Satan and Demons

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

Satanas, or Hebrew for Satan means Adversary or opponent, and it carried over into the Greek as diabolos—or devil, which means slanderer. The bible has at least 22 different names for Satan, our enemy. How did they come about?

Who are they, where did they come from, and what do they do? I should not have to say this but I do: the bible alone is our all-sufficient and only inspired source of information regarding these beings. Specifically, to use the book of 1 Enoch to ‘fill in the gaps’ of our knowledge does two awful things at once: it implies that the Word of God is insufficient (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17), and using details from this non-canonical book in this manner is adding to the bible, which is explicitly forbidden, condemned by the Holy One who wrote His Word, and a curse is levelled at those who do (Rev. 22:18-19). It is one thing to use a book to help understand the historical setting, but it is quite another thing to use it as ‘template’ through which the bible is read and interpreted, which is being done in increasing frequency. Details regarding Satan and demons from 1 Enoch are being added to the biblical narrative and that is unspeakably prideful. It must stop now. If bible is silent, then we are to be humble and accept that-Deut. 29:29 29“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

How did the notion of a red dressed character, with a pitchfork, who looks like he just left a Halloween party, become an image of Satan? In Medieval Christianity, they believed that Satan’s main sin was pride, and the image was intentionally meant to mock him as a means of defense. They knew he did not really look like that. They thought it would wound his pride…and insult and repel him… he’d slink away. Unfortunately, the next generation kept the imagery but not the explanation.

Satan and his demons are fallen angels. There are elect angels (1 Tim. 5:21, just as elect humans) and non-elect angels. They were/are all angels, of varying kinds and ranks, and they rebelled—but all angels. Now, there are two and only two kinds of supernatural beings—good and bad angels, with many biblical nicknames, so to speak. Satan and demons are pure evil—utterly depraved.

In Genesis 1:31 God declares His benediction upon on the whole of His creation, and we can assume that would include the spirit realm. So, sometime between 1:31 and 3:1 there was a spiritual rebellion in angelic realm. One possibility is that Lucifer was assigned to guard Adam and Eve, hated the newly revealed plan in which he would be subordinate to them, and his fall was essentially simultaneous with human Fall..or slightly before.

3 When the LORD has given you rest from your pain and turmoil and the hard service with which you were made to serve, 4you will take up this taunt against the king of Babylon:.’
12 “Howyou are fallen from heaven,
O Day Star, son of Dawn!
How you are cut down to the ground,
you who laid the nations low!
13 You said in your heart,
‘I will ascend to heaven;
above the stars of God
I will set my throne on high;
I will sit on the mount of assembly
in the far reaches of the north;c
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.’
15 But you are brought down to Sheol,
to the far reaches of the pit.

The prophets often spoke of more than they knew, and I have a hard time seeing how this can only properly apply to human king. Plus, we know that Satan is the ‘god of this world’ so he is the ultimate wicked force behind this human wicked nation (under God sovereignty). But beneath all this is pride. Perhaps in Ezek 28 we have more hints, I don’t know—but we see a guardian cherub in garden. That would place Satan near garden and that he was designed as a warrior.

How Satan, who was sinless and had no external temptation could have sinned is a mystery, but he did.

I think the classic teaching that they fell with him is truth—help explain all the false religion soon after Fall.. I know Heiser and other appeal to Gen. 6:1-4 as fall of angels. However, Dr Wayne Grudem, spent several days studying the ancient Jewish literature on this sin (Midrash, Talmud, Josephus, Philo and apocrypha. Found 18 places where this sin discussed: 9 thought they were humans and 9 thought they were angels. Reading Heiser one gets the impression that it was uniform interpretation amongst second Temple Jews—not true.

I have studied this text and the context is contrast of seed of serpent and seed of woman, leading up to flood, with 4 verses devoted to this episode, with no commentary by Moses. Plus, it says they married and bible says angels do not marry. And this I know: women are being sexually assaulted by demons but they are not getting pregnant. Perhaps it is due to cross species—human with angel….like pig mating with gorilla—not offspring.

What do they do? Destroy and lie. John 8:44/Cain; ‘did God say/”

Demonic influence leads to self-destruction. Any addictive behavior can lead to this. And he hates the truth—exposing his lies, including this.
Satan in OT--6Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satanb also came among them. 7 The LORD said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.

