A Core Program

Pastor Edgar Mayer; Living Grace Community Lutheran Church; Message on Healing By Deliverance; Date: 2 November 2008

For more sermons and other writings check out pastor’s homepage: http://www.geocities.com/mayeredgar

A Core Program

When the apostle Peter preached his first sermon to the soldier Cornelius who was at home with his family and close friends, Peter introduced Jesus to them and he summed up Jesus’ ministry with these words – Acts 10:37-38: “You know … how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.” I read the same verse again from a different Bible translation – Acts 10:37-38: “You know … how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”

Jesus went about doing good and healing people. By now we have learned to accept that and we have learned that as his disciples we are to do the same: do good and heal people. Jesus sent us out, saying – Matthew 10:7-8: “As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick … “ – that much we accept by now (even though there may be lingering unease about the supernatural) – but – are we at this stage ready to go one step further and confront the deeper root cause of sickness – at least how it is spelled out in this verse of Acts 10:37-38: Jesus was “healing all who were oppressed by the devil … “ Jesus was “healing all who were under the power of the devil … “

What does this mean? What does the devil have to do with sickness and how widespread is this cause of sickness? One Bible teacher made this observation: “It is noteworthy that people came to Jesus seeking healing for their sicknesses, but many of them had demons cast out of them. Apparently the people did not realize that some of their sicknesses were caused by demons. One remarkable characteristic of Jesus’ ministry, from beginning to end, is that he never made a hard and fast distinction between healing people’s sicknesses and delivering them from demons” (Derek Prince: They Shall Expel Demons, Grand Rapids: Chosen Books 1998, p21).

This is challenging for us who have grown up with Western medicine and thus, another Catholic minister writes: “Some of my closest friends find it easy to accept healing as a beautiful ministry of God’s love, but to them any emphasis on the demonic seems like a retreat from reason into the realm of superstition” (Francis MacNutt: Healing, Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press 1974, p211).

We may clarify at once that not all sickness is caused by a demonic presence. You do not have to have a demon to be sick. Our conflict with the devil can be more indirect. The Bible says that – James 1:13: “ … when tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” God does not tempt anyone but the devil does and therefore the temptations that we all experience are in their origin from the devil. Thus, he tempted our first human ancestors, saying to them – Genesis 3:1-5 (I paraphrase): “Eat from the forbidden fruit. You won’t suffer punishment but instead be like God.” They believed the lie, therefore sided with the devil and suffered the consequence of sin by coming under his dominion. The Bible explains that – Romans 5:12: “ … sin entered the world through the first human couple [original: one man] and [with that sickness and] death [entered the world] through [their] sin, and in this way [sickness and] death came to all people, because all sinned … “ Thus, sickness does not need to be caused by a specific demonic presence. It can simply be swallowed up in the basic fallenness of our world where the devil – successful with his temptations – has a right to demand that according to God’s holy law – Romans 6:23: “ . the wages of [our] sin is [must be] death … “

Even worse – the first sin made all of humanity dead on the inside already now – corrupted our human nature – and for that reason – throughout what is left of life – whether it is by direct or indirect means the devil wields much power over us because of sin. The Bible articulates our condition in blunt words – Ephesians 2:1-3: “ … you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of the world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit [Satan himself] who is now at work in those who are disobedient … “ Hence, without any intervention from God humans are and remain dead – devoid of God – “by nature objects of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3) – in their transgressions and sin with the devil at work in them.

Then the Bible further warns all of us – 1 John 3:8: “He who does what is sinful is of the devil because the devil has been sinning from the beginning … “ Ephesians 4:27: “ … do not give the devil a foothold [through sin].”

Yet – and more about this later – Jesus did come to do good and heal all those who were under the power of the devil and – coming back to what may be rather foreign to us – at least he made no hard and fast distinction between healing people and delivering them from demons. Contrary to our current church practice Jesus recognized the common need to expel demons.

