn’t see the microbes in the past! No microscopes! They had to blame evil .. now, we know. Knowledge is power. See reality. Don’t create ur own and get disconnected from society.
Varnel Watson
Peter Vandever Terry Wiles The Deliverance Manual: Brownsville Assembly of God https://www.amazon.com/Deliverance-Manual-Brownsville-Assembly-God/dp/B003TMPWOU?fbclid=IwAR0-Z8QOXlcXoEizkjCh3-VytsgyD3075rD1JKAqtDeLqbjzARJDJsZs9A8
Nora Neel-Toney
Troy the Lord and the Holy Spirit does not abide in the same house as demons.
Robert Franzen
That’s what I thought:-
Nora Neel-Toney
How can a born again true Christian have a demon unless they turn away from God. The devil and God does not abide in the same house.
Varnel Watson
Can a Christian backslide and then have a demon?
Steve Losee
Th whole “oppressed/possessed” controversy is based on a mistranslation. You asked the question properly, and the answer is “yes”.
Varnel Watson
“oppressed/possessed” is not in the Bible – demonized is – AND it refers to people who were under covenant with GOD
Isara Mo
I have never met one WITHOUT a demon
Isara Mo
Do Christians sin?
Kenneth W Phelps
The Book Of James Tells Us That If We Tell GOD that We Sin Not We Are Liars
Isara Mo
Kenneth W Phelps
What causes sin?
Isara Mo
Kenneth W Phelps
Before the fall Adam.and Eve didn’t know what we call sin…until Satan.came on the scene…and initiated the sin syndrome…and death.
People try to come up with whacky ideas of ” flesh”…flesh….to explain the demonic…but is that ” sound doctrine”?
Kenneth W Phelps
Disobediance to GOD We Have A Warring Nature In Side Us The Old Man Which Is Sin And he Is Always Being Tempted Some Times We Give In for we are unable to give him up but we do learn to say no for JESUS Was Tempted And He Said No to Sin so We should do Also But We Are Weak of fleash but thank GOD For GRACE
Isara Mo
Kenneth W Phelps
Brother Kenneth Jesus nature was a sinless nature, a godly nature and logically it is impossible for God to sin whether in body or out of body for God cannot sin.
I see an incident of temptation of Jesus just once, and until He was crucified He had no sin and didn’t commit any sin because of divine nature : He had no ” old man nature” in Him , He no warring nature in Him….to kind of ” drive him” or propel.him to ” sin”
My point is this…Jesus did not have any demon in Him, His nature wouldn’t house any but as long as one has the ” sin nature” demonic oppression , captivity is imminent…There is more to temptation than our ” flesh” or” old man”
There are billions of people in the world who have not heard or accepted the gospel of Jesus and yet know that to kill, steal or destroy is sinful and, even without grace, have known how to NOT TO SIN…
Isara Mo
Why do they sin while their sins have been paid for?
Varnel Watson
Isara Mo after reading your position is unclear. What do you believe about believers having demons and being delivered?
Isara Mo
Troy Day My position is very clear: all Christians need deliverance…ALL
When you see people who are born again(saved) and yet are in great oppression it won’t help much preaching to them…they all need their demons cast out…
Fallacious teachings that Christians can’t have a demon is very detrimental to believers.
I had a attended a An Evangelical Church of a pastor friend for three or four years.When I first arrived there I wanted to know their doctrinal stand on deliverance…and he (a person with 2 degrees in theology) bluntly told me that their denomination didn’t believe that ” a believer” could have demons..I told him his church was not the kind of church I needed to worship but he allowed me to hold to my “skewed doctrines” and minister in their church..
Well guess what, believers had so many demons….and if I look back at the instances of ” deliverance” made, the more I become angry at people like Troy who condone a palliative gospel….that once you get saved your malaria parasites depart….
I have ministered almost in ” Pentecostal churches” and I have not found one where there was no demon…
I have not set my foot in a Catholic Church or a Lutheran Church or Seventh Adventist….the lot with ” sound doctrine” but if demons are found in Pentecostal churches what about “these”….
Troy that is my position: is it unclear?
Varnel Watson
all Christians need deliverance still does not answer my question YOU actually just made things more complicated 🙂
Isara Mo
Troy Day What question?
Varnel Watson
What do you believe about believers having demons and being delivered?
Bishop Bernie L Wade
Explain what you are asking.
Isara Mo
Bishop Bernie L Wade Thanks Bishop.
Steve Celich
Influenced, yes; possessed, no
Varnel Watson
the BIBLE makes NO such difference – it simply calls them demonized …
Steve Celich
Troy Day, where does the Bible call them/ believers demonized?
Varnel Watson
Every where where LXX and NT speaks about Jewish believers who were under covenant with GOD and were still demonized
Steve Celich
NO. You can’t mix covenants. Two different results.
Varnel Watson
Really? Who did Jesus ministered to?
Steve Celich
Show me a NT passage where an actual believer is said to be demonized.
Steve Celich
You can’t
Steve Celich
Prove ur point by evidence. U can’t
Varnel Watson
Revelation 2:20 But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and by her teaching deceives my servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.
Steve Celich
Your first mistake is how you look at the New testament. it is written to the professing or visible Church. There are believers in there and also unbelievers. That verse doesn’t say they r demonized but they lack a biblical standard to judge by.
Varnel Watson
Really? What mistake – I just cited Rev 2:20 It plainly calls a believer in the church Jezebel – deal with that
Steve Celich
Doesn’t prove ur point. Mistake…like most Christians they narrowly see the NT written to believers only. That is theistake.
Varnel Watson
Revelation 2:20 proves a woman in church was demonized and tolerated by the pastor/angel
Steve Celich
Yes, a woman in the professing-visible church. Doesn’t say she was a born again believer. We have that situation today in the “professing” church.
Steve Celich
there is a mixed bag of believers and non-believers who are professing to be believers which really aren’t in the visible church today
Steve Celich
See the parable of the sower
Steve Celich
Heb. 3-5 brings up that we have the same situation in the OT visible Jewish community as in the NT visible church. Mixed bag…believers and those who profess to believe but really don’t. That’s why the admonition in that context to take the full step and beleieve
Varnel Watson
The purpose of the Bible is not to inform us about all that ever was or ever will be; otherwise we would have a multi-volume Bible larger than the largest of encyclopaedias. The purpose of the Bible is to tell us what G-d has provided for us in this life. So the Bible tells us almost nothing about the pre-Adamic period and very little about the post-millennial time period. It may be acceptable for people to speculate about these matters, as long as it is understood to be merely speculation and not to be considered truth. However, such speculation is never profitable to our faith or our ability to obey the purposes of G-d in our lives. Genesis 1.2 contains a very important statement. “And darkness was on the face of the deep”. G-d had existed from eternity prior to this point and what we read about in Genesis chapter one was not His first work. But Genesis chapter one tells us nothing about the eternal pre-existent works of G-d. We cannot say that G-d existed eternally but never did anything until the moment that He created the heavens and the earth. G-d is not a G-d of eternal passivity. To put it more bluntly, G-d has existed for untold billions of years and He did not spend all of prehistory doing nothing, but we are not told what He did do. We are told that darkness was on the face of the deep, but darkness is not a substance; it is not something, darkness is in fact the lack of something. Darkness is the lack of light. Darkness actually has no power (although Christians often think that darkness is a rival power to light). Conversely, light is a substance and is powerful in its own right. This is true Biblically and scientifically. As an example: if the ionosphere were to be covered with some form of a thick blanket so as to exclude any light from reaching the earth, and if all light sources on the earth were extinguished, then we could say that a “darkness covered the earth”. If you then were to go to the end of the fishing pier at the beach and light a single candle, the light from that candle would be visible all the way to the horizon. Only an obstructed view of the end of the fishing pier would limit the visibility of the light. The light of one candle has more power than all the darkness, because darkness is not a substance, but the lack of light. The very fact that Genesis chapter one says that darkness covered the earth means that something was acting as a blanket over the earth at that time. It could be safely said that G-d had not existed in darkness prior to that moment, because where G-d is there is light. Yet the Bible tells us almost nothing about this time period, even though that time period is much longer than the time period that stretches from the creation of Adam until the end of this age. Now we have an interesting fact. What we think of as the supernatural world existed prior to Genesis one, but we are not told when G-d created this supernatural world, nor are we told when He created the world we live in now. In Genesis 1.1 the heavens and the earth are portrayed as being pre-existent; then at some point in His eternal existence G-d covered the earth with a blanket and darkness fell on the surface of the earth. Starting from Genesis the chronology of the Bible seems to trace a period of about 6,000 years. But we know that the earth is much older than 6,000 years and that the light we see coming from the stars has been travelling to us for at least tens of thousands of years. So these elements were not created six thousand years ago. But because the creation of the earth and the creation of the other heavenly bodies are not relevant to our salvation, the Bible does not comment on their history. We can speculate that the evil spirits are the disembodied spirits of beings from a pre-Adamic time period. But we can only speculate about that. The theological assumption is that at some point before the creation of Adam the angel Lucifer rebelled against G-d and took with him 1/3 of the seraphim and these spirits from the pre-Adamic creation. Then in Genesis 1.2 we find the words tohu v bohu, 11 which indicate that a judgement came upon this pre-Adamic race; after which G-d started a new creation with Adam. But spirits exist eternally. In fact a spirit could be likened to an algebraic mathematical ray. A ray has a starting point, which is the time when it is created, but it has no end point. This is in contrast to G-d, who in algebraic mathematical terms is a line. In algebraic terms a line has neither a starting point nor an ending point. A line continues forever in the past and forever in the future. Since these rebellious (i.e. evil) spirits of a pre-Adamic creation are deathless, they have continued to exist into our time period, seeking physical bodies to inhabit. The reason they seek to occupy bodies is because these beings are very limited in their completely spiritual state. Creation is incomplete without a physical state. We tend to think of the physical world negatively, and the spiritual realm as being more important. But in fact the Bible tells us that in the future G-d will live forever with us in the physical realm, after He has created the new heaven and the new earth. 1
Jon Ruthven
Well, as a friend of mine would say, “Let’s see, I was married for 23 years . . . .”
