Latest / Marriage Life and More and Bible Study / The Battle Within: Is Demonic Deliverance Valid for Today? - 170

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The Battle Within: Is Demonic Deliverance Valid for Today? - 170 · Marriage Life and More and Bible Study

• 0:03
  Daniel Moore: Is demonic deliverance ministry valid?
• 0:05
  Daniel Moore: What is the difference between demonic possession and demonic oppression?
• 0:11
  Daniel Moore: What are some of the causes of demonic influences?
• 0:17
  Daniel Moore: This week we discuss that and more in our continued study on spiritual warfare.
• 0:23
  Daniel Moore: On this episode of Connecting the Gap, we continue our series, the Battle Within Overcoming the Invisible War.
• 0:29
  Daniel Moore: This week we are in part 16, and we'll be back right after this and a word from our sponsor.
• 0:36
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• 0:37
  chataboutjesusdotcom: They say that it is darkest right before the dawn.
• 1:13
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• 1:32
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• 1:35
  Daniel Moore: Hey guys, welcome to another episode of Connecting the Gap.
• 1:44
  Daniel Moore: I'm Daniel Moore.
• 1:44
  Daniel Moore: Thank you for coming once again this week, as we are very quickly coming to the end of our series.
• 1:47
  Daniel Moore: We have this week and one more episode next week and we're going to be done with this study that we've been doing on spiritual warfare.
• 1:54
  Daniel Moore: Hope you guys have caught all of this.
• 1:57
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• 2:01
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• 2:53
  Daniel Moore: My transcripts are also on my website for this episode and the other ones in the series, and check out my merch shop while you're there as well and get yourself some Connecting the Gap merch.
• 3:04
  Daniel Moore: Well, as I said, we are quickly wrapping up this series of the Battle.
• 3:08
  Daniel Moore: Within this week we are in Part 16.
• 3:11
  Daniel Moore: You know, as Christians we never want Satan to break through our defenses and take up residency inside of us.
• 3:27
  Daniel Moore: We never want Satan to get inside and disrupt the plan of God in our lives.
• 3:33
  Daniel Moore: But here's a question what if he is already in?
• 3:37
  Daniel Moore: What if we put up the shield too late or didn't pick up our armor when we should have?
• 3:43
  Daniel Moore: Shield too late or didn't pick up our armor when we should have?
• 3:47
  Daniel Moore: You know, taking a preventative solution against diseases doesn't really work when the disease has already done its damage.
• 3:51
  Daniel Moore: We have to be proactive.
• 3:54
  Daniel Moore: It wouldn't do us any good to talk about spiritual warfare without talking about demonic deliverance.
• 4:00
  Daniel Moore: You know there's a lot of people today that would rather deny that demonic possession even exists.
• 4:06
  Daniel Moore: You know what they don't think exists?
• 4:08
  Daniel Moore: Well, they don't have to deal with it.
• 4:10
  Daniel Moore: They feel that there is so much confusion and controversy surrounding the subject they just try to avoid it altogether.
• 4:17
  Daniel Moore: Well, the first thing that we have to determine is whether deliverance ministry is valid, especially if it is valid for today.
• 4:25
  Daniel Moore: Well, as Christians, being like Christ means imitating his actions, teachings and characteristics.
• 4:33
  Daniel Moore: Therefore, if one of the defining characteristics of a Christian is to be like Christ, it follows that deliverance is still valid for us today Because, just as Jesus consistently set people free from spiritual bondage, christians are called to follow his example and participate in the ministry of deliverance, praying for and existing in the freedom of those that are oppressed by evil spirits.
• 4:58
  Daniel Moore: In the Bible, there's many instances where Jesus demonstrated his authority and power over the demonic forces of that day.
• 5:06
  Daniel Moore: In Mark, chapter 1, verse 23 to 27, jesus demonstrated his authority and power by delivering a man with an unclean spirit.
• 5:14
  Daniel Moore: This passage confirmed the regularity of Jesus' ministry of deliverance.
• 5:18
  Daniel Moore: When Jesus entered the synagogue, there was a man with an unclean spirit who cried out, acknowledging Jesus as the Holy One of God.
• 5:26
  Daniel Moore: Jesus, recognizing the Spirit's presence, rebuked it and commanded it to come out of the man.
• 5:33
  Daniel Moore: The unclean spirit obeyed and left the man with a loud shriek.
• 5:38
  Daniel Moore: Later on, in Mark 1, verse 39, we see that Jesus' ministry of deliverance was not limited to one specific instance.
• 5:46
  Daniel Moore: It states that Jesus went throughout all of Galilee preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.
• 5:53
  Daniel Moore: This verse emphasizes the continuous nature of Jesus' deliverance ministry.
• 5:59
  Daniel Moore: Wherever Jesus went, he taught and demonstrated his authority over the demonic, setting people free from their torment.
• 6:07
  Daniel Moore: And it doesn't stop there.
• 6:10
  Daniel Moore: Various other passages in the Gospels also describe instances of Jesus exercising his ministry of deliverance.
• 6:16
  Daniel Moore: For example, in Mark 5, verses 1-20,.
• 6:20
  Daniel Moore: There Jesus encountered a man possessed by a legion of demons in the region of the Gerasenes.
• 6:25
  Daniel Moore: Jesus commands the demons to come out of the man and sends them into a herd of pigs.
