Oh the Heartbreak and the Admonition

Oh the Heartbreak and the Admonition 

by David Brenneman 

"God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out. But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. And the evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” And the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them and subdued all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified. Many also of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices." Acts 19:11-18.

It's with a heavy heart that I bring up the fact that I've seen such happen to people that I knew.  

Two now, who had been at one point from a church my Wife and I had attended, so torn down Spiritually.  One was so possessed that he left family, friends, etc. that he pursued changing genders, name, everything. Yes, that's demon possession. This second, after an illicit affair and having left that church in disgrace, went to other churches that were mentioned in an article I was just drawn to in searching out his name.  Wondering what became of him.

My heart breaks because this second one had been the one to teach a class on Spiritual Disciplines.  

It brings to mind a saying "There are none so blind as those who will not see".

The taking on of the Spiritually dark forces in this world are not for the inexperienced nor is it for those who are thinking they are making a name for themselves.  It's not a game when eternity is in the balance. 

My Dear Reader, Jesus was not just out for a walk when He decided to come to Earth to save mankind. 

Born as a helpless baby, read for yourself all the times Satan attempted to kill Him, knowing full well the consequences of failing to do so.  He wanted Him dead BEFORE Jesus could speak.  Think about that.  He knew full well the power in the spoken Word of God...especially from the Author!

On at least one occasion the Disciples tried to cast out a demon and couldn't. Jesus said plainly that it was due to the littleness of their faith. At that point it wasn't even as big as a mustard seed that Jesus went on to talk about. 

I have been face-to-face with people who are possessed by demons.  My God was and is still greater.  His promises of protection were active and alive then as they are now.  

There's a spirit, a soul, on the line. 

Satan's not wanting any to come to the truth of God's Word and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone.  

Scripture says that in the latter days demon possession will be more rampant.  

Without naming names I am around at least one demon possessed person even in my world today.  

You, probably are as well.  

Does the theme of this post bring to remembrance all the places in the New Testament where Paul told us to be on the alert?

He spelled it out just what we're up against. 

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12.

Things happening to us and around us we need to seek out in prayer before handling ourselves. 

"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8.

We cannot face him on our own and in our own strength without exceedingly great difficulty.

Believers cannot be possessed by demons. Once the Holy Spirit takes up residence in the hearts of those who are in Christ Jesus, there's no way He leaves under any circumstances.  This lends to an understanding of why it's said in at least one place in the New Testament of being sure of your salvation in Christ.  

My Dear Reader, please be sure of your salvation in Christ Jesus!

Jesus is the only answer to demonic possession.  You may indeed be as I am currently, only able and permitted, to continue to pray for their release.  

Jesus told His Disciples that that particular kind of demon only comes out by prayer and fasting. 

We're not talking school yard bullies.  We are talking demons who do not want to turn souls over to the salvation that can only be found in Jesus Christ. 

Pray to have eyes that see what God needs and wants you to see in yourself and others. 

Pray before leaving your home. 

Pray during your day. 

Pray on, pray over, pray through.

Jesus is returning to put an end to all rebellion against the authority of God in Christ Jesus. We have this hope and need to be about His Father's business daily.  Growing in Christ is but one reason we remain here. Telling others about Jesus is the other.

Keep praying my Dear Reader, keep praying. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.