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First Baptist Church of Miami AZ

Deliverance

You Can Have Freedom from Bondage and Demonic Oppression

Part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Find Freedom

You can find freedom and deliverance from demonic bondage. You don't have to stay in pain and torment!

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We do not charge for this ministry. Our goal is to help people get free!

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We really do want to help. Give us a call, send us an email, or submit a deliverance request form below!

Questions and Answers About Deliverance

Spiritual warfare comes against three specific areas of ungodliness in a Christian’s life.

  1. The Flesh. We will live with the lusts of the flesh until Heaven (James 1:14-15; 1 John 2:16).
  2. Strongholds. These are persistent thought patterns we’ve formed over years or decades. Each time you entertain a thought, good or bad, it becomes easier for that thought to travel the same pattern the next time. Over time, this builds a mental stronghold in your life that must be torn down (2 Corinthains 10:4-5).
  3. Demonic Bondage and Oppression. Giving in to the lusts of the flesh or entertaining ungodly thought patterns are open doors to demonic oppression. But once you make room for these demons (Ephesians 4:17), they will not leave until their right to be in you is removed and then cast out (Matthew 10:1; 12:28; Mark 6:13; 16:17).

 

This is a simplification of spiritual warfare, but when engaged in it, we pray, use the Scriptures, and use the gifts of the Holy Spirit to do the following:

  1. Crucify and subject the flesh (1 Corinthains 5:27; Galatians 5:24).
  2. Tear down mental strongholds (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthains 10:4-5; Philippians 2:5).
  3. Cast demons out of the Christian’s life (Matthew 10:1; 12:28; Mark 6:13; 16:17).

 

Deliverance is only one aspect of spiritual warfare. It is not the whole thing. To maintain deliverance, you must crucify the flesh and its lusts and tear down all ungodly mental strongholds.

Deliverance allows doing steps 1 and 2 so much easier. With demons in your life oppressing you, stirring up your flesh, and manipulating mental strongholds, the task of doing the first two is significantly harder (Ephesians 6:12). For some, it is impossible.

Remember, the task of crucifying the flesh and tearing down mental strongholds is given to Christians. God expects us to do this. He already gave us all the tools needed to be victorious in Him. It is not an issue of asking God for deliverance, when He already gave you the tools you need. We simply need to use them!

Simply put, cutting through all the fog and language surrounding the term, deliverance is freedom from demonic oppression. It is casting out any demon that might be in you.

Jesus’ ministry was basically three things: preach the Gospel, cast out devils, and heal the sick. Jesus went further and stated this:

Luke 4:18The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.

Deliverance was part of the ministry Jesus provided for those who sought Him. It is setting the captives free and setting at liberty those who are bruised. We’ve also found that a lot of healing results from deliverance…physical, mental, and emotional.

We believe Jesus commissioned all His disciples to follow this pattern. We too are to preach the Gospel, cast out devils, and heal the sick. 

John 20:21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 

Luke 10:19Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Mark 16:17-18And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 

Too many Christians continue to live in bondage. They read their Bible, pray, are faithful to church, but they live in torment, fear, and bondage. They can’t break free. If a demon is oppressing you, then the solution is simple: we need to cast it out.

  • Those in Bondage and Torment

    If you are suffering greatly and nothing seems to help, then it could be you are demonized and suffering affliction. If you can't seem to conquer addictions, have irrational anger or fear, feel compelled toward self-harm or suicide, then deliverance might be for you.

  • Those Who Want More

    If you are a Christian who feels like something is missing, like something is holding you back from experiencing the full power of God and the Holy Spirit, then deliverance might be for you. If you feel stagnate and wish you could go on the offence against Satan instead of playing defense all the time, then contact us.

  • Those Who Just Want Anything Out!

    For those who may not feel oppressed or tormented but just want to do a power washing of the soul...just in case, then deliverance might be for you as well.

NO! Possession implies ownership, and if you are saved, have put your faith in Jesus Christ, then you have been redeemed, bought with the price of Jesus’ precious blood, and are no longer your own. You belong to God.

The Bible (KJV) never says “possessed by devils.” It says, “possessed with devils.”

