Casting out Demons

[Freak]

I have spent nearly two decades ministering throughout the world as an evangelist. In my many years of ministry I have encountered countless cases of demonization. I believe God has gifted me with the gift of miracles to cast these evil spirits out. Do you believe there is a connection between the gift of miracles and the casting out of demons?

In God's Word I believe we do see a connection:

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

God gives some miraculous powers. I believe, at times, I operate in this gifting to the glory of God. In Mark 9 Jesus makes the connection of the ministry of casting out demons and miracles.

"Teacher," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us." Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us.

It appears Jesus sees the casting out of demons as a miracle. So, one who casts out demons performs miracles (which can be a gift to those God wills).

[Gavin]

How do you cast out demons, Freak? Do you just pray over the person, or command it to come out in the name of Jesus, or do something different everytime?

Does the demon ever refuse to come for a long time?

How do you know when a demon is in a person?

I am interested in this.

[Freak]

Gavin:
How do you cast out demons, Freak? Do you just pray over the person, or command it to come out in the name of Jesus, or do something different everytime?

Does the demon ever refuse to come for a long time?

How do you know when a demon is in a person?

I am interested in this.

Good questions. I take a strict Biblical approach to the casting out of demons. First of all one needs to realize there is not a step by step guideline to minister deliverance to someone; just as there is no step by step guide to lead someone to Christ in the Scriptures. But we can piece together some general principles from the encounters Jesus had that could help one in this ministry of casting out demons.

Jesus, when encountering the demonized man in Mark 5 asked the spirit's name. The evil spirit replied and said "Legion, for we are many"-note:the use of third person when the spirit is speaking. I first attempt to get the demon's name.

Secondly, I attempt to find the entry point of the evil spirit. Demons must be given some right to enter a body. In Acts 16, we see that the slave girl who practiced fortune telling had a spirit of divination. It is important to find the "foothold" (Ephesians 4:24). The person needs to close the door thereby closing the door for the demon to have access.

Thirdly, I command the demon out with the simple: I command you to come out in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:16-18).

My wife and I have dealt with dozens of cases this past year alone (50-60). On Christmas Eve, we dealt with a lady who had 76 demons which resulted in a 8 hour counseling session. Remember, Paul tells us we "wrestle" (Ephesians 6:12). It is a on-going battle that can last hours.

Jesus mentioned in the Book of John about the eyes being the window to the soul. When someone has a spirit (and when it manifests) it often looks out from the victim's eyes. Often the demons will speak in a distinct voice, utterly different in some cases. Often times there is a loss of consciousness as the demon takes control. There is an deep hatred/aversion to the things of God and the Bible. In rare cases, there is facial contortions, etc.

Hope this helps.

[Gavin]

Freak:

very interesting.
Jesus mentioned in the Book of John about the eyes being the window to the soul.
Do you have a reference for this?
On Christmas Eve, we dealt with a lady who had 76 demons
How did you know it was 76? I have always wondered about this.

Thanks Freak.

[spl_cadet]

What is your opinion concerning exorcisms conducted by the Catholic Church? Just curious.
Also, in your experience, have you ever come across a possessed Christian?

[Rubia Warren]

As a teenager, I messed around in the occult, as did my friends, and I actually witnessed a friend get possessed when I was 15. I don't know how biblical this is, but regarding the eyes- it is amazing the change in a person and in their eyes when they are possessed. They are the same eyes physically- I mean they don't change SHAPE or anything- but they are completely different, and the change in my friend's eyes were immediate. (I know people are going to laugh when they read what I am writing- I would never believe such things either, if I hadn't witnessed it myself). She was a small girl- and it took 3 or 4 people to hold her- it was unreal the strength she had when that was going on.
None of us were from church- going families, and we knew very little about Jesus. When it started happening, we thought it was a joke at first or something, but it quickly got totally out of control. I have often thought back and gone over it all in my head, and there's just no way it could have been imagined.
Like I said, we knew very little about Jesus or how to handle the situation at all. Most of who was there was just trying to hold her down. And all of a sudden, almost at the same time, another boy and I got the same idea to repent, and then cast it out in the name of Jesus. It just popped into our heads.(I'm not playin'- really). For a little while, it didn't work, and another thought popped into my head: BELIEVE it when you say it- and without any fear or doubt. And when we did that, it immediately left. I truly believe that Jesus had our backs that day- because we had not a clue what to do, and it wasn't until later that I went over it all in my head and I realized that I did not know about the name of Jesus- there is power in that name. It wasn't any kind of a miraculous gift we had for casting out demons or anything. We just believed and took authority, I guess. I don't know, I don't have all the answers.
As far as casting them out on a regular basis, I believe that there are those who do, although I personally have never met anyone except for Freak. I guess it could be a gift, or a niche, or something. We all have our own part in the body of Christ, and some do certain things, and others do others.
I have never had "spiritual" encounters in everyday life, but even after that happened, a while later, I got back into the occult (even Santeria- mildly {no animal sacrifices or anything like that}) and I had a couple of other experiences with demons that were very terrifying, and that was what did it for me. I was done with all that, I'd had enough playing around.

[Freak]

Gavin:
Freak:

very interesting.

Do you have a reference for this?

How did you know it was 76? I have always wondered about this.

Thanks Freak.

