For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Larry Stephens
Brother Houdmann - If, as you imply the greater battles today are not against demons, spiritual wickedness in high places but against "ideas" and "theologies" what has changed from the time of Christ until today. If demons were so active in possessing people in that day what gives us reason to believe they are not doing the same today? If Satan and his hordes are not active in attacking us and trying to gain strongholds then why does the Word tell us that our enemy satan prowls around like a roaring lion looking looking for someone to destroy and that we should resist him (and his legion of demons), standing firm in the faith, because we know our brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering. (I Peter 5:18). Why does the Apostle John warn us of that he is "the prince of this world" (John 14:30 and 16:11). Why does the Apostle Paul warn us about "following the ways of the world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. (Ephesians 2:2) Or Paul again in I Cor 4:4 about "the god of this age who blinded the eyes of unbelievers." What about his role as the "accuser of the brothers" in Revelations and the active work we see him taking place against Job? It seems to me your answer overlooks or minimizes the very active role satan and his hordes of demons play today in the "spiritual warfare" we all face, believers and unbelievers alike. Larry Stephens
Bob Schenck
first of all, I want to thank everyone on this wonderful site for their love for God, which is evident by the spirit that comes across, even in e-mail print. You have no idea how much your comments, backed up by scripture have encouraged, blessed and, yes, even CHALLENGED ME in my walk with Jesus.
starting with MYSELF, (I'm 76 yrs young) I truly believe that most of really, really don't spend enough time alone with God, not just reading His Word, but, as He commands us................studying it, memorizing it and meditating on it and, of course, OBEYING IT IN LOVE NOT DUTY, BUT GENUINE LOVE FOR HIM.
2nd. Yes, of course we need to be aware of the spiritual battle we are in.........whether we acknowledge it or not, believe it, WE ARE IN A SPIRITUAL BATTLE!! Any of you out there remember the children's song, yrs ago....."I came here to stay"?? Awesome message.....it uses David & Goliath and a few other bible characters but the gist of it is.................""It's a battlefield, brother, not a recreation room, it's a fight and not a game. YOU CAN RUN IF YOU WANT TO, RUN IF YOU WILL BUT I CAME HERE TO STAY!!! Awesome message......wish I could find it on you-tube or google.
Thank all of you who participate in this wonderful site. God's blessings on you all
Terry Gillard
Some of you will have read Doreen Irvine's story "From Witchcraft to Christ". Following her wonderful conversion and mighty deliverance, she was asked to help when others needed deliverance. Her experience was that there were 3 forms of demonic activity to be concerned about:
1. Demon possession - still thankfully uncommon.
2. Demon oppression - where the deception and oppression is brought to bear on many
3. Demon obsession. This was by far the biggest problem in her experience!
What I know: - As a Born from on high Christian, I am free! I am delivered! There is a contact between myself and the living God that is personal and direct. (He lives in me). Now - what can Satan or any of his hordes do? There is only one thing - He can lie! Do not be deceived - read and follow the Word of God (the truth) and you will find, as William Cowper put it, "Satan trembles, when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees."