SLEEP PARALYSIS - Is It A Result of Demonic Attack? - While it is possible that sleep paralysis can be the result of natural or biological causes, it is also possible that the devil may spiritually attack or oppress people under the guise of sleep paralysis. So, where sleep paralysis is believed to be linked specifically to a demonic attack, it is necessary to rely totally on God during any spiritual attack of any kind. God is the One who fights our battles - Sleep paralysis can be defined as the temporary inability to move or speak whilst one is either waking up or falling asleep. For many people who have experienced sleep paralysis it can be a frightening and nightmarish experience as the body suddenly feels numb or paralyzed whilst feeling as if a dark or invisible presence has entered your room. During a state of sleep paralysis, a person may feel the presence of something or someone pressing on top of his/her body. Others have reported hearing noises, humming sounds or even voices whilst in a state of paralysis. Others have felt strange tingling sensations or vibrations on parts of their body whilst some have felt difficulty breathing and out-of-body experiences. However, is sleep paralysis a psychological condition or is it a result of demonic attack? Are the signs and symptoms of sleep paralysis a result of hallucinations during sleep or is it the work of demons? Sleep paralysis has also been linked to stress, sleep deprivation and irregular sleeping patterns.

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What is Sleep Paralysis?

Is It A Result of Demonic Attack?

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While it is possible that sleep paralysis can be the result of natural or biological causes, it is also possible that the devil may spiritually attack or oppress people under the guise of sleep paralysis. So, where sleep paralysis is believed to be linked specifically to a demonic attack, it is necessary to rely totally on God during any spiritual attack of any kind - God is the One who fights our battles

STEWART KABATEBATE

 

Sleep paralysis can be defined as the temporary inability to move or speak whilst one is either waking up or falling asleep.

For many people who have experienced sleep paralysis it can be a frightening and nightmarish experience as the body suddenly feels numb or paralyzed whilst feeling as if a dark or invisible presence has entered your room.

During a state of sleep paralysis, a person may feel the presence of something or someone pressing on top of his/her body.

Others have reported hearing noises, humming sounds or even voices whilst in a state of paralysis.

Others have felt strange tingling sensations or vibrations on parts of their body whilst some have felt difficulty breathing and out-of-body experiences.

However, is sleep paralysis a psychological condition or is it a result of demonic attack?

Are the signs and symptoms of sleep paralysis a result of hallucinations during sleep or is it the work of demons?

The Natural / Scientific Explanation of Sleep Paralysis

Sleep paralysis happens when parts of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep occur while you’re awake.

REM is a stage of sleep when the brain is very active and dreams often occur.

The body is unable to move, apart from the eyes and muscles used in breathing, possibly to stop you acting out your dreams and hurting yourself.

Therefore, when a person suddenly becomes aware during REM sleep that he/she is paralyzed, this may result in a variety of sleep paralysis symptoms as the person attempts to escape the paralysis.

This temporary failure to escape the sleep paralysis can lead to panic, fear and sometimes sleep hallucinations as one attempts to physically wake up and move his/her body.

Therefore, it is during the REM stage of sleep when the brain is extremely active and where sleep paralysis may occur in order to prevent one from physically acting out his/her dreams whilst sleeping.

Sleep paralysis has also been linked to stress, sleep deprivation and irregular sleeping patterns.

Therefore, reducing one’s stress levels and getting enough sleep is important in reducing sleep paralysis.

It is also recommended that you do not sleep on your back as you are most likely to experience paralysis whilst lying on your back.

Spiritual Explanation of Sleep Paralysis

The Bible says that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12-13)

There are different cultures that identify sleep paralysis as having a spiritual or demonic cause.

For example, In Cambodian it’s called “khmaoch sângkât” or “the ghost that pushes you down.”

In Thailand, a ghost called “phi am” haunts people when they are half asleep and unable to move.

And in some traditional Chinese cultures it’s called “meng yan” or “ghost oppression”

The devil is able to spiritually attack people whilst they sleep just as much as when they are awake.

However, Ephesians 6:10-11 says “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

If you experience sleep paralysis and you believe the experience to be caused by demons, you can try some of the following things:

1) It is important pray and trust in the Lord to protect you whilst you are sleeping.

     Therefore, meditate on God’s word and pray for God’s protection before you go to bed.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 says “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.”

