Our Spiritual Battles - Concluded

THE RIGHT WAY TO DEAL WITH DEMONIC POWER - Ch 5
Biblical Discipline Against Demonic Activity
We cannot deliver anyone by ourselves. It is of God and of God alone. However, He uses his servants to accomplish His work. "There are diversities of gifts, administration and operations (ministries)...but the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal! (1 Corinthians 12:5, 7) The author does not believe that this ministry is a spiritual gift but rather one of the diverse operations. There are false "exorcists" as in Acts 19:13. Josephus, a Jewish historian of the 1st century wrote: "by the name of Solomon, he exorcised the demons!" Even today there are false "deliverers". Some jeer and scoff at Satan even though Michael the Archangel himself could not do it (Jude 9). It is God who equips some of his servants for this ministry. It is not for everyone even though it should be more evident in our churches today. "We wrestle…with principalities and powers!"

THE AGENT: As an instrument in God's hands for this ministry, these qualifications are needed:
Born Again...Acts 19:11-16
A pure Heart...Psalms 66:l8
Courageous...Acts 16:18
Totally Consecrated…Matthew 6:24
Perseverance in Prayer and Fasting…Mark 9:29
Knowledge and Practice of the Word of God
Free of all Occult Practices
Experienced or helped by some one with Experience
Nervously Well Balanced
Clothed in all of God's Armor
Gift of Discernment
Steadfast in Faith…Matthew 17:20
Free of Pride...Luke 10:20
All these qualifications are from God. Luke 10:17; Jude 9

THE AUTHORITY
The power does not come by our prayers, our knowledge, our gifts or our hands, but by God. His power gives authority over evil spirits. Here are the seven authorities:
1) The Name of Jesus Christ: The disciples of the 1st century attributed the authority over demons to His Name. (Mark 16:17; Luke 17:17-18; 1 John 4:2-3)
2) The Blood of Jesus Christ: Revelation 12:11 tells us that "they over- came the devil by the blood of the Lamb". Even though this verse applies to another period, the affirmation is real today. (1 John 3:8b; Colossians 2:1 5). The prophecy of Genesis 3:15 is fulfilled in John 1 2:31. Satan was defeated when Christ's blood was shed on the cross.
3) The Word of God: The mediums use the Bible in their rites. Satan used it when he tempted Jesus. The false prophets as angels of light use the Bible. But it is not a magical book. It is when the Word is in our souls and quoted with authority that puts the enemy on the run. Jesus did it in Luke 4. Satan certainly remembers with bitterness the event in Luke 10:18-19. Ephesians 6:17 calls the Word the sword of the Spirit.
4) Prayer to God: When the disciple were not able to exorcise the child, Jesus declared: "This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting!' Collective prayer is powerful (Matthew 18:19-20). When the conditions are accomplished, we can depend on Him by prayer. (Matthew 21:22; John 14:13-14; 15:7)
5) Fasting before God: Fasting is also included in Matthew 17:21. Some say that "fasting" is not included in the older manuscripts in this passage, but nonetheless, it is a Biblical principle. (Matthew 6:1 7-18). It is to spend time with God for our spiritual good instead of our body needs. Fasting doesn't move the hand of God. It is simply an act of obedience that moves our hearts. We wrestle with evil powers but it is God who gives the victory
6) Faith: One must have total confidence in the Lord. If not don't ever think of facing off Satan. We must hold high the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16). We must resist him with a steadfast faith (1 Peter 5:9) The victory is promised. We must take hold of it by faith. The just shall live by faith!
7) The Holy Spirit: "He that is in you is greater that he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). It is He who gives the power. Even Jesus cast out demons in the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:28). We can be filled with His Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) or we can quench His power (1 Thessalonians 5:19) and grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30).

