Pastor that's what you'd be with him now and fill me the spirit as he preaches and please just give us ears to hear God
And Jesus then we pray. Amen
All right, we're in Acts chapter 19 this morning and what I want to preach on this morning is exorcisms
I want to preach on the subject of exorcisms a biblical study on
casting out devils look down your Bibles at Acts chapter 19 and verse number 11
It says that God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul
So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons and the diseases
Departed from them and the evil spirits went out of them verse 13 then certain of the vagabond Jews
Exorcists took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord
Jesus saying we a jury by Jesus whom Paul
Preacheth and so what we see here is that the term exorcist is a legitimate term used to describe
The act of casting out devils or as we would refer to them today as demons now here in Acts chapter 19
We see these seven sons of Siva who were basically described as described as exorcists. There were vagabond Jews
There were sons seven sons of one high priest that weren't necessarily Christians. These were Jews who are adherence to Judaism
They weren't saved but they referred to themselves as exorcists because their goal was to cast out devils cast out demons
Etc. And let me say this is that although the term exorcist is only found once in the entire Bible, which is in Acts chapter 19
You know, there are plenty of places in the New Testament where the equivalent is used and in fact in verse 13
Exorcist is defined in that very verse look at verse 13 says then certain of the vagabond Jews
Exorcist took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits in the name of the Lord Jesus saying we a jury by
Jesus whom Paul preaches so that term a juror something or to a juror is the same term as
Exorcist or to exercise a demon it means the same exact thing
And in fact to extra to a juror basically means to command or to charge and that's exactly what we see throughout the Gospels
Right when Jesus Christ comes and he sees a demon or someone who's possessed with the devil. He charges them
He commands them to come out of that person
And so we see that throughout the Bible there now, here's the thing though
Jesus and the Apostles were very successful at it, right?
They're extremely successful and you know, we see that throughout the New Testament
We see it in the book of Acts that they're constantly casting out devils casting out demons
However, these vagabond Jews they actually failed miserably at it
Okay, you know they claim to be exorcist. They claim to have the power to be able to cast out devils
Well, what happened to him? Well look at verse 14 verse 14
It says and there were seven sons of one Siva a Jew and chief of the priest which did so and the evil spirit
answered and said
Jesus I know and Paul I know but who are ye? I
Mean, that's not a good sign, you know, and they're just like we a jury by Jesus who Paul preacher
They're like, well, first of all, let's start off from the beginning and let's see. I ask ourselves a question. Who are you?
You know, I know the authority of Jesus. I know the authority of the Apostle Paul
I don't know your authority
okay, and he says in verse 16 and the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them and
Overcame them and prevailed against them so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded
What does that mean? They got their hinder parts handed to them by this one demon?
Okay, you know they thought they could come in the authority of
Jesus whom Paul preaches they thought that can exercise the devil and a demon and
Try to cast out these devils in the name of Jesus who Paul preaches and the demons basically or the one demon
exercise them
He cast them out of the house naked and wounded by the way
What that means is they physically harm these people now
What does that teach us that teaches us the demons can actually physically harm people, right?
They can physically harm people whether that's through a demon possessed
Individual or by other means we see according to the Bible that they can physically harm
Individuals and we have that example there now
Go to Luke chapter 11 if you wouldn't I'm going to show you an example of this because this is not an isolated
Incident in the Word of God where there's individuals who are or claim to be exorcists who are trying to cast out devils
This is something that I believe was commonplace
Even in the New Testament we obviously understand that the disciples or the Apostles
Excuse me along with Jesus Christ had this ability had this authority had this power
But I believe there was another segment of the population of the religious population
Who thought they could also do the same exact thing? Okay. Now, here's the thing though. There are phony exorcists is what they were
They weren't real exorcists
These weren't guys who actually had authority spake with authority had the power of God upon their lives
They were phony exorcists in those days just as there's phony exorcists today
and look today in
2020 you still have seven sons of Siva they might not be Jews, but you know, they're also referred to as Catholic priests
There's all types of religious segments in this world who claim they can cast out devils
They claim they can you know?
Adjure these demons by the name of their gods and they claim to be able to do so
But at the end of the day their phonies is what they really are
Okay, and I'm explained to you why now you're in Luke chapter 11
I'm gonna reach you from Exodus chapter 7 and verse number 10
I'm gonna give you an example of this in the Old Testament Exodus chapter 7 verse number 10 says that Moses and Aaron
went in unto Pharaoh and they did so as the Lord had commanded and
Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh before his servants and it became a serpent
So this is a legitimate miracle that was done by the power of God, right?
God said he told Moses and Aaron you're gonna go into Pharaoh. You're gonna get your rod
You're gonna cast it on the ground. It's gonna become a serpent that's done by the power of God
He gave him another miracle
He said you're gonna put your hand into your bosom and when you bring it out, it's gonna be leprous as white as snow
Okay, these were legitimate miracles that God enabled them to accomplish, right?
And so they go before Pharaoh they take their staff
They they throw it on the ground it becomes a serpent verse 13 verse 11 says then Pharaoh
Also called the wise men and the sorcerers
Now the magicians of Egypt they also did in like manner
What does that mean when they didn't like manner they did the same exact thing?