Gavin,

Matthew 6:22-23: The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

Remember, the Scriptures speaks of Mary Magadelene having 7 demons (see Mark 16). Demons have attributes of personhood-they have emotion, wills, intellect, and even names. Mutiple demons can enter a person thereby requiring one to find all the demons out. You just don't want to cast out one if theres 5. Each demon will have a name they go. Remember, Jesus casting out a "deaf & mute spirit"? Demons go by names.

Hope this helps.

[Freak]

spl_cadet:
What is your opinion concerning exorcisms conducted by the Catholic Church? Just curious.
Also, in your experience, have you ever come across a possessed Christian?

The Catholic Church does in fact conduct exorcisms (in fact the Pope has been involved in several). Now, I do have some serious theological concerns with the Catholics but recognize there are many genuine believers in the Catholic Church (namely my mother-in-law, and other family members on my wife's side). A few genuine believers understand in the Catholic Church understand this vital ministry.

I do not believe Christians can be "possessed" by demons. Possession implies ownership. No believer in Christ can be owned by a spirit. We have been bought by a price (the blood of Jesus-First Corinthians 6). But, I do believe, Christians can be demonized (or controlled) by demons. The apostle Paul understood this reality.

He writes: I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness; but you are already doing that. I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.

Paul makes mention, if you note, of some believers possibly receiving "a different spirit", this a possibly. I have dealt with scores of believers who were invaded by evil spirits.

[Freak]

La Rubia:
As a teenager, I messed around in the occult, as did my friends, and I actually witnessed a friend get possessed when I was 15. I don't know how biblical this is, but regarding the eyes- it is amazing the change in a person and in their eyes when they are possessed. They are the same eyes physically- I mean they don't change SHAPE or anything- but they are completely different, and the change in my friend's eyes were immediate. (I know people are going to laugh when they read what I am writing- I would never believe such things either, if I hadn't witnessed it myself). She was a small girl- and it took 3 or 4 people to hold her- it was unreal the strength she had when that was going on.
None of us were from church- going families, and we knew very little about Jesus. When it started happening, we thought it was a joke at first or something, but it quickly got totally out of control. I have often thought back and gone over it all in my head, and there's just no way it could have been imagined.
Like I said, we knew very little about Jesus or how to handle the situation at all. Most of who was there was just trying to hold her down. And all of a sudden, almost at the same time, another boy and I got the same idea to repent, and then cast it out in the name of Jesus. It just popped into our heads.(I'm not playin'- really). For a little while, it didn't work, and another thought popped into my head: BELIEVE it when you say it- and without any fear or doubt. And when we did that, it immediately left. I truly believe that Jesus had our backs that day- because we had not a clue what to do, and it wasn't until later that I went over it all in my head and I realized that I did not know about the name of Jesus- there is power in that name. It wasn't any kind of a miraculous gift we had for casting out demons or anything. We just believed and took authority, I guess. I don't know, I don't have all the answers.
As far as casting them out on a regular basis, I believe that there are those who do, although I personally have never met anyone except for Freak. I guess it could be a gift, or a niche, or something. We all have our own part in the body of Christ, and some do certain things, and others do others.
I have never had "spiritual" encounters in everyday life, but even after that happened, a while later, I got back into the occult (even Santeria- mildly {no animal sacrifices or anything like that}) and I had a couple of other experiences with demons that were very terrifying, and that was what did it for me. I was done with all that, I'd had enough playing around.

Thank you la rubia for sharing your story. All believers have the authority to cast out demons (though God does gift some for this ministry as you have noted) and all believers need to be about this ministry.

Santeria, is a very dangerous religion. My wife's family come from Mexico & Spain where this religion is practiced. This religion opens doors to demons. But, I'm glad to hear you have turned your back on these practices.

[Rubia Warren]

Freak, I too, am married to a hispanic. He is Puerto Rican, though. We know soooo many people who are into Santeria- it's like everyday part of life, or something for them, almost cultural. Even when I watch the news in spanish with my husband at night, they have quite often, segments about witches and "healings" and the like, and it is protrayed in a positive light, as if it were normal. Almost everyone I know (and even my mother-in-law) claims to be a christian, but they've somehow incorporated "brujeria", or some aspect of the witchcraft in with their belief. They'll do spells in Jesus' name!

One thing I want to ask you, freak, I've been wanting to ask you for a long time, because you have lots of experience with people from countries that are full of witchcraft, is how in the world are they "casting out" evil and demons with their "good" spells? My husbands best friend and his wife are sooo blinded by witchcraft. They spend outrageous amounts of money every week on spells to get rid of hexes and curses that a woman "keeps putting on them". I've tried telling them what to do, but they keep looking to witchcraft as a solution to the witchcraft being done to them. It's a neverending circle: Aspell gets put on them, they look to another spell to get rid of the first one: another gets put on them: they look for yet another "bruja" that can take it away. They grew up in the catholic church, and they have pentecostal relatives, so it isn't like they've never heard of Jesus. Much of what they seek spells for, is frankly imagined. Any little thing that happens, they jump and think it's witchcraft. But my point is, that they have seen many "miracles" thru witchcraft, and have also been "healed" thru it. They have gotten terribly ill from "hexes", and have even gotten lumps and knots on their bodies, and with the help of a "good" witch, it disappeared. Therefore, because they have seen it work, they are unwilling to try out the supernatural abilities of our God. It's basically an attitude of, "Yeah, I believe in God and stuff" but they definitely have way more faith in their witch, as far as who can do what.
How do you explain these types of what SEEM to be miracles? Didn't Jesus say to the Pharisees that a kingdom divided cannot stand? And that a devil will not cast out another devil? So are these types of situations truly sick people getting healed by a satanic force? Or is it some kind of a deceptive illusion to cause them to have more faith in a false religion? I'm sure you have dealt with this before, with someone who believed in it so strongly like this, and has seen what they think is good come from it.