2) Call on the name of Jesus Christ during your sleep paralysis.

    Remember that every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).

Jesus Christ has the name above all names and demons are known to tremble at the name of Jesus Christ.

In fact, in the scriptures, demons are cast out at the name of Jesus.

3) Do not go to bed with anger or unforgiveness in your heart as the devil can take advantage of your mental stress whilst you sleep.

Ephesians 4:26-27 says “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil.”

4) Do not go to bed with any anxieties in your heart. Instead seek God’s peace by giving all your anxieties and worries to God before you go to sleep.

Philippians 4:6-7 says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

5) Put on the whole armor of God in your life. Ephesians 6:13-18 says: “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”

Therefore, whilst it is possible that sleep paralysis can be the result of natural or biological causes, it is also possible that the devil may spiritually attack or oppress people under the guise of sleep paralysis.

So, where sleep paralysis is believed to be linked specifically to a demonic attack, it is necessary to rely totally on God during any spiritual attack of any kind.

God is the One who fights our battles.

Inspired Walk is an evangelical and apologetics ministry with the purpose of evangelizing and providing a Biblical defense for the Christian faith.
Inspiredwalk.com was created in July 2012 and is a non-denominational platform dedicated to teaching, equipping and inspiring people to be more like Jesus Christ in their daily living.

http://www.inspiredwalk.com/6171/what-is-sleep-paralysis-demonic-attack

SPIRITUAL WARFARE - Armor of God - ”Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

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Spiritual 
Warfare

Armor of God Bible Study

Ephesians 6:10-18

by Jack Zavada 

The Armor of God, described by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:10-18, is our spiritual defense against attacks by Satan.

But if you were to leave home every morning wearing a full suit of armor, you would feel pretty silly. Fortunately, that's not necessary.

Although invisible, the Armor of God is real, and when used properly and worn daily, it provides solid protection against the enemy's onslaught.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT)

”Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

“In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

None of these six pieces of armor require power on our part. Jesus Christ has already won our victory through his sacrificial death on the cross.

We only have to put on the effective armor he has given us.

Belt of Truth

The Belt of Truth is the first element of the Armor of God.

In the ancient world, a soldier's belt not only kept his armor in place but, if wide enough, protected his kidneys and other vital organs.

Just so, the truth protects us. Practically applied, you might say the Belt of Truth holds up our spiritual pants so that we're not exposed and vulnerable.

Jesus Christ called Satan the "father of lies." Deception is one of the enemy's oldest tactics.

We can see through Satan's lies by holding them against the truth of the Bible. The Bible helps us defeat the lies of materialism, money, power, and pleasure as the most important things in life.

Thus, the truth of God's Word shines its light of integrity into our lives and holds together all of our spiritual defenses.

Jesus told us "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6, NIV)

Breastplate of Righteousness

The Breastplate of Righteousness guards our heart. A wound to the chest can be fatal. That's why ancient soldiers wore a breastplate covering their heart and lungs.

Our heart is susceptible to the wickedness of this world, but our protection is the righteousness that comes from Jesus Christ.

We cannot become righteous through our own good works. When Jesus died on the cross, his righteousness was credited to all who believe in him, through justification.

God sees us as sinless because of what His Son did for us. Accept your Christ-given righteousness; Let it cover and protect you. Remember that it can keep your heart strong and pure for God:

"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." (Proverbs 4:23, NLT)  

Gospel of Peace

Ephesians 6:15 talks about fitting our feet with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace.

The terrain was rocky in the ancient world, requiring sturdy, protective footwear. On a battlefield or near a fort, the enemy might scatter barbed spikes or sharp stones to slow an army down.

In the same way, Satan scatters traps for us as we're trying to spread the gospel. The Gospel of Peace is our protection, reminding us that it is by grace that souls are saved.

We can sidestep Satan's obstacles when we remember "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16, NIV)

Fitting our feet with the readiness of the Gospel of Peace is described in 1 Peter 3:15 like this: "... always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear ..." (NIV)

Sharing the gospel of salvation ultimately brings peace between God and men (Romans 5:1).

Shield of Faith

No defensive armor was as important as the shield. It fended off arrows, spears, and swords.

Our Shield of Faith guards us against one of Satan's deadliest weapons: doubt. Satan shoots doubt at us when God does not act immediately or visibly.

But our faith in God's trustworthiness comes from the unassailable truth of the Bible.

