Demon Possession

     We live in an advanced age where the university spirit says, “only what can be proven in laboratories is real” – that religious stuff is for losers.” Of course, Hollywood plays with Demon Possession if it will sell. And they have made millions $ on “The Exorcist” & many others more recently. But is the concept of Demon Possession real? Many seasoned police officers or prison wardens will admit demon powers are real. My experience BEFORE coming to Christ has convinced me it’s very real. (See link 43 “The Demon”.)  
     I am amazed at the trends of today – teen suicides, mass shootings, dope epidemic, vehicle mass homicides, arson, etc. And with all the analysis & intellectual discussion, the possibility of demon action & possession is rarely if ever mentioned. Maybe it’s considered a witch hunt, and in the center of the “crazy” category. Possibly the liberal media can’t bear to identify with conservative Bible interpretations or anything Christian. At any rate, the powers of hell appear to be on the move and increasing. Demon Possession and activity seems to be all around us.
     Some traits of the possessed: Hateful, overly proud, rude, profane, & arrogant. Anything said about Jesus is quickly back in your face. Most who resist their natural gender are oppressed or possessed. Bizarre actions and resisting any authority may be D. P.  I suspect folks who are subtle, devious, & plain evil in conduct. And there are polite intellectual demons that reject all vital Bible doctrines. I’ve known ministers who had a problem w/D. P. - see link #57 “Imposters”. In Christ’s day the Pharisees & Sadducees were religious leaders & had Him put to death. Take a look at John 8:44 to see their spiritual affiliation. In a nutshell, possessed folk “mess up” Godly truth & stability any way they can. My perspective on this subject comes from Scripture examples, personal revelations, AND 50 years plus interaction with people.
      Of course, psychologically it would be explained that the collection of bad habits & traits in a person amount to a “demon.” But I believe (from experience) that demons home in on the aroma of those bad habits & learned traits in a person and magnify them. I believe also that demons can smell dope from a great distance & home in on it, same as sharks & vultures smell blood and/or death & come rapidly after the victim. 
     Now even though Demon Possession is found in Old Testament & New Testament Scripture, often scoffers & liberals reject the concept as extreme literalism. They know that logically: IF D. P. is real, THEN Scripture is real, Jesus Christ is real, one-way salvation is real, Divine judgment is real, and heaven & hell are real. The problem with tossing the literal existence of demons is then all Scripture will be interpreted “loosie-goosie.” See link 161 “Liberal Theology.” I want to be AWARE of the spiritual environment around me – pondering Scripture gives light & helps to avoid darkness:
*   John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it           abundantly.” Jesus Christ said that.
*   Ephesians 2:1-2 “And you he made alive, when you were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you           once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that       is now at work in the sons of disobedience.”
*   Ephesians 6:12 “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.”
*   1 Peter 5:8-9 “Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking               someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, . . .”
*   James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
    The references above speak loudly of the raging good vs. evil battle where our souls are at stake. Choose Jesus, He is Alive. His free salvation can be a matter of spiritual victory as Ephesians 6:10-20 explains clearly. See also link 160 “Nature of Our Adversary”.

Many other Titles:  www.gospelnotes.org                                                                                  * * F. J. Stone * * 
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