[Rubia Warren]

Oh, also, freak, many times possessed people are portrayed in movies in a way where they vomit, have a voice change, eyes change, they act maniacal, etc. Have you ever known of or seen a possessed individual that was able to function with some degree of normalcy in day- to- day life?
I don't know what would have become of my friend- if she would have functioned at all- like I said, it took quite a few people to hold her down, her eyes changed, and so did her voice and her demeanor. But are there those who become possessed and it is much more mild and subtle?

[Freak]

la rubia-excellent questions.

I am very famailar of what you speak of. My wife is spanish and I have traveled in places where witchcraft is prevelant.

You said concerning the use of spells:Or is it some kind of a deceptive illusion to cause them to have more faith in a false religion?

You got it. The devil will take the appearance of leaving to keep the victim in bondage. The devil is a deceiver, he is master of illusions. I hear of people going to witchdoctors all the time hoping to find cures-when in fact all it does is further bind these people to occult powers.

Hispanics now make up the largest minority in the U.S. with this comes a "culture" (as you have correctly noted) of occult powers. Most of my Anglo friends will not understand this or simply dismiss this but the fact is it is here and must be dealt with in the Name of Jesus!

[Freak]

La Rubia:
Oh, also, freak, many times possessed people are portrayed in movies in a way where they vomit, have a voice change, eyes change, they act maniacal, etc. Have you ever known of or seen a possessed individual that was able to function with some degree of normalcy in day- to- day life?
I don't know what would have become of my friend- if she would have functioned at all- like I said, it took quite a few people to hold her down, her eyes changed, and so did her voice and her demeanor. But are there those who become possessed and it is much more mild and subtle?

Most of the people we have dealt with who have demons are from the outside very normal people with good job, families, etc. but they have hidden problems that have never been dealt with.

Some of them have been abused as children and they have harbored anger, hatred, resentment, unforgiveness, bitterness, fear, etc that have opened doorways to spirits. They now wonder why they are tormented and nothing seems to work.

[Freak]

La Rubia:
Oh, also, freak, many times possessed people are portrayed in movies in a way where they vomit, have a voice change, eyes change, they act maniacal, etc. Have you ever known of or seen a possessed individual that was able to function with some degree of normalcy in day- to- day life?
I don't know what would have become of my friend- if she would have functioned at all- like I said, it took quite a few people to hold her down, her eyes changed, and so did her voice and her demeanor. But are there those who become possessed and it is much more mild and subtle?

Now, I did want to add that in some rare cases these elements do occur. I have witnessed much.

[Freak]

As I mentioned in the thread "Evil Spirits" one needs to be aware of how demons operate internally.

There are various degrees of demonic affliction or demonization (control). Since evil spirits vary in power and wickedness, their degree of depravity differs from case to case. In detecting demonic activity one may look for the following characteristics: an extreme resistance to spiritual things, unfounded fear, alteration of the voice, spells of unconsciousness, aversion to prayer and God’s Word, supernatural strength, changes in facial demeanor, epileptic-like convulsions, anesthesia to pain, catatonic symptoms (i.e. falling down), clairvoyance abilities, and the ability to speak in languages not known to the individual experiencing the demonic affliction.

[Gavin]

Freak:

still curious on how you know that there are 76 demons. Does the person go into convulsions 76 times? Does the demon speak and tell you this?

[Freak]

Gavin, I thought I answered your question earlier.

Demons have attributes of personhood. They have emotions, a will, a name, etc. Demons have different characteristics. The 76 evil spirits we dealt with had different names, spoke with different voices, has unqiue mannerisms (though all were vile & blasphemous), etc.

Hope this helps.

[Gavin]

That is clearer now. Thanks.

[Carl Smuda]

Yes I believe with no doubt that casting out devils is a miracle. And after reading this thread I think Freak is right. Because I was a Christian since May 17, 1981 but had a demonization issue that was reprobate and debased (that I did my best to hide) until I was water baptized in 1999 at the local Assembly of God church. That baptism removed a life long torment that day. Jesus Christ healed me on that day. It's difficult to talk about it, though a close friend thinks it is something I should really wear on my sleeve. But I'm not willing to do that. When times are right I've told a very few. It's a small town. I cannot cannot deny that I was miraculous healed by the Living Saviour. Blessed be Him forever and ever. I tried to tell some Christians on a different website years ago and they reassured me that I couldn't possible have been saved before then. But I was. I knew the Lord Jesus as my Saviour for years. But the drugs remained a hidden hypocrisy. And that lead to deviant sex acts of the debased and reprobate kind. I recall when I was on Guam in the Navy praying and asking God WHY I was this way since His Word called it abomination? The Lord Jesus saved me. He truly set me free. Do you have any idea what it's like to try and resist a yearning in your very being that makes the heart race and the blood pump faster when you see a handsome specimen of your own sex? Do you have any idea what it feels like for that to completely evaporate. Can you appreciate what it means to me to know deep inside that IT is gone? Can you appreciate how THANKFUL that makes me to the one who was dead and is now alive forever? I love you all very much. :bawl:

[Freak]

Carl Smuda:
Yes I believe with no doubt that casting out devils is a miracle. And after reading this thread I think Freak is right. Because I was a Christian since May 17, 1981 but had a demonization issue that was reprobate and debased (that I did my best to hide) until I was water baptized in 1999 at the local Assembly of God church. That baptism removed a life long torment that day. Jesus Christ healed me on that day. It's difficult to talk about it, though a close friend thinks it is something I should really wear on my sleeve. But I'm not willing to do that. When times are right I've told a very few. It's a small town. I cannot cannot deny that I was miraculous healed by the Living Saviour. Blessed be Him forever and ever. I tried to tell some Christians on a different website years ago and they reassured me that I couldn't possible have been saved before then. But I was. I knew the Lord Jesus as my Saviour for years. But the drugs remained a hidden hypocrisy. And that lead to deviant sex acts of the debased and reprobate kind. I recall when I was on Guam in the Navy praying and asking God WHY I was this way since His Word called it abomination? The Lord Jesus saved me. He truly set me free. Do you have any idea what it's like to try and resist a yearning in your very being that makes the heart race and the blood pump faster when you see a handsome specimen of your own sex? Do you have any idea what it feels like for that to completely evaporate. Can you appreciate what it means to me to know deep inside that IT is gone? Can you appreciate how THANKFUL that makes me to the one who was dead and is now alive forever? I love you all very much. :bawl:

God bless you Carl.

[Rubia Warren]

CARL!!!! That is soooo awesome! Praise Jesus! That is living proof that He still lives. Wow. I must say, I am amazed at our God. Bless you, Carl! I'm so happy for you. :yipee: You're so special, Carl- I love ya!

[Carl Smuda]

Thank you La Rubia. Thank you Freak. This thread is very compelling. I was reminded of things when I read it. I admire Freak in that he has been blessed to do work for the Lord all these years. After my water baptism there was even more reading and reading and reading. And for a while I began what I knew from Indiana and Guam: Fellowship in the home. I was teaching the Bible one-on-one to a few good men from my Hangar where I work. But the home front was so out-of-order that the spirit drove me to cease that. There was so much I wasn't taken care of as a husband and father that the feelings of hypocrisy were so overwhelming I couldn't stand acting like some sort of teacher. My prayer is that one day our Lord will change my wife and the two of us can be like-minded about the things of God and Christ. Those of you who are married and you both share the same Faith should be on your knees every day thanking the Dear Lord for that blessings in your life. God has a plan. He makes our paths straight.

[Rubia Warren]

You can say that again! I have a husband who is not a believer, so I can kind of relate.

[Carl Smuda]

Freak,
God Bless you in the name of Jesus Christ! Please tell us everything that the manifestation of "Discerning of spirits" means to you? Not the miracle of casting out devils, that is the manifestation of miracle. But Discerning of spirits. What has been your experience?
respectfully,
Carl :read:

[Carl Smuda]

La Rubia,
God Bless you in our Lord Jesus Christ's name. Do you have a fellowship in the flesh? Just curious.
God Bless,
Carl

[GrayPilgrim]

Carl,

Praise God for his delivering you from bondage!

[Carl Smuda]

Thank you kind sir, GrayPilgrim. I apologize to anyone that feels uncomfortable for maybe too much info. I appreciate that there are debates about the nature of man in "alternate lifestyles." I'm aware (from the internet) that there are Christian congregations of this ilk, and there is real street outreach to people oppressed in this way, and even knowledgeable and faithful Christians who apparantly do not see this as a problem. So there is a full spectrum here that makes it complicated. I tried talking about this on those sort of threads and I find it arousing aversion in me personally. I find it cold and forbidding to discuss this condition with Christians who accept that mind set. I do not. Never did. And just when I least expected it God blessed me exceeding abundantly above all I could ask or think. It was just my dirty little secret. I wanted to be water baptized to make a honest public declaration of my Faith. That is all I wanted. Romans 6, you know? Jesus set me free. Jesus really really set me free indeed. That doesn't seem to mean anything to people who do not think they need to be set free. :argh:

[Rubia Warren]

I love to talk about things like that. I think it is not talked about enough. Most of what I hear about is how wrong it is.... I have been curious for a while to hear about how people have just been set free from it-- it's not talked about enough. I think people like you who have been completely delivered should be led to the forefront of all testimonies- homosexuals as well as others are just not hearing this from christians today. They know all of the scriptures condemning them, but they just don't know that Jesus came to set captives free, whatever it is that may bind a person. I have been meaning to check out some of the ministries of ex- gay people who have been totally changed by God, and have had tons of stuff from this world lifted off of them. I think that we all should support them more. I found your story a big time faith- builder for me, as there are a few things I need to be "set free" from, and I myself need to remember.
I am not a member of any church, but there is one that I have been going to for a while.

