• HEALING,& DELIVERANCE, PRAYER! JST BELIEVE AND TYPE AMEN & SEE GLORY OF GOD NOW!

    Praise God...

    Uganda+Nations all. I thx God that l received fresh grace of being a faithful servant &a true witness of Jesus appointed by Jesus/ son to testify to what I have seen him. in the visions l saw of this last age. Acts 26:16, Joel 2:28-31, heb1:1-2.

    Noticing living ones in this last age Abt the visions, l saw with their divine warning,& revelation. So that they prepare & live pure through faith in Christ Jesus. Eg Red7 vision in the sky Green 7 vision on the wall & skeleton vision l saw after they vanished.Acts 26:16, Acts1:8.

    Let's pray!

    Whoever is willing to have healing, deliverance, forgiveness now, type AMEN , to this prayer & see God's power working now in thy life.

    Remember to give testimony after seeing the miracle done in thy life.
    PRAYER FOR HEALING, AND DELIVERANCE:

    "Father, l come in the blood of Jesus Red7 vision, the blood that presents me clean now & daily before thy throne. Heb10:22, col1:22, with no condemnation. Rom8:1.

    I stand on Heb12:24, to Jesus the mediator of the covenant.

    And to the sprinkled blood of Jesus that speaks a BETTER word, than the blood of Abel. Let that blood speak forgiveness, Healing, Deliverance, protection & victory over lives of all those who've come in faith in thy name. Right now.

    Your word says in isa53:5, " By His stripes we are healed."

    Luke 10:19, "l have given you authority over all the power of the enemy."

    Mark16:17, "in my Name they will lay hands on the sick and they will recover."

    And John 14:13-14, "whatever you ask in my name, this l will do."

    Lord, l speak to every sick body now, to have healing now& be made whole from crown of its head to the soles of its feet. Body be healed now, Mind be renewed. Rom 12:2, spirit be set free now. John 8:36,

    Every sickness & disease, tormenting thy life or body , now, l command it now in Jesus name to leave now. And be set free. Now. "For a prayer of faith will save the one who is sick it's written." James5:15.

    Holy Spirit, Green 7, fill every broken place with life. Rom 8:11, Jesus, you are the Healer . Touch now, manifest your power. & Thy name & father be glorified now amongst all who believe now& receive miracle by typing Amen. Let every blind see now, deaf hear now, & crippled stand up now & Walk in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

    Lord , l thank you to whoever receives a miracle, in Jesus name.

    And, l come against every evil spirit in you. l bind it & l command it that unclean spirit, spirit of fear, infirmity, torment, oppression, to come out of you now & Go in Jesus name. You have no right here. The blood of Jesus , Red7, vision has washed them. That body is the temple of the holy spirit. Green 7 vision. 1cor6:19.

    For, mark16:17, " in my name they will cast out demons."

    And Acts16:18, Paul said, " l command you in the name of Jesus to come out of her!"

    Holy Spirit, Green 7 vision, fill every empty place now. Flood with your peace and power. Jesus, set free and make them whole. In Jesus name AMEN

    Key moments:

    If you've seen miracle, remember to obey. John 5:14, "sin no more , that nothing worse may happen."

    Follow up: keep believing, some miracles are instant. Some grows/ progressive. mark8:24-25
    HEALING,& DELIVERANCE, PRAYER! JST BELIEVE AND TYPE AMEN & SEE GLORY OF GOD NOW! Praise God... Uganda+Nations all. I thx God that l received fresh grace of being a faithful servant &a true witness of Jesus appointed by Jesus/ son to testify to what I have seen him. in the visions l saw of this last age. Acts 26:16, Joel 2:28-31, heb1:1-2. Noticing living ones in this last age Abt the visions, l saw with their divine warning,& revelation. So that they prepare & live pure through faith in Christ Jesus. Eg Red7 vision in the sky Green 7 vision on the wall & skeleton vision l saw after they vanished.Acts 26:16, Acts1:8. Let's pray! Whoever is willing to have healing, deliverance, forgiveness now, type AMEN 🙏 , to this prayer & see God's power working now in thy life. Remember to give testimony after seeing the miracle done in thy life. PRAYER FOR HEALING, AND DELIVERANCE: "Father, l come in the blood of Jesus Red7 vision, the blood that presents me clean now & daily before thy throne. Heb10:22, col1:22, with no condemnation. Rom8:1. I stand on Heb12:24, to Jesus the mediator of the covenant. And to the sprinkled blood of Jesus that speaks a BETTER word, than the blood of Abel. Let that blood speak forgiveness, Healing, Deliverance, protection & victory over lives of all those who've come in faith in thy name. Right now. Your word says in isa53:5, " By His stripes we are healed." Luke 10:19, "l have given you authority over all the power of the enemy." Mark16:17, "in my Name they will lay hands on the sick and they will recover." And John 14:13-14, "whatever you ask in my name, this l will do." Lord, l speak to every sick body now, to have healing now& be made whole from crown of its head to the soles of its feet. Body be healed now, Mind be renewed. Rom 12:2, spirit be set free now. John 8:36, Every sickness & disease, tormenting thy life or body , now, l command it now in Jesus name to leave now. And be set free. Now. "For a prayer of faith will save the one who is sick it's written." James5:15. Holy Spirit, Green 7, fill every broken place with life. Rom 8:11, Jesus, you are the Healer . Touch now, manifest your power. & Thy name & father be glorified now amongst all who believe now& receive miracle by typing Amen. Let every blind see now, deaf hear now, & crippled stand up now & Walk in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Lord , l thank you to whoever receives a miracle, in Jesus name. And, l come against every evil spirit in you. l bind it & l command it that unclean spirit, spirit of fear, infirmity, torment, oppression, to come out of you now & Go in Jesus name. You have no right here. The blood of Jesus , Red7, vision has washed them. That body is the temple of the holy spirit. Green 7 vision. 1cor6:19. For, mark16:17, " in my name they will cast out demons." And Acts16:18, Paul said, " l command you in the name of Jesus to come out of her!" Holy Spirit, Green 7 vision, fill every empty place now. Flood with your peace and power. Jesus, set free and make them whole. In Jesus name AMEN 🙏 Key moments: If you've seen miracle, remember to obey. John 5:14, "sin no more , that nothing worse may happen." Follow up: keep believing, some miracles are instant. Some grows/ progressive. mark8:24-25
    0 Commenti 0 condivisioni 26 Views
  • may the good Lord heal us from any infirmity, i pray and declare unto anyone reading this post, that you shall not die before your time, may the host of doctors Angelic visitation meet your needs, when 1000 rise against thee 10,000 shall stand besides you and fight for you in the name of Jesus! Amen. May you walk on the path of Yahweh the Light of men. #lordsbook #christian #faith #Jesus
    may the good Lord heal us from any infirmity, i pray and declare unto anyone reading this post, that you shall not die before your time, may the host of doctors Angelic visitation meet your needs, when 1000 rise against thee 10,000 shall stand besides you and fight for you in the name of Jesus! Amen. May you walk on the path of Yahweh the Light of men. #lordsbook #christian #faith #Jesus
    0 Commenti 0 condivisioni 24 Views
  • BUILD YOUR SPIRIT

    ANCHOR SCRIPTURE

    Proverbs 18:14 (KJV) “The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?”

    INTRODUCTION

    Life will bring challenges—sickness, disappointment, rejection, pressure and failure.

    But what sustains us is not only what is happening around us, but what has been built inside us. Build your spirit before the storm comes.

    1. BUILD YOUR INNER STRENGTH

    A strong spirit helps you stand when life becomes difficult.

    Proverbs 24:10 (KJV) “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.”

    Don't wait for trouble before you strengthen your faith.

    2. GUARD YOUR SPIRIT

    A wounded spirit can carry bitterness, fear, rejection and disappointment.

    Don't allow people's actions to destroy your inner peace.

    Forgive. Release. Move forward.

    3. FEED YOUR SPIRIT

    Build yourself through:

    1. God's Word
    2. Prayer
    3. Worship
    4. Fellowship
    5. Meditation

    Romans 10:17 (KJV) “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

    4. ENCOURAGE YOURSELF IN GOD

    Sometimes people will not be there to encourage you.

    David knew what it meant to encourage himself:

    1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV)“...but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”

    Learn to say:

    “I may be hurting, but I will not quit.”

    “I may be down, but I will rise again.”

    “God is still with me.”

    5. LET TRIALS STRENGTHEN YOU

    Trials can develop patience, endurance and maturity.

    James 1:3 (KJV) “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

    Don't waste your difficult seasons. Grow through them.

    KEY LESSON

    A strong spirit does not mean you never hurt. It means you don't allow the hurt to destroy you.

    You can cry and still believe.
    You can hurt and still hope.
    You can fall and still rise.

    FINAL CHARGE

    Build your spirit when life is peaceful, so it can sustain you when life becomes difficult.

    1. Build your spirit.
    2. Guard your spirit.
    3. Feed your spirit.
    4. Strengthen your faith.
    5. Don't let a wounded spirit define your future.

    “Build your spirit before the battle; what you build in secret will sustain you in the storm.”

    PRAYER

    Father, strengthen my spirit. Heal every wounded place within me. Help me to feed my faith through Your Word, prayer and worship. Give me strength to stand in every difficult season and keep trusting You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

    Prepared by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo +233544295158
    BUILD YOUR SPIRIT ANCHOR SCRIPTURE Proverbs 18:14 (KJV) “The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?” INTRODUCTION Life will bring challenges—sickness, disappointment, rejection, pressure and failure. But what sustains us is not only what is happening around us, but what has been built inside us. Build your spirit before the storm comes. 1. BUILD YOUR INNER STRENGTH A strong spirit helps you stand when life becomes difficult. Proverbs 24:10 (KJV) “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” Don't wait for trouble before you strengthen your faith. 2. GUARD YOUR SPIRIT A wounded spirit can carry bitterness, fear, rejection and disappointment. Don't allow people's actions to destroy your inner peace. Forgive. Release. Move forward. 3. FEED YOUR SPIRIT Build yourself through: 1. God's Word 2. Prayer 3. Worship 4. Fellowship 5. Meditation Romans 10:17 (KJV) “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” 4. ENCOURAGE YOURSELF IN GOD Sometimes people will not be there to encourage you. David knew what it meant to encourage himself: 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV)“...but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” Learn to say: “I may be hurting, but I will not quit.” “I may be down, but I will rise again.” “God is still with me.” 5. LET TRIALS STRENGTHEN YOU Trials can develop patience, endurance and maturity. James 1:3 (KJV) “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” Don't waste your difficult seasons. Grow through them. KEY LESSON A strong spirit does not mean you never hurt. It means you don't allow the hurt to destroy you. You can cry and still believe. You can hurt and still hope. You can fall and still rise. FINAL CHARGE Build your spirit when life is peaceful, so it can sustain you when life becomes difficult. 1. Build your spirit. 2. Guard your spirit. 3. Feed your spirit. 4. Strengthen your faith. 5. Don't let a wounded spirit define your future. “Build your spirit before the battle; what you build in secret will sustain you in the storm.” PRAYER Father, strengthen my spirit. Heal every wounded place within me. Help me to feed my faith through Your Word, prayer and worship. Give me strength to stand in every difficult season and keep trusting You. In Jesus' name, Amen. Prepared by Rev. Frank Fabian Aidoo +233544295158
    0 Commenti 0 condivisioni 19 Views
  • LIBERATION FROM OCCULT OPPRESSION AND SUBJECTION. Part 2 of 2. Continued.
    Method of Deliverance.
    Wherever there has been occult participation in any form, it is essential that the following procedure be undertaken and carefully followed or liberation from occult subjection or oppression will not result. We cannot overemphasize that those suffering from occult oppression or subjection cannot be fully delivered in the usual manner by mere exorcism of spirits.

    Those who have allowed themselves to be bound by these dark powers can be liberated only by direct confession of occult sins and renunciation of Satan and his work in their lives. An experienced deliverance minister has seen those who have been prayed for previously for deliverance, sometimes several times without success, set free from Satan's bondage when the correct Scriptural procedure was undertaken.

    The same procedure is also necessary for those who were "passively" subjected or oppressed, who never willfully or actively participated in occultism. Those suffering affliction from the powers of darkness as a result of their identification and association with others who were involved in the occult, or who were subjected to such occult contacts as children, must confess and renounce these associations and contacts.

    1. Confession of faith in Christ.
    If the person needing liberation is already a Christian (as many are), he needs only to affirm his faith in Christ. Others, however, will have to be led to make this confession before the way is opened for their deliverance.

    Occasionally, there are those who are primarily seeking relief from demonic oppression, but who have no real interest in following Christ. Such individuals cannot be liberated, at least not permanently, for without a sincere commitment to Christ, there is no permanent basis for resisting the enemy's power.

    On the other hand, some are unable to make such a confession of Christ without help. One characteristic of occult subjection is the inability to make this confession. In such cases, the oppressed person, bound by the powers of darkness, must be led by a Christian to faith in Christ, repeating after him a saving confession. Do not be concerned about the sincerity of the confession in such cases, for if the subjected individual were not in earnest he would not be seeking liberation. Moreover, all the powers of darkness are often brought to bear upon the oppressed individual in an attempt to prevent just such a confession of faith, which, as they well know, opens the way for liberation from their bondage. Sometimes a person is so bound by these evil powers that Satan's hold must be broken by calling upon the power of the blood of Jesus. Then the individual will be able to follow another in a confession of faith in Christ.

    2. Confession of occult sins.
    All occult involvement must be confessed if liberation is to be realized. The oppressed should name each specific form of participation which can be recalled and confess it to God as sin. The individual should make a confession similar to the following: "Father, I confess that I have sinned against your Word by consulting a fortune teller (or by attending a seance, or Spiritualist meeting; by inquiring with the ouija board; by having warts or burns removed by magic charming; by following the horoscope, being hypnotized, or divining for water, as the case may be). I confess these practices as sin, as well as anything else of this nature which I may have forgotten. I ask for and accept your forgiveness, in Jesus' Name."

    Occasionally, a Christian suffering oppression and needing deliverance, whose occult involvement took place before his conversion to Christ, will question the necessity of confessing these practices now that he is a Christian, since all his sins were forgiven upon conversion. What we must bear in mind is that our present concern is not the oppressed individual's salvation, but his need for deliverance from occult oppression.

    Obviously, if the Christian seeking deliverance had been set free from Satan's oppression just by confessing faith in Christ, he would not be seeking liberation from this oppression! Moreover, in many cases, these individuals have also had prayer for deliverance and were not set free. There must be some hindrance and valid reason why their conversion to Christ and prayer for deliverance have not resulted in their liberation. An experienced minister has found that liberation does not come until occult sins are recognized and acknowledged as the cause.

    In the case of occult participation, one has, in essence, called upon other "gods" (Exodus 20), and has thereby opened the door to these oppressing spirits, who have access as long as the victim does not uncover their presence. The reason for such acknowledgment of occult participation is that one must go back to the place where he opened the door and gave access to the powers of darkness, and close it at that point. Admission of occult practices is an acknowledgment that the oppressed individual now recognizes such participation as a violation of the Scriptures.

    The necessity of such acknowledgment is seen in the fact that most who are oppressed as a result of occult involvement do not even know that they have violated God's commandments against these practices. Satan resists such admission because acknowledgment of specific occult sins uncovers his presence at the exact point where he has a hold on the victim. Satan hides, as it were, behind the unconfessed occult practices which keep the person bound. Confession removes this barrier and betrays Satan's presence, thus preparing the way for liberation from his bondage.

    It is true that upon conversion to Christ one's sins are all forgiven; but this does not guarantee he will not reap the consequences of what he has sown (Galatians 6:7). This is seen in the case of David, to whom God said that the sword would never depart from his house because of his sin with Bath-sheba (II Samuel 12). If one has lived such a life of disobedience and sin before conversion that the enemy has afflicted him with disease and sickness as a result, he is not automatically set free from such oppression, nor cured of these things, merely because he has confessed faith in Christ and has been forgiven those sins which caused his ailments. Upon conversion, spirits of infirmity such as epilepsy, blindness, dumbness, deafness, and so on, do not automatically leave their victims, who many times are innocently oppressed with these afflictions. So there is no Scriptural basis to think that oppressing spirits, who entered as a result of occult involvement, quietly depart when one becomes a Christian.

    By stressing that Christians need to acknowledge to God any involvement in occult practices which took place before their conversion, we are not suggesting that their sins were not all forgiven at Calvary. Rather, by making such admission to God, they now recognize and acknowledge these occult practices as a violation of Scripture, and as the cause of their oppression. When Christians are shown that their oppression is caused by previous occult involvement, and that such participation is a violation of Scripture, their acknowledgment to God of such practices opens the way for liberation from oppression.

    Obviously, those who have had occult involvement after conversion should make a confession similar to that already suggested, as soon as they learn that occult participation is a violation of Scripture, just as they would need to confess any sin they might commit as a Christian. But in cases where all occult involvement was before one's conversion to Christ, the individual needs to acknowledge to God his recognition that the practices of which he was guilty were sin, and were the cause of his present oppression. Such an admission, preparatory to liberation, uncovers the presence of the enemy at the exact place where he has a hold to oppress his victim. It might be expressed this way: "Heavenly Father, I thank You for now showing me the sinful character of occult practices. I now acknowledge that it was my visit to the fortuneteller (inquiring with the ouija board, attending a seance, and so on) in violation of the Scriptures, which opened the door to my oppression, and which was the cause of my present problems at the hands of the enemy. I believe that all my sins are under the blood of Christ, including these which You have now shown me, in Jesus' Name."