Varnel Watson
You area exactly right Rico Hero
can a Christian be bewitched.?
Gal 3:1-3…
Jezebel and witchcraft.. worked on the Galatians
yap – I have pointed to this before many many times BTW time we start praying against the queen of the sea
Brian James
People can be tempted and demons are all around us causing temptation. But No a true Holy Ghost filled Christian can not be possessed by a demon.
Varnel Watson
People can be tempted to post on FB during church
Brian James
Troy Day again who posted during church
Varnel Watson
lots of people do – its a shame if you ask me
Mike Partyka
No.
Varnel Watson
YES
Jimmy Pearson
Absolutely not! Can’t believe this is even a question.
Varnel Watson
Jimmy Pearson you must be a good bapticostal
Jimmy Pearson
Troy generally I just believe what scripture teaches and there is no example anywhere in scripture of a believer being possessed. That teaching comes out of a sensationalized teaching on spiritual warfare that is unbiblical and dangerous. And honestly not sure how to label myself denominationally. Grew up and ordained with the church of God, currently attend a baptist church, previously pastored a baptist church but have held many ministry positions in Pentecostal churches. There are worse things than being bapticostal I suppose.
Varnel Watson
Jimmy Pearson there isnt? how do you mean
Jimmy Pearson
There isn’t what.
Varnel Watson
Jimmy Pearson thats what I was asking about your statement above I dont want to misunderstand if before commenting You said
“no example anywhere in scripture of a believer being possessed.”
do you exclude by this statement of Biblical exclusiveness ALL OT believers like Soul and others and then in the NT Jewish ppl who Jesus delivered from possession and same the apostles of Jesus in the NT churches and Mark who said Jesus commanded us to preach and cast demons out?
Jimmy Pearson
I have no problem with the fact that people can be possessed. I think whether or not king Saul In the Old Testament was a believer is debatable I also think you could debate whether he was possessed or just tormented by an evil spirit.
The Jews who came to Jesus to have demons exorcised became believers but certainly wouldn’t have been beforehand.
Les Snowden
Troy Day how about Mary Magnalin ?
Varnel Watson
Jimmy Pearson how were they NOT believers if they were Jew believing in GOD and worshiping in the temple?
Jimmy Pearson
ive met lots of people that attend service every Sunday and aren’t saved haven’t you. Safe to assume human nature hasn’t changed. Just because someone is a practicing Jew didn’t mean they were redeemed. The Pharisees we’re practicing Jews
Varnel Watson
These are major questions on delivery ministry today. I will repost what Paul L. King to help with some answers
ILLOGICAL SYLLOGISTIC REASONING
Major Premise: Every Christian is indwelt by
the Holy Spirit
Minor Premise: The Holy Spirit cannot dwell
with demons.
Conclusion: Christians cannot have demons.
Major Premise: Every Christian is indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
Minor Premise: The Holy Spirit cannot dwell with sin.
Conclusion: Christians cannot sin
Evidence of Demon Involvement:
• Had a spirit of sickness (weakness—Gr.—asthenia)—v. 11
• Was bound by Satan—v. 16
• Was proclaimed freed—v. 12, 16
But Not Full Demonic Control:
• Daimonion not used
• The spirit is not called an “unclean” or “evil” spirit
• It is called a healing—v. 14, distinguished from casting out demons
• Jesus laid hands on her—v. 13—which He did not do in exorcisms
• There was no violent manifestation or conversation with a demon
• Jesus does not say, “Come out,” or “Be gone”
Observations:
• A person may “have a spirit” without the spirit indwelling and needing to be cast out.
• A person may “have a spirit” that needs to be cast out.
• Thus, there are differing levels of “having a spirit” and differing deliverance methodologies for differing levels of demonic involvement.
Chris Westerman
Yes.
Mitchell Effie Catron
Not a true Christian…what does the word Christian mean?
Varnel Watson
what is a true and not true Christian
Mitchell Effie Catron
Troy Day a true Christian is a follower of Jesus…one that trusts Him….a fake Christian says they follow Christ, but their actions prove otherwise.
Varnel Watson
Mitchell Effie Catron meaning what? do you have any BIBLE verses for that?
Jireh D Hormann
Being tempted and surrounded by demons is possible by what we surround ourselves with. To be indwelled by a demon is not possible if the spirit of God is inside a believer
Varnel Watson
give some Biblical examples of indwelled by a demon
Emmett Smith
A christian can be oppressed but not oppressed by the devil
Christopher Lance Dart
Emmett Smith I think you mean “oppressed but not posessed,” and I agree.
Emmett Smith
Christopher Lance Dart Yes~ Thanks
Varnel Watson
as Steve Losee stated none of this is in the BIBLE The word used demonized makes NO difference between possession or oppression Its just demonized
Steve Losee
the difference is in English. “Possession” means “ownership”. Demons don’t own people, and especially not Christians. And redefining words for “religious” purposes doesn’t count.
Varnel Watson
Steve Losee the Bible was NOT written in English you know but if it was good for Paul…
Steve Losee
Where did Paul se the term “daimonizomai”?
Steve Losee
since you didn’t use the inaccurate word “possessed”, I have to answer in the affirmative.
Varnel Watson
I cannot affirm that you can affirm that you know what you just said
Steve Losee
It doesn’t matter. 🙂
Varnel Watson
Steve Losee it is a basic English way of saying demonized What other word would you think of for addressing this?
Steve Losee
the very phrase that’s used here: “to have a demon”, like “to have a cold” etc.
Varnel Watson
Steve Losee actually NO the phrase used for Peters mother in law who had a fever has nothing to do with demonized
Steve Losee
I never said it did.
Varnel Watson
Steve Losee you implied with the word LIKE which is not so
Steve Losee
Your source for saying that so dogmatically?
Emmett Smith
Demonized is too broad.
Varnel Watson
Demonized is the BIBLICAL term It cannot be too broad if GOD himself used it for these cases Isara Mo Emmett Smith the problem with demonized is when english speaking folk start putting their broad understanding in the very clear Greek word demonized
Varnel Watson
Steve Losee What is the Biblical basis for demons being limited to operating through fear? – you may actually have a point there Pls explain what do you mean by fear – and operating through it. Fear from what – darkness, situation, sickness, other people, other demonized folk? In church and organized religion we see a lot of fear from
false higher authority
meaning religious fear imputed by people in office who do not actually hold spiritual authority I dont mean through apostolic anointing operating through people in office but folks in office who have lost it and simply keep in faking it to show face
Jezebel operated this way – remember? Fear from higher political authority who lacked holiness and spiritual power How real is this Jezebel spirit in the church today? You tell us what you meant here http://www.pentecostaltheology.com/hebrew-scriptures-to-determine-understanding-of-demons/
De'Anna Sepulvado
Biblical truths make it abundantly clear that Christians cannot be demon possessed. There is a distinct difference between being possessed by a demon and being oppressed or influenced by a demon. Demon possession involves a demon having direct/complete control over the thoughts and/or actions of a person. Demon oppression or influence involves a demon or demons attacking a person spiritually and/or encouraging him/her into sinful behavior.
Jolene Sherman
De’Anna Sepulvado exactly correct. A demon cannot dwell in a person where the Holy Spirit lives.
Varnel Watson
Jolene Sherman uhm sure OK what if that person has backslidden committed sin run away from GOD?
Jolene Sherman
Troy Day God doesnt run away from you?
Varnel Watson
Jolene Sherman did I said that or you are just avoiding the question? What about the Biblical term demonized used for ppl in the NT who were under covenant ? That example of covenant theology is way too hard to avoid
Jolene Sherman
He will never leave you or forsake you. He will forgive your sins and help you get back on track. Just ask Him
Jolene Sherman
Troy Day how do you think the Holy Spirit and a demon spirit can reside in the same space?? Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.
Varnel Watson
Jolene Sherman OK avoiding the question again 🙂 Just say you dont know and move on Its OK!
Jolene Sherman
Troy Day I dont understand why you are confused. Its spelled out pretty simply in the above comments
Varnel Watson
Jolene Sherman I believe the BIBLE not your comments
Juandre Fourie
Troy Day the answer is real Christians wouldn’t become “unborn again “.
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.
I John 2:19 NKJV
Varnel Watson
Juandre Fourie real Christians – non real Christians Seems OK to say it but where it is in the BIBLE?
