All posts tagged: Satan

Spiritual Warfare #2: Guerrilla Warfare

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There’s an old song by The Platters called the “Great Pretender.” The first line is: Oh-oh yes I’m the great pretender”. I used to belt it out because it is one of the few lines I can sing well.  That line could also be Satan’s tag line. Satan, the great pretender. Pretending he is God. Pretending that he has our best interests at heart.  According to Oxford, to pretend is to speak and act to make it appear that something is the case when in fact it is not. A second definition from Oxford is to lay claim to a quality or a title. This is Satan’s problem. He speaks and acts as if he is God and tries to lay claim to the throne of God. He knows he is defeated, and he knows his claim is false. Yet he continues to “prowl around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). As we read in last week’s article, Satan does not directly attack God since he would lose such a …

Territorial Spirits: According to the Angels

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I remember an interesting discussion in seminary many, many years ago. We were discussing the Book of Daniel, when we reached the passage on how the prophet Daniel sensing a time of conflict was brewing began to pray and fast for thirty days seeking an answer from God (Daniel 10:1). God dispatched an angel with the answer to Daniel’s prayer. When the angel finally shows up, the angel says the “Prince of Persia” had thrown up road blocks hindering the delivery of the message for three weeks, but Michael the Arch angel was sent to help and the two broke through to deliver the message. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. (Daniel 10:13 NASV) After delivering it, the angel said he was returning to fight the Prince of Persia and Prince of Greece (Daniel 10:20-21). When I mentioned the Prince of Persia was a demonic angel …

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When did Satan take over the world?

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During the temptation in the wilderness, the devil showed Jesus all the “kingdoms of the world” (Luke 4:5) and offered the Lord a deal no man could refuse: “I will give you all this domain and its glory, for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.” (Luke 4:6 NASV) As we study this passage, we noticed that Jesus never challenged Satan’s claim the world had been handed over to him and several times the Lord acknowledged Satan was the ruler of this world (John 12:31; 14:30). The apostle Paul pushed the theological barrier to the edge when he described Satan as the god of the world (2 Corinthians 4:4). In no way, did the apostle believe Satan was divine, as Paul clearly states there is only one God, but as far as humanity was concerned, the evil one functioned as a god. The title-deed for planet earth was firmly in Satan’s grip. So when did Satan take over the world? Most instinctively think it took place when …

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But Satan hindered us

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It was a cold winter night in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada as my wife, then fiancé, and I drove a lonely highway to visit my parents. We had started late afternoon for the six-hour drive. Other than a car following behind us, there wasn’t much traffic. But two flickering lights off in the dark distance warned of an approaching vehicle. As the car got closer, it suddenly veered into our lane. Panicked my wife who was driving wrenched the steering wheel to the right and our car plunged into the ditch. We hit the ditch at full speed and the deep snow gripped our front wheels and our car rolled. Not sideways, but end over end — back over front. Suddenly my wife and I were hanging upside down in our car. I remember fumbling with the keys and turning off the vehicle. We released our seat belts and collapsed on the ceiling of the car. Other than being in total shock about what had just happened, we were unhurt. But the deep snow, that had …

Beautiful Thailand Photo: Robert Saltori/Flckr/Creative Commons

Is Satan real? Thai model manifests a spirit on live TV?

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An interesting YouTube video has gone viral showing a young Thai model, Thippawan ‘Pui’ Chaphupuang” being possessed by a spirit while being interviewed on a live TV show in Thailand. During the interview, the young woman tells the host that she is often visited by a Thai spirit called ‘pop.’ According to Thai beliefs, Pop is a powerful ghost or spirit said to possess women. It is thought to be cannibalistic and will eat the internal organs such as the heart and liver of the girl it possesses. In other words, it will eventually destroy the person, it possesses. It is believed to be the malevolent side of a group of Thai spirits called Phi Fa that causes natural disasters or disease. During the interview the girl tells the host that ‘pop’ is coming to possess her and she begins to manifest this spirit. The original poster removed the video, but others have since posted it. The young woman begins to writhe and screech and at times speaks in a lower tone. The host asks …

