Acts 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said to them, "I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?"
Acts 19:16 And the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them and subdued all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
Tell me, will the devil know who you are if you have the need to confront him? This subject often strikes fear in the heart of many people. But, for us there should be no fear, and if you fear or if you avoid the very thought of demons then you are unfortunately not equipped to face life challenges as a Christian.
The objective of this lesson is to acquaint you with the proper position all Christians should demonstrate on this topic.
Luke 10:19 Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.
This is our position, we have both authority over demonic activity and the necessary power to enforce that authority.
When we are Born Again, we operate under the authority of Jesus and in the name of Jesus.
I find it amusing now remembering how frighten I was when I saw the exorcist way back in 1974... I could have really used Jesus then.. didn't sleep a wink...LOL
We can contribute many very harmful events occurring in our world because of Satan..
His objective is to kill, steal and destroy;
John 10:10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
Many diseases are documented in the wholly true and completely accurate Holy Bible, as having it's root cause in demonic activity. Once the demon is gone the sickness is gone as well.
Matt 9:32 As they were going out, a mute, demon-possessed man was brought to Him.
8 Matt 9:33 After the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed, and were saying, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel
Matt 12:22 Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, so that the mute man spoke and saw.
What causes demonic activity in the world?? And how do people get themselves entangled by these evil spirits.
Acts 16:16 As we were on our way to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who was possessed by a spirit of divination [claiming to foretell future events and to discover hidden knowledge], and she brought her owners much gain by her fortunetelling.
One big entrapment today is the physic hotline. Never ever call them you will be inviting the devil into your life.
Acts 16:18 She continued doing this for many days. But Paul was greatly annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!" And it came out at that very moment.
Notice Paul spoke to the spirit and not to the girl.
Many things that are highly addictive may have it's cause through demonic activity.
Drugs,Pornography,gambling just to name a few, are most likely urges brought on by evil spirits.
How do these oppressive influences occur??? Usually it is because we have opened a door through some activity we have thought to be harmless, like going to a physic or practising astrology,numerology,Ichang, palmistry tea leaves, tarot cards and the like or any of the quote "New Age" spirituality, actually they are not really new..same devil and the same old tricks. Very important caution..!!!!!!. never ever use a ouija board or even have one in your house... if you do, you will need an exorcist or just a truly saved child of GOD.
Acts 19:19 And many of those who had practiced curious, magical arts collected their books and [throwing them, book after book, on the pile] burned them in the sight of everybody. When they counted the value of them, they found it amounted to 50,000 pieces of silver (about $9,300).
I am always surprised when Christians ask me what is my astrological sign... well for future reference my sign?? It is in the name of JESUS..
Gal 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
This is a very serious affair my friends. Much mental illness, depression for example may have been brought on by interacting with the realm of the devil.
Bringing into our house artifacts that carry with them spirits can also be cause for concern... A great deal of art we find in other countries are actually symbols of idol worship of some kind, little Buddhas all around your house and certain African arts that deal with ancestral worship, having symbols of snakes, frogs and other little trinkets are not as harmless as they seem. I could go on naming things but I'm sure you get the idea by now.
Let us worship GOD in our daily life and leave no occasion for works of darkness...
Matt 4:10
Then Jesus said to him, Begone, Satan! For it has been written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve
