Job...and Satanic Collusion

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

Not long ago, I wrote a couple of article on demonic collusion. “Collusion” is defined as “a secret agreement, especially for fraudulent or treacherous purposes; conspiracy.” Regarding demons, it means that Satan and his diabolical underlings plan strategy on how to work together to best plan and execute an attack/s.This often entails an astonishing amount of details. I’m watching a special on “Inside the Green Berets”, and demons are spiritual warriors, who are also the ultimate terrorists…who carry out special ops missions that would make our heads spin in their brilliance, as well as their cruelty. The words used in Greek/English to express demonic hierarchies infers that there is intentional strategizing.

While reading the Book of Job, I came across a clear example of Satanic led collusion with other unclean spirits. In the prologue, Satan tells God that he had been walking around on planet earth. Further, he argues to God that Job only loves Him because God put a hedge around him. Please read the text carefully:

Satan Takes Job's Property and Children

13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house,
14 and there came a messenger to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them,
15 and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you."
16 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you."
17 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said,"The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you."
18 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house,
19 and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you."
20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.
21 And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."
22 In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.

After getting permission from God Almighty to attack that which belonged to Job, a man who was blameless (that does not mean perfect) and upright, Satan descends back to earth from whence he came and began his collusive deliberations with his subordinates. No, this is not stated explicitly, but it is most certainly implied…based on subsequent events. The plan was to kill, steal, and destroy (sound familiar?)

SMASH…SMASH…SMASH…SMASH—from multiple directions. Satan can only be at one place at a time. From the south (Sabeans..v.15), fire from above (v.16), north (Chaldeans   v.17), and the east (the sirocco wind demonically enhanced…v 19) The Satanic and demonic attacks came smashing down relentlessly….exquisitely timed for maximum affect. Cattle were stolen, many servants slaughtered, and all 10 of his children were killed in an instant. Such was the brilliantly cruel collusion that it included the details of the timing of the attacks, as well as their reporting. The timing was so relentless, that 3 times it says (verses 16, 17, 18): “while he was yet speaking”. No sooner had one tragedy occurred, and been reported, that Satan timed it so they came in rapid fire succession. The narrative presents each of the tragedies in rapid succession, giving Job/us the feeling, later described by Job: “He will not let me get my breath.” Breathless in Uz…and weeping while worshipping.

Note something that is easily overlooked: In every tragedy, there was ONE survivor—somebody had to be spared to bring Job the horrific news. You can bet that they didn’t survive because of their ‘luck’ or wits…What an awful cruelty…Satan sparing 3 men merely to bear the unbearable news. All part of the detailed collusive plan. It is easily lost on the reader that many of Jobs beloved servants were massacred, in light of the unspeakable death of all ten of his children. But surely the death of his servants agonized this righteous man’s soul to its core. And given the massive size of Job’s flocks, there must’ve been many dozens of servants savagely slaughtered.
Let’s go back. To see the incredible attention to detail, the Chaldeans and Sabeans had to be demonically incited against a man that they had previously lived in peace with. Think of a counsel of war, in which Satan oversaw every detail, down to the smallest minutia of this multi-pronged attack. And their timing had to be perfect, in order for it to have the effect it did. Then, we see Satan’s power (derived from God Almighty) over nature, where (presumably) lightning struck at just the right moment and at the just the exact, right place. The devils derivative power over nature is seen in the timing of the sirocco wind as well. These folks would have been used to this wind, so it must have been a supernaturally strong wind that would have destroyed a house, killing ALL the inhabitants (except for one), at the perfect time.

His collusion caused massive losses for Job…steal, kill, and destroy—literally.

Those familiar with the story (which happened in space and time) will know that Satan was granted permission to attack Job’s body, but not kill him..This introduced yet another layer of intense suffering. After being covered with painful boils, Job still maintained his integrity and worshipped…though he was struggling.

Some may disagree with me, but I believe that the cruel advice of Job’s friends was an integral part of Satan’s collusion—the comprehensively detailed plan to crush this dear man. If Peter could be an unwitting mouthpiece for Satan, then why not these three men?

If they had just remained quiet, they would have done well…at least better.

Here is a hint that Eliphaz had been visited by Satan/demon in preparation for this rendezvous. A mysterious experience is expressed in 4:12-16. Dread and trembling came upon him at night and a spirit glided by his face…the hair on his body stood on end. Then the ‘apparition’ stood still but Eliphaz not could make out its detail. And this supernatural midnight rider said: “Can mortal man be in the right before God?”

The doctrine of demons, which these men espoused and crushed Job with, was this: character can be judged by circumstances. Jesus encountered this same thinking in His day (see John 9)

I find it instructive that Eliphaz mentions this demonic encounter, right after his first expression of demonic theology and attack on Job (4:7—11) Btw, I’m not aware of any commentators who agree with me that this experience was demonic, but I may be wrong.

First, you have this man visited by a demon, preparing Eliphaz for his visit with Job. And he appeals to the supernatural nature of this experience to lend authority to the horribly brutal things he was saying to Job…not realizing he had not been discerning of the spirits. He must have forgot that there is supernatural evil as well. Whether it was a shadow demon in humanoid form or another form of demonic apparition, Eliphaz could not make out its details. I must say that this experience has such a modern ring to it, doesn’t it? To those of us who have encountered demons in the night, all the details of the ancient vision sound eerily familiar.

And further evidence of collusion, is the fact that these men who lived so far apart, planned to get together and comfort Job. They thought they were going to comfort Job, but Satan had other plans. He knew their deviant theology, which gave him a foothold. Don’t ever say that doctrine is impractical or not important! The bulk of the book is these men, descending into deeper and deeper depths of attacking and accusing Job, flowing out of their demonic theology, as well as impatience. Do preachers draw attention to the ongoing Satanic collusion via their advice to Job?