Juandre Fourie
Troy Day if you are trying to say how do you know someone’s a real Christian, you cannot 100% know someone else’s heart BUT you can see by their fruits. Repentance, faith, baptism etc if they do have a saving faith.
Also the verse below answers it. If they say they were a Christian and all of a sudden deny their faith that means they were never a Christian to begin with. They just kept it as a tradition.
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.
I John 2:19 NKJV
De'Anna Sepulvado
Troy Day actually you’re avoiding the question…you started with an argument, you need proof to back your argument and you have no verse that says, Christian’s can be possessed. Your argument is weak….and btw causing division is a BIG no no
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado I agree with that statement.
Jolene Sherman
Troy Day then perhaps you should read it??
Divina Jacinto Babaran
Can the backslider be called a christian after he abandoned his fath in God?
Divina Jacinto Babaran
I believe a backslider doesnt have a solid foundation in his faith like the seed in the rocky ground. The Spirit of God was received only for a while, not enough conviction thus the seed did not grow. A Christian is a follower of Christ that he may be opressed by demon, he is not possessed by it because he’s deeply rooted in faith
Varnel Watson
Biblical truths make it abundantly clear that Christians cannot be demon possessed
really now 🙂 please point to us where exactly
do KEEP in mind the term possessed is not in the Greek
GNT uses one term only – demonized
Now tell us where it is abundantly clear in the BIBLE that…
De'Anna Sepulvado
Troy Day tell me where it says we can be possessed? Obviously you have come to cause division or else you would have stated and not asked ??♀️
Varnel Watson
De’Anna Sepulvado the NT plainly says Jewish people under covenant with GOD were demonized Then we arrive to the Book of Revelation where we read about church folk demonized – How did you miss all that being so plain?
De'Anna Sepulvado
Troy Day still waiting for you to give a verse saying CHRISTIANS not Jewish people can be possessed by demons.
Varnel Watson
De’Anna Sepulvado oh SO you believe in dual covenant theology Got ya – moving along => Read Revelation
De'Anna Sepulvado
Troy Day your meme specifically says Christian, not Jewish ??♀️
De'Anna Sepulvado
Keep ’em coming Troy lol
Varnel Watson
De’Anna Sepulvado you never answered my question Avoiding the issue gets you no where Obviously you just dont know
De'Anna Sepulvado
Roman’s 8:9-11
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, pif so be that qthe Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not qthe Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but rthe Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of shim that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you,the that raised up Christ from the dead ushall also quicken your mortal bodies ||xby his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
1 Corin. 3:16
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, andthat the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
AND
1 John 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.
☝️ that verse says God dwells within Christian’s and is greater than all worldly things…demons and sin are worldly things.
God specifies that once saved we are not our own…we are His temple.
Demons cannot coexist with God.
JoSe VaZqUeZ
Troy Day
“Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it. ” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. Now after the piece of bread, SATAN ENTERED HIM. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.””
John 13:26-27 NKJV
Rick Holtsclaw
No. If one is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, they cannot be simultaneously indwelt by demonism. Light and darkness cannot coexist.
“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 (NASB)
Varnel Watson
can they backslide get demonized and attend church?
Rick Holtsclaw
Troy Day If one is truly born again by the Spirit, they will not fall away/backslide because they are secure in our Lord forever and the Holy Spirit is able to make them secure and walk them through the process of sanctification…Jesus has made this promise and the Holy Spirit has secured said promise in Scripture. Backsliding is a manifestation of Messiah’s parable concerning the Sower and the Seed (Matthew 13).
Varnel Watson
Jolene Sherman De’Anna Sepulvado lets simplify this clear theological question – have you ever encountered a demonized person in yalls churches?
De'Anna Sepulvado
Troy Day if so, they were not saved ?
Jolene Sherman
De’Anna Sepulvado exactly
Varnel Watson
De’Anna Sepulvado EXAMPLE – read 1 Corinthians 5
De'Anna Sepulvado
Troy Day you want me to read the whole book lol
De'Anna Sepulvado
Troy Day you are speaking of 1 Corin. 5:5
to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Paul ordered the church of Corinth to deliver a believer over to Satan.
There is no evidence that the person whom Paul delivered over to Satan became demon-possessed.
Kymberly Carter
A Christian can be oppressed but not possessed. Two different words and meanings.
Varnel Watson
Bible verse for that one please
Kymberly Carter
Troy Day, i wasnt in a place to post all this earlier.
“43 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.” – Matthew 12:43-45
If believers could be possessed then why cast out one to let 7 others come? If we cast out in Jesus’ name and the person accept Him as their Lord and Savior then their house is occupied. No demon(s) can come possess. They can let the enemy influence them but not possess them.
Can believers let the enemy influence them absolutely, but if they are born again God lives in them and the enemy cannot live in them.
Possession and influence/oppression are two different things. Believers can allow the enemy to influence/oppress them but when God has us nothing can possess us because we have become His temple. Just as He was in the Holy of Holies in the temple of the Old testament when the Holy Spirit came He dwells in believers.
We can rest in God and His word that He has us because He is in us. We fight against temptation and influence of the enemy over our lives but we can have peace that He abides in us and us in Him. 1 John 4:13
Paul Myers
yes can be a devil and can have a demon
Gamas Heet
Yes … in the flesh..
Joseph Geranio
Not if you have the Holy Spirit, so I say no.
Steve Losee
I believe so. If Satan himself could march into God’s throne room (Job 1 & 2), what makes a Christian think he/she is more sacrosanct than that?
Varnel Watson
not knowing the BIBLE – that’s what
Steve Losee
amen, Troy!
James Pedreschi
You can be under the influence of a demon in the same way you can be under the influence of alcohol but they can’t take ownership there is always an aspect of free will remaining or in the worst cases a choice of free will that allowed it in
Rafe Ronning
James Pedreschi Good analogy. Demons can be in the soul or the body and can have weak or strong influence over that person
Stephen Lareau
Steve Losee Only with God’s permission.
Steve Losee
Did he have permission to approach God?
Stephen Lareau
Steve Losee He needs permission to do anything. God is the God of all creation.
Steve Losee
okay.
Lord’s Day Frog Memes
No, being indwelt by the Holy Spirit prevents one from being “possessed” however a Christian can be oppressed as a result of their actions.
“When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.”
— Luke 11:24-26
By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
— 1 John 4:2-4
Lord’s Day Frog Memes
Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
— 1 Corinthians 3:16
I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
— 1 Corinthians 5:5
You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons,
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
Nor faint when you are reproved by Him;
For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines,
And He scourges every son whom He receives.”
It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
— Hebrews 12:4-8
Larry Dale Steele
I sure know some that claim to be Christian
Varnel Watson
oh no you didnt – any in this discussion ?
Larry Dale Steele
Troy Day I did I’m headed to prayer at the moment maybe later I will say most people say you can’t be Possessed but can be oppressed because they have been taught this if we believe something then we should be able to give an account to why we believe it Stephan give an account on why he believed what he did before he was stoned
Christian Isaac
Only a back sliding Christian can
RichardAnna Boyce
Believers can’t be demon possessed in their spirit; but can be demonised in the soul/body.
Rafe Ronning
RichardAnna Boyce exactly
Rafe Ronning
Yes, they can. I got delivered from a demon in 2009. I had been a Christian for 6 years. I also do a lot of deliverance ministry and only do deliverance on Christians.
James Pedreschi
Rafe Ronning agreed. Personally I have only seen demons in Christians. I draw it down to the devil going all out to stop God’s plan for them. Just my experience though
Rafe Ronning
James Pedreschi To cast demons out of a non-Christian would be foolish. If they don’t have the Holy Spirit to lead them and they have no value for the things of God they will be right back in it.
James Pedreschi
That checks out with the clearing house verse. If the holy spirit doesn’t replace comes back with more
Rafe Ronning
James Pedreschi yes. The early Christians did deliverance when people were converted so people would be clean going into a Christian life. Modern-day Christianity we have kicked deliverance ministry out of church so many people are converted and filled with demons.
De'Anna Sepulvado
Show me in the Bible where a Believer was possessed…..I do not believe a Believer can be possessed by demons unless Gods Holy Word backs it up.
Jessica Zoretich
Rafe Ronning I got delivered too, I was messing with the ouija board and a demon haunted me for years ? I’m free now
Rafe Ronning
Jessica Zoretich amen. Deliverance Ministry.needs to be brought back to the forefront of the church
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado The Bible says that people can have a demon. This can be Christians and non-Christians alike. The Greek word translated “possession” simply means to have a demon.
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning where?
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado The Bible does not unequivocally say a Christian can have a demon or a Christian cannot have a demon. So you can try to prove your point on both sides. At salvation your spirit is instantly made new but your body and your soul are not. Ex. People can have cancer in their body which many times is a spirit of infirmity. People can also have a spirit of fear which is in their mind or emotions (soul)
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning I need a verse where a Believer was possessed.
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8 would be one
De'Anna Sepulvado
Yes the Bible gives examples of only Non-Believers being possessed, not once does it say anything about a believer….your argument is void…and any smart Christian would compare everything to Gods Word.
