Can Christians be Demon Possessed?

I believe that once you are saved and filled with the Holy Spirit you cannot be possessed by the devil.  Now the question here is are you saved and filled with the Holy Spirit?  I had an acquaintance years ago who said that she believed in God but she called herself a “White Witch."  When she told me she was a “White Witch," that sent a funny feeling through me but I didn’t know any better at the time.  I desperately wanted some answers for my life so I bought into her ways…..  a little.  I can tell you that there are no witches who are filled with the Holy Spirit and walking with Christ.  God is very clear on this matter (Leviticus 20:27).  God is a holy God.  Two different forces cannot possess one body.  What has light to do with dark? 

Do you have to go to church to be a Christian?

No.  I can tell you that I have experienced firsthand people who reach out to others with the hands and feet of Jesus who do not attend church.  I have seen so-called Christians who almost live at church who never do anything remotely Christ like.  I do believe that “no man is an island.”  We need each other and we need each other to accomplish the will of God in our lives.  All the Bible says is do not forsake the fellowshipping of one to another.  I can tell you from my own personal life that if I had counted on a church to help me, I would have already been dead or lost.  I am not saying that is the case with them all, but it certainly is true of the ones I have attended.  To me, having a Cross on the top of a building means it is there for the weak, the weary, the lost and the hurt to come to for help, but sadly that is not always the case.

How can we recognize the voice of God?

Jesus tells us, “His sheep hear His voice”  (John 10:14 & 16).  God can and will speak to us in many ways.  I can tell you that the longer I walk with God, the bigger He gets and the more I realize that I cannot pin Him down into doing things one way.  But I can tell you that as “the lost sheep” or “the lost coin,” I can now hear Him speak to me.  It has taken me years of being in the Word and walking with Christ and even, yes, being at times deceived by Satan to know His voice.  The biggest revelation for me of God and Jesus and His voice was learning to be still and listen and not be so bogged down with everything else that would clutter my mind.  I also learned that when two or more people come together in the Lord’s name as agreeing upon anything, it shall be done for them  (Matthew 18:19). God will also confirm His word by two or more people so if two or more people are trying to tell you something listen.  Sometimes you will just “know” God is speaking to you.  I have learned one thing: that He is always talking but we aren’t always listening.  If you are uncertain as to whether God is telling you something or not, seek the counsel of at least two or three people you know who are really trying to walk with Christ and do His will, not their own.  Let them help guide you so you won’t be misled by the enemy.   

In the last days, Christ warns us that many would masquerade in His name.  How will one be able to recognize a false Christ?

Jesus warns us that many will come in His name and deceive many (Matthew 24:5).  I can tell you that knowing what the Word of God says will help combat deceptions.  Even though there may be someone who you respect as a pastor or teacher, they may say some things that hit you the wrong way.  Sometimes what they say is out of their passion for Christ, but it doesn’t line up with what is in the Word.  If Christ is not being taught and preached and the Cross brought to bear as the ultimate answer and final way to God, then be careful.  Always test the spirits (1John 4:1).  If you have a concern whether someone is false or not, go to the Word of God and then take your concern to God Himself and let Him reveal any deception to you.  God confirms His anointing in someone’s life through signs and wonders as well (Mark 16:20).  The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13).  He will reveal any deception to you.  Remember, we are all only human and all of us make mistakes; no one is perfect, no matter how many degrees they have.  Learn to listen and have some mercy but if someone is consistently not preaching the Cross, then something needs to be adjusted or you need to leave the body of believers where you are, no matter how many friends you have there.  If you feel wrong about something then do something about it.  I have always tried to give anyone the benefit of the doubt.  I will listen to someone at least three times and if they continue to keep going down the wrong path, it is time for me to adjust.

·                     IS BAPTISM NECESSARY FOR SALVATION?

I do not believe that it is.  I know of one person specifically (my father) who was saved prior to dying and he was not water baptized.  He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior three months before dying with terminal cancer.  He asked his friend to walk him through “the sinner’s prayer” one more time before dying just to make sure he was saved.  He did not have time to get baptized in water.  I know he is  with the Lord in Heaven.  Being baptized was an outward demonstration of an inward decision. Acts 16:31 states this clearly.  I do not believe you are not saved if you do not get water baptized.  The first time I was baptized, I went down a devil and came back up a devil….being truly saved is a matter of the heart.  One without the other is of no avail.  When Jesus came out of the wilderness to begin His public ministry, He was baptized by John the Baptist.  Jesus states in Matthew 3:15 “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”  Jesus never said that if you are not water baptized, you cannot be saved.