In public ministry, Jesus did three main works. He was an itinerant preacher, healer and exorcist. He sent out his 12 and later his 70 followers to do the same three things: preach the Gospel of the Kingdom, heal the sick and cast out demons ( Matt 10:1, Luke 10: 8,9, 17-20).
The early Church in ACTS did the same three works of Jesus. Every convert to Christianity was taken through exorcism in the first 300 years of the Catholic Church ( the only Church then) prior to baptism. In the early Church Christians used public exorcism to win the lost by doing deliverance in the streets and then presenting the Gospel to the curious crowds who watched the person get set free from demons--just like Jesus did!
I appeal to pastors and other church leaders to do all three works of Jesus--not just preach the Gospel with words. People go to witchdoctors and cults because the see no supernatural power in our churches. Demonized people commit terrible crimes because they cannot find a church to set them free from evil spirits. People probably go to hell because they think Christianity is just another religion, another philosophy. They have never seen the other two works of Jesus that Jesus considered essential to His ministry and to that of His disciples. 1 out of 3 was not enough for Jesus. Why is it enough for the His leaders today?
Lastly, it may be a command to do all three--not just a suggestion. Jesus commanded his followers to do not only preach but to: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy and drive out demons… Matt 10:8”
All those verbs are in the imperative mood in the original Greek manuscripts of the Gospels. They are commands. The Great Commission commands us to teach all that Jesus commanded His disci0ples: Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you….” Matt 28:18-19
List of Deliverance Resources: Click here.
Want to discuss deliverance more on a free conference call? email me at partners-editor@cox.net and we'll set up a date to do that.
Support Bella: http://www.bellathemovie.com/ The Mexican man who made this film and stars in it is a very committed Christian trying to change the image of Hispanic in movies from being either bandits or Latin lovers. He wants to portray Hispanic men as godly, responsible, loving husbands. Reuters News says, " “Bella," a romantic drama by Mexican director Alejandro Monteverde, was the surprise winner of the top award at the Toronto Film Festival on Saturday….. The prize is often an indicator of future Academy Award nominations, with past recipients including best picture winners “American Beauty” and “Chariots of Fire.” Churches can sponsor this movie into a local theater. We should.
How to Create and Use a Digital Signature to Sign a Word Doc.
Click on the title above to see the simple procedure.Blessings,
Bob Fox