The Bible says – Luke 4:40-41: “When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Moreover, demons came out of many people … “ When Jesus healed a crippled woman, he declared that – Luke 13:16: “ … this woman … Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years … “ In one account Jesus healed a fever by rebuking a demonic presence – Luke 4:39: “ . he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her … “ King Herod wanted to kill Jesus but he replied – Luke 13:32: “Go and tell that fox, ‘I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’” In Matthew 10:1 “Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” The disciples of Jesus – Mark 6:13: “ … cast out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.” Acts 8:7: “With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed.” Acts 19:12: “ … illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.” Luke 11:1: “Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed.” After this healing Jesus declared – Luke 11:20: “ . if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.” “ . if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.”

May it dawn on us that the kingdom of God is still coming in the same way – to us. According to the book – the Bible – healing by deliverance from demons was common in Jesus’ ministry – a core program – and therefore an evangelist writes: “It is unscriptural to pray for the sick if one is not prepared also to cast out demons. Jesus did not separate one from the other. He never sent anyone out to preach the good news without specifically instructing and equipping that person to take action against demons in the same that he himself did. Mission work that does not include the casting out of demons is not mission work according to the Bible” (modified; Derek Prince: They Shall Expel Demons, Grand Rapids: Chosen Books 1998, p10-11). Is that right?

By the spiritual standards of the time – in the early 1950s – in Britain – a minister was quite successful. Each week a person would come to the Lord or he would witness a miracle of healing or some other demonstration of the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, he nevertheless had a continuous inner sense of frustration. An inaudible voice seemed to whisper in his ear: “Others may succeed, but you won’t.” Despite a series of outward successes – including earlier promotions at school and the army – at times depression descended on him like a gray mist – a prison with no escape.

He tried to shake off the depression by reading the Bible at least twice a day, fasting once a week and sometimes devoting several days or an entire week to praying and fasting. At such times the depression would lift for a while but inevitably it returned which made his hopelessness grow even deeper.

The minister was familiar with Romans 6:11, which instructs us to “reckon [ourselves] to be dead indeed unto sin”. Day after day he would reckon himself dead to sin and to any consequence of depression but – try as he might – the experience of the latter half of the verse kept eluding him: being “alive unto God through Jesus Christ”.

Finally in 1953, when he had exhausted all of his own resources, God came to help him in unexpected ways. He was reading the opening verses of Isaiah 61, which describe the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in bearing testimony to the message of the Gospel – verses Jesus applied to himself in the synagogue of Nazareth (cf. Luke 4:16-21). As he came to the words in verse 3, “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (KJV, emphasis added) – also called “a spirit of despair” (NIV) and “a spirit of fainting” (NASB) – he could read no further. It was as though the phrase “the spirit of heaviness” was underlined by some invisible hand.

He repeated the phrase to himself: “the spirit of heaviness”. Was this God’s diagnosis of his condition? Could it mean that the force he was struggling with was not part of himself, but an alien person – an evil spirit being that somehow occupied an area of his mind?

This was a decisive moment in his life. He had always regarded his depression and negative attitude as an expression of his own character – something he had been born with. He had felt guilty that he was not a “better” Christian. Now it became clear to him that his struggle was not against part of his own personality at all.

Immediately, the Holy Spirit brought to his mind the promise of Joel 2:32: “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered”. From his study of Hebrew, he knew that this verb also means “to save, to rescue”. He determined to apply this promise and to act on it. He said a simple prayer that went something like this: “Lord, you’ve shown me that I have been oppressed by a spirit of heaviness, but you have promised in your word that if I call on your name, I shall be delivered. So I’m calling on you now to deliver me, in the name of Jesus!”

The response was immediate. Something – in his words – like a huge, heavenly vacuum cleaner came down over him and sucked away the gray mist that had shrouded his head and shoulders. At the same time a pressure in the area of his chest was forcibly released, and he gave a little gasp.

God had answered his prayer. Suddenly everything around him seemed brighter. He felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He was free (Derek Prince: They Shall Expel Demons, Grand Rapids: Chosen Books 1998, p30-33). [And then he had to learn to walk in freedom.]