[Carl Smuda]

La Rubia,
I was intrigued by the hookie-pookism you described that is in Goshen, Indiana. It sounded more like stuff from California. I was trying to imagine that sort of spiritual goings on in my young stomping grounds. But we should not be ignorant of his devices, right?

I want to take knowledge from Freak. He is a gift to the Body of Christ. And I'm hoping he would hold forth some. I truly admire what he's been able to do for the Lord's Church. God Bless you Freak. :angel: This thread reminded me of the spiritual battle we are in. And it really helped me to be validated by what you and Freak shared. Just like Gavin, I want to learn as much as possible about spiritual matters. God says concerning spiritual matters we are not to be ignorant.

As for our Lord Jesus saving to the uttermost by His Grace alone (Blessed be Him), I noticed that my co-workers (whom I respect and admire as good happy productive Americans) will tend to think in terms of who is the worst. And that debased reprobate abomniable lifestyle that God does not approve of seems to be the worst in our culture. And yet all have sinned, and all of us have sins that most easily beset us personally. That whole "talk show" mentality (I wanna see someone more F***-ed up than me) is completely beside the point. We all need our Saviour. We have all come short of the grade. What do we gain by having someone as the designated "most F***-ed up"? It doesn't change our own desperate need for Jesus. The other soul out there alone and lost waiting in the dark to die is not going to change us from being wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.

If Jesus walked the earth today He would be hanging out with the prostitutes and the AIDS victims.

Right?
Carl :rant:

[Freak]

Carl Smuda:
Freak,
God Bless you in the name of Jesus Christ! Please tell us everything that the manifestation of "Discerning of spirits" means to you? Not the miracle of casting out devils, that is the manifestation of miracle. But Discerning of spirits. What has been your experience?
respectfully,
Carl :read:


Last weekend my wife and I traveled far from home to spend a night in a haunted house--it was truly haunted--as soon as I entered this home I could sense in my spirit there were demons present. I can literally sense the presence of evil spirits (it is a spiritual gift). The apostle Paul speaks of this First Corinthains 12:10-distinguishing between spirits-to know if a person (and their teachings) or place is being operated by a evil spirit or by the Holy Spirit. I often operate in this gift--as I need to with the kind of ministry I'm in.

I find it interesting while the apostle Paul was in Athens (in Acts 17) he was distressed in his spirit by the evil spirits present within the idols in the city. He discerned the presence of evil--we can too. Ask God for this discernement--it has come handy all over the globe.

By the way, thank you for the kind comments. It's all Jesus though. He is able.

[Sozo]

Why did Jesus cast the demons into swine, when he could have choose a rock at the bottom of a lake?

What evidence is there from the bible that demons possess inanimate objects?

[Freak]

Sozo:
Why did Jesus cast the demons into swine, when he could have choose a rock at the bottom of a lake?

What evidence is there from the bible that demons possess inanimate objects?

What evidence from the Bible tells us that 4+13=17?

The Bible doesn't. The Scriptures, Sozo, doesn't give you answers for every question you might have.

But, if demons are able to enter flesh (animal & human) then naturally then can enter an object.

[Sozo]

Freak:



But, if demons are able to enter flesh (animal & human) then naturally then can enter an object.

Actually... that would be unnatural.

[Freak]

Sozo:


Actually... that would be unnatural.

Yes, it would be truly supernatural, but it does happen.

[Freak]

How do you think the Egyptian occultists did what they did when confronting Moses?

[Carl Smuda]

Freak, you and your wife must live a truly amazing existence. I admire that. It reminds me of the fallicy in studying spiritual matters. There comes a time when it is impossible to continue in the study, or go any further in understanding without practical experience. I think there is much the church can learn and should learn about spiritual matters, manifestations/gifts of the spirit. But the truth is with out the "practicum" understanding will ultimately be limited. Kind of like Christian growth. There are many things about our Faith that cannot be experientially known without fellowship. :hrm:

[Freak]

Carl Smuda:
Freak, you and your wife must live a truly amazing existence. I admire that. It reminds me of the fallicy in studying spiritual matters. There comes a time when it is impossible to continue in the study, or go any further in understanding without practical experience. I think there is much the church can learn and should learn about spiritual matters, manifestations/gifts of the spirit. But the truth is with out the "practicum" understanding will ultimately be limited. Kind of like Christian growth. There are many things about our Faith that cannot be experientially known without fellowship. :hrm:

Exactly! I couldn't have put it any better---

My wife and I really do care about people and for some odd reason God has brought tormented people to us from all over the world. As you might know, I leave for Haiti in a few days, to share the Gospel and help free those caught up in Voodoo. We love Jesus, in spite of failures, and desire to serve.

[LittleDoris]

Exactly! I couldn't have put it any better---

My wife and I really do care about people and for some odd reason God has brought tormented people to us from all over the world. As you might know, I leave for Haiti in a few days, to share the Gospel and help free those caught up in Voodoo. We love Jesus, in spite of failures, and desire to serve.
This has been an amazing thread, I've just read through nearly all of it, not being there at the start!

I'm impressed by the love, concern, frankness and common sense shown. It's so easy to get unhealthily obsessed with things demonic, and I was a bit wary because that's been a weakness of mine, but you are all really great!

