does christian's believe in exorcism?

[Da Rabid Duckie]

Pretty awesome story there, man. It reminds me of something that once happened to a friend of mine. I can't remember the exact number of demons, but I think it was about six or seven that had gotten into this girl. She was a bit on the large side, but not very strong, and very sweet natured. However, one day in high school these things manifested and not even the whole campus police could hold the girl down. She tore metal chairs apart, broke three pairs of handcuffs, and finally the 300-lb school police chief had to hold her down just to keep her from trashing the place. Those that were around also said that her voice was really low and articulate. Anyway, while they had her pinned down, her father (who is a minister himself) called my pastor who immediately left. It took a little while, but they all eventually left and she gave her heart to Jesus. That lady is the sweetest person I know now, and she gives her testimony at churches all around the state. Pretty awesome story... I'm just glad I wasn't there to see it, heh.

[FireStarter2003]

Hello again,

I agree that we should not live in fear, because the Greater One lives within us. At the same time, we must exercise wisdom and discernment. Madphilb mentioned people who cast demons out of inanimate objects, and his remarks have merit to them. However, it is well known that in the world of witchcraft and false religions, that often witches, shamans and occultists will "bless" objects, which often are used for religious, ritualistic purposes, to endow them with greater spiritual energy. Sometimes as well, these individuals, if they wish to curse somebody, will place a curse on a gift or item, which does not have spiritual value, but through the curse, has demonic bondages attached to it. Some items (those with nonreligious value) can be sanctified, but those which are clearly occultic in nature (i.e. Ouija boards, pentagrams, idol statues, etc.) are best destroyed, even burned. I've read accounts of people whom have had all sorts of spiritual, demonic activity happening in their homes, and when they identified an item that was serving as a catalyst for that, and destroyed it, things went back to normal, health and peace were restored. Back to the beginning though, even though we must not live in fear, we must exercise wisdom and discernment. The two do not contradict, but rather, complement, each other.

Oh, madphilb, I've been to a few Messianic Jewish meetings back home. There's a Messianic synagogue, Congregation Beth Yeshua, in Philadelphia, PA, that I've checked out a few times, really great group of people, very much Spirit-filled as well. I'm also a fan of Paul Wilbur's worship music, great stuff!

[Zarn Ishtare]

I Believe that Demons exist...Why do I believe? Becuase I've talked to people who've claimed possesion, or being a demon...and while the demon did not reveal itself, it was obvious there was an outside influence...I also believe in demons becuase of the negative effects they use on people, making them feel depressed, alone, suicidal..( I never went to wanting to commit suicide, my faith in God kept me from even going near that level) I've felt terribly depressed, and even thought I heard a voice once, but I prayed to Jesus, or I told the evil to go away, or a sang a praise song, and it went away. And No, Demons cannot possess a Christian who is strong in the spirit, but it can with someone who does not truly believe, but does the whole church thing. Anyone can be attacked by demons, and Oppressed by them...but people who truly love the lord Jesus can never be captured. We are the Prisoners who have been freed, and I'm NEVER going back into chains....

[Bobtheduck]

Oh, and while the simple answer to "What is a Messianic Jew" is what was stated above, it is a little more than just a Jew that believes in Jesus. The interesting thing is that if you can hook up with a Messianic it can give you some real insight into many of the things in the Bible (since Jesus and the 12 desciples where all Jews). I think one of the coolest examples is if you can find a Messianic group doing a Passover Seader (SP?).... to understand what the cup and the bread in "communion" really represents in the context of the Passover feast, it'll give you chills.

Oh yeah... It's like for the Messianic Jews, all the rituals (while they don't get you to heaven) now have meaning. I went to a Messianic synagogue, and I loved every minute of it. It was so interesting. I have often had people ask me if I was Jewish. I didn't understand that, not thinking I looked Jewish, but one of my Jewish friends said I "acted" Jewish in many respects, whatever that means. That, combined with the use of a couple Yiddish words, often defaulting to the Jewish spellings of Biblical names (Ie Yochanan instead of John, Kefa instead of Peter, Shimon instead of Simon, Keruv instead of Cherub, etc...) and my fondness for the CJB, made me feel right at home in that service. If there was a messianic synagogue around, I'd definately go to it. Messianic Synagogue on saturday morning, my Church on sunday morning, and Japanese Fellowship on Friday night.

Ok, back to the topic at hand. The "posession of a Christian" thing is a volitile issue... Many people take certain verses (ie light and darkness cannot dwell together) to mean that a Christian can't have a demonic posession, but the same ones have been used to say that Christians can't have ANY sin ever. Of course, I don't think what's called "posession" is actually an indwelling, but rather just the demon blocking God's "signals" as it were, ala Daniel, I think (could be wrong) and for a posession, the demon sticks with one person, having very direct influence... Of course, I could be totally off. Maybe true "posession" occurs in non-christians, but something almost as bad will occur in Christians who give room in their lives.

[Zarn Ishtare]

totally right, bob. I made room for demonic depression, but when I figured out what it was, I beat it.