They succeeded in causing Job to sink ever deeper into despair. The Accuser was behind the persistent accusing of Job.

I don’t have time to unravel all the detail, but the point is that pastors and individual Christians need to remember the vicious nature of spiritual warfare and be on guard.

To put this in terms so we might understand more fully the devastation, let me put the events like this…All of these events occurred in rapid fire succession, and reported to Job in same rapid fire succession.

1.    The oxen and donkeys were stolen by the Sabeans, and all the servants but one were killed. Job’s checking account has been wiped out.
2.    Fire from above destroyed Job’s sheep, and killed all the servants but one. Job’s savings account was wiped out.
3.    The Chaldeans stole his camels and killed all the servants but one. The rest of Job’s financial portfolio (IRA’s, 401-K, investments, etc.) has been wiped out. ALL of his assets are gone…nothing to live on and no retirement.
4.    All of his children are killed….murdered by the evil one.
5.    Job’s wife is diabolically influenced to cause Job to blaspheme and possibly commit suicide.
6.    Job is soon attacked with painful boils, from head to toe.
7.    His friends turn on him and viciously accuse him of wickedness, as they are under the influence of the Accuser. No sympathy…just one attack after another.

If we saw someone in the same circumstances, would we be tempted to wonder if they were doing something wrong? Don’t say ‘No!’ too quickly. It is hardwired into our fallen humanness, to inwardly judge people who are in systemic dire straits. I went through a rough patch a few years ago, and a friend began insisting (and spreading the news) that I had a demonic attachment. I didn’t…we live in a Fallen world (a blog for another day).

Because we are privy to the real reason for Job’s problems, we know he was under Satanic oppression. BUT, he hadn’t done anything wrong. I have found that a large number of people who are under demonic oppression are themselves blameless. Kids with autism (fill in the blank), or moving into a house with a pre-existing demonic presence, or something generational in nature, all of these can cause innocent people to come under attack from the lawless Accuser. There does not have to always be ‘legal rights’ as we normally understand the term. Sometimes, it is what I call ‘illegal rights’, as in the case with the classes of people I mentioned above….or Job. Let’s be careful with how we use the term ‘legal rights.’

I have come to have reservations about the term ‘legal rights’ because Satan can and does do that which is contrary to God’s moral will all the time. Everything he does is contrary to God’s moral will, though never contrary to His sovereign will. God’s sovereign will is absolute, and no creature can break it because God is sovereign over every molecule. Job had not done anything to give Satan/demons a legal right to attack him. And if God allowed the devil to attack Job without any legal rights to do so, then why not today as well?  I’m well aware that a large percentage of demonic oppression is caused by personal sin, which then gives Satan a foothold (that IS a biblical term.(Ephesians 4:26).

I am trying to apply the fact of demonic collusion, and one application is that Job had not given the devil any legal right to attack him so savagely. But I wonder if he lived today, if we demonologists would secretly wonder what legal rights he had given Satan? We need to have tender, sympathetic hearts, and not rush to judgment.

Job was a mess…crushed to the core of his being. His friends initially didn’t recognize him-such was the comprehensively savage effects (physical and emotional) of this Satanic, collusive attack. People who are under chronic and acute demonic oppression are going to be ‘irregular’ and probably not be candidates for being on the cover of GQ or Better Homes and Gardens. They are often physically, emotionally, and spiritually crushed. Hence, we need to be patient and tenderly sympathetic when they express erratic behavior or rash words, as Job did.

But the bible insists that we not be ignorant of Satan’s schemes, which itself implies collusion, does it not? Scheming in this case is done amidst the demonic hierarchy. Pastors need to be acutely aware of how real spiritual warfare is…and not some hazy notion of occasional temptation. Collusion teaches us that spiritual warfare is to be taken very, very seriously by God’s children.

A healthy respect for Satan’s immense power and intelligence is needed if we are to see just how desperately we need to despair of any self-confidence, self-righteousness, or self-reliance. It will drive us to Christ, and Christ alone, as our deliverer from this serial killer of all serial killers. Just as an awareness of sin will cause us to cling to the cross, so will a deeper understanding of demonic collusion drive us to cling white-knuckled to the cross. We have put the magnifying glass on Satan/demons brilliant strategizing for one main reason—to put the spotlight on the beauty of the atonement. The more we understand Satan’s power, then the more we shall celebrate and weep for joy over the precious Name of Jesus. To quote Martin Luther regarding Satan’s massive power-“ …one little word shall fell him:JESUS."
Amen

Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.

Our Best Weapon Against The Enemy

Hello everyone I pray you're having a great holiday weekend and everyone is having some good weather to enjoy. I just wanted to remind everyone what I write here is solely my humble opinion based on cases I've dealt with the last 23 years and what events I witnessed my father conduct over the years. As a Reverend that" was part of the job. Not just weddings, church, funerals and Baptisms. There are different opinions in this which I respect. I just ask for the same in return.

The Word of God used in Spiritual warefare is our BEST weapon against anything evil. You need to speak it loud with authority and stand your ground. When they do paranormal things such as levitate cause things to fall, doors open and close, it is only to distract the person from casting out demons. Or they will do it just to scare you even more when you don't have anybody there to help. For example let's say you haven't reached out for help yet they will really start pulling out all the paranormal stuff to put fear out of you. Remember what I said fear is not of God that's all that it is just to put fear in you. Even just doing daily protection prayers..ignore anything paranormal and stay focused on Christ the Son Of Man.

