Exorcism

If you’ve gone to the movies lately and seen previews of upcoming movies, or watched much network television commercials, then you know that the movie “The Last Exorcism Part 2” is coming out this weekend.
The subject of exorcism has come up between me and my daughter. Holly wondered if it is real and if it still happens.  This is a totally legit question.  I know I had pondered on this before myself.
When I read Mark 5:1-20 today, this topic was on the forefront of my mind.  Here, Jesus casted out the demon named “Legion”.  They knew who Jesus was when He approached them and were terrified of Him.  (I also wrote about this story when I read it in Matthew 8:28-34.  See https://soakinguptheson.com/?s=demon+possessed)
Well, I had my thoughts on the topic, but I wanted to get some insights from godly people whom I admire.
I message one of my brothers and his wife (Kevin and Wendy) to get their thoughts on exorcism.  I remember when I went to their church, when they used to live down here in Florida, that they would often lay hands on people and have witnessed some pretty interesting events.
With Wendy’s permission, this is what she replied to me:

“This is how I see it.  In Mark 16:15-18 which is what we call The Great Commission, Jesus lists things we are supposed to do…Preach the gospel, cast out demons, heal the sick, etc..  So yes, I do believe we are to help people who have this issue.

I have experienced several times people who have had such experiences. Usually not like Hollywood portrays it, but others have had pretty weird ones. Usually based on choices they have made and what the person has been subjected to such as: witchcraft, extreme abuse, etc..  

When Jesus left He said…“The things that I do, I give you the power to do and to do even greater things.” John 14:12.  Anything Jesus did we can & should do.  

Do I think people can still be “possessed”, tortured by demons? Oh yeah!  Just look at the news…We were created in God’s image and there is no way people would do some of the things they do without demonic influence.  I don’t believe that “the devil made me do it” usually covers it, or that there is a demon around every corner, but… they are working. The demons know they lose in the end and want to take as many as they can out!  My Jesus is “bigger, badder, and better” than them or anything they can throw out, and therefore so are we!

So, yes they are here…but we don’t have to put up with ANYTHING they do unless we let them! I love you and thanks for asking my opinion.”
When I came home from work I read this with Holly.  We discussed it and then continued to read the insight from my other source.
I emailed one of the pastors from my church.  He replied:

“Ok, it is certainly practiced but is not something to be messed with. Here’s a piece that sort of describes where I am on it.

Also, Holly does not want to get an unhealthy interest in this. This piece focuses on having spiritual heal. Not as attractive and a showy exorcism but safer for us all. The key… be filled with Christ.

Question: “Can a Christian today perform an exorcism? What does the Bible say about casting out demons?”

Answer: Exorcism (commanding demons to leave other people) was practiced by various people in the Gospels and the Book of Acts—the disciples as part of Christ’s instructions (Matthew 10); others using Christ’s name (Mark 9:38); the children of the Pharisees (Luke 11:18-19); Paul (Acts 16); and certain exorcists (Acts 19:11-16).
It appears that the purpose of Jesus’ disciples performing exorcisms was to show Christ’s dominion over the demons (Luke 10:17) and to verify that the disciples were acting in His name and by His authority. It also revealed their faith or lack of faith (Matthew 17:14-21). It was obvious that this act of casting out demons was important to the ministry of the disciples. However, it is unclear what part casting out demons actually played in the discipleship process.
Interestingly, there seems to be a shift in the latter part of the New Testament regarding demonic warfare. The teaching portions of the New Testament (Romans through Jude) refer to demonic activity, yet do not discuss the actions of casting them out, nor are believers exhorted to do so. We are told to put on the armor to stand against them (Ephesians 6:10-18). We are told to resist the devil (James 4:7), be careful of him (1 Peter 5:8), and not give him room in our lives (Ephesians 4:27). However, we are not told how to cast him or his demons out of others, or that we should even consider doing so.
The book of Ephesians gives clear instructions on how we are to have victory in our lives in the battle against the forces of evil. The first step is placing our faith in Christ (2:8-9), which breaks the rule of “the prince of power of the air” (2:2). We are then to choose, again by God’s grace, to put off ungodly habits and to put on godly habits (4:17-24). This does not involve casting out demons, but rather renewing our minds (4:23). After several practical instructions on how to obey God as His children, we are reminded that there is a spiritual battle. It is fought with certain armor that allows us to stand against—not cast out—the trickery of the demonic world (6:10). We stand with truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer (6:10-18).
It appears that as the Word of God was completed, the Christians had more weapons with which to battle the spirit world than the early Christians did. The role of casting out demons was replaced, for the most part, with evangelism and discipleship through the Word of God. Since the methods of spiritual warfare in the New Testament do not involve casting out demons, it is difficult to determine instructions on how to do such a thing. If necessary at all, it seems that it is through exposing the individual to the truth of the Word of God and the name of Jesus Christ.
Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-exorcism.html#ixzz2M7Bmi7Q5
These replies led to Holly and I having a brief discussion about them and reading Mark 5:1-20 together.  I also told her that I had a conversation at lunch about this and my friend. Brooke and I agree…

• Demons are real.
• Evil is evident in our world.
• An exorcism should be in the form of a transformation of one’s life. (Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”)
• Exorcisms are still performed, but I don’t believe you’ll see a crazy old woman figure crawling on your ceiling.  That’s Hollywood.
• Watching shows like the movie mentioned above is NOT what we need to have in our minds. (see January 18, 2012 and February 10, 2012 journalings for the “garbage in/garbage out” topic)

I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic that is so prevalent right now due to the movie.  Comments?
Let this be a lesson that when you have questions about anything in life….turn to the bible for your answers.  All the answers are there.  Seek out godly counsel.  Seek and ye shall find.
Blessings to you.