The servant of God called to this diverse ministry must employ these seven authorities from God, and the Lord will caste them out! But how does one go about it?
THE ACTION
For the believer, the battle is different. He must submit and resist, then God gives the victory. For a non-believer who is possessed, it is another case. Each victim is different as each demon has its own personality. Satan is crafty! No plan can be made as each case is so much different. But here are several principles to succinctly follow.
1) Prayer of Protection: (Psalms 44:5; Luke 10:9; Matthew 21:22; John 15:7) Before going into battle, one must pray for the Lord's protection for the counselor, his family, the victim, his family and all who are engaged in the combat. A call to the Almighty God for a wall of protection.. .the shield of faith...is the first necessary step.
2) Identification of the demon(s): Jesus insisted himself that the demon give his name and tell how many there were. (Mark 5:9) It is not spiritually healthy to dialogue with an evil spirit, but it is wise to know what we are up against.
3) Command: One of the Lord's servants said: "We have learned that it is insufficient to just pray and sing even if Satan hates these two things. We must resist the devil and demand that he leaves:' It was Paul's method (Acts 16:18). Jesus said one word: "Go!" (Matthew 8:32) Acts 19:12 may be an exception but in most Biblical cases the command to go must be executed. The laying on of hands to cast out demons is not Biblical and is even dangerous. In Luke 1 3:1 3 we find the only occasion that there was laying on of hands on a demoniac person. But the verse that proceeds this act reads: "Jesus called.. .and said unto her: Woman, thou art loosed!" She was delivered before He laid on His hands. The laying on of hands was to "make her straight" No text can be found in the New Testament that justifies laying on of hands to cast out evil spirits. When you command an evil spirit to leave, never accept a negative response. Sometimes the demon or the victim cries out: "We're too tired to go on" or "you can't do it. We won't go!" We must appropriate God's promises in Mark 6:7 when Jesus that He"gave them power over unclean spirits" It is important to continue until all have been cast out.
4) Confession: "Many of them that believed came, and confessed and showed deeds:' (Acts 19:18) Those who have practiced the occult must confess their act, destroy the objects, books, films, CDs, etc. that bond them. They then must confess Christ as their Savior and Lord.
5) Decision: Everyone who has been delivered is ready to repent of their sins and receive Christ as their Savior. If not, the teachings of Matthew 12:43-45 should be given.
6) Renouncement: A complete and sincere separation from Satan and from those who practice his evil ways must be made. One must cut all ties with them. "But have removed the hidden things (occult)" 2 Corinthians 4:2. It should be done out loud. Satan’s influence must be broken! (Luke 14:33)
7) Follow-Up: There can be counter-attacks by the evil ones. The delivered and saved one must be equipped. The whole armor of God must be taught (Ephesians 6:10-18). Teach them the need of prayer, Bible study, Christian fellowship in a good local church and how to witness their faith.
While awaiting Christ's return, we are called to wrestle with our enemy. This is OUR SPIRITUAL BATTLE. Christ admonishes us: "Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not. That the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice because you names are written in heaven:' Luke 10:19-20
We hope that this helps you to understand our enemy and how to do battle against them. ......Dr. Ivan (Pete) Peterson

Our Spiritual Battles Continue

THE RESISTANCE TO DEMONIC POWER - CH 4
Biblical Defense Against Demonic Activity

Definitions:
The word "possession" is not found in the Greek New Testament. But we understand the use of this word. The one being possessed belongs completely to the one who possesses. His faculties are under control of another. In this sense, a born again believer cannot be possessed. But we can be attacked, oppressed and influenced. Paul was (1 Corinthians 12:7), as well as Peter (Luke 22:31), Job (Job 2:7), Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:9).

Demons can quote Scripture... Matthew 4:6
They can transform themselves into angels of light... 2 Corinthians 11:14
They can torment physically... 2 Corinthians 12:7
They can paralyze Christian activity... I Corinthians 5:5
They can cause impure thoughts.. .2 Corinthians 7:3
They can tempt by pride., .1 Timothy 3:6
They can seduce by worldly pleasures...1 Timothy 3:14-15
They can persecute.. Revelation 2:10
They can corrupt the thought process.. .2 Corinthians 11:3
They can lie...1 Thessalonians 2:9
They can set traps.. .2 Timothy 2:6

Doctrine:
A truly born-again believer cannot be possessed because of the following in the Word of God. If we base what we believe on experiences instead of Biblical doctrine we can go far afield. There is a similitude between demon possession of a non-believer and the attacks on a child of God, but that does not permit the affirmation that a truly born-again Christian can be possessed. Here are some Biblical proofs:

Security of the Believer.. Romans 8:38-39
Sovereignty of God...1 John 5:18
Sealed by the Spirit.. .Ephesians 1:13
Sufficiency of Christ's Blood...Revelation 12:11
Seated in Heavenly Places... Ephesians 2:6
Situation as God's Children. ..2 Corinthians 6:15
Superior as to Judge them...1 Corinthians 6:3; Romans 16:20
And 1 John 4:
4You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

