Freedom Christian Fellowship

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Introduction to Prophecy, Healing, and Deliverance

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Freedom Christian Fellowship's Prophecy, Healing, and Deliverance Training Agenda

9:00-9:15 9:15-10:40 10:40-10:50 10:5012:00 12 :00-12 :45 12:45-2:30 2:30-2:40 2:40- 3:00

Introduction Prophecy: Kim Bennett Break

Healing: Jason Bennett

Lunch Deliverance: Chad Cline

Break
Wrap-up and Ministry Time

The Basics of Prophecy

Introduction:
"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant" 1 Cor. 12: 1 We cannot ignore the gifts of the spirit because we don't understand them. "Follow the way of Jove and eagerly desire spiritual giNs, especially the gift of prophecy." 1 Cor. 14: 1 Prophecy promotes intimacy with the Father. We sheep must know Hisvoice. Jesusdied on the Cross not just to forgive our sins but ultimately to bring us into a relattonship with God. "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelist, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints forrhe work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ," Ephesians 4: 11-12 We need ALLthe parts of 1he body of Christ to function as God himself created us to be.
Our Responsibility to Prophesy:

In the days of the prophet Elijah, there arose a company of men who were called the "sons of the prophets." These men traveled throughout the world ravaging the powers of darkness, wreaking hovoc on evil kingdoms. They had no tolerance for the destructive behavior of wicked kings but rather turned many to righteousness. They raised the dead, healed the sick, parted rivers, destroyed false prophets, and saw revival spread throughout their land. They were feared by many and respected by all. They walked in great purity; and God was their friend. John 14: 12 says ... "he who believes in Me, the works that works than these he will do: because I go to the Father". are the sons of the prophets ... ". It is time for the body of inheritance! We must rid ourselves of complacency and holiness and demonstrations of great power. We cannot great music, and friendly services. We have been called destroyed and our ruined cities restored. I do, he will do also; and greater In Acts 3:25 Peter says lilt is you who Christ to rise up and receive our restore the ancient boundaries of be satisfied with illustrative sermons, to see the powers of darkness

What is Prophecy?
Prophecy is simply hearing from God and speaking to man. Prophecy is God breathed and we are His echo. o The Bible was God breathedl o Jesus ':1 do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me." John 8:28 o Logos - written word, The Word of God - what we use to measure prophetic word. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1: 1 o Rhema - spoken word, a prophetic word, a word for a specific time "Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees hisFather doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does." John 5: 19 "The words I say to you ore not just my own. Rother, it is the Father, living in me, who is dOing his work," (John 14:10) o The Rhema word will never contradict the Logos wordl "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

Prophecy is calling out God's treasures within someone. o Treasure Box VS. The Dirt -We all know the Dirt in our lives but it takes the eyes of God to see broken people like Simon (broken reed) and in the midst of their brokenness, call them Peter(rock}. 1Cor. 14:24-25 o "the secrets of his heart are revealed" Becomes aware of The greainess God has placed within them. o "he will fall on his face and worship God" It says they will Worship God, not repent. It's not our job to bring repentance. Bring truth to who they are in Christl tt isfor NOW...not just biblical times. o Acts 2:17 '''In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions,your old men will dream dreams." It is something you CAN control. ..We have a free will. o "Let 01/ things be done decently and in order" 1 Cor. 14:40 o "He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity." Proverbs 21 :23 o "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." James 1:26 What Prophecy is not? NOT Christian fortune telling. We do not prophesy, marriages, pregnancies, sex of babies, dates, and directional words. NOT Elitism. If you have the gift of prophecy, it does not mean that you are more spiritual or that you can hear God "better" than others. o Gift vs. Award - Gift does not validate relationship with God o Gifts are irrevocable but anointing and fruit of the Spirit is not. (Rom. 11:29) NOT directional - Can not set the agenda of the church or individuals. NOT correctional- Can not be rebuking or correction. Does NOT operates out of Woundedness.~ Can not minister through personal wounds. NOT flaky - mysticism - christianese - Can not behave in a manner that is "Super Spiritual" NOT Warnings/Doom and Gloom - Can not motivate or operate through fear. o If you receive a word of this nature you must submit it to your leadership. o Authority comes from responsibility, not from revelation. o Word of Knowledge vs. Prophecy

