Where is a war raging for the human soul? It’s not fought with bullets or ballots, but with whispers, temptations, and unseen chains that entangle hearts. Scripture reminds us that we “do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age” (Eph. 6:12, NKJV). Yet too many believers live unaware of the battle, treating demonic influence as an outdated concept. Meanwhile, the enemy quietly gains ground, seizing open doors we leave unguarded.
Pastor and deliverance minister Vladimir Savchuk has spent years helping people recognize and break free from these spiritual strongholds. His new book, Make the Devil Homeless, offers a clear message: if we do not shut the door to darkness, it will consume our souls. But this column isn’t about promoting a book—it’s about awakening the body of Christ to the reality that the devil only lives where he is welcomed. And we have the authority, through Christ, to evict him once and for all.
One of the enemy’s most subtle strategies is oppression. Oppression isn’t possession, but it feels like being pressed down under a weight you can’t explain. It shows up in patterns of fear, depression, uncontrollable anger, and temptations that seem impossible to resist. Like mold growing in the dark corners of a house, oppression thrives when left unchecked.
Believers often ignore these signs, attributing them to bad habits or personality flaws. But Scripture shows us that Jesus’ ministry constantly confronted unclean spirits. If our Savior prioritized casting out demons as part of His earthly mission, then we must not dismiss spiritual oppression as superstition. We must recognize the enemy’s fingerprints and address them with spiritual authority.
Generational curses and unhealthy soul ties are doors the devil eagerly exploits. A family bound by cycles of addiction, poverty, or abuse often points to more than just poor choices—it points to bloodline curses. Similarly, ungodly soul ties, whether through past relationships, unhealthy loyalties, or manipulative bonds, can tether a believer to demonic control long after the original connection has ended.
The good news is that Jesus became a curse for us (Gal. 3:13). His blood severs every chain, every curse and every ungodly tie. But the responsibility to apply that freedom rests with us. Deliverance isn’t automatic; it requires renouncing agreements with darkness and declaring alignment with the truth of God’s Word.
Pastor Savchuk’s ministry experience also shines light on realities most Christians would rather not discuss—like haunted houses or second-heaven warfare. While Hollywood sensationalizes these subjects, the Bible acknowledges them. Remember Daniel’s prayers in Daniel 10, which were delayed because of warfare in the heavenlies. The Bible calls us to be sober and vigilant, not entertained by darkness but aware of its schemes.
We cannot afford to play with what God has condemned. When people bring occult objects into their homes, when they dabble in horoscopes or witchcraft “for fun,” they unknowingly sign a lease agreement with demons. The only solution is to slam the door shut, cleanse our households, and fill the space with the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Deliverance is not the finish line; it’s the starting line. God’s desire is not just to set us free but to establish us in victory. Too many Christians live in a cycle of repeated deliverance sessions, always evicting demons but never changing the locks. Dominion means moving from breakthrough to stability, from temporary relief to lasting freedom. This is where discipleship comes in. Freedom is maintained by walking in the Spirit daily, renewing the mind with the Word, and building a lifestyle of prayer and worship. The devil may knock, but when a believer is filled with the presence of Christ, there is no vacancy.
The end goal is not merely personal breakthrough but abundant freedom—for ourselves and for others. Every testimony of freedom is a spark that can ignite hope in someone else. If God can break curses in your family, He can do it in another. If He can restore your joy, He can do it for your neighbor.
Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10, NKJV). Abundance means more than material blessing; it means living unshackled, fearless and victorious in Christ. That’s the life believers are called to walk in, and it is available to us today.
Vladimir Savchuk is a pastor, author and leader of Hungry Generation Church in Washington. He equips believers to break demonic strongholds and live victoriously. He and his wife, Lana, inspire others to pursue God’s power and purpose. His new book, Make the Devil Homeless, is available now at amazon.com.
