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Drive Out Demons

I have a simple, direct, unapologetic message for the lukewarm, market-driven, non-offending brand of American contemporary Christianity. DRIVE OUT DEMONS. It’s what Jesus did, and what we ought to be doing. Your worship bands are excellent. Your staging is awesome. Your tech factor is impressive. All you are missing is a three-dimensional hologram of your multi-campus pastor appearing onstage, simultaneously before adoring congregants. I’m guessing it’s already on your drawing boards as soon as the technology is feasible. After all, who needs a shepherd who actually knows the name of his sheep and is intimately aware of their individual needs? In this age of ecclesiastical coolness, aren’t there more important things than weeping with the brokenhearted and setting captives free by driving out demons?
But consider the words of Jesus in Luke 13:32. Here’s the context. The Pharisees tried to send Jesus away with a warning that King Herod wanted to kill him. Jesus responded with the words, “I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.” These were the final days of Christ’s purpose on earth. He was destined for Jerusalem to die, but before he did, his immediate mission was clear. He was not backing down from the call to cast out demons. It’s what he had done and what he was going to do. DRIVE OUT DEMONS.
If casting out demons was so central to Christ’s gospel, why is it that 99% of churches today not only don’t do it, they never even mention it. Some serve communion every Sunday, but never minister deliverance even one Sunday. Others extol expository preaching, going through the Bible verse-by-verse, but completely skip over uncomfortable passages like this as if they didn’t exist. How do Charismatic and Pentecostal churches get off taking the second half of that verse, the part about healing, while ignoring the first part of Christ’s calling to drive out demons?
Scripture is clear. We are to drive out demons. One of Satan’s cleverest tactics has been to excise this truth from the Body of Christ, to relegate it to insignificance or ignore it altogether. This past week our nation faced yet another mass murder, when a Virginia Beach, Virginia city employee shot dead 12 of his fellow employees. Whatever mental derangement drove the killer, how dare we not say that he was driven by demons. A month earlier, a shooter opened fire in a San Diego synagogue. The killer came from a devout Christian home. Are we to say this also wasn’t demonic? Both tragedies were avoidable if pastors, friends, and families had been aware of the signs of demonic possession and known how to drive out the demons of murder. They did nothing because they didn’t know how. The alumni of our International School of Exorcism do know how and we will DRIVE OUT DEMONS!

An encouraging word: TASTE THE LORD AND SEE

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good.” These words from Psalm 34:8 seem out of place in our westernized, market-driven brand of Christianity. A mere taste isn’t good enough for some today. Folks now have to be sold on the idea of Jesus; hyped into a state of interest in the things of God. What’s needed is less of “pitching” Jesus by super-salesmen of the gospel. He who is omnipotent and all-loving doesn’t need any advertising. We’d be more effective in winning truly committed souls to Jesus if we allowed the unsaved to see the power of Christ in action in our lives, and, yes, in deliverance from the bondage of evil.

Curse Breaking for Adults

The age of majority, 18 in most countries, is the threshold of adulthood as it is conceptualized (and recognized or declared) in law. It is the chronological moment when minors cease to legally be considered children and assume control over their persons, actions, and decisions, thereby terminating the legal control and legal responsibilities of their parents or guardians over and for them.
I didn’t write those words. A lawyer did. It’s a legal definition of adulthood; but it’s more than that. It’s a definition of the spiritual responsibility that a parent relinquishes at age 18 and the accountability that a child reaching that age assumes. For my wife Laura and me, this truth was very personal last week. Our youngest daughter, Brielle, turned 18. The night before her birthday was spent the same way that we have previously celebrated with our two other daughters, now 24 and 21. Laura and I explained what being an adult meant and counseled her on the challenges and opportunities before her. But more important, we prayed with her. And not just any prayers. Curse breaking prayers. In fact, we structured the evening around the topic “Set Your Children Free at Eighteen,” the title of chapter eight of our book SET YOUR FAMILY FREE (To order click here.)
Some of the topics in our book, and issues we addressed with Brielle, were these: a biblical understanding of how civil enfranchisement mirrors spiritual responsibility; new challenges of adulthood such as voting, signing legal documents, financial choices, considering marriage, and voting. We’d prayed such prayers before and had similar discussions previously. But this was our last chance as her parents to speak for her, and we seized the time to do all we could to cancel any generational evil hidden in her life.
Why do I share this deeply personal and intimate moment in our lives? We want to encourage you to do the same with your children and grandchildren. Few readers of this blog have ever heard anything like this preached from the pulpit. That’s tragic, because every day I minister to people who have suffered needlessly because their parents refused (or didn’t know how) to break curses. To understand more, read our book CURSE BREAKING: Breaking the Bondage of Generational Sin (To order click here.)  You can also enroll in our International School of Exorcism® where this topic is addressed in depth. (To enroll click here.) Curse breaking is for everyone, but especially for adults, whether they are embarking on their first day of adulthood or have lived too many years of needless suffering because the evil of past generations was not annulled.