This is entirely different. It says that you have demons in you, or that you are dwelling with demons. Think of your house. If you own it, then you have the deed and title. But if you give the keys of your house to someone, then they can come in and live. Worse, if you aren’t paying attention, someone can move in and squat in your home. The home still belongs to you, you are still the owner, but you are now in “possession” of squatters in your home–or possessed with squatters.

We need to evict these squatters and clean up the mess they made and fill it with the right things. Only then can you truly enjoy your house.

Matthew 9:32As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.

Matthew 12:22Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

Mark 1:32And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

Yes, there are plenty of examples and warnings in the New testament. I do find the question interesting and revealing at the same time.

Those who demand an answer to this question tend to, but not always, have a skeptical viewpoint that Christians can have demons inside them…demonized. More than that, they’ve never witnessed it themselves, so before they believe, they must see first. They are looking for concreate, infallible proof that this is possible. This is ironic, because there is no where in Scripture where there is anything that says otherwise. No where does it say this is not possible. But there is much more evidence that it is possible.

THE GOSPELS

The vast majority of demons Jesus cast out were those in Jews, most of whom were following Jesus and had come to Him. In that regard, they were all believers or the closest thing to it before Jesus died and rose again.

MARK 1:21-28 – MAN IN THE SYNAGOGUE

In this story, Jesus delivers a man with an unclean spirit inside a synagogue, somewhat equivalent to a church today. The man was in the synagogue and the unclean spirit only revealed itself when confronted with the Son of God. This implies a couple of things:

First, he was a Jew and likely a believer in the coming Messiah. Second, in small communities, he would have been well known, but not necessarily known to have been demonized or he would not have been allowed into the synagogue.

There is much more evidence that he was a believer in the coming Messiah, confirmed by the unclean spirit in him, than that he did not. We can conclude therefore that he was a believer.

MARK 8:31-33 – PETER AND SATAN

Peter acted in a way that Jesus determined was not of Peter’s complete will. While looking at Peter, Jesus said, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” 

In someway that is not clear, Peter was demonized. In fact, Jesus told Peter much later, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31).

Does this mean Satan was in Peter? Maybe. It’s not super clear either way.

If Satan was in Peter, did Jesus cast out Satan from Peter? Very likely, yes. Jesus’ rebuke of Satan likely cast him out of Peter, assuming Satan had entered into him. There is no other mention of Jesus even acknowledging what had come out of Peter’s mouth after this rebuke.

ACTS 5:3 – ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA

Peter makes this statement to Ananias, “Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost?” This indicates that a lying spirit had filled Ananias’ heart, and Ananias along with this wife were both believers. There is no reason to think otherwise in the Scriptures. They were demonized in such a way that God took their lives as a warning to other believers.

1 TIMOTHY 1:19-20 – HYMENAEUS AND ALEXANDER

Apparently, these two men did something to shipwreck their own conscious and faith and Paul indicates that they have been delivered them to Satan’s tender mercies so that they learn not to blaspheme. The indication is that they have been demonized in some way that would bring them torment. Paul does not indicate that they are not believers. On the contrary, he indicates that they are believers who have simply strayed from the faith. They are in need of deliverance.

2 TIMOTHY 2:25-26 – THOSE WHO OPPOSE THEMSELVES

Paul instructs Timothy to help those who are in bondage so that they may recover themselves from Satan’s captivity. He indicates that they are believers who have been taken captive by the Devil and are in need of deliverance.

EPHESIANS 4:27 – NEITHER GIVE PLACE TO THE DEVIL

The word “place” is the same word as room or quarters. It speaks of occupancy. The warning is not to open the door to Satan so that he has no room in your life, no occupancy in your life. Such a warning seems to be clear, that if we give room to the Devil, he will take it and gain advantage over us, resulting in Demonization and the need for deliverance.

2 CORINTHIANS 11:3-4 – RECEIVING ANOTHER SPIRIT

Paul warns these Christians not to receive another Jesus, Gospel, or spirit that is not of God.

