When the Devil Comes to Church
A woman lies writhing on the ground. Her body convulses violently, heels thudding against the floor, strange sounds pouring from her lips. Her eyes are vacant, unseeing. All around her, people shout, clap, sing, and cry out, “Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!” As she thrashes, another woman screams and collapses. More follow. The congregation erupts in noise and emotion.
This isn’t an isolated incident. This is a church service—and this is what many today call being “filled with the Spirit.”
Across the world, in more and more churches, these experiences are celebrated as evidence of spiritual revival. People seek the gifts of tongues, emotional highs, physical manifestations. But is this truly the Holy Spirit at work?
Serious Questions We Must Ask
Before embracing any spiritual manifestation, we must ask:
Can a church claim the name of Christ while being unknowingly ruled by Satan?
Can ministers preach in Jesus' name, heal the sick, speak in tongues, and still be under the control of evil?
Is it possible that many who believe they are “filled with the Spirit” have actually been possessed by a counterfeit spirit?
Satan Rules by Deception
Satan knows he cannot conquer the Church by open attack. Instead, he infiltrates it through deception. Jesus called him the father of lies (John 8:44), and Paul warned:
“Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as ministers of righteousness.”
(2 Corinthians 11:14–15)
Make no mistake—Satan operates in many churches today, not through idols or temples, but behind pulpits and under the guise of revival. People pray in Jesus' name, yet unknowingly serve the enemy because they’ve embraced doctrines of demons.
Which Deceptions?
Paul warned clearly:
“The Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons.”
(1 Timothy 4:1)
Jesus Himself said many would preach, perform miracles, and even cast out demons in His name—but would ultimately be rejected:
“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name… cast out demons… done many wonders?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”
(Matthew 7:22–23)
Many—not a few—will be deceived. And they will think they are serving Christ. Could this include people in your circle? In your congregation?
Do Not Be Fooled by Miracles
Miracles are not the measure of truth. Jesus gave us the real test:
“By their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:20)—
not by their signs, but by their obedience, character, and holiness.
Acts 5:32 declares that God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him. The Holy Spirit is not given to validate rebellion, compromise, or entertainment-driven religion.
Does God Bless Disobedience?
Today, many claim to receive the Spirit by hours of “tarrying,” by a dramatic touch from a preacher, or through emotionally charged atmospheres. Yet, many of these same individuals live in open sin—violating God’s commandments, indulging in pride, lust, dishonesty, or worldliness.
They assume their emotional experience is evidence of God's approval. But this is a dangerous deception. If people feel “blessed” in their disobedience, why would they ever repent or change?
Satan’s counterfeit spirit leaves people comfortable in sin while convincing them they are saved.
A Spirit of Confusion, Not Holiness
Take a closer look at the manifestations:
People falling to the ground, shaking uncontrollably
Speaking in unintelligible gibberish
Emotional outbursts, chaotic shouting, and disorder
Compare this with the behavior of God’s Spirit throughout Scripture. You will find no example of His true servants behaving this way. But you will find similar scenes among demon-worshipers and the demon-possessed (see 1 Kings 18:26–28; Mark 9:20).
The Holy Spirit brings peace, clarity, reverence, and holiness—not confusion and emotional chaos.
Guard the Gates of Your Mind
Would you leave your front door open all night with a sign saying, “Only honest people may enter”? Of course not. Criminals wouldn’t care about your sign.
So why do we open our hearts and minds indiscriminately, seeking a spiritual experience without first testing the spirit (1 John 4:1)? You cannot afford to welcome any spirit without first confirming that it is the Spirit of God, who always leads to obedience, holiness, and truth.
God’s Spirit Is Orderly and Obedient
Yes, God does give His Holy Spirit—but not to those who live in rebellion. His Spirit is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), nor does He fill lives that trample on God’s commandments.
What is spreading in many churches today is a counterfeit spirit. It imitates the power of God but promotes lawlessness, emotional excess, and false assurance. The result is a movement that resembles paganism more than New Testament Christianity.
Time to Come Out
If you attend a church where people:
Fall on the floor convulsing
Speak in unknown, meaningless tongues
Prioritize signs and wonders over Scripture
Tolerate open sin and disobedience
…you are in a spiritually dangerous place. You are standing in the path of deception. Do not delay—get out immediately.
True worship is reverent, thoughtful, and holy. God’s Spirit dwells where His people obey His Word, love righteousness, and display the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).
Satan can imitate miracles. But he cannot produce a holy life. That is the true test.
Look for the Real Christianity
Genuine Christianity is not defined by emotional highs or supernatural signs. It is revealed in:
A life surrendered to Christ
Obedience to God’s Word
Holiness, purity, and love
Truth that transforms character
This is rare today—but it is the kind of Christianity that pleases God.
“By their fruits you will know them.”
(Matthew 7:20)
Don’t be deceived by the counterfeit. Seek the real. Let the Spirit of God—not the spirit of this world—fill your life.