1 Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel (2 Chron. 21:1)
36 They served their idols,
which became a snare to them.
37 They sacrificed their sons
and their daughters to the demons; but no mention of exorcisms
NT. Jesus speaks a word and they leave-people marvel. Sign kingdom had arrived.
I have done a study of demons and they are not the spirits of dead Nephillim-that is based on unbiblical source. The bible sees Satan as ‘the prince of demons’, which suggests an identity of nature, but difference in rank. We see this in Matt.9:34 4But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”. Most natural rendering is he is the prince of similar beings. ..not lowly spirits of dead hybrid giants.

“It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” 25Knowing their thoughts, he said to them (Matt. 12:24)

We see in Matt 25 that devils angels are synonymous with what had been called demons and unclean spirits before are eternally sentenced to hell.

Just as God is Lord of Hosts, Satan copies and is lord of his infernal army. Demons, unclean spirits, devils angels, elemental spirits, principalities and powers, cosmic powers,ect are all synonyms for fallen angles subordinate to Satan, as general.

12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. 13 And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. 14 For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. 15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) 16And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon..

What do they do? (kill and lie) Gen, 3:1ff ‘did God say..?” Why would brother kill his own brother?
1. Destroy/kill—John 8:44 murderer…occult activities (Hitler diary..today I made covenant with Satan) have you ever seen self-destructive tendencies of people under demonic influence?
2. But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Cor. 11:3)
9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
With the rise of occult and fascination with paranormal doors are being opened left and right and our culture is becoming demonized.
3. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. (2 Cor. 11:14)—he can be smooth, suave, plausible sounding.
They can appear as anything—they know which buttons to push to attract us
I have encountered directly demons on dozens of occasions. I have had them communicate with me via text and phone calls.
7 Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, 8but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothersb has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. 12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Hindering truth or effective gospel witness. (temptation, fear, pride, doubt, envy, confusion)
Demons/Satan cannot read minds—but keen observers and transmit information (psychic detectives). They can be in one place at a time.

. 8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
Today—12—70—whole church. We live in time of Acts. dwell in us”? 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (Eph 6)
18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

Balance: we fight against the world, the flesh (indwelling sin) and demons. In book of Acts and epistles the usual approach was to deal with sin and obedience. In Corinth with all its problems, he never said to cast out demon of pride, envy, incest, litigation.

26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. (Eph. 4:26-27) Habitual sin can lead to giving devil a foothold.

Can a Christian be possessed? No! But we can so open ourselves through persistent serious sin that we can be so oppressed it almost looks like possession.

Should Christians speak directly to demon or pray to God? Command demon directly…that is NT pattern.

Should we be concerned with generational sins? If there is a long history of addiction, pray that God would break futile ways of life by precious blood of lamb and command any spirits to leave.

18knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

Folks who are dealing with oppression are often very open to gospel. Jesus has won the victory Col 2:15

Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.

Pride Comes Before the Fall

Today I will discuss a list of Demon names and spiritual warfare. With this aspect I shall go over in a broad aspect of these demonic names and the subsequent forces that work under the demons associated to PRIDE.  Pride is the very first SIN which was found in Lucifer as well as others in Heaven, for the word of God says that 1/3 of Heaven's angels fell as a result of the war.  For the Bible discusses how harmful Pride is and that Pride comes before the fall as it is spoken.

As one knows Pride along with other aspects (Jealousy) is what caused those in Heaven to revolt against God thus being cast out and having their fates sealed permanently.  Satan is the perfect example of something who fell from grace and favor with the Lord God Almighty as a result of too much pride being built up in the personality.

Once the aspect of Pride ‘built up’ over a certain period of time and passing those prideful words (which we do not know or are recorded) to the others who listened to Satan who then decided to try to 'Test' the power and Glory of God and unfortunately were not successful.  This is a great example to convey how the fall comes for even Christ Jesus said “Behold I saw Satan fall like lightening from Heaven above”.

This sin of Pride comes with a great price.  Once too much pride starts to build up over time in one's personality, they will then start to lose the ability to see what the real truth is in many of the important matters in your life. The only truth one will now see is what you think the truth is, even if that truth goes against the very word of God and also God Almighty Himself.

A person will then start to become a small version of ‘god’ in their mind, thinking that all of the world revolves around them and their own set agendas. One will then become very selfish and narcissistic and shall refuse to listen to any kind of correction or counsel the Lord God Almighty will try and bring their way including individuals called to present truth straight from the very word of God and how it shall be applied.

Understand this crucial point: Demons know how powerful and destructive Pride can be in helping to bring a person down.  The demons will do everything they can behind the scenes to try and build up a person’s ego through false flattery and vain imaginations.  The demons will use every angle they can push any form of Pride upon a person.