Remember when I spoke of the mind being the enemy's playground? He knows all your sins, he knows the bible inside and out. Satan was God's favorite and beautiful angel (Ezekiel 28:1-19), that being said he was ONLY an angel, an angel created by God (Colossians 1:16). His name was Lucifer which means "morning star". My point is that these vile creatures know our every weakness and fears. I was once told by a client who under went deliverance that "I'd rather have dealt with physical pain the last six months then deal with the mental pain inside of my head that was being caused". He almost ended up committed but thank God they humored us today please try and he was delivered. If it had not had been committed most likely for a very long time. We are going around saying you're under demonic oh pression you never know how people are going to react or what they're going to say just can't trust people anymore.

The Bible makes it clear that there are demons, or evil spirits, in the world that interfere in people's lives (Ephesians 6:11-19). Evil forces, powers, influence the minds of individuals, bringing upon unusual behavior that the individual isn't known to do, changes in personality, unfounded illness that you know is there but no one can find a cause, suicide, inability to function normally. As a result of these forces, people can become a danger to themselves and to their families and friends. Even co-workers.

In today's world darkness and vampires and demons seem to be too popular. Way to many are out in woods or cemeteries trying to conjure up something "Like they do on TV". (A lot of people/them have not had "years" of experience. Just ask for referrals or references from recent and older cases so you can ask past clients of the group/person how it went or you may just find out they can't provide that info. Not all, but most). It's all about paying them and making money. I had to hide this part of my life for so long and since 2004 everyone has jumped on the Para bandwagon.

Most of these people NOT all just want to get on TV. They only help if evidence can be shared. There is no interest in helping people. Just popular haunted locations is what most are after. But not for the right reasons. Be careful who you use if you do find yourself in need of this special help. I see the same faces hopping from one show to another even now people who were just enthusiasts who would go to conferences just to learn more about it all of a sudden now I see their faces on flyers being presented as a "well experienced" psychic or whatever they chose to be. They will target someone who can get them acquainted to their get people/friends or connections. It's pathetic. People don't know who to trust. Its assumed you know nothing unless your face is all over flyers and doing interviews and events. So much knowledge out there dismissed due to lack of "being popular" just like high school isn't it? But there are many who are very sincere and knowledgable who can help or point you in the right direction.

With so many people obsessed with the paranormal and demon summoning, slender man summoning Believe it or not is leading to major crime now. Plus the crimes that happen as a result from a cold activity at times. To refresh your memory do you remember when I spoke about The two young girls who tried to kill their friend (age 13 or so) so they can reside with slender-man and his demons in the forest in a mansion? These girls weren't even high school age yet. Remember that shooter Jared Loughner's? Not the shooting here in Orlando this was another shooting. Google his name for all details. Anyway, police said they found in his backyard a altar with Satanic relics. Go to http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2011/01/makeshift-satanic-altar-found-at-loughners-home/ to see the photos police took of this in detail. The shooting happened a while ago so it wasn't anytime recently however, what's up with the Satanic alter it that have influenced him in any way? Possibly and possibly not. It's just something I thought was noteworthy to add to this blog. I know I have spoken of this before but like I said I felt it was note worthy for this particular blog to repeat it. What I can't help but wonder due to the rising activity..is it valid or is it because the rise in all the paranormal TV shows and all the new TV shows and movies lately have more of the dark type then drama, romance, etc.

So in conclusion please remember you are not helpless against demons or any evil forces. They know Christ wins, they know exactly how this plays out. But hunting them or helping people who truly have a valid demonic presence needs to be for the people that God calls into that ministry. It's not really a choice. I understand that what I just said can be subjective but just from what I've learned over the years and from other very knowledgeable demonologists, priests and Reverends. I can't imagine wanting to do this. You risk your mental health and physical health. It's not just a danger for the client its a danger for anybody involved. You lose friends and people will avoid you. Why go through that without having to do it? People fear what I represent & I've lost friends and most people have assumed Demonology means worshiping demons. I never even spoke of my work and this still caused long time friends to fade away. I was careful and I never brought it up unless they asked. It's not healthy to focus on this 24 seven it's healthy and only natural to have other outlets like fishing, skating, bingo etc... And when I'm out I don't discuss it. I don't think about it. So please never ever think there is no help or guidance out there because there is. I can be reached for general questions or any help you may need. If I am unable to help you I can send you to the right person who can or the person who was closer to you pending on where you live.

Written By Jennifer L Auld
biblicaldemonologist@gmail.com

Bigfoot Aliens, Catching Ghosts, and Ralph Sarchie

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

Sometimes there is truth to the warning of the ‘slippery slope.’ For example, the longer (and more people) disregard God’s Word about not contacting the spirit realm, then the further away from reality they tend to get. Once you begin ‘sliding down’ the slope of spiritism then a spirit of delusion begins to take over. The bible warns about a delusional spirit descending upon mankind in the last days. What were once vices are now virtues. Weirdness and implausibility appear to the deluded mind to be cool and even rational. There is a triplet of issues, amongst many, that I’d like to use as Exhibits of this slippery slope into folly/danger.

It is becoming increasingly popular to connect Bigfoot with Aliens. Because Bigfoot activity is often attended with UFO sightings, and because of the seeming difficulty to collect Bigfoot evidence, and because they are also linked to all sort of paranormal phenomena, some folks are beginning to theorize that Aliens are the origin and cause of this Cryptic ‘thing’. Hence, we now have a conjunction of two phenomena which used to be viewed as distinct.

This theory does take into serious consideration the very frequent association of Bigfoot activity with paranormal activity. Of course, many other Bigfoot researchers see them simply as a natural phenomenon….purely biological. But the weakness there is the inability to explain how or why Bigfoot activity is shrouded in paranormal activity.

So, in order to explain the phenomena, some researchers are looking to an Alien/UFO  connection. This may make sense to them but I think it is part and parcel of the delusional thinking…and the slippery slope.