    One should not allow Satan, through pride or on the basis of theological argument, to hinder him from confessing or acknowledging occult participation, for the purpose of such admission is to unmask the presence of the enemy and reveal the point at which he holds his victim in bondage. Refusing to confess simply means that Satan remains concealed, hidden behind the unconfessed sin itself, for "he that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13).

    3. Renunciation of Satan and command to depart.
    This must be a direct command to Satan himself (not a prayer or request). The person seeking or needing the deliverance must command Satan to depart in Jesus' Name! Nobody else can do this for the oppressed or subjected person, since it was an act of this individual's will that opened the door to the enemy in the first place. At least for permanent liberation, Satan will heed a command to depart only if it comes from the same individual. This is one reason why many who are occultly subjected or oppressed are not permanently liberated, although others have prayed for them to be delivered. Satan contends, in the case of occult involvement, that he has the "right of access" to this person who has invited him in through occult participation, and that he will not leave until this same individual, by an act of his will, renounces him and commands him to depart. At this point, the oppressed individual should say, for example, "Satan, I hereby renounce you and all your works in my life. I command you in Jesus' Name to depart and trouble me no more! I hereby close the door to you forever."

    4. Exorcism: the prayer of deliverance.
    We believe that one can liberate himself by faith from occult bondage and oppression by (1) a confession of occult involvement, and (2) a renunciation of Satan, with the command for him to depart. A minister has found that liberation is usually felt quite definitely by the person who is suffering oppression during this act of exorcism when Satan is commanded to loose the victim and set him free in Jesus' Name. Again and again, a countenance which has been marred by depression as a result of Satanic oppression is immediately transformed, amid expressions of rejoicing and praise to God at the joy of actually experiencing the departure of the dark powers. Therefore, in unusual instances where the hold of demonic power is extremely strong, they should not hesitate to ask help from those who understand the nature of occult oppression and subjection and have in person deliverance. Fasting also may be required to cast out strong demons for Jesus said “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:28-29.)

    5. Responsibility of the liberated.
    The important thing to remember after deliverance has taken place is that deliverance is a walk, not a once for all experience without any responsibilities on the part of the person who has been set free. After deliverance it is necessary to build certain safeguards around the ground that has been liberated and recovered from the enemy. Jesus warns in Matthew 12:43-45 that deliverance is not necessarily permanent unless one takes certain spiritual precautions against the enemy's attempts to return. Thus, if the life of the liberated individual is not filled with faith and spiritually wholesome things, the evil spirit can return bringing with him "seven other spirits more wicked than himself, ... and the last state of that man is worse than the first."

    After a person is set free he should avoid all future contact with any form of spiritism or religious cults, and be on guard against new or strange doctrines that are not in harmony with Scripture. Moreover, one should not neglect to destroy all occult objects and literature (without regard to their cost), such as fortune telling cards, ouija boards, occult games, magic books, literature from such cults as Rosicrucians, Christian Science, Unity, and New Age, or by such authors as Edgar Cayce, Annalee Skarin, Harold Sherman, and so on (See Acts 19:18-19). It is imperative that one cultivate a strong faith and spiritual life after deliverance. We suggest the following:

    (1) Study of the Scriptures.
    Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17) and believing the Word. Strengthen your faith with such passages on deliverance, protection, and the power of Jesus' Name and blood as: Psalm 91; Romans 8:28-39; Revelation 12:11; Luke 10:17; Mark 16:17-18; John 10:27-29; Isaiah 54:11-17; Ephesians 2:6; 6:10-18; Exodus 12:23.

    (2) Prayer.
    Develop a consistent prayer life. Pray much in the Spirit. Praying in fellowship with other Biblically sound Christians in a prayer group develops faith and encourages spiritual growth. Prayer partners are recommended. See Luke 18:1; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20.

    (3) Fellowship.
    Spiritual fellowship with other members of the Body of Christ is essential. A member separated from one's physical body would soon atrophy and die. An ember taken from the fire soon grows cold. One who has suffered oppression especially needs communion with the saints in worship for mutual encouragement, and for spiritual nurture, growth, strength, and development. See Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:41-47.

    (4) Resistance.
    After liberation, Satan may seek to oppress again, or through temptation attempt to entice the individual to yield to him, in order to gain access to his life once more. It is well to remember, therefore, that Satan must have the consent of the individual's will in order to gain an entrance. We are told in I Timothy 4:1, for example, that those who departed from the faith gave heed to seducing spirits. We are admonished in Ephesians 4:27: "Neither give place to the devil," and in James 4:7: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." However, even if the enemy breaks through in a moment of weakness, one should immediately take a firm stand, refuse to give him further access, and demand that he depart.

    In order to maintain one's victory over the powers of darkness and prevent any future invasion of one's life by these malevolent spirits, it is essential to keep in mind the following principles of spiritual warfare:
    a. Confess your victory and deliverance through Jesus' blood (Revelation 12:11).

    b. Boldly state your authority over Satan by virtue of your position with Christ "far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion" (Ephesians 1:20-21; 2:6; Colossians 2:13-15; Psalm 91; Mark 16:17).

    c. Use the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit in time of temptation or assault from the enemy. Jesus overcame Satan's temptations with Scripture, saying: "It is written" (Matthew 4:1-11). Paul admonishes, "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one" (Ephesians 6:16).

    d. Resist Satan in faith, for we are in a spiritual warfare in which we can always have the victory if we will take it by faith (I Peter 5:8-9; Matthew 26:41; James 4:7; Ephesians 4:27).

    e. Put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). This should be done in faith daily, especially in time of great trial.

    f. Command Satan to depart in Jesus' Name when he tempts or attacks in any unusual manner, particularly when he seeks to take some advantage of a weakness, or makes an attack through another individual (Matthew 16:21-23; Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17).

    g. Guard your mind and thoughts. Absolutely refuse entrance into your heart and mind anything of a negative, critical, contrary, resentful, selfish, base, or depressive nature. Guard your mind jealously, for this is where the enemy usually strikes. Refuse every thought that is impure, unkind, offensive, unjust, evil, detrimental, or envious. Resist and repulse thoughts of pride, hate, resentment, slander, doubt, unbelief, anxiety, indifference, wrath, and self-pity. In so doing the enemy can gain no access to your life, inasmuch as the greater part of his effort is directed toward invading your mind. Few people resist him as they should at this point and thus fall prey to his influence and control. Failure to guard the mind and heart against Satan's deceiving, depressive, negative and destructive thoughts and suggestions is one of the major causes for oppression, sickness, fear, discord, depression, despair, strife, and failure. "Keep thy heart with all diligence: for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23).

    The responsibility of the one liberated to keep the door closed to further invasions by the powers of darkness cannot be over-emphasized, for a minister has seen a few who neglected their responsibility suffer oppression again. This warning should be especially heeded by those neurotic individuals who manifest a spirit of "self-pity" and "self-centeredness" as were described in our study on “Evidence of Occult Oppression and Subjection.” These individuals desire attention at any cost. Though it is a morbid and pathological desire for recognition, nevertheless, they feel such a deep-seated need for attention that they actually (often subconsciously) fear full deliverance, lest they lose the notice of others. They feel unable to face life or make independent decisions, and are threatened with a specter of failure and misfortune, so they do not follow through with their responsibility to keep the door closed to these dark powers. They constantly lament their fate, confess their doubt, fear and failure, and voice their problems and troubles to any and all who will listen.

    These individuals are to be firmly admonished concerning their failure to accept their responsibilities. They must never be pitied and sympathized with, since this only feeds the spirit of self-centeredness which thrives on attention and will depart only when it fails to get it. Pray for them, but do not, under any circumstances, encourage this condition. They must admit their weakness in this regard, command this spirit to leave, and firmly resist its efforts to return by not encouraging it with their own appetites for attention.

    There is no cure for the ego-centered person whose liberation from occult enslavement rests entirely in his own will. If he expects permanent victory, he must resist any new inroads by this spirit as resolutely as a former alcoholic or drug addict would resist taking another drink or injection of narcotics. In all cases, one maintains his position of victory by resistance and faith. State your victory by faith in the promises of God and stand on it.

    In summary, liberation from occult subjection and oppression basically involves three steps, which are the essential things to remember in dealing with those who have had any form of occult involvement. They are:

    (1) Confession of sins of occult participation;

    (2) Renunciation of Satan and the command for him to depart;

    (3) Exorcism (when required).

    In one minister's experience every person was liberated from the powers of darkness who sincerely desired it and followed these Scriptural requirements.

    After prayer for deliverance, accept the fact of your liberation from the powers of darkness by faith. Do not rely on "feelings" or "appearances" at this point. Stand on the Word of God. The assurance and evidence will come. Some who have received prayer for deliverance have not seen an immediate change; yet later they have testified of their definite liberation from oppression and subjection to occult powers. Many feel an immediate change and many do not. Stand on the promises of God no matter the feelings!

    Satan must release his victim when commanded to do so in Jesus' Name. Therefore, you should expect to see a change. However, he does not always obey immediately, so symptoms may not disappear right away. At this point, you must act your faith and boldly state the fact of your liberation with a promise from Scripture such as Colossians 1:13 "God has delivered me from the powers of darkness and translated me into the kingdom of His Son". Do not do as many and go by feelings and say it feels and looks like nothing changed in my circumstances so I must not be delivered. God said you were based on His word if you will believe and boldly state His word to all demonic oppression whenever it tries to manifest. Resist the devil and he will flee; we are admonished in James 4:7. The manifestation will surely follow your steadfast endurance and resistance to the powers of darkness, for the victory is won by faith! Edited. Shared.

    May God grant you the understanding and grace to overcome in all things, walk pleasing in His sight, used by God to help others find freedom also.