They took a staff they cast it on the ground and that staff also became a serpent and says now the magicians of Egypt
They also did in like manner with their enchantments
Now what is enchantment that is strongly associated with sorcery? Okay magic
Verse 12 for they cast down every man his rod and they became serpents
So, you know God's men comes and he'd cast down his staff
It becomes a serpent Pharaoh says my guys can do the same exact thing. They do it
They become serpents, but here's the difference Aaron's rod swollen up their rods
So, yeah, they're both able to cast down their staff and create serpents out of them
But here's the difference God's staff God serpent actually swallowed up their serpent. What does that show you?
It shows you that God's authority is greater than theirs. Okay, and they can try to replicate God's miracles
They could try to copycat and replicate them
But at the end of the day, it's the finger of God that actually does the legitimate miracle
So we see in Exodus that the magicians were able to replicate the miracle
Of the rod using enchantments or what we would also known as witchcraft
But they're using the power of Satan to do so, right and the difference is the Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods
So you say well did you think they legitimately did that?
You know you think it was you know legitimately the power of Satan that allowed him to do that
Yeah, I believe it was the power of Satan. Here's the difference though
The Bible tells us that they have a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof
So it's the power of Satan. It's not necessarily the power of God. Okay, and
Here's the thing you have them replicating those miracles and those plagues, right?
But there came a point where they couldn't do it anymore, right?
If you remember the story of the ten plagues they were able to replicate certain plagues
But they got to a point where the magician said this is the what finger of God
Isn't that interesting keep that in mind now?
In 2nd Timothy 3 verse 8 it says now as Janus and Jamboree is referring to those magicians
Withstood Moses so do these also resist the truth men of corrupt minds
Reprobate concerning the faith, but they shall proceed no further for their folly shall be made
Manifested to all men as theirs also was so look there came a point where the Egyptians
They saw how the magicians are the Egyptians saw how the magicians
Replicated all those miracles and they thought to themselves. Wow, this is legit
But you know that came a point when they said well
This is the finger of God they can no longer replicate those miracles and what happened their folly was made manifest
In other words, they looked at them and said all these guys are phonies because Moses and Aaron are still doing miracles
They're destroying Egypt and these guys can't hang
Okay, and what this is talking about in 2nd Timothy chapter 3 is that the so-called exorcist of today the so-called
Magicians of today their folly shall also be made manifest. They can only go so far is what it's stating
2nd Corinthians 11 13 says for such are false apostles
deceitful workers
Transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ and no marvel for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light
Therefore there's no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as ministers of righteousness
Whose end shall be according to their works folks
I believe that magic is real
I believe enchantments are real the magic is real the sorcery is real that witchcraft is real
I believe it's by the power of Satan that these things are done
But here's the difference Aaron's rod will always swallow up their rods
God's authority is always greater than Satan's authority and they can try to replicate it as much as they want and try to copy
You know God's miracles, you know
False prophets and false teachers they can try to replicate the gospel
But at the end of the day the gospel the true gospel is the power of God into salvation to everyone to believe it
You know, there's a lot of false gospels out there
They claim to be able to save someone take them to heaven cause them to escape hell
But at the end of the day, there's no power in that gospel
You know, they can sound the same try to replicate that message try to replicate that gospel
But at the end of the day the true gospel of Jesus Christ is what saves
That's what has the real power of God upon. That is the finger of God
Now look at Luke chapter 11 and verse 14
Bible says
about Jesus says here and he was casting out a devil and it was dumb and
It came to pass when the devil was gone out the dumb spake and the people wondered
But some of them said he casted out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devil's what is he saying?
Oh this Jesus fellow he's using Satan's power in order to cast out these other demons and devils, right?
They're basically saying that he has an unclean spirit
Verse 16 says and others tempting them sought of him a sign from heaven
But he knowing their thoughts said unto them every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation
And a house divided against the house
Falleth if Satan also be divided against himself
How shall his kingdom stand because he say that I have cast that I cast out devils through Beelzebub
So what is he saying? He's saying look if
Satan is casting out his own demons and devils then his kingdom is gonna fall
That would be a nonsensical thing and strategy for Satan to do to allow his minions to be able to cast out devils legitimately
Because at that point his kingdom would fall so what does that tell us?
Well, there's a form of godliness that they have it looks like they're casting out devils, but they're not really doing that
Okay, it's my sleight of hand. It's not what's really taking place. He says there in verse number 19
And if I buy Beelzebub by the way Beelzebub is Satan
That's another name for the devil Satan and if I buy Beelzebub cast out devils by whom do your sons
Cast them out
Therefore they shall be your judges now when he's talking about sons first and foremost who is he addressing the Pharisees?
So when he says sons, he's referring to the Pharisees disciples
you know the the spiritual sons and offspring of the
Pharisees and he's saying look if I'm casting out devils by the power of Satan then how are your people casting out devils?
Because I'm God is what he's saying and
I'm the one who gives authority to people to cast out devils and I know I didn't give them authority to cast out devils
So what he's saying is this no you're casting out devils by the power of Beelzebub is what he's saying
Verse 20, but if I look what it says with the finger of God
Cast out devils no doubt the kingdom of God has come upon you isn't that interesting that in Exodus we see the magician saying though
This is the finger of God and what does Jesus say? Hey, yeah, these guys can cast out devils
But you know what? I'm doing it with the finger of God. What is that talking about? He's saying this is the true authority
This is the real authority. This is the legitimate deal. Okay?