SUBMISSION... RESISTANCE.. VICTORY
James 4:7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you!" 1Peter 5:6-10 "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God. ...Whom resist stedfast in the faith. ..the God of all grace will make you perfect, stablish. strengthen, settle you!' The Biblical way to defend yourself is evident. It is not binding Satan, being slain in the Spirit or receiving the laying on of hands. It is to submit to God, resist the devil and victory is assured by the flight of the devil and the uplifting power of the Lord.
SUBMISSION
All obstacles to a complete submission to God must be confessed, submitted and taken away. All sins must be confessed and abandoned. All bad attitudes and thoughts have to be purified by the blood of Jesus. The human will must be surrendered to God's will. All cares and worries of this life have to be cast upon God (1 Peter 5:8). Everything has to be in accord to His will. A partial submission is not enough. It is useless to resist until one is completely submitted to God. Deuteronomy 18:18; Luke 14:10; Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 2:20.
RESISTANCE
The Word of God does not teach that we can bind Satan. Jesus did teach in a parable that a strong man must be bound before you can take his house, but this is a parable. He also gave apostolic power only to his apostles to be able to bind things on the earth. But the weight of the New Testament is resisting and not binding. Here are 7 authorities in the New Testament by which we can resist:

The Name of Jesus Christ...Luke 10:17-18; 1 John 4:2-3; 1 Corinthians 12:15
The Blood of Jesus Christ.. Revelation 12:11; John 12:31-33; 16:11; Colossians 2:1 5
The Word of God.. .Luke 4:11-13; Mark 1:12-13; Matthew 4:1-11
Faith in the Lord.. .1 Peter 5:9; Ephesians 6:12
Prayer in His Name.. Matthew 17:21; 18:19-20; Mark 9:29
Fasting for God...Matthew 17:21; 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 7:5
The Holy Spirit... 1 John 4:4; Matthew 12:28

Deliverance from demonic holds for the Christian is altogether different than
the exorcism of a possessed non-believer. According to the Word of God it is
simply resisting in a state of submission. God then gives the victory. Victory
is assured because God has said so!
VICTORY
God will cause the devil "to flee from us"! He promised that after humbling ourselves, resisting with a steadfast faith that He would perfect us, stablish us,
strengthen us and settle us! What a victory! This victory comes from God.
Deliverance depends on Him! Luke 10:19-20

And tho this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us. We will not fear, for God hath willed his truth to triumph thru us. The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him. His rage we can endure for lo! His doom is sure. One little word shall fell him! …Martin Luther