The root cause of his depression surprised the minister. He never knew that his mind and emotions were under the influence of a demon and therefore – for all of these years – he never sought the right treatment for his condition which begs the question whether we are likewise suffering from the same ignorance. What other diseases have demonic causes? What other conditions – in us and in the church and in the world – can be traced to demons? The Bible makes frequent references to a whole array of unclean spirits: 1 Timothy 4:1 – “deceiving spirits”; 1 John 4:6 – “spirit of error”; 2 Timothy 1:7 – “spirit of fear”; Romans 11:8 – “spirit of stupor”; Romans 8:15 – “spirit of bondage to fear”; Acts 16:16 – “spirit of divination”; Luke 13:11 – “spirit of sickness”; Luke 11:14 – “demon of muteness”; Zechariah 13:2 – “spirit of impurity”; Hosea 4:12 – “spirit of prostitution”; 1 Kings 22:22 – “spirit of deception” (cf. Gary Greig – Kevin Springer, eds: The Kingdom And The Power, Ventura: Regal Books 1993, p414).

One pastor reports that at times he would have a sore throat, cold or sinus congestion, pray for healing but nothing would change. Then he read how Jesus rebuked the fever of Peter’s mother-in-law (Luke 4:39) which gave him the idea to rebuke his next cold with the consequence that the condition cleared up within a day – instead of lasting a week or two (Derek Prince: They Shall Expel Demons, Grand Rapids: Chosen Books 1998, p82).

Then, the wife of a pastor said one day: “I wonder if humanism could be a spirit.” She renounced that spirit, commanded it to leave, and then was taken by surprise when she began to shake violently. A spirit was indeed cast out – how unexpected – a spirit that had to with abstract and intellectual world-views caused such powerful physical sensations (Derek Prince: They Shall Expel Demons, Grand Rapids: Chosen Books 1998, p82).

What other symptoms are there among us that may have demonic causes and therefore do not require more prayer but deliverance by commanding a demon to go in the name and authority of Jesus Christ? Would we ever recognize when a demon was on our case – pressuring us with darkness – confusion, anger, deception, lust, greed, fear, sickness, terminal disease, accidents, business failure, bad dreams, pride, jealousy, self-pity, … ? All of these can be names of demons.

It is of interest that the pastor from before did not share his newfound freedom from depression with his congregation. According to his own words he was too proud. What would people think of him as the pastor? How could the preacher be oppressed by something so unclean – some dark creature – complete with knowledge, emotion and will – that may even speak on occasions – repulsive? Then, his denomination did not believe that any Christian could have a demon but – what a convenient teaching for unclean spirits that like to remain hidden and therefore safe from Christian action – demons gain access to people through sin and even Christians do sin. Then Christians may also suffer from generational baggage, curses, and so on.

Even when Jesus preached his first sermon, it was (so it seems) a faithful member of the congregation that suddenly manifested because the holiness of Jesus challenged the unclean demon that was attached to him. Jesus was preaching and – Mark 1:22-23: “ … just then a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit cried out … “ Maybe we can learn from the experience of others. For instance, an Anglican priest writes: “I suspect demonic influence when I find: i) an irrational and violent reaction against the name of Jesus … ii) Violent struggles with a strength out of all proportion to a person’s size … iii) An involvement in occult practice now or in the past; including … all animistic Eastern religions. iv) The possession of or exposure to any objects which have been used in the occult … charms, amulets, bracelets … v) A disturbed history in previous generations … vi) Unnatural bondage to sexual perversion or other compulsive habits, unsought blasphemy, or uncontrollable mockery of God and holy things. vii) Strange behaviour, including sharp bursts of temper or moodiness, mutterings, frothing at the mouth, palpitations of the heart, sudden fluctuations of mood. viii) Change of voice in speech or laughter. ix) The grip of a nameless fear … x) Compulsive inability to pray even when the person longs to do so. xi) Something strange about the eyes. The eyes are the window to the inner man. The eyes of the demonized are often unnaturally bright, glazed, or full of manic hatred.”

The Anglican priest continues with a word of caution: “These characteristics are neither exhaustive nor always present … Some are found in common with mental sickness. Diagnosis of demonisation should never be arrived at lightly or without consultation … “ (Michael Green: I Believe In Satan’s Downfall, London: Hodder And Stoughton 1981, p134-135).

