out demons from people who are oppressed and wanting to be free. It
was a time to learn the theology and the practical steps of expelling
evil spirits, of realizing that this ministry is a needed one and in
feeling our own inadequacy and struggles. It was a great success!
It struck me a number of times how Jesus was greatly involved in this
ministry too. He moved in more power and authority than any of us do,
of course, so he was able to conduct this activity in a short time and
even in public venues. We are just learning and so private prayer
times that take much longer are the way to go for us right now.
But, Jesus demonstrated much for us to learn even in our beginning
stages. It is clear from his activity and his teaching that we are
expected to behave as he did. He gave us authority to push back
darkness and drive out demons when appropriate. He said that the
kingdom of God was among us (and coming soon) and that evidence of
this rule of God among us was the expulsion of demons. The mandate is
clear: challenging and pushing back evil spirits is central to our
Christian walk.
The disconnect for most of us comes in living in a western society
that does not really believe in such a ministry focus. It is something
most people are hearing for the first time. We need information. We
need faith and confidence. And we need experiences in this realm if we
are really going to believe that this is for us in this age.
Fortunately, the Lord wants this functioning in the church in our city
too. He is more that willing to teach any who will be open to learn
and willing to pursue him for more.
The kingdom of God is all about the rule of God on earth. It is about
voluntary submission to Jesus as king of this planet and all of
created order. It is about changing our thinking and action to align
ourselves to the king, to agree with his plans and purposes and to
resist those things he is fighting against. He is coming to the earth
and every evil spirit will be judged and cast off this planet for
good. Between now and then he is asking for each of us to join
destroying the work of the devil in setting people free. It is a
noble calling and central to his purpose on the earth.
Blessings!
Brian Creary
Ministry Director
Sent from my iPhone
1 comment:
I completely agree with your comments on the need for deliverance ministry. A while back, the Lord spoke to us about this year being a "year of julbilee" and that it was his intention to bring freedom to many who are held captive to the power of the enemy.
We also sensing the same things around healing. When the 12 were sent out in Matthew 10 and Luke 9, and when the 72 were sent out in Luke 10, all were given power and authority to heal the sick and drive out demons. Jesus never sent someone out to do evangelism with out also equipping them to heal the sick and drive out demons.
Many times in the NT there is an indication of God's desire to confirm his message through healing, signs and wonders verses such as"...the Lord worked with them and confirmed their message with the signs and wonders that followed.." (Mark 16:20). See also, Acts 2:22, Acts 14:3, Hebrews 2:4
Bless you guys in your work. May the Lord stretch out his hand in your midst bring as Paul says "demonstrations of the Spirit's power" so that faith may not rest on man's wisdom, but on the power of God!
-Tim Hart
Interim director of
The Greater Ontario House of Prayer
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