An encouraging word: GOD’S STRENGTH IN THE MORNING

Ever felt like not getting out of bed? Tired? Discouraged? Maybe, even depressed? Perhaps today? Isaiah 33:2 has a solution for you: O LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. When you arise, go through the mental, even physical, steps of putting on the armor of God. Declare that God will be your strength that morning and all day. You’ll be amazed at how much better the rest of the day will be if you start the day with His power and might on your mind.

Game of Thrones

After eight long years and 73 episodes, the HBO TV series “Game of Thrones” (GOT) finally ended May 19. Filmed as if in quasi-medieval times, with a northern European, Iceland-Scandia backdrop, the story arc was set in the fictional continent of Westeros. Adapted from the fictional novels “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R. R. Martin, the plot follows tales of seven kingdoms, an iron throne, and violent, competing dynasties. It became famous for nude scenes, a huge kill-count per episode, and fictional languages distinctive to each kingdom. President Obama said it was his favorite TV show.
With the show at an end, why write about it now? First, until the final episode I’d never seen the show. Frankly, I don’t have time to invest in such pop-culture, mind-numbing banality. But the night of the final episode I happened to be traveling and in a hotel room with HBO so I checked out the show’s finale to see what all the hubbub was about. Plus, I’m sure we haven’t seen the end of GOT. There will be endless reruns on HBO and other streaming services and imitators seeking to cash in on similar dramatic motifs.
GOT was best known for its sexploitation of viewers, giving them pornography with high production value and literary excuses. Rape, incest, and sexual violence were recurring themes. One TV critic called such sexual exploitation “boobage” and another complained that the erotic gratuity featured too many naked women and not enough naked men. In fact, rape and brothel sex scenes became so common that many secular film critics were incensed. The show also featured fire-breathing dragons who believed that the show’s heroine, and final villain, Daenerys Targaryan, was their mother. Christian viewers should immediately recognize the dragon as a literary inflection of Satan from Revelation 12.
What excuse could a Christian make if they were seduced by this series? None. The shows contained such an abundance of objectionable scenes and plot lines that any GOT-addicted evangelical viewer needs repentance and inner healing, cleansing of their mind. The show is gone, but its evil lives on in the public zeitgeist. GOT was a mirror of our godless times, a reflection no Christian should embrace. As believers, our focus should be on the throne of Jesus in Revelation 7:9-12, not an iron throne of intrigue, corruption, and demonic dragons. Life isn’t a game of weekly brain-candy and eternity is forever.
An encouraging word: BE HONEST
“The floods of ungodliness made me afraid.” Said the Psalmist David (18:4). Wait a minute. Isn’t this the guy who battled lions with his bare hands and slew Goliath? And he let a little ungodliness, as we say, freak him out? What transparency. No pretension. No happy face on Sunday morning. No, “I’m great, how about you?” Made me afraid isn’t exactly a Norman Vincent Pealism. Earlier in this verse he says that he was surrounded by death. Now that’s a good reason to be afraid. If David could be honest about a moment of fear, you can too. It’s great to speak faith, but sometimes it is also okay to admit our frailties. Honesty is always the best policy and often a doorway to spiritual healing because of truthfulness.