In this respect the Bible talks about the spiritual gift of discernment – 1 Corinthians 12:10: “ … to another [is given] the distinguishing between spirits … “ And sometimes – when we are not quite sure what we are dealing with – we may simply do both for the person: pray for healing and – just in case – command any unclean spirit to leave.

Now – in more detail – what does the cure look like? What is required for healing? In the beginning of this message we heard how the apostle Peter summed up Jesus’ ministry. He said – Acts 10:37-38: “You know … how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around … healing all who were under the power of the devil … ” If we are now to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and do the same as he did – or even more – as he has promised – John 14:12: “ … anyone who has faith in me will do … even greater things than these … “ – then we can expect the same words to sum up our ministry: “You know how God anointed them – this church – with the Holy Spirit and power, and how they went around healing all who were under the power of the devil.” Like Jesus – we must receive and keep receiving an anointing with the Holy Spirit and power. Otherwise we may have all the methods but no authority.

The Bible records one incident where this became painfully obvious – Acts 19:13-16 – I read: “Some others [original: Jews] who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, ‘In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.’ Seven sons of … a chief priest were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?’ Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.”

The method without authority – the method of invoking Jesus’ name without the anointing – without the Holy Spirit and power – ended up in failure – a beating and naked bleeding. Therefore we take special care and position ourselves to receive an infilling and refillings with the Holy Spirit. We take to heart the command – Ephesians 5:18: “ … keep being filled with the Holy Spirit.” Therefore – waiting on God – (being intentional and determined) – we exercise faith, we shy away from sin and instead pursue holiness, we seek what he promised in fasting and prayer.

Yet, even then – brimming with power – as was Jesus’ own experience – the healing of all those who are under the oppression of the devil can somehow be messy. At times a simple command would silence the demons and drive them out – so in Luke 4:41: “ … demons came out of many people, shouting … but Jesus rebuked them and would not allow them to speak … “ and there can be moments of unintentional comedy – in one case a spirit of epilepsy charged the pastor, saying: “You fool! I’ve been medically certified” (Derek Prince: They Shall Expel Demons, Grand Rapids: Chosen Books 1998, p194) – but then at other times even in the presence of Jesus the demons would argue – Matthew 8:29: “What do you want with us, Son of God? … “, they would bargain – Matthew 8:31: “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs … ”, throw a man down – Luke 4:35: “’Be quiet!’ Jesus said sternly. ‘Come out of him!’ Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him” (which was apparently worth mentioning) and once a demon almost left a man for dead – Mark 9:26: “The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, ‘He’s dead.’ … “

Somehow the healing of people from demons can be a tussle with unclean powers which requires commitment from us and a readiness to get our hands dirty in ministry. Accordingly the Bible explains that – Ephesians 6:12 – “we wrestle [that is: a hand-to-hand and foot-to-foot struggle] … against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” In other words: we wrestle demons of varying strength in a hand to hand grapple which means that we need to be as active and alert as we can be and this includes the person requiring deliverance. A pastor writes: “When people come to me for prayer … I usually tell them, ‘You need to know that the demon may put up a fight before it leaves. Are you prepared to fight … ‘ In every case that I can remember, the person has been willing to fight, and God has given us the victory. I have no faith, however, for people who simply remain passive, without taking their own stand against the enemy. As a general rule, I do not pray for those who expect to be released only on the basis of my prayers. A person unwilling to take an active stand against the demon will probably not have the defenses to keep it from returning. Matthew 12:43-45 warns us that the evil spirit will return [or try to return], bringing ‘seven other spirits more wicked than himself … and the last state of that man is worse than the first.’ … “ (Derek Prince: They Shall Expel Demons, Grand Rapids: Chosen Books 1998, p194).