Our Spiritual Battles Continue

THE REASONS FOR DEMONIC POWER Ch III
Biblical Descriptions of Demonic Activity
The same question is asked today. What are the snares of the devil? They are numerous but we will examine 13 of them. If we practice the following, it does not necessarily mean that we will be possessed or attacked by evil spirits. But these practices do open wide the gate to them. (Ephesians 4:27; 1 Timothy 3:7; 2Timothy 2:26)
TRANSFERENCE
Several believe that the transfer of demonic power from one person to another is because of heredity. They insist that one must confess the sins of their ancestors. In Exodus 20:3-5 it tells us that the parents sins will consequentially fall on their children even to the 3rd generation. However, Ezekiel 18:2, 19-20 shows us that they should no longer quote these words. There is a transfer but not by the blood line but by association: that is, contact with someone who practices the occult. That is the reason we don't want small children present when there is a battle with demonic hosts. That is why we start every session with a prayer of protection. There is also the reality of casting a curse by mediums. A Christian should never lower the shield of faith. Happily the Word tells us that "He that is in you is greater that he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4)
IDOLATRY
In Leviticus 1 7:7 the word "devils is used as the object of their sacrifices. Idol is often the synonym for demons in the Scriptures. In 1 Corinthians we read: "What shall I say then? That the idol is anything or which is sacrificed to idols is anything... that which is sacrificed is to devils." Behind every idol (religious or pagan) hides a demonic power. Any image or any fetish that was used for occult practices must not be found in the home or on the body. Any idol can hide demonic influences. Deuteronomy 32:16-17; 1 Corinthians 10:19-20.
CHEMICAL STIMULI
We have already discussed this instrument of Satan before as one of the symptoms to diagnose demonic activity. It is also an open door to their attacks. Alcohol is a drug. These drugs tend to drop the shield of faith and the fiery darts of the evil one can hit its mark. These drugs affect the control of the nervous system by impairing restraint and judgment as well as performance, speech, reflexes, thinking and memory. Thus, there is a breakdown of the will so that demons can do their work. Wine and satanic temptation are the symptoms in Proverbs 20:1. Drugs play an important part in voodooism and in the Satanic Church. Satan can use these drugs in the local bar as well as at a six course dinner. Don't open the door!
SEXUAL PERVERSION
A high priest in the Satanic Church who became a Christian said: "Many like me were attracted to the Satanic Church via sexual perversion". This area has already been discussed as a way to diagnose the presence of demons, but it is well to mention that it is an open door to the evil ones. Ninety percent or at least a large percent of demonic problems are linked with acts of sexual perversion. The devil is a tempter (2 Thessalonians 3:5; Ephesians 2:1-3; Genesis 3:1-6). Balaam's doctrine was exactly this (Numbers 25; Revelation 2:14). Mary Madeleine in Luke 8:2 had seven demons. If she is the same lady of Luke 7, then she was either a prostitute because of the demons or prostitution opened the door to Satan. Apparently some of the sex demons controlled the normal orgasm responses. In a woman like Mary Madeleine prior to her salvation, demonic possession would effect the erogenous zones of her body and stimulate her.
CULTS
"But I fear, that by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted.. .for if he that cometh preaches another Jesus...another spirit.. another Gospel.. .And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:3-4, 14). Many cults condemn occult practices like the Jehovah Witnesses, the Adventists and a few others, but many do not hide their use of occult rites. Even though they condemn the occult if they deny, twist and take away the truth of the Scripture, they do exactly as the demons do. Both, demons and cults, deny these three vital doctrines.
*The Word of God, Genesis 3:3-6
*The Deity of Christ, 1 John 4:3; 2 John 9-11; James 2:19
*The Blood of Jesus, Revelation 12:11; John 12:31-33
EMPTY MINDS
Any effort to empty a person's soul opens it to demonic presence. Such movements such as Sylva Mind Control, meditation, hypnosis, yoga, etc. leads one to empty his soul and thus invites the evil in to take control. Matthew 12:43-45 tells us of a demon who left a soul, came back and found it empty, and brought with it 7 demons more evil than itself.
MUSIC OF OCCULT ORIGIN
Did you realize that there is a "rock concert" in the Bible? In Exodus 32:17-18 Joshua thought he heard war cries among the people. Moses replied that it was the people dancing and singing. It was before an idol, the golden calf, that they were acting like teenagers in a rock concert. It was a sexual orgy as we read in 32:6 that they "rose up to play". Many times the words (if you can hear them) cry out sexual perversion, drugs, violence and occult sciences exactly as the demons do. The subliminal messages are included in many of the songs. If you back-mask certain ones as "Stairway to Heaven'; you can hear the praises to the devil. A group "AC/DC" proclaimed "The Devil in Me" 18 times in one of their CDs. Such music is not an organization of neutral sounds. The rhythm is of demonic origin. It is the same which the witch doctors use in the jungles of Congo. But today there are newer styles so that "rock and roll" is passe’. There is "punk-rock, rap metal, electronia, ganstra rap, British rap and many more. They fall in the same category. One must study the CDs to see if they are demonic or just artistic. One must examine their...
Words: Do you find violence, sex drugs and the occult in them?
Rhythm: Is it animist or sensual?
Origin: Determine from where it comes!
And what about "Christian Rock"?
Does the music ridicule the BLOOD OF JESUS as the demons do?
Does the music deny the DEITY OF CHRIST as the demons do?
Does the music proclaim EASY BELIEVISM as the demons do?
Does the music have a QUESTIONABLE ORIGIN?
Does the music GLORIFY GOD or the artists?
OCCULT GAMES
Games that practice divination are an abomination to the Lord. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) Any game that has to do with it is an invitation to evil spirits. There are many: Ouija; table lifting; voodoo kits; Dungeons and Dragons, numerous video games; etc.
OCCULT LITERATURE
The Believers in Ephesus burnt their magic books (Acts 19:17-19). Our libraries contain large shelves of such books. The books are numerous and dangerous. In Europe the "Sixth and Seventh Book of Moses is occult. The Satanic bible can be bought anywhere. Books for children as the Harry Potter series lead our children down the occult path! The printed page has a great influence and the devil is using it to get a foothold in the lives of many.
OCCULT FILMS
Either in the local movie theater, on TV or on the internet, they penetrate the soul! Such films as "The Devils Advocate (1990), "The Blair Witch Project" (1999), "Book of Shadows" "Blair Witch II" (2000), "Exorcist" (1977 and 2000), "Bedassel" (2000), "The Little Vampire" (2000), "Harry Potter" (2000, etc.) and many more can open the mind gate to evil. Television presents such films as "Haunted'; "Charmed", "X-Files" "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" etc. He can attack and invade your home by a click of the mouse. Just don't do it!
PSYCHIC HEALING
The Bible teaches healing in James 5:10-18. But Satan has his imitations. They are numerous such as the use of pendulums, magnetism, cosmic vibrations, laying on of hands, baths, talisman, etc. Don't practice them or go to those who do. You may be healed physically but you will pay the price by falling into the snare of the devil.
OCCULT PRACTICES
Dr. Peterson was able to study over 300 different occult sciences and there are new ones every day. "Occult" means "hidden'. The danger of such practices can be seen in Isaiah 47:13-14. If you associate with them you are opening wide the door to the enemy of your soul. The list is long but a few are listed above.
ATTITUDES AND ACTIONS
Many things we do and think can lend a hand to demons. If you study Ephesians 4 you will find that the key verse is 27 which says: "Neither give place to the devil!" Surrounding this verse there are several actions and attitudes that do give ground to the devil. They are...
vs 25... lying vs 30.. grieving the Holy Spirit vs 26.. anger vs 31.. bitterness vs28...stealing vs31... backbiting vs 29,30.. corrupt communication vs 32... unforgiving spirit
Remember Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5? Satan caused them to lie to the Holy Spirit. Disobedience is the same as divination (1 Samuel 15:22-14)! Don't open the door! The world calls out to your flesh. As you yield to this call, the devil does the rest.