• 6:31
  Daniel Moore: That man is then found sitting clothed and in his right mind, demonstrating the complete transformation brought about by Jesus' deliverance.
• 6:41
  Daniel Moore: And in Luke, chapter 4, verse 31 to 37, jesus drives out an unclean spirit from a man in Capernaum, proving his authority over the demonic forces.
• 6:52
  Daniel Moore: And similarly, in Matthew, chapter 8, 28 to 34, jesus frees two demon-possessed men in the region of the Gadarenes, allowing them to become sane and restored.
• 7:05
  Daniel Moore: Now you may be saying at this point well, yeah, that's Jesus, he's the Son of God.
• 7:10
  Daniel Moore: He has the authority to deliver people from demonic oppression.
• 7:14
  Daniel Moore: Well, we also have to remember that in the Bible, the apostles exercised this ministry as well, and it wasn't just occasionally.
• 7:23
  Daniel Moore: They exercised it often After Jesus gave his disciples authority and sent them out.
• 7:29
  Daniel Moore: In Luke, chapter 10, verse 19,.
• 7:31
  Daniel Moore: They also exercised the ministry of deliverance regularly.
• 7:34
  Daniel Moore: The disciples had some hiccups along the way.
• 7:37
  Daniel Moore: Also, in Mark, chapter 9, verse 38 to 40, the disciples encounter a man whose son is possessed by a spirit that often throws him into convulsions.
• 7:47
  Daniel Moore: The disciples try to cast out the spirit but are unable to do so.
• 7:52
  Daniel Moore: When Jesus arrives, he rebukes the spirit and sets the boy free, reaffirming the need for faith and operating in deliverance ministry.
• 8:01
  Daniel Moore: This incident suggests that the disciples were regularly engaged in the ministry of deliverance, although they did face occasional challenges.
• 8:12
  Daniel Moore: In the early church, the ministry of deliverance was also prevalent.
• 8:16
  Daniel Moore: In Acts 8, 9-13,.
• 8:18
  Daniel Moore: There is a sorcerer there named Simon, who practices magic and amazes the people of Samaria.
• 8:24
  Daniel Moore: However, when Philip arrives and preaches the message of the kingdom of God.
• 8:29
  Daniel Moore: Many people believe and they were baptized.
• 8:31
  Daniel Moore: Simon himself also believed and was baptized.
• 8:36
  Daniel Moore: This passage demonstrates that deliverance was commonly associated with the preaching of the gospel, resulting in the liberation of individuals from spiritual bondage.
• 8:47
  Daniel Moore: In Acts, chapter 13, verse 8-11, paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, encounters a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus or Elymas, recognizing the opposition against the gospel.
• 8:59
  Daniel Moore: Paul rebukes Elymas saying you are full of all deceit and villainy, you, son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?
• 9:10
  Daniel Moore: Immediately, darkness falls upon Elymas and he becomes blind.
• 9:15
  Daniel Moore: This incident showcases Paul's authority in confronting spiritual opposition and delivering a person from spiritual darkness.
• 9:23
  Daniel Moore: Similarly, in Acts, chapter 16, verse 16 to 18, paul and Silas encounter a slave girl who had a spirit of divination.
• 9:32
  Daniel Moore: This girl brought her owners much profit through fortune-telling as they were proclaiming the gospel.
• 9:39
  Daniel Moore: Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit I command you, in the name of Jesus Christ, to come out of her.
• 9:46
  Daniel Moore: The Spirit immediately left her.
• 9:50
  Daniel Moore: This event shows the early church's familiarity with deliverance and their reliance on the power and authority of Jesus' name to set individuals free from demonic influence.
• 10:00
  Daniel Moore: In Acts 19.19, the new believers in Ephesus.
• 10:05
  Daniel Moore: After embracing the gospel and experiencing the Holy Spirit, they were convicted of their past practices involving magic and occultism.
• 10:12
  Daniel Moore: As a response, they collected their valuable books on magic and burned them publicly.
• 10:22
  Daniel Moore: This demonstrates their recognition of the need to renounce and disassociate themselves from any involvement with evil spirits, embracing the freedom and the power found in Christ Jesus, the apostles understood that deliverance was an integral part of their calling and their mission, enabling individuals to be set free from the bondage of demonic influences and experience the transformative power of God.
• 10:45
  Daniel Moore: Throughout the first four centuries of the church, references to demonic deliverance indicate that it remained a normal occurrence in the early Christian community.
• 10:53
  Daniel Moore: Early church fathers such as Justin Martyr, tertullian, origen and Athanasius provide insights into the ongoing ministry of deliverance during that time.
• 11:04
  Daniel Moore: Justin Martyr, who was a Christian philosopher and apologist of the second century.
• 11:09
  Daniel Moore: He wrote about the existence of evil spirits and their ability to possess individuals.
• 11:14
  Daniel Moore: In his first apology, justin mentions that certain of the possessed individuals among the Christians were healed through the prayers of the believers.
• 11:23
  Daniel Moore: Tertullian, a theologian of the late 2nd and early 3rd centuries, also acknowledged the reality of demonic possession and the effectiveness of deliverance ministry.
• 11:33
  Daniel Moore: In his treatise titled On the Soul.
• 11:37
  Daniel Moore: Tertullian argued against those who denied the existence of evil spirits, presenting cases of demon-possessed individuals being cured by Christians through prayer and exorcism.