Colorado School Killer

Less than two weeks ago, May 8, two youths opened fire on students in the latest school shooting, in Denver, Colorado. One student was killed and at least 8 injured. The facts of this killing clearly illustrate that it was the result of an evil generational curse. The leader of the two killers, Maya McKinney, insisted through his lawyer that he be addressed with his female, transgendered choice of name rather than his given, male biological name of Alec. As background facts unfolded, it became clear that the blame for this incident shouldn’t entirely be placed on two mixed-up kids, but on an evil father whose legacy was death.
Jose Quintana, the father of Alec/Maya (conceived illegitimately) was an illegal immigrant, twice deported back to Mexico. He had a history of alcohol and drug problems. Quintana had served 15 months for violence against the shooter’s mother Morgan McKinney. Strangely, the felon convinced Morgan to marry him, despite beating her and menacing her with a weapon. Yet, in the days before he opened fire on fellow students, the teen shooter begged his mother put him in touch with his father.
Just these facts make clear that the young McKinney killer was plagued by a variety of demons and curses. First, the curse of illegitimacy, which few people know about, including pastors. This curse is detailed in our book “Curse Breaking.” Second, the curse of abandonment, by a criminal father who was a wife-beater and drug addict. Obviously, the shooter was possessed by a spirit of death and destruction from the father, leading to the death and injury of others. None of this would likely have happened, had Alec/Maya been raised in a loving, affirmative home, especially one with Christian faith. We also must wonder, why was the father so damaged? Santeria or witchcraft in his Mexican family? Was he, and his son, plagued by ancient bloodthirsty Aztec curses from his human sacrificing ancestors, as is the case with many in Mexico? Look at our YouTube channel (click here to view) and you’ll see examples of this. Even godly Hispanic people are startled to find such ancestral evil hidden in them, as with the Irish who are oblivious to their witchcraft Druid ancestors and the Scandinavians who often have murderous Nordic gods in their bloodline.
The real answer to stopping school killings isn’t about gun laws or First Amendment debates. The hope to stopping more lost youth like the Colorado school killers is making people of aware of how generational curses operate and giving the hope of Christ to escape such ancestral evil.

An encouraging word: ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST

How many times have you heard a Christian say with boldness and determination, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s a great thought, but I wonder if we don’t sometimes put the emphasis on the “I” rather than “Christ.” “I” can do this, or “I” can do that. Such a sentiment can turn into a bit of an ego trip with Jesus along for the ride of what “I” can do. Rethink what Paul said in Philippians 4:13 to put the focus on “Christ” who does His work and will through the vehicle of the “I.” Indeed we may do great things for God, but it’s all about Christ in us and His strengt
How many times have you heard a Christian say with boldness and determination, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s a great thought, but I wonder if we don’t sometimes put the emphasis on the “I” rather than “Christ.” “I” can do this, or “I” can do that. Such a sentiment can turn into a bit of an ego trip with Jesus along for the ride of what “I” can do. Rethink what Paul said in Philippians 4:13 to put the focus on “Christ” who does His work and will through the vehicle of the “I.” Indeed we may do great things for God, but it’s all about Christ in us and His strength.

Discerning the Demonic

Our International School of Exorcism (ISE), our Advanced Academy of Deliverance (AAD), and our books all outline procedures for confronting and conquering the demonic world, through Christ. Those familiar with our materials attest that, by God’s grace, we’ve compiled the largest, available resource of information on inner healing, deliverance, and exorcism. But Satan’s kingdom is constantly shape-shifting, developing new strategies to avoid defeat. Consequently, the student of spiritual warfare must constantly be on alert to new ways of understanding how to defeat the devil.
Our book “Dealing with Demons” is one of the best ways, in print medium, to detect how demons operate (to order click here). Too often, sincere individuals involved in deliverance make hasty or “prophetic” judgments about someone’s spiritual condition without logically thinking through all the factors affecting a deliverance; thus, we offer the following insights into discerning the demonic.
During our one-on-one Personal Spiritual Encounters, I have a mental checklist that I go through when analyzing whether an individual’s condition is demonic.
  • Does the person’s physical or mental state provide an adequate explanation for their condition? Are there physical impairments or neurological issues? Is there a history of delusional thinking or psychotic behavior not brought on by drugs or excessive trauma? Brain injury, hormonal imbalances, and stress disordering may result in behavior that seems devilish but can be explained logically.
  • Is the person’s past or present moral behavior a cause for demonization? Has there been over-indulgence in the occult, promiscuity, anti-social conduct, drug usage, or other forms of spiritual rebellion? If there is no evidence of demonic open doors through satanic behavior, that’s one area that can be dismissed, unless generational curses are a factor.
  • Is the person’s behavior a result of characteristics which are endemic to their identity? Are they naturally disposed to quickness of temper, exaggerated reactions, fearful responses, paranoid or delusional conclusions? Unregulated behavior and personal lack of moral boundaries may be such a part of an individual’s character that they act demonic on their own without any supernatural indicators.
  • Do the person’s thoughts and actions reflect experiences they’ve encountered in life though a dysfunctional family structure or trauma and abuse? Was their home life chaotic or lacking in affirmation? Has there been evidence of severe physical mistreatment or sexual violation? Thousands of times I have asked the question, “What’s the worst thing that happened in your life?” The answer may reveal an obvious area where demons are present.
Certainly, not every individual neatly fits into these four criteria of evaluation, but this checklist is a quick barometer for considering the question, “Is it just them, or the devil?” Discerning the demonic is certainly a matter of spiritual awareness (1 Corinthians 12:10), but it can also be a practical evaluation of whether there is evidence that the way a person behaves is the devil’s doing.

