Tuesday, January 19, 2010
HOW SHOULD WE FAST?
In the bible there is no rule or regulation on how one should fast. A Christian can set any day apart for himself or his group to fast to God. One can set a day apart or more in other to seek the face of God concerning a particular mater or situation. If somebody is to fast beyond 3 days water is essential for the body to drink periodically. A prolong fast beyond 40 days is not recommended. People who fast for longer days without water do so due to ignorant and they may pay dearly for it as their life span can be shortened through sickness…
WEAPONS OF WARFARE
The weapons of Spiritual Warfare are these:
1. The name of Jesus Christ
2. The Blood of Jesus Christ
3. The fire of the Holy Spirit
4. Fasting
5. Holy living
6. Fervent prayer
7. The word of God (the Bible)
7. The anointing of the Holy Spirit etc
1. The name of Jesus Christ
2. The Blood of Jesus Christ
3. The fire of the Holy Spirit
4. Fasting
5. Holy living
6. Fervent prayer
7. The word of God (the Bible)
7. The anointing of the Holy Spirit etc
DEMONIC POSSESSION IN THE BIBLE
In the Old Testament we have only one instance, and even that is not very certain. We are told that “an evil spirit from the Lord troubled” Saul (1 Samuel 16:14). In New-Testament times, however, the phenomenon had become very common.” According to the American Standard Bible, King Saul requested that the deceased prophet Samuel be summoned by channeling, even though he had been admonished by God not to allow such practices in his kingdom. He used a woman possessed by a “familiar spirit” – the Witch of Endor – for this purpose (1 Samuel ch. 28).The New Testament mentions several opportunities in which Jesus drove out demon from diseased persons, believed to be these entities responsible for those illnesses.
• Matthew 4:23-25: Demon-possessed persons are healed by Jesus (also Luke 6:17-19.
• Matthew 7:21-23: Many will drive out demons in Jesus’ name (also Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17; Acts 5:16; 8:7).
• Matthew 8:14-17: Jesus healed many demon-possessed (also Mark 1:29-39; Luke 4:33-41).
• Matthew 8:28-34: Jesus sent a herd of demons from two men into a herd of about two thousand pigs (also Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39, both referring to only one man).
• Matthew 9:32-34: Jesus made a demon-possessed and mute man speak, the Pharisees said it was by the power of Beelzebub (also Mark 3:20-22).
• Matthew 10:1-8: The Twelve Apostles given the authority to drive out evil spirits (also Mark 3:15; 6:7; 6:13; Luke 9:1; 10:17).
• Matthew 11:16-19: “this generation” said that John the Baptist was possessed by a demon (also Luke 7:31-35).
• Matthew 12:22-32: Jesus healed a demon-possessed blind and dumb man (also Luke 11:14-23; 12:10; Mark 3:20-30).
• Matthew 12:43-45: Jesus told an allegory of nasty spirits coming back home, that is to the human body where they have lived before (also Luke 11:24-26).
• Matthew 15:21-28: Jesus expelled a demon from the body of the daughter of a Canaanite woman (also Mark 7:24-30).
• Matthew 17:14-21: Jesus healed a lunatic by driving out a demon from him (also Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-49).
• Mark 1:21-28: Jesus expelled a nasty spirit from a man (also Luke 4:31-37).
• Mark 9:38-40: A non-Christian is seen driving out demons in Jesus’ name (also Luke 9:49-50).
• Mark 16:9: Jesus had driven seven demons out of Mary Magdalene (also Luke 8:2).
• Luke 7:21: Many people are cleansed from evil spirits by Jesus.
• Luke 13:10-17: Jesus expelled a spirit of disease from the body of a woman on the Sabbath.
• Luke 13:31-32: Jesus continued to cast out demons even though Herod Antipas wanted to kill him.
• Luke 22:3: Satan entered into Judas Iscariot (also John 13:27).
• John 7:20: A “crowd of Jews” that wanted to kill Jesus said he was demon-possessed.
• John 8:48-52: “The Jews” said Jesus was a Samaritan and demon-possessed.
• John 10:20-21: Many Jews said Jesus was raving mad and demon-possessed, others said he was not.
• Acts 5:3: Satan filled the heart of Ananias.