• 11:50
  Daniel Moore: Origen, a prominent Christian scholar of the 3rd century, discussed the subject of demonic possession and the power of the name of Jesus to deliver individuals.
• 11:58
  Daniel Moore: In his work against Celsus, origen presents examples of the early Christians successfully freeing people from demonic influences through prayer, and Athanasius, an influential theologian and church father of the 4th century, wrote extensively about spiritual warfare and the battle against demonic forces.
• 12:19
  Daniel Moore: In his work titled On the Incarnation, athanasius emphasized that deliverance from evil spirits was an ongoing reality in the Christian community.
• 12:29
  Daniel Moore: These references from early church fathers indicate that the ministry of deliverance and its necessity for the spiritual well-being of believers remained a common occurrence throughout the early centuries of the church.
• 12:41
  Daniel Moore: The early Christians recognized the reality of demonic influence and actively engaged in the spiritual battle, relying on the power and authority of Jesus' name to set individuals free.
• 12:55
  Daniel Moore: So let's say some professed witches and Satan worshippers made their way into your church services at some point.
• 13:01
  Daniel Moore: How would you respond to that?
• 13:04
  Daniel Moore: What if one of those spiritual captives came to you for some help?
• 13:09
  Daniel Moore: Would you explain to them that spiritual deliverance doesn't happen anymore today.
• 13:14
  Daniel Moore: I mean, surely God has a plan for delivering people from the demonic clutches of Satan?
• 13:19
  Daniel Moore: We have to be prepared.
• 13:23
  Daniel Moore: The New Testament provides direction on how to handle situations involving demonic influence.
• 13:28
  Daniel Moore: James 4, verses 1 through 10, addresses the need to resist the devil and draw near to God, as well as the importance of repentance and submission to God.
• 13:37
  Daniel Moore: This passage emphasizes the need to address the influence of evil in our lives and seek God's help in overcoming it.
• 13:45
  Daniel Moore: In situations where individuals are experiencing demonic possession or influence, it is crucial to have people and ministries prepared and in place to help.
• 13:56
  Daniel Moore: The ministry of deliverance, when conducted in alignment with biblical principles, can be an essential resource for those in need of liberation from spiritual bondage.
• 14:07
  Daniel Moore: Churches and ministries that are equipped for deliverance typically have individuals who are knowledgeable about spiritual warfare, well-grounded in biblical truth and are guided by the Holy Spirit.
• 14:17
  Daniel Moore: These individuals may have received training and experience in discerning and addressing demonic manifestations.
• 14:24
  Daniel Moore: They rely on the power and authority of Jesus Christ, utilizing prayer, the Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit in their ministry.
• 14:32
  Daniel Moore: It is important to approach deliverance ministry with sensitivity, discernment and in the context of a loving and supportive community, an atmosphere of faith, prayer and reliance on God's guidance is crucial in these situations.
• 14:48
  Daniel Moore: Churches and ministries should also be proactive in establishing clear protocols and safeguards to ensure that deliverance is conducted in a safe and responsible manner.
• 14:59
  Daniel Moore: To ensure that deliverance is conducted in a safe and responsible manner While you, as a believer, may not be directly involved in deliverance ministry, the entire body of Christ can play a role in providing support, prayer and encouragement to those engaged in this ministry.
• 15:12
  Daniel Moore: As members of the body of Christ, we are called to support and uplift those who are struggling with spiritual oppression, offering them hope, intercession and practical assistance.
• 15:24
  Daniel Moore: To be honest, there are a lot of problems with the practice of deliverance.
• 15:29
  Daniel Moore: One of the main problems with the practice of deliverance is the potential for extremism and fanaticism.
• 15:36
  Daniel Moore: Extreme beliefs or behaviors can lead to an unbalanced and harmful approach to this ministry.
• 15:42
  Daniel Moore: Extremism and deliverance can lead to a lack of discernment when it comes to identifying genuine cases of spiritual oppression and possession.
• 15:52
  Daniel Moore: This can result in individuals being wrongly labeled as possessed or in need of deliverance, causing unnecessary fear and distress.
• 16:01
  Daniel Moore: Extremist practitioners often focus heavily on the demonic world, attributing every problem or issue to demonic influence.
• 16:10
  Daniel Moore: This narrow viewpoint can overshadow the importance of addressing psychological, emotional or physical factors contributing to a person's struggles emotional or physical factors contributing to a person's struggles.
• 16:24
  Daniel Moore: Fanaticism and deliverance ministry can lead to a tendency to bypass addressing the underlying psychological or emotional issues faced by individuals.
• 16:29
  Daniel Moore: Instead of addressing root causes, deliverance becomes a one-size-fit-all solution which may not be beneficial in the long run.
• 16:39
  Daniel Moore: Another problem that pops up is there can be confusion over the terms possession and oppression when it comes to discussing demonic influence.
• 16:47
  Daniel Moore: The specific terminology used in the New Testament can vary depending on the translation and interpretation.
• 16:55
  Daniel Moore: However, it is important to understand the general concepts behind these terms.
• 17:01
  Daniel Moore: While the New Testament does not explicitly differentiate between possession and oppression, many scholars and theologians draw a distinction based on the intensity of demonic influence.
• 17:12
  Daniel Moore: With possession, this term is often used to describe a severe level of demonic influence in which the individual's faculties and control are completely taken over by a demon or evil spirit.