An encouraging word: ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST

How many times have you heard a Christian say with boldness and determination, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s a great thought, but I wonder if we don’t sometimes put the emphasis on the “I” rather than “Christ.” “I” can do this, or “I” can do that. Such a sentiment can turn into a bit of an ego trip with Jesus along for the ride of what “I” can do. Rethink what Paul said in Philippians 4:13 to put the focus on “Christ” who does His work and will through the vehicle of the “I.” Indeed we may do great things for God, but it’s all about Christ in us and His strength.

Demonic Gateways

In classical Greek mythology, the Minotaur god was depicted with the head and tail of a bull and the body of a man. His job was to guard the Labyrinth, a complicated maze. The Minotaur’s history with the Minoans of ancient Crete was also connected to bestiality. This creature appears in Dante’s “Inferno,” in mythic video games, such as “Dark Age of Camelot, Labyrinth of the Minotaur,” and C. S. Lewis’s “Chronicles of Narnia.” I bring this up because, during a recent exorcism, an evil spirit calling itself a “Minotaur demon” manifested. He declared himself to be the “guardian of the gateway of the soul.”   Undoubtedly, ancient Greeks, who worshiped a pantheon of gods and goddesses, had authentic, existential encounters with this evil spirit. The enduring legend of the Minotaur underscores the significance of this “gateway” demon. In the instance of exorcism just referred to, this demon stationed himself at the emotional entries of the victim’s mind to be certain that evil thoughts and emotions, put there by the devil and evil ancestors, would remain embedded as a means of torment. Through healing and exorcism, this individual was delivered; but I cautioned them with this truth. It is the Holy Spirit who wants to dwell at the gateways of our mind, so that the labyrinth of our consciousness is filled with things which, according to Philippians 4:8 are, “true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report—praiseworthy.”   Consider, for a moment, who guards the gateways of your mind? If those entries are the portals of envy, greed, anger, jealousy, bitterness, unforgiveness, lust, and other destructive emotions, a Minotaur of Satan may be guarding the door of your mind to keep it corrupted with spiritual rebellion. Second Corinthians 10:5 admonishes us to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” If the Spirit of God isn’t controlling what you think and feel, you may have a Minotaur spirit at the gateway to your soul. In which case you’ll need serious prayer and perhaps an exorcism to expel the Minotaur demon.  

An encouraging word: CALL UPON THE LORD

“I will call upon the Lord . . . so shall I be saved from mine enemies” (Psalm 18:3). David’s confidence in being protected was not his armies, his wealth, or his power. It was his God. We all need saved from enemies, evil people, tragic circumstances, physical diseases, financial challenges, and outright demonic attacks. Society says the government will save you or your cleverness will rescue you. Perhaps even your deception. But calling upon the Lord is the best way to stay safe from whatever enemies are tormenting your life.

