<i>“Thank God that he is in control. If you like, walk through your house room by room, but instead of asking him to rid it of evil influences, thank him that he already rules over every place. Thank him that Jesus has won the victory over every evil influence.”</i>

That is such a great thing to say, and applicable to more than just houses. Good story too Jean.

Thanks, Liz and Gordo.

Gordo, what else would you see it as applicable to?

Liz, it’s interesting what you say. In the last chapter of Living with the Underworld, Peter Bolt argues that exorcisms are not the way we engage the devil - that these were specific to the time when Jesus was on earth and the apostolic period. He argues this on the basis that exorcisms are not the way Christians are encouraged to engage the devil in the epistles. But the minister I mentioned in my article, who is obviously a wise man when it comes to these things and not easily influenced by claims of “evil influences”, had been involved in what seemed to be an exorcism, rightly or wrongly I don’t know! Certainly both these men would agree that exorcisms should never be the focus of our ministry - if they happen at all, they will be the exception, not the rule. The way we engage evil forces on God’s behalf is through the preaching of the gospel (Rev 12:11).

What I am certain of is that Christians can’t be inhabited by evil spirits or under their strong influence because the Holy Spirit lives in us. Which I would guess you agree with, and which is why I have problems with the idea that Christians need to be “delivered” from curses or a “spirit of ...”. The same would go for the houses we live in.

I think the main way I’ve had to “engage” evil forces when it comes to our house is to refuse to believe the lie that we are under the devil’s influence in any way - which is hard when you are being told this is why you are sick by people you love and respect! Looking back, this is where the battle has been fought, not in “delivering” our house or “praying through” it.

Thanks again, Liz, these are difficult issues and it’s good to talk them through.

I don’t think I agree that exorcism is confined to the apostolic period.  However this is from personal opinion and experience and not something I can back up with Scripture off the top of my head.

I certainly agree that Christians cannot be possessed.  I have heard some say that we can be oppressed (by Satan or evil spirits) but not possessed.  But, truly, I don’t know if I believe that we can be oppressed either. 

The Bible talks in ... James?... about not letting the devil get a foothold so I think it is possible to be influenced by Satan and co but to what extent, I don’t know.  I think that this influence has to be the result of intentional action (“do not let” implies that we have some choice in the issue) and not “accident” or circumstantial such as living in the “wrong” house etc.

I completely agree that the comments about the behaviour of past occupants of your house affecting your current state of health are completely off base.  God is sovereign over all although the Bible indicates that He allows Satan to work in this world, until such time as Jesus returns.  How much influence Satan can have over a Christian, I don’t know.

As I said, food for thought.  Something challenging to ponder over while changing nappies and doing the washing