Month: January 2015

In my previous blog, I pointed out the normalcy of exorcism in the early church, during the first centuries after Christ. (To read Part #1 of this series, CLICK HERE.) That blog quoted from a book entitled The Spirit of Early Christian Thought, by Robert Louis Wilken, professor of the History of Christianity at the University of Virginia (published by Yale University Press). Wilkens pointed out that exorcism was an integral part of baptism in the early church, particularly when the baptismal candidate applied for the sacred ceremony. Baptism, and reception into the Body of Christ, was viewed with such seriousness that the catechumen was required to demonstrate a holy life before receiving the waters. Then, once he was accepted, another exorcism was performed. Wilkens describes it this way: On this occasion there was a fuller rite of exorcism in which the priest laid his hand on the competentes, invoked the Holy Trinity, and rebuked the devil (p. 39). Wilkens adds that this was done as a “communal celebration of the entire community.” In other words, the exorcism was DONE IN PUBLIC. Imagine that. Wilkens concludes that “the drama of the exorcisms . . . heightened the experience . . . [and] was the great Christian spectacle” (p. 39).

Deliverance doesn’t always need to be done in public. In fact, that should happen in a minority of instances. Most deliverance requires extensive inner healing, often dealing with repressed, painful issues. Of course, that kind of spiritual therapy works best in an intimate and confidential setting. But public deliverance had a place in the early church, and on appropriate occasions it deserves such a place now. Just as exorcism was part of a “communal celebration” nearly 2,000 years ago, it can be the same today. In fact, those who have attended our seminars, and witnessed the public exorcisms that I perform, know that the seminar room is filled with excited celebration and exaltation of Christ. See it happen on YouTube. (CLICK HERE to visit our exorcism channel.) See it in our seminars. (CLICK HERE to see where I’ll be in a city near you.) Let’s get the ministry of deliverance out of the closet, from behind closed doors, and in the open so that the devil’s defeat can be witnessed and praise to God be given.

An encouraging word: CHRIST DISARMED THE DEVIL

Colossians 2:15 tells us that Christ “disarmed” all the powers of Satan and made a “public spectacle” of them. Today, some Christians are afraid to speak of the devil, even to say his name. Satan is a hush-hush topic in most polite evangelical circles. But Scriptures tells us that Jesus triumphed over the devil, and didn’t hide it. Ministries such as ours that publicly confront demons and the devil are criticized for doing so, as if it were some kind of circus. It’s not. Just as the Lord made an open show of Satan’s defeat, we should not be afraid to proclaim to a watching world that Christ’s power in us also openly conquers the powers of darkness. 

Bob Larson has trained healing and deliverance teams all over the world to set the captives free and Do What Jesus Did (Luke 4:18).  You can partner with Bob and support this vision to demonstrate God’s power in action by calling 303-980-1511 or clicking here to donate online.

When does worry become anxiety? And when does anxiety become fear? And when does fear become disenabling? When one has scrupulosity. Never heard of it? Theologians have. Psychologists have. Scrupulosity (root word scruples) takes over when an individual has excess, sometimes obsessive-compulsive concerns, often spiritual worries that become overwhelming.  At that point the condition can become pathological and dysfunctional. The word comes from the Latin scrupulum, a “sharp stone,” thus an acute pain in the soul. It can be typified by those who are constantly fearful of losing their salvation or entertain, usually against their will, blasphemous thoughts. Ignatius of Loyola and Martin Luther are two historic religious figures said to suffer from this malady. In deliverance ministry I’ve dealt with this condition many times, but bring it up now because someone recently reached out to me seeking help for this obsession. Their cry for help prompted this blog.

The phenomenon of scrupulosity has been studied carefully from both a religious and psychological perspective. But can it have a demonic root? When does insecurity about one’s salvation become more than the cry of a sincere conscience wanting not to offend God? When are thoughts of cursing God or aberrant sexual desires more than the “flesh” recoiling against the life of the Spirit? Fear is ultimately the cause of such irrational anguish and sometimes that is a demon of Fear fomenting the condition. To anyone suffering from obsessive-compulsive thoughts or impulses that are contrary to their beliefs, remember that to be tempted is not to sin. To have a thought is not to act upon it.