He says the kingdom of God is come unto you
So let me just say this by way of introduction is that false religions?
Due to a certain extent cast out devils or they make an appearance of casting out
Devils and like I mentioned look the Catholic Church is your modern-day example of the seven sons of Siva
Because they literally have a segment of their clergy that specialized in exorcisms
I mean, there's a famous movie out there called the exorcist
Right. How many actually seen the movie be honest? Okay, how many saw the sequels? Okay, be honest
How many watching it this October I'm just kidding don't raise your hand
And those are based off of true stories now, obviously they greatly exaggerate what's taking place there and whatnot
But but these are things that take place and the Catholic Church and look don't be offended by this because this is this is true
The Catholic Church claims that they're capable of casting out Devils
But they can exercise demons and devils, you know by these
Enchantments is what they are which is interesting because in enchantment another word that we is similar to that as well a chant
Right the power of Christ compels you the power of Christ compels you and it's just like
They're just like coming out and stuff. It's all a show
It's all a show folks
And and it's interesting because it's just like they cast out these Devils and say hey, but they could return
You know
You got to be careful because they can come back and they could possess you again
And then you got to call the Catholic priest again
And then they got to cast that out again folks when Jesus cast out Devils they were permanently evicted
And when someone gets saved, they're permanently evicted from that house. They're permanently evicted from that property
Why because he's legitimate
Okay
He's not a phony exorcist. He's the real exorcist
Now go to Matthew chapter 7 if you would Matthew chapter number 7 and look the Catholic Church are not the only ones that believe this
Or to practice this there's many religions out there that claim to be able to do the same
You know even within the Buddhist culture, for example in Southeast Asia, Cambodia
They go to witch doctors in order to help them cast out Devils and demons
You know by their enchantments and it doesn't legitimately do anything, you know
It gives it's like it's like a spiritual placebo is what it is
Makes them think that they have they no longer have those demons and no longer have those Devils
They won't be oppressed and possessed by these people. It's false
It's phony and what it's meant to do is deceive the nations is what it's doing. Okay?
now look
Here's the thing is someone casting out a devil like if you say well
I saw someone casting out a devil and I think that person is legitimate. I think that person is a Christian
I think that person is a man of God false because there is no casting out Devils today
We don't cast any devil out
That was a gift that was given to the Apostles to confirm the message that they had, okay
Now there is a spiritual meaning behind it and we'll get into that in just a bit
But if people claim today like for example, you have Pentecostals
Who claim they can cast out Devils and I literally I've been in the Pentecostal Church
Where they like they have this segment of the service where they cause people to come up
They lay hands on them and they start frolicking and sizzling
You know, and it's just like then the demon is taken out of them
And people think well that has to be the power of God. That's the finger of God
Well, look what the Bible says in Matthew 7 22
Many will say to me in that day Lord Lord
Have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out Devils?
Ain't that interesting and in thy name done many wonderful works and then I will profess unto them
I never knew you depart from me ye that work iniquity
So we often focus on the many wonderful works the fact that they prophesied in his name to call him Lord Lord
But keep in mind there's an element there that they said we're able to cast out Devils
And folks in context of Matthew chapter 7 he's addressing the Pharisees
Because they are the false prophets of that day and you know what he's referring to
He's referring to them who are casting out Devils these so-called
vagabond jewish exorcists
Who are going around trying to cast out Devils and and buy their enchantments and do these types of practices?
And you know what? They think that that is godliness
But it's not okay
And so we see that taking place there now go to go with me if you would to
Matthew chapter number 10 go to Matthew chapter number 10
Now
Let me say this is that only unsaved people and when I say unsaved I'm talking about people who don't have Christ in them
They have not believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. They don't have eternal life only unsaved people can be possessed
by Devils
Okay
Only unsaved people can be possessed by Devils Christians people who are saved cannot
And the reason for that is this is because the Bible says
That when we believe on Jesus Christ, we're actually sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise until the day of redemption
It says in whom you also trusted after that you heard the word of truth the gospel of your salvation
And whom also after that you believed ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise
Which is the earnest of our inheritance unto the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of his glory
The Bible says Ephesians 1 13 through 14. So the Bible clearly tells us that when we get saved we're sealed with the Holy Spirit
And if we're sealed with the Holy Spirit, there's no more vacant. There's no more vacancies available
They can Satan or his devils can no longer possess that vessel
That is the only guarantee that you have you you're not going to be possessed by a devil
Other than that, you know, you're kind of like free reign
But only unsaved people can do it now save people
They can't be possessed but they can be oppressed
They can be influenced
They can be attacked by Satan
You know if you open yourself up to demonic
You know oppression that's why the Bible tells us
In fact, the Bible specifically says that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities against powers
Against the rulers of the darkness of this world against spiritual wickedness in high places. It's saying that we spiritually battle
A a different realm a spiritual realm which is a demonic realm, right?