Jesus the Name above all names Photo: Jesus on Corcovado

Generational Curses: Part 7 — Breaking the Demonic stronghold

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This is the last article in my series on Generational Curses. We have been studying a passage out of Exodus 20:4-5, where God says he will pass the parents’ iniquity on to the children for up to four generations. In this closing article, I will look at the demonic strongholds often connected with generational curses. Iniquity and sin attract demons, like rotting flesh attracts flies. We can see this association in the life of Judas, the man who betrayed Jesus to the High Priest. In Acts 1:18, the apostle Peter declared that the 30 pieces of silver — which Judas received from the High Priest to show Jesus location — was the “reward of iniquity.” But an earlier account provides a clearer depiction of money’s hold on Judas. In this incident, we read the story of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with a valuable measure of perfume. We know that Judas was the treasurer of Christ’s band of disciples and the disciples were well aware that Judas embezzled money from this fund (John 12:4-6). Judas openly …

Was Gary, Indiana’s ‘portal to hell’ finally destroyed?

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The Dailymail is reporting that a home in Gary, Indiana described as a ‘portal to hell’ was finally razed to the ground earlier this year. This description of the house was not uttered by a pastor or religious person, but rather by a police officer who visited the home. Neither was it a metaphorical description, but rather reflected the beliefs that it was a place where demons and evil spirits manifested themselves. Located 25 miles from Chicago, Gary, Indiana is a city in decline. With a population of about 80,000 it has 10,000 abandoned homes, businesses and industries and according to one report is a serial killer’s playground. The story about this house started in 2011, when Latoya Ammons and her three children rented the house. Shortly after they moved in Latoya reported that her family was being tormented by evil spirits. Bizarre things began happening in her home including hearing strange sounds and even seeing a presence in the house. No one other than family members could verify this and if these manifestations had …

“I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning." Jesus (Luke 10:18) Photo: Matt/Flickr/Creative Commons

The real story behind the first Christmas

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Español: La verdadera historia detrás de la primera Navidad Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright… When Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr of Austria penned the famous Christmas carol Silent Night in 1818, they painted a calm, idyllic image of Christmas. It along with many Christmas carols portrayed the birth of Jesus as we see it in Luke 2:1-20 and Matthew 1:18-2:23 — Shepherds in the field, Angels singing, a baby in swaddling clothes,  a manger, bleating sheep and lowing oxen. Peaceful, serene… yet is this what really happened at the birth of Jesus? There is a third version of the Christmas story, found in the Book of Revelation, that isn’t often read this time of year: The Woman, Israel 12 A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; 2 and she was with child; and she *cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth. The Red Dragon, Satan 3 Then another sign …

Ynys Llanddwyn Lighthouse, Newborough, Wales, England Photo: Alex Brown/Flickr

A psychiatrist’s encounter with demon possession

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In an article published in the New Oxford Review, Dr. Richard Gallagher — an associate professor of psychiatry at New York Medical College — said a woman he worked with displayed overt signs of demon possession including levitation and paranormal acts. Julia, a pseudonym, was a former Catholic and first went to a Catholic priest seeking help believing she was being attacked by demons. From there she was referred to an official Catholic exorcist, who after a thorough examination, brought in Dr. Gallagher to examine Julia’s mental condition. Based on a number of sessions with Julia, Gallagher determined she was demon possessed. Gallagher states her actions were not only witnessed by himself and other fellow “mental health professionals,” but also by nurses, priests, lay people and nuns. Gallagher says most psychiatrists and doctors are not open to demon possession, despite frequent encounters with patients claiming they are under demonic attack. As a result, most in his profession routinely miss instances of genuine demonic possession. Written from a Catholic perspective, Gallagher provides insight on possession from …

Alice Cooper warns satan is real and he owns the world

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[by Dean Smith] Alice Cooper, 66, was a mega-rock star during the 70s and 80s. He won many awards including having his original band nominated to the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in 2011. Some of his hits include “School’s out” and “I’m 18.” But Cooper, who’s real name is Vincent Damon Furnier, went one step further. His fans called Cooper the “Godfather of Shock Rock.” He dressed demoniacal during his shows that included such props as a guillotine, fake blood and boa constrictors. He performed bizarre acts including mock suicides and decapitating baby dolls. Cooper came from a religious home. Both his father and grandfather were lay preachers. But as he grew older, Cooper shoved his faith aside and threw himself into everything the world offered as his band gained fame.

