Exorcism and Deliverance - Part I

Exorcism is not a subject that many want to readily discuss. Today it is quite evident the significant amount of diabolical demoniac influences and activity that persists throughout the universe. There are stories in the scriptures that show evidence of those tormented by the persistent presence of demons. When satan rebelled against God there was a host of fallen angels that were in agreement with him. They were cast into outer darkness away from heaven because of their rebellion. We have come to know them as evil spirits. There is ongoing "spiritual warfare" where evil continues to suppress, override and attempt to possess human beings. An exorcism is a ritual or prayer that is done in order to inhibit or cast away evil. In Protestant - non denominational religions it is usually referred to as a "Deliverance Ministry." The Catholic Church continues to use the rite of exorcism. Both of them are "fervent prayer" rituals!

First let me say that there is no power or authority that is greater than the Lord! He is omnipotent, omnipresent & omniscient! The scriptures tells us; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God, He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it..."John 1. Jesus was the word made flesh; He was fully man and fully God! He never ceased to be God! The world was spoken into existence through the Word! We all come from Adam and Eve the first earthly parents created by God!

These evil spirits under satan want to subvert, corrupt and undermine any and every part of God's creation! God is love! It is because of His love He designed a wonderful plan of salvation. Upon the profession of one's faith we are given the gift of His precious Holy Spirit! The evil wants to destroy or divide anything that is of God in a futile attempt to undermine hHis Sovereign Authority! As Christians we are in a constant spiritual battle against the evil principalities. We must fervently pray in the "name of Jesus!" In order to withstand these attacks, God has provided us with spiritual armor! "Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the Full armor of God so that we can take a stand against the devil's scheme. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full of armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand..." Ephesians 6

Spiritual warfare is real! This is not a fantasy, day dream nor is it a game! Being a Christian, a believer is not just a Sunday thing; it is meant to be a daily lifestyle. It is serious! This is why it is important to know that the battle is ongoing. There are two sides; God's side and then there is satan. As believers we are automatically an enemy of satan. Therefore he constantly tries to find a multiplicity of ways to impede and undermine our testimony and make us ineffective for God's kingdom! Our strength resides in the Lord! This is why the Lord has given us His spiritual armor for protection! We as God's children are targets for spiritual warfare. God has given us power over the demons; Then he called the twelve (12) disciples together and gave them power an authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick..."
Luke 1

There are certain things that renders one vulnerable and susceptible to attacks. The occult is not of God. Casting spells, contacting the dead, satanic worship, voodoo, witchcraft, alcohol, drugs, depression, oppression, abuse and pornography are few of the many vises that can become portals that allow one to be open to evil as well as living a spirit led life. We are children of God as we grow stronger in the Lord and "walk in the light" we can speak forth boldly the word of God! This is how we also invade the darkness by casting light through the word of God! There are times when it is necessary to "fervently pray" and intercede for one who is bound and needs to experience an "exorcism or deliverance." when they are under attack. The word says; "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings..." I Peter 5.Possible things to expect when interceding for someone's "Deliverance"

"Deliverance" through ministry, via counseling, evangelism or exorcism becomes necessary to deliver one from the evil that has them bound. There are various debates about exorcism and how it is to be performed or carried out. Please if you will suspend the visual episodes often displayed on television. Where there is usually a graphic depiction of extreme theatrical antics.....

Prayer is Essential

It is to the Lord we pray and petition in Jesus name and ask "Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen!" This is a model prayer Jesus taught. Along with this prayer comes additional consecrated, contemplated inspired prayers of intercession... silent fervent prayer is powerful as well for inviting the presence and protection of the Lord! Remember God knows our thoughts... "Be still and know that I am God". When praying for one's deliverance strong physical strength may be displayed by the one being prayed for contortions of the face or body, or noises or unexpected phenomenon ... One must not become fearful! One must be centered and focused on the Lord and His omnipotence while praying and any in attendance should be on one accord. This should be done somewhat discreetly it is not meant to be a sideshow... "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. "I Corinthians 14

Spiritual Armor

"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all take the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Take on the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all saints..." Ephesians 6.

Faith & Focus

Here are a few miracles in scripture to ponder and help strengthen your faith "faith is the substance of the things Hope for the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11. "Then the seventy returned with joy, saying."Lord even the demons are subject to us in your name. And He said to them, "I saw satan fall like lightning from Heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your name is written in Heaven..." Luke 10

"Then Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: "Sun, stand still over Gibeon; and moon in the Valley of Aijalon. So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the revenge upon their enemies"The sun stood still in the sky for a whole day as Joshua prayed while in battle! Joshua 10

"They brought to Him one who was demon-possessed, blind and mute, and He healed Him so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. All the multitude was amazed..." Matthew 12

"Lord have mercy on me my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. So I brought him to your disciples but they could not cure him..." Because of their unbelief they were not able to cast out the demon. "However this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." Matthew 17

"Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. And suddenly one of those who were with Jesus, stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. But Jesus said to him, "Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I will pray to my Father, and He will provide me with more than twelve (12) legions of angels? Matthew 26. Jesus restores this man's ear and heals him...Luke 23

"Lord if you would had been here, my brother would have not died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God He will give to you... "Father, I thank you that you have always heard me. And I know that you will always hear me, but because of these people who are standing by I saidthis, that they may believe you sent me." Jesus calls out, "Lazarus come forth" Lazarus comes from the grave with his grave clothes on and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said: "loose him and let him go." Jesus raised him for the dead! Lazarus had been dead in the grave for 3 days! John 11.

The power of the Lord is mighty! "He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into his kingdom of the Son of His Love, in who we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in Heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consists. And he is the head of the body, the Church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he may have the preeminence." Colossians 1

"Christ's Dominion"

Clearly Christ gave authority to all Christians to cast out demons -in His name. Faithful Christians, of all denominations recite the deliverance prayer, handed down by Christ -'The Lord's Prayer'-on a daily basis."

Somebody Somewhere Was Praying For Me

To God Be the Glory!