WHERE THE ACTION IS

WHERE THE ACTION IS

 

Mark 6:7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

Matthew 10:1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

While it isn’t popular to speak of Demons and Evil Spirits nevertheless it is part of the gospel according to Jesus Christ. Much of his ministry revolved around casting demons out of people but today many ministers consider it beneath them and somewhat degrading.

It would serve one well to study the subject and garner all the information available before attempting to cast out unclean spirits and to be empowered as were the disciples. This isn’t a glamorous ministry for it is dealing with the filthiest of Satan’s cohorts.

Further the subjects infected by these spirits have a certain harmonious relationship with them. One man who exercised authority over evil spirits was rebuked by the spirit he was dealing with; saying “You can’t cast me out.”  Upon asking the spirit, “Why not?” the spirit said; “She don’t want me to leave so you can’t make me go.”  In this case he said, “You’re exactly right,” and left her in the same condition because she wanted the spirit’s influence in her life.

Being more of the average type of a Christian I have not majored in dealing with demons but on one of several occasions I was greeting people as they came into the church and the Spirit of GOD spoke to me in a firm voice saying; “This woman is possessed by the devil.”

This came out of the blue so to speak. She looked alright so I questioned my sanity. I knew what I had heard but had to think on it till I came to my senses and realized I had heard rightly. The fact I don’t get these messages like that very often causes me to be a little shocked.

I began to focus my attention on her from that moment on. She sat in the middle of a row in the middle of a section where it wasn’t easy to get to her if she acted up. As the service started I joined the orchestra and everything seemed to be in order until she stood up and yelled out many things we didn’t need to hear.

When the ushers began to get near to her she stopped and said; “And now I will leave” and left.

I only related that to show there are many varied way these spirits will cause an individual to conduct themselves. She came back again and asked for prayer but to my knowledge she wasn’t delivered for she didn’t want the spirit to leave. There was enough of a desire to be rid of this spirit that was driving her to come and asked to be prayed for but not enough to release his hold on her.

GOD uses whatever is at hand and you might find yourself being used on an occasion and never again but one who is used on a continuous basis needs to have the anointing of the Holy Spirit and some of the other gifts of the Spirit operating in their life.

Three gifts that reveal the unknown; the word of wisdom, word of knowledge and the discerning of spirits are a must in order to be effectual in this ministry. These gifts can give you inside information needful for not making mistakes.

Not everyone who acts crazy is possessed. Some people are just naturally nuts and silly. Also the gifts of Miracles and Healing may be a part of the person’s deliverance.

While anyone who is a Christian may be used of God;  people who are called and enabled as were the disciples will have the greater success in dealing with unclean spirits so don’t self-anoint yourself and get into trouble.  Here are some examples of Jesus dealing with evil spirits;

Luke 11:14 Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed.

Matthew 8:16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.

Mark 1:34 And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.

Luke 4:34-35  Let us alone! What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are-- the Holy One of God!" But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet and come out of him!" And when the demon had thrown him down in the midst of the people, he came out of him without doing him any harm.

Mark 16:15-17 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. "These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues.

The bottom line is; this world is plagued by Unclean Spirits. In every phase of life they are active. To deny this begs the answer; why are people so base and evil? It also insults the spirits themselves to deny their existence.

 

Much of the ministry of Jesus was involved in casting out spirits and the need for this ministry continues today.