There is even a danger that scrupulosity can lead to an ungrounded fear that one has demons or has committed the unpardonable sin. To such I say, suspecting that you have demons isn’t the same as having them. And if you think you’ve gone beyond God’s grace, then why are you still concerned that you have? Instances of the unpardonable sin are very rare and most pastors never actually meet someone who has gone that far. Combat scrupulosity by the truth, especially as spoken by a friend, spouse, or counselor. Listen to what they say about spiritual assurances, not what voices in your head or subjective pangs of conscience might be telling you. If you are still deeply concerned, schedule a Personal Spiritual Encounter with me to find out for sure if it’s demons or just your mind. If you can’t get to me, get to a mature spiritual counselor who can give you objective reflections on your condition.

An encouraging word: VINDICATION COMES FROM GOD

In Psalm 17:2 David cried out, “Let my vindication come from you.” He knew that he’d been loyal to King Saul, even though the monarch wanted to kill him. An entire kingdom sought David’s life, yet he had done nothing wrong. When he found Saul in a cave and might have murdered him, he didn’t. David knew that his only vindication could come from the Lord. We’ve all been tempted to strike back when we feel wronged for having done no wrong. It’s best to do what David did and turn it over to the Lord. Let the true test of your veracity come from God.

Bob Larson has trained healing and deliverance teams all over the world to set the captives free and Do What Jesus Did (Luke 4:18).  You can partner with Bob and support this vision to demonstrate God’s power in action by calling 303-980-1511 or clicking here to donate online.

In our age of Internet dating a new $5.2 billion industry has arisen, according to The Wall Street Journal (01/17/18), to meet the demand for data on background checks of future mates. Individuals who’ve met suitors online are hiring detectives to find out if their potential spouse has a prison record, bad debts or other unsavory secrets. After a romantic weekend, one woman hired a detective and found out her lover had a wife and kids he still lived with halfway across the country. Another surprised female found out her boyfriend had kids to whom he was paying child support, a fact never disclosed during dating. Such premarital investigation seem like a good idea to avoid signing on for something never revealed before the “I dos.”

But what if one’s husband or wife-to-be has demons? How would that be uncovered? I have personally ministered to many couples considering marriage who came to me wondering if one of them had demons. I served as a sort of “demon detective” to uncover hidden spiritual issues that could later ruin the marriage. Frankly, it’s a good idea. It’s a kind of spiritual pre-nuptial. Better to know now if your wedded bliss has the possibility of turning into a demonic nightmare.

I first take the couple through a thorough program I’ve developed called SEVEN STEPS TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE. (This program is also available to rescue currently troubled marriages.) After the rigorous examination of what it will take to have a solid Christian marriage, I then do deliverance, if necessary. It often is. It’s wise to go through demon detection before the knot is tired then to try to fix a bad marriage later that has been marred by demonic behavior. To do the demon detection work there are no hidden camera, no cars parked in front of houses to see who comes and goes, no internet checks into criminal records. Just lots of prayer incisive questions, and spiritual discernment. And confrontation with evil spirits if they are present. If you, or someone you know, is contemplating marriage with someone they haven’t know for a very long time, I suggest you get them to contact our ministry. If you suspect that your own marriage is being demonically sabotaged, call us quickly. A little bit of spiritual demon detective work on your behalf can save you a whole lot of emotional pain and marital misery. 

An encouraging word:  SUFFERING FOR CHRIST

Paul admonished the Philippians to remember that they were not only to believe in Christ but also be willing to “suffer for His sake” (v. 1:29). That is a difficult pill to swallow in today’s comfy, Christian culture. In many evangelical circles the emphasis is on accommodating one’s beliefs and lifestyle to a walk of ease, unlimited prosperity, and personal pain in absentia. It’s an enticing invitation to Christ, but it’s not biblical. Christians can expect many, many blessings, some material and others spiritual. But a confession of faith in Christ doesn’t always ensure freedom from all life’s vagaries. We should serve Him because of who He is, not because of the good things we expect from Him.

