Demonic Possession

[Figilife]

Seems Jude2 has pretty much hit on alot of topics but i don't think i have seen any on Demonic Possession unless i am to new to the forum. My question is how would you as a christian react if you were faced with praying for someone that was demon possessed.

[RamboPreacher]

Seems Jude2 has pretty much hit on alot of topics but i don't think i have seen any on Demonic Possession unless i am to new to the forum. My question is how would you as a christian react if you were faced with praying for someone that was demon possessed.

i am not sure. pray, and command it to leave; using Jesus example, I suppose. However, in the years of being a Christian, I have never seen anyone that was "possessed". I have seen some that were influenced, and oppressed/depressed, but not possessed.

[Mole_J]

One Jude 2 user, J. Stephen Conn, wrote a book about an experience he had. Here is his book on Amazon

I have never seen anyone possessed in real life, not sure how I would react. But I have seen several on the show on Discovery, A Haunting.

[Dr. Ron]

I am sure Paul will address this as well as myself.

I have been in this situation many times. I have been part of "exorcisms" . The Pentecostal world doesn't like that term...they use the term "deliverance" ....

What ever you call it, it is a process of helping the idividual be released from a Satanic bondage. The actual word "Possession" is not really accurate in my view. However, the bondage is so strong that is certainly appears to have that meaning.

As to how do you pray for that.....it's not a formula or set pattern...but more of a process of identifying the issue and praying intercessory prayer for the specific need.

You can command "in the name of Jesus" all day. But, I assure you that your "commands" will not necessarily be obeyed. It is more of an intercession than a command.

There are many schools of thought.....I just normally sit down with the person and talk to them.....or the "demonic spirit" and work from that point . I don't get loud or spit or anything.

And be it known that "Demonic Possession" is the same as any other manifestation of Satan.....He is a liar ....and everything he does is based on that one premise.....He is a deciever.

[Pastor Bill]

It's been discussed here a few times, and I have had enough experience with it to know that Dr Ron hit it right on the head, there is no set pattern.

As with anyone the person needs Christ. plain and simple, you need to pray, intercede, and talk to them, if it comes to the point that a demonic presence takes control, then just keep praying and seeking Christ.

Honestly I had this situation with a close friend, and a big confrontation with it wasn't all there was to it, yes that happened, and yes I got to talk to her afterward and she was thinking and speaking much more clearly and more accepting of the message of the gospel, (she actually remembered nothing of what had happened or what she had said just moments before) but it's got to be about pointing a lost soul to Christ. In the end that's all that matters.

[EagerBeaver]

Rats. So you mean all those times in church camps of people being "demon possessed," half the staff holding them down and all of them speaking in tongues like there's no tomorrow, commanding whatever spirit they thought it was to leave, was all merely a SHOW?

Dang man, I used to grab a cup of water, plop down in one of the seats in the back, and watch it all go down. Always happened every other year at camp, and always during the even numbered years. Always the same people too.

[DaJudge]

Rats. So you mean all those times in church camps of people being "demon possessed," half the staff holding them down and all of them speaking in tongues like there's no tomorrow, commanding whatever spirit they thought it was to leave, was all merely a SHOW?

Dang man, I used to grab a cup of water, plop down in one of the seats in the back, and watch it all go down. Always happened every other year at camp, and always during the even numbered years. Always the same people too.

I saw a Demon cast out of a man when I was a kid, and it "weren't no show". It was one of the scariest things I've ever seen.

[EagerBeaver]

Rats. So you mean all those times in church camps of people being "demon possessed," half the staff holding them down and all of them speaking in tongues like there's no tomorrow, commanding whatever spirit they thought it was to leave, was all merely a SHOW?

Dang man, I used to grab a cup of water, plop down in one of the seats in the back, and watch it all go down. Always happened every other year at camp, and always during the even numbered years. Always the same people too.

I saw a Demon cast out of a man when I was a kid, and it "weren't no show". It was one of the scariest things I've ever seen.

Oh I know. Post was a joke.

I think I've legitimately seen two instances of demons being cast out of people. I thought it was fun at first but then I realized this anorexic girl was throwing down this 300-pound guy...and that frightened the poop out of me.