And this is why the Bible specifically says that we should neither give place to the devil
There's a lot of people who are Christians who are influenced by Satan
They're being oppressed by Satan because they've given Satan's they've surrendered ground into Satan
You know, they've allowed themselves to get involved in certain practices
demonic witchcraft or you know some sort of
Sorcery that will open doors for demons to attack that individual and it happens
And look, let me just say this is that they can be influenced
Christians can be influenced by Satan and his demons think about this Ananias and Sapphira
What does the Bible say of them Satan hath filled thine heart to lie against the Holy Ghost?
And I believe Ananias and Sapphira were dead and the proof is that is that they died
God killed them. That's what God does to his children when they like go too far you understand
Or how about this Peter?
Peter was influenced by Satan at one point because he's like be far from me lord
And Jesus turned around and said get thee behind me Satan
I mean, how would you like?
Jesus just
Call you Satan
And I don't believe he's saying that he was possessed by Satan because I believe Peter was a saved man
I believe he's being influenced by Satan himself. It's not possessed but he is being oppressed
And so it's it's important to understand this that hey, you know, if you're unsaved you have the potential to be possessed by a devil
Okay, and yes it exists today. There's people that when i've gone soloing i've knocked on doors
I legitimately believe this person was a possessed person
They're possessed by a devil
In fact, let me just share some of these stories, right because I know you want to hear them
They're like forget everything else pastor just tells these stories
I remember we went to Belize
and
and literally
As soon as we got off the bus to our to our designated area
We were met by a person that I believe was possessed by a devil
He started yelling at us and screaming at us for no reason. He didn't even know who we were
He started just like pointing his finger and yelling us and milan was trying to preach the gospel to an individual and he's like
Interrupting him and I had to rebuke that guy to get him away from milan because he's trying to disrupt the gospel presentation
But then there's another time when him and I were were going up this hill
I was witnessing to this lady and he was witnessing or i'm sorry
I was witnessing to this one lady and this one guy came and milan began to witness to him later on
We found out that guy was possessed
And i'll explain to you why he's talking to him. I get this lady saved
She goes on about her way and i'm waiting for milan and this guy just looks really fishy
And he's just like
Saying weird stuff to milan
Just kind of like looking at him weird and then he's asking milan questions and milan answers him and he just stares at milan
and then milan was like, um
What do you have to say about that?
And he's like i've already said it
So
And I remember I didn't he told me this conversation afterwards, but I remember being afar
I was I was like peter I was falling afar off
I remember thinking I was like, oh man, I gotta get close because it looks like this guy's gonna hit milan
Because he just looked demonic
And then he just like laughed and just walked away
You know
Now look we often think people who are possessed are like are like this guy right here
The ones in act chapter 19, but sometimes it's just an individual who's possessed by a dumb spirit
By an unclean spirit that is meant to try to distract you to disrupt you
To try to hinder the work of god or to cause you to be afraid
Let me say this we should not be afraid of possessed people
You know god did not give us a spirit of fear but a power love and a sound mind
You know if you're out there soul winning and you get confronted with someone who's possessed by a devil you rebuke that individual and you
Just be about your way
Okay, if they're trying to disrupt you and curse you and you know for a fact
You know, you're you have the discernment to say I think this person's possessed
This person seems to have like a demon on them
It's just like just rebuke that individual to get away from you and walk away
Okay
But let me say this is that and by the way when I say rebuke i'm not saying like, you know
Exercise that demon out of that individual. That's not what i'm saying at all
I'm saying rebuke the individual and i'll get into this in just a bit
But let me say this is that some people who are possessed by demons they can still be they can still be saved
Because we have plenty examples of people in the bible who were possessed by devils and they got saved
Some examples here mary magdalene
Out of whom went out seven devils
I mean good night
She was possessed by seven devils
And she got saved, you know joanna and suzanne who were also possessed by devils the maniac of gadera
Who was possessed by devils and then later he was sitting and clothed and in his right mind became a soul winner
in his hometown
I mean these people were possessed by devils and they got saved now you think to yourself. Well, how is that?
I thought only like reprobates
Are possessed by devils. How do we know which one or how do we know?
You know, this is an individual who's possessed by devil that can still be saved
But this individual is possessed by a devil who's a reprobate cannot how do we know the difference?
Well, here's the thing when someone becomes a reprobate
They've rejected the gospel. They hate the lord their conscience is seared. They no longer have the will to choose to believe
right
Whereas an individual who's possessed by devils is not
Inhabited by devils 24 7 like a reprobate is and they still have the ability to choose to believe the gospel
So they still have a free will to choose
It just means they've been playing with the ouija board or something
right
They've opened themselves up to demonic oppression
They're being possessed whether it's because they've been doing drugs or smoking weed
They're drinking they're doing you know some other form of drug and they get possessed by a devil
That person still has an opportunity to be saved
Because they haven't rejected the gospel
You understand they still have a choice the reason the reprobate is possessed by devils because he hates the lord and he's rejected the gospel
He hates god, but which point you know, like for example when we get saved we get sealed
With the holy spirit of promise until the day of redemption, right?