• 17:25
  Daniel Moore: The possessed person may exhibit dramatic and involuntary behaviors, speech or physical manifestations attributed to the demonic presence.
• 17:34
  Daniel Moore: Now, with oppression, on the other hand, it's seen as a milder form of demonic influence in which individuals experience spiritual attack but still maintain control over their faculties.
• 17:47
  Daniel Moore: This form of influence may manifest through persistent negative thoughts, emotions or external circumstances attributed to a demonic presence.
• 17:57
  Daniel Moore: Sometimes, though, christians have a hard time discerning between the two.
• 18:03
  Daniel Moore: Some Christians steer clear around this issue because of ignorance or fear when it comes to the ministry of deliverance.
• 18:09
  Daniel Moore: There can be various reasons for this, including cultural or theological biases, misunderstandings or personal discomfort with the topic.
• 18:19
  Daniel Moore: Biases, misunderstandings or personal discomfort with the topic Deliverance ministry may not be widely taught or discussed in certain Christian circles, leading to a lack of awareness or understanding.
• 18:28
  Daniel Moore: This can result in ignorance or misconceptions about its purpose, methods and potential benefits, and that's one of the issues that I think probably is very prevalent today.
• 18:39
  Daniel Moore: A lot of churches do not teach it.
• 18:41
  Daniel Moore: Different Christian denominations or cultural backgrounds may also have varying beliefs and practices regarding spiritual warfare and deliverance.
• 18:50
  Daniel Moore: Some may view it as unnecessary, superstitious or even dangerous due to their theological or cultural biases even dangerous due to their theological or cultural biases.
• 19:02
  Daniel Moore: The topic of demonic influence or spiritual battles can be unsettling for some individuals, leading to fear or discomfort.
• 19:06
  Daniel Moore: This fear can stem from personal experiences, cultural influences or a reluctance to engage with what is perceived as the supernatural world.
• 19:16
  Daniel Moore: Another problem that can occur is the tendency towards pride, or scriptural error can be a challenge within the context of deliverance ministry.
• 19:24
  Daniel Moore: Engaging in deliverance ministry requires a deep understanding of spiritual warfare and the power dynamics involved.
• 19:33
  Daniel Moore: Unfortunately, some individuals in this ministry may develop a sense of pride or arrogance, believing they possess special insights or abilities that set them apart.
• 19:43
  Daniel Moore: This can lead to a neglect of humility and a lack of recognition that deliverance is ultimately the work of God, not solely dependent on human efforts.
• 19:53
  Daniel Moore: While deliverance ministry can be grounded in biblical principles, there is a risk of misinterpreting or misapplying scriptures.
• 20:01
  Daniel Moore: This can occur when practitioners become overly focused on specific verses or passages related to deliverance, which may result in a neglect of broader biblical context and theological understanding.
• 20:16
  Daniel Moore: It is crucial for deliverance ministers to maintain a balanced and comprehensive interpretation of Scripture.
• 20:21
  Daniel Moore: There is also a potential danger of attributing every negative aspect of life solely to demonic influence.
• 20:29
  Daniel Moore: It is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective that acknowledges personal responsibility, the role of common sense and the complexity of various factors influencing our lives.
• 20:40
  Daniel Moore: While there are instances where demonic influence may play a role, it is essential to recognize that individuals also have personal responsibility for their actions, decisions and the consequences of their choices.
• 20:54
  Daniel Moore: Blaming everything solely on demonic influence can absolve individuals of accountability, hindering personal growth and development.
• 21:03
  Daniel Moore: The Bible provides principles for wise living, decision-making and discernment.
• 21:09
  Daniel Moore: Practicing biblical common sense involves seeking wisdom, making informed choices, utilizing discernment and being aware of the potential effects of our actions.
• 21:19
  Daniel Moore: It is important to remember that not everything negative is automatically linked to demonic influence, and applying biblical wisdom can guide us in navigating various aspects of our life.
• 21:37
  Daniel Moore: Sticking to Scripture is crucial when engaging in deliverance ministry or addressing demonic forces.
• 21:41
  Daniel Moore: Scripture serves as our foundation for understanding spiritual warfare and provides guidance on how to approach such situations.
• 21:45
  Daniel Moore: Scripture affirms the authority and power of God over all spiritual entities, including demonic forces.
• 21:52
  Daniel Moore: It reveals God's character, his redemptive plan and His victory over evil through Jesus Christ.
• 21:58
  Daniel Moore: By aligning our understanding and practices with Scripture, we operate in the authority and power given to us by God.
• 22:06
  Daniel Moore: Scripture also offers discernment and wisdom and distinguishing between demonic influence and other factors affecting individuals.
• 22:15
  Daniel Moore: It provides principles for evaluating and testing the spirits, ensuring that our actions and beliefs are aligned with God's truth rather than being swayed by subjective experiences or human speculations.
• 22:29
  Daniel Moore: Scripture provides a balanced understanding of spiritual warfare, addressing both the reality of demonic influence and the importance of personal responsibility and discernment.
• 22:38
  Daniel Moore: It cautions against being excessively focused on demons, while emphasizing the fullness of God's provision for our spiritual, emotional and physical needs.
• 22:48
  Daniel Moore: Grounding our beliefs and practices in Scripture is essential when battling demonic forces in people's lives.
• 22:56
  Daniel Moore: It provides the necessary foundation, discernment, wisdom, balance and protection to navigate the complexities of deliverance ministry while maintaining a steadfast faith in God.