• Acts 5:16: The Apostles healed those tormented by evil spirits.
• Acts 8:6-8: At the teaching of Philip the Evangelist in Samaria, evil spirits came out of many.
• Acts 8:18-19: Simon Magus offered to buy the power of Laying on of hands.
• Acts 10:38: St. Peter said Jesus healed all who were under the power of the devil.
• Acts 16:16-24: Paul and Silas were imprisoned for driving a future-telling spirit out of a slave girl
• Acts 19:11-12: Handkerchiefs and aprons touched by Paul cured illness and drove out evil spirits.
• Acts 19:13-20: Seven sons of Sceva attempted to drive out evil spirits by saying: “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” But because they did not have faith in Jesus, they were unsuccessful and were actually driven from that house by the possessed.
• Matthew 4:23-25: Demon-possessed persons are healed by Jesus (also Luke 6:17-19.
• Matthew 7:21-23: Many will drive out demons in Jesus’ name (also Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17; Acts 5:16; 8:7).
• Matthew 8:14-17: Jesus healed many demon-possessed (also Mark 1:29-39; Luke 4:33-41).
• Matthew 8:28-34: Jesus sent a herd of demons from two men into a herd of about two thousand pigs (also Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39, both referring to only one man).
• Matthew 9:32-34: Jesus made a demon-possessed and mute man speak, the Pharisees said it was by the power of Beelzebub (also Mark 3:20-22).
• Matthew 10:1-8: The Twelve Apostles given the authority to drive out evil spirits (also Mark 3:15; 6:7; 6:13; Luke 9:1; 10:17).
• Matthew 11:16-19: “this generation” said that John the Baptist was possessed by a demon (also Luke 7:31-35).
• Matthew 12:22-32: Jesus healed a demon-possessed blind and dumb man (also Luke 11:14-23; 12:10; Mark 3:20-30).
• Matthew 12:43-45: Jesus told an allegory of nasty spirits coming back home, that is to the human body where they have lived before (also Luke 11:24-26).
• Matthew 15:21-28: Jesus expelled a demon from the body of the daughter of a Canaanite woman (also Mark 7:24-30).
• Matthew 17:14-21: Jesus healed a lunatic by driving out a demon from him (also Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-49).
• Mark 1:21-28: Jesus expelled a nasty spirit from a man (also Luke 4:31-37).
• Mark 9:38-40: A non-Christian is seen driving out demons in Jesus’ name (also Luke 9:49-50).
• Mark 16:9: Jesus had driven seven demons out of Mary Magdalene (also Luke 8:2).
• Luke 7:21: Many people are cleansed from evil spirits by Jesus.
• Luke 13:10-17: Jesus expelled a spirit of disease from the body of a woman on the Sabbath.
• Luke 13:31-32: Jesus continued to cast out demons even though Herod Antipas wanted to kill him.
• Luke 22:3: Satan entered into Judas Iscariot (also John 13:27).
• John 7:20: A “crowd of Jews” that wanted to kill Jesus said he was demon-possessed.
• John 8:48-52: “The Jews” said Jesus was a Samaritan and demon-possessed.
• John 10:20-21: Many Jews said Jesus was raving mad and demon-possessed, others said he was not.
• Acts 5:3: Satan filled the heart of Ananias.
• Acts 5:16: The Apostles healed those tormented by evil spirits.
• Acts 8:6-8: At the teaching of Philip the Evangelist in Samaria, evil spirits came out of many.
• Acts 8:18-19: Simon Magus offered to buy the power of Laying on of hands.
• Acts 10:38: St. Peter said Jesus healed all who were under the power of the devil.
• Acts 16:16-24: Paul and Silas were imprisoned for driving a future-telling spirit out of a slave girl
• Acts 19:11-12: Handkerchiefs and aprons touched by Paul cured illness and drove out evil spirits.
• Acts 19:13-20: Seven sons of Sceva attempted to drive out evil spirits by saying: “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” But because they did not have faith in Jesus, they were unsuccessful and were actually driven from that house by the possessed.