There is an excellent site on Facebook called “Ancient Aliens Debunked”. I mention this because there is strong evidence that both of these phenomena are demonic. Once you ‘peer behind the veil’ of both Bigfoot and Alien sightings, the paranormal activity associated with both can best be explained by demonic activity.

Once you fully grasp the Angel of Light Principle, then it has tremendous explanatory power. Satan/demons can appear as ANYTHING….including Bigfoot or Aliens!

TWC has a TV show in which they claim to be the first team to capture a ghost. These guys profess to be Christian in their convictions. However, when they are about to pray the leader usually says something like, “Let’s first fist bump the Big Man.” A slip of the tongue? Given the widespread deficient understanding of God’s character, I’m not sure….I certainly would not want to speak that way of the Holy Lord of Glory—a God of consuming fire-- who is the creator and judge of heaven and earth.

Okay, what do we make of this unprecedented attempt to capture a ghost? First, they haven’t actually caught anything yet. I mentioned the slippery slope earlier. There are thousands of groups in the US, and numerous TV shows, which are devoted to validating or debunking paranormal claims. These shows are meant to entertain, and the law of diminishing returns begins to apply—need something new…something further ‘out there’. In other words, slipping down the slope.

I have to ask you this: what sense does it make to try to capture an alleged soul/spirit? What makes them think that a box—no matter how many bells and whistles it has—can contain a spirit?

Most cultures from the dawn of history up til today, are respectful or even fearful of these entities. They might try to repel them but not capture them!

On one show these professing Christians were convinced that the entity they were trying to capture was demonic. Slippery slope. What kind of ‘maggot in the brain’ type thinking would it take to even think of attempting to capture a demon? A spirit who is pure evil and exceedingly more powerful than they/us…it SHOULD appear as pure madness to try to capture an unclean spirit. Is it not against the spirit of the Word that tells us in Jude and 2 Peter to not show disrespect to Satan/demons? They are using earthly means to try to fight a spiritual battle.

It grieves me to say this but a powerful delusion has settled upon the paranormal community due to its persistently disobeying Leviticus 19:26; Deuteronomy 18.

I am acutely aware of my own failures and brokenness, so I don’t want to seem as coming across as harsh. However, if we have to wait until we are perfect before we are allowed to steer folks away from serious danger, then nobody will be able to cry ‘halt’ when they see someone about to fall off a cliff. Or down a slippery slope.

Ralph Sarchie. Of the many demonologists out there, he has been catapulted almost overnight into the center of a lot of attention. I have no doubt that Ralph is a godly man and anointed in his ministry. If you are not aware, he and his team are on TV as well.

My concern is two-fold: he believes in trapped spirits, and the manner in which he cleanses homes. It distresses me how quickly and capriciously he comes to the conclusion that some spirits are human. But once you step on the earthbound spirit slope, then you are bound to slip.

But of greater concern at the moment is how he, too, dismisses the command to not disrespect the diabolical. Whatever his personality or background as a cop, that must be brought under the Lordship of Christ. It is not uncommon for Sarchie to provoke demons by demeaning them or cussing them. I cringe when he calls them cowards and uses profanity in his provocation.

Speaking of the slippery slope, of the thousands of folks who are coming under his influence, how many other budding demonologists will adopt his profane provocation, or take it a step further? Once you cuss a demon, where will it lead to? Jude and 2 Peter warn us for a reason.

The way to avoid slipping down the slippery slope is to stay away from the slope!

Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.

Reasons for why I think we shouldn't use the word "Entity"

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

Words are powerful. The words individuals or a culture use can unconsciously impact a person's beliefs, even effecting their worldview. Much of this can occur on an unconscious level. The word that has caught my attention, and my concern, is the word "entity".It may be my imagination, but it seems that it's usage is growing in Christian circles that deal with demonology.For example, I read frequently on Facebook of an "entity" affecting a person or place. I dealt indirectly with this issue 4 years ago when I discussed who populates the spirit realm according to the bible. Also, if we don't know the answer to a question, we should not act like we do. And so when I see "entity" used, I realize that humility may lay behind why that word was chosen.However, may I humbly suggest that the bible is clear enough on what/who populates the spirit realm, that we do not, and should not, use an ambiguous word like "entity". When the bible is clear, then we should be also!

Take for example Matthew 10. In verses 1-4 Jesus is commissioning His twelve apostles for a short term ministry to Israel, which includes authority over "unclean spirits" (pneumaton akatharton) and to cast them out. In verses 5-15 Jesus elaborates on this mission, which in verse 8 includes the casting out of demons (daimonia). The point being that unclean spirits and demons are one and the same...just as Satan, devil, Evil One are synonyms.

What particularly troubles me is when I read that Christian demonologists (or whatever term you prefer) refers to an "entity" that is oppressing a family/place.Nowhere in the Gospel accounts are supernatural beings referred to as merely "entities".Jesus never cast out an entity....the disciples never cast out entities--they were very specific in that they were casting out demons/'unclean spirits.We need to use biblical terminology lest we introduce confusion where the bible is crystal clear. Word choice is vitally important.

Perhaps the main reason the word "entity" has become in vogue is due to the growing belief amongst some Christians that deceased human spirits can haunt (or possibly haunt) or oppress the living. I ask this gently but firmly--show me one place in the bible where a deceased human soul is oppressing living humans.(the Samuel account is not applicable to my question) I can say with confidence that there is no such recorded incident.Why introduce ambiguity where the bible is clear? Dozens of exorcisms are recorded in the gospels, and IF deceased humans could oppress us, then why are they NEVER mentioned?