Household Demons

The most complete source of information regarding exorcism and deliverance is our International School of Exorcism (ISE) and Advanced Academy of Deliverance (AAD). It’s been our lifelong calling to compile the largest database in the world on spiritual warfare from a Christian perspective. But as exhaustive as our efforts have been, it’s impossible to catalog all the evils and eccentricities of Satan’s kingdom. For example, AAD contains two, hour-long modules on the topic “The Enigmatic Ingenuity of Evil.” These training videos provide insights into highly unusual and rarely-exposed demonic forces. But despite our thoroughness to educate students of deliverance, there is always more to learn. For example, consider a recent encounter with demons.
An African-American woman was tormented in multiple areas of her life. We methodically eliminated the many ways she was under attack by ministering inner healing and curse breaking. But one final stronghold remained. When I demanded to know the chief demon behind her suffering, the demon declared his name was Rumpelstiltskin, the legendary fairy of the early 19th century Germanic, Brother’s Grimm stories. Rumpelstiltskin is an imp with the power to spin straw into gold. In German lore this being is a goblin poltergeist, a mischievous spirit who moves household object. How did this demon possess a black woman? The evil spirit explained that he entered her bloodline during colonial times. In fact, during the Revolutionary War, the British hired German Hessian fighters as mercenaries. More than 200 years ago, such a soldier slept with a black woman and passed on to her his Rumpelstiltskin demon. The individual I was ministering to reminded me that her last name was German. You can’t make up this stuff!
In Ukraine, Russia, and Slavic countries I’ve encounter the Domovoi (Domovoy) demons. These creatures are believed to be household gods, deified ancestors. (Domania is the female equivalent – Jezebel!) These demons must be appeased with respect and food offerings. Treated properly, they supposedly protect the home. Disrespect brings curses of all kinds. The Domovoi also tell fortunes and warn of calamities but turn into “demons” if they aren’t honored. In that case, the family may fall prey to illness and discord. I’ve dealt with this demon, a nasty, violent spirit with deep generational roots.
It’s sad that most evangelical churches seldom mention the word “demon,” let alone seek to understand the complexities of evil in order to free enslaved souls. But our ministry stands in that gap, continuing to train a new generation of Warriors for Christ. Join us today by enrolling in ISE, AAD, or both. Equip yourself spiritually to cleanse all the curses on your family and kick out any demons hanging around your household. May all our dwelling places truly be the “household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).
TO ENROLL IN THE SCHOOL OF EXORCISM, CLICK HERE.
TO ENROLL IN THE ADVANCED ACADEMY, CLICK HERE.
TO ENROLL IN BOTH ISE AND AAD, FOR A REDUCED RATE, CLICK HERE.

An encouraging word: CALL UPON THE LORD

“I will call upon the Lord . . . so shall I be saved from mine enemies” (Psalm 18:3). David’s confidence in being protected was not his armies, his wealth, or his power. It was his God. We all need saved from enemies, evil people, tragic circumstances, physical diseases, financial challenges, and outright demonic attacks. Society says the government will save you or your cleverness will rescue you. Perhaps even your deception. But calling upon the Lord is the best way to stay safe from whatever enemies are tormenting your life.

The Fire of Notre Dame Cathedral

Last week, the world watched as one of the most famous churches on the planet, the 800-year-old Notre Dame Cathedral, nearly burned to the ground. I’ve seen, in-person, some of the greatest cathedrals of the world: Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey; Saint Basil’s in Moscow, Russia; St. Paul’s in London, England; Salisbury Cathedral, in Salisbury, England; the Seville Cathedral, Toledo, Spain; the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City, Mexico; St. Peter’s in Rome, Italy; and our own National Cathedral in Washington, D. C. But none compares to what I’ve witnessed in several visit to the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France. Most of all I remember the incomparable stained-glass windows inside, the most beautiful anywhere in the world. Now, Our Lady of Paris, and its iconic spire are gone, collapsed in flames that nearly destroyed the entire structure.
Billionaires and business people all over France have pledged hundreds of millions of dollars to repair Notre Dame. And for good reason. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions on the planet. But herein lies a conundrum and more than a little hypocrisy. Though officially a Catholic country, only 5% of Catholics in France attend mass. According to polls, just 27% of French citizens believe in God. Forty percent are atheist. Wikipedia classifies France as “one of the most irreligious countries in the world.” More people in France indulge in occultism and witchcraft than anywhere in Europe. Astrologers outnumber Catholic priests. Clearly the passion for restoring Notre Dame is driven by historical sentiment, not faith.
Like millions of others, I lament this great loss of architecture, art, and religious heritage. But all buildings eventually crumble with time. Speaking to the Jews, who were so proud of their great temple, Christ warned of the coming destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A. D. He prophesied in Luke 21:6, “The days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.” Christ did not mourn the crumbling of this great edifice, but rather the tragedy of lives spiritually destroyed because of corrupt religious leaders. Jesus declared that He was the true temple of God, and that his destruction by crucifixion would be followed by his resurrection. “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days,” he said (John 2:19).
I am happy to see the outpouring of sentiment and finances to restore the great church of Notre Dame. I would be happier if an equal amount of resources and money were earmarked for the restoration of faith to the French. Notre Dame was built with wood and stone which couldn’t last forever. Human souls are eternal, and the fires of hell are a far more serious consequence needing spiritual restoration.

