By Adrienne Greene
Q:
I’m not sure if I’ve encountered an angel or demon. How do I know?
A:
First, I must paint our backdrop, which affirms your experience: We are right now living in a time when angelic beings are interacting with humans on a regular basis. The supernatural realms are stirred up as global attacks of Satan have come (Covid-19) alongside national/regional evils (riots, urban destruction and terrorism) and even geological unrest with weather-related devastations. The praying, Christian Church is fighting these battles with God right now, but the waves of a stormy, spiritual sea are crashing over everything.
When Satan left heaven, he seduced (key word) one third of the angelic hosts to leave with him. (Revelation 12) Persuade, seduce, manipulate, entice…these words describe the Devil’s favorite ways of doing business. It is also our first clue to spiritual encounters: Did we sense the presence of something holy, sacred and pure or did we feel sensually fondled, strangely caressed or manipulated in any way? Angels from heaven never approach us sexually. Only demons do that, according to Genesis chapter six (which should give everyone pause regarding the so-called alien abductions.) God killed off every living thing but an ark full of people and animals, as a result of the evil birthed through this sexual deviation from one man and one woman.
Angels from God are helpers from heaven, as illustrated in every biblical encounter in the Bible. They bring messages and announcements (Luke 1 and 2); needed assistance (1 Kings 19; Daniel 10) and even cleansing (Isaiah 6.) God’s heavenly hosts rarely have wings and are so awe-inspiring when they approach us; the essence of their holy realm often causes fear. “Do not be afraid” is normally their opening line as they glisten with the glory of God when they come to help us, never to harm.
Demons are the opposite. Ghosts, spirits and the unpleasant appearances of our dead relatives are meant to shock, control, intimidate, torment and disturb. Note that I’ve used the word “unpleasant” when dealing with our dead family members. This is because believers in Christ never actually die (they simply cross over to heaven’s realm), so there are many accounts of deceased saints visiting those they left behind. Yet their visits are marked by peace, joy, love and encouragement; usually to give last wishes and closure. Demons, however, masquerade as family in order to disarm us so we will receive their unsanctified messages. They are bewitching and sometimes vocal; appearing to be kind, helpful or even informative since they’ve learned to counterfeit the angels of God. “For even Satan transforms himself to appear as an angel of light!” (2 Corinthians 11:14, TPT.) Demons have well-traveled communication highways through people called “mediums,” “fortune tellers,” “psychics” or “ghost hunters.” We open the door to demonic encounters through our involvement with these deceived individuals, films, TV shows and books; our sinful behavior notwithstanding. (Deuteronomy 18)
All angelic hosts have territory—often a certain geography or place where they are assigned to operate (Numbers 22.) Violent battles are fought as the demonic forces seek to overrule, influence and control areas God has given to his heavenly hosts to guard and protect (Daniel 10.) Christians, since we are filled with the Holy Spirit, are often able to discern which spiritual occupier is present in a house, property or region. If and when a concentration of evil practices or belief systems have occurred in a certain place, the residue of demonic power will easily be identified. Not to worry, if you run into a territorial spirit of darkness. The cleansing power of the name of Jesus Christ, when evoked by a seasoned Christian or clergy-member, will easily destroy demonic occupation. I’ve performed numerous house-blessings in my day, for example, and all of them turned into a type of exorcism. This term simply means that ownership of the property was removed from darkness and given back to God and the rightful owner.
I encourage you to search the Bible for your tutorial on the discernment of spirits. These days we are living through definitely require a new kind of education about God and his enemies. You have nothing to fear and all heaven’s power at your disposal, if you’ve accepted the Savior and belong to him.
Do you have a question or comment for Pastor Adrienne? Send your inquiries to: info@adriennewgreene.com or write to P.O. Box 214, Harrison, OH 45030. For more information, please visit www.adriennewgreene.com or tune into the “Ask Pastor Adrienne” YouTube channel.