An example of this is when a person who falls into the falseness of believing in Ghosts. This is ALL contrary to the very word of God. Therefore, those who engage in this act of Necromancy become filled with Pride thinking that lost souls are just waiting around in an innocent aspect searching, wanting and desiring help to convey a message.

Are you starting to see how this SIN is filling the person with even more aspects of Pride?  These people think they know better than God and start to play God by thinking they can have seemingly innocent conversations or patterns of communication which are harmless.  The people who do these acts against God, so do you think that God will not allow those forces of Pride come against them?  Of course not, as it is done to teach people harsh lessons.

Here a list of just some of the different demons who will come along with Pride and bring someone down through their actions:

~Anger
~Arrogance
~Haughtiness
~Rebellion
~Blasphemy
~Control
~Domination
~Possessiveness
~Contention
~Quarreling
~Critical
~Judgmental
~Selfish
~Narcissistic
~Unbelief
~Skepticism
~Greed
~Paranoia
~Deceit
~Mockery

Once the Spirit of Pride enters into someone, either through demons and/or through a person’s own human spirit, many of the above demons will follow right along with Pride to bring a person down as a penalty from God for disobedience.

How many prideful people do you know who also exhibit additional negative qualities such as being too judgmental and too critical of other people? Since their inflated sense of pride tells them they are always right and never wrong, then there is no room for anyone else who does not agree with them. As a result, they will become very judgmental and critical of anyone else who does not agree with them. Therefore the Spirit of Control has taken root as well which will start to encase the heart to not let anything enter as 'truth'.

As their pride continues to build up, they will then become more selfish and narcissistic, as all they will be able to see is what is in their own little world. As a result, everything else in their lives will become totally irrelevant, including the members of their own families. This is one of the ploys of Pride to separate and dominate.

They will then start to want more and more, especially in the area of power, wealth, authority, control, money, and material goods. From there a strong Spirit of Greed will start to enter in and before you know it, they will have lost all contact with God, their best friends, and family members. They will then become an island and a god all to themselves.

Then it happens, everything comes tumbling down around them. They lose all of their friends, their families, their wealth and money, and most importantly of all, they lose their connection and personal relationship to God Himself.

An example of this stated above was Saddam Hussein of Iraq. Saddam was someone who had it all in the area of power and material wealth, and then lost all of it in a matter of days as a result of letting his pride get in the way of letting the UN inspectors into his country to look for weapons of mass destruction that were never found.

In spiritual warfare once you start to see how Pride works and who Pride works with this will open your eyes. Remember the demons are masters at playing the pride game with people since that is what caused all of them to get cast out of heaven in the first place.

So many people to this very day are still continuing to fall for this type of very powerful Sin and slew of evil spirits which come hand in hand, such as some of our politicians, the CEO’s of different companies, and sadly even some of the pastors and clergy in our different churches who promote false religion or only speak partial truth. Realize partial truth is still a lie.....

Understand that Pride is a major sin and offensive weapon of demons which they will play this kind of game with anyone they feel will be susceptible to it, especially those who are in any type of leadership or authority position. I pray this has opened your eyes to see who and how Pride operates as a broad over view as well as which other demonic spirits set up shop with Pride.

Rev. Brad Luoma, A.A.E. Exorcist and Deliverance Minister

Are Psychopaths Demon Possessed Or Oppressed?

Ok my para-beauties this week's blog is kind of disturbing. I caution anyone who is 18 and under. These subjects must be discussed and not many can take these kinds of discussions. I find them highly disturbing and wonder why I am led to write about such disturbing subjects. I'm guessing because it needs to be told and brought to light. I surely don't feel all Psychopaths are demon possessed. This blog is simply just my opinion on the subject from research I've conducted. I'm certainly not making any claims.

Psychopath Or Demon Possessed?

Below is what I found on oodeger.com. It was way too much to post so check out the website for yourself. I happen to believe all this is very possible.

Elder, how does one understand if a person is demon possessed and not a psychopath?

- That can be discerned by any ordinary doctor - a pious doctor will perceive it immediately.  When those who suffer from demon possession approach anything sacred, they flinch. That makes it perfectly obvious they are demon-possessed. If you give them a little holy water or make the sign of the Cross over them with a Holy Relic they will react vigorously, because the demons inside them are being "cornered" (whereas if they are psychopaths, they will not react at all).  Even if you are wearing a Cross and you approach them, they become disturbed and are shaken.  Once, during a night-vigil on the Holy Mountain, the fathers told me that they could sense that one of the laity present was demon-possessed.  I sat in the pew next to his, and touched him with my cross, which had a small sliver of the Precious Cross inside it.  He sprang up from his seat, then went and sat at the other end.  When the churchgoers began to leave, I went and stood near him very discreetly. The same thing happened.  I realized that he was indeed demon-possessed.