    God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
    ❤️LIBERATION FROM OCCULT OPPRESSION AND SUBJECTION. Part 2 of 2. Continued. Method of Deliverance. Wherever there has been occult participation in any form, it is essential that the following procedure be undertaken and carefully followed or liberation from occult subjection or oppression will not result. We cannot overemphasize that those suffering from occult oppression or subjection cannot be fully delivered in the usual manner by mere exorcism of spirits. Those who have allowed themselves to be bound by these dark powers can be liberated only by direct confession of occult sins and renunciation of Satan and his work in their lives. An experienced deliverance minister has seen those who have been prayed for previously for deliverance, sometimes several times without success, set free from Satan's bondage when the correct Scriptural procedure was undertaken. The same procedure is also necessary for those who were "passively" subjected or oppressed, who never willfully or actively participated in occultism. Those suffering affliction from the powers of darkness as a result of their identification and association with others who were involved in the occult, or who were subjected to such occult contacts as children, must confess and renounce these associations and contacts. 1. Confession of faith in Christ. If the person needing liberation is already a Christian (as many are), he needs only to affirm his faith in Christ. Others, however, will have to be led to make this confession before the way is opened for their deliverance. Occasionally, there are those who are primarily seeking relief from demonic oppression, but who have no real interest in following Christ. Such individuals cannot be liberated, at least not permanently, for without a sincere commitment to Christ, there is no permanent basis for resisting the enemy's power. On the other hand, some are unable to make such a confession of Christ without help. One characteristic of occult subjection is the inability to make this confession. In such cases, the oppressed person, bound by the powers of darkness, must be led by a Christian to faith in Christ, repeating after him a saving confession. Do not be concerned about the sincerity of the confession in such cases, for if the subjected individual were not in earnest he would not be seeking liberation. Moreover, all the powers of darkness are often brought to bear upon the oppressed individual in an attempt to prevent just such a confession of faith, which, as they well know, opens the way for liberation from their bondage. Sometimes a person is so bound by these evil powers that Satan's hold must be broken by calling upon the power of the blood of Jesus. Then the individual will be able to follow another in a confession of faith in Christ. 2. Confession of occult sins. All occult involvement must be confessed if liberation is to be realized. The oppressed should name each specific form of participation which can be recalled and confess it to God as sin. The individual should make a confession similar to the following: "Father, I confess that I have sinned against your Word by consulting a fortune teller (or by attending a seance, or Spiritualist meeting; by inquiring with the ouija board; by having warts or burns removed by magic charming; by following the horoscope, being hypnotized, or divining for water, as the case may be). I confess these practices as sin, as well as anything else of this nature which I may have forgotten. I ask for and accept your forgiveness, in Jesus' Name." Occasionally, a Christian suffering oppression and needing deliverance, whose occult involvement took place before his conversion to Christ, will question the necessity of confessing these practices now that he is a Christian, since all his sins were forgiven upon conversion. What we must bear in mind is that our present concern is not the oppressed individual's salvation, but his need for deliverance from occult oppression. Obviously, if the Christian seeking deliverance had been set free from Satan's oppression just by confessing faith in Christ, he would not be seeking liberation from this oppression! Moreover, in many cases, these individuals have also had prayer for deliverance and were not set free. There must be some hindrance and valid reason why their conversion to Christ and prayer for deliverance have not resulted in their liberation. An experienced minister has found that liberation does not come until occult sins are recognized and acknowledged as the cause. In the case of occult participation, one has, in essence, called upon other "gods" (Exodus 20), and has thereby opened the door to these oppressing spirits, who have access as long as the victim does not uncover their presence. The reason for such acknowledgment of occult participation is that one must go back to the place where he opened the door and gave access to the powers of darkness, and close it at that point. Admission of occult practices is an acknowledgment that the oppressed individual now recognizes such participation as a violation of the Scriptures. The necessity of such acknowledgment is seen in the fact that most who are oppressed as a result of occult involvement do not even know that they have violated God's commandments against these practices. Satan resists such admission because acknowledgment of specific occult sins uncovers his presence at the exact point where he has a hold on the victim. Satan hides, as it were, behind the unconfessed occult practices which keep the person bound. Confession removes this barrier and betrays Satan's presence, thus preparing the way for liberation from his bondage. It is true that upon conversion to Christ one's sins are all forgiven; but this does not guarantee he will not reap the consequences of what he has sown (Galatians 6:7). This is seen in the case of David, to whom God said that the sword would never depart from his house because of his sin with Bath-sheba (II Samuel 12). If one has lived such a life of disobedience and sin before conversion that the enemy has afflicted him with disease and sickness as a result, he is not automatically set free from such oppression, nor cured of these things, merely because he has confessed faith in Christ and has been forgiven those sins which caused his ailments. Upon conversion, spirits of infirmity such as epilepsy, blindness, dumbness, deafness, and so on, do not automatically leave their victims, who many times are innocently oppressed with these afflictions. So there is no Scriptural basis to think that oppressing spirits, who entered as a result of occult involvement, quietly depart when one becomes a Christian. By stressing that Christians need to acknowledge to God any involvement in occult practices which took place before their conversion, we are not suggesting that their sins were not all forgiven at Calvary. Rather, by making such admission to God, they now recognize and acknowledge these occult practices as a violation of Scripture, and as the cause of their oppression. When Christians are shown that their oppression is caused by previous occult involvement, and that such participation is a violation of Scripture, their acknowledgment to God of such practices opens the way for liberation from oppression. Obviously, those who have had occult involvement after conversion should make a confession similar to that already suggested, as soon as they learn that occult participation is a violation of Scripture, just as they would need to confess any sin they might commit as a Christian. But in cases where all occult involvement was before one's conversion to Christ, the individual needs to acknowledge to God his recognition that the practices of which he was guilty were sin, and were the cause of his present oppression. Such an admission, preparatory to liberation, uncovers the presence of the enemy at the exact place where he has a hold to oppress his victim. It might be expressed this way: "Heavenly Father, I thank You for now showing me the sinful character of occult practices. I now acknowledge that it was my visit to the fortuneteller (inquiring with the ouija board, attending a seance, and so on) in violation of the Scriptures, which opened the door to my oppression, and which was the cause of my present problems at the hands of the enemy. I believe that all my sins are under the blood of Christ, including these which You have now shown me, in Jesus' Name." One should not allow Satan, through pride or on the basis of theological argument, to hinder him from confessing or acknowledging occult participation, for the purpose of such admission is to unmask the presence of the enemy and reveal the point at which he holds his victim in bondage. Refusing to confess simply means that Satan remains concealed, hidden behind the unconfessed sin itself, for "he that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13). 3. Renunciation of Satan and command to depart. This must be a direct command to Satan himself (not a prayer or request). The person seeking or needing the deliverance must command Satan to depart in Jesus' Name! Nobody else can do this for the oppressed or subjected person, since it was an act of this individual's will that opened the door to the enemy in the first place. At least for permanent liberation, Satan will heed a command to depart only if it comes from the same individual. This is one reason why many who are occultly subjected or oppressed are not permanently liberated, although others have prayed for them to be delivered. Satan contends, in the case of occult involvement, that he has the "right of access" to this person who has invited him in through occult participation, and that he will not leave until this same individual, by an act of his will, renounces him and commands him to depart. At this point, the oppressed individual should say, for example, "Satan, I hereby renounce you and all your works in my life. I command you in Jesus' Name to depart and trouble me no more! I hereby close the door to you forever." 4. Exorcism: the prayer of deliverance. We believe that one can liberate himself by faith from occult bondage and oppression by (1) a confession of occult involvement, and (2) a renunciation of Satan, with the command for him to depart. A minister has found that liberation is usually felt quite definitely by the person who is suffering oppression during this act of exorcism when Satan is commanded to loose the victim and set him free in Jesus' Name. Again and again, a countenance which has been marred by depression as a result of Satanic oppression is immediately transformed, amid expressions of rejoicing and praise to God at the joy of actually experiencing the departure of the dark powers. Therefore, in unusual instances where the hold of demonic power is extremely strong, they should not hesitate to ask help from those who understand the nature of occult oppression and subjection and have in person deliverance. Fasting also may be required to cast out strong demons for Jesus said “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:28-29.) 5. Responsibility of the liberated. The important thing to remember after deliverance has taken place is that deliverance is a walk, not a once for all experience without any responsibilities on the part of the person who has been set free. After deliverance it is necessary to build certain safeguards around the ground that has been liberated and recovered from the enemy. Jesus warns in Matthew 12:43-45 that deliverance is not necessarily permanent unless one takes certain spiritual precautions against the enemy's attempts to return. Thus, if the life of the liberated individual is not filled with faith and spiritually wholesome things, the evil spirit can return bringing with him "seven other spirits more wicked than himself, ... and the last state of that man is worse than the first." After a person is set free he should avoid all future contact with any form of spiritism or religious cults, and be on guard against new or strange doctrines that are not in harmony with Scripture. Moreover, one should not neglect to destroy all occult objects and literature (without regard to their cost), such as fortune telling cards, ouija boards, occult games, magic books, literature from such cults as Rosicrucians, Christian Science, Unity, and New Age, or by such authors as Edgar Cayce, Annalee Skarin, Harold Sherman, and so on (See Acts 19:18-19). It is imperative that one cultivate a strong faith and spiritual life after deliverance. We suggest the following: (1) Study of the Scriptures. Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17) and believing the Word. Strengthen your faith with such passages on deliverance, protection, and the power of Jesus' Name and blood as: Psalm 91; Romans 8:28-39; Revelation 12:11; Luke 10:17; Mark 16:17-18; John 10:27-29; Isaiah 54:11-17; Ephesians 2:6; 6:10-18; Exodus 12:23. (2) Prayer. Develop a consistent prayer life. Pray much in the Spirit. Praying in fellowship with other Biblically sound Christians in a prayer group develops faith and encourages spiritual growth. Prayer partners are recommended. See Luke 18:1; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20. (3) Fellowship. Spiritual fellowship with other members of the Body of Christ is essential. A member separated from one's physical body would soon atrophy and die. An ember taken from the fire soon grows cold. One who has suffered oppression especially needs communion with the saints in worship for mutual encouragement, and for spiritual nurture, growth, strength, and development. See Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:41-47. (4) Resistance. After liberation, Satan may seek to oppress again, or through temptation attempt to entice the individual to yield to him, in order to gain access to his life once more. It is well to remember, therefore, that Satan must have the consent of the individual's will in order to gain an entrance. We are told in I Timothy 4:1, for example, that those who departed from the faith gave heed to seducing spirits. We are admonished in Ephesians 4:27: "Neither give place to the devil," and in James 4:7: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." However, even if the enemy breaks through in a moment of weakness, one should immediately take a firm stand, refuse to give him further access, and demand that he depart. In order to maintain one's victory over the powers of darkness and prevent any future invasion of one's life by these malevolent spirits, it is essential to keep in mind the following principles of spiritual warfare: a. Confess your victory and deliverance through Jesus' blood (Revelation 12:11). b. Boldly state your authority over Satan by virtue of your position with Christ "far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion" (Ephesians 1:20-21; 2:6; Colossians 2:13-15; Psalm 91; Mark 16:17). c. Use the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit in time of temptation or assault from the enemy. Jesus overcame Satan's temptations with Scripture, saying: "It is written" (Matthew 4:1-11). Paul admonishes, "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one" (Ephesians 6:16). d. Resist Satan in faith, for we are in a spiritual warfare in which we can always have the victory if we will take it by faith (I Peter 5:8-9; Matthew 26:41; James 4:7; Ephesians 4:27). e. Put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). This should be done in faith daily, especially in time of great trial. f. Command Satan to depart in Jesus' Name when he tempts or attacks in any unusual manner, particularly when he seeks to take some advantage of a weakness, or makes an attack through another individual (Matthew 16:21-23; Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17). g. Guard your mind and thoughts. Absolutely refuse entrance into your heart and mind anything of a negative, critical, contrary, resentful, selfish, base, or depressive nature. Guard your mind jealously, for this is where the enemy usually strikes. Refuse every thought that is impure, unkind, offensive, unjust, evil, detrimental, or envious. Resist and repulse thoughts of pride, hate, resentment, slander, doubt, unbelief, anxiety, indifference, wrath, and self-pity. In so doing the enemy can gain no access to your life, inasmuch as the greater part of his effort is directed toward invading your mind. Few people resist him as they should at this point and thus fall prey to his influence and control. Failure to guard the mind and heart against Satan's deceiving, depressive, negative and destructive thoughts and suggestions is one of the major causes for oppression, sickness, fear, discord, depression, despair, strife, and failure. "Keep thy heart with all diligence: for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23). The responsibility of the one liberated to keep the door closed to further invasions by the powers of darkness cannot be over-emphasized, for a minister has seen a few who neglected their responsibility suffer oppression again. This warning should be especially heeded by those neurotic individuals who manifest a spirit of "self-pity" and "self-centeredness" as were described in our study on “Evidence of Occult Oppression and Subjection.” These individuals desire attention at any cost. Though it is a morbid and pathological desire for recognition, nevertheless, they feel such a deep-seated need for attention that they actually (often subconsciously) fear full deliverance, lest they lose the notice of others. They feel unable to face life or make independent decisions, and are threatened with a specter of failure and misfortune, so they do not follow through with their responsibility to keep the door closed to these dark powers. They constantly lament their fate, confess their doubt, fear and failure, and voice their problems and troubles to any and all who will listen. These individuals are to be firmly admonished concerning their failure to accept their responsibilities. They must never be pitied and sympathized with, since this only feeds the spirit of self-centeredness which thrives on attention and will depart only when it fails to get it. Pray for them, but do not, under any circumstances, encourage this condition. They must admit their weakness in this regard, command this spirit to leave, and firmly resist its efforts to return by not encouraging it with their own appetites for attention. There is no cure for the ego-centered person whose liberation from occult enslavement rests entirely in his own will. If he expects permanent victory, he must resist any new inroads by this spirit as resolutely as a former alcoholic or drug addict would resist taking another drink or injection of narcotics. In all cases, one maintains his position of victory by resistance and faith. State your victory by faith in the promises of God and stand on it. In summary, liberation from occult subjection and oppression basically involves three steps, which are the essential things to remember in dealing with those who have had any form of occult involvement. They are: (1) Confession of sins of occult participation; (2) Renunciation of Satan and the command for him to depart; (3) Exorcism (when required). In one minister's experience every person was liberated from the powers of darkness who sincerely desired it and followed these Scriptural requirements. After prayer for deliverance, accept the fact of your liberation from the powers of darkness by faith. Do not rely on "feelings" or "appearances" at this point. Stand on the Word of God. The assurance and evidence will come. Some who have received prayer for deliverance have not seen an immediate change; yet later they have testified of their definite liberation from oppression and subjection to occult powers. Many feel an immediate change and many do not. Stand on the promises of God no matter the feelings! Satan must release his victim when commanded to do so in Jesus' Name. Therefore, you should expect to see a change. However, he does not always obey immediately, so symptoms may not disappear right away. At this point, you must act your faith and boldly state the fact of your liberation with a promise from Scripture such as Colossians 1:13 "God has delivered me from the powers of darkness and translated me into the kingdom of His Son". Do not do as many and go by feelings and say it feels and looks like nothing changed in my circumstances so I must not be delivered. God said you were based on His word if you will believe and boldly state His word to all demonic oppression whenever it tries to manifest. Resist the devil and he will flee; we are admonished in James 4:7. The manifestation will surely follow your steadfast endurance and resistance to the powers of darkness, for the victory is won by faith! Edited. Shared. May God grant you the understanding and grace to overcome in all things, walk pleasing in His sight, used by God to help others find freedom also. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
    Like
    Love
    12
    1 Commenti 0 condivisioni 1158 Views
  • LIBERATION FROM OCCULT OPPRESSION AND SUBJECTION. Part 1 of 2.
    Two significant questions stand as a hindrance in the minds of those who are unaware of the reality and extent of satanic influence and enslavement among Christians. Satan has used erroneous teachings and beliefs, based neither upon Scripture nor experience, to delude many concerning the following questions:

    1. Can a Christian be oppressed by Satan, or possess evil spirits?

    2. Can one who has never actively participated in any form of occultism be occultly subjected or oppressed?

    The answer to both questions is "yes," and this can be supported both from Scripture and experience.

    Question 1: Can a Christian be oppressed by Satan, or possess evil spirits?
    Believers can be oppressed, vexed, depressed, hindered, bound, and afflicted by Satan, or even suffer infestation by demonic spirits. Absolute demon possession is when the life and will of a person are completely under the dominion and control of Satan. This is different from the invasion of the mind or body by malevolent spirits, such as spirits of infirmity, fear, resentment, doubt, and depression. We refer to the latter condition when we speak of a Christian suffering "infestation" by evil spirits; demon possession, per se, is what we see in the account of the Gadarene demoniac in Mark 5.

    In any case, when malevolent spirits invade the mind or body of a Christian, they must be "cast out" before deliverance from the problems which they cause can be realized. For this reason, we say that such individuals are oppressed by Satan or infested with evil spirits to which they have yielded for one reason or another.

    One may sit in an "ivory tower" and debate the theological possibility of this fact at length, but just one or two encounters with the reality of the powers of darkness in the lives of Christians today can do much to correct one's theology on this matter. A certain pastor knows by experience that believers can be oppressed and suffer invasion of the mind and body by malicious spirits. Of those a certain pastor has dealt with and seen God deliver from all forms of demonic oppression and enslavement resulting from occult involvement, the vast majority were Christians! In fact, many of these were believers who had received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. By occult participation, one can open the door to oppression or invasion by the powers of darkness either before or after becoming a Christian.

    The fact that believers can be oppressed or suffer infestation by demonic spirits is seen in many examples from the Scriptures.

    . The oppressing misfortunes and physical affliction of Job are said to be the work of Satan (Job 1-2).

    . Even in the House of God there can be those possessed with unclean spirits as Mark 1:23-26 clearly teaches: "And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit," whom Jesus set free. There is no reason to doubt that he was a believer who had gone there to worship.

    . The woman bowed together by Satan and delivered of a "spirit of infirmity" by Jesus was also in the synagogue. She was a believer ("a daughter of Abraham") and was said to have been bound by Satan with a spirit of infirmity, which was cast out of her (Luke 13:11-16).

    . It is implied in II Timothy 2:23-26 that believers need to recover themselves from "the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."

    . A believer in the church at Corinth was doubtless possessed with a spirit of lust, and later suffered oppression at the hands of Satan, for the Apostle admonished the church to deliver this member "unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus" (I Corinthians 5:1-5).

    . Jesus "rebuked" the fever in Peter's mother-in-law and she was healed (Luke 4:38-39). Quite obviously, one does not rebuke a mere rise in temperature, but He addressed Himself to a personality, a spirit causing the fever.

    . Jesus uses this same term to rebuke Satan in Mark 8:33, and demons in Mark 9:25. Since the Scriptures teach that all sickness is the "oppression" of Satan (Acts 10:38), then any Christian who becomes sick or diseased is suffering satanic oppression.

    If the oppressed are to be set free, we must rid ourselves of the naive and unscriptural notion that believers cannot be oppressed by Satan, or possess evil spirits in some instances. We must give up the opinion that being a Christian automatically safeguards one against any such invasion. Satan has deluded Christians into believing that, since Jesus defeated him at the Cross, we can just ignore him today; or even if one were oppressed or possessed with spirits before conversion, he is somehow mysteriously set free when saved.

    If this were true, then why do not blind, deaf, dumb, or epileptic spirits leave upon the conversion of the afflicted person? Why do not cancers and other diseases leave those oppressed by Satan with these ailments when they are converted to Christ? How is it possible for Christians still to be subject to fear, depression, insanity, disease, and pain if believers cannot be oppressed by the powers of darkness? How, then, do we account for Peter speaking at one moment by divine revelation and the next being moved by Satan to speak words which Jesus soundly rebuked, addressing His rebuke to Satan himself (Matthew 16:13-23)?

    Simon the sorcerer is said to have believed and been baptized, and there is certainly no reason to exclude him from the number of Samaritans who also received the baptism in the Holy Spirit; yet he had not completely been delivered from his occult bondage and was commanded to repent and pray (Acts 8.). If Satan cannot invade the life of a believer, how then was he able to "fill" the hearts of Ananias and Sapphira, two disciples in the early church (Acts 5:1-11)? One of the strongest arguments against the unscriptural position that Satan presents no serious threat to the believer is given by the apostle Paul in II Corinthians 12, where he states that he himself suffered oppression at the hands of "the messenger of Satan" who was allowed to buffet him.

    There are two dangerous and unscriptural attitudes toward Satan and his demonic forces. One is to deny, as liberal theologians do, the reality and existence of a personal adversary, the Devil. But the other is equally absurd. Most contemporary Christians treat the subject with an attitude of indifference. They are naive concerning Satan's extensive power and work, and are deluded into thinking that he presents no real threat to the believer beyond tempting one to sin now and then.

    There is absolutely no Scriptural basis for such an attitude. On the contrary, Scripture repeatedly warns believers to "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith" (I Peter 5:8-9), and "neither give place to the devil" (Ephesians 4:27). The New Testament describes the Christian life as a spiritual warfare, admonishing the believer to "resist the devil" (James 4:7), and to "put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:11-12).

    Scripture abounds with references to a spiritual conflict, which the believer is to take seriously, against an evil, cunning, and powerful adversary who rules over a vast, highly organized kingdom, consisting of principalities, powers, and world rulers of the darkness of this age. He is designated as "the prince of the power of the air," "the ruler of this world," and "the god of this age." When he offered the kingdoms of this world to Jesus in return for worship, the Lord did not challenge his right to offer them, for the precise reason that they belong to him.

    His chief strategy, therefore, is to convince believers that he does not have to be taken seriously. As a result, he has achieved tremendous victories over men in many instances. To see the folly in the unscriptural notion that Satan presents no serious threat to the believer, one needs only to recall some of the instances given in Scripture of his victories in the lives of the unwary and careless. Note, for example, the fall of Adam and Eve from their state of sinlessness, together with all their posterity; the yielding of King Saul to an evil spirit and his tragic end; the sin of David and its consequences; the apostasy of Judas, one of the twelve apostles; the denial of Christ by Peter, who was also an apostle; the influence of Satan in the lives of Ananias and Sapphira, two of the first disciples in the early church; the incestuous sin of a member of the Corinthian church; the desertion of the apostle Paul by his fellow-worker, Demas, who returned to the world and gave up Christianity; the blasphemy of Hymenaeus and Alexander, which resulted in their excommunication; as well as the sins and low moral and spiritual state of several of the first-century Christian churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation, which necessitated the sharp rebuke by Christ. To these may be added the prophetic warnings of Scripture concerning the great end-time apostasy and falling away as a result of satanic and demonic influence and work, e.g ., II Thessalonians 2:1-12; I Timothy 4:1-3; II Timothy 3:1-9; Matthew 24:24; Revelation 13; Acts 20:28-31. Thus, the Scriptures plainly forewarn believers that some will be influenced by Satan, drawn away by his deceptions, for "the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (I Timothy 4:1). Note carefully that it says here that some shall "depart from the faith." Quite clearly, an individual must first profess faith before he can "depart" from the faith, as unbelievers were never in the faith. Of the disciples Hymenaeus and Alexander it is said that they "thrust away" the faith from them.

    Moreover, the Scriptures show that Satan can discourage believers through trials, tempting them to turn away from Christ (Hebrews 3; 6; 10); hinder believers (I Thessalonians 2:18), or even an angel (Daniel 10:12-13); deceive believers (I Timothy 1:18-20; 2:14); speak through believers (Matthew 16:21-23); influence believers (James 3:14-15; Acts 5:1-11); destroy their possessions (Job 1); afflict them with disease (Job 2), destroy their flesh (I Corinthians 5), or bind them with a spirit of infirmity (Luke 13:11-13); oppress them (II Corinthians 12:7); and sift them as wheat (Luke 22:31-32).

    Satanic oppression is to be found in the lives of many saints. The apostle Paul was oppressed by "the angel or messenger of Satan." Satan and demons were very real to Anthony of Egypt, who had many face-to face conflicts with them. Tertullian speaks of the opposition of demons to Christians whom they seek to terrify and injure. Luther tells of repeated attempts by Satan to interfere with him and his ministry by direct attacks in the form of ghostly noises, poltergeist phenomena, and other weird occurrences. On one occasion, Satan even manifested himself to him. The Wesley family also endured poltergeist attacks which disturbed the peace of the rectory at night with loud knocks, raps on the walls and beds, phantom footsteps, objects flying about mysteriously, and apparitions. St. Teresa suffered much vexation and oppression at the hands of Satan. She sometimes experienced direct spiritual, mental, and physical attacks, as did the Cure d'Ars, Jean-Marie Vianney, A.B. Simpson, and many others.