Our Spiritual Battles Continue

THE RECOGNITION OF DEMONIC POWER - Ch II
Biblical Discernment of Demonic Activity
In Matthew 4:24 "they brought to Him sick people that were taken with DIVERS DISEASES and torments, and those who were POSSESSED WITH DEMONS1 and those which were LUNATICK'S So there were and are physical, mental and demonic problems. How can they be diagnosed? It all depends on God! The Lord gives discernment (1 Corinthians 12:10) from Himself (1 John 4:3) and from His Word. We have discovered 6 principles that we can use as a guide in uncovering satanic takeover. All these 6 principles must be taken in consideration together.
THE PERSPECTIVE OF SPIRITUAL THINGS
In other words, what is their aversion or reaction to...
The Word of God...Mathew 4:11-12
The Name of Jesus...1 John 4:1-3
The Servants of the Lord...Acts 16:7
The Blood of Christ...Revelation 12:11
The Gospel of Truth...2 Corinthians 11:3-4
If they react to quotations from the Bible, the use of the Name and Blood of Jesus, the Holy Spirit in the Lord's servant, or to Gospel truth in prayer, praise and singing of good Biblical hymns, we can start considering that we have a demonic case. Sometimes they confess Jesus, but is it the Jesus of the Bible? Everyone has their Jesus. Jesus of the Jehovah Witnesses is the archangel Michael.
Jesus of the Mormons is a god among many gods.
Jesus of the Spiritists is a superior medium.
Jesus of the Witches(Wicca) is a super-witch.
Jesus of the Christian-Scientists is a divine idea.
Jesus of the Baha'is is one of nine manifestations.
Jesus of the Theosophists is a reincarnation of the universal soul.
BUT THE JESUS OF THE BIBLE IS THE LORD YAWEH. . GOD INCARNATE!
PERSONALITY
When love suddenly becomes hatred; when courtesy changes to vulgarity; when intelligence gives away to folly with rapidity, one must examine to see if this comes from demonic sources. Caution is underlined these same symptoms are caused by schizophrenia. But with an opposition to the things of God intertwined with a quick change in personality we start to recognize that the trouble comes from a supernatural power other than that of the victim. It was the case of King Saul in 1 Samuel 16:5 and of Judas in John 6:70-71; 13:27. Dr. Unger wrote: "The automatic projection of a new personality in the victim is the chief distinguishing mark. The new personality reveals itself in a different voice and some- times uses different language on a completely different educational or cultural level!'
PHENOMENA AND LYING WONDERS
When strange and unexplainable phenomena is in or is around a person who has other symptoms, it may indicate the presence of evil spirits. Pharaoh's magicians did it in Exodus 7:11,22; 8:3, 14. It will be evident in the end of time as seen in Matthew 24:24 and 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10.
Signs are found 60 times in the New Testament
Wonders are found 16 times in the New Testament
Miracles are found 28 times in the New Testament
These were operated by the Lord but also by Satan and his agents (Matthew 7:22; Acts 8:11; 2Thessalonians 2:9; Mark 13:22; Revelation 16:14) Do not be fooled! If the phenomenon cannot be explained or if they are not in accord with the Scriptures (Deuteronomy 13:1-9), they could, with the other principles diagnose a demonic presence.
PRACTICING THE OCCULT
If the victim practices occult sciences, it could explain the presence of the phenomenon. The word, "occult" comes from the Latin meaning "hidden". The door is opened to Satan's attacks by seeing films on the occult, reading their books, playing their games; visiting their healers, mediums and fortunetellers. There are many occult practices and new ones appearing every day. Here is an abbreviated list of some of the 300 the author has examined.
Tarot Cards Astrology Table Tipping
Levitation Psychokinesis Palmistry
Meditation Witchcraft Hypnosis
Pendulums Reincarnation White Magic
Clairvoyance Crystal Gazing I Ching
Numerology Dream Analysis Telepathy
Astral Projection ESP Tea Leaves
Fetishes Phrenology Mind Control
Talismans Thought Transfer Colorology
Fortune Telling Seances Quija Board
Yoga Spiritism Voodoo
Materialization Necromancy Automatic Writing
Mysticism Clairaudience Horoscopes
Palm reading etc.

