Theological column by Adrienne Greene
Q:
Dear Pastor,
Demons come in my room at night and terrify me. How can they get close to a devoted Christian?
A:
Since the beginning of this year, I’ve received numerous questions like this every month. Evil activity is increasing via the wicked political and cultural climate surrounding us right now. Demons are swarming as their assignments are rapidly being conceived and carried out to torment Christians, wear them down (Daniel 7:25) and keep them in the fear that is perpetuated, daily, by the media. In addition, Covid wasn’t only a terrible pandemic, it was also a master-plan to close the churches, muzzle the message of Christ and send a controlling, plague of terror into every household and community.
Unfortunately, being a Christian does not illuminate an automatic “do not disturb” sign at the Devil. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Being a Christian paints a large target on our backs. The Devil hates God, his followers and everything they accomplish for Christ in the earth! Certainly, a quick search through the Bible reveals how the lives of Christians were affected by Satan’s ongoing pursuit of God’s people. It is part of the journey as we live for Christ, fulfill the great commission (Matthew 28:16-20) and beam the light of God into the darkness. Most pastors I know have experienced serious, demonic encounters at some point in their ministry. I’ve endured numerous bone-chilling events myself. So in answer to your question, being a devoted Christian does not protect you from Satan’s attacks. I wish it were true.
I’ve been forced to study the dark side of the supernatural in an effort to figure out how to stop demonic visitations in my own life and in the lives of my flocks (and readers.) There are five truths I have learned:
1) Demons are not intimidated by our Christian faith; they are only beaten by our authority in Christ. As Believers, we receive the Holy Spirit, right? But if we do not know how to evoke our Holy Spirit power against evil, we may often be confronted by demons because we are spiritually clueless and ineffective. The Apostle Paul explains: “Indeed, we live as human beings. but we do not wage war according to human standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds.” (2 Cor. 10:3, 4, NRSV.) There are many reference books available to help. I recommend: The Believer’s Authority: What You Didn’t Learn in Church by Andrew Wommack.
2) Speaking Christ’s name will afflict demons, but it will not always dismiss them. Speaking in tongues will make them leave. If you have not yet received this important tool (1 Corinthians 12:10), you will be able to learn the truth about its power in this book: The Hidden Power of Speaking in Tongues by Mahesh Chavdah.
3) Demons are attracted to three main things: unforgiveness, bitterness and fear. As a Believer, we are challenged by Christ to forgive everyone, no matter what the crime…and keep on forgiving. If there is unforgiveness found, the demons detect it and are drawn like flies to sin’s open door. “What sin?” you say. “I was sinned-against!” We unfortunately have no excuse not to forgive someone since we are deeply imperfect and in need of forgiveness, too. (It is a command of Christ to forgive [Ephesians 4:32]).) Also, when demons paralyze us with fear, it fuels them. They feast on the fear they create. Courage comes from understanding your authority in Christ, which dissolves the presence of fear.
4) Geography also plays a part in demonic visitation. When terrible crimes or wickedness occur in a place, that residue of evil often remains, until a Christian with authority revokes permission and cleanses the area. (I am regularly asked to perform exorcisms in houses, buildings and lands for this reason.)
5) Ongoing, hidden sins will open the door to every demon in hell. Repent and close the door.
I pray this important, spiritual information has helped you. Be encouraged, my friend! What God has put inside the Christian is far more powerful than anything the Devil can dish out. (1 John 4:4)
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 and resources, please visit www.askpastoradrienne.com or the “Ask Pastor Adrienne” YouTube channel for sermons and insights.