CHRISTIANS DEMONOLOGY
In Christianity, a demon is traditionally an evil spirit, not human in origin, and bent towards the destruction of mankind using every guile imaginable. Certain denominations believe that a demon can get access simply by acknowledging or accepting its presence. Acceptance often means committing sin; eg. demons gradually gain control of the eyes when the eyes sin by looking at things vile, gain control of the tongue when it is used for slander or blasphemy, and can make it slip, etc, and this can spread to other parts of the body, regardless of whether the sinner calls himself Christian or not. This is called possession. In more extreme cases, the demon gains an actual entrance into the bodily frame, leading to disastrous results, often hideous and antagonistic. There are examples of such in the Gospels.
However, religious demonology practitioners such as Dave Considine and Ed and Lorraine Warren state that a demon can usually only enter into your life if you open a “door” via a Ouija board a black magic ritual, or if you reside in a location where a demon has gained access through a “portal.” They also say that a demon will often take the form of a child, or a child ghost, to trick a family member into taking it into the home. They say that a Ouija board itself is not dangerous, but that merely using it to attempt contact with the dead constitutes an invitation to enter.
They say that spirits contacted with this method are very rarely human (let alone deceased family members or loved ones), capable of reading your memories to fake their identity, and generally willing to lie about anything you ask them. Some Christians believe that symptoms of demon possession include voices in one’s mind or a horror of mind, especially when there are no signs of insanity or mental damage/unhealthiness, a stubbornness of mind- holding fast to a particular belief and refusing to listen to reason, a split personality as if two separate personalities share the same body. However, most practicing demonologists assert the importance of a medical and psychiatric evaluation before assuming that the person in question may be possessed by a demon. Schizophrenia for example, can exhibit many symptoms commonly attributed to possession. Demonologists also often make a distinction between “demonic” and “diabolical,” with devils perceived as being much more dangerous — the “officers,” perhaps, while demons would be the equivalent of enlisted soldiers. Most Christian traditions also state that for protection against demon possession, faith in God is needed, an alert watchfulness, a guarding of one’s own mind (i.e. analyzing one’s thoughts and actions often) and an aggressive, often spoken refusal of all evil spirits and all things of evil spirits over every aspect of one’s being, or over specific aspects of one’s being (where possession is suspected or known to be manifest) in the Name of Jesus, and done in cooperation with God. Prayer against the evil spirit or spirits, prayer to shed light on what action(s) was done, or word(s) said that allowed them ground for possession so that this too can be refused are also often necessary. Demonic infestation or demonic encounters have been claimed by many notable people throughout history, such as James Gall, Dr J.L. Nevius, Sir Robert Anderson, and Pastor Ernst Lohmann. Christians also believe the same evil spirits existed in the time of Jesus that exist today in everyday society. These traditions are generally not common in the modern Roman Catholic Church, or in most other Christian denominations.
Demons and demonic possession are generally considered to be a Medieval belief. In Christian demonology, the only reliable way to rid oneself of a demon is through an exorcism which is typically performed by a Catholic priest. Sometimes a blessing of the home can remove or deter the presence, as long as this blessing is properly performed. There are several levels of exorcism, the “lightest” of which is baptism. A Catholic priest can perform a “minor” exorcism in the home, but a “major” exorcism requires the consent of the local bishop. This process requires a medical and psychiatric evaluation of every family member by licensed professionals, and the gathering of tape recorded and photographic evidence. It can take weeks or even months before a major exorcism may be approved. In the mean time, the family is usually instructed to ignore the perceived presence and to pray regularly, as it is believed that responding to it with fear or anger makes it stronger. According to Christian demonology, sometimes more than one demon can be present within the home, but only one family member is really targeted for possession. The demon(s) will make an effort to divide family members against each other and cultivate an oppressive atmosphere.