Well a reprobate who gets damned is sealed with an unclean spirit until the day of damnation
They're permanently damned by that point you understand
But there's obvious instances when an individual is possessed by devils
He's not permanently possessed
You know, he is, you know possessed in a sense of if you remember in the bible
You know actually in this very scripture
We see that jesus talking about a person who has an unclean spirit
The unclean spirit departs from him
He brings seven more unclean spirits with him
And he finds the house clean right and then they possess them
So that shows that people who are not saved who are possessed by devils. It's almost in a sense
They're like a they're like a hotel for devils sometimes
They just come in and out in and out in and out based upon the choices that they make the influences they allow in their lives
You know and look there's certain cultures that are more prone to be involved in that stuff than others
I'll give you an example hispanic cultures is often a culture that has allowed satanic influences through witchcraft
Let me let me just tell you this. There's something called santeria
Right
Santeria and you know where where they pray to these
Uh, it's a demonic thing. They pray to death
They have all these idols and they they light candles for these things they offer them food this these are devils folks
They're like, well, you know
I'm trying to like get this person to to to give me money or i'm trying to get this person to like me or
To marry this other individual. Those are enchantments
That's satanic
Well, i'm trying to succeed in my job work hard
Don't line a candle
Don't pray to the devil for those things
Right
And let me just say this I can give you some horror stories that I will not give here in this sermon
Because it'll just scare the fire out of the young people here
Of legitimate stories of demonic oppression of people who have been possessed by devils
They've been harmed by devils because I come from a church where a lot of kombodians were reached
and kombodians from southeast asia are heavily involved in
Uh buddhism and all types of demonic things and I can tell you some stories. It's just like what in the world is going on
Scary, you know, so that should that should encourage some of you if you're not saved to get saved
Because if god before us who can be against us, right?
So demonic oppression or demonic possession is very much a real deal
And when we go out there and preach the gospel
We need to make sure that as we're preaching the gospel we understand. Hey, we're not these pentecostal exorcists
That are able to remove demons from people
We just can give them the word of god the gospel get them saved
And that person that demon will vacate that body because the holy spirit will come in because the flesh prophet is nothing
It's the spirit that quickeneth, right? That's what the bible tells us
So why were exorcisms done in the bible? Let's talk about that. Look at matthew chapter 10. Why were exorcisms done in the bible?
Because look you can study the gospels you see this over and over again a large part of jesus ministry
Was to cast out devils
We often focus on the fact that he preached the word of god, which is the most important he preached the gospel
He fed the 5000 he healed the deaf and the blind but you know, he also did he cast out devils
I mean that was a large part of his ministry
The bible says that many would bring people who were possessed by devils to him to be cast out
Because he had the authority to do so
Now why did he do that? Well number one because jesus wanted them to be saved that's why
Okay, and as I mentioned in order to be saved they can't be possessed they can't be inhabited
Permanently by a devil. Okay. Look at matthew 10 verse 5. It says these 12
Jesus sent forth and commanded them saying go not into the way of the gentiles
And into any city of the samaritans enter you not but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of israel
And as you go preach saying the kingdom of heaven is at hand heal the sick
Cleanse the lepers raise the dead cast out devils freely you have received freely give so we see here
He tells them hey aside from preaching the word of god aside from healing you need to make sure
Can you turn this down brother rain have them turn this down a little bit?
I hear a little ringing
A big part that they need to do
Or what they needed to do is cast out devils and that was a sight to see was it not?
To be able to see such a thing where people are coming and they're throwing themselves in the fire
And in the water they're harming themselves and he comes and just cast them out and what are the devils saying?
They're saying has thou come to torment us before the time
What does that tell you that tells us that demons know they're going to split hell wide open
They know they're going to go to hell
And in fact, they know that jesus christ whose god himself was going to be the one who's going to be casting into hell
To torment them and they're saying have you come to torment? Hey, you said you were going to come to the end of the world
I still got some time
And what do you do he would often take some like in one story
He took the demons and they went into the swine and they ran off the hill and just drowned
right
Because he loved people
More than he loved anybody else. He loved souls more than the animals
And the proof of that is the fact that he was willing to save one individual the maniac of gadera
In order to save that individual
He allowed those demons to go into the herd of swine which ended up going off a cliff and drowning in the ocean
Just killed it didn't even eat those animals all that bacon gone to waste all that ham gone to waste
But you know what he was willing to sacrifice a herd of swine to save one individual
Because that's what matters. Amen
Go to mark chapter 5 if you would
It says in luke chapter 8 verse number 1 it came to pass afterward that he went throughout every city and village
Preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of god and the 12 were with him and certain women
Which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities mary called magdalene out of whom went seven devils
And joanna the wife of choosa harret stewart and suzanne and many others which ministered unto him of their substance it says
So that shows us that possessed people can be saved
Okay, so we don't want to have this view that you know
Oh, man, if this individual is possessed because they're involved in heroin they're doing drugs cocaine and doing all manner of drugs
Oh, this person is just they're they're they're reprobate. We can't even deal with these people. No, some of them still have a free will
They have a choice. They're bound by satan
They're bound by drugs. They're bound by their habits or their sins and that is destroying their life
Look at mark 5 verse 15 and they come to jesus
And see him that was possessed with the devil
And had the legion
Sitting and clothed and in his right mind and they were afraid
Because you got to remember this guy was in the tombs cutting himself. No man combined him with fetters
They would put shackles upon him and fetters upon him. He just burst him asunder. No one can handle this guy except for the son of god
Son of god came cast out those devils and what did he do?
He was sitting and clothed and in his right mind and it caused the multitudes to be afraid of him
Because they're like one who what power is this?