When demons leave, we need to remain on the alert – close the vacuum with faith and the Holy Spirit.[1] However, victory is assured. What makes the Holy Spirit effective and what even the seven sons of the chief priest reflected in their method – copied from Christians – is this: victory comes through the name and authority of Jesus Christ. The words were right: “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” When we Christians speak these words – as those who are sent by Jesus – we will always gain victory over anything demonic.[2]

And the Bible explains why – Philippians 2:6-11 – I read: “ … being in very nature God, … [Jesus] made himself nothing … in human likeness … became obedient to death … on a cross! Therefore God [the Father] exalted him … and gave him the name that is above every name … “ Jesus gave up heaven to become a mere man and even die with blood pouring out from his human body on a cross – for us. In this way Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice and therefore his name was made great – by God the Father.

Another Bible passage explains further how this is saving us – Colossians 2:9-15: “ … When you were dead in your sins … God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins … having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”

No longer do any devil or demon have a right to accuse or torment us. Jesus triumphed over them by the cross because his sacrifice disarmed the powers and authorities. The triumph of the cross is our forgiveness in Jesus’ name – Acts 2:21: “ … everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Acts 4:12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to humans by which we must be saved.”

This the demons know and must respect. Hence, at one time disciples of Jesus returned to him with joy, saying – Luke 10:17: “ … Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” Later Jesus confirmed this as the church’s program, saying – Mark 16:17: “ … In my name they will drive out demons … “ This is good news! Since Jesus triumphed, we experience victory in his name.

This is indeed good news – joyful news – which brings us to another weapon of warfare in our tussle with demons, that is: praising the name of Jesus – on account of salvation. One pastor discovered that praising God – glorifying the name of Jesus – would surround him with an atmosphere that repelled demons (Derek Prince: They Shall Expel Demons, Grand Rapids: Chosen Books 1998, p36). Likewise – according to the Bible we do not have to attack each and every demon with specific commands in Jesus’ name. (Demons are not worthy of that much attention. Who wants to focus on them?) Many a time an atmosphere of praise – the lifting high of Jesus’ name – is a better way of establishing victory.[3]

For instance, even before Jesus was born the people of God won a victory against a superior army when the king – 2 Chronicles 20:21-23: “ … appointed men to sing to the Lord and praise him for the splendour of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.’ As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the [invading army] … “ Praise – singing to the Lord – released the power of God and victory.

Paul and Silas experienced the same when they were stripped, beaten and locked in a cell with their feet fastened in the stocks. The Bible records – Acts 16:25-26: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God … Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.” Again: Praise – singing to Jesus – released the power of God and victory.[4]

They knew the name above every name. They had hope that could not be silenced and this – according to Ephesians 6:10-18 – is the helmet of salvation. There the Bible instructs us – I quote: “to put on the full armour of God … ” And then the pieces of our spiritual armour against the devil are listed: “ … the belt of truth … the breastplate of righteousness … feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace … shield of faith … [then] the helmet of salvation … [and] the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God … “

There is no time to elaborate on all of these pieces of armour but we may identify the helmet of salvation as certain hope and therefore an attitude of praise which Paul and Silas experienced in prison and the people of God before them. A helmet protects the head and our Christian heads – the minds inside our heads – need to be protected from despair when the hand-to-hand grapple with the demonic seems to be overpowering us. Thus, the Bible cross reference reads – 1 Thessalonians 5:8: “[Put on] … for a helmet, the hope of salvation.”

The helmet is hope. The helmet is continuing optimism based on the promises of God and thus – by extension – the helmet is an attitude of praise and God – so the promise – Psalm 22:3: “ … inhabits the praises of his people.” Victory is in praising God.

Nothing works without the helmet. Nothing works without the right mind. Therefore protect the head and express your hope. Praise God. In closing we expand on this some more – a small excursion.

Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he promised the disciples that they would all be baptized with the Holy Spirit and receive power – Acts 1:8 – he said to them: “ … you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you … “ This then happened on the day of Pentecost – Acts 2:4: “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit … “ but – as we know – immediately the power of the Spirit then released something strange – the verse continues: “ …. and they began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

The disciples spoke in tongues and we know what they said. They did not preach (the sermon from Peter would come later). They did not pray. They praised God.[5] God even then released power by making them declare his praises. The Bible says – Acts 2:7-11: “ … amazed, [foreigners] asked: ‘ … how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? … Cretans and Arabs – we hear them declaring [praising] the wonders of God in our own tongues!’”

