Demon possession

[bodyofchrist32]

Demon possession is a very real thing. We see several examples of it in the gospels. However, I have noticed that it is very rarely spoken of or acknowledged in most Baptist circles. Can anyone tell me why this is? Should we not acknowledge it so that we will know how to deal with it if ever face to face with one who is possessed? Also, I have observed patients with schizophrenia and psychosis firsthand, and have noticed some things, such as assumption of different personaliies, in which even the voice of the person changed, a belief that the patient possessed divine powers to save and to heal, etc., that made me think that what we dismiss as mere psychological disorders(psychosis, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, etc.) could possibly be cases of demon possession. What do you think? I would love to hear the thoughts of other Christians.

 

[convicted1]

REemon Possesion

I have believed in demon possesion for a while, but not like that which is portrayed in "The Exorist" movie. I am a believer that alcoholism, homosexuality, drug abuse, etc are "types" of demon possesion. I work at a hospital which has a floor that deals strictly with people who are troubled mentally, but having not known them before they came there, I don't know who, or what, triggered their change in their mentality. But, this is just one man's opinion.

Willis

 

[Aaron]

Demon possession is a very real thing. We see several examples of it in the gospels. However, I have noticed that it is very rarely spoken of or acknowledged in most Baptist circles. Can anyone tell me why this is? Should we not acknowledge it so that we will know how to deal with it if ever face to face with one who is possessed? Also, I have observed patients with schizophrenia and psychosis firsthand, and have noticed some things, such as assumption of different personaliies, in which even the voice of the person changed, a belief that the patient possessed divine powers to save and to heal, etc., that made me think that what we dismiss as mere psychological disorders(psychosis, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, etc.) could possibly be cases of demon possession. What do you think? I would love to hear the thoughts of other Christians.

I think you answered you own question.

 

[rbell]

I struggle with this issue.

I have no doubt that, as in biblical times, there is demonic possession.

I also know that there are illnesses that are truly that--illnesses. Let's be non-controversial for a moment: Epileptic seizures, to someone who doesn't understand them, could be construed as such, yet we know that to be a medical condition.

So there are times that I struggle with how to deal with such.

Having said that...I have been in situations where there was an unmistakable case of demonic activity...and I have been a part of an "exorcism," if you will (I hate that term. It has been "poisoned" with the Catholic traditions, and the movie scenes)

 

[Aaron]

I also know that there are illnesses that are truly that--illnesses. Let's be non-controversial for a moment: Epileptic seizures, to someone who doesn't understand them, could be construed as such, yet we know that to be a medical condition.

The ancients knew the difference between epilepsy, lunacy, and demon possession as well.

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. Matt. 4:24.

 

[annsni]

I have not been present but my husband has been present when exorcising 3 different people at our independent Baptist church. One was a young girl who used to live with us. There were times that demon posession was suspected but it did not seem to be when doing the exorcism and other times even in just counseling, it came out that posession was the issue. None of these people were saved. So atleast in our church, we've dealt with it.

 

[Aaron]

I see a trend that demon possession is more often "diagnosed" in charismatic style churches.

 

[Jim1999]

I was one who dismissed demonic possession as not for this age. Whilst preaching at a small church in Saskatchewan, I was sharing the platform with a Baptist missionary from Haiti. He spoke briefly about demon possession in Haiti.

A mother and father came after the sermon and spoke to us about a child who went through "spells" that could not be explained. This couple asked the missionary to come pray over this child, a teen.

I wetn along, more out of curiosity tan belief. I witnessed this person throw things around the room, and behave rather badly. The missionary had us men hold the person down on the bed whilst he prayed over her with his hands on her head. I swear, she foamed at the mouth, spit, swore and I can't detail all that happened. After about two hours of this the girl calmed down, looked around and proclaimed Jesus as her Saviour.

I did follow up out of personal interest and this girl went on to Bible College and ended up a missionary.

I never spoke lightly about demon possession again for the rest of my ministry, but never witnessed those actions again, either.

Is demon possession real? I still can't say definitivly, but neither can I deny it.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[OldRegular]

Demon possession is a very real thing. We see several examples of it in the gospels. However, I have noticed that it is very rarely spoken of or acknowledged in most Baptist circles. Can anyone tell me why this is? Should we not acknowledge it so that we will know how to deal with it if ever face to face with one who is possessed? Also, I have observed patients with schizophrenia and psychosis firsthand, and have noticed some things, such as assumption of different personaliies, in which even the voice of the person changed, a belief that the patient possessed divine powers to save and to heal, etc., that made me think that what we dismiss as mere psychological disorders(psychosis, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, etc.) could possibly be cases of demon possession. What do you think? I would love to hear the thoughts of other Christians.