Someone may reply, "Perhaps that may be true, but the bible does not tell us everything about demonology...so we can discern their presence with the help of the Holy Spirit?" I admit their are incidental things we can learn that are not recorded in the bible, but to say/imply that the bible omits significant demonological details is an affront to the sufficiency of Scripture, and elevates fallen human reason to the same level as sacred scripture. Now, do you not think that who populates the spirit realm is a very significant issue? Of course it is! Put another way, we must know our enemy and how can we be spiritual warriors if we are not sure who we are even fighting against? In human warfare this is certainly true,how much more so in spiritual warfare where our enemies are invisible (usually)?

Perhaps one replies, "Well, if it is human or demonic, the means of getting rid of them is the same." Again I say this gently but firmly, that comment is an evasion of the main issue--there is not a single incident in the bible in which a human spirit is said to have been expelled from a person or home. It assumes that the bible is not clear re this issue. However, from Genesis to Revelation, it is manifestly clear that there are only two kinds of beings that populate the spirit realm--good/elect angels and fallen angels/demons/unclean spirits. Appealing to Genesis 6 as primary "proof" of another kind of being existing today flies in the face of all rules of proper hermeneutics. We certainly never see Jesus dealing with beings who are somehow explicitly tied into whatever happened way back in Genesis 6.

Sure, there are differing ranks of angels and demons (cf Ephesians 6; Daniel 10), but that is all. In the US Army there are different ranks, but they are all essentially US Army.

The continued usage of the word "entity" is not helpful. Indeed, it is infusing confusion or lack of certainty where the bible is clear. A discussion of extra-biblical authority (eg pope) is beyond the scope of this article. Lastly, regardless of your experience, do you think it wise to "discern" the presence of a human spirit when--Jesus never did, and demons have thousands years of experience in knowing how to make Christians feel whatever they want?

Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.

What Does Demonic Oppression Do To A Person?

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

The answer I was given a number of years ago was this: demons oppress people by breaking them down physically, emotionally, and spiritually; often to the point where they are at their wits end…. or even end their own lives. The manner in which the demonic do this is limited only by their extensive, depraved imagination….and they are relentless. It is obvious that they get a perverse pleasure from causing a person or relationship to unravel. It is not uncommon for an oppressed person’s home to be a pig-sty….an outward symbol of inner, psychic dislocation; and they are laughing at both. I think of Jim Morrison, the poet of psychic dislocation, in People are Strange: “…women seem wicked when you are unwanted, roads seem uneven when you are down…” People’s perceptions become strange when oppressed.  (and under the effects of acid!)

In 1979 I enrolled in a three year Masters of Divinity degree, and afterwards was ordained in 1985. Once I put the books aside and got involved in actual pastoral ministry, I learned the following truths in a visceral way: ministry is messy, and hurting people hurt people. Both are intensely biblical. Though all Christians could benefit from being reminded of these facts of life, I wish to apply them specifically to those who have been called to help those suffering from demonic oppression. My daughter texted me tonight Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden…” Bone weary from sleep deprivation, and heavy laden with the effects of chronic and acute diabolical torture, we approach our clients at the nadir of their lives. It is so humbling to hear, “This is the lowest I have ever been. Had you not come when you did, I am not sure what I would have done because I can’t take it anymore. Thank you for coming to help me. Everybody else had given up on me….” To hear those words is humbling and precious, isn’t it?

Oftentimes family and friends give up on them because they don’t understand. To make matters worse, the average person I have assisted has been turned away by several pastors. And to top it off, many have been neglected, mis-diagnosed, or judged harshly by Christian demonologists. Friends, what are we doing? Physically, emotionally, and spiritually these folks are wrecks, which means they just might not be doing very well spiritually; their patience may be very thin which means they are short-tempered and angry; and they just might not live up to our standards of responsibility when they are struggling to stay alive. C’mon, how do we feel when we miss just one nights full rest? Try being a young mom who hasn’t had a decent night sleep in months because of being tormented by demonic shadows every night or possibly even being raped by these supernatural putrid perverts. Jesus showed his most tender and gentle side to those who had been beaten down by demonic oppression/possession…or those with had symptoms similar to it.

“Don’t mess with that case because he is nothing but an attention seeking king, and he gets angry at everyone who has tried to help him in the past. It is all in his head… He has gotten so good at faking it, he even has his wife and kids in on it.”  That is a composite of warnings I have received from folks over the years. I ALWAYS listen carefully, but occasionally I want to find out for myself…especially IF they are seeking my help—in EVERY case I’m glad I did (because it turned out they were wrong). You know the drill…certain people get a reputation, and soon nobody wants to help them. If you have uttered similar words, perhaps you need to remember what we have been talking about—the deleterious effects of demonic oppression. DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT WRITING SOMEONE OFF, UNLESS YOU SPEND THE HOURS NEEDED TO SIFT THROUGH THE WRECKAGE—AND COMMUNICATE THAT YOU REALLY CARE FOR THEM AND ARE NOT JUST AFTER DATA ACQUISITION.

Just a basic knowledge of psychology is helpful here. The nexus of attitudes and behaviors of the demonic oppressed is complex and unique to each individual. We really need to cry out to the Holy Spirit for wisdom before we dismiss someone. My point is this: the very things that we see as red flags in our criteria for determining those who are faking demonic oppression (attention seeking, anger, irresponsibility, inconsistency in memory, seeming exaggeration, and so on), these are often part of the complex of symptoms  that demonic oppression causes! Again, the very signs we look for in spotting the fake cases, are often the signs of a case being genuine! To put it simply, hurting people hurt people (we will get hurt), and I trust we all would agree that demonic oppressed folks are hurting. But often when folks display hurtful behavior we see that as a red flag, when it is the very thing we should expect from those experiencing diabolical torture. I am reading John Mc Cain, his autobiography, and he speaks of the savagery of his captors while a POW. The NVA and VC seem to know demonic tactics well. As I get older it is being impressed upon me of how madness surrounds demonic activity...sheer madness.