Why does God want you to Prophesy? "But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 1 Cor. 4:3-4 Edify/Strengthen- to build up the believer in their spiritual life; to increase the believer's faith and trust in God; to fortify the believers relationship with Christ Encourage- to stir up the believer from a stagnant stage; to prompt and urge to go Iorword: keeps the believer from straying away from God; to prompt a progressive walk with God.
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Comfort- to come along side; to walk closely with another; it is a comfort consolation in times of trouble; link arms with and go into battle together.

and

The Power Prophesy: A prophetic word has the ability to create, form, transform, plant a seed and/or confirm a previous word. "The tongue has the power of life and death" Proverbs 18:21 A prophetic word can turn a person into who God designed them to be in the beginning. (1 Samuel 9: 19-1 Samuel 10:6) For Saul, prophesy revealed and restored the real man who was hidden under low self esteem and sin. True humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. (DanieI4:36-37) Nebuchadnezzar is saying "Look at what God has done for me!" o Genesis:: Creation o Resonance Square o Speak of things as if they were Romans 4:17 o Dry Bones! "SO I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they came to life and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army. ElK 37: 10
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There is a war to keep us spiritually deaf; "The sower sows the Word. These are the ones who are beside the road where the Word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the Word which has been sown in them" (Mark 4: 14-1S) The enemy tries to convince us that we didn't hear God clearly, it wasn't God's voice, makes us feel foolish, or think that it is our own imagination. When satan has done this he successfully stole the fruit of God's word in someone's life. That ends todovlll Can Everyone Prophesy? YES!!! "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

Rev. 19: 10

If you have the Holy Spiritwithin you, you have the ability to prophesy.
Tile Spirit of Prophecy - "/s Saul among the prophets?" (1 Samuel 10: 11) The spiritual condition of an atmosphere that is conductive to the speaking forth of God's word, not based upon gifting or office. Every believer can and should function at this level of revelation. The Gift of Prophecy - Empowerment of the Holy Spirit "If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in accordance to his faith." (Romans 12:6) A gift is a divine gratuity; a spiritual endowment and empowerment; a spiritual qualification. The Office of Prophet - Appointment or Governmental Office (Ephesians 4:11-12) How do I hear from God? God is ALWAYS speaking! His goal is relationship. "My sheep hear My voice ... John 10:27 "Since we hove gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith" Romans 12:6 We tend to want the "handwriting on the wall" or the audible voice of God to ensure ,:,e are indeed hearin~ God's direction for our lives. Although He does and can speak to us In supernatural sensational ways, they are not His usual ways for most Christians. It takes faith
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to hear and discern the still small voice of the Lord. It draws us intimately closer to Him. If you can remember that God himself is your creator, you will realize you are not creative enough to come up with this stuff on your own. God's first language is not English! Biblical Examples of how God can speak to us: The Scriptures 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 Hearing the voice of God: 1 Sam. 3: 10; Isa. 6:8; Rev. 1: 10 o A still small voice- a soft and gentle thought or voice. o An internal audible voice o An audible voice o It is not the volume in which He speaks to us it is how open we are to hear Him speak. An impression (feeling)- Perception or a knowing in your spirit. Matt. 9:36; II Cor. 1:4 A sermon, teaching, prophetic songs (saying, parable, riddle) God may speak mysteries in parables, riddles, play on words. Luke 8:4-18; Col. 3: 16 Prayer Language/Gift of Tongues 1 Cor. 12:8-12 A vision- moving pictures while awake. Acts 7:56; Acts 10:3 A picture- An image or a scene seen in your mind. Jer. 1: 11 A dream- moving pictures while sleeping. Gen. 28:11-12; Matt 2:12; Gen. 15:12-13 Our senses- May experience a physical (smell, taste) or soulish (joy, peace, depression) sensations Isa. 16:11; Jer. 4:19 Dance; Prophetic gestures- God may speak through a bodily movement. Hosea 1:2; Acts 21 :11; Jer. 31 :13 A trance- Unaware of your physical surroundings resulting in total involvement of what is going on. Acts 10: 10 An angelic visitation- Messengers sent from God tor the purpose of revelation and ministry. Acts 12:7 Acts 8:26 Being caught up in the Spirit- You are transported to another location in body or spirit . .Acts 8:39; It Cor. 12:2-3 A word of knowledge- A specific fact about a person, place, or event that was not previously known. John 4: 18 A word of wisdom- A divine revelation from God concerning His will, plan, or purpose for a specific circumstance. Acts. 27 Discerning the spirits- The ability to recognize and distinguish spirits (good or bad) recognize anointing and mantles, and see callings. Luke 8:26
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What do I do with a Prophetic word? lilt is the glory of God to conceal a matter. But the glory of kings is to search out a matter." Proverbs 25:2 2 "00 not quench the Spirit; do not

despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fasts to that which is
good." 1 Thess 5:19-21
Revelation- What you see, hear. and/or feel (listed above) Interpretation - Who is speaking and what is the meaning o You must know God's nature, heart, and written Word o You must determine who is speaking (God, Satan, or Self) o You must determine who word is for (Self, another, or corporate o Ask God for the interpretation

body)

Discern if word is to be given or committed to prayer. (Every word received is a Kingdom secret and you need permission from the lord to release it.) o Pray for timing if word is to be released Give ONLY what God has revealed to you- do not add to revelation for embellishment or omit part of revelation due to lack of understanding. When God stops speaking, we should too! Application - Why God is speaking and what to do about it.
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Giving a Prophetic Word:

"Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, 'Now, I have put my words in your mouth." Jeremiah 1:9 "Uke apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances" Proverbs 25: 11

Prayer Model: o Open your heart to commune with God o Thank Him for Hisgoodness o Ask God to speak to you o Be still,wait, and note what you see, hear, and feel o Discern delivery o Release word o Ask God if He wants to reveal anything further o Praise and thank Him for sharing Hismind and heart with you
It is never about the person giving the word. We are just the messenger/mailman. It isyour responsibility to release the word but know that you may never have a response or reply. Do not allow the spirit of offense or rejection to rest on you. If you are unsure of the word received for the person, do not release it just to have something to say. It is okay to just pray a blessing! Speak life! We do not stone you if you get it wrong. We know in Part and we prophesy in part. 1 Cor. 14:30-31. Prophesy the answer nof the probleml Dig for gold not s;nl

Receiving g prophetic Word: "Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food?" Job 12:11 ''00 not quench the Spirit: do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully: hold fast to that which is good" (1 Thess5: 19-21 ) 1. Write it down 2. Does it bear witness with you? 3. Does it edify, encourage, or comfort you? 4. Pray about the word for interpretation and application 5. Do not change the word given to you to conform to your desires 6. If unsure or confused, take the word to your leadership 7. Release the word to God to fulfill it in Histime and manner - Pray the promise back to God. 8. Do not become dependent on others to hear God for you. 9. The word you receive will NEVER contradict the scriptures. 10. Take the nourishment from the word God gives you and discard whatever does not apply.

Is there a place for Prophecy In my church? If you are experiencing a prophetic gifting, talk to your pastor. If a prophetic ministry is not yet established, submit your gift to them and operate under the guidelines given to you. "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give
an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you."

Hebrews 13:17
"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, aut of his heart will flow rivers of living water. john 7:38
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Without banks, a river becomes a floodl

REMEMBER The goal of a prophetic word is to edify, encourage, comfort and to share the love of our God. Eph. 3: 16-19 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
EXTRAS:
Some New Testgment Biblical examples of Prophesy: Acts 2: 14-19 The Holy Spirit is poured out and releases gifts. Acts 9: 10-16 Paul's ministry is directed because of Ananias prophecy. Acts 10:9-16 Peter receives prophetic revelation that results in ministry to the Gentiles. Acts 11:27-30 Agabus is recognized as being in the office of Prophet. Acts 13; 1-3 Prophets send out ministers. Acts 15:30-33 Prophets hold a respected place in the church. Acts 16:8-10 Paul's ministry is guided by prophetic revelation. Acts 19:6 Prophecy is an evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life. Acts 20:22-24; 21:4 The local church operates in prophetic ministry. Acts 21 : 10-11 Agabus uses prophetic gestvres to declare God's word. 1 Corinthians 14: 1; 24-25 Prophetic ministry as a part of public worship. 1 Timothy 4:14 Timothy's gift is imparted thru the laying on of hands and prophecy How to Increase Your GlftUse your giftl Matt. 25:14-28 Know the written word and believe what is says about youl Have intimacy with The Father Live a fasted lifestyle Remain accountable and teachable Continually be open to allow Jesus to heal us when hurts arise in our lives Strive to be like Jesus leam to encourage yourself in the Lord Prophesy over yourself (Prayer of Jabez) leam to live in the Spirit Remain humble Resources:

The Holy Bible BasiC Training for the Prophetic Ministry by Kris Vallotton
You May All Prophesy by Steve Thompson Fire School of Prophetic Training Semester One- Student Edition by Nicki S. Pfeifer 8

Releasing Healing Through the Power of Jesus

We must be certain that God wants us completely healthy before we can begin to demonstrate and administer God's miraculous healing power. Getting this fact settled in your mind is the first step to becoming an effective healer. He wants us healthy! But under the constraints of religion, our past experiences, the advancement of medical treatment, and our lack of faith, healing has been pushed onto the back burner of Kingdom work. In Jesus' day, the Pharisees and Sadducees didn't question his ability to heal or perform miracles, but rather his ability to forgive sin. But over the past 2000 years, we have begun to question his ability to heal rather than his willingness to forgive our sins. Religious traditions have inundated us and many Christians wonder if Jesus still heals, and if he does, will He heal them. In Mark 7: 13, Jesus reprimanded the Pharisees, telling them that they had made the Word of God of no effect through the tradition they were handing down. The reality is that the only way to destroy the barriers of tradition and unbelief, and to restore the truth of God's healing power to the Body of Christ, is to examine the only basis for truth - God's Word. We need a strong. solid foundation, which can only be built upon the ageless rock of God's Word concerning healing.'

Jesus: The Model of Healing:

We are to model ourselves and our ministry after Christ himself. Time and time again, we see Christ having compassion on the sick and healing them. He healed so many people and did so many miracles that John states "if every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room [or the books what would be written. (John 21 :25)" Matthew 10:8 - "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. " Every Christian has been commissioned to heal without measure!

Is healing still for today?

Jesus said in Mark 16:18 that those who believe in Him will lay hands 011 the sick and the sick will recover. Jesus said in Mark 16:17 that signs and wonders should follow

believers as we obey the Great Commission. Jesus said in John 14: 12 that those who
believe in Him will do the same miracles He did, and in the entire New Testament this ~romis~ was never c~celed. In the New Testament we see ordinary Christians operating m the gifts of the Spirit and demonstrating signs and wonders, just as Jesus promised. All

Cal Pierce, Healing in the Kingdom. Pg 16-17.

of these promises are still in effect! We simply need to believe Jesus and then step out in faith, just as Peter stepped out of the boat in faith and walked on water (Matthew 14:29). Divine healing is for today and it is for you. It is part of the ministry which Jesus began while He was on the earth and which He turned over to the Church in the Great Commission. It is part of your "job description" (so to speak) as a New Testament disciple of Jesus Christ. In all of the examples of healing that God has provided in the New Testament, notice that: There is not a single case where a person was told that his sickness was for the purpose of building character O! patience in him, There is not a single case where a sickness was called a "blessing. There is not a single case where a sickness was left unhealed for the glory of God (this includes Lazarus, because Jesus resurrected him back to life and health). There is not a single case where God used a sickness to bring one of His children Home to heaven. There is not a single case where a person was told that it was not God's will for him to be healed.
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Isn't it strange that none of these things appear in the Bible, yet these things are rarely taught in churches today? Notice that Jesus did not withhold healing from anyone who wanted it:

He healed them
He healed He healed He healed He healed He healed He healed He healed He healed them them them them them them them them

all (Matthew 4:23-24).

all (Matthew all (Matthew all (Matthew all (Matthew all (Matthew all (Matthew all (Matthew all (Matthew

8: 16). 9:35). 12: 15). 14:14). 14:35-36). 15:30). 19:2). 21: 14).

Jesus did not withhold healing from anyone who wanted it, and He is not withholding healing from.anyone today. Instead, He told us to do the same miracles that He did (John 14:11-15), and He told us to heal them all (Mark 16:15-18).

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So, How Do We Pray?

We will use a basic healing model. This is not the only way to pray for healing. This is a mode] that is widely used among various churches and ministries that is very effective. Use this as a guide hut most importantly listen to how the Holy Spirit is speaking and
leading you how to pray.

1. Interview the person ill need of healing

Mark 9:17-18, 20-21

"A man in the crowd answered, "teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked you disciples to drive out tbe spirit, but they could not .So they brought bim. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy's rather, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered.