I believe that demon possession passed with the Apostolic age. To imply that people who suffer from mental illness are demon possessed is asinine. I believe that is the strongest word I can use on this forum.

As far as saving and healing there are a lot of pastors who labor under that misconception.

Incidentally even if demon possession existed it would not be possible for a Christian to be so possessed because:

1 John 4:3, 4
3. And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
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.

 

[annsni]

I believe that demon possession passed with the Apostolic age. To imply that people who suffer from mental illness are demon possessed is asinine. I believe that is the strongest word I can use on this forum.

As far as saving and healing there are a lot of pastors who labor under that misconception.

Incidentally even if demon possession existed it would not be possible for a Christian to be so possessed because:

1 John 4:3, 4
3. And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
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.

I disagree that the time of demon posession has passed. I also disagree with the idea that all mental illness is demon posession because it's not. However, I've seen mental illness and I've seen demon posession. I've heard my husband and my pastor tell of what happens when dealing with a demon in someone and it's certainly not mental illness. It's real. It's not fake.

 

[bodyofchrist32]

I certainly didn't mean to imply that ALL mental illness is demon possession. I simply meant that SOME of the things we classify as mental illness could be demon possession.

 

[MB]

Demon possession is a very real thing. We see several examples of it in the gospels. However, I have noticed that it is very rarely spoken of or acknowledged in most Baptist circles. Can anyone tell me why this is? Should we not acknowledge it so that we will know how to deal with it if ever face to face with one who is possessed? Also, I have observed patients with schizophrenia and psychosis firsthand, and have noticed some things, such as assumption of different personaliies, in which even the voice of the person changed, a belief that the patient possessed divine powers to save and to heal, etc., that made me think that what we dismiss as mere psychological disorders(psychosis, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, etc.) could possibly be cases of demon possession. What do you think? I would love to hear the thoughts of other Christians.

I think there is a good possibility that all nonbelievers are possessed to a certain degree. After all there master is Satan. I do not believe a true Christian can be possessed. When the Holy Spirit moves in He fills all the empty spaces. There is simply not enough room for demons.
MB

 

[Marcia]

We should look at possession as it is presented in the Bible. Those who were possessed had fits, superhuman strength, were acting wild, etc. So I think it's very problematic to say someone is possessed who does not show at least one of these tendencies.

I do think Satan can influence and manipulate to a certain extent unbelievers without possessing them (through things such as channeling, automatic writing, and all of the occult arts as well as in other areas).

I agree with others that believers cannot be possessed.

 

[Allan]

We should look at possession as it is presented in the Bible. Those who were possessed had fits, superhuman strength, were acting wild, etc. So I think it's very problematic to say someone is possessed who does not show at least one of these tendencies.

I do think Satan can influence and manipulate to a certain extent unbelievers without possessing them (through things such as channeling, automatic writing, and all of the occult arts as well as in other areas).

I agree with others that believers cannot be possessed.

I haven't read the thread at all but I would simply address the bolded portion above.

Scripture shows us people possesed with demons that were not acting in wild fits, displaying superhuman strength, nor were in fits.
For example:

Act 16:16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:

This lady was calm and quite apart of everyday life. She even followed Paul around saying "These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation", and finally Paul rebuked the spirit and it left her.

Another example is the one of man in synagogue amongst the people fefore God on the sabboth, until Jesus entered and then ran up to Jesus and declaring afraid of being judged to soon.:

Mar 1:21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
Mar 1:22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
Mar 1:23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
Mar 1:24 Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
Mar 1:25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

This man was in the synagogue as they were all discussing this 'new doctrine' regarding His authority. They did not know this man was possessed until Jesus came amounst them.

As well as a few other similar examples. So indeed if we are to go by scripture it is apparent that not all demon possessions deal with fits and acting wild but in fact are seemingly no different than you or I, on the surface.


HOWEVER, on the rest of what you said I agree, and most specifically that of Christians NOT being able to be possessed by (meaning owned or completely under the control of) a demon.

 

[Allan]

I believe that demon possession passed with the Apostolic age. To imply that people who suffer from mental illness are demon possessed is asinine. I believe that is the strongest word I can use on this forum.

As far as saving and healing there are a lot of pastors who labor under that misconception.

I disagree. I myself have dealt with the demon possessed personally and on a few different occasions. One was with my sister who was a pagan witch for many years and was devoted to her art. (editted in - who is now a born-again believer).

Demon possessions were before Christ came on the scene and have maintianed until now and will continue till He comes again in power and glory.