Why do we believe that demonic oppression breaks people down so comprehensively (especially spiritually), but then turn around and question: is their faith in Christ real or strong enough to do this cleansing successfully, when Jesus NEVER asked that question before he exorcised anyone? What of the power of faith the size of a mustard seed? Spiritually is where folks are hammered the worst. One can’t say everything in a blog, but certainly Jesus is the only means by which we can liberate folks. However, am I being a Pharisee by expecting people to clean up their lives before I deem them “cleansable”? It is similar to cleaning up ones act before becoming savable….which is a false gospel.

To be forewarned is to forearmed—expect folks to be tough to deal with at times. Sure we need to be discerning, and establish ground rules, but hurting people hurt people, and ministry is messy….especially this ministry. In the pastoral ministry I saw all kinds of evil and the effects of evil, but it did not compare with the relentless and savagery of the evil found in helping folks with demonic oppression. I bow before the Lord in worship for calling us to be co-workers with Him in liberating the captives. Please, let us be extremely careful that we not dismiss one of God’s wandering and savaged sheep.

God's Forgiveness

By Stephen Piersall,

God’s Preservation Ministry, sfprs.org       

     

Here are an amazing prophecy and promise from Jeremiah, a humble minister of God who had to watch the Babylonian captivity take place before his own eyes. God is speaking to sinful Israel (and speaking to you): "I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more" (Jeremiah 31:34). God Remembers Our Sins No More! Is God absentminded? Does he have heavenly Alzheimer's disease? If God is omniscient, how could he lose track of data like this? The answer is that God chooses not to remember our failures (a feat; we are not capable of). He can indeed forgive and forget.

You know all about the reluctant way we "forgive" one another and "Well; I'll forgive, but I can't forget!" Since we cannot forget, ugly memories keep coming back and draw out our inclination to forgive. This is one of many sins that we do so often and do not realize we are inviting evil into our lives. It is called a Legal Right. Clergy, Exorcists, Demonologists, and those in the Deliverance Ministry cannot no matter how many times they command it removed in the name of "Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!" ONLY YOU can remove this. You allowed it in your life through an invitation, and you are the one that can give the command to cast it to the abyss.

I can tell you the number-one reason for removing a huge burden in my life. It was when I forgave someone who has wronged me or perceived to have wronged me. I can give you a list a mile long; ex-wife, children, clergy, parents, friends, family, and the biggest one of all…ME! It is difficult at times to forgive, but know God commands it. It hurts when you forgive someone, say through an email, text message and the person does not even reply. If that is the case, then that person has now sinned against God. Jesus has taught us in the Gospels, of how we should treat each other. That is why I cannot read the Gospels enough times throughout the year. Even old dogs like me can learn new tricks; I always learn something every time I read them.

Do not pray about this with expectations God will bless you. Pray about this and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what you need to come clean about in your life. Just to have that burden lifted from you will help you have a healthier lifestyle. Pray about it right now.

What Does Demonic Oppression Do To a Person?

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

The answer I was given a number of years ago was this: demons oppress people by breaking them down physically, emotionally, and spiritually; often to the point where they are at their wits end…. or even end their own lives. The manner in which the demonic do this is limited only by their extensive, depraved imagination….and they are relentless. It is obvious that they get a perverse pleasure from causing a person or relationship to unravel. It is not uncommon for an oppressed person’s home to be a pig-sty….an outward symbol of inner, psychic dislocation; and they are laughing at both. I think of Jim Morrison, the poet of psychic dislocation, in People are Strange: “…women seem wicked when you are unwanted, roads seem uneven when you are down…” People’s perceptions become strange when oppressed.  (and under the effects of acid!)

In 1979 I enrolled in a three year Masters of Divinity degree, and afterwards was ordained in 1985. Once I put the books aside and got involved in actual pastoral ministry, I learned the following truths in a visceral way: ministry is messy, and hurting people hurt people. Both are intensely biblical. Though all Christians could benefit from being reminded of these facts of life, I wish to apply them specifically to those who have been called to help those suffering from demonic oppression. My daughter texted me tonight Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden…” Bone weary from sleep deprivation, and heavy laden with the effects of chronic and acute diabolical torture, we approach our clients at the nadir of their lives. It is so humbling to hear, “This is the lowest I have ever been. Had you not come when you did, I am not sure what I would have done because I can’t take it anymore. Thank you for coming to help me. Everybody else had given up on me….” To hear those words is humbling and precious, isn’t it?

Oftentimes family and friends give up on them because they don’t understand. To make matters worse, the average person I have assisted has been turned away by several pastors. And to top it off, many have been neglected, mis-diagnosed, or judged harshly by Christian demonologists. Friends, what are we doing? Physically, emotionally, and spiritually these folks are wrecks, which means they just might not be doing very well spiritually; their patience may be very thin which means they are short-tempered and angry; and they just might not live up to our standards of responsibility when they are struggling to stay alive. C’mon, how do we feel when we miss just one nights full rest? Try being a young mom who hasn’t had a decent night sleep in months because of being tormented by demonic shadows every night or possibly even being raped by these supernatural putrid perverts. Jesus showed his most tender and gentle side to those who had been beaten down by demonic oppression/possession…or those with had symptoms similar to it.

“Don’t mess with that case because he is nothing but an attention seeking king, and he gets angry at everyone who has tried to help him in the past. It is all in his head… He has gotten so good at faking it, he even has his wife and kids in on it.”  That is a composite of warnings I have received from folks over the years. I ALWAYS listen carefully, but occasionally I want to find out for myself…especially IF they are seeking my help—in EVERY case I’m glad I did (because it turned out they were wrong). You know the drill…certain people get a reputation, and soon nobody wants to help them. If you have uttered similar words, perhaps you need to remember what we have been talking about—the deleterious effects of demonic oppression. DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT WRITING SOMEONE OFF, UNLESS YOU SPEND THE HOURS NEEDED TO SIFT THROUGH THE WRECKAGE—AND COMMUNICATE THAT YOU REALLY CARE FOR THEM AND ARE NOT JUST AFTER DATA ACQUISITION.