You will be asking the person in need of healing just a few questions to get a feel for their need. Do your best to set them at ease and make them feel comfortable, Start off with introducing yourself and your team. Some questions you may ask them to begin breaking the ice and to set them at ease are: What is your name? How can I pray for you? How long have you had this condition? Have you seen a doctor and if so, what do they say? Build their faith by telling them of a testimony or scripture Reassure them that Jesus wants to heal them

2. ldtmtify the need - What is the root cause of tire sickness or infirmity? o You are not making a medical diagnosis, but are discerning how you will
be praying. o

Possible causes can be but are not limited to accidents, generational sicknesses, sin, or emotional stress. More than anything; ask for the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the nature and/or possible cause of the condition.

3. Begin to pray and command in the name of Jesus.

o Addresses the condition of the body or an inflicting spirit such as affliction, infirmary, or pain. Commands can be used to break curses or vow and cast down any inflicting spirits. Examples:

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In the name of Jesus, I command this cancerous tumor to shrink and disappear. In the name of Jesus Christ, broken arm, be healed! In the name of Jesus, I command this pain to leave her body now. As you begin to pray, ask them ifit is okay tor you to put your hand on the area of pain. But remember; only touch them if they are comfortable with it. And use common sense when you are laying your hands on them (i.e. where it is appropriate. to rest hands). Your manner of prayer It is okay to pray silently. Just let the person know that if your hands are on them you are still praying. J find it helpful to pray with my eyes open to see if the Spirit is at work in their body.

You don't have to shout or pray loudly to be effective.

You don't have to preach, prophesy, by the Holy Spirit or give advice unless directed

Mark 16: 17a, ISb

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drive out demons ... get well."

And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will 18 they will place their hands on sick people, and they will

Mark 9:25-26
25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. fly ou deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again." 26'fbe spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and crone out.

o o

If they have multiple problems, attack one condition at a time. Always follow the Holy Spirit's leading. If an area that you are not
praying for begins to tingle, get hot, feel better, switch to the area that the Spirit is moving. Don't strain - you move out of the spirit and into your flesh when you strain

Command on earth as it is in heaven! That's the way Jesus taught us to pray with the Lord's Prayer. Aud it is never wrong to pray for them more than once. Jesus had to pray for a blind man twice before he received his healing.

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4. Ask them to check their bodies out.

IIave them try and do something they could not do before if they are willing. If they were having shoulder problems and couldn't raise their arm to a certain point, see if they can raise it any higher. If they suffered from a migraine headache, ask them how the pain level is now. Any improvement is good improvement and can begin to build their faith for a complete and total healing. If any improvement is made, even if it is only slightly noticeable, begin to give God praise. A good way to get them to judge the amount of healing is to ask them how much of a percentage are they feeling. 10%? 50%? 90%? Colossians
17 And

3: 17

whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

5. Pray again
Mark 8:22-25

if necessary.

22They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23He
took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the villa~e. When he had spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, "Do you see anything?'! 4He looked up and said, "I see people; they look like trees walking around." 250nce more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

If a healing comes only partially at first, continue praying for a complete healing until you find it no longer produces further healing If after a time there is no progress, consider further interviewing the person Family history, fear, unbelief, a curse, occults, etc.

6. Post-Prayer Suggestions
o o o o o Encourage them in their walk with the Lord Give strength through scriptures and testimonies Suggest that a change of lifestyle may be needed if condition resulted from an occult experience or habitual sin Never accuse of unforgiveness, lack of faith, or other sin in their life if the healing is not complete Warn them of possible spiritual attacks from the enemy after a healing If a person is on medication and they feel they are healed, have them continue taking alJ medications until they see their doctor.

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You can stop praying when: They are completely healed The person wants you to stop The Holy Spirit has you "shut it down" If you are simply not gaining ground

Common Roadblocks
o Dealing with the issue of unforgiveness, This is a huge stumbling block to receiving ones healing. They could need to forgive the person who may have caused this condition such a car accident, a spouse that may have left, the betrayal of a close friend, etc. Repentance of ones own sin or conduct. Encourage repentance and ask for God's forgiveness. Sin that is not confessed and repented of can hinder the healing process. If you lay hands on someone and nothing seems to happen, there might be some issues that need to be dealt with such as fears, doubts, theological misunderstandings about healing, demonic interference, emotional blockages, and so on. These issues might require a number of sessions of prayer and teaching, and the person might need to be referred to a trained and experienced Christian counselor for counseling and/or deliverance Make sure that the person actually wants to be healed! Jesus asked a man at the pool of Bethesda if he wanted. to get well (John 5:6), and we should do the same if nothing seems to be happening. Under most circumstances you will not be able to cast out demons or minister healing if the person does not want to let go of these things.