An encouraging word: HE IS WORTHY

In Psalm 18:3 David declares that the Lord is “worthy to be praised.” Is He worthy because he is God? Yes, but He’s also worthy because He’s proven His worthiness. He has done for His people what He promised. If you do not find Him worthy your prayers won’t be answered, your needs will not be met. You will not trust His promises and obey His instructions. It’s human nature to ignore the unworthy and disregard those we consider insignificant. But the Lord is not an underachiever we can easily dismiss. He created the heavens and earth and sent His Son to die on a cross. Indeed, He is worthy.
Burned out interior of Notre Dame Cathedral.
Golden cross at altar untouched by fire.
Last week, the world watched as one of the most famous churches on the planet, the 800-year-old Notre Dame Cathedral, nearly burned to the ground. I’ve seen, in-person, some of the greatest cathedrals of the world: Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey; Saint Basil’s in Moscow, Russia; St. Paul’s in London, England; Salisbury Cathedral, in Salisbury, England; the Seville Cathedral, Toledo, Spain; the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City, Mexico; St. Peter’s in Rome, Italy; and our own National Cathedral in Washington, D. C. But none compares to what I’ve witnessed in several visit to the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France. Most of all I remember the incomparable stained-glass windows inside, the most beautiful anywhere in the world. Now, Our Lady of Paris, and its iconic spire are gone, collapsed in flames that nearly destroyed the entire structure.
Billionaires and business people all over France have pledged hundreds of millions of dollars to repair Notre Dame. And for good reason. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions on the planet. But herein lies a conundrum and more than a little hypocrisy. Though officially a Catholic country, only 5% of Catholics in France attend mass. According to polls, just 27% of French citizens believe in God. Forty percent are atheist. Wikipedia classifies France as “one of the most irreligious countries in the world.” More people in France indulge in occultism and witchcraft than anywhere in Europe. Astrologers outnumber Catholic priests. Clearly the passion for restoring Notre Dame is driven by historical sentiment, not faith.
Like millions of others, I lament this great loss of architecture, art, and religious heritage. But all buildings eventually crumble with time. Speaking to the Jews, who were so proud of their great temple, Christ warned of the coming destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A. D. He prophesied in Luke 21:6, “The days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.” Christ did not mourn the crumbling of this great edifice, but rather the tragedy of lives spiritually destroyed because of corrupt religious leaders. Jesus declared that He was the true temple of God, and that his destruction by crucifixion would be followed by his resurrection. “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days,” he said (John 2:19).
I am happy to see the outpouring of sentiment and finances to restore the great church of Notre Dame. I would be happier if an equal amount of resources and money were earmarked for the restoration of faith to the French. Notre Dame was built with wood and stone which couldn’t last forever. Human souls are eternal, and the fires of hell are a far more serious consequence needing spiritual restoration.
the-fire-of-notre-dame-cathedral

The Demonic Doors of Sin

The concept I am about to share is often overlooked by Christians: the open door of past sins can result in future demonic bondage. Christian theology teaches that sin is forgiven by the mercy of God and the blood of Jesus, upon confession and repentance. The individual who enters this state of grace is redeemed, a child of God. So far so good. But is it possible that demons may still hide within a confessing Christian because the sin that once separated them from God previously opened the door for a spiritual stronghold? To some that is a scary thought. Even heretical. But as an exorcist, I see empirical evidence for this truth almost every day, especially with those who, before Christian conversion, were involved in the occult, witchcraft, and New Age practices.
Consider an individual to whom I recently ministered deliverance. This person has a close walk with the Lord and is active in Christian work. But privately she has lived a tormented life. Soon after we began praying, a demonic manifestation occurred. The evil spirit declared that, even though the woman’s sins had been forgiven, her pre-conversion witchcraft sins allowed him in.
There is a distinction between being saved and being sanctified. Being born again and having one’s soul cleansed of all satanic attachments from past moral turpitude. Simply put, you can be destined for heaven but still suffer spiritual oppression. This revelation shouldn’t be cause for spiritual paranoia or fear about some lingering past transgression. But every believer should examine themselves to be certain that all evil attachments of the past, all unresolved emotions of unforgiveness and hurt, all sins of the mind and flesh are truly surrendered to the Lord.
Some may argue that the Bible doesn’t have a systematic theology concerning this matter. True, but there are many facts of life about which the Bible is silent. Drug abuse existed during the time of Christ in faraway places such as China and India. But the Old Testament was written to people of the Holy Lands and the New Testament was primarily directed to those living in Greco-Roman societies. In today’s world, addictions are a crushing fact of life, consequently many churches (especially in Russia and Ukraine) offer rehab programs. Yet, the Bible contains no specific directive regarding drug problems encountered before conversion.
All Christians need to ask the Holy Spirit to close every open door to evil from the past, not as a matter of salvation, but to effectively shed the temporal influence of past transgressions. If necessary, seek deliverance for past demonic attachments, so that you may “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