What authority is this?
verse 16 and they saw
Excuse me
And they saw it and they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil
And also concerning the swine and they began to pray him to depart out of their coast
They're like just get out of here. We have nothing to do with you guys
And when he was coming to the ship he that had been possessed with the devil prayed to him that he might be with him
I mean, that's awesome. Right? Like, you know, he's just healed of all these demons. Jesus is like, can I go with you?
Jesus like you changed my life
Living amongst the graves and the tombs and his life was completely transformed verse 19 how be it
Jesus suffered him not but saith unto him
Go home to thy friends and tell them how great things the lord had done for thee and had compassion on thee he says
Look, um, this is a picture of salvation right here, right?
And and that'll be my second point but you know, he tells them look
Go home and tell everyone about the power of god upon your life
And obviously we understand that when people get saved, you know
We don't base whether someone is saved or not based upon the change they make in their life, right?
But you know, there are individuals that when they get saved they change
They do change
And it's evident. Oh, man. This guy is serious about this stuff. He wants to serve god
He loves the lord. He is one of the nine lepers who came back to give glory to god in other words, right?
Now if he never came back, we would still say he's saved if he believed on the lord, jesus christ
But sometimes people do change thereafter, okay?
But if people are not released from demons
They could potentially become a rapper at that point. It's too late for them
Right
You know just as we're born again
Of the spirit there's people who could be damned again
Dead again, and in fact the bible says they're what twice dead plucked up by the roots, okay?
And let me just say this is that you know, because when we think about the doctrine of uh, the reprobate doctrine
You know, we get a lot of pushback from people
They're like, oh you're saying these people can never be saved. Well, the bible says they can never be saved
We're just repeating what the bible says and we agree with the bible
And it's like well, I think I still think that you know, jesus wants to save these people. Well
Here's the thing, okay
If they're demon possessed and they're a reprobate they can no longer be saved
And the proof that jesus would not want to get them saved is who?
judas
Judas was with jesus for three years
Do we ever see jesus trying to win him over
Never in fact, he said that he knew that he was a devil from the beginning
He didn't say well i'm gonna let this guy, you know, i'm gonna witness to this guy every single day
Hopefully I win him over i'm gonna take him out to eat
I'm gonna you know, uh, give him some bread and some fish and multiply before him so he can do it
No, he just said I knew he's a devil from the beginning. I know he doesn't believe
He didn't try to win him over. He already knew that he was a reprobate from the beginning
Okay
And I don't I don't think this means from the beginning like from when he was born
From the beginning of the ministry. Okay is what that's referring to
But that is the proof that
Jesus does not want to see reprobate safe folks because one of the greatest reprobates of the bible is judas iscariot
Who the bible says is the son of perdition?
I mean he is the example of what the antichrist will follow
Think about that to be labeled the son of perdition
That is a damnable statement for that individual, right?
They are a son of hell is what it's referring to the son of the devil
And no you will never find me a verse in the new testament where jesus is trying to win him over
never
And in fact, he kind of helps him push him over the edge. Does he not?
Because though he's possessed by a devil from the though he was a devil from the beginning
What really sealed the deal is when he said that that i'll do is do is quickly
And that's when satan entered into him
As a satan just pushed his little minion out of the way. He's like this is a job for me
You know because he's going to betray jesus christ
So jesus did not want to see reprobate safe now again people who are possessed with devils not all of them are reprobates
Some people have just opened themselves up to demonic oppression and folks. Let me just commercial break here
That's why it's important that we don't celebrate halloween
amen
Well, you know, I like all those goblins and ghouls and all that stuff and the candy we can have that stuff without halloween
Why is it that you think you need to have like dress up like a whore?
And dress like a demon and a devil in order to have candy. Why are you going to teach your children that?
Think about that for a second
Why are you going to tell your children that in order for them to receive snacks and candy?
They need to dress like demons and devils in order to do so you think that's honoring to god?
And god forbid that any bible believing christians should partake in that stuff. It's a shame that pastors today don't preach against halloween
I'm thinking what my pastor friends do
But the majority of independent fundamental baptists don't you know why because their kids are out there trick-or-treating
Hey, this is one area where we said the covet 19 is a blessing, right?