There are all sorts of implications with those verses, but he explains it is possible to receive another spirit even after you have the Holy Spirit in you. This might be why we are commanded to try every spirit in 1 John 4:1-3. To believe a spirit is to accept it and receive it. Instead, we are commanded to put it to the test before accepting or believing it. This implies intelligence and organization.

LUKE 22:3-4 – JUDAS ISCARIOT

Right away, people are going to object to even mentioning Judas. They will state that he was a man of perdition (John 17:12), that he went unto his own place…hell (Acts 1:25), that Jesus knew who didn’t believe and who would betray Him (John 6:64), Jesus said he was a devil (John 6:70), and well, Satan just couldn’t get in him if he was saved!

I don’t know if he was saved or not. But there is other evidence that he was a believer in the Scriptures.

  • He was a disciple of Jesus, meaning he had to make a declaration of faith before many people.
  • When other disciples left, Judas stayed, and Peter spoke for those remaining, saying, “And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God” (John 6:69). Judas did not disagree.
  • He was chosen by Jesus Christ (John 6:70), and Jesus clearly knew he already had a devil in him.
  • Judas went out with the other disciples and healed people, cast out devils, and perhaps even raised the dead (Mark 6:7-13).

This makes it very tricky. There is evidence that he was a believer and yet Satan entered into him, likely because there was an open door (John 12:6).

I won’t argue with someone who is adamant here. I just don’t think there is enough ground to be adamant either way. I don’t know if he was saved or not. Regardless, this is food for thought.

MODERN DAY EXAMPLES

One of the more difficult things to ignore is firsthand accounts of demonic oppression in believers that people have seen and witnessed for the last…well since Jesus. 

If you work hard enough, you can deny every example above. You can explain every example above away and claim that it thus can’t be true.

But we’ve seen it firsthand and have plenty of stories of the demonstration of the power of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:4-5), so in our eyes, our experiences validates the scriptural truths presented here. We can only speak the things that we’ve seen and heard (Acts 4:20).

For us, it is all about Jesus Christ. His power is supreme and no demon can withstand the power and authority in His name! You can be set free!

There is no place in Scripture that states this is not possible. If the Holy Spirit could not be around anything unholy, then how could the Holy Spirit indwell us, sinners who continue to sin and possess a sin nature?

Proverbs 15:3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

Many point to Jesus’ statement that God had forsaken Him while on the cross when He took our sins upon him. But Jesus was quoting the first line of Psalm 22, a psalm about the crucifixion. In verse 24, it is clear that God did not turn His back on His Son. 

If the Holy Spirit can’t cohabitate with anything unclean or evil, then how could Jesus, who is part of the Trinity, become sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21)?

Frankly, the argument is lacking, but to help you understand how this is possible, look at the images provided with this answer.

Our bodies are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19). The Temple was made up of three parts: the outer court, the inner court or the holy place, and the Holy of Holies. It was in the Holy of Holies that the glory and presence of God filled. Only the High Priest could enter there and only once a year to atone for the sins of Israel. But the rest of the temple could be accessed by many different people.

We, too, are made up of three parts: spirit, soul, and body. This corresponds to the temple in the Old Testament. When you trust Jesus Christ as your Savior, the Holy Spirit moves into your spirit. Thus your spirit is quickened (made alive) and thus you are sealed for all eternity.

But the rest of the temple can be defiled. It can have intruders. It can be profaned. 

The outer court is much like your body and the inner court or the holy place is your soul.

  • Your soul is your thoughts, your will, your emotions, and your personality.
  • Your spirit is that life-force given to you by God. It more than anything is your connection to God.
  • Your body is…well…is your body.

Think of a car. It has a body and an engine (soul). But without fuel (spirit), there is nothing to drive the engine and nothing to drive the car.

It is the cab and engine that you need to keep clean and free of foreign elements so that the car functions correctly with the correct fuel (spirit or the Holy Spirit). It’s not a perfect analogy, but I think you get the picture.

Demons require permission to come into you. Your soul and body aren’t like a revolving door at a department store. They can’t just come in whenever they want. In order to infiltrate you, they must have permission.