    Of course, in setting forth the Scriptural basis for the reality of satanic oppression and demonic attacks upon the believer, we have not forgotten that the believer has victory in Christ over Satan. He is seated in a place of authority with Christ in the heavenlies, far above all principalities and powers (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:12-15). But we are recognizing what the contemporary church often overlooks: that the first rule in effective warfare is to know your enemy, his methods, strength, and tactics.

    Because of the compelling evidence, some will admit that a Christian can be oppressed, depressed, attacked, and vexed by evil spirits; they just cannot accept the fact that a Christian can be infested with such spirits. But if a Christian is suffering from a cancer or mental illness, what is the difference whether we say he is being "oppressed" by Satan, or that an evil spirit has actually "invaded" his body or mind? The source and result are the same. In either event, we have to deal with Satan if liberation is to come. The only difference is in how we deal with the situation: in cases of possession, exorcism of these malevolent spirits is required; in cases of oppression, prayer alone is usually sufficient.

    Many reliable witnesses agree that Christians can be infested with demons, as well as oppressed by them. When questioned about the possibility of a Christian being possessed by demonic spirits, Dr. V. R. Edman, former president of Wheaton College, replied that theory would say, "no," but the facts say, "yes." Theoretically a demon cannot possess a body in which the Holy Spirit resides; but Dr. Edman said that he knew of true Christians who were truly demon possessed and who were delivered by prayer in Jesus' Name. In a certain pastor’s personal experience, the majority of those for whom he has prayed for deliverance from occult oppression or subjection were Christians, including ministers and the wives of ministers.

    Gordon Lindsay writes: "It is a matter of grave concern to observe the number of ways that demons are attacking, harassing, and actually dominating people who are professing Christians."

    Dr. Russell Meade points out in his book on demonism today, based on his experience in the deliverance of Christians, that there is no Biblical evidence for thinking that the Holy Spirit and a demon cannot inhabit the same body.

    H.A. Maxwell Whyte wrote, " ... we have seen hundreds of people manifestly delivered from all kinds of evil spirits ... our young people have needed this strong prayer of deliverance .... Many today are being set free from unclean spirits ... young people for whom we have prayed are members of Christian churches." He continues, "Most Christians are far more bound by Satan and his legions than they realize, or will readily admit. The whole subject is shrouded in mystery and fear. Pride will not permit us to admit a need, and to permit another to pray for us."

    A.J. MacMillan wrote, "The objection is frequently made that a true child of God cannot be brought thus under the power of the enemy. Experience disproves this, for even spiritual believers and earnest and successful workers have suffered .... "

    Dr. Kurt E. Koch, in his book on occultism, cites numerous instances in his ministry of Christians needing liberation from occult subjection and oppression.

    A well known American evangelist told of a missionary who became possessed by tormenting, malevolent spirits, and suffered terribly until he received deliverance. He then said that similar experiences may be more common among Christians than we suppose.

    Some who have had occult involvement before their conversion to Christ, although none since, have asked, "How is it possible for a Christian to continue suffering oppression or subjection because of this preconversion participation?" The answer is simple: the "door" which they opened to the powers of darkness by their occult participation remains open to these oppressing spirits until the individuals, by a definite act of faith and personal exercise of the will, close the door against the satanic invasion.

    If I had opened the door of my home to a murderer, thief, and reprobate, and invited him in before my conversion, the criminal would not automatically vacate the premises merely because I later changed my interests. I would have to deliberately eject him from the house, and close and lock the door against further intrusion. All occult participation, regardless of the kind or degree of involvement, is an open invitation for the powers of darkness to invade the premises. Satan does not withdraw his influences and work until commanded to do so, for he claims certain "trespass rights" in the life of such individuals.

    We are not merely theorizing as to the theological "possibility" of invasions by the powers of darkness in the lives of believers. The fact of such oppression and subjection is based upon the teachings of Scripture and upon experience. There is abundant evidence, for those who care to investigate the matter, to prove that a person's turning his back upon occult participation after becoming a Christian does not mean that the powers of darkness have turned their back upon him!

    Question 2: Can a Christian who has never actively participated in any form of occultism be occultly subjected or oppressed?
    A certain pastor has found many cases where a person who never actively participated in any form of occult practice still suffered oppression or subjection. This is referred to as "passive" oppression or subjection by these powers. Disease can be inherited by the innocent from their ancestors; moral degeneracy and undesirable traits such as uncontrollable anger, dissipation, or intemperance are found in children whose parents bear the same traits; so too, children whose parents and/or blood relations have had occult contacts often suffer various forms of occult bondage and oppression. Christians who were subjected to occult influences in childhood often find that they need liberation from the powers of darkness which have gained access and are oppressing them in mind, in body, or in some other manner.

    We are not trying to convince the skeptics of the reality of passive oppression. Our purpose is to help those who know of no active participation in occult practices on their own part, yet are suffering some form of oppression for reasons unknown to themselves.

    A certain pastor has dealt with individuals who were suffering from "passive" oppression or subjection of every description: chronic fear or doubt, uncontrollable lust, persistent illness, emotional instability, or depression. Some tell of suffering incubi assaults; of hearing spirit voices; of seeing demonic apparitions; of possessing clairvoyant and psychic powers; and so on, all of which result, not from their active occult participation, but either from the occult involvements of their relatives, or from having been innocently subjected to occult influences as children.

    Passive subjection and oppression have resulted from a child being taken to an occult "healer" to have warts removed, burns healed, or diseases cured by magic charming or other occult means. Children have also been subjected by being taken to the meetings of Spiritualists and other religious cults (Theosophy, Rosicrucian, Christian Science, Unity, etc.). Passive oppression or subjection has also been found in those whose parents or grandparents have been involved in seances, fortunetelling, or other forms of spiritism and occultism.

    The Scriptures show the innocent suffering oppression by Satan and sometimes possession by evil spirits. For example, in the case of the boy who was possessed with an unclean, deaf and dumb spirit, his father said the spirit entered the boy as a child (Mark 9:17-29). The disciples' question in John 9:2: "Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" indicates the possibility of a prenatal cause for oppression by Satan. The apostle Paul shows in Romans 5:12-14 that all mankind is affected by the curse which fell upon Adam as a result of his transgression.

    Finally, it should be pointed out that there is no such thing as "minor" or "harmless" involvement where the powers of darkness are concerned. Some of the most severely oppressed victims merely had warts removed by magic charming; played with the ouija board "in fun"; attended a religious cult or Spiritualist meeting "out of curiosity"; had their fortune read (though they contend that they "never really believed such things were genuine"); or followed the horoscope column in the newspaper each day (though they "did not allow it to affect" their lives and decisions). When one enters Satan's domain for whatever reason, he opens himself to demonic oppression or subjection, and invokes upon himself the curse of God, whose Word clearly declares that those who participate in any form of occultism are an abomination unto Him!

    In view of all of this, the reality of Christians being oppressed and the innocent sometimes suffering passive oppression should be apparent. This reality must be recognized and acknowledged before liberation from these powers of darkness can be considered. A certain pastor has found from experience that, until the individual under oppression sees and admits the connection between his occult involvement and such oppression, he cannot exercise sufficient faith to resist and overcome it. But where such acknowledgment is present, liberation in the Name of Jesus Christ is certain. Edited. Shared.
    To be Continued.

    God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
    ❤️LIBERATION FROM OCCULT OPPRESSION AND SUBJECTION. Part 1 of 2. Two significant questions stand as a hindrance in the minds of those who are unaware of the reality and extent of satanic influence and enslavement among Christians. Satan has used erroneous teachings and beliefs, based neither upon Scripture nor experience, to delude many concerning the following questions: 1. Can a Christian be oppressed by Satan, or possess evil spirits? 2. Can one who has never actively participated in any form of occultism be occultly subjected or oppressed? The answer to both questions is "yes," and this can be supported both from Scripture and experience. Question 1: Can a Christian be oppressed by Satan, or possess evil spirits? Believers can be oppressed, vexed, depressed, hindered, bound, and afflicted by Satan, or even suffer infestation by demonic spirits. Absolute demon possession is when the life and will of a person are completely under the dominion and control of Satan. This is different from the invasion of the mind or body by malevolent spirits, such as spirits of infirmity, fear, resentment, doubt, and depression. We refer to the latter condition when we speak of a Christian suffering "infestation" by evil spirits; demon possession, per se, is what we see in the account of the Gadarene demoniac in Mark 5. In any case, when malevolent spirits invade the mind or body of a Christian, they must be "cast out" before deliverance from the problems which they cause can be realized. For this reason, we say that such individuals are oppressed by Satan or infested with evil spirits to which they have yielded for one reason or another. One may sit in an "ivory tower" and debate the theological possibility of this fact at length, but just one or two encounters with the reality of the powers of darkness in the lives of Christians today can do much to correct one's theology on this matter. A certain pastor knows by experience that believers can be oppressed and suffer invasion of the mind and body by malicious spirits. Of those a certain pastor has dealt with and seen God deliver from all forms of demonic oppression and enslavement resulting from occult involvement, the vast majority were Christians! In fact, many of these were believers who had received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. By occult participation, one can open the door to oppression or invasion by the powers of darkness either before or after becoming a Christian. The fact that believers can be oppressed or suffer infestation by demonic spirits is seen in many examples from the Scriptures. . The oppressing misfortunes and physical affliction of Job are said to be the work of Satan (Job 1-2). . Even in the House of God there can be those possessed with unclean spirits as Mark 1:23-26 clearly teaches: "And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit," whom Jesus set free. There is no reason to doubt that he was a believer who had gone there to worship. . The woman bowed together by Satan and delivered of a "spirit of infirmity" by Jesus was also in the synagogue. She was a believer ("a daughter of Abraham") and was said to have been bound by Satan with a spirit of infirmity, which was cast out of her (Luke 13:11-16). . It is implied in II Timothy 2:23-26 that believers need to recover themselves from "the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." . A believer in the church at Corinth was doubtless possessed with a spirit of lust, and later suffered oppression at the hands of Satan, for the Apostle admonished the church to deliver this member "unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus" (I Corinthians 5:1-5). . Jesus "rebuked" the fever in Peter's mother-in-law and she was healed (Luke 4:38-39). Quite obviously, one does not rebuke a mere rise in temperature, but He addressed Himself to a personality, a spirit causing the fever. . Jesus uses this same term to rebuke Satan in Mark 8:33, and demons in Mark 9:25. Since the Scriptures teach that all sickness is the "oppression" of Satan (Acts 10:38), then any Christian who becomes sick or diseased is suffering satanic oppression. If the oppressed are to be set free, we must rid ourselves of the naive and unscriptural notion that believers cannot be oppressed by Satan, or possess evil spirits in some instances. We must give up the opinion that being a Christian automatically safeguards one against any such invasion. Satan has deluded Christians into believing that, since Jesus defeated him at the Cross, we can just ignore him today; or even if one were oppressed or possessed with spirits before conversion, he is somehow mysteriously set free when saved. If this were true, then why do not blind, deaf, dumb, or epileptic spirits leave upon the conversion of the afflicted person? Why do not cancers and other diseases leave those oppressed by Satan with these ailments when they are converted to Christ? How is it possible for Christians still to be subject to fear, depression, insanity, disease, and pain if believers cannot be oppressed by the powers of darkness? How, then, do we account for Peter speaking at one moment by divine revelation and the next being moved by Satan to speak words which Jesus soundly rebuked, addressing His rebuke to Satan himself (Matthew 16:13-23)? Simon the sorcerer is said to have believed and been baptized, and there is certainly no reason to exclude him from the number of Samaritans who also received the baptism in the Holy Spirit; yet he had not completely been delivered from his occult bondage and was commanded to repent and pray (Acts 8.). If Satan cannot invade the life of a believer, how then was he able to "fill" the hearts of Ananias and Sapphira, two disciples in the early church (Acts 5:1-11)? One of the strongest arguments against the unscriptural position that Satan presents no serious threat to the believer is given by the apostle Paul in II Corinthians 12, where he states that he himself suffered oppression at the hands of "the messenger of Satan" who was allowed to buffet him. There are two dangerous and unscriptural attitudes toward Satan and his demonic forces. One is to deny, as liberal theologians do, the reality and existence of a personal adversary, the Devil. But the other is equally absurd. Most contemporary Christians treat the subject with an attitude of indifference. They are naive concerning Satan's extensive power and work, and are deluded into thinking that he presents no real threat to the believer beyond tempting one to sin now and then. There is absolutely no Scriptural basis for such an attitude. On the contrary, Scripture repeatedly warns believers to "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith" (I Peter 5:8-9), and "neither give place to the devil" (Ephesians 4:27). The New Testament describes the Christian life as a spiritual warfare, admonishing the believer to "resist the devil" (James 4:7), and to "put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:11-12). Scripture abounds with references to a spiritual conflict, which the believer is to take seriously, against an evil, cunning, and powerful adversary who rules over a vast, highly organized kingdom, consisting of principalities, powers, and world rulers of the darkness of this age. He is designated as "the prince of the power of the air," "the ruler of this world," and "the god of this age." When he offered the kingdoms of this world to Jesus in return for worship, the Lord did not challenge his right to offer them, for the precise reason that they belong to him. His chief strategy, therefore, is to convince believers that he does not have to be taken seriously. As a result, he has achieved tremendous victories over men in many instances. To see the folly in the unscriptural notion that Satan presents no serious threat to the believer, one needs only to recall some of the instances given in Scripture of his victories in the lives of the unwary and careless. Note, for example, the fall of Adam and Eve from their state of sinlessness, together with all their posterity; the yielding of King Saul to an evil spirit and his tragic end; the sin of David and its consequences; the apostasy of Judas, one of the twelve apostles; the denial of Christ by Peter, who was also an apostle; the influence of Satan in the lives of Ananias and Sapphira, two of the first disciples in the early church; the incestuous sin of a member of the Corinthian church; the desertion of the apostle Paul by his fellow-worker, Demas, who returned to the world and gave up Christianity; the blasphemy of Hymenaeus and Alexander, which resulted in their excommunication; as well as the sins and low moral and spiritual state of several of the first-century Christian churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation, which necessitated the sharp rebuke by Christ. To these may be added the prophetic warnings of Scripture concerning the great end-time apostasy and falling away as a result of satanic and demonic influence and work, e.g ., II Thessalonians 2:1-12; I Timothy 4:1-3; II Timothy 3:1-9; Matthew 24:24; Revelation 13; Acts 20:28-31. Thus, the Scriptures plainly forewarn believers that some will be influenced by Satan, drawn away by his deceptions, for "the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (I Timothy 4:1). Note carefully that it says here that some shall "depart from the faith." Quite clearly, an individual must first profess faith before he can "depart" from the faith, as unbelievers were never in the faith. Of the disciples Hymenaeus and Alexander it is said that they "thrust away" the faith from them. Moreover, the Scriptures show that Satan can discourage believers through trials, tempting them to turn away from Christ (Hebrews 3; 6; 10); hinder believers (I Thessalonians 2:18), or even an angel (Daniel 10:12-13); deceive believers (I Timothy 1:18-20; 2:14); speak through believers (Matthew 16:21-23); influence believers (James 3:14-15; Acts 5:1-11); destroy their possessions (Job 1); afflict them with disease (Job 2), destroy their flesh (I Corinthians 5), or bind them with a spirit of infirmity (Luke 13:11-13); oppress them (II Corinthians 12:7); and sift them as wheat (Luke 22:31-32). Satanic oppression is to be found in the lives of many saints. The apostle Paul was oppressed by "the angel or messenger of Satan." Satan and demons were very real to Anthony of Egypt, who had many face-to face conflicts with them. Tertullian speaks of the opposition of demons to Christians whom they seek to terrify and injure. Luther tells of repeated attempts by Satan to interfere with him and his ministry by direct attacks in the form of ghostly noises, poltergeist phenomena, and other weird occurrences. On one occasion, Satan even manifested himself to him. The Wesley family also endured poltergeist attacks which disturbed the peace of the rectory at night with loud knocks, raps on the walls and beds, phantom footsteps, objects flying about mysteriously, and apparitions. St. Teresa suffered much vexation and oppression at the hands of Satan. She sometimes experienced direct spiritual, mental, and physical attacks, as did the Cure d'Ars, Jean-Marie Vianney, A.B. Simpson, and many others. Of course, in setting forth the Scriptural basis for the reality of satanic oppression and demonic attacks upon the believer, we have not forgotten that the believer has victory in Christ over Satan. He is seated in a place of authority with Christ in the heavenlies, far above all principalities and powers (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:12-15). But we are recognizing what the contemporary church often overlooks: that the first rule in effective warfare is to know your enemy, his methods, strength, and tactics. Because of the compelling evidence, some will admit that a Christian can be oppressed, depressed, attacked, and vexed by evil spirits; they just cannot accept the fact that a Christian can be infested with such spirits. But if a Christian is suffering from a cancer or mental illness, what is the difference whether we say he is being "oppressed" by Satan, or that an evil spirit has actually "invaded" his body or mind? The source and result are the same. In either event, we have to deal with Satan if liberation is to come. The only difference is in how we deal with the situation: in cases of possession, exorcism of these malevolent spirits is required; in cases of oppression, prayer alone is usually sufficient. Many reliable witnesses agree that Christians can be infested with demons, as well as oppressed by them. When questioned about the possibility of a Christian being possessed by demonic spirits, Dr. V. R. Edman, former president of Wheaton College, replied that theory would say, "no," but the facts say, "yes." Theoretically a demon cannot possess a body in which the Holy Spirit resides; but Dr. Edman said that he knew of true Christians who were truly demon possessed and who were delivered by prayer in Jesus' Name. In a certain pastor’s personal experience, the majority of those for whom he has prayed for deliverance from occult oppression or subjection were Christians, including ministers and the wives of ministers. Gordon Lindsay writes: "It is a matter of grave concern to observe the number of ways that demons are attacking, harassing, and actually dominating people who are professing Christians." Dr. Russell Meade points out in his book on demonism today, based on his experience in the deliverance of Christians, that there is no Biblical evidence for thinking that the Holy Spirit and a demon cannot inhabit the same body. H.A. Maxwell Whyte wrote, " ... we have seen hundreds of people manifestly delivered from all kinds of evil spirits ... our young people have needed this strong prayer of deliverance .... Many today are being set free from unclean spirits ... young people for whom we have prayed are members of Christian churches." He continues, "Most Christians are far more bound by Satan and his legions than they realize, or will readily admit. The whole subject is shrouded in mystery and fear. Pride will not permit us to admit a need, and to permit another to pray for us." A.J. MacMillan wrote, "The objection is frequently made that a true child of God cannot be brought thus under the power of the enemy. Experience disproves this, for even spiritual believers and earnest and successful workers have suffered .... " Dr. Kurt E. Koch, in his book on occultism, cites numerous instances in his ministry of Christians needing liberation from occult subjection and oppression. A well known American evangelist told of a missionary who became possessed by tormenting, malevolent spirits, and suffered terribly until he received deliverance. He then said that similar experiences may be more common among Christians than we suppose. Some who have had occult involvement before their conversion to Christ, although none since, have asked, "How is it possible for a Christian to continue suffering oppression or subjection because of this preconversion participation?" The answer is simple: the "door" which they opened to the powers of darkness by their occult participation remains open to these oppressing spirits until the individuals, by a definite act of faith and personal exercise of the will, close the door against the satanic invasion. If I had opened the door of my home to a murderer, thief, and reprobate, and invited him in before my conversion, the criminal would not automatically vacate the premises merely because I later changed my interests. I would have to deliberately eject him from the house, and close and lock the door against further intrusion. All occult participation, regardless of the kind or degree of involvement, is an open invitation for the powers of darkness to invade the premises. Satan does not withdraw his influences and work until commanded to do so, for he claims certain "trespass rights" in the life of such individuals. We are not merely theorizing as to the theological "possibility" of invasions by the powers of darkness in the lives of believers. The fact of such oppression and subjection is based upon the teachings of Scripture and upon experience. There is abundant evidence, for those who care to investigate the matter, to prove that a person's turning his back upon occult participation after becoming a Christian does not mean that the powers of darkness have turned their back upon him! Question 2: Can a Christian who has never actively participated in any form of occultism be occultly subjected or oppressed? A certain pastor has found many cases where a person who never actively participated in any form of occult practice still suffered oppression or subjection. This is referred to as "passive" oppression or subjection by these powers. Disease can be inherited by the innocent from their ancestors; moral degeneracy and undesirable traits such as uncontrollable anger, dissipation, or intemperance are found in children whose parents bear the same traits; so too, children whose parents and/or blood relations have had occult contacts often suffer various forms of occult bondage and oppression. Christians who were subjected to occult influences in childhood often find that they need liberation from the powers of darkness which have gained access and are oppressing them in mind, in body, or in some other manner. We are not trying to convince the skeptics of the reality of passive oppression. Our purpose is to help those who know of no active participation in occult practices on their own part, yet are suffering some form of oppression for reasons unknown to themselves. A certain pastor has dealt with individuals who were suffering from "passive" oppression or subjection of every description: chronic fear or doubt, uncontrollable lust, persistent illness, emotional instability, or depression. Some tell of suffering incubi assaults; of hearing spirit voices; of seeing demonic apparitions; of possessing clairvoyant and psychic powers; and so on, all of which result, not from their active occult participation, but either from the occult involvements of their relatives, or from having been innocently subjected to occult influences as children. Passive subjection and oppression have resulted from a child being taken to an occult "healer" to have warts removed, burns healed, or diseases cured by magic charming or other occult means. Children have also been subjected by being taken to the meetings of Spiritualists and other religious cults (Theosophy, Rosicrucian, Christian Science, Unity, etc.). Passive oppression or subjection has also been found in those whose parents or grandparents have been involved in seances, fortunetelling, or other forms of spiritism and occultism. The Scriptures show the innocent suffering oppression by Satan and sometimes possession by evil spirits. For example, in the case of the boy who was possessed with an unclean, deaf and dumb spirit, his father said the spirit entered the boy as a child (Mark 9:17-29). The disciples' question in John 9:2: "Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" indicates the possibility of a prenatal cause for oppression by Satan. The apostle Paul shows in Romans 5:12-14 that all mankind is affected by the curse which fell upon Adam as a result of his transgression. Finally, it should be pointed out that there is no such thing as "minor" or "harmless" involvement where the powers of darkness are concerned. Some of the most severely oppressed victims merely had warts removed by magic charming; played with the ouija board "in fun"; attended a religious cult or Spiritualist meeting "out of curiosity"; had their fortune read (though they contend that they "never really believed such things were genuine"); or followed the horoscope column in the newspaper each day (though they "did not allow it to affect" their lives and decisions). When one enters Satan's domain for whatever reason, he opens himself to demonic oppression or subjection, and invokes upon himself the curse of God, whose Word clearly declares that those who participate in any form of occultism are an abomination unto Him! In view of all of this, the reality of Christians being oppressed and the innocent sometimes suffering passive oppression should be apparent. This reality must be recognized and acknowledged before liberation from these powers of darkness can be considered. A certain pastor has found from experience that, until the individual under oppression sees and admits the connection between his occult involvement and such oppression, he cannot exercise sufficient faith to resist and overcome it. But where such acknowledgment is present, liberation in the Name of Jesus Christ is certain. Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
    Like
    Love
    15
    1 Commenti 0 condivisioni 1268 Views
  • * DAILY PRAYER DEVOTIONAL (YOUR NIGHT DEVOTIONAL) FRIDAY 17TH. JULY 2026*