According to demonologists like Dave Considine, you cannot solve the problem by moving to a new home, because demons haunt a person, rather than haunting a home, unlike a ghost. Furthermore, numerous exorcisms may be required before the home and family are “cleansed,” and the family will probably need psychological therapy for some time afterward. According to protestant exorcist and author Pastor G. P. Haggart, demons dwell or hide in vacant areas such as abandoned buildings, tombs, graveyards and the wilderness. There they feed off the sinful residue of man’s carnal knowledge (Galatians 5:16-24).Many may claim to be “religious demonologists” — i.e., capable of evaluating a family for approval of a Catholic exorcism or other method of removal — but there is only a small handful of them operating in North America, and all do so with the certified approval of the Catholic church. Certification requires extensive knowledge of Catholicism and Latin as well as years of mentoring. Since demons and demonic possession are largely perceived as a mix of quaint superstition and urban legend, the role of the exorcist and the Christian demonologist has waned dramatically in the wake of the Age of Enlightenment
However, religious demonology practitioners such as Dave Considine and Ed and Lorraine Warren state that a demon can usually only enter into your life if you open a “door” via a Ouija board a black magic ritual, or if you reside in a location where a demon has gained access through a “portal.” They also say that a demon will often take the form of a child, or a child ghost, to trick a family member into taking it into the home. They say that a Ouija board itself is not dangerous, but that merely using it to attempt contact with the dead constitutes an invitation to enter.
They say that spirits contacted with this method are very rarely human (let alone deceased family members or loved ones), capable of reading your memories to fake their identity, and generally willing to lie about anything you ask them. Some Christians believe that symptoms of demon possession include voices in one’s mind or a horror of mind, especially when there are no signs of insanity or mental damage/unhealthiness, a stubbornness of mind- holding fast to a particular belief and refusing to listen to reason, a split personality as if two separate personalities share the same body. However, most practicing demonologists assert the importance of a medical and psychiatric evaluation before assuming that the person in question may be possessed by a demon. Schizophrenia for example, can exhibit many symptoms commonly attributed to possession. Demonologists also often make a distinction between “demonic” and “diabolical,” with devils perceived as being much more dangerous — the “officers,” perhaps, while demons would be the equivalent of enlisted soldiers. Most Christian traditions also state that for protection against demon possession, faith in God is needed, an alert watchfulness, a guarding of one’s own mind (i.e. analyzing one’s thoughts and actions often) and an aggressive, often spoken refusal of all evil spirits and all things of evil spirits over every aspect of one’s being, or over specific aspects of one’s being (where possession is suspected or known to be manifest) in the Name of Jesus, and done in cooperation with God. Prayer against the evil spirit or spirits, prayer to shed light on what action(s) was done, or word(s) said that allowed them ground for possession so that this too can be refused are also often necessary. Demonic infestation or demonic encounters have been claimed by many notable people throughout history, such as James Gall, Dr J.L. Nevius, Sir Robert Anderson, and Pastor Ernst Lohmann. Christians also believe the same evil spirits existed in the time of Jesus that exist today in everyday society. These traditions are generally not common in the modern Roman Catholic Church, or in most other Christian denominations.
Demons and demonic possession are generally considered to be a Medieval belief. In Christian demonology, the only reliable way to rid oneself of a demon is through an exorcism which is typically performed by a Catholic priest. Sometimes a blessing of the home can remove or deter the presence, as long as this blessing is properly performed. There are several levels of exorcism, the “lightest” of which is baptism. A Catholic priest can perform a “minor” exorcism in the home, but a “major” exorcism requires the consent of the local bishop. This process requires a medical and psychiatric evaluation of every family member by licensed professionals, and the gathering of tape recorded and photographic evidence. It can take weeks or even months before a major exorcism may be approved. In the mean time, the family is usually instructed to ignore the perceived presence and to pray regularly, as it is believed that responding to it with fear or anger makes it stronger. According to Christian demonology, sometimes more than one demon can be present within the home, but only one family member is really targeted for possession. The demon(s) will make an effort to divide family members against each other and cultivate an oppressive atmosphere.
According to demonologists like Dave Considine, you cannot solve the problem by moving to a new home, because demons haunt a person, rather than haunting a home, unlike a ghost. Furthermore, numerous exorcisms may be required before the home and family are “cleansed,” and the family will probably need psychological therapy for some time afterward. According to protestant exorcist and author Pastor G. P. Haggart, demons dwell or hide in vacant areas such as abandoned buildings, tombs, graveyards and the wilderness. There they feed off the sinful residue of man’s carnal knowledge (Galatians 5:16-24).Many may claim to be “religious demonologists” — i.e., capable of evaluating a family for approval of a Catholic exorcism or other method of removal — but there is only a small handful of them operating in North America, and all do so with the certified approval of the Catholic church. Certification requires extensive knowledge of Catholicism and Latin as well as years of mentoring. Since demons and demonic possession are largely perceived as a mix of quaint superstition and urban legend, the role of the exorcist and the Christian demonologist has waned dramatically in the wake of the Age of Enlightenment
WHAT IS DEMONOLOGY?