De'Anna Sepulvado
At true Salvation, you become a child of God..He does not say only parts of you…all of you is His.
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado Simon was a believer according to scripture
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning You chose Simon lol The fact that he practiced Sorcery makes him a non-believer or follower of God. Sorcery was forbidden by God and is Satanic.
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado read Acts 8:13
Carol Shockett
De’Anna Sepulvado how can the Holy Spirit live in the same temple as a demon? I agree with you. Christians cannot be possède but oppressed by them.
Carol Shockett
Rafe Ronning was not a genuine believer
Jessica Zoretich
De’Anna Sepulvado a cafetería believer can be possessed but a true believer following gods rules cannot. I was a believer but didn’t practice my religion and got possession leading to exorcism
Rafe Ronning
Carol Shockett the Holy Spirit is in a persons spirit. Demons dwell in body or soul. Question for you, a spirit of infirmity could be in a persons body creating a sickness correct?
Carol Shockett
Rafe Ronning the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Please research correctly from scripture.
Rafe Ronning
Carol Shockett Yes it means The Holy Spirit lives in a person not in a brick-and-mortar temple. That was the transition from the Old Testament believer to the New Testament believer
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning Acts 8:17-24
Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” 24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”
A true believer would not try to buy the apostles’ unique power to bestow the Holy Spirit.
He curses Simon indicating he will perish (v. 20).
He says Simon does not have any part in “this matter” (v. 21).
He says Simon’s heart is not right with God (v. 21).
He tells Simon to repent of his wickedness to be forgiven (v. 22).
He says Simon is poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity (v. 23).
After this event, the Bible never again refers to Simon the Sorcerer. Contrary to apocryphal and Gnostic texts that seek to glorify his role as sorcerer and his previous satanic abilities….they say that Simon was repentant. But he was an antichrist and continued his sorcery, even founding Gnosticism itself. The greed of Simon is recalled in the modern word simony, “using religion as a means of profit.”
Jesus talks about those who come professing His name that are not true Christian’s in the book of Matthew. He actually warms of those who profess His name, they are sheep in wolves clothing.
There is no proof that Simon was a believer who recieved true salvation. None.
I just searched for it.
De'Anna Sepulvado
Jessica Zoretich when I say believer, I am speaking of a Christian, a TRUE believer in Christ..a person who has been saved through the righteous blood of Jesus Christ and has the Holy Spirit indwelling in them.
There are many who believe but are not saved…the demons believe and know Jesus exists.
De'Anna Sepulvado
By saying that a demon can possess a Christian is saying that a demon is equal to God in power or greater…A demon is of the world…the Bible says that GREATER is HE that is in you. ?
You are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)
Eva Lujan
Short answer is no, not if the Holy Spirit is in you
Jj Pinoyjedi
If you want one, you can have one
Ephesians 4:27
Rafe Ronning
Jj Pinoyjedi Yes, spirits of anger are common even in Christians.
RichardAnna Boyce
anger, if it becomes a habit, can demonize our soul/body; but we dont have the authority to invite a demon to possess our spirit, as we are controlled by Holy Spirit Who lives inside a believer continuously and eternally.
De'Anna Sepulvado
A demon cannot possess a Holy Spirit filled Christian.
Lord’s Day Frog Memes
Jj Pinoyjedi
Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.
— Ephesians 4:26-27
I do not see where you get that a believer can be possessed in that passage…
John Gardiner
Definitely no. Temple of the Holy Spirit. None the less we are to proactively to still put on the full armor of God (take action) to stand against the devil’s schemes.
De'Anna Sepulvado
Those that profess to be Christian and have been possessed were never saved to begin with.
Those who have trusted Christ have been delivered from the possibility of demonic possession. Paul wrote.
Ephesians 2:2
in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient.
The believers do not live any more under their authority.
Colossians 1:13-14
He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Believers have nothing in common with darkness or Satan. The Holy Spirit, and a demonic spirit, cannot co-exist in the same person.
2 Corin. 6:15
And what agreement has Christ with Belial? or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?
The Bible teaches that those who have trusted Christ are permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:13-14
In Him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in Him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of His glory.
The Bible says that such evil powers cannot separate the believer from the love of God.
Roman’s 8:38;39
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Specially mentioned are the angels and principalities – angelic orders. Not even they can separate the believer from the love of God. All of these things would make demon-possession an impossibility for the believer.
The Scripture does not teach that a Christian can be possessed by a demon. The believer is “in Christ,”- one of His. Every example in the Bible of a person being demon-possessed concerns an unbeliever – there are no examples of believers being possessed.
We are to compare everything we hear and see to Gods Word and NOWHERE do you find a believer being possessed in Gods Holy Word.
RichardAnna Boyce
AMEN
Keith Brich
No.
Ernesto J. Lassus
Absolutely NOT!
Cori Stegall
Like, as a pet? I would think not.
John Marquis
This is an apologetics topic?!
Carol Shockett
how can the Holy Spirit live in the same temple as a demon? Christians cannot be possessed but oppressed by them. Simon was not a genuine believer.
Justin Andrusk
No, there is zero Scriptural evidence for this. In the Gospels we see the exact opposite, demons being cast out and the Holy Spirit being given to Christians. A kingdom divided cannot stand.
Rafe Ronning
Justin Andrusk The difference between what we see in the Bible and what we see today is that demons were driven out as they were initiated to God in the gospels and in the book of Acts. Today we do not drive demons out. For example, look at acts eight when Philip went down to Samaria. He proclaimed the gospel, cast out demons, healed the sick. When is the last time you saw an evangelism meeting like that?
Frederick H Slice
I have a dog named Lucifer.
Rafe Ronning
The teaching that a Christian cannot have a demon is probably one of the most deceptive teachings in the body of Christ right now. Countless Christians throughout history have been delivered from demons. What do you do with all that evidence?
NealandBrook Hall
Rafe Ronning like what evidence.
Dillon Thomas
Anecdotes don’t make evidence. And the thing about “evidence” of demonic possession is that it’s hard to come by. I’ve heard the exorcism tapes for Annalise Michaels and seen some videos and I believe they’re real (especially with Annalise’s physical transformation and death) BUT Hollywood does the same thing all the time.
Rafe Ronning
Dillon Thomas I will tell you my deliverance testimony. I was heavily addicted to pornography and a woman prayed for me. A demon spoke through me in a different voice and then they came out with a guttural scream as I rolled on the floor as they left. Just like in account in Mark 1. After the spirits left I was completely set free from pornography.
Dillon Thomas
Rafe Ronning that’s crazy. Praise the Lord that you were brought out. I do agree, by the way, that the teaching is wrong.
Rafe Ronning
Dillon Thomas in my opinion deliverance ministry has been relegated to the lunatic fringe. If you go to Africa, deliverance is quite normal compared to the West. It’s more of a worldview issue in my opinion. The west looks at everything through scientific lens and psychology for answers.
Dillon Thomas
Rafe Ronning totally agree
Rafe Ronning
Dillon Thomas also, Hollywood has grossly distorted what demons do. I think there’s an agenda behind it as well. It will either make people so afraid they will tell themselves demons aren’t real or they will get fascinated and seek after them. Both are not good
Maria Carub
True Christians cannot demon possessed but can be oppressed
Brandon Krause
Maria Carub sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference. I thought I was possessed once but it turned out to be my ocd and anxiety increasing.
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado There’s no proof that he didn’t either. It says he believed land was baptized. You have to take it at face value. How would we know if anyone’s a believer who claimed to believe and be baptized then?
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning 1 John 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.
By saying a Christian can be possessed is saying that a demon is equal in power to our Holy Sovereign God…no demon can dwell where the Holy Spirit does.
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado demons aren’t definitely not equal to God in power. It’s not that we have the Holy Spirit but does He have all of us. Demons do get into people’s bodies and need to be driven out. The countless Christians who claim deliverance are either not Christians or demons didn’t come out of them. Which one is it?
Carol Shockett
Rafe Ronning i know. I’m a pastor and teacher.
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado i’m just trying to challenge your thinking a little bit because you have the same stance the majority of the body of Christ has. I’m not being critical of you but the devil is very smart and has tricked Christians into thinking they can’t have a demon which is why so many Christians have battles with mental health issues, addictions, suicide, etc
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning I stand on Gods Word…not what man/sinner says…??♀️
And His Holy Word never says a Christian can be possessed.
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning Gods Word is truth…and it is extremely dangerous to say a Christian can be possessed…that is adding to Gods Word.
Rafe Ronning
I’m gonna challenge you with this one. Let’s say there was a heavily demonized unsaved person. (Involved in witchcraft, drugs,, prostitution, anger, murder, etc) would that person need to be delivered from demons in your opinion?
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado let’s have some fun with this, answer my question ?
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning ok…
Anthony Gilbert
Not if you are fully submitted to God James 4:7 submit to God resist the devil and he will flee a demon cannot posess a Submitted vessel of God
NealandBrook Hall
Anthony Gilbert I don’t think being fully submitted to God saves u from being possessed. Having Christ in you is the answer.
