About Pastor Don Carpenter Expertise I believe that every word of the Bible is God-Breathed. This blessed book is the foundation of truth for faith and practice. If you ask this volunteer a question you will receive an answer from the Bible that is based upon a litteral, normal interpretation, taking into account the grammar and culture of the time.
Experience I have been in the ministry for almost 20 years. I have been a Senior Pastor more than 4 years. My gifts abound in the counseling ministry as well as equipping believers to express their faith.
Publications The Revival Chronicles
Education/Credentials BS in Bible from Baptist Bible College.
Question QUESTION: I have been searching the scriptures for evidence that demons/angels can put thoughts into our minds. I have found that scriptures indicate that God alone can do this. I am concerned at so much Christian teacher indicates and propagates the idea that our minds can be assailed with thoughts from demons and "spirits of fear, doubt, unbelief, etc" with no supporting scriptures accept where there have been a face to face encounter. I understand the difference between possession, where thoughts may be conveyed to the mind of the possessed, and oppression where there is a sense of external pressure brought to bear. I understand that I am responsible for the thoughts in my mind and to take wrong thoughts captive as the scriptures say. My thoughts a not thoughts from demons or angels but on occasions will be Gods thoughts he puts in me. I am responsible for my thoughts and what I allow into mind mind through my eye gate & ear gate and what was in my heart from the beginning particularly before my salvation thru Christ. Pleas help me understand if I am on the right track or I have missed the point somewhere or are many christain being taught incorrect doctrine.
ANSWER: Hi Paul,
Thanks for this question. I do believe that Satan can place thoughts in our hearts. That is what happened to Annanias.
Acts 5:3
3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.
He was not possessed. He was a church member, he was saved. Saved people cannot be possessed, yet Satan placed a thought in his heart.
With that said... we have the weapons to handle these thoughts and bring them into captivity.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.
I hope that this helps you.
In Christ
Pastor Don
PS
I am very sorry for my very late response.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thankyou for your reply Don. We will get clarity some how on this subject of interest.
This appears to be the only scripture which says "satan filled his heart". How did this happen? Was it thoughts in his mind or aligning his thoughts/heart with satan's ways rather than God's ways? I cannot conceieve our minds being bombarded with thoughts from demons and angels and God. Angels are "ministering spirits sent to do the will of God". The ministering seems to be physical in nature in all I have read. Demons/satan have no greater ability.
I cannot attribute any of my thoughts throughout my 38yrs as a Christain to anyone but myself and have taken responsibility for them bringing them captive to "the will of God" to the best of my ability, and of course with failures/weaknesses as any other person. But He has made us more than conquerors and we have "the mind of Christ" which apposes the idea that demons/satan can put thoughts in our mind.
I look forward to further clarification.
Blessings in Jesus name.
Paul Butler
Answer Hi Paul,
THanks for this follow up. I am very sorry for my late response.
I will have to admit that I do not believe that the Bible is very clear on this subject. Here is wheat I can tell you.
1. Satan did place something in a believer's heart... whatever that means.
Acts 5:3
3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.
2. We can yield place to the Devil. This term is actually a military term similar to allowing Satan to establish a beach head.
Ephesians 4:27
27 Neither give place to the devil.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.
3. There are strongholds in our mind that must be torn down.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.
I believe the important point in this discussion is that no matter where these bad thoughts come from, be it directly placed by Satan, or the result of carnal thinking, we do not have to follow those thoughts. We need to yield to God, not the flesh.
Romans 6:11-14
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.
I cannot be dogmatic beyond this. You are right... we can be more than conquorers!