There are 3 ways demons gain permission:

  1. From your parents when you were a child. You could have inherited generational sins (Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 23:2-3). Think about your family. Is there patterns of sinful activity, such as sexual immorality, alcoholism, or drug use? What about generational diseases that run in the family? All of this could be the result of generational curses.
  2. You grant them permission. You do this through sinful patterns of living. All sin has a curse attached to it (Deuteronomy 11:26-28). And while angels are often tasked with activating blessings in your life, demons are permitted to activate any curse you initiate because of sin. The longer you persist in the sinful habit, the longer the door remains open for demons to sneak in. The longer you go without confession and repentance, the greater their power over you grows.
  3. God grants them permission. A demon can torment you or activate any curse against you that God allows. Job is a classic example of God granting Satan permission to test Job. A more recognizable example is found in Matthew 18:21-35. There, Jesus told Peter that if he didn’t forgive everyone, then God would allow tormentors into his life (evil spirits).

To cast out demons, you must first break the legal rights they have to be in you. Once that has happened, you can expel the squatters.

For a Christian who has the Holy Spirit in their Holy of Holies (spirit), only the soul and body are susceptible to infiltration or being demonized.

The soul is your will, your thoughts, your personality, and your emotions. Demons can infiltrate these areas to do us damage, torment us, and compel us toward sin. Once they achieve this infiltration, you have become demonized.

You are not possessed by them, but in this case of inflitration, you do have demons dwelling within you–in your flesh, in your will, in your mind, or in your emotions.

According to Scripture, demons seem to crave a body. They are bodiless spirts, and only by inhabiting a body do they gain a measure of power–at least the lower echelons of the demonic realm:

Mark 5:10-12And he [Legion] besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. 

All examples in the Bible suggest that demons dwell within the body and can affect the emotions and thinking of those they have infiltrated.

Not everyone has a demon(s) in them, and you can ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any demonization in your life, but there are signs that you might be demonized. But take heed, just because you might be experiencing one or more of the symptoms below does not necessarily mean you are demonized…but if you are experiencing more than one and persistently, then there is a very good chance you are demonized.

Overt Signs You Might Be Demonized

  • Addictions you can’t break.
  • Compulsions to do wrong that come from nowhere.
  • Sudden bursts of anger for no real reason.
  • Chronic illnesses, especially ones that don’t have a valid reason to exist.
  • Chronic failure or “bad luck.”
  • Hearing voices that terrorize, confuse, or lie to you.
  • Been involved in any aspect of the occult (Ouija board, tarot cards, palm reading, wicca, witchcraft, etc.).
  • Persistent anxiety or panic attacks.
  • Persistent depression, schizophrenia, bi-polar, or other mental disorders.
  • Thoughts or attempts of suicide and/or self-harm.
  • A persistent anger and/or criticism toward the things of God (church, Bible, pastors, Christian leaders, doctrinal teachings).
  • Suffered tremendous trauma, especially as a child or young person.
  • Thoughts or fantasies of harming others.
  • Consuming bitterness and anger toward people who wronged you.
  • You have engaged or are engaging in sexual immorality. 
  • Chronic lying.

Covert Signs You Might Be Demonized   

  • Your prayers seem to be hindered.
  • You can’t get anything from your Bible.
  • Church has grown boring.
  • You are critical of your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
  • Lost interest in sharing Jesus Christ with others.
  • Growing apathy.
  • Rationalizing and justifying “small” sins.
  • Feeling trapped, especially around spiritual things.
  • A feeling that something is off or missing.
  • An inability to trust God by taking steps of faith. 
  • Can’t let slights go.
  • Resistant to asking for help or for prayer.
  • Your Christian life has stalled…you aren’t growing.
  • Content to remain a spectator in the Christian life and church.
  • Willing to put God behind “noble” causes, such as family and job.
  • Refusing to accept responsibility in your church or in the Christian life because it is inconvenient to your personal desires and goals. 
  • Your thoughts tend toward the negative.

It’s very, very real. It is true that we cannot base our theology on experience, but neither can we base it on our lack of experience either. Just because you haven’t seen it or experienced it doesn’t mean it is not biblical.

Ephesians 6:12 — 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. 

To get your mind wrapped around this, you need to come to terms with certain truths.