We know our Father can be counted on. Our Shield of Faith sends Satan's flaming arrows of doubt glancing harmlessly to the side.

We keep our shield held high, confident in the knowledge that God provides, God protects, and God is faithful to his children.

Our shield holds because of the One our faith is in, Jesus Christ.

Helmet of Salvation

The Helmet of Salvation protects the head, where all thought and knowledge reside.

Jesus Christ said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32, NIV)

The truth of salvation through Christ does indeed set us free. We are free from vain searching, free from the meaningless temptations of this world, and free from the condemnation of sin.

Those who reject God's plan of salvation battle Satan unprotected and suffer the fatal blow of hell.

1 Corinthians 2:16 tells us that believers "have the mind of Christ."

Even more interesting, 2 Corinthians 10:5 explains that those who are in Christ have divine power to "demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (NIV)

The Helmet of Salvation to protect our thoughts and minds is a crucial piece of armor. We cannot survive without it.

Sword of the Spirit

The Sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon in the Armor of God with which we can strike against Satan.

This weapon represents the Word of God, the Bible: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)

When Jesus Christ was tempted in the desert by Satan, he countered with the truth of Scripture, setting an example for us.

Satan's tactics have not changed, so the Sword of the Spirit is still our best defense.

The Power of Prayer

Finally, Paul adds the Power of Prayer to the Armor of God: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." (Ephesians 6:18, NIV)

Every smart soldier knows they must keep the lines of communication open to their Commander. God has orders for us, through his Word and the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Satan hates it when we pray. He knows prayer strengthens us and keeps us alert to his deception.

Paul cautions us to pray for others as well. With the Armor of God and gift of Prayer, we can be ready for whatever the Enemy throws at us.

Jack Zavada

Created and manages and blogs at Inspiration-For-Singles.com

Published several books about Christian lifestyle topics

Contributes to numerous self-growth and Christian-based websites

Former newspaper reporter, technical editor, and public relations director

Experience

Jack Zavada is a Christianity writer. Jack began his 45-year career as a police and government newspaper reporter and Associated Press wire editor. He later served as a technical editor at the U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL). Other positions held include being a publications editor and a communications director.

As a writer, Jack focuses his work into three genres, Christian lifestyles, self-help, and western fiction. H contributes to several Christian-focused websites including Bible-Reflections.net, SelfGrowth.com, LivingWordBaptist.net, JustMeCatholicFaith.com, and WZAKClevland.com. Jack created, manages and blogs at his website Inspiration-For-Singles.com. The site also serves as a platform for marketing his self-help eBooks. He also writes and publishes western fiction under the pen name of Calder Boone.

Education

Jack Zavada earned a Master Arts (M.A.) in English Composition and a Bachelor Science (B.S.) in English literature, both from Illinois State University.

Awards and Publications

Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges (Pine Cone Press, 1st edition, 2017)

Outsmarting Loneliness (Pine Cone Press, 2012)

Learn Religions and Dotdash

Our mission at Learn Religions is to help you explore the practices of your own faith, understand your neighbor’s beliefs, and familiarize yourself with the world’s major religions — regardless of your own spiritual background.

Learn Religions is part of the Dotdash family.

For more than 20 years, Dotdash brands have been helping people find answers, solve problems, and get inspired. We are one of the top-20 largest content publishers on the Internet according to comScore, and reach more than 30% of the U.S. population monthly. Our brands collectively have won more than 20 industry awards in the last year alone, and recently Dotdash was named Publisher of the Year by Digiday, a leading industry publication.

https://www.learnreligions.com/the-armor-of-god-701508

IT’S TIME TO DECLARE WAR - The book of Revelation figuratively depicts the war of Satan against God, against the Lamb of God and the saints of God. It is the struggle of good and evil, right and wrong, righteousness and unrighteousness. It is the eternal struggle that began in the garden of Eden. We read of Satan’s attack on Job, his work among the heathen nations and terrorist assaults against Israel. The New Testament begins with the Devil tempting Jesus and end with him influencing the minds of the religious leaders to crucify Christ. The Bible writers warn us against the Devil. The Devil is evil. He fills the world with wickedness. He spreads envy, jealousy and hate. He is a liar. And a murderer. And He has seduced the hearts of corrupt men and women to propagate his wave of destruction on the human race.