    *THEME: THE SPIRIT OF INFIRMITY—WHEN SATAN BINDS THE BODY*

    *MAIN TEXT: Luke 13:11–13*Luke 13:11–13*
    *"And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God."*

    *DAILY READING*
    Luke 13:10–17; Job 2:1–10; James 5:13–16

    * SOME AFFLICTIONS HAS A SPIRITUAL DIMENSION*

    Sickness is one of the greatest burdens of humanity. It affects the rich and the poor, the young and the old, believers and unbelievers alike. Throughout Africa and the rest of the world, many people struggle with diseases that bring pain, financial hardship, and emotional distress. In their search for healing, some turn to God, while others seek help from occult practices, charms, or spiritualists.

    The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is compassionate toward the sick. He healed many diseases and, in some instances, cast out evil spirits connected with a person's affliction. In Luke 13, Jesus described a woman who had been bound by Satan for eighteen years and set her free. This shows that some afflictions in Scripture had a spiritual dimension.

    However, the Bible does not teach that every sickness is caused by a demon. Job suffered because of Satan's attack with God's permission, yet Timothy was advised to take practical care for his frequent illnesses (1 Timothy 5:23), and Paul himself lived with a "thorn in the flesh" that God did not immediately remove (2 Corinthians 12:7–10). Therefore, Christians should avoid condemning sick people by assuming their illness is always the result of sin or demonic activity.

    Satan delights in using suffering to produce fear, despair, bitterness, and unbelief. He whispers that God has abandoned you or that healing is impossible. But these are lies. Whether God heals instantly, gradually, through medical care, or gives strength to endure, He remains faithful to His children.

    The Christian response to sickness is to pray, seek appropriate medical care, encourage one another, and trust the Lord. Our confidence is not in fear or superstition but in Jesus Christ, who has authority over both the visible and invisible realms. He is still the Great Physician, and nothing is impossible for Him.

    If you are sick today, do not lose hope. Bring your pain before the Lord. Trust Him, seek wise care, and remember that your greatest hope is found in Christ, who promises eternal life and a future where there will be no more sickness, pain, or death.

    *ADDITIONAL BIBLE REFERENCES*

    James 5:14–15
    *"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him... And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up..."*

    Matthew 4:24
    *"And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people... and those which were possessed with devils... and he healed them."*

    Psalm 103:2–3
    *"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases."*

    Isaiah 53:4–5
    *"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows... and with his stripes we are healed."*

    Revelation 21:4
    *"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain..."*

    *KEY LESSONS*
    1. Jesus has authority over sickness and every power of darkness.
    2. The Bible records some illnesses associated with demonic oppression, but not all illnesses are caused by demons.
    3. Christians should respond to sickness with faith, prayer, compassion, and wisdom.
    4. God can work through miracles, ordinary means of care, and sustaining grace.
    5. Our ultimate hope is in Jesus Christ and His coming Kingdom.

    *PRAYER POINTS*
    1. Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Healer and my Sustainer.

    2. Abba Father, let Your healing power rest upon every part of my body and mind.

    3. Precious Holy Spirit, strengthen my faith to trust You in times of sickness and weakness.

    4. Every affliction contrary to the will of God for my life, be broken, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

    5. Every spirit of fear and discouragement attacking me through sickness, depart now, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

    6. Every power seeking to weaken my service to God through affliction, lose your hold, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

    7. Heavenly Father, grant wisdom and skill to doctors, nurses, and caregivers who minister to the sick.

    8. Blessed Lord, comfort everyone who is suffering and surround them with Your peace.

    9. Precious Holy Spirit, renew my strength day by day.

    10. Let my sickness, whatever its cause, become an opportunity to glorify God through faith and perseverance.

    11. I reject every lie that says God has abandoned me. I receive His love, hope, and peace, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

    12. I declare that my life is in the hands of the Lord. Whether in health or in weakness, I belong to Jesus Christ, and nothing shall separate me from His love, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

    *PROPHETIC DECLARATION*
    *I declare that the Lord is my Refuge, my Healer, and my Strength. Every power of darkness seeking to steal my peace is defeated through Jesus Christ. I shall not live in despair, for the Lord is with me. His grace is sufficient for me, and His power is made perfect in weakness. I receive strength, hope, and victory, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.*

    *DAILY CONFESSION*
    *Jesus Christ is my Lord and my Hope. I trust Him in every season of life. He is able to heal, sustain, and strengthen me. I will not be ruled by fear, but by faith in the unfailing promises of God.*

    *ACTION STEP*
    *Pray for someone who is sick today. Encourage them with God's Word, support them practically where you can, and remind them that Christ's compassion and presence remain with them in every circumstance.*
    *MARANATHA: JESUS IS COMING SOON*

    *FOR COUNSELLING AND PRAYERS*
    WhatsApp: +2348038577470
    Email: josiahsharpswordAnderson Mwila
    I will surely respond back to you.

    USE THE NIGHT TIME TO PRAY SO THAT YOU CAN HAVE ENOUGH TIME WITH GOD

    *PLEASE SHARE, COMMENT AND GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK*

    https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBifE8LtOj8vGHIa400

    *REV. DR. JOSIAH ERERE SHARPSWORD*
    The Catalyst Of Prayer
    *🔥 DAILY PRAYER DEVOTIONAL (YOUR NIGHT DEVOTIONAL) FRIDAY 17TH. JULY 2026🔥* *THEME: THE SPIRIT OF INFIRMITY—WHEN SATAN BINDS THE BODY* *MAIN TEXT: Luke 13:11–13*Luke 13:11–13* *"And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God."* *DAILY READING* Luke 13:10–17; Job 2:1–10; James 5:13–16 *🔥 SOME AFFLICTIONS HAS A SPIRITUAL DIMENSION* Sickness is one of the greatest burdens of humanity. It affects the rich and the poor, the young and the old, believers and unbelievers alike. Throughout Africa and the rest of the world, many people struggle with diseases that bring pain, financial hardship, and emotional distress. In their search for healing, some turn to God, while others seek help from occult practices, charms, or spiritualists. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is compassionate toward the sick. He healed many diseases and, in some instances, cast out evil spirits connected with a person's affliction. In Luke 13, Jesus described a woman who had been bound by Satan for eighteen years and set her free. This shows that some afflictions in Scripture had a spiritual dimension. However, the Bible does not teach that every sickness is caused by a demon. Job suffered because of Satan's attack with God's permission, yet Timothy was advised to take practical care for his frequent illnesses (1 Timothy 5:23), and Paul himself lived with a "thorn in the flesh" that God did not immediately remove (2 Corinthians 12:7–10). Therefore, Christians should avoid condemning sick people by assuming their illness is always the result of sin or demonic activity. Satan delights in using suffering to produce fear, despair, bitterness, and unbelief. He whispers that God has abandoned you or that healing is impossible. But these are lies. Whether God heals instantly, gradually, through medical care, or gives strength to endure, He remains faithful to His children. The Christian response to sickness is to pray, seek appropriate medical care, encourage one another, and trust the Lord. Our confidence is not in fear or superstition but in Jesus Christ, who has authority over both the visible and invisible realms. He is still the Great Physician, and nothing is impossible for Him. If you are sick today, do not lose hope. Bring your pain before the Lord. Trust Him, seek wise care, and remember that your greatest hope is found in Christ, who promises eternal life and a future where there will be no more sickness, pain, or death. *ADDITIONAL BIBLE REFERENCES* James 5:14–15 *"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him... And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up..."* Matthew 4:24 *"And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people... and those which were possessed with devils... and he healed them."* Psalm 103:2–3 *"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases."* Isaiah 53:4–5 *"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows... and with his stripes we are healed."* Revelation 21:4 *"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain..."* *KEY LESSONS* 1. Jesus has authority over sickness and every power of darkness. 2. The Bible records some illnesses associated with demonic oppression, but not all illnesses are caused by demons. 3. Christians should respond to sickness with faith, prayer, compassion, and wisdom. 4. God can work through miracles, ordinary means of care, and sustaining grace. 5. Our ultimate hope is in Jesus Christ and His coming Kingdom. *PRAYER POINTS* 1. Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Healer and my Sustainer. 2. Abba Father, let Your healing power rest upon every part of my body and mind. 3. Precious Holy Spirit, strengthen my faith to trust You in times of sickness and weakness. 4. Every affliction contrary to the will of God for my life, be broken, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 5. Every spirit of fear and discouragement attacking me through sickness, depart now, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 6. Every power seeking to weaken my service to God through affliction, lose your hold, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 7. Heavenly Father, grant wisdom and skill to doctors, nurses, and caregivers who minister to the sick. 8. Blessed Lord, comfort everyone who is suffering and surround them with Your peace. 9. Precious Holy Spirit, renew my strength day by day. 10. Let my sickness, whatever its cause, become an opportunity to glorify God through faith and perseverance. 11. I reject every lie that says God has abandoned me. I receive His love, hope, and peace, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 12. I declare that my life is in the hands of the Lord. Whether in health or in weakness, I belong to Jesus Christ, and nothing shall separate me from His love, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. *PROPHETIC DECLARATION* *I declare that the Lord is my Refuge, my Healer, and my Strength. Every power of darkness seeking to steal my peace is defeated through Jesus Christ. I shall not live in despair, for the Lord is with me. His grace is sufficient for me, and His power is made perfect in weakness. I receive strength, hope, and victory, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.* *DAILY CONFESSION* *Jesus Christ is my Lord and my Hope. I trust Him in every season of life. He is able to heal, sustain, and strengthen me. I will not be ruled by fear, but by faith in the unfailing promises of God.* *ACTION STEP* *Pray for someone who is sick today. Encourage them with God's Word, support them practically where you can, and remind them that Christ's compassion and presence remain with them in every circumstance.* *MARANATHA: JESUS IS COMING SOON* *FOR COUNSELLING AND PRAYERS* WhatsApp: +2348038577470 Email: josiahsharpsword[gmail] I will surely respond back to you. USE THE NIGHT TIME TO PRAY SO THAT YOU CAN HAVE ENOUGH TIME WITH GOD *PLEASE SHARE, COMMENT AND GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBifE8LtOj8vGHIa400 *REV. DR. JOSIAH ERERE SHARPSWORD* The Catalyst Of Prayer
    WHATSAPP.COM
    Rev. Dr. J. E. W. Sharpsword. ( Apostle Of Prayer )
    Channel • 23 followers • Hi bestie! 👋💛 Thank you for your interest in Sharpsword AI Class – my step-by-step AI video editing course. 🎬🤖 Here’s how to get started: 1️⃣ Course Fee: ₦5k 2️⃣ Payment Method: Opay Account Name: Josiah Erere Wisdom Sharpsword Number: 8038577470 3️⃣ Send a screenshot of your payment via WhatsApp. Once your payment is confirmed, you’ll get: ✅ Full access to the class lessons on Telegram – all step-by-step tutorials ✅ Addition to our WhatsApp Discussion Group – where you can ask questions, send your work, and receive corrections of your work
    0 Commenti 0 condivisioni 22 Views
  • * DAILY PRAYER DEVOTIONAL (YOUR NIGHT DEVOTIONAL) FRIDAY 17TH. JULY 2026*

    *THEME: THE SPIRIT OF INFIRMITY—WHEN SATAN BINDS THE BODY*

    *MAIN TEXT: Luke 13:11–13*Luke 13:11–13*
    *"And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God."*

    *DAILY READING*
    Luke 13:10–17; Job 2:1–10; James 5:13–16

    * SOME AFFLICTIONS HAS A SPIRITUAL DIMENSION*

    Sickness is one of the greatest burdens of humanity. It affects the rich and the poor, the young and the old, believers and unbelievers alike. Throughout Africa and the rest of the world, many people struggle with diseases that bring pain, financial hardship, and emotional distress. In their search for healing, some turn to God, while others seek help from occult practices, charms, or spiritualists.