They're not gonna they're not gonna let them trick or treat or whatever
I'm sure they're gonna still dress up like demons and wicked individuals and partake of that like well
It's for kids and you know, it's okay folks
We should not have fellowship with devils according to the bible
We cannot be partakers of the lord's table and of the table of devils
You find me a bible verse that sanctions you going out there and worshiping satan
Is there a reason why that on the 31st or the 30th? It's called the devil's night
That's what it's called october 30th, it's called the devil's night
Right
October 31st comes after that when everyone goes out and they worship devils. I mean the the
Founder of the church of satan said man. I'm thankful that christians give their kids at least one time a year to worship satan
That's what he said
LaVey, right
Anton LaVey
He was quoted as saying i'm thankful that christians give their children an opportunity to worship satan at least once a year
And he's referring to halloween and you're still going to be a partaker of that
It's innocent. Oh, yeah with all the blood gushing out
And all the filth and perversion that takes place in during that night false folks
And I haven't decided what we're gonna do for that night
But i'm just thinking we should just have pizza and soda pop and candy for the kids here at the church
Because look i'm not against the kids doing that
We're not like oh you you're just the grinch that stole halloween or something. You just don't want the kids to have any fun
How are you gonna do that you just don't want them to have fun i'm i'm all for kids having i'm not for me having fun
Not just the kids
I'm for us having fun. We put the fun in fundamentalists. Amen
But look folks we don't have to be demonic about it
We don't have to be satanic about it
We can have a wholesome activity
Absent of demons
devils and whores
And you know what still honor god and the kids can still eat pizza
We can still sugar them up for you
Before they go home
You can still spike your your your insulin levels
You know and you don't have to worship devils
I know that's not popular today, but man it needs to be said more than ever sometimes
It's like people get offended christian. I'm not obviously unsafe people. They don't know any better
They don't have the word of god
But when you have pastors and christians who have the word of god who still practice that shame on you
Back to our regularly scheduled program, man
Look what the bible says in luke chapter 11 go to luke chapter 11 in verse 21
This is why it's important to see people who to get people saved who are possessed with devil
Look what the bible says in verse 21. I I alluded to this story, but let's read it says in verse 21
When a strong man armed keepeth his palace his goods are in peace
But when it's stronger than he shall come upon him and overcome him
He take it from him all his armor wearing he trusted and divided his spoils
He that is not with me is against me and he that gathereth not with me scattereth
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, you know, he's exercised
He walketh through dry places seeking rest and fineth none
He saith I will return into my house once I came out and when he cometh he findeth the swept and garnished
What is he talking about? He's like, oh man, this guy cleaned up his life
Then go with he and taketh to him seven other spirits
More wicked than himself and they enter in and dwell there and the last state of that man is worse than the first
Now obviously this is a parable. This is this is a parable that jesus is using and we don't necessarily we can't
Conjecture a hundred percent what this is referring to
In context, I would say that this is talking about an individual
Who had a demon cast out by these sons of siva these jews these vagabond jews
And they cast them out. But you know what because they don't have the power of god. They don't have the gospel
That unclean spirit returns with seven other unclean spirits and the the first the state of that man
The last state of that man is worse than the first. So what is it telling us? It could only become worse from here
This is why the catholic church has to constantly do exorcisms
Over and over again because they can't legitimately cast out a devil permanently. Okay, go to luke chapter 13
Just a couple pages over
Why were exorcisms in the bible because jesus wanted them to be saved
But not only that exorcisms as I as I mentioned picture salvation, okay
Look at luke chapter 13 verse 12, but when jesus saw her he called her to him and said unto her woman
Thou are loosed from thine infirmity and he laid his hands on her and immediately she was made straight and glorified god
And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation because that jesus had healed on the sabbath day and said unto the people
There are six days in in which men ought to work and them therefore come and be healed and not on the sabbath day
And the lord then answered him and said thou hypocrite
Does not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall and lead him away to watering?
And ought not this woman
Being a daughter of abraham whom satan hath bound lo these 18 years be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day
So look you say well, how does it picture salvation? We're all possessed
by devils before salvation
Go to ephsians chapter 2 if you would ephsians chapter 2
No, we were not all possessed by devils
But I will say this is that the reason it pictures salvation
Is because you think of an individual who's possessed by a devil they're basically under that devil's authority
right
In a sense they have influenced that individual they have authority over that individual look at ephsians 2 verse 1
And you have the quickened quickened means be brought back to life
Who were dead in trespasses and sin?
Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world
According to the prince of the power of the air the spirit
That now worketh in the children of disobedience
Among all among whom also we all had our conversation in time past and the lust of our flesh
Fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were by nature the children of wrath even as others
So why does this picture salvation?
Well, because of the fact that at one point we were under that influence, right?
We walked according to the course of this world the prince of power of the air referring to satan the spirit
Then now worketh in the children of disobedience so that spirit prior to us being saved worked in us
To fulfill the desires of the flesh and of the mind and we were by nature the children of wrath
We weren't children of the devil, but we were children of wrath, but it wasn't until a soul winner came
Gave us the gospel
God is saved, right?
Then now we had the holy spirit of god. It was as if jesus came and cast out that spirit
That demonic influence that spirit of this world the spirit of antichrist the spirit of the devil that wanted to influence us
You know, we were cast that was cast out and we can believe on the lord. Jesus christ. We were saved. Amen
And look who are the only ones that could cast out devils in the bible the apostles?
And so when jesus ascended he gave them that power and said hey
You have the power to cast out devils and let me say this that is a picture of soul winners
Of soul winners
Because you know what you need a soul winner to get another person saved
Yeah, jesus is the one who cast out devils, but you know who uses his his apostles he uses his disciples to do so
You know, so the picture there is today, you know
How are we going to get people?
Saved how are we going to get that spirit of disobedience away for them? We need to go and preach the gospel unto them
Okay
You know, obviously jesus can do it, but you know what jesus needs us to get people saved. Did you know that?
They don't get saved by just reading the bible
They don't get saved by reading a track
They don't get saved by just oh there. I just saw it in the bible
I saw what the bible says I discerned it for myself and therefore I got saved false. It's wrong
We don't believe that the bible doesn't teach that
Okay
People need save people
To be saved
That's blasphemous. No, it's not because paul said
that
He saves people
And if some have compassion making a difference others save with fear pulling them out of the fire
So there's a the picture that he's leaving there in regards to casting out devils is the fact that he gave the authority to
His apostles to do the same and in like manner god has given us the authority to preach the gospel to others to get them
saved
To remove the spirit of disobedience from their life in order to help them to believe on the lord jesus christ, that's what we're doing
You know, but there's a there's people out there today
They want to claim well, you know, what are you gonna do?