Freak, I'm sure you know that you and your wife need our prayer support, at least as much as we benefit from your experience and advice in these things. Perhaps the rest of us need reminding of the fact! The Enemy will have been looking for any weakness - as no doubt you know very well - and try to trip you up. I'm glad that you seem not to have sought this ministry but just "happened" on it. I should think it would be dangerous to deliberately go around seeking out demons to deal with. I've met some like this and they were really wierd - maybe even demonically troubled themselves.

[LittleDoris]

Just a few thoughts and questions:

As has been said, it is possible for a true Christian to be demonised (a better word, and nearer the original, than "possessed"). I've had to be cleared of a few things, though only the first time was there need of actual prayer for deliverance as such.

My main problems have been "psychological" strongholds, maybe not directly demonic

Such things as inferiority, guilt, rejection etc were a trouble for most of my life, even after becoming a Christian. Perhaps I wasn't ready to let them go before this. If self and enemy activity are so entwined in the personality, (how do you tell where one ends and the other begins? That's my first question), it's more difficult to deal with. In each case the Lord was very patient and gracious, and allowed events in my life that brought each thing to the surface to be dealt with. Although sometimes the old mental habits surface and have to be resisted - often not easy.

Not too hard for the Lord of course, but needing more active cooperation from us maybe? (second question) in letting these things go.

The worst thing about first realising that I needed deliverance was the thought that I couldn't have been born again after all. Having a demon was more disgusting (like realising you have a tapeworm - "YEUCH!!! Get this thing out of me!") than fearful. It was the fear that He'd let me be deceived into thinking I was His child when I wasn't, that was the really horrible thing.

Re the question of how one knows if a person is demonised it probably depends on the circumstances. You know if you need to know maybe, but, if there's no particular reason for us to know, the Lord may not show us (third question). Sometimes a person may have a sort of "feeling" about them, and you know (without knowing how you know) they've been involved in the occult.

I worked in a psychiatric nursing home for a while, and was sometimes aware that many (not all) the patients did have demonic problems which were causing their illness. "Hysterical" deafness and dumbness is quite different (even to non-Christian professionals) from organic deafness As the Bible suggests - Jesus healed some deaf and dumb people and cast out deaf and dumb demons from others. Even epilepsy may be demonic or merely physical (from some kind of brain damage).

There were occasionally definite manifestations. Such as the old lady who was convinced she was the queen of the universe, and told me one night to stop looking at her, when I was actually looking in the other direction at the time! Or another old lady who was thrown to the floor while I was watching her - she didn't put herself down or trip, and no-one was near her. It looked like someone had picked her up and flung her down. Another person was very unco-operative one day, refused to eat her tea and tried to hit and kick me. Half an hour later I came into the room and she was back to her usual self. She must have remembered her previous behaviour, and said confidentially, "As soon as you came in she saw you..." It was obvious what "she" was, so I said; "Well we don't have to take any notice of her do we?"

I do long to help these poor tormented folk, but in practice often feel rather helpless, not knowing what the Lord would have me do. Its not fear, maybe its lack of confidence. Or maybe its not the right time - the person isn't ready perhaps?

Its easier when the person is a Christian and wants to be set free - I have been occasionally involved in prayer in those cases, but that's about all.

Any advice? (my fourth question)

Sorry this has turned out to be a bit of an essay! Just thinking things out really, :hrm: and inviting feedback...

[Secretary of Education - Colin the Cat]

Just a few thoughts and questions:

As has been said, it is possible for a true Christian to be demonised (a better word, and nearer the original, than "possessed"). I've had to be cleared of a few things, though only the first time was there need of actual prayer for deliverance as such.

My main problems have been "psychological" strongholds, maybe not directly demonic

Such things as inferiority, guilt, rejection etc were a trouble for most of my life, even after becoming a Christian. Perhaps I wasn't ready to let them go before this. If self and enemy activity are so entwined in the personality, (how do you tell where one ends and the other begins? That's my first question), it's more difficult to deal with. In each case the Lord was very patient and gracious, and allowed events in my life that brought each thing to the surface to be dealt with. Although sometimes the old mental habits surface and have to be resisted - often not easy.

Not too hard for the Lord of course, but needing more active cooperation from us maybe? (second question) in letting these things go.

The worst thing about first realising that I needed deliverance was the thought that I couldn't have been born again after all. Having a demon was more disgusting (like realising you have a tapeworm - "YEUCH!!! Get this thing out of me!") than fearful. It was the fear that He'd let me be deceived into thinking I was His child when I wasn't, that was the really horrible thing.

Re the question of how one knows if a person is demonised it probably depends on the circumstances. You know if you need to know maybe, but, if there's no particular reason for us to know, the Lord may not show us (third question). Sometimes a person may have a sort of "feeling" about them, and you know (without knowing how you know) they've been involved in the occult.

I worked in a psychiatric nursing home for a while, and was sometimes aware that many (not all) the patients did have demonic problems which were causing their illness. "Hysterical" deafness and dumbness is quite different (even to non-Christian professionals) from organic deafness As the Bible suggests - Jesus healed some deaf and dumb people and cast out deaf and dumb demons from others. Even epilepsy may be demonic or merely physical (from some kind of brain damage).