Bob Larson has trained healing and deliverance teams all over the world to set the captives free and Do What Jesus Did (Luke 4:18).  You can partner with Bob and support this vision to demonstrate God’s power in action by calling 303-980-1511 or clicking here to donate online.

This past week the world has been focused on Paris, where Islamic terrorists murdered 17 people, 12 of them at the Charlie Hebdo newspaper offices. Sunday, world leaders linked arms as million protested the killings. Tuesday, Hebdo released its first issue since the slaughter. As you probably know, the attack of Islamic extremists was provoked by a cartoon in the satire newspaper that mocked the prophet Mohammed, a capital offense in Muslim controlled lands. Yesterday, Hebdo, which normally prints a mere 30,000 copies weekly, published more than 3 million issues. Did free speech prevail, in spite of terrorism? Is Hebdo to be admired for having the courage to poke Islam in the eye, and then, after a massacre of its editorial staff, return with yet another drawing of Islam’s founder?

Of course, what the terrorist did was completely barbaric and reprehensible. No sane person could condone such inhumanity. But who is Charlie Hedbo?  It’s a small, ultra-leftist, minor weekly with limited readership and an atheistic agenda. The same 3 million copy printing that was lauded this week as a courageous display of free speech, bragged that they had more people on the streets of Paris defending them than those attending Mass in the city’s cathedrals. In addition to caricaturing Mohammed once again, the paper also depicted Catholic nuns discussing oral sex and suggested that Muslims, Christian, and Jews were all part of cabal to control the world. So much for taking the moral high ground in response to their tragedy.

What’s happened with our world when intentional anti-religious offensiveness is celebrated as bravery?  Some see this not so much as a free speech issue but a matter of poor judgment, using infantile satire in a repugnant way for shock value. Understand, that Hebdo is no friend of Christianity. Their mockery of Islam has nothing to do with theology. Those who died didn’t believe in anything, and that’s the saddest postscript to this disheartening story. The people at Hebdo who perished in cold blood, didn’t give their lives for believing in God. They died in defense of a free press. That’s a good cause, but it’s not a stairway to heaven. Respect them as journalists, but don’t enshrine them as martyrs.

An encouraging word:  WALK IN HIM

Following Christ is not easy. Paul commanded the Colossians (2:6) to be faithful and “as you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” Walking in Him means taking upon ourselves His humility, righteousness, selflessness, and authority. “Walking in Him” isn’t just being a meek and mild Christian. It’s also claiming His power to heal, deliver, and set free those whom Satan has bound. Think today all the ways you can walk in Him to witness, love, and live. This walk may also take you places you wouldn’t want to go, suffer things you’d rather avoid, and step from your comfort zone to experience new faith. The next twenty-four hours do your best to walk in Him and be amazed at what happens.

Bob Larson has trained healing and deliverance teams all over the world to set the captives free and Do What Jesus Did (Luke 4:18).  You can partner with Bob and support this vision to demonstrate God’s power in action by calling 303-980-1511 or clicking here to donate online.

It’s a question I’m asked a lot: “If you get rid of your demons, can they come back?” Well, yes and no. No, if you get delivered and continue to walk with the Lord. Yes, if you return to the same sin that permitted this evil spirit to enter in the first place. I’m not necessarily talking about Luke 11:26 where Christ warned, “It goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself and they go in and live there. And the final condition of the man is worse than the first.” That’s another topic for another time. I’m talking about an individual who undergoes a deliverance/exorcism. “Can that particular demon which was cast out return again? “

Certain spirits, according to the Bible writers Peter (2 Peter 2:4) and Jude (13), are kept in chains and cannot roam the earth looking for souls. It seems from Scripture, and my personal experience bears out this truth, that casting a demon to the Pit/Abyss isn’t necessarily an act of permanent consignment. Recently I was in the process of casting out a demon when the evil spirit said, “I’ll be back.” I retorted that it could not, so long as this person walked in faith and obedience. “Oh, I’m not talking about now. I mean when Abaddon lets us loose,” the demon responded. Revelation 9:11 and 17:8 testify to this fact.