Demonology (from Greek δαίμων, daimōn, “demon”; and -λογία, -logia) is the systematic study of demons or beliefs about demons. Insofar as it involves exegesis, demonology is an orthodox branch of theology. It is the branch of theology relating to superhuman beings who are not gods It deals both with benevolent beings that have no circle of worshippers or so limited a circle as to be below the rank of gods, and with malevolent beings of all kinds.
It may be noted that the original sense of “demon,” from the time of Homer onward, was a benevolent being; but in English the name now holds connotations of malevolence. Demons, when regarded as spirits, may belong to either of the classes of spirits recognized by primitive animism; that is to say, they may be human, or non-human, separable souls, or discarnate spirits which have never inhabited a body.
A sharp distinction is often drawn between these two classes, notably by the Melanesians, the West Africans, and others; the Arab djinn, for example, are not reducible to modified human souls; at the same time these classes are frequently conceived as producing identical results, e.g. diseases. Demonology, though often referred to with negative connotation, was not always seen as evil or devilish as the term would have one
It may be noted that the original sense of “demon,” from the time of Homer onward, was a benevolent being; but in English the name now holds connotations of malevolence. Demons, when regarded as spirits, may belong to either of the classes of spirits recognized by primitive animism; that is to say, they may be human, or non-human, separable souls, or discarnate spirits which have never inhabited a body.
A sharp distinction is often drawn between these two classes, notably by the Melanesians, the West Africans, and others; the Arab djinn, for example, are not reducible to modified human souls; at the same time these classes are frequently conceived as producing identical results, e.g. diseases. Demonology, though often referred to with negative connotation, was not always seen as evil or devilish as the term would have one
WHAT IS DEMONIC POSSESSION?
Demonic possession is often the term used to describe the control over a human form by Satan himself or one of his assigned advocates. Descriptions of demonic possessions often include: erased memories or personalities, convulsions, “fits” and fainting as if one were dying. Unlike in channeling or other forms of possession, the subject has no control over the possessing entity and so it will persist until forced to leave the victim, usually through a form of deliverance in Christianity or exorcism in paganism.
Other descriptions include access to hidden knowledge and foreign languages, drastic changes in vocal intonation and facial structure, sudden appearance of injury (scratches, bite marks) or lesions, and superhuman strength. Many cultures and religions contain some concept of demonic possession, but the details vary considerably.
The people believe that demons can also possess animals, plants, deceased persons or inanimate objects. Most illustrations portray these spirits as small, gruesome characters with inhuman distinctiveness. Often referenced as a witch’s “familiars” demons and other evil-spirits employed by witches are also displayed as society’s cast-offs or those beings incapable of caring for themselves thus seeking refuge with a witch. Witches would provide shelter and nourishment via the “witch’s teat” in exchange for the valuable services of the familiars in addition to spells, potions and other attempts by a witch to cause evil or “maleficium” over another.
Other descriptions include access to hidden knowledge and foreign languages, drastic changes in vocal intonation and facial structure, sudden appearance of injury (scratches, bite marks) or lesions, and superhuman strength. Many cultures and religions contain some concept of demonic possession, but the details vary considerably.
The people believe that demons can also possess animals, plants, deceased persons or inanimate objects. Most illustrations portray these spirits as small, gruesome characters with inhuman distinctiveness. Often referenced as a witch’s “familiars” demons and other evil-spirits employed by witches are also displayed as society’s cast-offs or those beings incapable of caring for themselves thus seeking refuge with a witch. Witches would provide shelter and nourishment via the “witch’s teat” in exchange for the valuable services of the familiars in addition to spells, potions and other attempts by a witch to cause evil or “maleficium” over another.