 

[bodyofchrist32]

I disagree. I myself have dealt with the demon possessed personally and on a few different occasions. One was with my sister who was a pagan witch for many years and was devoted to her art.

Demon possessions were before Christ came on the scene and have maintianed until now and will continue till He comes again in power and glory.

AMEN Brother!

 

[pinoybaptist]

I believe that demon possession passed with the Apostolic age. To imply that people who suffer from mental illness are demon possessed is asinine. I believe that is the strongest word I can use on this forum.

As far as saving and healing there are a lot of pastors who labor under that misconception.

Incidentally even if demon possession existed it would not be possible for a Christian to be so possessed because:

1 John 4:3, 4
3. And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
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.

Brother, I for one would like to know how you believe Satan exists and yet deny that his minions in the spirit world do. Have you forgotten that he also has an army ? Not that we should fear him, because as you said, greater is he that is in us, than he that is in the world.

I can understand, of course, the reluctance to admit that demon possession still exists, living in a modern society where everything is explained away which kind of influences many churches today, not just Baptists.

I've seen someone walk ten miles, come into our church, barefoot and grimy, and walk straight up to the pastor, call him by name, and tell the congregation he (the intruder) is Satan, and that he was there to "challenge" him (the pastor) to a battle. I've seen this person come to his senses, after hours of exorcism and say he's a mason working in a construction site and he just doesn't know how he got there. I say he walked because of the grime and sweat on his clothes, and his mud-caked feet.

I've seen a young woman fall stiff as a board, literally, on the floor as soon as we opened our Bibles during worship Sunday, and have been tasked to guard her in the pastor's quarters. I've seen her roll her eyes all the way back, and two round lumps form on her forehead and travel to and from either side.

When I was underground in the hills a long time ago I caught severe diarrhea and was treated by a witch doctor who went into a trance and proceeded to move like he was injecting me with something. I felt the pin pricks in both upper arms. The diarrhea was gone in two days.

Strange things in this fallen world are brought about sometimes from the fallen spirit world.

 

[BigBossman]

I believe that demon posession is very real. My only problem is how do you determine if someone is demon posessed? Do their eyes glow? Do they levitate or float as portrayed in some movies? I don't think that occurs, but one has to wonder what to look for. If you know the person that's one thing. How do you know if someone is demon posessed if you don't know them?

I don't believe in "personal demons". "Personal demons" are problems that people just have to deal with. Everyone has them no matter how small.

A few years back, when I worked midnight shift, there was a radio talk show (Art Bell) that came on that would address different things like aliens, werewolves, & demon posession. The host was interviewing a Catholic priest. The priest kept saying your soul has to be right with God in order to exercise a demon from someone. The host only seemed interested in the posession part.

 

[pinoybaptist]

I believe that demon posession is very real. My only problem is how do you determine if someone is demon posessed? Do their eyes glow? Do they levitate or float as portrayed in some movies? I don't think that occurs, but one has to wonder what to look for. If you know the person that's one thing. How do you know if someone is demon posessed if you don't know them?

I don't believe in "personal demons". "Personal demons" are problems that people just have to deal with. Everyone has them no matter how small.

A few years back, when I worked midnight shift, there was a radio talk show (Art Bell) that came on that would address different things like aliens, werewolves, & demon posession. The host was interviewing a Catholic priest. The priest kept saying your soul has to be right with God in order to exercise a demon from someone. The host only seemed interested in the posession part.

Believe me, brother, when you're face to face with someone possessed, you will know.

And they know you as well, whose you are.
My PB brethren will probably say I'm influenced by "charismatics" but the Bible does say that God's people are sealed by the Holy Spirit with a seal.

 

[Marcia]

I haven't read the thread at all but I would simply address the bolded portion above.

Scripture shows us people possesed with demons that were not acting in wild fits, displaying superhuman strength, nor were in fits.
For example:
This lady was calm and quite apart of everyday life. She even followed Paul around saying "These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation", and finally Paul rebuked the spirit and it left her.

Another example is the one of man in synagogue amongst the people fefore God on the sabboth, until Jesus entered and then ran up to Jesus and declaring afraid of being judged to soon.:
This man was in the synagogue as they were all discussing this 'new doctrine' regarding His authority. They did not know this man was possessed until Jesus came amounst them.

As well as a few other similar examples. So indeed if we are to go by scripture it is apparent that not all demon possessions deal with fits and acting wild but in fact are seemingly no different than you or I, on the surface.


HOWEVER, on the rest of what you said I agree, and most specifically that of Christians NOT being able to be possessed by (meaning owned or completely under the control of) a demon.

Allan, good points! :thumbsup:

I do think sometimes there is, however, a haste to call someone possessed before all the facts are assessed.