As the veil between the spiritual and natural realms seems to be thinning, more Christians are asking: Can a believer be affected by demons? While the traditional response might be a confident “No,” testimonies from across the body of Christ suggest that the answer isn’t always so simple.
In a conversation with Lisa, Bevere, Ryan Bethea, host of the hit podcast The Exorcist Files, dives headfirst into this question through dramatized real-life exorcism cases and interviews with both Catholic and Protestant leaders.
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What began as a personal search for God’s power in the face of spiritual dryness has evolved into a platform that gives voice to the reality of spiritual warfare—and the authority believers have in Christ.
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Bethea didn’t set out to become a voice in the realm of the supernatural. Disillusioned by a faith that seemed powerless compared to the miracles of Jesus and the apostles, he cried out for an experiential encounter with God. That prayer opened doors—not just spiritually, but professionally—as he began to collect credible stories of divine intervention, spiritual deliverance and yes, demonic oppression.
Through interviews with priests, pastors, and deliverance ministers, Bethea found consistency in the way demonic oppression manifests. Whether it’s objects moving on their own, dark shadows, or deep generational patterns of sickness, addiction or broken relationships—there’s often a legal right the enemy has gained through sin, trauma or unrepented generational ties.
Bevere herself has a powerful testimony in which she saw broken family lines through miscarriages and divorce, realizing that there must be a deeper pattern which was linked in the spiritual realm.
Bethea notes that there is power in confession and repentance, which means that before engaging in spiritual warfare, it is key that one acts with prayer and repentance—recognizing that freedom starts not with formulas but with surrender.
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Bethea makes it clear: spiritual authority belongs to every believer in Jesus. He references Mark 16 and Jesus’ affirmation that “these signs will follow those who believe.” However, he warns that not every battle is ours to fight. Spiritual warfare should be approached with discernment and submission to God’s timing and guidance.
Whether through confession, prayer or breaking generational strongholds, freedom is possible—and it begins with surrender. This isn’t about fear; it’s about faith. Because when Jesus is at the center, no darkness can stand.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