Anthony Gilbert
NealandBrook Hall explain acts 5:27-32 the holy spirit will not dwell in an unsubmitted vessel because 2 spirits cannot occupy the same telling if you are not submitted to God you are not submitted to Christ that’s why we are told to walk after the Spirit and we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh walking after the Spirit is waking in obedience to the teachings of Christ that’s how we are led of the sprit through obedience to God’s word disobedience is how unclean spirits enter by fulfilling the lust of our carnal nature
NealandBrook Hall
Anthony Gilbert I believe u are incorrect. There are Always times in which we walk by the spirit and at times when we choose not to. That doesn’t mean Gods spirit isn’t in u anymore or has left you and therefore you are subject to demon possession. There are countless scriptures that show it’s impossible for a christian to become possessed.
Anthony Gilbert
NealandBrook Hall an unsubmitted christian an be demonpossed because they are not obeying God’s teaching read Matt 28:20 there are many people who call themselves followers of Christ in talk but their lifestyle says different there is a big difference between saying you’re a Christian and being one your life is evidence/fruit not your words
NealandBrook Hall
Anthony Gilbert yiur describing people who are Christians and those that may not be Christians. Those are very two very different things.
Anthony Gilbert
NealandBrook Hall and those choices not to have great consequences like unclean spirits entering
NealandBrook Hall
Anthony Gilbert absolutely not. Impossible. So anytime u have sinned means u have an unclean spirit in you. That’s insane thinking because that’s exactly what u are saying. Gods spirit is an imperishable seed that lives in you. He is faithful when you are faithless. Where lightness is darkness cannot be.
Anthony Gilbert
NealandBrook Hall either you’re a follower of Christ or of Satan either you have the Spirit of Christ or the Spirit of Satan Good night
Anthony Gilbert
NealandBrook Hall does God dwell in the midst of sin
Anthony Gilbert
NealandBrook Hall but without faith it’s impossible to please him
NealandBrook Hall
Anthony Gilbert ok…… do I sense cognitive dissonance with the quick assertion their and quick flight from the conversation. Yes God does dwell in the midst of sin. Do you not sin? Have u not sinned to today or this week or this year? We have daily choices to walk in spirit or walk in flesh. We have consequences but he will never leave us. It’s an imperishable seed that never leaves. That’s what makes it imperishable
NealandBrook Hall
2 Timothy 2:13, Hebrews 7:24, Hebrews 13:5
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning I will entertain your questions, but if it doesn’t align with Gods Word, I will automatically deny it.
Charles White
Rafe Ronning where in Scripture does it talk about a spirit of infirmity?
Charles White
Rafe Ronning OT course, but at the same time, they are not a believer, the OP says Christian
Joey Midgett
No
Rafe Ronning
Charles White Read the account in Luke 13
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado The question is regarding the heavily demonized person. Respond to that one
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning Yep, but only salvation is capable of doing that, nowhere does Jesus tell us we are to cast out demons in the latter part of the NT…He tells us to take up our armor and to resist the devil.
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning I agree, the devil is smart, he likes to twist scripture….just like you are.
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado if you were going to evangelize this person what would you do? I’m pushing you a little
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado that scripture is regarding spirits outside of us.
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning I would share the truth of the gospel according to Gods Word and leave it at that…unless she has questions. Jesus never said to do anything more or less. We plant the seed and let Jesus do His Work.
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning Luke 13 ???
Daniel P Campbell
We can be oppressed, suppressed and even depressed, but NEVER POSSESSED
Rafe Ronning
Daniel P Campbell I agree but so many people are fighting over semantics. Christians can have demons in their bodies and need deliverance. I work for a ministry dealing with drug addiction/alcoholism. Most of these people need deliverance from unclean spirits in their bodies that are causing the addiction and they are all Christians.
Daniel P Campbell
Rafe Ronning
Drugs aren’t demons
Rafe Ronning
Daniel P Campbell drugs can bring in spirit of addiction or spirit of pharmakei (sorcery/witchcraft) unclean spirits create the temptation to use drugs internally
Daniel P Campbell
Rafe Ronning
Yes but they themselves are not demons
Rafe Ronning
Daniel P Campbell correct. They are just physical substances but they open up the Spirit world. Especially methamphetamine. It’s interesting that the Greek word Pharmakei means “sorcerywitchcraft” is translated drugs in English. This is where we get pharmacy, pharmacist. Etc
Daniel P Campbell
Rafe Ronning
Preaching to the choir
Rafe Ronning
Daniel P Campbell amen. don’t use drugs my friend, they’re evil ?
Daniel P Campbell
Rafe Ronning
Do you drink coffee, soda?
Rafe Ronning
Daniel P Campbell yes
Rafe Ronning
I am addicted to caffeine
Daniel P Campbell
Rafe Ronning
Caffeine is a drug
Rafe Ronning
Daniel P Campbell yep, The most harmless one though. Guess you got to pick your poison in life ?
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning I don’t deny that spiritual warfare does not exist,
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
And we shouldn’t overemphasize the power of demons. Many human ailments are simply caused by living in a fallen world, and there are many instances in Luke’s gospel of people being healed of diseases with no mention of a demonic cause.
Again, if a person is possessed then they cannot be a Christian. A Christian knows that Jesus still heals and will rely upon Jesus always.
Charles White
Rafe Ronning why am I reading that account and what version should I read?
Charles White
Rafe Ronning believers cannot be possessed by demons.
Rafe Ronning
Charles White You can read any version, it talks about a woman who had a spirit of infirmity. She was unable to stand up straight until Jesus delivered her from the spirit.
Rafe Ronning
Charles White correct. Possession means ownership. Jesus owns believers. Believers can be under the power of a demon though.
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado If someone has demons in them and we just pray for them to get saved ( believe in Jesus in faith) do the demons automatically leave that person?
Dean Woods
Nope
Jake Painter
Absolutely not!!!
Dillon Thomas
So, as I said above, I know anecdotes don’t make evidence BUT I’ve experienced some things that make me question the whether no is the correct answer.
Daniel McAdams, would love to have you add to this.
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning True Children of God can be tempted by the devil…but are not under their control. A True Christian is always given a way out of that temptation…through reading Gods Word, prayer, etc…but demons never have enough control over a believer that they cannot make a decision to be free from it. That is called sin…Christian’s still sin, we are not perfect.
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado I agree with that. But original question on this post was can a Christian have a demon which I would say unequivocally yes to.
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning and I would say unequivocally no, because it does not align with Gods Word.
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado I’m confused. you have already said they can.
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado
De'Anna Sepulvado
A Christian is a follower of Christ…where does Jesus tell us to exorcise demons out of other Christians???
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado Matthew 10:7-8
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning I said they can influence…cause you to sin…tempt you…I never denied that…I put that in an above comment
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado alright, we finally agree. that’s what I’ve been saying all along. That’s the job of demons to drive people into certain types of sins. People will need deliverance from demons who are influencing/driving them
Eshriz Enock
no
Jr Montejar
yes each one has a demon assigned to him and an angel assigned for him
. all people are creation of God and hence his son through Adam and Eve. Since God Gave angels to guard his believers ( Christians and non Christians but believers like Abraham in the Old Testament)
Satan the god o this wold has assigned a demon to each especially to believers of God. ,
Tony Ajhar
Jr, this is some of the most unbiblical idea I have seen. Please go to your studies and read the bible again. Please reach out to me. I will help you with Bible Methodology. I love you but this is not Christ honoring and even sinful
De'Anna Sepulvado
Tony Ajhar it isn’t biblical, nowhere does the Bible say we have an angel and or a demon assigned to us…but there are angels that help protect and even give messages ?
Jr Montejar
Tony Ajhar do you believe there is a devil and demons? If no then what I posted is unbiblical.
Jr Montejar
Tony Ajhar We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. 1 Cor 4:8
Hebrews 1:14 14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Daniel 12 1 “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.
Tony Ajhar
show me in the bible that a demon is “assigned”
The bible does not say that.
Yes they roam around seeking whom they may devour. Yes demons can possess and unbeliever but do not speak lies and add to the bible.
Hebrews 1:14
These are good angels that minister to the elect believers
1 Cor
He is writing to the corinthians
and Paul, is saying that he feels as if God has put him him on display for the universe and angels because of persecution. Not that God does.
Again nowhere in this passage either
Daniel 12:
This is end times and it speaks that Michael stands “watch” over the nation of Israel.
Nowhere in the bible does it say Satan assigns demons.
It is a sin to add to the Words of God.
Just read the bible. First thing we are taught in Bible Study
1. What does it say. What do you actually see in the text
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning Matthew 10:7-8 does not say out of Christians…and Jesus never entertained such things, He said get out and they left…Jesus tells us to refrain from such things for a reason…and as I stated before in the latter parts of the NT, we nolonger see anything to do with casting or delivering people from demons. These acts were done only by His disciples at that time.
The book of Ephesians gives clear instructions on how we are to have victory in our lives in the battle against the forces of evil.
The first step is placing our faith in Christ.
We are then to choose, again by God’s grace, to put off ungodly habits and to put on godly habits.
This does not involve casting out demons, but rather renewing our minds.
The role of casting out demons was replaced, for the most part, with evangelism and discipleship through the Word of God. Since the methods of spiritual warfare in the New Testament do not involve casting out demons, it makes sense that it is through exposing the individual to the truth of the Word of God and the name of Jesus Christ.
