For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. - Ephesians 6:12

I come to you today with a heavy heart about a subject that is the "elephant in the room" that most choose to ignore or won't speak about due to fear of scaring people who do not understand this reality.

Demonic oppression is a very real reality in the life of a follower of Christ. Like it or not we are at war in the spiritual sense and there will be casualties for standing up for the truth of the gospel. We can no longer ignore this subject as it has and will continue to affect the foundation of our representation of hope and faith in Christ.

Recently three pastors committed suicide and even though there is not a clear and simple explanation for these events as of now the fact remains this speaks directly to the reality of spiritual warfare.

I understand this subject is too large to cover in one little blog but I share this as a warning that we must be on guard as the scripture speaks plainly "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. - 1 Peter 5:8.

Yes God is still in control and we have the victory but that does not mean we are exempt from the battle. God's mercy has given us the freedom to choose to fight or ignore. Either choice has consequences good and bad.

I also want to say that the Bible makes it clear that a Christian can not be possessed by a demon but we can be infected and influenced and it's not always because of something we have done. That does not excuse us from taking responsibility for the times when we did play a part that allowed us to be open to oppression from spiritual forces.

Everywhere Jesus went he healed the sick and cast of demons. There are many churches that have different opinions on doctrine and theology concerning this subject. I am not hear to speak about that.

These three pastors who taught the word of God for many years did not just decide to end there life and completely ignore the message they spent years teaching. I believe they where overwhelmed by oppression beyond what they could handle on their own and believed the lies the enemy spoke to them to give up and end the pain.

I agree mental illness is a real and serious issue today but I also believe there is a strong demonic influence if left unchecked can result in such tragedies.

We must put on the full armor of God and when necessary seek out trustworthy and mature counsel for deliverance.

In closing, I would suggest studying the scriptures for your selves to see these truths. Also, look up a YouTube video titled "how to identify and cast out demons" by Derrick Prince. He teaches sound and biblical truths.

This is something that won't go away queitly, we must fight and support those in need and be willing to ask the tuff questions when we see something is wrong and allow the God of more than enough to do his healing work as we lay them at his feat.