FOUR IMPORTANT ELEMENTS IN DELIVERANCE
This is where I see some deliverance ministries miss the mark. They think it’s as simple as commanding the demon to come out, and there’s nothing more they can do. This is a grave mistake that causes a lot of people to walk away from a deliverance still in bondage. There is more to it than simply casting out demons. In Luke 9:42, we are told a story of how Jesus not only rebuked demons in a boy who was mentally affected by evil spirits, but also is said to have healed the boy. There is no mention of the boy needing physical healing, but if you look up the word healed in this passage, one of the meanings is, “to free from errors and sins…”, which is likely what Jesus did with the boy, Jesus removed the boy’s legal grounds (sins) and freed him from errors (strongholds). This case of deliverance required more then just rebuking demons!
There have been times when I have successfully helped people out of their demonic bondages, without even having to cast out demons! Sometimes all that is needed is the pulling down of a stronghold, or a breaking up of a legal right. Other times, all three areas need to be addressed to bring the person into complete freedom.
A educated deliverance minister should be knowledgeable with all three of these very important elements, and be prepared to address them without hesitation:
Inner healing: Many times when a person has been abused, rejected, wounded, or hurt in some way, there is an emotional wound that needs to be healed. Demons will use these wounds and weaknesses against the person, as leverage to hold them in bondage and get them to re-open doors so that they can re-enter. Inner healing is a vital step in the overall restoration process that needs to take place in the lives of many who are seeking deliverance. There is more information on this process in the teaching Steps to Inner Healing.
Tearing down strongholds: Strongholds are incorrect thinking patterns that people develop over time, and are often set up and nurtured by demons through lies and deception. Demons thrive on strongholds, and use them to hang around a person and torment them. I recommend reading the teaching on Strongholds for a clear insight into exactly what a stronghold is, and how to go about tearing them down. Failing to tear down strongholds can hold up a deliverance and prevent us from walking in complete spiritual freedom.
Removing legal rights: Legal rights are things that give demons permission to enter and remain in our lives. Before demons can often be cast out, it is important to address and remove these legal rights. The teaching on Legal Rights lists the most common legal rights and how you can go about removing them. Failing to remove legal rights can hold up a deliverance very easily.
Casting out the demons: This requires two basic elements: knowledge of your authority in Christ Jesus over the powers of the enemy, and faith in that authority. Demons are cast out with a simple spoken command, such as, “I command the spirit of fear to come out in the name of Jesus!” You can learn more about your authority and how it works from the teaching on Spiritual Authority.
I believe it is usually a good idea to give the person requesting deliverance a Deliverance Questionnaire that will give you an overview of their background, the bondages they are facing, the root or source of their problem, as well as legal grounds, strongholds and any particular spirits that need to be addressed. Then begin to work with them to receive inner healing, break up any legal grounds, and tear down any strongholds you see in their life and of course, cast out any demons that need to go.
It is always helpful to have a general idea of what the different common demons are, what they do and how they enter, how they usually operate, etc. For example, the Bible speaks of spirits that cause physical health problems such as the spirit of infirmity, blindness, deafness, etc. along with spirits that cause fear and depression (King Saul), mental illness, etc. The teaching on Demon Possession is a good place to start and will help you begin to understand how demons affect us, and what it really means to be ‘possessed with a demon’. I don’t necessarily recommend reading occult books or books on demons that were not written by solid Christian ministers, because that can cause you to pick up demons yourself! Whatever you do, don’t wander into the dark world to learn about it! The best place to learn about demons, is from the Bible itself! Whatever you can’t find in the Bible, you can learn from other solid Christian ministers such as Derek Prince, Frank Hammond, or Doris Wagner
There have been times when I have successfully helped people out of their demonic bondages, without even having to cast out demons! Sometimes all that is needed is the pulling down of a stronghold, or a breaking up of a legal right. Other times, all three areas need to be addressed to bring the person into complete freedom.
A educated deliverance minister should be knowledgeable with all three of these very important elements, and be prepared to address them without hesitation:
Inner healing: Many times when a person has been abused, rejected, wounded, or hurt in some way, there is an emotional wound that needs to be healed. Demons will use these wounds and weaknesses against the person, as leverage to hold them in bondage and get them to re-open doors so that they can re-enter. Inner healing is a vital step in the overall restoration process that needs to take place in the lives of many who are seeking deliverance. There is more information on this process in the teaching Steps to Inner Healing.