First, demons are not just some malevolent force or mindless animal. They talked to Jesus (Mark 5:9-10), they have fears (Mark 5:7), they are knowledgeable and very intelligent (Acts 19:15), they are highly organized (Ephesians 6:12), and they perceive us as their homes or hosts (Luke 11:24-26).

Demons operate in the spirit realm and the only way they can manifest in the natural realm is through a person. They have power, which is clear in Scripture, but they have only as much power as we grant them. This is why they are always seeking to gain entrance to a person’s life.

We don’t know how many demons there are, but there could be billions. And regardless of your belief of where they came from, they seek to obey their master, Satan, whose goal is to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:1-10). Satan is the thief that seeks to gain entrance into your life to destroy it.

Second, the greatest tools the satanic kingdom has are ignorance and deception.

Ignorance, especially a Christian’s ignorance, of Satan’s kingdom and tactics is one of his greatest allies. Since Christians have been given authority over the demonic world (Luke 10:19), they don’t want us to take authority and cast them out. They want to continue their evil and will do it subtlety if that is the best tactic while keeping us blind to their tactics. God warns us not to be ignorant of Satan’s devices (2 Corinthains 2:11), because if we are ignorant, then he will gain advantage over us.

Deception of the saints is a key component to Satan’s tactics (2 Corinthians 4:4). Recall that Satan is a liar (John 8:44), and from the moment he tempted Eve, he did so with deception and lies.

To be blunt about it, Satan loves teaching that doesn’t confront him or his minions directly. He loves that people don’t believe Christians can have demons in them. He loves that Christians think that this type of power ended with the Apostles. These lies were created by him and then spread by him to keep God’s people blind to the truth and his minions the freedom to operate in our lives.

Experience should not form our theology. Experience should confirm it. In Acts 8:4-8, Philip preached in a city of Samaria, casting out demons and healing the sick. The Bible says the people of that city gave him heed because of their experiences. John 2:23 says that many believed on Jesus’ name because of the miracles which he did. Mark 16:17-18 tells us that certain experiences will follow those who believe, and casting out demons and healing the sick are part of such experiences.

It is only when we confront Satan directly that he will flee from us: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

That is what we do in deliverance. We strip demons of their rights to be in you and then send them packing! 

Deliverance is first and foremost about healing. If you are demonized, you have wounds, soul wounds, physical wounds, mental wounds, and/or spiritual wounds.

Deliverance is to give you a chance to experience the miraculous healing power of Jesus Christ.

Here’s what we do:

  1. The interview: We look for every open door and legal right that demons may be using to torment you and keep you in bondage.
  2. Have you confess any sin as sin to God.
  3. Have you repent of all sin.
  4. Have you renounce all works of the Devil.
  5. Break any curse on or in your life by coming against it or by coming out of agreement with it.
  6. Once all rights and privileges have been revoked, we cast out any associated demons.
  7. We doublecheck that they are all gone, and if not, continue casting them out until they are.
  8. Teach you an exercise to learn to hear the voice of God.
  9. Anoint you with oil and declare physical healing over you.

Generally, we know because the demons often, but not always, manifest. This is a fancy way of saying that they reveal themselves in some manner through you.

In some cases, they can take over your vocal cords and speak through you. An extreme example perhaps, but there are many ways demons will manifest when they grow nervous and know that they will soon be evicted or are being evicted.

Please do not be alarmed by this. There is nothing to fear, nothing to even be nervous about. 

In Jesus, we have all power over the enemy:

Luke 10:17-19And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18  And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 

Possible Manifestations During Deliverance

  • Screaming
  • Sweating
  • Burping
  • Sleepiness
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Yawning
  • Sudden urge to urinate
  • Passing gas
  • Falling
  • Trembling/Shaking
  • Spitting
  • Cursing
  • Sobbing
  • Runny/Bloody nose
  • Watery/Itchy eyes
  • Light-headedness
  • Tingling
  • Cold sensations
  • Heat/Burning sensation
  • Bitter Taste
  • Ringing Ears
  • Muscle Spasms
  • Body Pains/Headaches
  • Stiff Hands and Jaws
  • Itching
  • Nervousness
  • Twitching
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Violent Outbursts
  • Chest Tightness
  • Choking Sensation
  • Demonic Visions
  • Heavy Breathing
  • Drooling/Foaming at the Mouth
  • Roaring
  • Stomach Cramps
  • Dry Heaving/ Retching
  • Skin Irritation
  • Laughter
  • Tension Release/Peace Afterwards

Again, having any of these manifestations is a good sign. It means they are leaving!