• 23:08
  Daniel Moore: If we always stick with Scripture, we will always stay on track and we'll be able to know what spiritual conflict is and what it isn't, and we'll know how to deal with it appropriately.
• 23:19
  Daniel Moore: Spiritual conflict is and what it isn't, and we'll know how to deal with it appropriately.
• 23:21
  Daniel Moore: So, with that out of the way, what are some of the causes of demonic influences?
• 23:25
  Daniel Moore: Well, we're going to take a break right now.
• 23:41
  chataboutjesusdotcom: When we come back we'll discuss that and get deeper into this week's episode of Connecting the Gap.
• 23:49
  chataboutjesusdotcom: We are in part 16, and we'll be back right after this.
• 23:52
  chataboutjesusdotcom: One of Satan's favorite lies is you've lost your salvation.
• 23:55
  chataboutjesusdotcom: This lie is directly contrary to the promise of Jesus Christ when he says never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.
• 24:02
  chataboutjesusdotcom: The Bible says that when we are saved, we're sealed by the Holy Spirit and nothing can remove us from God's hands.
• 24:11
  chataboutjesusdotcom: There may be times in your life when it's hard to believe that promise.
• 24:12
  chataboutjesusdotcom: Jesus loves you enough to die for your sins and to save you.
• 24:16
  chataboutjesusdotcom: If you want to learn how to begin a relationship with Jesus, call or text us at 888-NEED-HIM.
• 24:34
  chataboutjesusdotcom: People trying to make ends meet but can barely stand on their feet Say I'll get by, I'll get by, I'll get by, I'll get by.
• 24:43
  chataboutjesusdotcom: To the kids who ain't got no shoes on their feet, trying to figure out what to eat Say I'll get by, I'll get by, I'll get by.
• 24:54
  Daniel Moore: I'll get by.
• 24:55
  Daniel Moore: Welcome back to Connecting the Gap Podcast.
• 24:58
  Daniel Moore: I'm Daniel Moore and this week we're in part 16 of our series on the battle within overcoming the invisible war, our study on spiritual warfare.
• 25:06
  Daniel Moore: We got one more week to go after this week and, as we's going into the break, we were beginning to talk about what are some of the causes of demonic influences.
• 25:19
  Daniel Moore: Well, there are levels of demonic influence and possession.
• 25:21
  Daniel Moore: While there can be varying degrees of demonic influence, it is important to recognize the term possession itself carries different connotations and interpretations Within a Christian context.
• 25:32
  Daniel Moore: I do not believe that a true Christian can be possessed by a demon.
• 25:38
  Daniel Moore: The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life precludes the possibility of full possession.
• 25:45
  Daniel Moore: Light drives out darkness.
• 25:48
  Daniel Moore: They cannot cohabit with each other.
• 25:51
  Daniel Moore: However, there is recognition that demonic activity can still affect and influence Christians in various ways.
• 25:57
  Daniel Moore: One path of demonic possession is called active seeking.
• 26:02
  Daniel Moore: This can occur when individuals intentionally involve themselves in occult practices, witchcraft, divination or any form of spiritual activity that directly or indirectly invites demonic influence.
• 26:16
  Daniel Moore: These can include things such as Satanism, wicca, yoga, palm reading, ouija boards and many other avenues of serving Satan.
• 26:26
  Daniel Moore: And while we're on this subject, I don't know if you've seen here lately.
• 26:31
  Daniel Moore: But you can go on Amazon now and buy a quote-unquote Christian Ouija board.
• 26:36
  Daniel Moore: Now there is no difference between a Ouija board that's a Christian one than one that is not a Christian Ouija board.
• 26:39
  Daniel Moore: Now there is no difference between a Ouija board that's a Christian one than one that is not a Christian Ouija board.
• 26:44
  Daniel Moore: So you need to stay away from both of those, because both of those invite satanic influence into your life and they will definitely put you on that path to demonic possession if you aren't careful.
• 26:54
  Daniel Moore: Engaging in such practices like this goes against biblical teachings that warn against participating in or seeking supernatural powers or knowledge outside of god.
• 27:04
  Daniel Moore: It is important to note that the bible explicitly prohibits involvement in witchcraft, divination, sorcery or any form of occult practices.
• 27:13
  Daniel Moore: In deuteronomy, chapter 18, verse 10 through 12, galatians 5, verse 20, and Acts 19 18-20.
• 27:22
  Daniel Moore: When individuals actively seek demonic influences, they willingly expose themselves to spiritual forces that operate outside the safety of God's goodness and truth.
• 27:31
  Daniel Moore: These actions can lead to spiritual bondage, oppression or even potential possession.
• 27:36
  Daniel Moore: It is crucial for individuals who have previously engaged in occult practices or have actively sought demonic influence to seek repentance, renounce those practices and turn to God for forgiveness, healing and deliverance, seeking spiritual guidance, accountability and support from mature Christian and wise Christian leaders.
• 27:56
  Daniel Moore: It is important in the process of breaking free from these influences and experiencing restoration.
• 28:02
  Daniel Moore: Sin can also create a pathway for demonic influence, as mentioned in John 8, verse 34 and John 8, verse 44.
• 28:11
  Daniel Moore: In John 8, verse 44, jesus states that Satan is the father of lies and there is no truth in him.
• 28:19
  Daniel Moore: He also describes Satan as a murderer and the source of deception.
