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Originally Posted by Pergamum  The simplest question that I know to ask all here is:
Do you believe in the existence of the supernatural or not? And if there is a supernatural world of God, angels and demons, at what level do they interact with the world?
A follow-up question then would be: How much can be be aware of their involvement in the world? And then, what should we do about it?
My answers would be: The supernatural exists. is real, and active. But we can only know a bit of the total picture and so we operate according to our duties and engage in our warfare by prayer to God (never addressing demons who may or may not be bothering us at that particular instant) and not change the fulfillment of our duties. |
If you see people delivered from demons and coming to Christ, blessings on your approach. If not, you might consider using the approach that Paul used in the book of Acts. Maybe it'll work, maybe not. It's hard to believe that it would be sin to try. Neil Anderson's truth encounter approach is another possibility--not sinful to try and possibly helpful.
To clarify my own position: deliverance is not my major focus; it is not a major part of my ministry and I don't see a demon behind every bush. I've seen maybe 10 spectacular healings/deliverances at close range in 20 years, plus a bunch of minor annoying manifestations reversed. The major deliverances have, like in the gospels, been mostly neuro and psych problems. The effect with direct confrontation has been instantaneous. With the Neil Anderson/truth encounter approach, the effect has been slower--but that was only one case.
I'm well aware of probable-demonic manifestations in believers in the states who struggle with undiagnosable and/or untreatable medical or psychiatric illnesses. The unscriptural worldviews of their physicians and pastors precludes their getting effective help. On the other hand, there would be unpleasant consequences for these pastors and physicians were they to read and learn about demonic phenomena and attempt to deal with them. Examining the subject, unless one is forced into it, takes considerable courage. It's understandable to let situations remain.
I welcome PM on the subject, if anyone is inclined.