Yes, some demons will come back to possess the same souls from which they were expelled, because the delivered person didn’t keep walking in grace. (I’ve seen this many times.) And, yes, Hell will be opened by the demon Abaddon at the end of time for one last demonic onslaught. But the demons must face one unmistakable fact. After their last hurrah, they and the devil will be eternally disposed of (Revelation 20:10) in the Bottomless Pit, never to return again!

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An encouraging word: DON’T BE SHAKEN

Psalm 15:1-5 lists a series of qualifications for entrance into God’s presence and His kingdom. Walk “blameless,” be “righteous,” “speak truth,” don’t “slander,” do not “wrong” or “slur” your neighbor, keep “oaths,” and don’t accept “bribes.” David says that those who do this “will never be shaken.” This may seem like a daunting task, but with God all things are possible. Many today are spiritually and morally undependable. Their word is contestable. Their conduct is compromising. God is looking for those who will follow Him and can be depended upon. Will you be one who will not be shaken?

Bob Larson has trained healing and deliverance teams all over the world to set the captives free and Do What Jesus Did (Luke 4:18).  You can partner with Bob and support this vision to demonstrate God’s power in action by calling 303-980-1511 or clicking here to donate online.

All you liberals loosen up, now that I’ve got your attention with my blog title. You conservatives will also be disappointed. DISCLOSURE: I’m not talking about President Obama. Republicans may not be too happy, though, that I’m raising issues about President Ronald Reagan. Before you think I’ve committed the Republican equivalent of blasphemy, look at the facts. A few weeks ago Joan Quigley died, aged 87. Who’s that? Quigley was the San Francisco heiress-turned-astologer who became an important adviser to the Reagan White House, mostly courtesy of First Lady Nancy. For about seven years she held sway with almost every significant decision of Reagan’s presidency.  Quigley set the agenda for the timing of press conferences, the departure of Air Force One, and even international negotiations. She claimed to get her psychic gift from her mother, an obvious generational curse. Eventually, for reasons we may never know, the Reagans disowned her.

If, for a time, President Reagan allowed such blatant occult practices in the White House, how could he in turn implement so many policies that favored Christians? If he opened a door to the devil, how could Reagan’s actions also have led to the bringing down of the Berlin wall and signal the end of Communistic atheism’s  stranglehold over tens of millions of people? Perhaps he only went along to please his wife, Nancy. Maybe his close association with many evangelical believers (I once attended a private reception with President Reagan at the White House where Liza Minnelli entertained.) blunted the devil’s strategy. We can thank God that Quigley was eventually booted from her position of influence, but it was a spiritual close call for our country. Whatever happened in the White House I can’t be certain. What I do know is that consulting the occult can be personally disastrous. Astrology is a dangerous form of divination. Joan Quigley is dead, but horoscopes and other forms of demonic prognostication live on. So does the warning of Scripture in Isaiah 47: 13 that astrology’s evil predictions have no power to save but do have the ability to destroy!

An encouraging word: GOD KNOWS HIDDEN THINGS

I lately decided to re-read the Old Testament. What nuggets of truth can be found, like in Daniel where presently I am reading.  As an example, consider Daniel’s praise in chapter 2, verse 22: He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lives in darkness and light dwells in Him. What a marvelous description of God. Nothing can escape the Lord’s knowing, not even the evil that tries to hide in concealment. The light of His presence dispels every attempt of evil men, and the devil, to cover up their nefarious schemes. There is no use ever trying to hide from God or his omniscience. Both the deep and the dark He will eventually expose.

Bob Larson has trained healing and deliverance teams all over the world to set the captives free and Do What Jesus Did (Luke 4:18).  You can partner with Bob and support this vision to demonstrate God’s power in action by calling 303-980-1511 or clicking here to donate online.