Do not get discouraged if the person you are ministering to do not get healed. Even the Apostle Paul was not always successful when ministering healing (see 2 Timothy 4:20). That is the nature and mystery of healing. Sometimes the healing comes i.nstantly. Sometimes it comes in a few hours or days, but sometimes is doesn't come at all. But always, always, always pray expecting to see the healing take place immediately.

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I)eliverance Teacbing

If you have been in the body of Christ for any am'Ount 'Of time you will find yourself in 'One 'Of two camps when it comes to Satan. You will likely be one that underestimates the powers of darkness or 'Overestimates the power of darkness but there are few who actually see their: battle with Satan as the bible defines it. Today we are going to study demcnology 101 and get a feel for the 'One that we fight against on a daily basis. Lett s
start by simply acknowledging our commission to destroy these critters.

Mark 16:15~18 15 And H~ :said to them, IfGD .mto aU the world and preach the gospel to every creature.16 He who believes and is baptized wfn be saved; hut he who does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will' foBo.wthose who believer In My Dame they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;18 they will bike up serpents; and if they drink anything de'.ldly, it will by no means burt them; they wUllay bands on the sick, and they will recover."
NKJV

L Casting out demons is not an optional part o,four life but a necessity to living free! a. Jesus gave us these signs as a way to identify gennine believers; b. The casting out of demons is a commission not an elective. e. .A'ihough demons are a very real enemy, they cannot be the focus 'Ofour entire ministry. Jsa 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peaee, Whqse mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You; 4 T'rUst in. the;LORD 'forever, For in 'l'AD, the LORD, is everlasdng strength. NKJV Story 'Of the demonic bondage

The fact is 'that the church teaches telati\1e:ly little about our struggle with responsibility to remove him and the: result is often a culture that is blindly the air and helping no one.

satan or our Swinging at

Eph 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.ll Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the Wiles of the devil.12 For we do not wrestle apinst flesh and blood, but ag;tinsf principalities~ again.st 'pewees, agatnst' the I1llers of the darkness. of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. NKJV

If the body of Christ is wrestling against prmcipalities and powers then why would we teach self help classes instead of spiritual warfare? The answer is simple, most pastors

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don't understand the battle with satan and therefore we can not take people places we are not going ourselves. Most pastors are not familiar with the demonic because they think they have not encountered it but it is more prevalent than you think and most of us see it daily without recognizing it. Let's look at some demonic manifestations to give us an understanding of how they operate and what that looks like.

Demonic Manifest.ations The Oppressed

This is a very common manifestation. Oppression works on the outside. It is a continual bombardment that is seemingly relentless and its soul purpose is to breakdown our resistance. It will come through temptations, persecutions, trials and tribulations. It is satan's way of getting people to look back at their old sinful lives and become defeated by wearing out the saints. This is why we are told, "do not let the sun go down on your wrath,27 nor give place to the devil." Ephesians 4:26 NKJV

The Tormented
Demons torment people from the inside out also. With torment you will often find fear, that a person who is tormented is demonized. Those who are demonized are not many but there are many who are tormented by satan. A tormented person most often offers little to no resistance to the spirit that is afflicting him or her because they are usually unaware there is a demonic influence. Let's look at Mark 7 for a moment.

depression, and affliction. But we must not assume

Mark 7:29-30 29 Then He said to her, "For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter. 30 And when she had come to her house, she found the demon gone out, and her daughter lying on the bed. NK.JV
It

In this passage Jesus says the demon has left your daughter. The actual language suggests that the demon withdrew from her which indicates the demon was inside her. This tormented person was not demonized but rather had a place in her life that was obviously unsurrendered to the Lord or there was a pact or maybe even unforgiveness that allowed the demon to torment her. The person being tormented knows there is an influence but is unaware what is causing it.