Yes. Every Christian has this power:

Luke 10:19Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 

Mark 16:17-18And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 

Acts 8:5-8Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6  And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city. 

In fact, after Jesus’ resurrection, He told His disciples and by extension all of us:

John 20:21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 

How did the Father send Jesus:

Luke 4:18 — The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.

Jesus’ ministry before the cross was to do three things:

  1. Preach the Gospel.
  2. Cast out demons.
  3. Heal the sick.

Jesus’ entire ministry revolved around those three things and Jesus sent us to do what He did.

Jesus said this about anyone who believes on Him, and hopefully it will put any doubts you might have that we have the power and authority to cast out demons:

John 14:12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Amen and amen!

Yes and no. We share the same authority and power in Jesus Christ, so it is possible to deliver yourself from demonic bondage.

The problem lies in the fact that if you are in bondage, it is always harder to self-deliver.

Think of a man wrapped in chains. Because he is in chains, it is difficult, if not impossible, for him to free himself. It is much easier for someone else who is not in bondage to help him get free.

This is likely why James recommends:

James 5:14-16Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 

Paul mentions something about this in his letter to the Galatians:

Galatians 6:1-2Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ

Though technically able to deliver yourself, having someone help you with it is the better option. Once delivered, doing self-deliverance is much easier to maintain your deliverance.

I wish I could say it was, but there are factors that will hinder or stop a person’s deliverance.

  1. You are unsaved or not a Christian
  2. Unbelief (faith is a requirement)
  3. Unforgiveness
  4. Unwillingness to confess, repent, and renounce sin
  5. Dishonesty
  6. Lies you cling to
  7. Unwillingness to change bad habits or lifestyles that are not pleasing to God.

Each of the items will hinder or prevent deliverance from happening. Each, in their own way, are doorways to demonic oppression. If you fit any of the above, you may not be ready for deliverance.

Much emotional, mental, and physical healing takes place through deliverance. In fact, this is the primary goal for us. We want you healed in every way possible. We want you free in every way possible.

Demons often masquerade as physical infirmities. Consider the woman who had a spirit of infirmity for 18 years (Luke 13:10-11). After healing her, Jesus said this:

Luke 13:16  – And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? 

Clearly, her infirmity was not natural. It was demonically driven. In such cases, when you cast out the demon tormenting you in that way, the infirmity also departs. We’ve seen people healed of allergies, migraines, sight issues, hearing issues, back issues, joint issues, cancer, sleep apnea, nightmares, anxiety, removal of pain, and much more.

Not every illness is a demon, and not every demon masquerades as an infirmity, but it is more common than you expect. In some cases, the infirmity is the result of a curse, generational or otherwise, and demons are permitted to administer the curse—just as angels frequently administer blessings at God’s behest. So when the curse is broken, the infirmity disappears.

We will also anoint you with oil and pray for a specific illness or infirmity that you want healed. Here too we’ve seen some amazing things!

Yes. Demons don’t play fair. They will go after our most innocent, our most vulnerable at any chance they get. Our experience is that the womb and childhood are key times for demons to try and infiltrate someone’s life.

Fortunately, God sends angels to help with that, but generational curses and childhood trauma are all opportunities for demonization. Children are a lot more sensitive to the spiritual world, especially when very young. Demons want to take advantage of this.

My oldest son and daughter-in-law went through deliverance and they have been radically changed, but this change stirred up the demons in my two-year-old grandson, and he began manifesting strongly. My son and daughter-in-law took authority and cast out the demons. Afterwards, they reported a difference in his sleep habits, the absence of nightmares, and more accepting of love and touch. He was still a two-year-old…that didn’t change, but so much else did.

There are many examples of this, including the absolute healing of autism, extreme anger, violence, and much more.