Psychopaths Appear Normal

The world imagines psychopaths as crazed killers within horror stories, but most are not murderers. They are, however, capable of killing the spirit and can literally destroy the sanity of those involved with them.

Psychopaths can and do kill without remorse. Psychopaths often endanger civilization and see nothing wrong with their amoral acts, yet do not (consciously) choose this disorder. The psychopath is innately and partially blinded. Presenting as mentally healthy, the emotional part of their being for whatever reasons is dying, or dead. A psychopath is not complete and cannot help who he or she is (or isn’t), although still can be accountable for their actions. A lack of conscience makes many people extremely cruel, although not every psychopath is doomed to become a bad person.  Most are not in prison, although prisons are full of psychopaths. The psychopath, according to latest research, is just as likely to be the neighbor.

These are the 7 deadly sins -

Did you know that these Psychopaths actually Identify with a lot of the 7 deadly sins? How many of these did your psychopath identify with?

Envy is the desire for others' traits, status, abilities, or situation.

Gluttony is an inordinate desire to consume more than that which one requires.

Lust is craving for the pleasures of the body.

Pride is excessive belief in one's own abilities, that interferes with the individual's recognition of the grace of God. Pride goes hand in hand with this as well.

Greed is the desire for material wealth or gain, ignoring the realm of the spiritual. It is also called Avarice or Covetousness.

Sloth is the avoidance of physical or spiritual work.

Anger is present in the person who spurns love and chooses  instead for fury. It is also known as Wrath.

This subject could literally take up a year or more of blogs/writing. This is just some thought on the subject and just a few things to think about. We have the Love and protection of Jesus Christ so we need not fear anything. Christ shed His blood for us. This battle has been won people. Satan knows his time is near. It must be near for the world to be in the shape that it is in. Think about it.....No man knows the hour or time. I'm certainly not claiming that.

Written By Jennifer L Auld

Are Psychopaths Demon Possessed Or Oppressed?

Ok my para-beauties this weeks blog is kind of disturbing. I caution anyone who is 18 and under. These subjects must be discussed and not many can take these kinds of discussions. I find them highly disturbing and wonder why I am led to write about such disturbing subjects. I'm guessing because it needs to be told and brought to light. I surely don't feel all Psychopaths are demon possessed. This blog is simply just my opinion on the subject from research I've conducted. I'm certainly not making any claims.

Psychopath Or Demon Possessed?

Below is what I found on oodeger.com. It was way too much to post so check out the website for yourself. I happen to believe all this is very possible.

 Elder, how does one understand if a person is demon possessed and not a psychopath?

-That can be discerned by any ordinary doctor - a pious doctor will perceive it immediately.  When those who suffer from demon possession approach anything sacred, they flinch. That makes it perfectly obvious they are demon-possessed. If you give them a little holy water or make the sign of the Cross over them with a Holy Relic they will react vigorously, because the demons inside them are being "cornered" (whereas if they are psychopaths, they will not react at all).  Even if you are wearing a Cross and you approach them, they become disturbed and are shaken.  Once, during a night-vigil on the Holy Mountain, the fathers told me that they could sense that one of the laity present was demon-possessed.  I sat in the pew next to his, and touched him with my cross, which had a small sliver of the Precious Cross inside it.  He sprang up from his seat, then went and sat at the other end.  When the churchgoers began to leave, I went and stood near him very discreetly. The same thing happened.  I realized that he was indeed demon-possessed.

Psychopaths Appear Normal

The world imagines psychopaths as crazed killers within horror stories, but most are not murderers. They are, however, capable of killing the spirit and can literally destroy the sanity of those involved with them.

Psychopaths can and do kill without remorse. Psychopaths often endanger civilization and see nothing wrong with their amoral acts, yet do not (consciously) choose this disorder. The psychopath is innately and partially blinded. Presenting as mentally healthy, the emotional part of their being for whatever reasons is dying, or dead. A psychopath is not complete and cannot help who he or she is (or isn’t), although still can be accountable for their actions. A lack of conscience makes many people extremely cruel, although not every psychopath is doomed to become a bad person.  Most are not in prison, although prisons are full of psychopaths. The psychopath, according to latest research, is just as likely to be the neighbor.

These are the 7 deadly sins -

Did you know that these Psychopaths actually Identify with a lot of the 7 deadly sins? How many of these did your psychopath identify with?

Envy is the desire for others' traits, status, abilities, or situation.

Gluttony is an inordinate desire to consume more than that which one requires.

