23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. Mark 1:23-26

Jesus performed this healing inside the synagogue in front of a lot of people. What’s interesting, though, is the man with the spirit cried out when the holiest man of God was near him. The spirit knew exactly who Jesus was in every sense of the word, and Jesus knew exactly what to say to free this man. Now this freedom came at a violent cost.

But then, he was freed. We don’t know how much this man suffered if at all. If he was allowed in the synagogue, then the spirit had not manifested itself during possession. In other words, the demon possessed man was attending synagogue like all the others. What kind of spirit was it is anybody’s guess.

Could this kind of demon possession be in our congregations today? Quite probably.

Demon possession manifests itself at times when you least expect it. Sudden violent and foul-mouthed outbursts and fits of random rage are two of the more obvious signs that someone is demon possessed, especially when others are being ministered to and the Spirit of God is moving.

A little before the Covid lock down, a woman who had been in our small group confronted another lady (who was visiting the group) on a variety of cultural issues. When they saw each other the next Sunday in Church, once again the first lady lit into the first lady but other people as well. The first confrontation was in the language that both ladies spoke, but it was clear that the first lady was displaying all the telltale signs of demon possession. A restraining order was put in place, and the next Sunday the Sheriff’s department showed up to make sure the first lady didn’t cause problems.

So, yes demon possession occurs today, and different bodies have different ways and means to handle it.

I’m writing this just so you are aware that satan is alive and well within and outside the church. He will stop at nothing to interrupt, confuse, and demotivate believers. He may even accomplish his activities through others. Don’t be surprised if it happens.

Pray and pray hard that leadership will know how to discern and minister to these people.