How to spot demonic activity in church (and combat it!)

Is it possible for a Christian to be possessed by a demon?

Have you ever noticed things at church that make you question whether demonic oppression can be possible among believers? Here is how demonic activity might present itself at church, how we can explain it, and more importantly, how to combat it.

Image of church worship performance titled How to spot demonic activity in the church

“I saw a demon in church” 👀

While I was scrolling online the other day, my attention was caught by a post about a Christian encountering a demon for the first time.

The crazy part? It happened at a church.

The even crazier part? It was the pastor.

The post detailed how this supposedly Christian man’s face and eyes contorted into something unnatural and unmistakably demonic.

I found this extremely concerning, but to be candid, it didn’t really surprise me. There is so much compromise in many churches today that they don’t even resemble the body of Christ, and so we can find pastors of these so-called churches who teach false doctrine that blatantly contradicts the Bible.

So when we find evidence that the enemy and his minions are behind these unrighteous teachings done in the guise of Christ, why should we be surprised that they would rear their ugly heads, even via pastors?

I scrolled to read the comments on that post and found many other accounts of Christians who witnessed demonic activity in churches, and yes, there were still others who witnessed demonic oppression in pastors.

How disheartening, right? 😔

What can we do about this?

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How to combat demonic activity in churches

While the realization that demonic activity can and does actually happen within churches, take heart, there are steps we can take to oppose it and fight against it!

1. Prayer

First, we can pray. Pray for those who are afflicted, pray for discernment, and pray that God would expose evil in high places, especially within churches.

2. Bible study

Second, we can study the Word of God. It’s only through reading the scriptures over and over that we learn of God’s character, the sly trickery of Satan, and how to discern between what might seem good and what is actually righteous and true.

3. Test every spirit

Third, we can make sure we are fellowshipping with a true body of believers. And how can we be sure? We must test every word from every pastor, preacher, and teacher, seeing if it really lines up with God’s Word or not.

So take notes during every class and sermon, noting the scripture references. Then go home and open up your Bible, testing those teachings against what God says.

4. Watch for red flags

Fourth, beware of things in your church that could be red flags signaling spiritual oppression. Some examples might be:

Repetitive music that lulls you into a trance-like state or emotional high
Vain or vague lyrics that focus on “me” or on feelings instead of on Christ’s sacrifice and God’s holiness
Frequent deliverances performed to cast out demons (consider why there are so many supposed Christians there suffering from demonic oppression)
Uncontrollable body movements during service (“slain in the spirit”)
Idolatry in the church—this could be a hyper-focus on rituals to the point it actually becomes worshipful, kneeling to statues or figures, or praying to anyone other than Jesus
Ongoing willful sin or false repentance, especially by church leaders (no fruit of the Holy Spirit)

Now please understand, these are only examples, and not every case of such things indicates demonic activity. BUT, if there is demonic oppression, it is likely that a combination of these types of things might be present.

5. Remove what attracts the demonic

And lastly, a huge way that we can combat demonic activity is by refusing to abide anything that could attract evil spirits.

What kind of items are in your house, property, vehicle, workplace, church?

Or what things do you watch, read, or listen to that could be attractive to demons?

Horror movies, documentaries about murderers, crime TV shows, p0rn, movies with s3x scenes, Halloween stuff like ghosts or witches, ouija board, fortune telling, violent video games, music, any occult objects, or any other subjects that glorify worldly things, foul language, etc.

Any of these things or habits are like rolling out a welcome mat for evil spirits into your life, your family, or your church. Clear them out.

Put on that full armor of God as described in Ephesians 6 and pray throughout your day.

Read (and study!) the Bible daily. The Word of God is powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, it is your weapon of victory against the devil.

Ask the Lord to rebuke any evil spirits.

Turn your eyes from any wickedness and think on right things—whatever is pure, lovely, and right.

Soak yourself in the Word of God and test all teachings, influences, entertainment—EVERYTHING against His Word. Turn from all evil, even just the appearance of evil.

⚠️ And my friend, this is the very most important thing of all.

Defeat the demonic through new birth in Christ

If you’re not really sure if you’ve been born again, you must decide once for all to surrender your life to Jesus Christ. He is the only way to freedom from spiritual attack, bondage to sin, and the evil powers of this world.

When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, only then will you be covered by His blood and evil spirits will no longer have any claim on you, for you will belong to Jesus. 💖

And if you’ve already trusted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you need to seriously take inventory of not only your home and physical objects, but your thought life as well.

For more information on demonic activity occurring today, check out this article from Answers in Genesis.

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Final thoughts on combating demonic activity in the church

Only when we have discernment through the Holy Spirit can we recognize these signs of compromise and spiritual oppression in our churches. And that discernment can only come through prayer, Bible study, and obedience.

But remember, anything we might do is powerless without repentance and surrender to God Almighty.

We walk in the strength of His might—hallelujah!

🤔 What do you think about this topic? Share your opinion in a comment below!

How to spot demonic activity in church (and combat it!)

Is it possible for a Christian to be possessed by a demon?

“I saw a demon in church” 👀