Lust is craving for the pleasures of the body.

Pride is excessive belief in one's own abilities, that interferes with the individual's recognition of the grace of God. Pride goes hand in hand with this as well.

Greed is the desire for material wealth or gain, ignoring the realm of the spiritual. It is also called Avarice or Covetousness.

Sloth is the avoidance of physical or spiritual work.

Anger is present in the person who spurns love and chooses  instead for fury. It is also known as Wrath.

This subject could literally take up a year or more of blogs/writing. This is just some thought on the subject and just a few things to think about. We have the Love and protection of Jesus Christ so we need not fear anything. Christ shed His blood for us. This battle has been won people. Satan knows his time is near. It must be near for the world to be in the shape that it is in. Think about it.....No man knows the hour or time. I'm certainly not claiming that.

Written By Jennifer L Auld

Demonic Strongholds

Hello my parabeauties. I pray everyone had a fabulous weekend and everyone you love is healthy. I hope those battling these terrible snow storms are staying safe and warm.

There is just a very unhealthy obsession with the paranormal especially Demons going on world wide. This is leading to bad doors being open inadvertently or on purpose. It's out of control. 80% of the so called "professionals" in this field have NO business getting involved. Sadly this only fuels satan's mission. He loves this. Below I wrote a summary of Demonic Strongholds as many people have them and don't even know it.


What is a stronghold?

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through god to the pulling down of strongholds;" -2 Corinthians 10:4

A Legal Right is how the devil gets in, and a stronghold is how the devil stays in .  A Stronghold is something that you have to attack and go after and remove or "pull down".  In Most cases, A Legal Right- you renounce through some declarative process - you say, "this is something I want to be free from.

A Legal Right, for example, being involved in the occult, or committing a willful and deliberate sin, is something that gives the devil a Legal Right to attack your life.  So, If you've done this (involvement in the occult or willful sin), you have to repent, you have to renounce, and that is how you get free of the Legal Right.

But, what the devil does with the Stronghold is much more subtle.  For The Record, what the devil actually does is three-fold :

(1) he gets a Legal Right
(2) he establishes a stronghold
(3) he declares dominion in every area of your life

A Legal Right is how the devil gets in, but A Stronghold is how he stays in.  Once the devil gets access to our life legally, he tries to build an "infrastructure of evil" by enmeshing himself into every aspect of who you are, and that's how a stronghold is established.  Many people think that it is "themselves",-they think that these very behaviors that are really a stronghold - they believe are themselves. They don't know how to distinguish between "the real them" and the devil's stronghold in their life.  How do we distinguish what is a Stronghold and what is just "ourselves ?"  Well, sometimes we believe that some of the things that the devil does through us is "us", but the devil has so mimicked his behavior and activity in our lives that we act out that behavior, and in doing that, we are doing what he wants us to do, and yet, it's really the devil motivating it.


The Strongholds And Principalities

The principalities waging war on earth have gained footholds by pagan worship. The sons of light have battled these principality's by overcoming the peoples that worship these entity. That's why God commanded the Israelite's to:-

(Numbers 33:52 KJV) Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:

Depending on the obedience of the sons of light the stronghold is held or lost. Islam and its demonic principalities are fighting back and in fact will win for a while and triumph temporarily over the sons of light.

(Revelations 11:7 KJV) And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

Iran and Iraq have been the major strongholds of the principalities of demons. And guess where that hatred is directed..Israel and the "Christianised".

(Ephesians 6:12 KJV) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Identifying Strongholds And How They Enter

Our thoughts influence our emotions and our physical reactions. A thought may seem harmless, but it can become physically, emotionally or spiritually dangerous.  Satan will bring evil thoughts into our minds. We cannot entertain these thoughts. Doing so will give way to the enemy. We need to rebuke the evil thoughts from our minds immediately.   For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  (Romans 8:5 NKJV) Our way of thinking determines the way we feel. As we entertain our thoughts, our emotions become involved.  Negative thoughts will bring about negative emotions. But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. (Matt 15:18-19 NKJV)

Giving in to our emotions eventually leads to taking some sort of action. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. (James 1:14-15 NKJV) This is very evident in the life of Amnon and his lustful desires for Tamar (2 Samuel 13). His lustful desires for his sister led him to rape her. Absalom was so angry at Amnon for raping their sister that he plotted to kill his brother Amnon in revenge. Anger, unforgiveness, pride, etc. If there is sin in your life that you are unable to break away from, you need to be set free from the demonic stronghold that keeps you bound. The demons controlling the stronghold need to be rebuked from your life, old habits need to be broken, and your thoughts and emotions need to come under the control of the Holy Spirit. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2NKJV)

Written By Jennifer L. Auld

Ten Things Not To Like About Christians

By Stephen Piersall, God’s Preservation Ministry 

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We read and hear the comments about those of us that do a lot of preaching, sharing, and renouncing all the paranormal activities that many are involved with especially the media. As for the mature Christians who read this and accept it as food for the Holy Spirit within us that is great. Those that are Christians but perhaps “back-slidden" with their faith, get pretty aggravated with our attempts to bring them back closer with God. Those that have NOT accepted Jesus into their lives will lash out with calling us shameful names, posting negative comments behind the safety of their computers and think all is right to their lives.

