Tag: possession

What About Demon Possession?

Carl Pollard

The Bible clearly teaches that Satan is real, active, and dangerous. While there’s debate about whether demon possession still occurs today in the same way it did during the ministry of Jesus and the apostles, Scripture leaves no doubt that the devil still seeks to influence people toward sin, destruction, and rebellion against God.

During the earthly ministry of Jesus, demon possession was a visible reality. The Gospels record numerous accounts of individuals being possessed by demons, often causing destructive behavior, supernatural knowledge, physical harm, or loss of control (Mark 5:1–20; Luke 8:26–35). Jesus cast out demons as a demonstration of His divine authority and as evidence that the kingdom of God had come (Matthew 12:28).

These miracles also confirmed the truth of the gospel message. Hebrews 2:3–4 explains that God bore witness to the message through “signs and wonders and various miracles.” Demon possession and miraculous casting out of demons played a role in confirming Christ’s authority and the authority of His apostles.

At the same time, the Bible teaches that Satan’s influence extends beyond literal possession. Ephesians 2:1–3 describes sinful humanity as walking “according to the prince of the power of the air.” Satan influences the world through temptation, deception, fear, pride, anger, and sinful desires. Jesus called Satan “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Peter warned Christians to remain alert because “your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

This means that when people give themselves over to hatred, violence, wickedness, or rebellion, they’re often allowing themselves to be influenced by Satan’s work in the world. James 3:14–16 says jealousy, selfish ambition, and disorder are “earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” In that sense, evil behavior can absolutely reflect satanic influence.

However, Scripture also teaches personal responsibility. Satan tempts, but he doesn’t force people to sin. James 1:14 says each person is “lured and enticed by his own desire.” The devil works through temptation and deception, but individuals still choose whether to follow the flesh or obey God.

Christians should avoid two extremes. One extreme is denying Satan’s activity altogether. The other is blaming every sinful action or emotional struggle on demons. The Bible calls believers to be sober-minded, spiritually alert, and grounded in truth.

The good news is that Christ has ultimate authority over Satan. Colossians 2:15 says Jesus “disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame.” Christians don’t have to live in fear. Through God’s Word, prayer, faithfulness, and submission to God, we can resist the devil. James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Satan is real. Spiritual warfare is real. But so is the victory of Christ! 

Books by the Pollards

A Tiny Spark Snail Mail Club (Kathy Pollard)

How Happy Are You?

Carl Pollard

Are you happy? On a daily basis, how do you usually feel? Anxious, tired, drained, sad, joyful? I was reading a report done on overall happiness and joy here in the US. The past four years it hit an all time low. Do you know what year Americans were happiest? Studies have shown that in 1957, people were by and large much happier than today and really at any point in US history. Why 1957? That year the average house at the time was a third of the size we live in today. The average salary was less than 4,000 a year. Life expectancy was 69 years. So why is it that even though homes were smaller, salaries were so modest, and life expectancy was 10 years shorter than today, people by and large much happier than today?

Maybe it’s because joy has never and will never be attached to physical possessions. We are losing our joy at an astounding rate. Even in the church, where we claim to have access to the peace of God and eternal life, joy can be far too elusive.

In Nehemiah 8:10, Nehemiah the Governor of Judah has just finished leading the Israelites in building the new wall around Jerusalem. They have returned from captivity and have what seems like a fresh start. One of the ways they show their gratitude was by gathering together to have Ezra read the books of Moses to them.

Nehemiah is doing some of the greatest work he could possibly choose to do. He used to be a cupbearer, but now he is leading the Israelites back to a relationship with God. After the reading of Scripture, notice what Nehemiah says, “Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Why this reminder to the people? Because God’s people NEED joy! One of Satan’s first lines of attack to weaken our efforts in serving God is to take our joy. Psalm 16:11 reminds us where joy is found: “you will show me the path of life: in your presence is fulness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

I agree with the psalmist and I can confidently say joy is found in the presence of God! He has used His word, and time spent in prayer to give me encouragement and strength.

With Thanksgiving today, be especially thankful for the joy that comes from being a child of God!

A Notch On A Wrench And A Stigma For The Savior

Neal Pollard

Tim Gean has a 5/8 wrench that belonged to his dad, who is now deceased. He and his dad overhauled several cars together. His father owned that wrench for decades. Tim had his hands on that wrench countless times through the years. Several times, Tim was in a garage with his dad and his dad’s brother. They would sometimes argue over to whom a tool belonged. Finally, Tim’s dad decided to resolve this problem. He put a notch on his wrench. If you saw it in a yard sale, you would ask why that notch was there. But, Tim knows. It identified it as clearly belonging to his father.

Did you know that what was true of Tim’s father’s wrench is true of you and me? It certainly was true of the apostle Paul, who wrote, “From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus” (Gal. 6:17). “Brand-marks” is from the Greek word “stigma,” “to undergo experiences which mark one as the slave of some master” (Louw-Nida 808). Arndt, Danker, and Bauer adds, “Paul is most likely alluding to the wounds and scars which he received in the service of Jesus” (945). Whether literal, physical persecution or some other sort of experience that comes which serving Jesus, people should be able to look at us and know that we have been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). 

Christians are sanctified people, people who give personal dedication to the interests of God (BDAG 10). Using the analogy of slavery, Paul writes, “But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life” (Rom. 6:22). When we surrender our lives and will to Him, having been baptized into His Son (Rom. 6:1-6), we become “a people for God’s own possession” (1 Pet. 2:9). From that point forward, we have a new purpose. We are “proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9).  We bear His mark, and others will know we belong to Him. What a source of joy and pride, to know that we are the Father’s and He uses us to accomplish His purpose!

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