Just a basic knowledge of psychology is helpful here. The nexus of attitudes and behaviors of the demonic oppressed is complex and unique to each individual. We really need to cry out to the Holy Spirit for wisdom before we dismiss someone. My point is this: the very things that we see as red flags in our criteria for determining those who are faking demonic oppression (attention seeking, anger, irresponsibility, inconsistency in memory, seeming exaggeration, and so on), these are often part of the complex of symptoms  that demonic oppression causes! Again, the very signs we look for in spotting the fake cases, are often the signs of a case being genuine! To put it simply, hurting people hurt people (we will get hurt), and I trust we all would agree that demonic oppressed folks are hurting. But often when folks display hurtful behavior we see that as a red flag, when it is the very thing we should expect from those experiencing diabolical torture. I am reading John Mc Cain, his autobiography, and he speaks of the savagery of his captors while a POW. The NVA and VC seem to know demonic tactics well. As I get older it is being impressed upon me of how madness surrounds demonic activity...sheer madness.

Why do we believe that demonic oppression breaks people down so comprehensively (especially spiritually), but then turn around and question: is their faith in Christ real or strong enough to do this cleansing successfully, when Jesus NEVER asked that question before he exorcised anyone? What of the power of faith the size of a mustard seed? Spiritually is where folks are hammered the worst. One can’t say everything in a blog, but certainly Jesus is the only means by which we can liberate folks. However, am I being a Pharisee by expecting people to clean up their lives before I deem them “cleansable”? It is similar to cleaning up ones act before becoming savable….which is a false gospel.

To be forewarned is to forearmed—expect folks to be tough to deal with at times. Sure we need to be discerning, and establish ground rules, but hurting people hurt people, and ministry is messy….especially this ministry. In the pastoral ministry I saw all kinds of evil and the effects of evil, but it did not compare with the relentless and savagery of the evil found in helping folks with demonic oppression. I bow before the Lord in worship for calling us to be co-workers with Him in liberating the captives. Please, let us be extremely careful that we not dismiss one of God’s wandering and savaged sheep.

Personal Care: After the Deliverance

By Stephen Piersall,

God’s Preservation Ministry http://sfprs.org/       

I am sure many of you will agree with me after completing deliverance on someone, you might be exhausted. Keep in mind too, that this is NOT going in and doing a Cleansing or a Blessing. There are and SHOULD be many hours of preparation for you and whomever goes with you in research; interviewing, reviewing questionnaire answers, doing a walk-through, fasting, Bible study, and prayer. Effectively ministering to the client, you should also be doing follow up to ensure they are; attending a local church, reading their Bible, etc. MANY levels of clergy, demonologists, exorcists, deliverance personnel that perform some sort of deliverance will end it right after they walk out the door. Follow-up with the client in Christian counseling is just as important if not more! (1 Kings 19:5-7) He lay down and slept under a juniper tree; and behold, there was an angel touching him, and he said to him, "Arise, eat." Then he looked and behold, there was at his head a bread cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. The angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, "Arise, eat, because the journey is too great for you."

The impact of deliverance affects every part of you and here are some examples of what to do and how you might feel:

Just remember we cope in diverse ways

Body is tired, no energy, eat a good meal to include plenty of protein to rebuild the body.

You may feel defiled, and unclean. Take a long warm relaxing shower or bath

Soul may feel empty, drained and vulnerable, variety of emotions, weepy, depressed, negative, discouraged; loss of desire for ministry, an attraction to fleshly things

Want to be away from people.

You may experience emotional pain, grief, and emptiness.

You may experience backlash or reaction from spirits or occult.

Your spirit needs to be refreshed and restored:

You need to learn how to refresh your own soul; do something you enjoy that takes little effort, go out for a walk in nature, fishing, swimming, etc.?

Play worship music continually.

Have time alone in the Word of God

Receive ministry by friends or intercessors

Have a good restful nap and most importantly get a good night’s sleep.

Stay hydrated

Read (Psalm 23:2-3) “He restores my soul”

Follow-up care for the client (things that come to mind):

Ministry in deliverance is often progressive. One visit may not be enough; in fact, more issues may emerge.

Notify Pastor of the Church they will be attending so follow up can take place.

Contact the person to find out how they are doing, do they need support or counsel?

Teach the person how to maintain their freedom, and how to deal with old thoughts, ideas, mannerisms, and habits

Seek medical/mental assistance as needed.

Develop a strong consistent prayer life, as a minimum first thing in the morning and before going to bed at night (1 Thess 5:17; Eph 6:10-17)

Read, believe and live by the Word of God (Matthew 4:4; 1 Thess 2:13)

Praise God in all circumstances (good and bad) and expect his blessings (Isaiah 61:3; 1 Thess 5:18)

Join a local church, get involved, and cultivate good Christian relationships (Heb10:24-25)

Make forgiveness a way of life (Matt 6:14-16)

Be alert for, and resist spiritual attacks (1 Pet 5:7-9)

The devil will try to come back and invade their lives. Submit to God, Resist evil, and draw near to God (James 4:6-8) “God gives grace to the humble”

Cultivate discipline and self-control (Matt 28:19)

Separate yourself from objects, places and relationships those are catalysts for sin or spiritual bondage (Rom 13:14; Acts 19:19)

Cultivate respectful attitudes to authorities in your life

Watch over your relationships; avoid those that draw you away from God’s plan. 