An encouraging word: GRATEFULNESS

It happens all the time. Not to just me but to anyone in ministry. People come in great need, pour out their hearts, see God intervene miraculously, then walk away never to be seen again — at least not until another crisis arises. Then, once again, they plead with God for deliverance. Such is human nature, but it shouldn’t be that way. I’m not so concerned that people are grateful to me (though it would be nice to have more thank-yous and follow up support); my deepest concern is whether they are truly thankful to the Lord for what he has done. Take a moment today and be grateful for all God has accomplished in your life and tell Him how much you love Him for his protection and provisions. (“In every thing give thanks” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
the-demonic-doors-of-sin
the-demonic-doors-of-sin

Demonic Energy Healing

The idea of a primordial spiritual energy pervading the universe, flowing around and through all living things, is as old as civilization. In Asia it’s known as “chi,” the life force cultivated, channeled, and manipulated by disciplines as diverse as tai chi and acupuncture. In Hinduism it’s called prana or kundalini. To the ancient Meso-Americans (Aztecs and Mayans) it was Chu’lel. The internet universe is heavily populated with all kinds of gadgets that purport to evoke or distribute this energy. One Personal Spiritual Encounter client told me of spending more than $30,000 on a machine, sold to him by a Christian doctor, that would restore his health and finances by laying his hands on the device several times a day to absorb it’s energy. Another client was actually demonized by being involved in Zyto scanners, described by the makers as a “hand cradle” that measures “the body’s galvanic skin response to each unique signature” which is then sent for software analysis.
The greatest occult danger is when so-called energy emissions are used for divination or physical healing. Unlike scientifically quantifiable energies, such as radio waves or electricity, the source of demonic energies is usually not known, even by their devotees. Most ideas about such energies are connected to pantheism, which essentially believes that god and creation are one. Absorption of these presumed “positive energies” can occur with yoga, mindful meditation, shamanistic healing, polarity therapy, Reiki, therapeutic healing, massage, auric color-balancing, acupuncture, reflexology, qi gong etc. The list of dangerous modalities is almost endless.
The premise for such ideas is usually the concept of a real/material v. spiritual/unreal/subtle body. Yoga, for example, teaches the existence of chakras, psychic energy centers, that are immaterial but located in specific parts of the body, from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. Healing and spiritual insight is achieved by redistributing the internal energy of the spiritual body or extracting the bad energy. If any doctor, chiropractor, nurse or pseudo-scientific practitioner of alternative healing suggests any of these ideas, find the nearest exit. My files documenting exorcism case studies is filled with hundreds of stories from individuals who were scammed, and even demonized, by such practices. I can also attest to many people who have suffered severe medical issues because they were misdiagnosed and mistreated by an energy healer. “I am the Lord that healeth thee,” Exodus 15:26 declares. That healing can come by competently trained medical physicians and by supernatural intervention (James 5:16). It should not come from attempts to align one’s physical body with the unknown and undefined energies of the universe, a certain path to demonic bondage and possible spirit possession. Beware demonic energy healers.

An encouraging word: MILLENNIAL IMMORALITY

Proverbs 30:12 most certainly speaks of the times in which we live: “There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes yet is not washed from its filthiness.” Exhibit A: this week a middle-school teacher was put on “administrative leave” for sex-texting a photo of her naked breasts. It was intended for her boyfriend, but students saw it. She was fired but is suing the school to get her job back. Her argument? Gender equality. Male teachers have photos with no shirt on, so why can’t she? Her lawyer argued, “They say she’s done something sexually filthy. That’s not what we’re about anymore in this millennial age.” Disgusting. But in times like these, be encouraged. It’s one more sign of Christ’s imminent return!

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