Rebuke first, ask questions later

[ReginaForbes]

I can't say that I've ever had to deal with full on demonic possession, but I have had times in my life where I was supernaturally challenged or I've felt a negative entity nearby. In all of those cases I follow the rule of thumb "rebuke first, ask questions later". If it's a demon, I don't play around. But when I see "exorcists" like Bob Larson playing around I think "Why is he doing that?!" He can't be for real- is he? If so, why is he dragging things out?

Has anyone else had experience with spiritual warfare? If so, what protocols do you follow? What is your opinion of people like Bob Larson? Also, do you have any stories in particular.

...and speaking of stories, here's one I'll share:
A couple of years ago I started teaching Sunday school. They needed teachers, I wanted to share God's word with children, so I went for it. The night after I accepted the position, I had a dream where a demon threatened me- that they would hurt my cats- if I didn't resign. As soon as I woke up from the dream I rebuked the demon, rebuked it's threat, and in Jesus' name commanded it to go back to hell where it belonged. I think God allowed the demon to threaten me as He knew it would only strengthen my resolve. Today I'm still teaching Sunday school and my cats are fine and dandy! And as an added bonus, it makes me feel awesome that the Living God has my back when I work as a soldier in His army to kick down the gates of the enemy.

 

[LovethroughDove]

I have experienced that most of the time the devil is not so obvious with his deception. Most of my spiritual warfare is fought with that kind of spirit against me. The only thing that makes a clear path for me is the full armor of God. Ephesians 6:11-17

To answer your question: It is a Spiritual rebuking as needed, and you know if it is needed......no question.

 

[chozen1956]

Well, I don't know who Bob Larson is, but I know what spiritual warfare is. I've had many battles with demonic spirits. God always directs these battles. He, through the Holy Spirit, directs me and I know when I know. Protocols? Not sure if I've been aware of any protocols. One time, I spoke in a language I've never heard or spoken of before or since. Once it was oil that caused the demon to squirm. But in all instances, it is the Lordship and power of Christ who does the warfare in the first and last place. It is He who works all things through me.

 

[for_his_glory]

The power and authority only comes by Christ using us as a vessel to work through to command demons to leave. The vagabond Jews did not have the anointing in Jesus giving them power and authority as in a sense they were copycats of the action of Gods power and authority as they did not know the power and authority (Jesus), but only used the name of Jesus by what Paul was teaching. They were not in Gods will therefore the demons leaped on them. There are many that are fake and use fake people for their own glory, but Jesus will profess that He never knew them because of their iniquity. Christ through me has used me a few times to cast out demons and it is nothing one wants to mess around with unless they have Gods power and authority working through them.

Act 19:13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
Act 19:14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
Act 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
Act 19:16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
Luke 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Anybody who wants to do even half way serious witnessing better be prepared for the demons they will stir up in people. I got so scared when that happened at work once that on the way home I said I'm done with witnessing. I got over it, but it did teach me to stop taking witnessing the gospel so flippantly. It's a serious life and death issue and you have to be prepared to do it, and endure the consequences of it. You do that by not straying outside of the extent of your calling to do that and staying in the measure of faith God gave you to do it.

The power of devils you stir up when witnessing is why Jesus said not to cast your pearls. Pick 'em up and get out of Dodge. Otherwise, they will trample them and turn and tear you to pieces. Don't mess around with things you have neither the calling, nor the power to deal with.