Why do we buy car insurance if we never plan to get into an accident? Sure you can agree that would be a great deal of $’s in our pockets as usable income. Whether the law says we have to buy insurance or not is irrelevant, since the first thing we are thankful for when we get involved in an auto accident is gladness that you won't have to pay a large sum of money to fix or buy a new car. Have you invested life for your future? This is not rot referring to a retirement plan or an investment in the stock market, but speaking about your future beyond death. 

Whether you want to believe it or not there are a Heaven and Hell, and when we die, we stand and bow before Jesus, and we have our life reviewed, it comes down to whether you have already accepted Jesus or not. No, you cannot pray someone out of purgatory, or cross over an earthbound spirit. Why would that be? Because there is no such thing, and without salvation through Jesus, you will have a future in Hell. On the other hand, if you still choose in the paranormal, you can be one of those fictitious ghosts. Send us an EVP instead of an email if you want to sign up for updates on our website.

Let us share something that may change your mind or give you something to think about regarding your future beyond the grave. The top ten things not to like about Christians is an opinion only. Do Christians act more like Christ than the Pharisees do? If the shoe fits, then maybe you need to make some changes to your Christian lifestyle:

10. The self-righteous argue over which edition of the Bible is holier. Are any of these (KJV, NKJV, NIV, and NASB) versions really 100% correct? Growing up many years ago there was only the KJV, but we need to keep in mind, we no longer speak like the days of Shakespeare. If you really want to study the Bible, then we have to go back to Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. If these newer translations help someone understand God’s word, and we win souls…Amen!

9. Why must we bash other religions and denominations? We are to bring people to God not to religions and denominations. We do not have to agree with what another person feels as comfortable to attending their church as it is for them to think the same about us. The Bible is CLEAR that his bride is the church; He did not say any particular denomination. Wait until you stand before Jesus and defend your viewpoint of condemning his bride!

8. People who follow God’s rules are better than those who do not. We should stand against those who oppose Christian values and feel grateful to be a Christian when we see other people’s failures and flaws. We should see God-given value in people, regardless of their past or present conditions. God is for everyone, and in fact; God works in people’s lives, even when they are not following him. We need to demonstrate love and compassion just as Jesus showed us by his example. How much time do you personally spend time with non-believers to help them follow Jesus?

7. Those that go buy fancy cars, clothes, homes, etc. and then when the collection plate comes around in church, we pull a few dollars out of our selfish wallets and feel good about ourselves. Jesus said, “Give back to Caesar. What is Caesar’s, and to God? What is God’s”. Tithing is giving to God your 10% right off the top of your income, and that is the amount before taxes too. We all feel the economic pinch, but for our churches to exist and prosper, we must give of all our resources, money, time, community, etc.

6. Do you remember the TV show “Leave it to Beaver”? Did you ever notice that the parents never went to the boy’s activities, with school sports or attending church? Sure, they would go to Beaver’s school, but that was when he got into trouble. By not attending church as a family and getting involved except on holidays sends a message to our children. You decide if it is a good or bad choice as a parental role model.

5. Bullying is in the news more and more and is becoming frightful. Look in the mirror, when you decide to bash a well-known pastor because you do not believe in their interpretation of Theology. Do you see a bully? Why are you not praying for them as Jesus taught? We are to pray for; those who have not accepted Jesus, those that have hurt us, and those that are backslidden. Who shall cast the first stone?

4. People who say they will pray for you and never do. Listen to others to learn their story. In fact, try to discover the needs of non-Christians rather than waiting for them to come to you. We should be praying ceaselessly. Start your day and end your day in prayer. Talk to God throughout your day, and give thanks for all the good things into your life. Do not be selfish in prayer. Pray for others before your needs.

3. Why must people attend church have to wear high $ fashions (women showing their cleavage), and have all their gold jewelry on display? Our Church has a come, as you are approach. It is not a good idea to put on a false front of your possessions or even your knowledge and experience. We need to be more humble and contribute to our churches and communities without attracting attention to ourselves. Do not let PRIDE or SELF-ENTITLEMENT get over the way of demonstrating your Christian walk.