• 28:23
  Daniel Moore: When individuals engage in sinful behavior, they open themselves up to the influence and power of Satan and his demonic forces.
• 28:32
  Daniel Moore: Sin can provide a foothold or legal ground for spiritual attack and oppression.
• 28:37
  Daniel Moore: In Ephesians chapter, verse 26-27, the Apostle Paul warns against giving the devil a foothold through unresolved anger and sinful actions.
• 28:47
  Daniel Moore: Similarly, in 1 Peter 5, verse 8, it encourages believers to be sober-minded and vigilant, because our adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.
• 29:00
  Daniel Moore: Engaging in habitual sin, unrepented wrongdoing or persistent disobedience to God's commands can create an environment where demonic forces can gain influence and control over a person's life.
• 29:12
  Daniel Moore: It is important to recognize the dangers of sin and actively strive to live in obedience to God's word.
• 29:21
  Daniel Moore: Spiritual rebellion or a deliberate willingness to sin is also another cause for demonic influence in a person's life.
• 29:28
  Daniel Moore: In 1 Samuel 15, verse 23, it says For rebellion is as the sin of divination and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry.
• 29:38
  Daniel Moore: Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.
• 29:43
  Daniel Moore: This verse reveals the connection between rebellion against God and the presence of evil or demonic influences.
• 29:50
  Daniel Moore: In this context, king Saul disobeyed God's specific command by sparing the Amalekite king and the best of their livestock, although God had instructed Saul to utterly destroy everything.
• 30:02
  Daniel Moore: Saul's disobedience is seen as rebellion against God's authority and his rejection of God's word.
• 30:11
  Daniel Moore: From this verse we can gather two important points.
• 30:14
  Daniel Moore: The first point is rebellion as the sin of divination.
• 30:19
  Daniel Moore: The word divination refers to the act of seeking supernatural knowledge or guidance from demonic sources rather than from God.
• 30:28
  Daniel Moore: It involves turning away from God's commands and seeking wisdom and direction from evil entities.
• 30:33
  Daniel Moore: By equating rebellion and divination, the verse suggests that rebellion against God's commands opens a door for demonic influence or possession.
• 30:43
  Daniel Moore: When individuals rebel against God, they may unknowingly invite demonic forces into their lives, often through seeking power, guidance or alternative sources of spirituality outside of God's will.
• 30:55
  Daniel Moore: The second point we can get from this verse is that presumption as iniquity and idolatry.
• 31:01
  Daniel Moore: Presumption refers to acting arrogantly or with pride, assuming that one's own desires or opinions are superior to God's will.
• 31:10
  Daniel Moore: This verse equates presumption with iniquity and idolatry, both of which involve placing something or someone above God and disobeying his commands.
• 31:20
  Daniel Moore: By showing disrespect or disregard for God's authority, individuals create an environment that may attract demonic influence or possession.
• 31:28
  Daniel Moore: When people prioritize their own desires or beliefs, rejecting God's wisdom and commands, they become susceptible to the deceptive allure of demonic influences.
• 31:39
  Daniel Moore: They become susceptible to the deceptive allure of demonic influences.
• 31:40
  Daniel Moore: By rejecting God's authority and seeking alternatives or prioritizing self above God, individuals open themselves up to the influence and the control of dark forces.
• 31:49
  Daniel Moore: It serves as a warning against the dangers of spiritual rebellion and reaffirms the importance of obedience, humility and reverence towards God for his protection against demonic possession.
• 32:03
  Daniel Moore: In Deuteronomy 18, 10-11, we read the scripture earlier.
• 32:08
  Daniel Moore: It says Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist, or who consults the dead.
• 32:22
  Daniel Moore: These verses clearly describe several occult practices that are considered detestable to God.
• 32:29
  Daniel Moore: It is a warning against engaging in these activities, as they can invite the enemy's influence and open us up to spiritual warfare.
• 32:37
  Daniel Moore: The presence of an invisible war is a concept found throughout the Bible.
• 32:42
  Daniel Moore: Ephesians 6, verse 12, confirms this by saying For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
• 32:56
  Daniel Moore: These individual spiritual forces are actively working against God and his people.
• 33:02
  Daniel Moore: When individuals participate in occult practices, they directly align themselves with these dark spiritual forces and by engaging in divination, sorcery, witchcraft or using mediums or spiritists to communicate with the dead, individuals invite the influence and control of demonic entities into their lives.
• 33:22
  Daniel Moore: These practices go against God's command and they can lead to spiritual bondage and torment.
• 33:28
  Daniel Moore: The warning in Deuteronomy 18, verse 10-11, serves as a reminder for believers to be aware of the invisible war taking place around you.
• 33:36
  Daniel Moore: It urges us to stay away from practices that are contrary to God's will and pleasing to the enemy.
• 33:42
  Daniel Moore: Instead, we are called to put on the full armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6, 13-18, equipping ourselves to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
• 33:54
  Daniel Moore: In Proverbs 4, verses 3-9, it says that when I was a boy in my father's house, still tender and an only child of my mother.
• 34:01
  Daniel Moore: He taught me and said Lay hold of my words with all your heart.
• 34:05
  Daniel Moore: Keep my commands and you will live.
• 34:08
  Daniel Moore: Get wisdom, get understanding.
• 34:11
  Daniel Moore: Do not forget my words or turn away from them.