There were occasionally definite manifestations. Such as the old lady who was convinced she was the queen of the universe, and told me one night to stop looking at her, when I was actually looking in the other direction at the time! Or another old lady who was thrown to the floor while I was watching her - she didn't put herself down or trip, and no-one was near her. It looked like someone had picked her up and flung her down. Another person was very unco-operative one day, refused to eat her tea and tried to hit and kick me. Half an hour later I came into the room and she was back to her usual self. She must have remembered her previous behaviour, and said confidentially, "As soon as you came in she saw you..." It was obvious what "she" was, so I said; "Well we don't have to take any notice of her do we?"

I do long to help these poor tormented folk, but in practice often feel rather helpless, not knowing what the Lord would have me do. Its not fear, maybe its lack of confidence. Or maybe its not the right time - the person isn't ready perhaps?

Its easier when the person is a Christian and wants to be set free - I have been occasionally involved in prayer in those cases, but that's about all.

Any advice? (my fourth question)

Sorry this has turned out to be a bit of an essay! Just thinking things out really, :hrm: and inviting feedback...
a FREAK thread??? :shocked: That guy was a LEGEND!!

[Warcraft3]

This has been an amazing thread, I've just read through nearly all of it, not being there at the start!

I'm impressed by the love, concern, frankness and common sense shown. It's so easy to get unhealthily obsessed with things demonic, and I was a bit wary because that's been a weakness of mine, but you are all really great!

Freak, I'm sure you know that you and your wife need our prayer support, at least as much as we benefit from your experience and advice in these things. Perhaps the rest of us need reminding of the fact! The Enemy will have been looking for any weakness - as no doubt you know very well - and try to trip you up. I'm glad that you seem not to have sought this ministry but just "happened" on it. I should think it would be dangerous to deliberately go around seeking out demons to deal with. I've met some like this and they were really wierd - maybe even demonically troubled themselves.


LittleDoris......the user named "freak" is long gone and I wouldnt get too impressed by anything he says...

The guy is an idiot.

[Warcraft3]

a FREAK thread??? :shocked: That guy was a LEGEND!!

A legendary moron...

[Secretary of Education - Colin the Cat]

A legendary moron...
:exactly:

[Jade]

a FREAK thread??? :shocked: That guy was a LEGEND!!

I know, I was like: :thud:

I kinda miss the little guy!

[LittleDoris]

LittleDoris......the user named "freak" is long gone and I wouldnt get too impressed by anything he says...

The guy is an idiot.
OH! :blush:

I am normally cautious about anyone who has a "ministry" of casting out demons, because in the New Testament its merely part of preaching and healing, not a whole ministry. But he seemed genuine enough, though there are obvious dangers and temptations in this sort of thing (pride not least). That's why I felt he and his wife did need prayer.

Never mind, his input sparked a very good discussion so I don't think it was wasted.

Are we going to continue this thread?

[ChosenOne66]

A few years ago, when I was going through my rebellious teenage stage, I was introduced by a friend to transcendental meditation and New Age energy manipulation. I tried to merge this with Christianity, but it didn't work and I ended up pretty much going New Age for a while.

I would meditate, and when I was done, an hour would have passed and I would have no memory of what had happened. Soon I was summoning spirit guides (yes, I was stupid). I was soon able to sense its presence the feeling of a tingling touch on the arch of my back. After a time it was there almost all the time. There were definite changes in my personality, and I was easily convinced of things any normal person would consider insane.

One night, after this had been going on for some months, I had a dream, the most vivid dream I've ever had. I can see it in my head to this day. I was in a large room, and people started dropping dead of no reason. Then I could see into the deeper reality, and saw pulses of green energy striking them before they died. I turned, and saw a woman, cloaked in sheer darkness, shooting the pulses at them. I fell into my meditative stance, and felt the power of the whole earth rush into my body, flooding me with god-like powers. Suddenly, I felt gouging pain over my back, right at the spot my "spirit guide" always touched me, and I saw that it was an evil spirit with its claws in my back. It reacted as if surprised that I could see it, and it said, "I can give you all that power." I immediately associated it with the Serpent in the Garden and the temptation in the desert.

I woke up in a cold sweat, terrified out of my mind, and fell out of my bed. I couldn't even stand, and my arms and legs refused to move. I felt a weight on my back, but I couldn't see anything. I tried to pray, but my mouth wouldn't open, so I just thought my prayer, and screamed out to God in my head. "Jesus, help me."

Instantly I could move again, and I felt the presence on my back was gone. I could feel another presence in the room and touching me, warm. I swear I felt like the room was filled with light, and I didn't hear, I just felt the words "you are forgiven."

Never had anything else like it come close.

I've been more committed to Christianity than ever before after that. Its a bizarre story, I know, but it's true. It's funny, I'm Presbyterian, and most of them don't believe in the continuing sign gifts.

[Zguy28]

Allow me to share.

When I first began dating my future wife, I was told Ghost stories about their family and the house where they lived, such as her Dad seeing a woman in a white dress walking around the back of the house then dissapearing. I even was there when her Dad experienced one tapping on his snare drum while he was alone downstairs. I just brushed it off.

That was until I bought the house from my in-laws and moved in. That's when it started for my family. First it was just eerie feelings sometimes, then noises. One night as I went to bed, I was laying with my leg bent so that my knee was hanging off the side of the bed. All of a sudden I got bumped!

