Haunted houses, real haunted houses, not the ones that pop up at Halloween, are not places to play around and take your fancy electronics to test the atmosphere. In fact, anyone that is not covered by the blood of Jesus is opening themselves up to potential demonic harassment or even possession by trying to interact with these spirits. Of course, the Christian should be cautious as well. Yes, Jesus said we have authority over these spirits, but quite frankly, many Christians don’t know how to walk in that authority. Many, if not most Christians don’t know how to make themselves sit down, shut up, and listen, and yet they think they can make a demon do it.

We should be cautious, but we shouldn’t be afraid. Quite frankly, most Christians have never experienced demonic forces manifest around them in a violent physical manner that can happen in these haunted locations. These spirits can more easily express themselves in this natural realm in these areas. So why is that?

How Demons Can Occupy Places

Dr. Lester Sumrall explained that demons can occupy places for various reasons. Some of these reasons include the following:

• Historical Use of the Place: If a place has a history of occult practices, violent acts, or any other form of evil, it can become a stronghold where demonic activity is manifested clearly in the natural realm.
• Objects and Artifacts: Certain objects and trinkets, especially those used in occult rituals or idol worship, can become the object of demonic possession. Dr. Sumrall talks about this in his travels to various nations, including ones with Buddhist and Hindu religions. When these idols have been given worship, that’s when demons can enter and possess them. When such items are brought into a home, they can invite demonic activity. Acts 19:19 describes how new believers in Ephesus even brought their occult books and burned them, possibly because of the spirits attached to them.
• Curses: Demons can also gain access to places through curses. Witchcraft, hexes, and curses spoken over a location can create a spiritual environment that makes it easier for demons to manifest. Again, Dr. Sumrall dealt with this and other similar things when he came in contact with them, including various witch doctors.

Identifying Demonic Influence in Homes

Recognizing demonic influence in homes requires discernment and understanding of the spiritual realm. Symptoms of such influence can include:

• Persistent Fear and Anxiety: A sense of unease or terror that pervades a place, often accompanied by a feeling of being watched or oppressed.
• Physical Manifestations: Sudden illnesses, especially those that doctors cannot explain, or recurring accidents and injuries in a particular location.
• Spiritual Resistance: Difficulty praying, reading Scripture, or experiencing peace in the home. There may also be resistance to spiritual growth or unity among the residents.
• Negative Atmosphere: A pervasive atmosphere of negativity, anger, or discord, which may lead to constant arguing, depression, or relational breakdowns among those living in the house.

Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance

From a Christian perspective, spiritual warfare is a reality that involves engaging with these demonic forces through the authority of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the armor of God, equipping believers to stand against the schemes of the devil in prayer. Overcoming these demonic influences involves:

• Prayer and Fasting: Jesus taught that some demonic entities are more resistant and require us to pray and get closer to Him by walking in the spirit more and less in the natural. This comes through fasting. Fasting doesn’t change God. It changes us. (Matthew 17:21). Engaging in prayer and fasting strengthens spiritual authority and sensitivity.
• Renouncing Sin and Occult Practices: Repenting of any involvement in occult practices, sins, or agreements that have given demons a foothold is a must. This includes removing any objects associated with the occult from the home.
• Cleansing and Dedication: Praying over the house and anointing it with oil dedicating the space to God. This can involve walking through each room, praying for God’s presence to fill the space and commanding any unclean spirits to leave in the name of Jesus.
• Using Your Authority In Christ: Believers have authority in Christ to command demons to leave (Luke 10:19). Using your authority in Christ is essential in the deliverance process.

The Impact of Unbelief and Ignorance

One reason demon-possessed houses may go unaddressed is unbelief or ignorance of spiritual things. Many people, including some Christians, dismiss the idea of demonic influence as superstition or psychological phenomena. However, the Bible affirms the existence of demons and their intent to deceive and destroy (John 10:10).

Ignoring these truths can leave individuals and families vulnerable to spiritual attack. On the other hand, knowledge and faith in Christ’s authority, and the authority He has delegated to us, enables believers to confront and overcome these forces. Dr. Sumrall emphasizes the importance of understanding spiritual warfare and exercising discernment to identify and deal with demonic influences.

Demonic possession of places, including homes, is a reality that requires a biblical understanding of spiritual truths. Through Jesus Christ, believers have the authority to confront and cast out demonic forces, ensuring that their homes are places of peace and the presence of God. This requires discernment, faith, prayer, fasting, using your authority, and renouncing any connection to occult practices.

Enjoying this? Read the final installment about The Christian’s Authority Over Demonic Powers