Not all Christians speak in tongues but if you do, may I encourage you to use this gift.[6] Right from the start – on the first day of church mission – the day of Pentecost – God used the speaking in tongues for declaring his praises and thus releasing power in mission. There is victory also in this kind of praise and it may throw light on another Bible verse – 1 Corinthians 14:4: “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself … “ and some others would also make reference to Jude 20: “ … building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit … “ Edify yourself. Experience what the one pastor from before discovered: a praise atmosphere that repels demons.

If you cannot speak in tongues, then don’t worry. Simply praise God in English or another language that you know. And if you want the gift, then you begin to pray for the gift with faith because the Bible gives you encouragement, saying – 1 Corinthians 14:1: “ … eagerly desire spiritual gifts … “

Victory over demons is ours. Praise him. Like Jesus – in his name – we are healing all who are under the power of the devil.” Amen.

As we now pray, I encourage you to meet four conditions (Derek Prince: They Shall Expel Demons, Grand Rapids: Chosen Books 1998, p64):

1. Be sure you have repented – that is, turned away from every form of sin.

2. Look only to Jesus; He alone is the Deliverer.

3. Base your appeal solely on what Jesus did for you through His death on the cross, not on any “good works” of your own.

4. Be sure that, by an act of your will, you have forgiven every person who ever harmed or wronged you.

Take hold of the promises:

1. Joel 2:32: “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

2. Mark 16:17: “In my name you shall expel demons.” => In the name of Jesus you have authority to expel them from yourselves.

Derek Prince: They Shall Expel Demons, Grand Rapids: Chosen Books 1998, 216:

1 Personally affirm your faith in Christ:

“Lord Jesus Christ, I believe You are the Son of God and the only way to God – that you died on the cross for my sins and rose again so that I might be forgiven and receive eternal life.”

2 Humble yourself:

“I renounce all pride and religious self-righteousness and any dignity that does not come from You. I have no claim on Your mercy except that You died in my place.”

3 Confess any known sin:

“I confess all my sins before You and hold nothing back. Especially I confess … “

4 Repent of all sins:

“I repent of all my sins. I turn away from them and I turn to You, Lord, for mercy and forgiveness.”

5 Forgive all other people:

“By a decision of my will, I freely forgive all who have ever harmed or wronged me. I lay down all bitterness, all resentment and all hatred. Specifically, I forgive … “

6 Break with the occult and all false religion:

“I sever all contact I have ever had with the occult or with all false religion – particularly … “

“I commit myself to get rid of all objects associated with the occult or false religion.”

7 Prepare to be released from every curse over your life:

“Lord Jesus, I thank You that on the cross You were made a curse, that I might be redeemed from every curse and inherit God’s blessing. On that basis I ask You to release me and set me free to receive the deliverance I need.”

8 Take your stand with God:

“I take my stand with You, Lord, against all Satan’s demons. I submit to You, Lord, and I resist the devil. Amen.”

9 Expel:

“Now I speak to any demons that have control over me. [Speak directly to them.] I command you to go from me now. In the name of Jesus, I expel you!”

Each time you experience a release, praise and thank God for it. Giving thanks and praise is the simplest and purest expression of faith. It also creates an atmosphere that demons find intolerable.

When you feel your deliverance is complete, or that you have come as far as you can at this time, be sure to kneel down and make Jesus Lord of every area of your life. Remember the warning of Jesus that if a demon comes back and finds the house empty, he will return and bring others with him …

If you feel your deliverance is not complete, wait until your strength returns or you feel prompted by the Holy Spirit. Then continue with the process of getting the demons out …

Finally, here is a reminder that applies to every Christian: You never need to be ashamed of having been delivered from demons. In the gospel record there was one person to whom God granted a unique and glorious honor: to be the first human witness of the resurrection of Jesus. The incident is recorded in Mark 16:9: “Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons.”

Think of it! Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, who was identified as the one “out of whom He had cast seven demons.” …