If we were meant to cast out demons, we would not need the armor of God..He would not tell us to refrain from evil…Gods Word does not contradict itself. Even Michael the Arch Angel did not approach Satan…so why would we? You may think you are ridding those people of demons but without true salvation, you have done nothing but make it worse, you expelled nothing, you just simply ticked it off.
Matthew 12:43-45
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself 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. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado whoa, now you lost me. Read Acts 8. Philip shows how ministry should look. Paul also cast out demons. Jesus 2 main ministries were healing the sick and casting out demons. These are to be part of the Great Commission. Mark 16:17 also states “ these signs will follow those that believe, in my name they will cast out demons”
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning How did I lose you…I am stating that a True Christian cannot be possessed by a demon…that is the argument, correct? And if you try to cast demons out of an unbeliever, you are only making it worse for them.
Anthony Toro
No
Mark Lloyd
Can a follower of Jesus be deceived into believing a doctrine of demons?
Jr Montejar
Mark Lloyd yes many believers believe in doctrines of demons. Many pentecostals are like that.
Mark Lloyd
Jr Montejar – If you believe in a doctrine of a demon, you also believe in the demon from which that doctrine comes. And if you believe in a demon, how can it not have a place to dwell in you?
Jr Montejar
Mark Lloyd did I say the demon dwell in a Christian? Dwelling means possessed. Demons can tempt you, obsessed you. It depends on your lifestyle. NOt all Christians are perfect.Demons focus on your weakness.
Many Christians still smoke, drinks, take marijuana, buy lotto, etc
Rafe Ronning
Mark Lloyd yes, it happens all the time
Mark Lloyd
Jr Montejar – You receive the Spirit of God by putting faith in Jesus and his words. What kind of spirit do you receive when you put faith in demons and their words?
Mia Violette
No
Daniel Alvarado
IT DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU MEAN BY “CHRISTIAN” …the most misunderstood and missused word in the world.
Ben Sizemore
I don’t believe a true Christian can be possessed, but they can certainly open themselves up to demonic oppression (demonized).
Yet P. Rec
Absolutely NOT! No one who is born of GOD will continue to sin, because GOD’S seeds remains in HIM; HE CANNOT GO ON IN SINNING because he has been born of GOD. This how we know who the children of GOD are and who the children of the devil are: 1 John 3:9,10
It means that true believers do not make a practice of sinning, nor do they become indifferent to GOD’S moral law. All believers still sin, but they are working to gain victory over sin.
GOD’S seed’s remains in him, means that true believer do not make a practice of sinning because GOD’S new life has been born into them.
Morris D'voice Lovit
The right question must be “is everybody who says I am a Christian truly a Christian”..taking it from this point will help a lot
Roque Salazar
Simple answer no.
RichardAnna Boyce
The Bible is not clear, but I find three major hints in Scripture that demon possession is not possible today.
First, there is no indication that demon possession occurred before the ministry of Jesus and His Apostles. We have no references to it in the Old Testament. And the first we hear of this is in the Gospels during the ministry of Jesus. The last we hear of it is during the ministry of the Apostles. (There is no indication in the Book of Revelation of demon possession in the coming Tribulation period either.) This suggests that demon possession was something God allowed for a short time in order to demonstrate the power and authority of the Lord Jesus and of His Apostles.
Second, there is no instruction in the epistles on how to cast out demons. If demon possession is a problem during the Church Age, then believers need to be able to cast out demons. To do so we must know how. That there is no such instruction suggests this isn’t a problem now. (In addition, the sign gifts have ceased and casting out demons was associated with signs and wonders.)
Third, what is sometimes called demon possession today does not match up with the accounts we find in Scripture. We don’t find people, for example, who break the strongest of chains, as the possessed man of Gadara did (Mark 5:3-4; Luke 8:29). What we see today can be explained as psychiatric disorders.
It seems clear that spiritual oppression, whether caused by demons or fallen angels, does occur today. But possession by demons is not indicated by anything in Scripture or in experience.
Rafe Ronning
RichardAnna Boyce Yes, Deliverance (casting out of demons) is a NT ministry not seen in the OT. It’s actually what made Jesus famous. Mark 1 shows this. The Epistles do not mention deliverance much because it is assumed they were delivered from demons in their initiation to God Matthew 10:7-8.
I would disagree with you that the sign gifts have ceased as they are evident all over the world.
Lastly, there are legitimate mental health issues but a lot of them are demonization. A lot of serious mental illness is occult and witchcraft generational curses. Secular Psychology basically has no room for demons due to its naturalistic worldview and approach. My wife is a mental health therapist and would attest to that.
RichardAnna Boyce
Rafe Ronning i agree with you that unbelievers can be demonized and delivered today, as i have experienced that ministry being a missionary in Philippines. But apart from practical experience of believers, the Bible seems to suggest that the sign gifts have ceased.
Rafe Ronning
RichardAnna Boyce reread 1 Cor 13 my friend. Read it at face value and tell me what “the perfect” refers to. Let’s talk after that ?
RichardAnna Boyce
Rafe Ronning 1 Corinthians 13:8-12
13:8-10. Love never fails because it outlasts that which is temporal. Prophecies, which are messages from God, will fail. The verb will fail (katargerœ) is a future passive, meaning that prophecies will be done away with. Tongues, on the other hand, will cease. The verb (from pauœ) is in the middle voice and means “automatically cease of themselves.” On the other hand, the gift of knowledge will vanish away. Paul uses the same Greek verb that he used previously with prophecies. Thus prophecy and knowledge will be done away with. Tongues will cease to exist on their own. These gifts of knowledge and prophesy produce partial results—in part. They possessed a limited capacity. However, when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part (knowledge and prophecy) will be done away (from katargeœ, “caused to stop working”). The perfect (teleion, “mature, whole, complete”) could refer to the completion of the New Testament Canon. James compares God’s Word to “the perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25). However, neither Paul nor the Corinthians were “canon conscience.” Also the conditions described in 1 Cor 13:12 do not explain the conditions of a completed canon. They favor the coming of the Lord. Based on what is said in 12:11, some have suggested that perfect is describing the maturity of the Church. Similarity between 13:10-11 and Eph 4:13-14 is pointed out. However, the maturity of the Church does not come close to the condition Paul is describing in 1 Cor 13:12. The perfect probably refers the Lord’s return for the Church. A major weakness of this view is that Greek word for perfect (teleion) is never used for the Second Coming. Also the word is neuter and Christ is a person. However, the coming of Christ is an event, and even though the word is not used for the coming of Christ, parallel passages such as 1 John 2:28 strongly suggest support for this view.
13:11-12. The Corinthians are compared to children in that they spoke as a child, understood as a child and thought as a child. Children preoccupy themselves with items of temporary worth. Similarly the Corinthians preoccupied themselves with temporary gifts that will either be done away with by God Himself (such as prophecy and knowledge) or will pass away by themselves, such as tongues before God does away with prophecy and knowledge. So when they become a man—when that which is perfect has come—the Corinthians will put away childish things. The gifts will no longer be needed when the Lord comes. Believers see in a mirror dimly now, but then at the Lord’s return, they will have face to face encounter with Him. The very best mirror, which in those days was made of metal and gave only a blurred and imperfect picture, will be nothing compared to a full encounter with the Lord face to face (1 John 2:28). Now the believer may know (ginoskœ) in part. However, he will some day stand in God’s presence and he shall know fully as God fully knows him. The believer, although limited by his finiteness, can know fully to the full extent his limited finiteness allows him to know.
Saroj Sonaawane
Yes, according to Galatians 5:19-21. Devil is a fallen angel and real ( Jesus himself was tempted by the devil, Satan Luke 4:13) but he cannot read our mind but Lord alone can do ( I John 5:18, 4:4). Satan is pictured as having to ask permission to inflict God’s servant Job. He can do nothing without God’s permission. Christians are to use at all the times the armour of God’s word, reading the Bible and following Jesus’ teachings. Peace be with you.
Richard Beesmer
Even after salvation, an individual may still be oppressed by haunting spirits of his or her past. The only way to get rid of them is to first recognize that they are still hanging around, and then bring them captive to the obedience of Christ.
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
(2 Corinthians 10:5)
We did not invite the demonic in and we, as humans, cannot call the demonic out. All demonic issues must be managed and controlled by the Holy Spirit, who assumed full authority when Christ returned to heaven and now sits at the right hand of the Father, until all of His enemies are made His footstool.
(A Psalm of David.) The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Psalms 110:1
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
Hebrews 10: 12,13
Margaret Stevens
I did not think so. I don’t think he can be any in dwelt by Satan but can be influenced by Satan
RichardAnna Boyce
You are the temple of God, and demons can’t live there at same time as Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 3:16
Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
1 Corinthians 6:19
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
RichardAnna Boyce
The Holy Spirit has been given to us as a pledge or a guarantee
2 Corinthians 1:22
who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge
Ephesians 1:13
In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation–having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,
Varnel Watson
#calvinist guarantee sends ppl to hell all the time
RichardAnna Boyce
i am not calvinist but independent nondenominational Free Grace.