Absolutely. Spiritual warfare comes against three aspects in a Believer’s, either yours or someone else’s, life.

  1. The Flesh. We will live with the lusts of the flesh until Heaven (James 1:14-15; 1 John 2:16).
  2. Strongholds. These are persistent thought patterns we’ve formed over years or decades. Each time you entertain a thought, good or bad, it becomes easier for that thought to travel the same pattern the next time. Over time, this builds a mental stronghold in your life that must be torn down (2 Corinthains 10:4-5).
  3. Demonic Bondage and Oppression. Giving in to the lusts of the flesh or entertaining ungodly thought patterns are open doors to demonic oppression. But once you make room for these demons (Ephesians 4:17), they will not leave until their right to be in you is removed and then cast out (Matthew 10:1; 12:28; Mark 6:13; 16:17).

Giving in to either of the first two can allow a delivered Christian to return to bondage.

Once you have been delivered from demonic oppression, tearing down mental strongholds is essential. They are easily accessible doorways for demons to return if allowed to remain.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 

Strongholds are persistent thought patterns, lies, and deceptions that have become part of your identity and thinking. You make decisions based on these strongholds. Your relationships are filtered through these strongholds. If they are ungodly, they need to be torn down.

Here is an oversimplification of the process of tearing down strongholds:

    1. Bring the thought to captivity by disrupting it and comparing it to Philippians 4:8. If the thought is not something we should be thinking about, follow the rest of the steps.
    2. Confess the thought as ungodly as commanded by 1 John 1:9.
    3. Cast the thought into the light of Jesus Christ (John 3:19-21; 1 Peter 5:6-8).
    4. Come against the evil thought by believing, acting, or thinking the opposite (Ephesians 4:21-24).

Essentially, you are countering old thought patterns by intentionally forming godly thought patterns. It doesn’t take all that long, but once you do it, you will have torn down a stronghold in your life.

This is one battle that will be a constant effort until Jesus calls us home.

Romans 6:6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

1 Corinthians 9:27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 

Here are some keys to doing this:

  1. Build good habits, such as reading your Bible, praying, going to Church, and so on.
  2. Be ready for the enemy to come back and be ready to meet him with the Holy Spirit.
  3. Seek the Lord for Spirit-Fullness and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
  4. Sanctify your home and get rid of every and any object that could be tied to or associated with demonic influence.
  5. Ask the Lord to reveal your spiritual gifts. These are weapons against the demonic kingdom.
  6. Do not walk in fear; walk in authority.
  7. Walk in holy living.
  8. Listen to Spirit-filled music and sermons.
  9. Know and embrace your identity in Christ.
  10. Do not become passive in mind or body. Passivity is always a doorway for Satan.


Actively living a godly life is the best way to crucify the flesh. And if I may add this: when you walk by faith and not by sight it is a lot of fun. God begins doing amazing things in your life. Once you experience it, you’ll never want to go back.

We are distinctly Baptist in our doctrine and will remain so. However, it is true that the Pentecostal/Charismatic churches have brought this authority to cast out demons back into the forefront of spiritual warfare, especially during the 1960s and 70s.

My understanding of history is that Baptist churches used to do this. We used to cast out demons from Christians until the Pentecostal movement leaped on it and brought it much more into the forefront, even, in some cases, making a spectacle of it. Baptists used to see miraculous healings frequently as well.

It is that spectacle and the elevating of the Holy Spirit above Jesus Christ are where we have issues with some Pentecostals and Charismatics. Not all, but some of the Pentecostal and Charismatic churches have made a spectacle of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, even elevating the Holy Spirit above Jesus Christ, which is not a position the Holy Spirit craves and I believe grieves Him. We should not be against the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit because someone else is for it. That is, frankly, unbiblical. I love anyone who loves Jesus, and that should be our attitude.

After all, the Pentecostals and Charismatic churches preach Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven, so should we as Baptists stop preaching Jesus because they preach Him? They preach and teach that sin is a doorway to demonic oppression. Should Baptists stop preaching against sin because they do?