These practices coupled with the other symptoms reveal the presence of demonic activity. "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit after the rudiments of the world (THE SPIRITS OF THE UNIVERSE) and NOT AFTER CHRIST… Colossians 2:8
PERVERSION
In Ephesians 5:12 it speaks of "pleasures of darkness". They are called "seducing spirits" in 1 Timothy 4:1. This perversion manifests itself in sexual deviation, blasphemy, lying, violence and chemical stimuli like drugs and alcohol.
SEXUAL PERVERSION:
Demons are impure (Matthew 10:1), mean (Ephesians 6:12) and evil (Luke 7:21). This includes nudity (Luke 8:27), prostitution (Luke 8:2; 7:37) homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13,6,1 7) as well as masturbation, zoolophilia, and fornication.
BLASPHEMY:
Hal Lindsay writes: 'A continual compulsion to blaspheme the Name of God and of Christ, with the other symptoms is a sign of demon influence" Revelation 13:1, 5-6; 1 Timothy 1:20; Acts 16:1 7
LYING:
The devil is a liar from the beginning. He likes to continue this action via demonic influence. 1 Kings 22:21-22; John 8:44; Acts 5:3
VIOLENCE:
That was the case of the demonic in Mark 5:3-5. The devil is a murderer (John 8:44), It was an evil spirit that threw the young boy into the water and the fire (Mark 9:22).
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL:
The Greek word for "sorcery" is "pharmakia" that gives us "pharmacy" or 11drugs't Such is the case of the anti-christ in Revelation 18:23. According to the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse, "Alcohol is a drug!" The Michigan Substance Abuse Association tells us that "1 million Americans are addicted to alcohol". Any chemical stimuli that destroys the will of a person opens the door to the influence of evil spirits. This with the other symptoms starts to give us a picture of the demonic activity in a persons life.
PHYSICAL SIGNS
Hal Lindsay writes: "With the other symptoms, it is possible to observe demon activity in the victims face."
Seen in the body: Sickness (Luke 15:11, 16); Strength (Mark 5:4) Suicide (Matthew 17:15-18; Mark 9:22)
Seen in the eyes and face (Matthew 6:22-23)
Seen by the hearing (Matthew 9:32-33; Mark 9:25)
Seen by the speaking (Isaiah 8:19; 29:4)
The sound of speech, the context of what is said, the way and mannerism, the vocabulary and the accompanying body language helps us to discern the evil personality deep within the individual. How did the boy mentioned in Mark 9:14-22 become possessed?