Well around this time, we went and bought a dog. Things seemed to calm down a bit after that, for a while. Then my dog started getting agitated and would even unexplicably jump onto my 3 year old son's bed and lay on him, pinning him down, and start growling at thin air like she was protecting him. She did the same thing to my wife a few times. The dog also became more and more agitated as time went by, often hiding, or not wanting to come in from outside. She even stopped eating for a few days, and if you know dogs, that's unusual.

Then one night while reading a bed story to my son, he says, "Daddy, who's that man?" I asked what he was talking about and he said he was near the end of the bed. That freaked me out enough that the next day I sent my family away for a few hours, although they didn't know what for.

Now that my family was removed from the house, I took out my Bible and began to walk around the house reading out load from the book of Psalms.
When I got near my son's room I shouted out loud "IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, I COMMAND YOU TO GET OUT! NOW! LEAVE THIS PLACE AND DON'T BOTHER US ANYMORE!"

Everything has been fine since. Please know that what I have told you is real and truthful to the best of my recollection. It happened about 2 years ago. I'm getting goosepimples just writing about this.

[LittleDoris]

Mmmm These kinds of things happen, especially if someone has been or is involved in the occult.

If someone talks about a house being haunted or suchlike my first thought is "what have the people living there been up to?"

I once lived in a house that the previous tenant (he was into some wierd things) told me was haunted; including a Centurian who walked through the living room (it was near the site of an old Roman camp) and a choir that sang in the attic! He seemed to think them harmless but I didn't want them around!

So as soon as getting the keys I went through the house from cellar to attic praising God at the top of my voice.

There was never any problem - probably the previous fellow's activities attracted them...

I'm just grateful to God that He protected me from the extreme experiences such as some of you folk have had - I probably wouldn't have survived mentally! There's been just enough experience to know that demons do exist but that Jesus is stronger than any demons.

Best to concentrate on His victory, eh?

[ChosenOne66]

Mmmm These kinds of things happen, especially if someone has been or is involved in the occult.

If someone talks about a house being haunted or suchlike my first thought is "what have the people living there been up to?"

I once lived in a house that the previous tenant (he was into some wierd things) told me was haunted; including a Centurian who walked through the living room (it was near the site of an old Roman camp) and a choir that sang in the attic! He seemed to think them harmless but I didn't want them around!

So as soon as getting the keys I went through the house from cellar to attic praising God at the top of my voice.

There was never any problem - probably the previous fellow's activities attracted them...

I'm just grateful to God that He protected me from the extreme experiences such as some of you folk have had - I probably wouldn't have survived mentally! There's been just enough experience to know that demons do exist but that Jesus is stronger than any demons.

Best to concentrate on His victory, eh?

There are legends about ghosts at the college I go to. People see them on their floors, and what not. Regardless of their truth or not, I pray over the hall, and ask that any demonic force be bound. We're supposed to bind them, and it doesn't hurt to pray and make sure (we don't all have to be show-offy like in the Exorcism of Emily Rose).

[christiangirl]

Ok I stumbled across this website tonight in search of help. I have been dating a guy for about three months. He is a VERY wonderful VERY sweet guy. But I know that there is some kind of demonic influence in his life. Over the last month he has these rages that just pop out of nowhere. He says he feels them coming on and he can't stop it. He will say the meanest things and not remember saying them. His eyes change. I can look at him and tell that it's not him that is talking to me. It just keeps getting worse. Just tonight he has decided to turn his back on God and the church. Something that when we started dating he was very up front about. He attended church on Sundays and Bible study on Wed. Those were his top priority. Now all of the sudden he just wants to turn his back. I suggested he talk to the pastor and he just became irrate. I don't know what to do. I have read many posts on here and I was hoping that someone could help guide me. Thank you so much for your time.

[FredFlanders]

Hello Freak,
I have a Christian friend who does the same as you. He name is Nev and in his in his 60’s. Nev visits people daily to cast demons from Christians. I have been with him on occasions and seen the manifestations. He calls them out by the Blood of Jesus.
He said that all Christians have demons, even me.
My wife of 22 years had depression real bad which caused us many problems. Church always said we should go for counselling by I knew that this would not help as my wife and I had always been in the Church and knew the Word of God but this still did not change the behaviour. I knew there was some thing more. I have always heard the Jesus cast out demons and believes could too but never had any teaching on this until I met Nev. I did not believe I had any demons as I consider myself normal. Anyway I let him cast demons out of me before I let him do it with my wife. Over 2 sessions of about 2 hours Nev cast about 60 out of me. What did I feel like afterwards? After I would feel a little weak but then the next day I felt great and refreshed. (I do have the Holy Spirit as in Mark 16 v 16-18) But after this it was like and clean out and could feel the Holy Spirit moving through my body more abundantly.
Now my wife’s turn. After a few sessions my wife was delivered from her depression and now is completely different. It has helped our relationship greatly without the severe mood changes. It has also helped our children because we are more agreed on disciplining our children. I know that many of my wife’s difficulties have come from generations before her and probably mine as well. Demons are real and can dwell in our flesh in an attempt to turn our spiritual soul from God. If we do not give up on God, He will show us the way to defeat the enemy.
I now know that most physical and mental health problems are from demonic influences.
Fred.

[dizzle]

Freak hasn't been around in a while. I think we exorcised him.