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning Mark 9:14-29
Peter, James, and John were given authority by Jesus to cast out demons…and within these verses it says, they could not. And Jesus makes it clear, it is through lack of faith…afterwards they are not told to go back out and finish the job. Jesus does it.
I think that was the last time casting out demons was mentioned in the NT…in which Gids Word describes someone in the act.
Which tells me, unless you have greater faith then Peter, James, or John…then we are not to mess with such things.
You can do what you want but you are going against Gods Word and you are telling people lies. What people like you are called is a False Prophet…nowhere on scripture does it say a Christian can be possessed.
Rafe Ronning
My question to this post is how many people have had a demon cast out of them and how many have cast demons out of others? I would like people to share their experiences
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado The gospels and the book of acts are historical accounts. The principal to be gained from them is that Jesus cast out demons and heals the sick and gives power and authority to do the same to his disciples. (Acts 1:8) We are to go into the world to proclaim the gospel with these signs following. This is the ministry of the New Testament believer which will continue until the return of the Lord. Again, nowhere does it say that a Christian can’t have a demon and nowhere does it say that they can. The principal to be gained here is people (believers and unbelievers) can have a demon that needs to be cast out. Jesus and his disciples went throughout the villages proclaiming the kingdom of God, casting out demons, and healing the sick. That was their mentorship program. We will probably go around in circles all evening regarding this matter. I will have to agree to disagree with you but I have had a good time in discussions with you.
Charles Gordon
As a pet?
David Holmes
no!
De'Anna Sepulvado
Rafe Ronning agree to disagree then…but…if you say that a Christian can be possessed then you say demons have equal power to God…and good night ?
Mark Lloyd
Jesus said that when a demon goes out of an anthropos, it wanders in arid-waste places. And it then says to itself that it should go back to its house–the one from whom it went out. And when it goes back, if it finds that one scholasticized (at leisure), then it goes and finds seven other demons, and then goes back in that anthropos. — If a demon is driven out of one who believes in Jesus, and then finds that believer not actively doing the good works Jesus commands to be done, but living scholasticized, then that demon, and seven others, will go into that believer. So, not only is a believer able to have a demon, a believer is able to have eight demons for each that was driven out.
Letgunlen Lhungdim
The simple answer is NO
Rafe Ronning
De’Anna Sepulvado
I would get rid of the word possessed. It is a poor translation. Greek word “daimonizomai” means to be under the power of or to have a demon. The English word possession means to own or be in control. Demons do not own us and do not have full control of us. People can be under the influence or power of a demon and not be owned or totally controlled. Demon possession is very misleading because of the association people make with the word. Hope that helps my friend
Darrien Le Comte
Generation demonic curses and sins are transferred unless broken off in JESUS Name.
Rafe Ronning
Darrien Le Comte I like the way you think my friend
JoSe VaZqUeZ
Judas did
Jolene Sherman
JoSe VaZqUeZ but the Holy Spirit was not yet here to dwell in him
JoSe VaZqUeZ
Jolene Sherman
“Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it. ” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. Now after the piece of bread, SATAN ENTERED HIM. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.””
John 13:26-27 NKJV
De'Anna Sepulvado
JoSe VaZqUeZ Judas was not a Christian. Christianity did not come to be until after Jesus…Christian literally means, a follower of Christ.
JoSe VaZqUeZ
De’Anna Sepulvado
Yes I know
Can you give me a scripture that validates your theory that a Christian cannot have a demon bcuz he has the Holy Spirit?
JoSe VaZqUeZ
De’Anna Sepulvado
I need a proof text otherwise your speaking opinion
JoSe VaZqUeZ
De’Anna Sepulvado Of what you’re saying is true, it would be found in the Bible
De'Anna Sepulvado
JoSe VaZqUeZ Not once is there a case where a “Christian” (note the word) is possessed in the Bible. It is always non-believers or non-Christians. Second God says in 1 John 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.
To say a Christian can be possessed, would be calling God a liar and saying that demons have equal power to God.
Is that what you are saying?
JoSe VaZqUeZ
De’Anna Sepulvado
I just studied it and…. wait for it……..
You are absolutely right.
I stand corrected.
Thank You for that De’Anna
De'Anna Sepulvado
You are welcome my brother ⚘ God bless.
JoSe VaZqUeZ
De’Anna Sepulvado
We must remember, first of all, that God’s Word is our only reliable source of truth about Satan and demons.
Princeton theologian and scholar Dr. Charles Hodge rightly warned:
No amount of learning, no superiority of talent, nor even the pretension to inspiration, can justify a departure from the . . . truths taught by men to whose inspiration God has borne witness. All teachers must be brought to this standard; and even if an angel from heaven should teach anything contrary to the Scriptures, he should be regarded as anathema, Gal. 1:8. It is a matter of constant gratitude that we have such a standard whereby to try the spirits whether they be of God (Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1972], p. 395).
What does God’s Word, the touchstone of truth, say? Can demons inhabit or spatially indwell a true believer? Can they walk through an open door and become a squatter? Proponents of today’s spiritual warfare movement say yes, but they base their answer on subjective experience, not on God’s Word. The Bible makes it clear that such a claim has no justifiable basis.
There is no clear example in the Bible where a demon ever inhabited or invaded a true believer. Never in the New Testament epistles are believers warned about the possibility of being inhabited by demons. Neither do we see anyone rebuking, binding, or casting demons out of a true believer. The epistles never instruct believers to cast out demons, whether from a believer or unbeliever. Christ and the apostles were the only ones who cast out demons, and in every instance the demon-possessed people were unbelievers.
The collective teaching of Scripture is that demons can never spatially indwell a true believer. A clear implication of 2 Corinthians 6, for example, is that the indwelling Holy Spirit could never cohabit with demons:
What harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (vv. 15–16).
In Colossians 1:13, Paul says God “delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” Salvation brings true deliverance and protection from Satan. In Romans 8:37, Paul says we overwhelmingly conquer through Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:57, he says God gives us the victory. In 2 Corinthians 2:14, he says God always leads us in triumph. In 1 John 2:13, John says we have overcome the evil one. And, in 4:4, he says the indwelling Holy Spirit is greater than Satan. How could anyone affirm those glorious truths, yet believe demons can indwell genuine believers?
JoSe VaZqUeZ
De’Anna Sepulvado
God Bless You Sis
Brian Ron'd Amanyire
Jolene Sherman David who lived before Judas’s time had the Holy Spirit. Where does that doctrine of the Holy Spirit it yet here come from? Who would cause repentance in the old testament believers then? I am asking to learn
JoSe VaZqUeZ
Brian Ron’d Amanyire
We must remember, first of all, that God’s Word is our only reliable source of truth about Satan and demons.
Princeton theologian and scholar Dr. Charles Hodge rightly warned:
No amount of learning, no superiority of talent, nor even the pretension to inspiration, can justify a departure from the . . . truths taught by men to whose inspiration God has borne witness. All teachers must be brought to this standard; and even if an angel from heaven should teach anything contrary to the Scriptures, he should be regarded as anathema, Gal. 1:8. It is a matter of constant gratitude that we have such a standard whereby to try the spirits whether they be of God (Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1972], p. 395).
What does God’s Word, the touchstone of truth, say? Can demons inhabit or spatially indwell a true believer? Can they walk through an open door and become a squatter? Proponents of today’s spiritual warfare movement say yes, but they base their answer on subjective experience, not on God’s Word. The Bible makes it clear that such a claim has no justifiable basis.
There is no clear example in the Bible where a demon ever inhabited or invaded a true believer. Never in the New Testament epistles are believers warned about the possibility of being inhabited by demons. Neither do we see anyone rebuking, binding, or casting demons out of a true believer. The epistles never instruct believers to cast out demons, whether from a believer or unbeliever. Christ and the apostles were the only ones who cast out demons, and in every instance the demon-possessed people were unbelievers.
The collective teaching of Scripture is that demons can never spatially indwell a true believer. A clear implication of 2 Corinthians 6, for example, is that the indwelling Holy Spirit could never cohabit with demons:
What harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (vv. 15–16).
In Colossians 1:13, Paul says God “delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” Salvation brings true deliverance and protection from Satan. In Romans 8:37, Paul says we overwhelmingly conquer through Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:57, he says God gives us the victory. In 2 Corinthians 2:14, he says God always leads us in triumph. In 1 John 2:13, John says we have overcome the evil one. And, in 4:4, he says the indwelling Holy Spirit is greater than Satan. How could anyone affirm those glorious truths, yet believe demons can indwell genuine believers?
Brian Ron'd Amanyire
JoSe VaZqUeZ my emphasis wasn’t on demon possession because i believe that where the Holy Spirit is, there’s no place for demons but rather on the Holy Spirit not being here. Does that lead us to the conclusion that before Pentecost the Holy Spirit wasn’t doing any work on the believers of then?
Jo-na Hunt
judas did not have salvation nor the hope of
Jolene Sherman
Brian Ron’d Amanyire if you will notice, in the OT the Spirit of the Lord was either with them or upon them. Not living within them. That came at Pentecost
De'Anna Sepulvado
Yes ?⚘
Joe Norris
No!!! Greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world! We as Christians can be surppressed, and even oppressed spiritually if we are neglecting our walk with Christ buy not staying rooted and grounded in the word and prayer! But we can never be possessed!