The Possessed
People that are possessed temporarily lose their ability to control themselves or their will. The possessed person will often not remember their deliverance session because the demon had control of their mind, will, and emotions. They will do things that they do not remember in their daily lives as well. If later questioned about a situation they will often respond that they remember nothing of the event.

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Jesus dealt with many who were possessed in the scripture. Tnone situation we see a father who took his son to Jesus for deliverance because the boy could not speak. The father elaborates to Christ that the demon would seize the boy and throw him to the ground and cause him to foam at the mouth and gnash his teeth and become ridged all over. He followed this with telling Jesus that the demon would throw his son into the water and the fire trying to kill rum. What amazes me is that this father had such a great understanding of what was happening without ever sitting under Jesus' teaching. The father said that from his childhood this was happening which leads us to believe that he was at least a teenager. He described many ways that this demon manifested but screaming was not one of them. Let's watch the Master deliver this boy. Mark 9:2S"Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!" The first thing Jesus did was to call him out and expose his true identity. Why? Because demons hide in deception and are powerless when they are exposed. If this demon was deafhow could he hear Jesus? Because the demon was not deaf nor mute but manifested this way in order to keep from being exposed. Look what happens when he is removed. Mark 9:26 Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, "He is dead ".NKJV Fortunately Jesus knew who He was dealing with and was not deceivedl The Insane This kind of manifestation indicates permanent and complete possession. The devil has taken control of mind, body, soul, and spirit. It is the exact opposite of a person being filled with the Holy Spirit and you cannot miss this one because the demons become some arrogant and rebellious that they don't try to bide anymore because often they have found that if they get loud and boisterous they can create fear and control through fear instead of deception. This is not common in the general public but I am convinced our mental institutions are fined with these people. Let's look at the man at Gadarenes for some insight into this condition. MarkS:2-17 2 And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs 3. man with an unclean spirit,3 who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains,4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains bad been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him.S And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 When he saw .Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him.7 And he cried out with a loud voice and said, "What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do Dot torment me. 8 For He said to him, "Come out of the man, unclean spirit! "9 Then He asked him, "What is your name?" And he answered, saying, "My name is Legion; for we are many."lO Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country.
If

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11 Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mounrains.Iz So all the demons begged Him, saying, "Send us to the swine, that we may enter them." 13 And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea. 1480 those who fed the swine fled, and they told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that had happened. IS Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and bad tbe legion. sitting and clothed and in bis right mind. And they were afraid.16 And those who saw it told them how it happened to him who had been demou-possessed, and about the swine.I? Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region. NKJV Notice that this man had no understanding of anything but was completely under the influence of the demon. The only hope for freedom in this case is an encounter with Jesus Christ. Another thing that amazes me is that these people from town were fine when this man was naked and bleeding and cutting himself but when he was clothed and in his right mind they became afraid! Sounds just like the world doesn't it? We must understand that this battle IS both fought and won ill the heavenly realm. We will never put a dent in the demonic with psychology, medication. or therapy but we must

use the weapons of the Kingdom of God to defeat them.

Dan 10:12-14 12 Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, aDd to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have eeme because of your words.13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there withthe kings of Persia.
NK.JV

We do not have carnal weapons that will affect demonic strongholds but have mighty weapons through God that will completely demolish the demonic! 2 Cor 10:3-6 3 For though we walk in the :flesl4 we do not war according to the fles.h.4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,S casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. NKJV Demons do and can cause sickness but not all sickness is from the demonic. Luke 13:16-17 16 So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound -- think of it -- for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?" NKJV

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Notice who it was that kept this woman bound. It was satan. I also want you to notice that Jesus wasn't screaming at the top of His lungs and shouting COME OUT YOU DEMON SPIRlT!! He was more concerned with keeping this woman's dignity in tact than making a public mockery of the demon. Louder does not mean more authority. Parents, this does

not work on your kids and do NOT do this to another brother or sister. Look at Luke 9: 1
for the distinction.

Luke 9:1-2 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.
NKJV Notice that Christ made a distinction between diseases and demons but we have authority over both. Tn every case we see Christ or a disciple deal with a demon there was only one way to remove them and that was commanding them to leave. But there was one thing they had that allowed them to do so and it was an intimacy with the Father and not just a casual

friendship. Look at what happens when we stupidly approach the demonic. Gen 1:1 - Acts 19:18 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul,12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.13 Then some or the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches."14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" 16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevaiJed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.I? This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. NKJV

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