In truth, there is much that Baptists have in common with our Pentecostal and Charismatic brethren—though many of my Baptist friends would condemn me for saying that—but should we ignore the power and authority God has given us simply because the Pentecostals and Charismatics have not? I say again, we should not! I am not going to stop loving Jesus because they love Jesus. I’m not going to stop praising my God and my Savior because they praise them too!

So we are not going to stop casting out demons just because they do it too. This authority was given to all Christians.

This is known as Cessationist Theology. It holds that the miraculous works of the Holy Spirit ended with the Apostles or ended with the full revelation of the Scriptures. The main passage of Scripture this doctrine is based on is found in 1 Corinthians 13:

1 Corinthians 13:8-10 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 

This is really the only passage that can be used to justify this doctrine. However, there are a number of issues with the theory. First, the context is love. Love never fails. Everything else will eventually fail or pass away once we get to heaven, including faith and hope (verse 13). Once we are in heaven, we won’t need faith or hope. But love will endure.

Second, there is nothing in this chapter to indicate that that which is “perfect” is the fully revealed Word of God in today’s Scriptures. It is a supposition. Nearly all commentators agree that Paul is talking about the perfect state in heaven. Once we are there, none of the gifts of the Holy Spirit will matter. They all will be done away with at that point.

But in the light of other Scripture, the Cessationist Theology is exposed. After Jesus’ resurrection, He gathered His remaining disciples and instructed them on a number of things, including the following:

Mark 16:17-18 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 

He clearly meant these would follow all who believe! This was right before Jesus ascended into Heaven! He meant for what He started to continue. Two aspects of deliverance are found here that Jesus said would follow all believers!

  1. Casting out demons.
  2. Healing the sick.


This is in line with what Jesus told the seventy disciples He had sent out to preach the Gospel, cast out demons, and heal the sick (Luke 10:1, 17), which states:

Luke 10:19 – Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 

Another thing Jesus said to His disciples after His resurrection was:

John 20:21 – Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 

Jesus wanted them too continue doing what He had done, which was three things:

  1. Preach the Gospel
  2. Cast out demons
  3. Heal the sick

 

All three of these things are found in Mark 16:15-18 as something Jesus commanded all of His followers to do.

That is why you find Philip, who was not an apostle, doing these exact three things in Acts 8:

Acts 8:4-8 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.  5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city. 

There is simply nothing in the Scriptures to indicate that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit were to end with the Apostles or the full revelation of the Scriptures.

So where did the Cessationist Theology come from? Likely, it came as a tactic of Satan. When we failed to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus Christ as given to us, we no longer saw the awesome miracles that should be a weekly, if not daily, part of the Christian life. So we needed to somehow justify this lack of experience and thus this doctrine was born.

The Cessationist Theology only aids Satan and his kingdom. It does not glorify God, and it denies the power of the Holy Spirit working today:

1 Timothy 4:1 – Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Timothy 3:5 – Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 

We have witnessed the power of God through deliverance and healing. There is no turning back for us!

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Testimonials

Miracles and Freedom We've Seen Through Deliverance

We’ve seen and heard of a number of awesome miracles that happen during and through deliverance. We wanted to briefly share a few with you here, enough to give you an idea that this really works. Casting out the demons in your life can be transformative!

For one young man, he found freedom from pornography. Before, he was compelled to view it. Now, he is working on crucifying his flesh and pulling down mental strongholds. In his words, “It’s so much easier now that the demon of lust is gone!” 

For one woman, she was freed from persistent sleep issues and nightmares. Her sleep is so much better, and the arthritis pain has vanished. She’s had so much more energy and excitement about Jesus Christ.

For one married couple, deliverance helped save their marriage. Both are now on fire for the Lord and are communicating so much better.

One young man found that most of his food allergies disappeared after deliverance, and he has found a renewed energy for Jesus Christ!

For one woman, her anxiety, fears, and social anxieties all went away. She is so excited that she tells everyone about her newfound freedom!

For one woman, her back pain and issues healed. Another woman found her knee no longer caused her pain.

For one pastor, he has found a total renewal with his walk with God. He was able to pull down certain strongholds that he’d been dealing with and justifying for years. His spiritual walk has been transformed!

One young woman found that her migraine headaches virtually disappeared.