2. People who proclaim they are mature Christians based on years attending church, but do not do anything except show up on Sunday mornings. Last weekend while at church, there were plenty of seats and pews and did not need any more deadwood just be sitting around. Read your Bible, pray daily and volunteer when opportunity is there. The more involved you become in the local church you will enjoy the fellowship of other believers, as well as get a chance to help in your community. Just remember you reap what you sow.

Lastly, the number-one reason of things not to like about Christians is…

1. Those that know better but still go out and do ghost hunting and believing in earthbound spirits, etc. Wake up and smell the new-age cologne you are wearing. When in doubt read Deuteronomy 18, and you will see that you are committing sins. Beware of false prophets and know Satan and his demons are masters of disguise. Have you ever been tricked by a salesperson to buy a different car than the one wanted? Do NOT get tricked into believing your future is full of rewards and find out you're stuck in Hell tormented forever! 

Musings on Indwelling Sin (It Usually Is Not a Demon)

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

Pastor Jim “Thanks for coming in the office today Sam—what’s on your mind my friend?”

Sam “Well, it seems like ever since I decided nine months ago to really love Jesus above all else, that is when the troubles began.”

Pastor Jim “What kind of troubles brother?”

Sam “I feel this battle inside—heck, I don’t even understand my own actions. Often-times, I do not do what I really want to do…and I end up doing the very thing I hate! Pride, lust, and anger are things I wrestle with—a lot. It happens so often I feel depressed.”

Pastor Jim “Sam, I know you are a godly man—so there must be some outside influence that is oppressing you. Sounds like you have a demonic attachment. Why don’t we set up an appointment to deliver you from those demons of pride, lust, and anger?”

The above is a compressed composite of many complaints I have heard from earnest Christians over the years—ongoing frustration with sin. The diagnosis and treatment suggested by the spiritual physician (the pastor or deliverance minister) has become standard operating procedure.

My heart is broken over this because I do not like to correct brothers, but I have to say the following—the vast majority (not all) of deliverance ministers and books are harming more people than they are helping. Why do I make that dreadful comment? Because if our diagnosis is way off, then so will be the treatment…and our diagnosis above is an example of how awful the situation has become. Of necessity the above conversation had to be brief, but even after hours of counseling and questionnaires, it accurately depicts the final outcome—almost always demons are found to be the culprit. Categories frequently ignored are the fall (and its psychological consequences), and indwelling sin, which is the focus of this analysis. Even if personal sin is mentioned, it is almost never discussed in the manner in which we will.

Do you realize that the problem Sam mentioned (which got him diagnosed as having a demonic attachment) is a quote from the apostle Paul regarding his own struggles with sin??!! (see Romans 7:14—8:1) The existential, psychological anguish which Paul expresses over his battle with sin—specifically v.15 (which Sam quotes almost verbatim), is a major reason why the pastor thought he was experiencing demonic oppression. I’m convinced that if Paul were alive today and writing as he did then, he would have deliverance ministers claiming he was diabolically oppressed. 

My dear friends, I hope and pray this discussion will bring comfort to some troubled souls. Demonologists and deliverance ministers are causing incredible carnage amongst Christians due to an epidemic of shallow understanding of theology and the bible. We know that Satan and his demonic hoard are our sworn enemies, and to be ignorant of their schemes will cause all sorts of significant problems for us. The bible tells us that Satan is a defeated foe, and yet we are engaged in a battle royal every day !! (Eph. 6) Likewise with sin—it is a defeated foe (not blinded or enslaved anymore), but we are engaged in a life-long battle royal with indwelling sin. Why do we recognize the former, but not the latter? 

The united voice of scripture states that the vast majority of hateful thoughts, lustful thoughts, covetous thoughts (fill in the blank) are not caused by demons but from indwelling sin. It is vitally important for demonologists to know this…it is equally imperative that every Christian know this!

Tragically, the compressed hypothetical conversation above is repeated many times everyday by deliverance ministers, who are abysmally ignorant of the bible’s teaching regarding indwelling sin. Listen to God’s word…

  

“…every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Gen. 6:5) Lest we think this was just a pre-flood observation, “…for the intentions of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” (Gen. 8:21)—written AFTER the  Flood.

“Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” (Ps: 51:5) This reference to “original sin” is not the original/first sin of man, but the sin nature passed on to every human being.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jer. 17:9) So much for following your heart type advice!!