Our Spiritual Battle

BLAIRSVILLE, Georgia (CNN) -- A young hiker whose body was found in northern Georgia died from blunt force trauma to the head and was decapitated, an autopsy found Tuesday.
Meredith Emerson was last seen hiking with her dog on Blood Mountain in Georgia on New Year's Day. Meanwhile, charges against the suspect in the case were upgraded to murder, making Gary Michael Hilton, 61, potentially eligible for the death penalty, prosecutors said.

DeKalb, IL 2/14/08 Steven Kazmierczak. opened fire on a geology class Thursday at Northern Illinois University, shooting 21 people before turning the gun on himself. Six people were killed in addition to the shooter, who committed suicide. He carried three guns into the classroom, calmly reloading between volleys.

NYC 2/12/08 Dr. Kathryn Faughey, 56, was hacked to death with a meat cleaver inside her East 79th Street office around 8 p.m. Tuesday by an unknown man. She also was stabbed some 15 times. Police said the man apparently knew the layout of the building. He escaped through a back entrance. Dr. Kent Shinbach, who came to Faughey's aid, was also injured by the suspect.

The FBI statistics on violent crimes are claimed to be decreasing from 1973 to 2005 from just under 50 per 1000 to about 20 per 1000, children under 12 not included

Note: The violent crimes included are rape, robbery, aggravated and simple assault, and homicide. Deceiving: adjusted for population, not totals, does not include unreported estimates, severity or viciousness of individual crimes, molestation’s and children, backgrounds of criminals, or impact on individuals and communities. According to the Census Bureau, the US population increased by about 130 million from 1950 to 2000 from 150 to just over 281 million. The above statistic on crime is from the US Justice Bureau.

What does it all mean?

Dr. Peterson continues:

THE REALITY OF DEMONIC POWER-Ch I
Biblical Declarations of Demonic Activity
Are we living in a time of accelerated demonic activity? Does the teaching apply to us today?
DECLARATIONS FROM THE WORLD
The people of the world believe it! The magazine Newsweek tells us that "today tens of thousands across the U.S. are dabbling in Satanism, witchcraft, voodooism and other forms of black and white magic!' Time magazine consecrates a special edition entitled "The Occult Revival....Satan Returns!" The French magazine Evenenment de Jeudi" says that "73% of the French consult their horoscopes" Others as the Le Nouvel Observateur and France Soir consecrate many pages about demonic forces. The occult is present on the screens of our movie theaters, our televisions and our computers. The newspapers advertise the services of spiritual mediums, witches and fortunetellers. Charlatans abound but there are those who are for real. Films, book stores, horoscopes, mediums, healers, fortunetellers, etc., proclaim Satan's program and activities.
DECLARATIONS FROM THE WORD
If it were not so we must rip out many pages of our Bibles. "Demonia" (gr for demons) is found 60 times in the New Testament. "Diabolos" (gr for the devil), Satan, Lucifer, the dragon, etc. covers pages of the Bible. It is sufficient to read Ephesians 6:12, 5:8 and James 4:7. Other texts confirm this as 1 John 4:4; 2 Corinthians 11:14; Matthew 10:1; Luke 10:17; John 14:50; 2Timothy 2:26 and many others. The Old Testament likewise proclaims "The Lord has rejected you because you welcome foreigners from the east who practice magic and communicate with evil spirits" (Isaiah 2:16). The historical fall of Satan is recorded in Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14.
The occult sciences can be summed up by the 8 ways it was practiced in Deuteronomy 18:9-14...

Divination (Ezekiel 21:26-28; 2 Kings 21:6; Acts 16:6)
Astrology (2 Kings 23:5; Isaiah 47:1 3-1 5)
Augur, Soothsaying (2 Kings 17:17-18; Isaiah 8:18-10; 29:4)
Magicians (Exodus 22:18; 1 Samuel 15:23)
Charmers (Psalms 58:4-6; Numbers 23:33)
Necromancers (Ecclesiastes 9:5-6; Job 7:9-10; 2 Samuel 12:23)
& Witch/Wizard/Sorcerer (Leviticus 20:6-27; 19:26,31; Isaiah 8:18)

Their methods are revealed:
They viciously attack... 1 Peter 5:8
They take advantage of our weaknesses...2 Corinthians 2:11
They blind spiritual vision.. .2 Corinthians 4:4
They steal away the truth... Mathew 13:19
They deceive...Revelation 13:9; 2 Corinthians 1:14-15
They hinder the witness of the Gospel. .2 Thessalonians 2:9-10
They afflict and destroy... Acts 5:3
They possess. Mathew 8:31
They tempt...Luke 22:33
They control...Mark 9:22
They speak... Mathew 9:32; Isaiah 8:19

The world believes it! The Word of God declares it! The existence and the activity of demons are realities! We must prepare ourselves to do battle against them. But in so doing we must realize that there are dangers to be avoided.