Tearing down strongholds: Strongholds are incorrect thinking patterns that people develop over time, and are often set up and nurtured by demons through lies and deception. Demons thrive on strongholds, and use them to hang around a person and torment them. I recommend reading the teaching on Strongholds for a clear insight into exactly what a stronghold is, and how to go about tearing them down. Failing to tear down strongholds can hold up a deliverance and prevent us from walking in complete spiritual freedom.
Removing legal rights: Legal rights are things that give demons permission to enter and remain in our lives. Before demons can often be cast out, it is important to address and remove these legal rights. The teaching on Legal Rights lists the most common legal rights and how you can go about removing them. Failing to remove legal rights can hold up a deliverance very easily.
Casting out the demons: This requires two basic elements: knowledge of your authority in Christ Jesus over the powers of the enemy, and faith in that authority. Demons are cast out with a simple spoken command, such as, “I command the spirit of fear to come out in the name of Jesus!” You can learn more about your authority and how it works from the teaching on Spiritual Authority.
I believe it is usually a good idea to give the person requesting deliverance a Deliverance Questionnaire that will give you an overview of their background, the bondages they are facing, the root or source of their problem, as well as legal grounds, strongholds and any particular spirits that need to be addressed. Then begin to work with them to receive inner healing, break up any legal grounds, and tear down any strongholds you see in their life and of course, cast out any demons that need to go.
It is always helpful to have a general idea of what the different common demons are, what they do and how they enter, how they usually operate, etc. For example, the Bible speaks of spirits that cause physical health problems such as the spirit of infirmity, blindness, deafness, etc. along with spirits that cause fear and depression (King Saul), mental illness, etc. The teaching on Demon Possession is a good place to start and will help you begin to understand how demons affect us, and what it really means to be ‘possessed with a demon’. I don’t necessarily recommend reading occult books or books on demons that were not written by solid Christian ministers, because that can cause you to pick up demons yourself! Whatever you do, don’t wander into the dark world to learn about it! The best place to learn about demons, is from the Bible itself! Whatever you can’t find in the Bible, you can learn from other solid Christian ministers such as Derek Prince, Frank Hammond, or Doris Wagner
THE FOCUS OF DELIVERANCE MINISTRIES
Deliverance ministries focus on casting out the spirit or spirits believed to cause an affliction. The method of casting out varies. Some adherents directly recite Biblical examples in prayer intended to command a demon to depart an afflicted person, and do not believe an ordained clergy is required to perform the deliverance.
Though many people confuse deliverance with exorcism, they are not the same. Exorcisms use the “holy” water as the main expulsion technique, while deliverance uses the authority Jesus Christ gave His church through his victory on the cross with his shed blood. Ministries also organize the removal from homes of items that are believed to harbor demons, including fantasy or horror novels, and artworks / artifacts depicting pagan gods
Though many people confuse deliverance with exorcism, they are not the same. Exorcisms use the “holy” water as the main expulsion technique, while deliverance uses the authority Jesus Christ gave His church through his victory on the cross with his shed blood. Ministries also organize the removal from homes of items that are believed to harbor demons, including fantasy or horror novels, and artworks / artifacts depicting pagan gods
THE PURPOSE OF DELIVERANCE
This ministry is about guiding and helping our brothers and sisters come into the victory that Christ died to give them! The purpose of ministering deliverance is to set free those who are in bondage. As Jesus was sent fourth to preach deliverance to the captives (Luke 4:18, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to… preach deliverance to the captives…”), so we are also sent out (John 20:21, “Then said Jesus to them… as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”) to do the works He did (John 14:12, “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also…”), and this includes casting out of devils (Matthew 10:8).
The ministry of deliverance is about bringing spiritual victory and freedom to those who are in bondage. It doesn’t matter what you call it (demonized, possessed, oppressed, etc.), if they are in demonic bondage, whether they need to tear down a stronghold, break up a legal ground, cast a demon out, or all three… it’s still deliverance, because it’s setting the captives free. Casting out demons, is just part of the overall ministry of deliverance.
The ministry of deliverance is about bringing spiritual victory and freedom to those who are in bondage. It doesn’t matter what you call it (demonized, possessed, oppressed, etc.), if they are in demonic bondage, whether they need to tear down a stronghold, break up a legal ground, cast a demon out, or all three… it’s still deliverance, because it’s setting the captives free. Casting out demons, is just part of the overall ministry of deliverance.
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