You know, they just have a bible. They just have a track they can be saved false folks
They cannot be saved that way
And if you come up to me and you tell me that that's how you're saved. I'll just tell you well, you're not saved then
I had individuals come to this church and tell me that and say well, I saved myself
How can you save yourself?
He said well, I just read the bible and I saw it on there and I and I
I just I already knew what it said
But if you don't have the spirit of god to discern what the bible actually says, how are you able to like know that?
How can you discern that?
The natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of god. Oh, but you're the exception though
It's nonsense folks
Unsafe people need
Regenerated people to get them saved and you know what that is a lazy man's doctrine right there
That is an old ifb lazy man's doctrine, that's right where it's just like well, you know, they can get saved brother
They just if you just leave a track on the door. Okay, then let's just leave tracks on the doors
Let's just give bibles to people and never give them the gospel
Why does the bible tell us that we have to open our mouths bold to make knowing the mysteries of the gospel, right?
It's nonsense for them to to teach that the apostles symbolize the importance of the human element
You know, and now obviously we understand that they were able to cast out devils because of the fact that god was confirming the word
through them
But it was figurative of us getting people saved. Okay
And lastly exorcism was exorcisms were done in the bible in order to demonstrate the power of god
I mean when people saw
This individual who was bound by satan they were wallowing in the fire and in the water
They were being possessed by the devil and then jesus came and just cast that demon out
Man, I mean that demonstrated the power of god in their lives
Okay
And in fact, if you remember there's times when the apostles couldn't cast out devils you remember that
And he said, you know because they lacked what faith
Well, you know why there's reasons why christians can't get other people saved they lack faith sometimes
Well, god can't use me, you know, I can't do it, you know, i'm not that good or whatever it's like you lack faith
And the reason why other individuals maybe in your family don't get saved because these these things come not come not out
but by prayer and fasting
There's times when for our family we have to fast we have to pray we have to implore the lord
We have to work with someone in order to get them saved
That's what we have to do
But it demonstrates god's power. Why because the the gospel is the power of god and salvation and that's how we demonstrate the power today
You know, we don't need to go to a door. We don't need to go in the corner with the blow horn
And speak in tongues
And do all the this this show
Where people actually when they drive by they're just like that's weird
Yeah, tell me where your church is so I don't go there
Tell me tell me where it's located. So I so I stay away from that area
You know, we don't need to do all that
You know, what we need to do is just open up the bible preach the gospel and that is the power of god into salvation
Showing them what the word of god says showing them that salvation is eternal and look folks
Our message is different from everyone else's. Yeah, right
You know our rod is different from their rod
Our serpent will swallow up their serpent
Yeah, they can use the same lingo. They can say the same things
But you know what if they're teaching a workspace salvation what they teach you can lose your salvation. It's it's a false serpent
It's a false rod
And our rod will swallow up their rod like that
Because you could do nothing against the truth before the truth the bible says
You know at the end of the day look
Scrutinize what we believe
Look at what we believe look at it with the magnifying glass
It will withstand the scrutiny of any individual who wants to challenge it
Amen
Why because it has the power of god behind it. Yeah. Okay. Look folks we have
the finger of god
And how many times have you gone out so when you preach the gospel you get someone saved and what do they tell you?
Man, i've never heard someone say it like that before
Have you had someone ever tell you that?
Well, you're preaching the gospel to them and they're just like wow i've never heard it explained like that
You know why because it's the finger of god. That's why
Because it's the rod of erin, that's why
Yeah, you probably heard it preached different ways you have to repent of your sins you have to be baptized you have to do this
And that
But no man ever speak like this
With power
So exorcism was were done in the bible in order to demonstrate that god has power over the winds and the waves
Over demons doesn't matter who they are
It doesn't matter what it is god's power is able to be demonstrated
And to really cause people to be in awe of it and you know what it's still present today
Not through casting out devils, but they're preaching the gospel
And sometimes you're going to preach the gospel to someone today and you know what someone might say like wow
They might not say like there's power behind it, but you know what they'll say i've never heard it like that before
Because there's a big difference between our message and their message. Amen
Let's keep exercising these demons
Via preaching the gospel
Our heads and our word of prayer father. We thank you so much for your word
Thank you for the exciting stories in the new testament
That you've placed forth and there's some symbolic meaning behind them
And lord, there's plenty of people out there who claim to be exorcists. They claim to be able to cast out devils and
have the power but
Their father shall be made manifest just as janice and jambres was
And there's a big difference between our rod and their rod
And lord, we know that the hand of god is upon us not because we're anything special but because your word is being preached
And anybody can have the power of god in their lives if they're actually preaching the word of god in the right gospel
It's possible
And lord help us to continue to be those human instruments and never
Never depend on these foolish fables that these pastors are saying that
We don't need to go out there people could get saved on their own it's a false doctrine it's not true
It's nonsense and I pray god that you continue to fill us with your power in your spirit