You are like a house.

Let me explain. 

Think of a normal house. If you leave your front door open at night a robber might break in. Will it definitely happen? Not necessary. But if you do that, you’re certainly increasing the chances of getting robbed.

Here’s how you are like a house.

When we engage in certain practices, we are opening “doorways” to the demonic. I know it sounds heavy, but it’s true. We give demonic beings—often called “unclean spirits” in the Gospels—permission to function in our lives. After all, we are engaging in dark practices God expressly forbids. By spiritually wandering into their territory, we give them permission to wander into ours.

I spoke about this recently with Steve Dabbs. He’s a retired senior military chaplain with over 35 years of experience and the author of a new book called “When Demons Surface: True Stories of Spiritual Warfare and what the Bible Says about Confronting the Darkness.” Steve had a series of demonic attacks early in his life. He learned from them and was later able to provide help to scores of people who were experiencing varying levels of demonization.

(Yes, demons are real, and yes they continue to be active today. If you don’t believe they are real, just read your Bible.)

It was a real blessing to be able to interview Steve about his experiences and insight. If you’re interested, you can link to our talk below. We discuss the importance of closing certain “doorways”—including involvement with the occult, evil and idolatry—and also the necessity of engaging in certain practices which help us live freely and victoriously in Christ.

Steve reminded me of 1 Timothy 4:1. I’m not sure why I hadn’t paid more attention to it before: “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” That means that (a) demons are real, (b) part of their job is to deceive, and (c) they will lead some people to abandon the faith. That sounds like something I want to know more about—not only for me but for my loved ones!

Let’s live with our eyes open, not shut. Let’s close certain doorways, and engage in the practices God himself gives us to live freely and victoriously in Christ. 

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Notes and extra content:

—New Podcast: “How do demons gain access to people? – a talk with Steve Dabbs.” Find it on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ or by clicking here.

–“Is this the sermon demons don’t want you to hear?” November 17, 2024. Click here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.