“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matt.12:34)—according to James, NOBODY has their tongue properly trained, so what does that say about the heart? (James 3:2)

“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” (Matt. 15:19) Out of the heart…not demonic influence/projection.

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire…” (James 1:14-15)…do you see demons anywhere in this text on temptation???

“For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you for doing the things you want to do.” (Gal.5:17)

This text in Galatians encapsulates an excruciating, extended exposition of the battle with indwelling sin in Romans 7: 14-:8:1)…”Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.”(v.20)

This side of heaven there is a tension between the “already” and the “not yet”. Much harmful, shallow teaching regarding sanctification/spiritual warfare disregards the fact that some aspects of our salvation are true “already” (or now) and some are “not yet”…their full realization will not be experienced till heaven. When these are “telescoped together” (already and not-yet), then disaster often occurs. In 1 John 3:2 we are told that when we go to heaven, then we will finally be able to see God face to face because will be sinless.

In wiser times, the universal testimony of notably godly people was how sinful they saw themselves to be, and how they yearned for heaven to see Jesus face-to-face, and to be free from the presence of sin. If a Christian were to admit how sinful they were in many Christian circles, he would be rebuked for not being “victorious”!! I have said this before but the greatest deficiency in modern preaching is the dearth of God-intoxicated messages. The heresy of the prosperity gospel has affected most TV preachers. A deficient understanding of the holiness of God, will lead to a deficient view of our sinfulness, and a deficient view of our sinfulness leads to a deficient of grace-as well as leaving us woefully out of touch with reality. Perhaps this will help: justification (past tense already/now) deals with the GUILT OF SIN,  sanctification (present and on-going or progressive) deals with the POWER OF SIN,  and glorification (not yet..future) deals with the PRESENCE OF SIN.

Let me use an analogy to illustrate what happens as we mature in Christ. Picture an iceberg—nine-tenths of it is under the water line..only a small portion is visible. That is an apt analogy of how many see sin. The focus is on the visible behavior—do certain things, and avoid others, then you are seen as godly. But under the water line, in the cold, dark, murky depths lies our impure motives…covetousness…critical attitude..and so on. As we mature, more spiritual nerves are exposed, and we become increasingly aware of what is going on “under the water line”. The sin was always there but was overlooked.

In Rom.7:17,20 Paul laments that sin indwelling inside of him causes him to do that which he hates, or not do what he loves.(the law helped him see below the water-line) Demons or Satan are nowhere in sight in this discussion. Friends, we are very capable of being tempted FROM WITHIN because indwelling sin never leaves us—it corrupts everything we do. As one saint said, “He had to repent of even his most fervent of prayers.” Our motives are never utterly pure. But back to demons—they are finite in number and localized…they come and they go (unless oppressed or possessed), but indwelling sin is always present. There does not have to be a demon within 100 miles, and we still have to be on guard against indwelling sin, which can flare up at any moment and destroy us if we are not careful.

I dare say that if a person paraphrased Romans 7 (or just Gal.5:17) to the average deliverance minister, they would be convinced that person was under demonic oppression! And worse, they (as has happened countless times) will try to cast out demons from inside this struggling Christian. No time to elaborate, but demons cannot physically indwell a Christian…PERIOD!!!

What is indwelling sin? The simplest way of answering that is to say that after we are saved, there remains sin in our hearts. We are new creations (Gal.2:20) with a new nature—we do NOT have a battle between two natures, because the old nature is gone. But that does not mean indwelling sin has been eradicated. There is a nexus of anti-God and selfish inclinations lurking within us—and it will be a battle royal until the day we die. Though not a personal being like a demon, it is still an energized cesspool--a network that vitiates or pollutes EVERYTHING we do—even our best actions with best of intentions are corrupted by this radical despoilment of our entire human nature. As we mature in Christ we should become more aware of how radically and comprehensively indwelling sin corrupts everything we think, do, and say. Please believe me when I say there was a time when a humble school child could elaborate on indwelling sin. Anemic views of God lead to anemic views of sin.

Indwelling sin operates much like demons do—there are two main functions…force of  temptation and deceit or deception. Though it is inanimate, indwelling sin is an active energy pulsating and polluting everything in its path. In James we see that the “intent” of indwelling sin is our destruction—much the same as demons. All sorts of temptations bubble up from within, and indwelling sin will also seek to deceive us that it does not exist.

PLEASE…if you are struggling, don’t assume it is demonic. It may very well be demonic, but examine yourself…chances are you are simply struggling with indwelling sin. But praise God for the daily beauty of the gospel and that we stand perfect in Christ’s righteousness. Much more could be said, but I need to stop.