Deception: Being deceived by what you believe

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[by Dean Smith] Both my parents served in the Canadian military during World War II, and because of this I have always had a keen interest in that war. As I was watching a program on the war a while back, I learned an important lesson on deception. In John 8:44, Jesus describes Satan as the father of lies and in the devil’s first attack on humanity deception was the key to his success. Eve admitted to God she had been deceived by Satan in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:13). Deception in its simplest form is having a person believe one thing, when something else, sometimes the complete opposite, is the truth.

Did Satan tell man to crash his car into the Ten Commandments?

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[by Dean Smith] On the grounds of the Oklahoma State Capitol there is a stone monument with the Ten Commandments carved into them, or at least there was. According to KFOR TV, on Friday morning, October 24, 2014, a man walked into a Federal building in downtown Oklahoma uttering threats against the US President Barack Obama and the Federal government. After the Secret Service arrested the man, a bizarre story unfolded. The man said he had crashed his car into the Ten Commandments monument the night before, smashing it, because Satan made him do it. He then said after the crash, Satan told the man to urinate on the monument, which he did.

Sexually explicit statue of Satan set up in Vancouver, BC

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On Tuesday, September 9, 2014, commuters in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada were stunned to see a giant statue of Satan on display in Vancouver’s Guelph Park. The park borders a major TransLink boarding area and those riding the sky train had a clear view. The red statute, estimated at 8′ tall, was placed on a pedestal that originally held a statue of Christopher Columbus. The pedestal was empty as the city had moved the Columbus statue to a new location. What was equally disturbing about the statute is the strong sexual inference, as it displayed Satan with a full erection. The statue also has one hand displayed in what some consider a Satanic gesture.

Was Karl Marx and the rise of communism influenced by Satan?

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In his book, Marx and Satan, Richard Wurmbrand (1909-2001) looked at the writings of Karl Marx (1818-1883), the founder of communism. Unknown to many, Karl Marx started out as a Christian. Wurmbrand notes those Christian inclinations in some of Marx’s earliest writings such as The Union of the Faithful with Christ where the father of Communism wrote: “Through love of Christ we turn our hearts at the same time toward our brethren who are inwardly bound to us and for whom he gave himself in sacrifice.” Those words are in stark contrast to what Marx would later write as he developed his communistic manifesto, he told the world: “The idea of God is the keynote of a perverted civilization. It must be destroyed.” Though we are uncertain when it happened and why it happened, at some point Karl Marx abandoned his Christian faith.

Satanic sacrifices on the doorsteps of Mesa churches?

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Police are investigating a number of arson fires outside churches located in Mesa, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. According to an article on Charisma News, there have been six fires reported. Three were set in May at Mesa Baptist Church, two set in June at the East Mesa Christian Church and Pilgrim Lutheran Church and one in July at Calvary Baptist Church. It doesn’t seem these were deliberate attempts to set the churches on fire as they were set in front of church doors, but far enough back not to affect the building. The fires may have actually been a form of satanic sacrifice.

Uncovering the throne of Satan, Pt 2

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In my earlier post, I discussed a passage in Revelation 2:12-13, that speaks of a specific place where Satan lived at that time in history — Pergamum (also written Pergamon). And to the angel of the church of Pergamum write: I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is and you hold fast My name and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where satan dwells (Revelation 2:12-13 NASV) The city was not only the dwelling place of Satan, but Satan’s throne was located there as well. At the time the Apostle John wrote Revelation, the city was home to a massive altar dedicated to Zeus. Some have suggested the Pergamum altar was in fact the throne of Satan referred to in Revelation. This altar simply manifested a spiritual reality — Pergamum was Satan’s capital. It is not a coincidence that in the natural realm Pergamum was also the capital of Asia. Satan’s presence in this key city gave him an …

The place where Satan lives? Pt 1

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[by Dean Smith] In a December 2013 interview with The Guardian, a mortician named only as Lucas, living in San Pedro, Honduras said: “Satan himself lives here in San Pedro. People here kill people like they are nothing more than chickens.” With a population of only 900,000, the city averages 20 murders a day. This works out to a murder rate of 173 per 100,000 more than double the country’s national average which is 85.5 per 100,000. New York City in comparison has 3.5 murders/100,000. According to the article, San Pedro has the highest murder rate of any region in the world outside a war zone.