• 34:13
  Daniel Moore: Do not forsake wisdom and she will protect you.
• 34:17
  Daniel Moore: Love her and she will watch over you.
• 34:19
  Daniel Moore: The beginning of wisdom is this Get wisdom, though it cost all you have.
• 34:25
  Daniel Moore: Get understanding, cherish her and she will exalt you.
• 34:30
  Daniel Moore: Embrace her and she will honor you.
• 34:32
  Daniel Moore: She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.
• 34:38
  Daniel Moore: This passage emphasizes the importance of instructing our children in the ways of the Lord and imparting godly wisdom to them.
• 34:45
  Daniel Moore: It is crucial to guide our children in discerning between what aligns with God's truth and what may promote occult or supernatural elements.
• 34:53
  Daniel Moore: As parents, guardians or mentors, we need to take an active role in nurturing our children's spiritual growth.
• 35:00
  Daniel Moore: It involves teaching them to focus on the wisdom found in God's Word and to keep His commands.
• 35:05
  Daniel Moore: By instilling a strong foundation of biblical understanding and values in children, we equip them to discern what is right and pleasing in God's sight.
• 35:16
  Daniel Moore: When instructing kids, it is important to emphasize the significance of seeking wisdom, understanding and discernment from God.
• 35:22
  Daniel Moore: Proverbs 4.7 explicitly states God.
• 35:31
  Daniel Moore: Proverbs 4.7 explicitly states the beginning of wisdom is this get wisdom.
• 35:33
  Daniel Moore: We should encourage children to seek wisdom through prayer, studying the Bible and seeking wise counsel from mature Christian believers.
• 35:37
  Daniel Moore: Teaching children to honor and cherish godly wisdom provides them with protection and guidance.
• 35:43
  Daniel Moore: Proverbs 4.6 says Do not forsake wisdom and she will protect you.
• 35:48
  Daniel Moore: Love her and she will watch over you.
• 35:51
  Daniel Moore: This scripture assures us that godly wisdom acts as a safeguard against the deceptive allure of paranormal or occult influences.
• 35:59
  Daniel Moore: Through instructing our children in the ways of the Lord, we help them develop a strong spiritual foundation enabling them to make informed choices in their entertainment and daily lives.
• 36:09
  Daniel Moore: While it may seem challenging to navigate the prevalence of the paranormal in kids' media, it is our responsibility to guide our children, helping them discern what is in line with God's truth and avoid what may lead them away from Him.
• 36:23
  Daniel Moore: 2 Corinthians 6, verses 14-16, states Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.
• 36:30
  Daniel Moore: For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?
• 36:33
  Daniel Moore: And what communion has light with darkness?
• 36:36
  Daniel Moore: And what accord has Christ with Belial?
• 36:38
  Daniel Moore: Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?
• 36:41
  Daniel Moore: And what agreement has the temple of God with idols, for you are the temple of the living God.
• 36:48
  Daniel Moore: These verses show us the importance of being cautious about forming close associations and partnership with unbelievers who may have conflicting beliefs and values.
• 36:58
  Daniel Moore: While the specific context of this passage is about believers' relationships with non-believers, it can also apply to avoiding those who engage in dangerous or occult activities.
• 37:11
  Daniel Moore: One of the most common causes of demonic influence is unresolved anger and bitterness.
• 37:16
  Daniel Moore: Ephesians 4, 26-27 provides wise guidance.
• 37:20
  Daniel Moore: It says In your anger, do not sin, do not let the sun go down while you are still angry and do not give the day ends, rather than allowing it to fester and potentially become a stronghold for negative influences, including demonic influence.
• 37:40
  Daniel Moore: Unresolved anger and bitterness not only harms relationships, but it also opens the door for the enemy to gain a foothold in an individual's life.
• 37:49
  Daniel Moore: By promptly addressing and resolving anger, believers close the door for the devil to exploit those negative emotions.
• 37:57
  Daniel Moore: It encourages healthy conflict resolution, forgiveness and positive communication, therefore safe guiding against a potential influence of evil forces.
• 38:09
  Daniel Moore: Discerning if something is demonic can definitely be complex.
• 38:13
  Daniel Moore: It requires careful consideration of various factors and close alignment with biblical principles.
• 38:19
  Daniel Moore: While some things are not inherently demonic, in certain cases they may indicate possible signs of demonic influence.
• 38:27
  Daniel Moore: Let's look at a few things here as we close today that could be demonic in some cases.
• 38:33
  Daniel Moore: The first one is severe sickness.
• 38:36
  Daniel Moore: In Matthew 12, 22, jesus heals a man with a severe demon-induced sickness.
• 38:42
  Daniel Moore: While not all sickness is demonic in nature, certain cases can have a spiritual dimension tied to them.
• 38:48
  Daniel Moore: It is essential to seek medical advice and prayerfully discern if there may be spiritual warfare or demonic aspects involved, especially if the sickness is unexplained or resistant to conventional treatment.
• 39:02
  Daniel Moore: Another thing is divination.
• 39:04
  Daniel Moore: In Acts 16.16, this verse recounts the story of a girl who had a spirit of divination.
• 39:11
  Daniel Moore: Divination involves seeking supernatural knowledge through occult practices.
• 39:16
  Daniel Moore: The presence of divination suggests a possible connection to evil spiritual forces.
• 39:21
  Daniel Moore: Engaging in divination or encountering those involved in it may indicate exposure to demonic influences and the need for spiritual discernment and prayer.