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It’s Time To Declare War!

Ken Weliever

Last night in an impassioned Talking Points memo, Fox News Commentator, Bill O’Reilly, said it is time to declare war on ISIS and other Muslim terrorist groups.

Following the public beheading of two American journalists, James Foley and Steven Sotloff, O’Reilly called for Congress to formally declare war on Islamic terrorists and for the President to sign it

There can be no doubt that ISIS and those of their ilk are at war with us. In a recent video one of their soldiers looked into the camera and sneered “I say to America that the Islamic Caliphate has been established. And we will not stop… we will raise the flag of Allah in the White House.”

Yes, we are at war!

However, this war is only one aspect of a greater war.

In fact, it is actually symbolic of the real war that we’re facing. It is the war Satan is waging on all humanity.

The book of Revelation figuratively depicts the war of Satan against God, against the Lamb of God and the saints of God.

It is the struggle of good and evil, right and wrong, righteousness and unrighteousness. It is the eternal struggle that began in the garden of Eden.

In the Old Testament, we read of Satan’s attack on Job, his work among the heathen nations and terrorist assaults against Israel.

The Gospel accounts in the New Testament begin with the Devil tempting Jesus and end with him influencing the minds of the religious leaders to crucify Christ.

The Bible specially says that Satan entered the heart of Judas to betray Jesus (John 13:37).

That he sifted Simon Peter like wheat to deny Jesus (Luke 22:31).

And the devil filled the heat of Ananias and Sapphira to lie for monetary gain (Acts 5:3).

Constantly, the Bible writers warn us against the Devil.

Peter calls him our “adversary” and “a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8)

John says that Satan seeks to elicit sin in our lives to become like Him (I John 3:8).

The apostle Paul constantly warned of the devil in his writings. He described the devil as crafty, clever and cunning. (Ephesians 6:11).

“Resist the devil,” he urged.

Jesus flat-out called the Devil “our enemy” (Matthew 13:39).

The Devil is evil. He fills the world with wickedness. He spreads envy, jealousy and hate.

He is a liar. And a murderer. And He has seduced the hearts of corrupt men and women to propagate his wave of destruction on the human race.

The Devil has declared war on us!

The Devil through his followers divides nations, races and creates chaos among our own people.

But more than that, Satan invades our homes with filthy entertainment. Fills our minds with lustful thoughts. Floods the internet with suggestive and outright lurid solicitations.

The Tempter calls good, evil and evil, good. He desecrates marriage.

Destroys the sanctify of human life. Glorifies perversion. Undermines godly values. Attacks Christianity. And desires to destroy you!

So, isn’t it time we declare war?! War on the Devil!

He is the Great Satan. The venomous serpent. The dangerous dragon.

Satan assaults our churches. Our homes. Our marriages. Our youth. Our very minds.

It’s time for preachers and pastors to declare war! For mothers and fathers to declare war! For young people to declare war!

We’re in war.

Let’s fight for our families. Our fellowship. And our spiritual purity.

Paul’s battle cry has never been more appropriate.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

”Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:10-13)

- Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

Ken Weliever has been preaching the gospel for over 50 years.  He began as a High School student preaching on an appointment basis in Central Indiana and continued during his years at Florida College and the University of South Florida.

Ken and his wife, Norma Jean, celebrated 50 years of marriage in August 2018, have lived in 7 different states and worked with 9 congregations: Park Ave Church, Hillsboro, Ohio; Kettering Church, Kettering , Ohio,; Palmetto Church, Palmetto, Florida;  Skyview Church, Pinellas Park FL; Eastland church, Louisville, Ky; Jackson Heights Church, Columbia, TN; North Blvd Church, Tampa, FL; Hickman Mills Church; Kansas City, MO. And the West Main Church, Lewisville, TX, where he recently ended full-time work in May of 2018.   In addition, their travels and ministry have taken them to 49 states, as well as Canada, Mexico, England, Sweden, Denmark, Kazakhstan, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, The Bahamas, Central America, and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

Ken and Norma Jean are certified facilitators of Marriage Dynamic Institute based in Franklin, TN.  Though the years Ken has been involved in Toastmasters and for the past 25 years has been active in Rotary International, serving as President of his local club in 2006-2007. He also is a board member of the Florida College Athletic Association.

https://thepreachersword.com/2014/09/04/its-time-to-declare-war/