    The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is compassionate toward the sick. He healed many diseases and, in some instances, cast out evil spirits connected with a person's affliction. In Luke 13, Jesus described a woman who had been bound by Satan for eighteen years and set her free. This shows that some afflictions in Scripture had a spiritual dimension.

    However, the Bible does not teach that every sickness is caused by a demon. Job suffered because of Satan's attack with God's permission, yet Timothy was advised to take practical care for his frequent illnesses (1 Timothy 5:23), and Paul himself lived with a "thorn in the flesh" that God did not immediately remove (2 Corinthians 12:7–10). Therefore, Christians should avoid condemning sick people by assuming their illness is always the result of sin or demonic activity.

    Satan delights in using suffering to produce fear, despair, bitterness, and unbelief. He whispers that God has abandoned you or that healing is impossible. But these are lies. Whether God heals instantly, gradually, through medical care, or gives strength to endure, He remains faithful to His children.

    The Christian response to sickness is to pray, seek appropriate medical care, encourage one another, and trust the Lord. Our confidence is not in fear or superstition but in Jesus Christ, who has authority over both the visible and invisible realms. He is still the Great Physician, and nothing is impossible for Him.

    If you are sick today, do not lose hope. Bring your pain before the Lord. Trust Him, seek wise care, and remember that your greatest hope is found in Christ, who promises eternal life and a future where there will be no more sickness, pain, or death.

    *ADDITIONAL BIBLE REFERENCES*

    James 5:14–15
    *"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him... And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up..."*

    Matthew 4:24
    *"And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people... and those which were possessed with devils... and he healed them."*

    Psalm 103:2–3
    *"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases."*

    Isaiah 53:4–5
    *"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows... and with his stripes we are healed."*

    Revelation 21:4
    *"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain..."*

    *KEY LESSONS*
    1. Jesus has authority over sickness and every power of darkness.
    2. The Bible records some illnesses associated with demonic oppression, but not all illnesses are caused by demons.
    3. Christians should respond to sickness with faith, prayer, compassion, and wisdom.
    4. God can work through miracles, ordinary means of care, and sustaining grace.
    5. Our ultimate hope is in Jesus Christ and His coming Kingdom.

    *PRAYER POINTS*
    1. Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Healer and my Sustainer.

    2. Abba Father, let Your healing power rest upon every part of my body and mind.

    3. Precious Holy Spirit, strengthen my faith to trust You in times of sickness and weakness.

    4. Every affliction contrary to the will of God for my life, be broken, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

    5. Every spirit of fear and discouragement attacking me through sickness, depart now, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

    6. Every power seeking to weaken my service to God through affliction, lose your hold, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

    7. Heavenly Father, grant wisdom and skill to doctors, nurses, and caregivers who minister to the sick.

    8. Blessed Lord, comfort everyone who is suffering and surround them with Your peace.

    9. Precious Holy Spirit, renew my strength day by day.

    10. Let my sickness, whatever its cause, become an opportunity to glorify God through faith and perseverance.

    11. I reject every lie that says God has abandoned me. I receive His love, hope, and peace, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

    12. I declare that my life is in the hands of the Lord. Whether in health or in weakness, I belong to Jesus Christ, and nothing shall separate me from His love, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

    *PROPHETIC DECLARATION*
    *I declare that the Lord is my Refuge, my Healer, and my Strength. Every power of darkness seeking to steal my peace is defeated through Jesus Christ. I shall not live in despair, for the Lord is with me. His grace is sufficient for me, and His power is made perfect in weakness. I receive strength, hope, and victory, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.*

    *DAILY CONFESSION*
    *Jesus Christ is my Lord and my Hope. I trust Him in every season of life. He is able to heal, sustain, and strengthen me. I will not be ruled by fear, but by faith in the unfailing promises of God.*

    *ACTION STEP*
    *Pray for someone who is sick today. Encourage them with God's Word, support them practically where you can, and remind them that Christ's compassion and presence remain with them in every circumstance.*
    *MARANATHA: JESUS IS COMING SOON*

    *FOR COUNSELLING AND PRAYERS*
    WhatsApp: +2348038577470
    Email: josiahsharpswordAnderson Mwila
    I will surely respond back to you.

    USE THE NIGHT TIME TO PRAY SO THAT YOU CAN HAVE ENOUGH TIME WITH GOD

    *PLEASE SHARE, COMMENT AND GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK*

    https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBifE8LtOj8vGHIa400

    *REV. DR. JOSIAH ERERE SHARPSWORD*
    The Catalyst Of Prayera
    *🔥 DAILY PRAYER DEVOTIONAL (YOUR NIGHT DEVOTIONAL) FRIDAY 17TH. JULY 2026🔥* *THEME: THE SPIRIT OF INFIRMITY—WHEN SATAN BINDS THE BODY* *MAIN TEXT: Luke 13:11–13*Luke 13:11–13* *"And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God."* *DAILY READING* Luke 13:10–17; Job 2:1–10; James 5:13–16 *🔥 SOME AFFLICTIONS HAS A SPIRITUAL DIMENSION* Sickness is one of the greatest burdens of humanity. It affects the rich and the poor, the young and the old, believers and unbelievers alike. Throughout Africa and the rest of the world, many people struggle with diseases that bring pain, financial hardship, and emotional distress. In their search for healing, some turn to God, while others seek help from occult practices, charms, or spiritualists. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is compassionate toward the sick. He healed many diseases and, in some instances, cast out evil spirits connected with a person's affliction. In Luke 13, Jesus described a woman who had been bound by Satan for eighteen years and set her free. This shows that some afflictions in Scripture had a spiritual dimension. However, the Bible does not teach that every sickness is caused by a demon. Job suffered because of Satan's attack with God's permission, yet Timothy was advised to take practical care for his frequent illnesses (1 Timothy 5:23), and Paul himself lived with a "thorn in the flesh" that God did not immediately remove (2 Corinthians 12:7–10). Therefore, Christians should avoid condemning sick people by assuming their illness is always the result of sin or demonic activity. Satan delights in using suffering to produce fear, despair, bitterness, and unbelief. He whispers that God has abandoned you or that healing is impossible. But these are lies. Whether God heals instantly, gradually, through medical care, or gives strength to endure, He remains faithful to His children. The Christian response to sickness is to pray, seek appropriate medical care, encourage one another, and trust the Lord. Our confidence is not in fear or superstition but in Jesus Christ, who has authority over both the visible and invisible realms. He is still the Great Physician, and nothing is impossible for Him. If you are sick today, do not lose hope. Bring your pain before the Lord. Trust Him, seek wise care, and remember that your greatest hope is found in Christ, who promises eternal life and a future where there will be no more sickness, pain, or death. *ADDITIONAL BIBLE REFERENCES* James 5:14–15 *"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him... And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up..."* Matthew 4:24 *"And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people... and those which were possessed with devils... and he healed them."* Psalm 103:2–3 *"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases."* Isaiah 53:4–5 *"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows... and with his stripes we are healed."* Revelation 21:4 *"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain..."* *KEY LESSONS* 1. Jesus has authority over sickness and every power of darkness. 2. The Bible records some illnesses associated with demonic oppression, but not all illnesses are caused by demons. 3. Christians should respond to sickness with faith, prayer, compassion, and wisdom. 4. God can work through miracles, ordinary means of care, and sustaining grace. 5. Our ultimate hope is in Jesus Christ and His coming Kingdom. *PRAYER POINTS* 1. Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Healer and my Sustainer. 2. Abba Father, let Your healing power rest upon every part of my body and mind. 3. Precious Holy Spirit, strengthen my faith to trust You in times of sickness and weakness. 4. Every affliction contrary to the will of God for my life, be broken, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 5. Every spirit of fear and discouragement attacking me through sickness, depart now, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 6. Every power seeking to weaken my service to God through affliction, lose your hold, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 7. Heavenly Father, grant wisdom and skill to doctors, nurses, and caregivers who minister to the sick. 8. Blessed Lord, comfort everyone who is suffering and surround them with Your peace. 9. Precious Holy Spirit, renew my strength day by day. 10. Let my sickness, whatever its cause, become an opportunity to glorify God through faith and perseverance. 11. I reject every lie that says God has abandoned me. I receive His love, hope, and peace, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 12. I declare that my life is in the hands of the Lord. Whether in health or in weakness, I belong to Jesus Christ, and nothing shall separate me from His love, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. *PROPHETIC DECLARATION* *I declare that the Lord is my Refuge, my Healer, and my Strength. Every power of darkness seeking to steal my peace is defeated through Jesus Christ. I shall not live in despair, for the Lord is with me. His grace is sufficient for me, and His power is made perfect in weakness. I receive strength, hope, and victory, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.* *DAILY CONFESSION* *Jesus Christ is my Lord and my Hope. I trust Him in every season of life. He is able to heal, sustain, and strengthen me. I will not be ruled by fear, but by faith in the unfailing promises of God.* *ACTION STEP* *Pray for someone who is sick today. Encourage them with God's Word, support them practically where you can, and remind them that Christ's compassion and presence remain with them in every circumstance.* *MARANATHA: JESUS IS COMING SOON* *FOR COUNSELLING AND PRAYERS* WhatsApp: +2348038577470 Email: josiahsharpsword[gmail] I will surely respond back to you. USE THE NIGHT TIME TO PRAY SO THAT YOU CAN HAVE ENOUGH TIME WITH GOD *PLEASE SHARE, COMMENT AND GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBifE8LtOj8vGHIa400 *REV. DR. JOSIAH ERERE SHARPSWORD* The Catalyst Of Prayera
    WHATSAPP.COM
    Rev. Dr. J. E. W. Sharpsword. ( Apostle Of Prayer )
    Channel • 23 followers • Hi bestie! 👋💛 Thank you for your interest in Sharpsword AI Class – my step-by-step AI video editing course. 🎬🤖 Here’s how to get started: 1️⃣ Course Fee: ₦5k 2️⃣ Payment Method: Opay Account Name: Josiah Erere Wisdom Sharpsword Number: 8038577470 3️⃣ Send a screenshot of your payment via WhatsApp. Once your payment is confirmed, you’ll get: ✅ Full access to the class lessons on Telegram – all step-by-step tutorials ✅ Addition to our WhatsApp Discussion Group – where you can ask questions, send your work, and receive corrections of your work
    0 Commenti 0 condivisioni 23 Views
  • OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL
    DATE: TUESDAY JULY 14TH 2026

    THEME: DELIVERANCE FROM PHYSICAL BURDENS

    MEMORISE: And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
    Matthew 9:35

    READ: Isaiah 61:1-4

    1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

    2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

    3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

    4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

    MESSAGE

    In John 19:16-17, some Roman soldiers were leading Jesus to Golgotha to be crucified, and they made Him carry a heavy cross. He had been thoroughly beaten earlier and must have been very weak, yet they made Him carry this heavy burden by Himself. On the way, they met a man from Cyrene named Simon, and I believe that God prompted them to compel him to assist Jesus in carrying the cross to the place He was to be crucified (Matthew 27:32). Simon is an example of a burden bearer; he helped Jesus to lift His heavy burden.

    Beloved, Jesus Christ wants to help you carry every burden that might be weighing you down. This is why He said that you should come to Him with whatever burdens you may be carrying so that He can relieve you of them and give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

    It is important to note that there are different categories of burdens. Today, I will discuss physical burdens. For example, Naaman had a physical burden, which was in the form of an incurable disease (2 Kings 5:1), Likewise, Luke 13:10-17 tells us about a woman with a spirit of infirmity who was bent double. Everywhere she went, people could see the visible manifestation of the burden she was carrying no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stand up straight. Also, in John 5:2-9, the Bible tells the story of a man who had been by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years. He had a long-standing physical burden, and l imagine that his family and friends had abandoned him because of his infirmity. By God's mercies, however, Jesus, the Burden Bearer, approached him and lifted his long-standing burden instantly.

    Mark 3:1-6 also tells the story of a man who had a physical deformity. One of his hands was withered, meaning that it was dead and was no longer useful. He was limited because he could only use one of his hands. However, when the Burden Bearer met him at the synagogue, He had mercy on him and made the withered hand whole like the other. I pray for you that in every area you may be experiencing limitations due to a physical ailment, the Almighty God will step into your case and restore you completely.

    Beloved, are you feeling overwhelmed by any physical burden? Do not despair; rather, approach God's throne of grace and cast it upon Him. He will carry your burdens for you and remove every limitation in your life.

    PRAYER POINT
    Lord Jesus, I bring all my physical burdens to You today Please help me carry them.

    BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Song of Solomon 5-8

    AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE

    HYMN 19: ROCK OF AGES CLEFT FOR ME
    1 Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
    Let me hide myself in Thee;
    Let the water and the blood,
    From Thy riven side which flowed,
    Be of sin the double cure,
    Save me from its guilt and power.

    2 Not the labor of my hands
    Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
    Could my zeal no respite know,
    Could my tears forever flow,
    All could never sin erase,
    Thou must save, and save by grace.

    3 Nothing in my hands I bring,
    Simply to Thy cross I cling;
    Naked, come to Thee for dress,
    Helpless, look to Thee for grace:
    Foul, I to the fountain fly,
    Wash me, Savior, or I die.

    4 While I draw this fleeting breath,
    When mine eyes shall close in death,
    When I soar to worlds unknown,
    See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
    Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
    Let me hide myself in Thee.



    PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL
    TUESDAY, 14TH JULY, 2026
    *DELIVERANCE FROM PHYSICAL BURDENS*

    ‎✓Father, I worship You for being my burden bearer. Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to help me while I was brokenhearted, and for setting me at liberty from the captivity of sin and death.

    ✓Father, thank You for the opening of the prison to them that are bound; proclaiming the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God to comfort all that mourn.

    ✓Father, thank You for filling my heart with joy and turning my mourning into dancing. Please give me beauty for ashes, and the oil of joy for my mourning, in Jesus' name.

    ✓Father, please cloth me with the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Lord Jesus, please help me carry every burden that may be weighing me down, in Jesus' name.

    ‎✓Father, I come before You today with all the burdens in my heart so You can relieve me of them and give me rest, in Jesus' name.

    ‎✓Father, please terminate every visible manifestation of the burdens I am carrying. Deliver me from every burden that I had been identified with, in Jesus' name.

    ✓Jesus the Burden Bearer, please have mercy on me and lift every long-standing burden in my life, in Jesus' name.

    ‎✓Father, please in every area I may be experiencing limitations due to physical ailment, step into my case and restore me completely, in Jesus' name.

    ‎✓Father, I refuse to be despair, and because I have You as my Burden Bearer, no burden will be able to limit me again, in Jesus' name.

    ✓Lord Jesus, I bring all my physical burdens to You today. Please help me carry them.

    ✓Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.

    Carry all his physical burdens in his today, and always, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name

    ‎✓Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name.

    ‎✓Father, please let every challenge, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name.