Jo-na Hunt
Nope
πιστός πίστη
Biblically pause…… Simply no.
James Pedreschi
Your asking for Christians possessed in the bible at the birth of Christianity? Where does It say they can’t.
Christians can be influenced by demons we have seen it multiple tims and somebody here has already said they were personally. Case closed.
Koqsan Dng
Absolutely No
The Holy Spirit dwels in us so never possess.
Varnel Watson
De’Anna Sepulvado you are not gonna believe me and my education experience Well then maybe you need to believe Barth and Unger if you know who they are https://www.facebook.com/groups/christian.apologetics.page/permalink/805612383179704/
Jolene Sherman
Troy Day Nope, why would I listen to anyone who believes the bible is fallable?? Thats part of these folks doctrine. So to me, they have nothing believable to offer.
Raymond Wilfong
No.
Varnel Watson
RichardAnna Boyce you are getting no where with this
RichardAnna Boyce
Troy Day, the vast majority or replies are NO like mine brother.
Jesse Johnson
Not if they are truly saved.
Jason Gray Lurie
My wife would say …YES…LOL
Varnel Watson
and she may be right for the most of it
Jason Gray Lurie
Troy Day ….lol
Deborah Bray
At first, yes, but not for long.
Anonymous
oops William DeArteaga Isara Mo Bruce Gordon Dan Anthony Jeffrey
Anonymous
Can an unbeliever have a devil or a demon?
Anonymous
Dan Anthony tell us ALL you know about it now
Anonymous
Depends on what you mean by having a demon.
Anonymous
Brett Dobbs Yes, the word “have” needs to be clearly defined.
Anonymous
Dean C. Trivandian you dont know what have means now?
Anonymous
Troy Day having the presence of a demon that is pestering you or tempting you. But not inside of you.
Then there’s having a demon inside of you.
Anonymous
Troy Day To “have” could either mean external oppression or internal possession (as Brett pointed out above); there is a huge difference.
Anonymous
Troy Day I know what it means, do you? However, according to its contextual use, it could either be referring to external demonic oppression–i.e., a “tormenting” spirit (I Samuel 16:14-16)–or internal possession. There is a difference! In this case I cited, God would certainly not have sent an evil spirit to possess King Saul, only to harass or torment him.
Anonymous
Absolutely not.
The so called deliverance ministries of the past several decades are actually devoid of sound biblical theology and bring people into bondage with the false doctrine.
Anonymous
Duane L Burgess
Totally disagree.Have you ever delivered a person from demons ? I Have done it and not in the market square but in churches.
People are in dire need of deliverance from the demonic and your “sound doctrine ” isnt sound AT ALL if it excludes demon casting
Anonymous
Brett Dobbs what do you think demon means here?
Anonymous
Troy Day unclean Spirit
Anonymous
Brett Dobbs OK – thatS a bit of Biblical variation BUT how does this change the OP? Discussing JUDE with Kyle Williams he was called devil and then ACTS 5 devil filled their hearts and 1 cor 5 a believer was given to satan… what does all this mean?
Anonymous
Troy Day oh we’re talking about Satan here. He is mostly an influencer. And that’s what occurred in acts 5. However in the book of Job he is given permission to do harm. And I believe 1 Cor 5 was a similar thing in order to get that man to repent.
But with Judas it seems at first he influenced and then possessed Judas. But Judas didn’t have the Holy Ghost in him.
So overall even a person who has the Holy Ghost can be influenced. But I don’t see any case of possession to the point of needing a casting out.
Anonymous
Brett Dobbs the guy from 1 cor 5 was NO JOB 🙂 That’s for sure Kyle Williams was JOB created for hell since he suffered the same fate? What about the guy from 1 cor 5 or the 2 from Acts 5 – were they too sons of perdition?
Anonymous
Troy Day never said man was created for hell….
Anonymous
Kyle Williams From what I understand, Calvin not only taught, but effectively systematized the doctrine of “predestinarianism,” which holds that:
God for His own glorification, and without any regard to original sin, has created some as “vessels of mercy”, others as “vessels of wrath”. Those created for hell He has also predestined for sin, and whatever faith and righteousness they may exhibit are at most only apparent, since all graces and means of salvation are efficacious only in those predestined for heaven.
Anonymous
Troy Day the ungodly do not exhibit faith and righteousness. How can a man who hates God ,exhibit righteousness?
Anonymous
Kyle Williams ALL men who sin hate God
it is the LOVE of GOD that draws men to rightlessness NOT their ,exhibit righteousness? you should know this
Anonymous
Troy Day yes. I know this. And the ungodly are not drawn to God, they hate Him and perpetually transgress His law
Anonymous
Troy Day 1 Corinthians 5:5-5 (KJV) To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Destruction of the flesh. I said similar to Job in the sense that Satan caused Job to have boils on his skin. I would call that a destruction of the flesh. That’s where I’m making a connection.
But where Paul writes “so that the spirit may be saved” I interpret that as so that he will repent.
And then Paul tells the church to banish him.
And then in 2 Cor 2:3-11 it appears that the same man has repented and Paul tells the church to forgive him and bring him back in.
Concerning the two from acts 5. Acts 5:3 plēroō his heart.
I think is the same as
John 13:2-2 (KJV) And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s [son], to betray him;
But is different from this.
John 13:27-27 (KJV) And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
Anonymous
A Christian can have whatever they want
Anonymous
Dennis Brown well I want Jesus and the power of His resurrection.
Anonymous
Excellent question
Anonymous
Dakota- was there demons in the temple of God in the Old Testament?
Anonymous
No.
Anonymous
Duane L Burgess get behind me Satan…..Jesus to Peter after Peter’s revelation of Christ!
Anonymous
Dennis Brown so you are saying Peter was a Christian before the crucifixion and resurrection. .Do you base that on John 17 prayer.
Anonymous
John Mushenhouse after initial salvation, the soul of man continues that salvation deeper and wider as one responds to to Holy Spirit in sanctification
Anonymous
Dennis Brown yes but asked if Peter was saved according to the John 17 prayer, or in the upper room john 20 or acts 2 , Those are the major views I think
Anonymous
I believe when Jesus breathed on them.
So let’s think of the church in Corinth- full of spiritual gifts but tolerating corrupt, dark, behavior. Demons affect the soul of man but cannot possess a Christian. ( Their Spirit) Seen this for many years
Anonymous
Is salvation meant to be an Astra Zeneca against demons in a Christian..?
Yes Christians do have demons and not only them but even born again “Christians” do have demons ..
Admin i thought this question had been settled a long ago answered by Sir R E.Horton
Anonymous
Isara Mo can you show me in the Bible where a Christian had a demon?
Anonymous
Brett Dobbs
Was Mary Magdalene from Jesus cast put seven demons a “Christian?”
Anonymous
Brett Dobbs
Was Mary Magdalene from whom Jesus cast out seven demons a “Christian?”
Anonymous
Isara Mo not at that time, she was not. No one had received the Holy Spirit and born again until after Jesus’s resurrection.
Anonymous
and yet some do
Anonymous
Some of the name-sake Christians in other denominations are still possessing demons on their bodies due to deception by the evil-doers. However, even a very few Pentecostal Christians returned to their same old religions due to unavoidable circumstances also possessed by the devils too. Beware!
Anonymous
many dont yet some do Link Hudson
Anonymous
Can a Christian vote democratic?
Anonymous
Fred Leon Stewart Not a true saint.
Anonymous
Duane L Burgess agree
Anonymous
Can a Christian vote democratic?
Anonymous
Can a Christian vote?
Anonymous
Troy Day I think so, but how can a Christian vote democratic?
Anonymous
No
Anonymous
many do many do William DeArteaga Isara Mo Joseph D. Absher
Anonymous
The first stop in Barnabas and Saul’s first missionary journey is Barnabas’ homeland of Cyprus (Acts 4:36). The two evangelists, along with Barnabas’ kinsman John Mark (Colossians 4:10), land in Salamis, on the east coast of the island, and travel west, sharing Jesus’ stories in the Jewish synagogues as they go (Acts 13:4–6). It’s likely they are supporting the message that Jewish Jesus-followers brought when they fled Saul’s persecution in Jerusalem (Acts 11:19).
After traveling the length of the island, the group reaches Paphos, a port town on the southwest coast and the home of the Roman proconsul. The Roman Empire was known for efficiency, productivity, and a culture saturated with the worship of dozens of gods—including the emperor. Many Romans looked east to find more esoteric deities, and opportunistic Jews learned to use their knowledge of God to their advantage.
Bar-Jesus, a name literally meaning “son of Jesus,” is identified as both a false prophet and a magician. “Magician” is from the Greek root word magos. The word is much older, however, and of indeterminate origin. It’s unclear what Bar-Jesus did that earned him the title. Likely he’s a false prophet in that he’s a grifter who claims to have supernatural powers, not that he makes up false prophecies about the future. Either way, he has strong influence on the proconsul, and Saul must resort to Spirit-empowered miracles to shut him down (Acts 13:7–12).
Anonymous
Cyprus (Acts 4:36) had and still has many demons
Anonymous
Can be opresed by a demon?
Anonymous
Ed Welch SHOW opressed in the BIBLE
Anonymous
Keep him caged.