The Spirit Of Torment
Like everything else that hits the media or Hollywood; the truth gets so distorted and manipulated, to the point that the subject is made to look either unbelievable or just plain weird. This is where we are at right now with evil spirits, witchcraft, being possessed, or becoming tormented. It’s no surprise that you will find yourself being mocked or ridiculed when you talk about this subject. Why?
How many of you remember the movie The Exorcist? I cannot recount all the gory details of that movie, but I do remember the scene of that demon possessed girl and priest doing his version of an exorcism. It was so extreme and frightening that most people rejected such a bizarre happening. But that is how the enemy would distort something that is real; by making it extreme and terrifying.
There is no such word in the Bible as exorcism. However there are numerous references to demons, devils, witchcraft, magicians, sorcery, and being tormented by such. All of these spirits are very real, and very prevalent in our culture today. They have never left the earth, and if anything they have multiplied as the days have grown darker with wickedness.
As a civil society we would like to believe that no such oppression of evil could invade our families, and especially our churches. This is the number one deception of the enemy. Nice hard-working people who love their families and even believe in God, could not possibly be affected by such a thing as an evil spirit! Simply believing that God exists does nothing to protect us from evil. “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble.” James 2:19 Belief alone does not protect us.
For many years Hollywood and media have infiltrated society with a “soft demonizing” Making funny and acceptable programs, movies, and cartoons with witchcraft, spells, sorcery, and all other various connotations of evil. When a pretty “Sabrina the witch” looks like a normal teenager with friends, it becomes acceptable to parents. When you tell your children to follow horoscopes or buy them ouija boards; you are introducing them to demonic spirits.
What society calls normal and innocent, is actually the opposite. To stand against this requires courage, because we as parents and grandparents will be called fanatics, unloving and judgmental of others. I’m fine being called all of the above when it comes to protecting children.
We have more depression and mental illness in children and young adults than we’ve ever had before. We can blame the isolation and lockdowns over the past few years; but there is far more to this than simply being isolated. Isolation alone does not cause evil. It comes when we open doors to spiritual darkness. We may do this unaware, or even innocently. The reality is that the door was opened, and that is all it takes.
When you read the gospel accounts of Jesus, you will find that He spent a lot of time casting out demons. Remember Mary Magdalene had seven evil spirts cast out of her. His disciples did the very same. When you read the book of Acts there are numerous accounts of demonization and torment being removed from people.
What has caused such controversy of late is the argument that born again believers cannot be possessed by a demon. A huge topic that has mostly been caused by wrongly translated Greek words in the New Testament. Sadly the KJV and the NKJV use the word possessed, however Jesus never used that word. The word is Daimonizomai, and it means to be demonized. The devil and his demons do not have ownership, but they can certainly cause havoc and torment people….even a believer!
Many times Paul and Peter addressed believers in various churches regarding carnal and evil behavior. People become tormented, vexed, and distressed without understanding they have become under the influence of a demon. He does not own us, but he is certainly causing chaos and disruption in our lives.
This scripture in Luke describes a great multitude of people that came from all over Judea, Jerusalem, Tyre and Sidon. “They came to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits.” They came for three different things. Some came just to hear Him teach. Others had diseases and wanted to be healed….and there were others that were tormented by evils spirits and wanted to be delivered of them; and He healed them all!
Take the time to study these events throughout the New Testament. There are various Greek words used; but they all have the common denominator of being vexed, disturbed, oppressed, or tormented. If there is constant or overwhelming thoughts of oppression, disturbed thinking, or even invading voices in your head….find a spirit filled church, pastor, or believer that knows how to pray in authority over evil. Also remember to pray Ephesians 6:10-18 everyday putting on the spiritual armor of God.
“Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.” Acts 5:16