DANGERS TO BE AVOIDED
When dealing with the invisible world we must realize that they are subtle. We must not fall in a pit of false doctrine or practices. The Bible must be our guide, so watch out for the following devices of our enemy.

EXTREMISM:
C. S. Lewis: "There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence The other is to believe and feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight."
"Demons, demons are everywhere!" Obsessed with the idea and suspect mental or emotional problems, all sicknesses, accidents, lust, etc. as demonic." They don't exist!" "They were for Bible times!" Then Deuteronomy 18:10-13; 2 Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 6:12; Mark 5, etc., are not true! Some have the theory of accommodation, symbolism or mental problems to try to prove they don't exist.
EXPERIENCES:
Real Bible students base experiences on Biblical doctrine and not doctrine on experiences which results in easy spiritual formulas as well as dangerous short cuts.
EXCUSES:
Blaming everything on the devil! We do have 3 enemies who are allies: Satan, the flesh (our selves) and the world. They all work together. But don't blame the devil if it is your fleshly desires or the lust of the world is at fault!
EGOISM:
When in such spiritual combat many times one feels that they have reached the summit of spiritual attainment. 1 Timothy 3:6 warns us ~. . Lest being lifted up in pride he falls into the condemnation of the devil. Jesus warns of this in Luke 10:20.
ERRONEOUSLY EQUIPPED:
According to 2 Corinthians 2:11 and Ephesians 4:27 you can be ignorant of his devices. That is the reason for this study. to equip us for the battle. The emphasis is on Jesus but we must know how the enemy works.

Our Spiritual Battle

OMAHA, Neb. — The teen gunman who killed eight people and himself in a mall last year once told social workers he was satanic and acknowledged that he often acted before thinking of the consequences, according to newly released court records. Robert Hawkins' file includes hundreds of pages of court transcripts, drug tests and letters from caseworkers, therapists and family members. They give the clearest picture yet of a young man who told a therapist in April 2005 that "he is not sure if there is a God or life after death and that when he dies, he'll probably go to hell." His anger boiled over.
More than two years later, on Dec. 5, the 19-year-old Hawkins walked into a department store in the Westroads Mall and shot 11 people, killing eight, then committed suicide.

The Colorado missions center shooter talked to his "voices" at night. He may have told a fellow trainee that he would "get even".

What about the Virginia Tech shooter, Cho Seung-Hui? On April 16, 2007, he killed 32 students and teachers, wounded a dozen or so more. He had been treated for an "anxiety disorder", and was filled with rage.

Tinley Park, Illinois (Jan 2008) – suspected robber kills 5 or 6, fondles one woman, in strip mall women’s clothing store

Baton Rouge, LA 2/8/08. This morning at 8:30 am a woman walked into the 2nd floor classroom, shot two students to death, then committed suicide.

What does it all mean?


Veteran foreign missionary, Dr. Ivan (Pete) Peterson in his booklet, OUR SPIRITUAL BATTLE:
"Now the Spirit speaks expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to SEDUCING SPIRITS and DOCTRINES OF DEMONS."….1 Tim. 4:1

We are now living in troubling times! For centuries, Satan and his demonic cohorts have manifested their power, but in the last chapter of history, they have increased their activities.
Many believe that if Christ is proclaimed, there is not necessity to bother with Satan and his demons. But that is an unhealthy and unbiblical attitude! Jesus Christ Himself has shown us the importance of this subject (Luke 10:18-21). The Bible is clear when it speaks of this battle: "For we WRESTLE not against flesh and blood, but against PRINCIPALITIES, against POWERS, against RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, against SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS in high places." We are in a war! We must withstand! We must know their strategy! We must not give place to the devil! We must understand the reality of demonic power!