In this episode of Remnant Radio, Joshua Lewis, Michael Miller, and Michael Rowntree delve into a complex and often debated topic: demonization and its potential impact on Christians. Responding to recent videos from Alisa Childers, Doug Geivett, and Richard Howe, the hosts tackle various viewpoints and address common misconceptions surrounding Deliverance Ministry. The discussion begins with a crucial step: defining “demonization.” The Remnant Radio team advocates for a broad understanding of the term, viewing it as a singular category that encompasses various levels of demonic influence, including oppression and what some might consider “possession,” though they clarify they don’t use that term to mean ownership. This approach challenges the need for rigid distinctions between oppression, possession, and other classifications often found in deliverance ministry circles versus use of one category, the biblical term demonization.

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A central point of contention revolves around the assertion that only unbelievers can be demonized. The hosts push back on this idea, arguing that the Scriptures don’t always explicitly confirm the faith status of individuals in gospel accounts who experienced deliverance. They caution against imposing theological assumptions onto the text, emphasizing the importance of letting Scripture speak for itself. They also tackle the instructions found in the Epistles, such as the call to resist the devil and put on the armor of God. They argue that these passages often focus on personal ethics and spiritual growth, rather than providing a comprehensive manual for deliverance ministry. However, they don’t dismiss the importance of spiritual warfare, highlighting the need for vigilance and active resistance against demonic influence.

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The team explores the historical context of deliverance ministry in the early church, drawing on historical sources to demonstrate that deliverance was a normal practice in the early church. They challenge the notion that deliverance is only for unbelievers, pointing to examples of early church leaders who performed exorcisms on new converts as part of their discipleship process. The authority of believers to cast out demons is another key theme. The team argues that the authority given to the disciples in the gospels extends to all believers today, citing Matthew 28 and Acts 1:1 as evidence of Jesus’s ongoing ministry through the Holy Spirit-filled church. They stress that the kingdom of God is not just a message to be preached, but a tangible demonstration of power, including healing ministry and deliverance ministry. The hosts address common questions and rebuttals from their previous episode’s chat section, such as the pre-Pentecost status of the woman with the spirit of infirmity and the implications of the Holy Spirit’s presence in a believer’s life. They clarify that they are not basing their theology solely on subjective experiences but on a careful combination of Scripture, historical church practice, and real-world encounters. The conversation underscores the importance of resisting demonic influence, living righteously, and actively combating the works of the devil through prayer, spiritual disciplines, and the exercise of spiritual gifts. The team concludes by encouraging listeners to seek deliverance if they feel oppressed, emphasizing that it doesn’t diminish their Christian faith but rather empowers them to walk in greater freedom and wholeness.

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