Case of demon-possession in Mexico due to a Ouija Board?

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In February, I reported on a case of demon possession that affected the Ammons family in Gary, Indiana. There were a number of significant manifestations (including walking up a wall and ceiling backwards) seen by police officers, medical professionals and welfare officials. There has recently been another incidence of possession reported in Mexico. Though not as documented as the earlier case, the three people involved experienced many of the same manifestations as the family affected in Gary, Indiana including growling. Three Americans, Alexandra Huerta, 22, and her brother Sergio, 23, and their cousin Fernando Cuevas, 18, were playing on a Ouija board in a home in the village of San Juan Tiacotenco in southern Mexico.

Harvard University allows satanic mass on campus

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UPDATED May 13, 2014: Various media are reporting the Satanic Mass originally scheduled to be held at Harvard University on Monday, May 12, 2014 was moved off campus to a nearby restaurant. The Harvard Extension Cultural Studies Club sent out an email around 5 pm Monday, stating the event was moving off campus. A later email from the club stated they were not able to find a facility off campus for the ‘black mass’ and that the Harvard club was no longer involved in hosting the event. According to reports, those involved in the ‘black mass’ apparently went to a nearby restaurant and had their own meeting. ________________________ Harvard University will be allowing a group to conduct a Satanic black mass on its campus on Monday, May 12, 2014 A student group on campus, the Harvard Extension Cultural Studies Club,  invited the Satanic Temple of New York City to conduct the mass.  It will take place at 8:30 PM at the popular Queen’s Head Pub in the University’s memorial hall. The student’s group even handed …

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When your dentist says there is no God because of suffering in the world!

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I couldn’t tell you how many times I have heard people say they can’t believe in God because He allows suffering and evil on the earth such as wars and famines. Much of this is caused by a misunderstanding of earth’s ownership which this video by cvcnow.com portrays. In Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, Satan made a curious offer to Jesus. If the Lord worshiped Satan, he would give Jesus the nations of the world. 

Reported case of demon possession in Gary, Indiana parallels Biblical accounts

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The case of demonic possession reported in Gary, Indiana seems like it was a long, lost script from the Exorcist, except in this case the demonic actions were witnessed by secular members of society — police officers, medical staff (including a doctor) and welfare officials. Some of the strange happenings included a child walking up the wall backwards which was seen by a Registered Nurse and a manager for Indiana’s Department of Child Services (DCS). The case involves Latoya Ammons and her three children, a girl 12, and two boys aged 9 and 7 all of whom were reportedly possessed by evil spirits. 

What the devil sees

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Español: Lo que el diablo ve In the book of Zechariah, the prophet relays a series of visions that give brief glimpses into the spiritual realm. However, there is one that does more than that. It not only tears away the veil covering the spiritual realm, it also shows how angels and demons view people in the natural world. They see us differently. In chapter 3:1, the prophet Zechariah notices Joshua — who was the high priest in Jerusalem — standing before the Angel of the Lord. Zechariah also observed Satan standing at Joshua’s right hand uttering a barrage of accusations against the High Priest. Joshua was probably performing some type of sacrifice or work associated with his priestly duties. Nobody, in the earthly realm would have seen the Angel of God or Satan standing at the High Priest’s right hand. It was just another day at the temple, but all hell was breaking loose in the spiritual realm. Joshua’s filthy garments In verse three, we are given an odd description of Joshua’s clothes, which were described as filthy …

Repelling Satan’s mind games!

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Have you ever felt your mind was under attack? Have you felt flooded with condemning thoughts or memories of past failure? The Apostle Paul provides insight into a possible source of these thoughts:  “But for one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2 Cor 2:10, 11 NASV) In this passage, Paul was referring to an incident he addressed in his first letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 5:1-13). It involved a man living with his father’s wife — probably his step mother. 

Mark of the beast, a cross-country race and November 11th

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When Codie Thacker received her bib with the number she would represent in the race, it  sickened her. Her coach, Gina Croley, aware of Codie’s Christian faith, knew immediately there was trouble. Codie attends Whitley County High School in Williamsburg, KY. She was racing in a regional cross-country race — the winner would move on to the state championship. The number Codie received — 666 — represented the Mark of the Beast or Antichrist mentioned in the Book of Revelation.