    ‎✓Your personal petitions.
    ‎(Philippians 4:6)

    ‎✓In Jesus name I pray.
    ‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16)

    #GodBlessOurNation

    *These prayers have no expiry date! Please join us in prayer, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.
    OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: TUESDAY JULY 14TH 2026 THEME: DELIVERANCE FROM PHYSICAL BURDENS MEMORISE: And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. Matthew 9:35 READ: Isaiah 61:1-4 1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. 4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. MESSAGE In John 19:16-17, some Roman soldiers were leading Jesus to Golgotha to be crucified, and they made Him carry a heavy cross. He had been thoroughly beaten earlier and must have been very weak, yet they made Him carry this heavy burden by Himself. On the way, they met a man from Cyrene named Simon, and I believe that God prompted them to compel him to assist Jesus in carrying the cross to the place He was to be crucified (Matthew 27:32). Simon is an example of a burden bearer; he helped Jesus to lift His heavy burden. Beloved, Jesus Christ wants to help you carry every burden that might be weighing you down. This is why He said that you should come to Him with whatever burdens you may be carrying so that He can relieve you of them and give you rest (Matthew 11:28). It is important to note that there are different categories of burdens. Today, I will discuss physical burdens. For example, Naaman had a physical burden, which was in the form of an incurable disease (2 Kings 5:1), Likewise, Luke 13:10-17 tells us about a woman with a spirit of infirmity who was bent double. Everywhere she went, people could see the visible manifestation of the burden she was carrying no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stand up straight. Also, in John 5:2-9, the Bible tells the story of a man who had been by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years. He had a long-standing physical burden, and l imagine that his family and friends had abandoned him because of his infirmity. By God's mercies, however, Jesus, the Burden Bearer, approached him and lifted his long-standing burden instantly. Mark 3:1-6 also tells the story of a man who had a physical deformity. One of his hands was withered, meaning that it was dead and was no longer useful. He was limited because he could only use one of his hands. However, when the Burden Bearer met him at the synagogue, He had mercy on him and made the withered hand whole like the other. I pray for you that in every area you may be experiencing limitations due to a physical ailment, the Almighty God will step into your case and restore you completely. Beloved, are you feeling overwhelmed by any physical burden? Do not despair; rather, approach God's throne of grace and cast it upon Him. He will carry your burdens for you and remove every limitation in your life. PRAYER POINT Lord Jesus, I bring all my physical burdens to You today Please help me carry them. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Song of Solomon 5-8 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE HYMN 19: ROCK OF AGES CLEFT FOR ME 1 Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Save me from its guilt and power. 2 Not the labor of my hands Can fulfill Thy law’s demands; Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears forever flow, All could never sin erase, Thou must save, and save by grace. 3 Nothing in my hands I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress, Helpless, look to Thee for grace: Foul, I to the fountain fly, Wash me, Savior, or I die. 4 While I draw this fleeting breath, When mine eyes shall close in death, When I soar to worlds unknown, See Thee on Thy judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee. PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL TUESDAY, 14TH JULY, 2026 *DELIVERANCE FROM PHYSICAL BURDENS* ‎ ‎✓Father, I worship You for being my burden bearer. Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to help me while I was brokenhearted, and for setting me at liberty from the captivity of sin and death. ✓Father, thank You for the opening of the prison to them that are bound; proclaiming the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God to comfort all that mourn. ✓Father, thank You for filling my heart with joy and turning my mourning into dancing. Please give me beauty for ashes, and the oil of joy for my mourning, in Jesus' name. ✓Father, please cloth me with the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Lord Jesus, please help me carry every burden that may be weighing me down, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎✓Father, I come before You today with all the burdens in my heart so You can relieve me of them and give me rest, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎✓Father, please terminate every visible manifestation of the burdens I am carrying. Deliver me from every burden that I had been identified with, in Jesus' name. ✓Jesus the Burden Bearer, please have mercy on me and lift every long-standing burden in my life, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎✓Father, please in every area I may be experiencing limitations due to physical ailment, step into my case and restore me completely, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎✓Father, I refuse to be despair, and because I have You as my Burden Bearer, no burden will be able to limit me again, in Jesus' name. ✓Lord Jesus, I bring all my physical burdens to You today. Please help me carry them. ✓Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Carry all his physical burdens in his today, and always, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name ‎ ‎✓Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎✓Father, please let every challenge, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name. ‎ ‎✓Your personal petitions. ‎(Philippians 4:6) ‎ ‎✓In Jesus name I pray. ‎(John 14:13-14; 15:16) ‎ #GodBlessOurNation *These prayers have no expiry date! Please join us in prayer, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus’ name.
    0 Commenti 0 condivisioni 25 Views
  • EVIDENCE OF OCCULT OPPRESSION AND SUBJECTION. Part 1 of 3
    We must distinguish between general oppression and occult oppression and subjection. The symptoms may be similar in many respects, but in several important aspects they are not. The marks of occult involvement are easily distinguished to one experienced in this particular area of deliverance.

    As a result of failing to distinguish between occult oppression and general demonic oppression issuing from other causes, many who have had prayer for deliverance have not been permanently set free. As we will show, those who have been involved in occultism have opened a "door" of access to oppressing spirits which they themselves must close by positive action and faith on their part. Moreover, liberation from occult oppression or subjection requires proper understanding of its peculiar nature and cause, the specific method of deliverance required, and the spiritual responsibilities of the one who has received deliverance from occult oppression.

    General oppression, whether mental, physical, or spiritual, may result from any one of several causes. For example, it may result from some traumatic experience, sin, weakness, emotional crisis, resentment, hate, pride, fear, or illness. Occult oppression and subjection, however, always result from an individual's involvement in some form of fortunetelling, magic practice, spiritism, or false religious cult, either as practitioner, or, as is most often the case, as subject, follower, or participant.

    Moreover, experience has shown that it is possible for a person to be "passively" subjected or oppressed, even though he has never actively participated in the occult. The Biblical basis for this fact is Exodus 20:3-6: God's "curse" falls upon "the children unto the third and fourth generation" of those who violate His commandment by calling upon other gods (demonic spirits and powers), which they do through involvement in the occult, for the purpose of breaking through the bounds which God has set for man.

    The magnitude of the sin of occult involvement, which is an abomination to God (Deuteronomy 18:12), is confirmed by its deep power of enslavement, not only upon the participants themselves, but even upon their descendants. The reality of such passive oppression and subjection has been shown in the preceding study.

    Both from Scripture and from experience it is evident that evil spirits who oppress human victims are of various kinds, and work in a variety of ways. There are blind spirits, deaf spirits, epileptic spirits, deceiving spirits, and lying spirits; spirits of pride, intellectualism, lust, infirmity, insanity, homosexuality, suicide, fear, apathy, anger, discord, strife, hate, resentment, depression, stubbornness, misunderstanding, gossip, obscenity, and many others. Oppression may be subjective, such as insanity, lust, or loss of health through disease and affliction; or objective, in which case the victim may be plagued by demonic apparitions and voices, or troubled by discord and strife through vexation by evil spirits.

    These malevolent spirits are definite personalities, not mere habits, diseases, psychological conditions, or states of mind. Just as human beings vary in personality, power, ability, appetites, intelligence, and purpose, so do the demonic spirits. Their primary intention, as disembodied spirits, is to oppress or possess a person appealing to their particular nature or appetites, in order to hide, as it were, behind these traits, habits, weaknesses, and mental or physical conditions, and thereby escape detection.

    An individual given to sexual looseness and excess, for instance, opens the door to demonic control in this particular area of his life by a spirit of lust with this characteristic appetite. The same would be true concerning a person who has a violent temper which he does not bring under control, or those who are given to pride, jealousy, hate, depression, gluttony, drug addiction, or any other weakness of character, mind or body. Demonic spirits seek to oppress those whose make-up, character, temperament, appetites, and moral, mental, or physical weaknesses are most harmonious to themselves. They bury themselves in the very structure of the person and actually identify with the personality of the victim insofar as possible.

    This is why it is difficult for the novice to discern, or the medical doctor, psychologist, and psychiatrist to admit, the reality and activity of demonic spirits in such victims. The latter reduce such diseases as epilepsy, cancer, blindness and deafness, as well as abnormal personality and behavior problems, to functional or organic disorders. Hence, the presence and activity of demonic spirits in their victims are often described by other terms such as: complexes, habits, drives, hallucinations, delusions, delirium tremens, insanity, epilepsy, melancholia, masochism, homosexuality, schizophrenia, mania, depression, psychoneurosis, psychosis, compulsions, drug addiction, disease, and so on. Not that the terms are entirely inaccurate, but in many cases they are inadequate. They do not go deep enough in identifying the conditions and phenomena connected with the work of the powers of darkness in the lives of the oppressed.

    Likewise, the parapsychologist describes the various manifestations of demonic powers by such terms as clairvoyance, telepathy, extrasensory perception, eidetic imagery, hypnotic suggestion, precognition, telesthesia, psychic phenomena, and so forth. He holds that such paranormal abilities and powers are merely manifestations and projections of the human subconscious or psyche, or that they can be explained in some other natural and rational manner as a rule.

    Thus, the presence and activity of such personal entities as demonic spirits are not easily perceptible to the analytical investigators of the paranormal, for the precise reason that Satan does not publicly announce his presence and work in an individual by handing out "calling cards"!

    However, growing numbers of psychologists, psychiatrists, and physicians are beginning to see and admit that they can no longer dismiss demonic oppression as mere religious delusion or pagan superstition. They are finding it to be a dreadful reality, and that there are definite limits beyond which medicine and psychiatry cannot penetrate to bring the necessary liberation to the suffering individual.

    In one instance, the church which a certain person pastored was contacted by a Christian psychologist asking for prayer for the deliverance of one of his patients. He recognized that the woman was bound and oppressed by Satan and that he was unable to help her with mere technical knowledge and skills. After the church prayed in faith for her liberation in the Name of Jesus, the psychologist reported that she had been set free. He was then able to counsel effectively with her, which he had been unable to do previously.

    Dr. William S. Reed, a well-known American surgeon, was reported to have said that he, as a surgeon, was convinced that many psychological and physical illnesses are the result of demonic attacks upon the individual; that on the basis of Mark 16:17, he himself used exorcism (casting out of evil spirits) when guided to do so; and that modern medicine and psychiatry should seriously consider the ministry of exorcism.

    Often the connections between occult involvement and the oppression which results are so subtle that people are completely unaware of the insidious relationship until it is pointed out. For instance, who would have connected the chronic physical illness of Mrs. L. with her visit to a fortune teller? Mr. R. did not believe that his playing with the ouija board had any adverse spiritual effects upon him until it was manifested in his inability to exercise faith to receive the Holy Spirit. For many years Mrs. T. was unaware that her persistent marital problems and apathy toward life began the day after her participation in a seance. And who would have seen the cause of the chronic phobias and doubts of another person who had been healed as an infant by an occult or magic healer?

    Mr. B. regularly visited fortune tellers, but did not realize until it was shown him that this accounted for an uncontrollable spirit of lust, from which he could not escape, and also explained his pride, indifference, immaturity, and hate. A brutal, demon possessed child, subject to periods of violent rage, was the result of the parents' participation in the occult, but this was unknown until counseling revealed the cause. Mrs. C. suffered from severe depression and thoughts of self destruction, little realizing that her participation in seances was the cause.

    Miss W. had been committed to a mental institution at one time, spent much money visiting doctors, psychologists, and psychiatrists, and had sought help and counseling from many sources concerning her psychotic condition, all to no avail. Little did she realize that it resulted from her past fortunetelling practices and other occult connections. Likewise, Mrs. G. was unaware that her visits to the fortune tellers were responsible for the "voices" she heard and demonic apparitions she saw, until this was shown her in counseling. Who would have seen a connection between the morbid depression and extreme negativism of Mr. V. and his visits to meetings of Spiritualists and other religious cults such as Theosophy and Rosicrucians, even though he only went out of curiosity?

    Homosexuality and fear of crowds were the result of another individual's involvement in the practice of table-tipping and consulting the ouija board as a child. The rapid mental and physical deterioration of another victim of occult oppression was traced to submission to hypnotism and treatment by "Concept Therapy." Mrs. D. found through counseling that her depression and lack of desire for spiritual things followed her visit to a fortune teller. Although he had prepared for the ministry, Mr. T. later fell back into the world, was divorced, and lost interest in Christianity. He was then surprised to learn that his troubles stemmed from his practice of self-hypnosis, astrology, and other occult interests.

    The removal of warts by magic charming and involvement in other magic practices has resulted in alcoholism, oppression by sex spirits, and other forms of demonic oppression in some cases. The parents' participation in occult practices resulted in a young man and a young woman being oppressed by demonic apparitions and vexed with other problems. Palm reading was the cause of one woman's serious domestic problems, and another's oppression in which she heard voices and saw a ghostly apparition.

    Water dowsing explained the resistance of one man to the Scriptural teaching concerning the Holy Spirit. It was also the cause of another's vexation with a serious problem over which he could not achieve victory, and resulted in insanity to still another who practiced this ancient heathen method of divining. Playing with the ouija board and visits to fortunetellers led Mrs. F. to attempt suicide. The consequence of having a burn "blown" away by magic charming was severe depression for Mrs. R. The relation between the mental illness of Mrs. A. and her practice of table-tipping as a child seemed remote until she experienced immediate liberation upon confessing this occult sin and receiving prayer for deliverance.

    Another, who could have no assurance of salvation, due to oppression by a deceiving spirit, was delivered when she was shown the connection between her mental suffering and a healing she had received from a psychometric healer who diagnosed her illness by touch. Chronic asthma was the consequence of involvement in magical practices, from which a sufferer was set free upon learning of the cause. Liberation from severe mental, physical, and spiritual oppression came to another who fell victim to the insidious powers of darkness after visits to Spiritualists' meetings, while another was set free from psychic subjection which resulted from occult practices, when shown the source and nature of her extrasensory powers.

    The examples from this certain pastor’s files could be multiplied, for there are few families in which at least one member has not had contact with occult spirits in one form or another, with its resultant oppression or subjection. Although few people are aware of the various forms in which occult oppression and subjection express themselves, there is no doubt that occult involvement always results in bondage. This conclusion is based on a pastor’s experiences in deliverance. First he had established the connection between the occult involvement and the bondage, then the oppressed individual confessed his occult sins and commanded Satan to depart. The result is always the same: the person is delivered. In instances where the individual was also psychically subjected (having extrasensory powers, seeing apparitions, hearing spirit voices, and so on), these experiences have immediately ceased, thereby proving their occult source.

    A distinction should be made between "subjection" and "oppression" resulting from occult involvement. Subjection means that malevolent spirits have brought the victim under the domination and control of the powers of darkness. The victim has been made subject to, or enslaved by, such things as sexual lust, violent temper, drugs, uncontrollable thoughts, resistance to divine things, compulsive behavior, lying, hate, religious delusions, self-pity, or forms of occultism. A person thus subjected often becomes psychic himself, and is so enslaved by occultism that he lacks the will, and sometimes even the desire, to be set free.

    Oppression resulting from occult involvement means that the victim has been afflicted with some form of mental, physical, emotional, or psychic ailment or distress such as depression, fear, mental illness, disease, pain, apathy, marital discord, compulsive thoughts of suicide, apparitions, and so forth.

    The characteristics listed in the rest of this study are evidences of occult subjection and oppression. Some of these symptoms may result from other causes, but the existence of any of these manifestations usually indicates the presence and activity of demonic spirits, as well as the need for deliverance.

    Occult subjection and oppression may be classified for clarification into five categories: Mental and Emotional; Psychic; Spiritual; Physical; Material, Domestic, and Social.

    A. Mental and Emotional Disturbances and Abnormalities.
    Contrary to common wisdom, many psychoneuroses, psychoses, and other mental and emotional abnormalities result, not from functional or organic causes, but from occult involvement. Some of the following symptoms could be classified as "psychic" disturbances or abnormalities in character; however, we will purposely be limiting our later discussion of "psychic" subjection and oppression to the strict parapsychological sense of the term, namely, to extrasensory functioning, such as clairvoyance, telepathy, and precognition, and to such psychic phenomena as apparitions or poltergeist activity. Note further that "mental and emotional" does not necessarily imply "inward," but many of the following mental and emotional disturbances and abnormalities will also affect the outward behavior of the oppressed individual.

    1. Psychoses indicative of occult oppression or subjection.
    Symptoms in this category include serious, prolonged depression or melancholia; resignation to failure or misfortune; habitual gloominess, morbidity and negativism, boredom and indifference (ennui), as well as apathy in general.

    Persons thus afflicted are often more interested in their own inward thoughts than in what goes on around them, and may respond in an abnormal, dull manner to others and to reality. They manifest extreme introversion; that is, they live within themselves and take no interest in their surroundings. At times they shun others, withdrawing and spending long periods of time alone, sometimes in a darkened room with the shades drawn, in a morose state of mind. Excessive weeping may also accompany this condition, as well as self-accusation of sins, frequently with thoughts of self-destruction. Such individuals often lack normal emotional response and contact with reality. They live in a private world where little affects them except their own fantasies and dreams.

    In some oppressed persons, this state of depression alternates with a directly opposite mood of extreme joy, happiness, exhilaration, and optimistic outlook. This mental disorder, known as manic-depressive psychosis, is characterized by extreme, sudden changes in mood, fluctuating up and down, often without warning.

    Delusions, so-called hallucinations, and psychic oppression are frequently present in victims of occult involvement who have become psychotic. There may be compulsive thoughts of violence and aggression, and destructive emotions of hate, rage, resentment, jealousy, suspicion, envy, malice, and other antisocial abnormalities. Great excitement and perturbation over trivial matters, and other indications of mania are often seen, as well as unpredictable impulses, moods, actions, and other psychopathic indications of insanity.

    There is often found in such persons a continual "flight of ideas." The individual goes off on one tangent or another, often without completing a thought, and there is a general incoherence of thoughts and ideas. Generally, they are irresponsible, unpredictable, and undependable. Unreasonable attitudes or demands are characteristic of demonic activity in such persons.

    As a result of occult involvement, some individuals are in subjection to extreme and uncontrollable passions and appetites. Vile language, sexual allusions or displays are common, together with inexplicable character or personality changes toward moral degeneracy. There may be found such sexual aberrations as homosexuality, masochism, self-abuse, promiscuity, sadism, abnormal sexuality, uncontrollable lustful thoughts and images, and suggestive behavior and dress.

    The presence and activity of demonic powers is also indicated by enslavement to evil habits such as drug addiction, gluttony (compulsive eating), addiction to alcohol or tobacco, compulsive gambling, and many other forms of excess and intemperance.

    2. Psychoneuroses indicative of occult oppression and subjection.
    A neurotic person exhibits symptoms such as persistent, chronic fear or dread. Generally, there is a morbid anxiety that something dreadful is about to happen, or that one has not done something he ought to have done, or has done something that he should not have done, and so on. There are often feelings of apprehension, consternation, panic and hysteria, or evidence of strong nervous tension. The individual often works and lives at a frenzied pace, frequently suffering insomnia and extreme restlessness. Other abnormalities seen in neurotics include difficulty in making decisions, inability to adjust normally to certain situations, and the need of constant guidance and reassurance by others because of personal feelings of inadequacy and immaturity, or the fear of failure. Extreme hypersensitivity, irritability, and impatience are common. The individual is often ill-humored, argumentative, defiant, negative, always "on the defensive," and highly critical of others in an effort to justify his own deep feelings of inadequacy.