• 39:32
  Daniel Moore: Another one is unusual strength.
• 39:34
  Daniel Moore: In Mark 5, verses 2-3,.
• 39:37
  Daniel Moore: A man possessed by demons displays unnatural strength, breaking chains and being unable to be bound and being unable to be bound.
• 39:45
  Daniel Moore: While unusual strength on its own is not necessarily demonic, when it is accompanied by other signs of possession and aligns with biblical descriptions, it can indeed be an indicator of demonic influence.
• 39:56
  Daniel Moore: Another one is fits of rage.
• 39:59
  Daniel Moore: In Mark 5, verse 4, the man possessed by demons in this passage frequently experiences fits of rage, exhibiting violent behavior.
• 40:09
  Daniel Moore: While fits of rage can have various causes, obviously, if accompanied by other signs of demonic influence and extreme behavior, it may be an indication of spiritual warfare.
• 40:21
  Daniel Moore: Another one is split personality.
• 40:22
  Daniel Moore: In Mark 5, 6 7, there was a possessed man in that story that spoke with a quote-unquote legion of voices, suggesting a split personality due to demonic influence.
• 40:35
  Daniel Moore: Split personalities or multiple voices within an individual can indicate the presence of demonic forces.
• 40:42
  Daniel Moore: Another one is resistance to spiritual help.
• 40:46
  Daniel Moore: In Mark 5, verse 7, the demons in that passage show resistance to Jesus' authority and spiritual deliverance.
• 40:54
  Daniel Moore: Similarly, encountering an individual who resists or rejects spiritual help, despite evident issues or the presence of harmful influence, may suggest spiritual forces at work.
• 41:06
  Daniel Moore: And the seventh thing are occult powers.
• 41:09
  Daniel Moore: In Deuteronomy 18, 10-11, these verses outline various occult activities detestable to God.
• 41:17
  Daniel Moore: While possessing occult powers alone does not always indicate a severe demonic influence, it can be a sign of involvement with spiritual practices that are contrary to God's will.
• 41:28
  Daniel Moore: Engaging in occult activities opens individuals up to potential demonic influence and should always be avoided.
• 41:38
  Daniel Moore: You know it always isn't easy to get to the bottom of a problem or a conflict, we must make sure that we carefully evaluate all the physical factors and sift through the emotional issues.
• 41:48
  Daniel Moore: But sometimes the spiritual overlaps in such a way that doesn't allow for purely medical or psychological explanations.
• 41:55
  Daniel Moore: Our issues are easily traceable to the logical progression of things.
• 42:00
  Daniel Moore: You know, like we're stressed because we haven't gotten enough sleep or we're in a conflict because of clearly dysfunctional relationships.
• 42:07
  Daniel Moore: But it isn't always that simple.
• 42:11
  Daniel Moore: Sometimes we need to ask if the enemy is at work behind the scenes of our lives.
• 42:19
  Daniel Moore: Well, that's going to do it for this week's episode of Connecting the Gap.
• 42:21
  Daniel Moore: As we wrap up episode 16 of our study on Spiritual Warfare the Battle Within Overcoming the Invisible War you can check out my website at Connecting the Gap.
• 42:27
  Daniel Moore: As we wrap up episode 16 of our study on spiritual warfare the battle within overcoming the invisible war you can check out my website at Connecting the Gap to check out all the episodes in this series.
• 42:33
  Daniel Moore: Or, of course, all the episodes that are on my podcast pages for the last three years.
• 42:39
  Daniel Moore: Go check out all of those if you haven't checked those out before.
• 42:42
  Daniel Moore: If you're new to this podcast, please subscribe and share.
• 42:44
  Daniel Moore: And, of course, while you're there, you can visit my workshop and also check out the transcripts for this week's episode and the episodes that have been prior to this one in this series.
• 42:56
  Daniel Moore: Well, I'm out of here for this week, until next week.
• 42:59
  Daniel Moore: Don't forget that God's Word never fails us.
• 43:01
  Daniel Moore: God's Word has stood the test of time and, through Jesus' death on the cross, he has connected the gap.
• 43:07
  Daniel Moore: You've been listening to Connecting the Gap Podcast.
• 43:10
  Daniel Moore: I'm Daniel Moore, the host for this podcast, and I personally thank you for listening.
• 43:14
  Daniel Moore: Each week In this world, there are many disconnects that cause chaos in our lives.
• 43:19
  Daniel Moore: This podcast is birthed from the desire to share hope and restoration of the power of the gospel by being transparent and open in our biblical walk with God.
• 43:27
  Daniel Moore: Each week, we take a few moments as we navigate God's Word and peer into other people's testimonies and encourage each other to connect the gap.
• 43:34
  Daniel Moore: We upload a new audio podcast every Thursday and a video version of it on YouTube and Rumble.
• 43:39
  Daniel Moore: We are also on the Christian podcasting app, edify.
• 43:42
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• 43:54
  Daniel Moore: We are also available on your Alexa-enabled devices.
• 43:57
  Daniel Moore: If you would like to give us feedback or would like to contact our ministry for any reason, including prayer, visit our contact page at wwwconnectingthegapnet and send us a message.
• 44:08
  Daniel Moore: We hope you are blessed by this ministry.
• 44:10
  Daniel Moore: This is a production of Connecting the Gap Ministries.