The Demon Doctors Credibility Shattered: A Look Into The New Age Of Ministry

By Ryan Harshbarger

Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

The self proclaimed “demon doctors” have been on my radar for the past month and the feedback hasn't been very pleasant at all. I recently have received information from four of their prior clients and all four have stated pretty much the same results of the doctors work. The clients all wish to remain anonymous, which I happily obliged too. The most shocking one was of a couple that were being physically attacked by unseen forces almost nightly. The families child was also being victimized by this malevolent force. Upon coming across the website for the demon doctors the family contacted them with hopes of getting their lives back, and reclaiming a shred of what they once had. After an hour and a half phone consultation the wife was told that “she had allowed several high ranking demons into the family's home” and that the demon doctors could resolve this situation for the family. Two weeks went by and the doctors arrived and did a quick walk through of the home. Mr. Hasankani went into a “trance like state” in the living room and told the clients that he was contacting the “Arch Angels” to enter the home and forcefully remove the malevolent entities. Several nights went by without any issues and then the family was right back where they had initially started, times ten. The anonymous client told me that the activity intensified so badly that they were forced to move from their home and actually had to leave the state. Unfortunately they didn't fully escape the evil and the new home began to become another war-zone. The wife immediately contacted the demon doctors to tell them about how the violence had amplified and that the once happy home was being destroyed nightly. Mr. Hasankani told the frantic client “that the family are all allowing this to happen, and there was nothing more that could be done.”

This seems to be becoming a trend with several other groups other then the demon doctors and this behavior should immediately be eradicated. In part 1 of this article I asked the question “are they doing more harm then good?” After speaking with several of their clients and reading all the feedback from the article, people like this are in fact harming innocent people daily. “Announcing yourselves as Dr's should be a crime and is very misleading.” Both gentlemen from this team clearly stated they have absolutely no theological degrees or any degree in social work or psychology. Yet they are doing something that is very dangerous not only to themselves but the clients as well. “Here's the kicker, you ready for this?” The client I spoke with as well as the other three were all under the impressions that these guys were actually doctors. Sad right? Yeah, I thought you would agree. Is it not a crime to proclaim yourselves as an M.D and offer services under that title?  

“This leads me to my next area of attack.” I'm noticing a lot of paranormal investigators are receiving online ordained minister degrees. If you have not seen these sites where you too can obtain one, then do a little research and you will be very surprised as to how easy it is to get one by just filling in the blanks. “I filled one out in less than 4 minutes just to prove a point.” When a person receives this piece of paper, “yes it does allow you to marry people etc.” However, it does not give you the proper tools or the right to start doing exorcisms and giving theological advice to clients dealing with demonic forces.” Every day I am getting info and emails about paranormal teams having at least one person on their team that is either an ordained minister or a demonologist. “This is getting way out of hand!” I agree that upon entering any haunted locations you should always surround yourselves with protection from whatever higher power you believe in. You and your team should always be saying a protective prayer or ask to be surrounded by the white light of protection, but just because you have an online minster degree does not give you the proper training to engage in spiritual warfare. “This is happening almost daily and that's the saddest part.” To me this is a total mockery of religion and these people need to be stopped immediately. There are certain individuals out there that are demonologists and have the correct education and training to offer help to those in need such as Kirby Robinson and Leon Wilkes, just to name a couple. These guys are the real deal and have dedicated their lives and have received the calling from GOD to take on evil and banish it. Neither of them have received an online degree in demonology or a fill in the blank minister degree.   

Clearly the demon doctors are not affiliated with any Church or have any legit theological background and neither does most of these paranormal ministers. Now, I'm not saying that all the teams don't have actual ordained ministers but for the most part “they don't.” If you read the Canon Law 1172 paragraphs 1 and 2 on exorcisms to any of these charlatans they don't even know how to respond. Do you all remember when orbs were the big thing? Times were so much more simplified back then, now its all about demons for some reason. With shows like Dwayne Claude's and Bob Larson's ignorant attempts to fool the masses, they seem to be resonating somewhere because demons seem to sell. Look, I've witnessed two legitimate exorcisms and witnessed a deliverance and it's most certainly not something you can learn from a website or by reading two Michelle Belanger books. The Church is not very happy with this recent turn these paranormal teams have taken and I don't blame them. Even if you do not believe in demons and you only recognize energy, then you can at least accept that dark energy is around us and it feeds on emotion and turmoil. The people that are going through this need real help. The last thing they need is someone using Harry Potter type wizardry to manipulate clients into believing that they are out of harm's way and leaving them in the dark. As a paranormal investigator you are inclined to help the client find resolution and guide them to the answers they need. These people are depending on you for answers, so the best thing you can do is get your team in contact with a local Church for proper theological guidance and help. Some Churches are a little touchy on this subject matter so do your homework before you go marching in and ranting on about demons. This way if you do happen to run into a very nasty force you have a pillar of faith to lean on and help those in need.

I shouldn't even have to be saying this but paranormal teams need to STOP taking on demonic cases they are only doing more harm than good. Is it going to take someone getting killed or seriously injured before this stops? Any guy that shows up in a trench-coat with a brief case, a Bible, a cross and a super-soaker loaded with Holy Water, chances are he's just a 46 year old guy that lives in his mother's basement watching one too many Paranormal State episodes. The world we live in now is full of so much stress, with the economy and foreclosures taking away family homes it's a miracle that most have held on to their sanity at all. If you or someone you know is being tormented by evil forces, be wise about your decisions and don't rely on teams that have the best website or someone that claims to be a demonologist. First contact the Church for help and understand the best a paranormal team can do is only document the evidence. This documentation can be used to assist the Church to better understand what is happening, but unless the the team has a legitimate Priest or access to one, do not rely on these teams to cleanse your home of demonic forces.

For those who guide these people are leading them astray; And those who are guided by them are brought to confusion. Isaiah 9:16