    The most pathetic and difficult forms of neurotic oppression to deal with are the deep-rooted feelings of self-pity and the abnormal desire for attention found in some individuals. They dread being alone for any length of time and have need of constant companionship and conversation. They often feel mistreated, misunderstood, misrepresented, and disliked by others. Frequently, they develop some psychosomatic ailment or disease as a result of the subconscious desire for attention, in order to find escape through sickness from the problems and perplexities of life. Such persons, called "hypochondriacs," seek to control and manipulate others by the shrewd use of their illness. Their households and families are forced to adjust to their abnormal life and whims, sacrificing everything for their personal comfort. Edited. Shared.
    To be Continued.

    God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
    ❤️EVIDENCE OF OCCULT OPPRESSION AND SUBJECTION. Part 1 of 3 We must distinguish between general oppression and occult oppression and subjection. The symptoms may be similar in many respects, but in several important aspects they are not. The marks of occult involvement are easily distinguished to one experienced in this particular area of deliverance. As a result of failing to distinguish between occult oppression and general demonic oppression issuing from other causes, many who have had prayer for deliverance have not been permanently set free. As we will show, those who have been involved in occultism have opened a "door" of access to oppressing spirits which they themselves must close by positive action and faith on their part. Moreover, liberation from occult oppression or subjection requires proper understanding of its peculiar nature and cause, the specific method of deliverance required, and the spiritual responsibilities of the one who has received deliverance from occult oppression. General oppression, whether mental, physical, or spiritual, may result from any one of several causes. For example, it may result from some traumatic experience, sin, weakness, emotional crisis, resentment, hate, pride, fear, or illness. Occult oppression and subjection, however, always result from an individual's involvement in some form of fortunetelling, magic practice, spiritism, or false religious cult, either as practitioner, or, as is most often the case, as subject, follower, or participant. Moreover, experience has shown that it is possible for a person to be "passively" subjected or oppressed, even though he has never actively participated in the occult. The Biblical basis for this fact is Exodus 20:3-6: God's "curse" falls upon "the children unto the third and fourth generation" of those who violate His commandment by calling upon other gods (demonic spirits and powers), which they do through involvement in the occult, for the purpose of breaking through the bounds which God has set for man. The magnitude of the sin of occult involvement, which is an abomination to God (Deuteronomy 18:12), is confirmed by its deep power of enslavement, not only upon the participants themselves, but even upon their descendants. The reality of such passive oppression and subjection has been shown in the preceding study. Both from Scripture and from experience it is evident that evil spirits who oppress human victims are of various kinds, and work in a variety of ways. There are blind spirits, deaf spirits, epileptic spirits, deceiving spirits, and lying spirits; spirits of pride, intellectualism, lust, infirmity, insanity, homosexuality, suicide, fear, apathy, anger, discord, strife, hate, resentment, depression, stubbornness, misunderstanding, gossip, obscenity, and many others. Oppression may be subjective, such as insanity, lust, or loss of health through disease and affliction; or objective, in which case the victim may be plagued by demonic apparitions and voices, or troubled by discord and strife through vexation by evil spirits. These malevolent spirits are definite personalities, not mere habits, diseases, psychological conditions, or states of mind. Just as human beings vary in personality, power, ability, appetites, intelligence, and purpose, so do the demonic spirits. Their primary intention, as disembodied spirits, is to oppress or possess a person appealing to their particular nature or appetites, in order to hide, as it were, behind these traits, habits, weaknesses, and mental or physical conditions, and thereby escape detection. An individual given to sexual looseness and excess, for instance, opens the door to demonic control in this particular area of his life by a spirit of lust with this characteristic appetite. The same would be true concerning a person who has a violent temper which he does not bring under control, or those who are given to pride, jealousy, hate, depression, gluttony, drug addiction, or any other weakness of character, mind or body. Demonic spirits seek to oppress those whose make-up, character, temperament, appetites, and moral, mental, or physical weaknesses are most harmonious to themselves. They bury themselves in the very structure of the person and actually identify with the personality of the victim insofar as possible. This is why it is difficult for the novice to discern, or the medical doctor, psychologist, and psychiatrist to admit, the reality and activity of demonic spirits in such victims. The latter reduce such diseases as epilepsy, cancer, blindness and deafness, as well as abnormal personality and behavior problems, to functional or organic disorders. Hence, the presence and activity of demonic spirits in their victims are often described by other terms such as: complexes, habits, drives, hallucinations, delusions, delirium tremens, insanity, epilepsy, melancholia, masochism, homosexuality, schizophrenia, mania, depression, psychoneurosis, psychosis, compulsions, drug addiction, disease, and so on. Not that the terms are entirely inaccurate, but in many cases they are inadequate. They do not go deep enough in identifying the conditions and phenomena connected with the work of the powers of darkness in the lives of the oppressed. Likewise, the parapsychologist describes the various manifestations of demonic powers by such terms as clairvoyance, telepathy, extrasensory perception, eidetic imagery, hypnotic suggestion, precognition, telesthesia, psychic phenomena, and so forth. He holds that such paranormal abilities and powers are merely manifestations and projections of the human subconscious or psyche, or that they can be explained in some other natural and rational manner as a rule. Thus, the presence and activity of such personal entities as demonic spirits are not easily perceptible to the analytical investigators of the paranormal, for the precise reason that Satan does not publicly announce his presence and work in an individual by handing out "calling cards"! However, growing numbers of psychologists, psychiatrists, and physicians are beginning to see and admit that they can no longer dismiss demonic oppression as mere religious delusion or pagan superstition. They are finding it to be a dreadful reality, and that there are definite limits beyond which medicine and psychiatry cannot penetrate to bring the necessary liberation to the suffering individual. In one instance, the church which a certain person pastored was contacted by a Christian psychologist asking for prayer for the deliverance of one of his patients. He recognized that the woman was bound and oppressed by Satan and that he was unable to help her with mere technical knowledge and skills. After the church prayed in faith for her liberation in the Name of Jesus, the psychologist reported that she had been set free. He was then able to counsel effectively with her, which he had been unable to do previously. Dr. William S. Reed, a well-known American surgeon, was reported to have said that he, as a surgeon, was convinced that many psychological and physical illnesses are the result of demonic attacks upon the individual; that on the basis of Mark 16:17, he himself used exorcism (casting out of evil spirits) when guided to do so; and that modern medicine and psychiatry should seriously consider the ministry of exorcism. Often the connections between occult involvement and the oppression which results are so subtle that people are completely unaware of the insidious relationship until it is pointed out. For instance, who would have connected the chronic physical illness of Mrs. L. with her visit to a fortune teller? Mr. R. did not believe that his playing with the ouija board had any adverse spiritual effects upon him until it was manifested in his inability to exercise faith to receive the Holy Spirit. For many years Mrs. T. was unaware that her persistent marital problems and apathy toward life began the day after her participation in a seance. And who would have seen the cause of the chronic phobias and doubts of another person who had been healed as an infant by an occult or magic healer? Mr. B. regularly visited fortune tellers, but did not realize until it was shown him that this accounted for an uncontrollable spirit of lust, from which he could not escape, and also explained his pride, indifference, immaturity, and hate. A brutal, demon possessed child, subject to periods of violent rage, was the result of the parents' participation in the occult, but this was unknown until counseling revealed the cause. Mrs. C. suffered from severe depression and thoughts of self destruction, little realizing that her participation in seances was the cause. Miss W. had been committed to a mental institution at one time, spent much money visiting doctors, psychologists, and psychiatrists, and had sought help and counseling from many sources concerning her psychotic condition, all to no avail. Little did she realize that it resulted from her past fortunetelling practices and other occult connections. Likewise, Mrs. G. was unaware that her visits to the fortune tellers were responsible for the "voices" she heard and demonic apparitions she saw, until this was shown her in counseling. Who would have seen a connection between the morbid depression and extreme negativism of Mr. V. and his visits to meetings of Spiritualists and other religious cults such as Theosophy and Rosicrucians, even though he only went out of curiosity? Homosexuality and fear of crowds were the result of another individual's involvement in the practice of table-tipping and consulting the ouija board as a child. The rapid mental and physical deterioration of another victim of occult oppression was traced to submission to hypnotism and treatment by "Concept Therapy." Mrs. D. found through counseling that her depression and lack of desire for spiritual things followed her visit to a fortune teller. Although he had prepared for the ministry, Mr. T. later fell back into the world, was divorced, and lost interest in Christianity. He was then surprised to learn that his troubles stemmed from his practice of self-hypnosis, astrology, and other occult interests. The removal of warts by magic charming and involvement in other magic practices has resulted in alcoholism, oppression by sex spirits, and other forms of demonic oppression in some cases. The parents' participation in occult practices resulted in a young man and a young woman being oppressed by demonic apparitions and vexed with other problems. Palm reading was the cause of one woman's serious domestic problems, and another's oppression in which she heard voices and saw a ghostly apparition. Water dowsing explained the resistance of one man to the Scriptural teaching concerning the Holy Spirit. It was also the cause of another's vexation with a serious problem over which he could not achieve victory, and resulted in insanity to still another who practiced this ancient heathen method of divining. Playing with the ouija board and visits to fortunetellers led Mrs. F. to attempt suicide. The consequence of having a burn "blown" away by magic charming was severe depression for Mrs. R. The relation between the mental illness of Mrs. A. and her practice of table-tipping as a child seemed remote until she experienced immediate liberation upon confessing this occult sin and receiving prayer for deliverance. Another, who could have no assurance of salvation, due to oppression by a deceiving spirit, was delivered when she was shown the connection between her mental suffering and a healing she had received from a psychometric healer who diagnosed her illness by touch. Chronic asthma was the consequence of involvement in magical practices, from which a sufferer was set free upon learning of the cause. Liberation from severe mental, physical, and spiritual oppression came to another who fell victim to the insidious powers of darkness after visits to Spiritualists' meetings, while another was set free from psychic subjection which resulted from occult practices, when shown the source and nature of her extrasensory powers. The examples from this certain pastor’s files could be multiplied, for there are few families in which at least one member has not had contact with occult spirits in one form or another, with its resultant oppression or subjection. Although few people are aware of the various forms in which occult oppression and subjection express themselves, there is no doubt that occult involvement always results in bondage. This conclusion is based on a pastor’s experiences in deliverance. First he had established the connection between the occult involvement and the bondage, then the oppressed individual confessed his occult sins and commanded Satan to depart. The result is always the same: the person is delivered. In instances where the individual was also psychically subjected (having extrasensory powers, seeing apparitions, hearing spirit voices, and so on), these experiences have immediately ceased, thereby proving their occult source. A distinction should be made between "subjection" and "oppression" resulting from occult involvement. Subjection means that malevolent spirits have brought the victim under the domination and control of the powers of darkness. The victim has been made subject to, or enslaved by, such things as sexual lust, violent temper, drugs, uncontrollable thoughts, resistance to divine things, compulsive behavior, lying, hate, religious delusions, self-pity, or forms of occultism. A person thus subjected often becomes psychic himself, and is so enslaved by occultism that he lacks the will, and sometimes even the desire, to be set free. Oppression resulting from occult involvement means that the victim has been afflicted with some form of mental, physical, emotional, or psychic ailment or distress such as depression, fear, mental illness, disease, pain, apathy, marital discord, compulsive thoughts of suicide, apparitions, and so forth. The characteristics listed in the rest of this study are evidences of occult subjection and oppression. Some of these symptoms may result from other causes, but the existence of any of these manifestations usually indicates the presence and activity of demonic spirits, as well as the need for deliverance. Occult subjection and oppression may be classified for clarification into five categories: Mental and Emotional; Psychic; Spiritual; Physical; Material, Domestic, and Social. A. Mental and Emotional Disturbances and Abnormalities. Contrary to common wisdom, many psychoneuroses, psychoses, and other mental and emotional abnormalities result, not from functional or organic causes, but from occult involvement. Some of the following symptoms could be classified as "psychic" disturbances or abnormalities in character; however, we will purposely be limiting our later discussion of "psychic" subjection and oppression to the strict parapsychological sense of the term, namely, to extrasensory functioning, such as clairvoyance, telepathy, and precognition, and to such psychic phenomena as apparitions or poltergeist activity. Note further that "mental and emotional" does not necessarily imply "inward," but many of the following mental and emotional disturbances and abnormalities will also affect the outward behavior of the oppressed individual. 1. Psychoses indicative of occult oppression or subjection. Symptoms in this category include serious, prolonged depression or melancholia; resignation to failure or misfortune; habitual gloominess, morbidity and negativism, boredom and indifference (ennui), as well as apathy in general. Persons thus afflicted are often more interested in their own inward thoughts than in what goes on around them, and may respond in an abnormal, dull manner to others and to reality. They manifest extreme introversion; that is, they live within themselves and take no interest in their surroundings. At times they shun others, withdrawing and spending long periods of time alone, sometimes in a darkened room with the shades drawn, in a morose state of mind. Excessive weeping may also accompany this condition, as well as self-accusation of sins, frequently with thoughts of self-destruction. Such individuals often lack normal emotional response and contact with reality. They live in a private world where little affects them except their own fantasies and dreams. In some oppressed persons, this state of depression alternates with a directly opposite mood of extreme joy, happiness, exhilaration, and optimistic outlook. This mental disorder, known as manic-depressive psychosis, is characterized by extreme, sudden changes in mood, fluctuating up and down, often without warning. Delusions, so-called hallucinations, and psychic oppression are frequently present in victims of occult involvement who have become psychotic. There may be compulsive thoughts of violence and aggression, and destructive emotions of hate, rage, resentment, jealousy, suspicion, envy, malice, and other antisocial abnormalities. Great excitement and perturbation over trivial matters, and other indications of mania are often seen, as well as unpredictable impulses, moods, actions, and other psychopathic indications of insanity. There is often found in such persons a continual "flight of ideas." The individual goes off on one tangent or another, often without completing a thought, and there is a general incoherence of thoughts and ideas. Generally, they are irresponsible, unpredictable, and undependable. Unreasonable attitudes or demands are characteristic of demonic activity in such persons. As a result of occult involvement, some individuals are in subjection to extreme and uncontrollable passions and appetites. Vile language, sexual allusions or displays are common, together with inexplicable character or personality changes toward moral degeneracy. There may be found such sexual aberrations as homosexuality, masochism, self-abuse, promiscuity, sadism, abnormal sexuality, uncontrollable lustful thoughts and images, and suggestive behavior and dress. The presence and activity of demonic powers is also indicated by enslavement to evil habits such as drug addiction, gluttony (compulsive eating), addiction to alcohol or tobacco, compulsive gambling, and many other forms of excess and intemperance. 2. Psychoneuroses indicative of occult oppression and subjection. A neurotic person exhibits symptoms such as persistent, chronic fear or dread. Generally, there is a morbid anxiety that something dreadful is about to happen, or that one has not done something he ought to have done, or has done something that he should not have done, and so on. There are often feelings of apprehension, consternation, panic and hysteria, or evidence of strong nervous tension. The individual often works and lives at a frenzied pace, frequently suffering insomnia and extreme restlessness. Other abnormalities seen in neurotics include difficulty in making decisions, inability to adjust normally to certain situations, and the need of constant guidance and reassurance by others because of personal feelings of inadequacy and immaturity, or the fear of failure. Extreme hypersensitivity, irritability, and impatience are common. The individual is often ill-humored, argumentative, defiant, negative, always "on the defensive," and highly critical of others in an effort to justify his own deep feelings of inadequacy. The most pathetic and difficult forms of neurotic oppression to deal with are the deep-rooted feelings of self-pity and the abnormal desire for attention found in some individuals. They dread being alone for any length of time and have need of constant companionship and conversation. They often feel mistreated, misunderstood, misrepresented, and disliked by others. Frequently, they develop some psychosomatic ailment or disease as a result of the subconscious desire for attention, in order to find escape through sickness from the problems and perplexities of life. Such persons, called "hypochondriacs," seek to control and manipulate others by the shrewd use of their illness. Their households and families are forced to adjust to their abnormal life and whims, sacrificing everything for their personal comfort. Edited. Shared. To be Continued. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
    Like
    Love
    7
    1 Commenti 0 condivisioni 1451 Views
  • John 5:

    "1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
    2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
    3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
    4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
    5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
    6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
    7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
    8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
    9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
    10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
    11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
    12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
    13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.
    14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
    15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.
    16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
    17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
    18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
    19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
    20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
    21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
    22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
    23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
    24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
    25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
    26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
    27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
    28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
    29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
    30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
    31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
    32 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
    33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.
    34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
    35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
    36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
    37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
    38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
    39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
    40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
    41 I receive not honour from men.
    42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
    43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
    44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
    45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
    46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
    47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?"
    John 5: "1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. 5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? 7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. 9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. 11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. 12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? 13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. 15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. 16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. 17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. 18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. 19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. 21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. 22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: 23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. 25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. 26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; 27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. 30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. 31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. 32 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. 33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. 34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. 35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. 36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. 37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. 38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. 39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. 41 I receive not honour from men. 42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. 43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. 44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. 46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. 47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?"
    0 Commenti 0 condivisioni 10 Views
Pagine in Evidenza