So on my way out of the restroom I couldn't get back in because all the staff had told the young people to go play outside and leave this issue to the staff. Good call, I thought.

[Figilife]

I too have been in a situation that it took 4 grown people to hold down a 25 year women she was only about 127 lbs. that was in NC and also in Ringo GA in Nov 1979 Brother Danny Caldwell was the Pastor then a women was demon possessed the church was praying for her and the demon was so powerful that it l worn Brother Caldwell out....she was Saved Sancified and filled with the Holy Ghost

[Dr. Ron]

With all due respect .......the idea of having to hold someone down for long periods of time to "cast out a demon" are not as valid as one might think.

There is , to be sure, some times when "superhuman" strength is in effect. This is far from the norm IF the situation is handled properly from the outset.

It depends on the method of approach. I have been in all kinds of these situations. When that "superhuman" thing starts I just have everyone back off and let them wear themselves out. Nothing in the bible speaks of having to restrain them......I just let them do what they want to do....remove everyone from their presence....You would be amazed at how quickly that will end when there is no audience.

I am not going to wrestle with a 127 lb. woman or man or child. I let them wrestle with themselves. They quit soon. Then you just talk calmly and pray effectively. As I said, I have done it all and seen it all....and I submit that it does not have to be a wrestling match.....even though they want it to become that.

And dajudge.....it should not have been scarry at all.

[Pastor Bill]

Dr. Ron, I don't know if I'd agree on the "not scary" part, maybe not Hollywood horror flick scary, but if you see someone you care about "acting out" cursing or carrying on (even if it is just a show) it would be scary for a kid.

I like how you put that with the wrestling being what they want, not what you want, and I believe that is true how much that show effects people is probably the driving force (remember Satan wants you to fear) but this is also a good reason that this should be avoided in the presence of children or younger Christians, the puffed up show without an audience seems to go away.

[Figilife]

Ron,
I don't doubt that you have been in alot of situations that you feel you would of handle different than this but it was me that was possessed and i know the life i lived and what happened that night i would not have been here today if Brother Danny Caldwell had not prayed me through you may have your answers to alot of subjects but this you are wrong on your advise and i hope that you never come in contact with a demon that was as powerful as i had i know what i am talking about and i know what it took to be freed.

[Dr. Ron]

figilife,

I knew who you were talking about. I am not stupid.

And I do not proport to know much about anything. I have had a good deal of experience with things of this nature.

I am glad that Bro. Danny was there with you. I am happy for you to be set free. I did not mean to imply that I have the only answer. If you re-read my post, you would recognize that I certainly base everything on it's own unique situation. I am telling you of the "many" ways I have been involved and witnessed.

I hope you continue to be free from whatever demon you possessed or were possessed by. May the God of peace be with you now and forever.

[Poimen]

I am not as experienced as some on these boards, but I have faced demoniacs and evil spirits. I do think the devils sometimes revel in much ado being made about their presence, especially if they know your not going to be able to do anything about them. Other times they are just do anything they can to distract and disrupt and fight against being expelled.

Such instances can all to quickly become emotionally overcharged and theatrical.

However, such things are very real. Indeed it is my conviction that we do not encounter more of this type of thing because we, the church in America, do not threaten the enemy or give him cause to manifest in rebellion or resistance to us. They are just not impressed with us on the whole. They are comfortable around us and among us. On the other hand, there are other strongholds of the enemy that we are intimidated by and avoid, things that generally we will not face in our normal pursuits of life and church. Some enemies you have to be in their territory to face.

Yet, again these are my thoughts and feelings from probably a much more limited exposure to such things. I can only think of about 10 such encounters in my own lifetime and experience, and not all of those were expressly dealing with possession though certainly with evil spirits.

[Joey]

Please don't read anything into this line of questioning, and I hope I don't offend anyone,...but I am interested in your thoughts without labeling.
Do any of you think that there is any relation to some situations that we might call 'mental retardation' and those that might be possesed by demonic spirits?
The reason I ask is that some of the behavioral charecteristics can be similar.