Reparations, Exorcising The Demon w/o Power, The Black State & Black Participation Liberation

 

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Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 18 ~ Nicki Minaj "Roman Holiday" Exposed

PARENTAL CONTENT ADVISORY

Some of the material that I will reference in this post is especially sexually oriented in nature. It is my prayer that parents will go through this material together with their children or minors and that you will understand that what is referenced is referenced in order to reveal some of what has been spoken at a spiritual level in effort to cure our families, neighborhoods and communities. Please reference this material freely and liberally and pray over your home, family and children that these demonic influences will not prevail in their minds. The victory is ours in the name of Jesus!

Nicki Minaj, "Roman Holiday" Grammy Music Awards 2/12/12

In what was one of the most demonic musical presentations in recent memory, entertainer Nicki Minaj  took the 2012 Grammy Awards to an all time  new low calling on her alter ego "Roman Zolan-Ski" to pull her followers into mysticism and demonic activity and to make a statement against religion and Christianity in particular to a world wide audience.  

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Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 17 ~ Nicki Minaj ~ Who Is Roman?

Recently entertainer Nicki Minaj claimed that she was possessed by an alter ego (DEMON) name Roman Zolinski. This is her video explaining who Roman is and why he is inside of her:

I can say that I wasn't aware of Roman's existence until the 2012 Grammys. As we can see in our second post on this subject, demonic activity was in full effect. The question is, who is Roman and why does he exist? I believe I may have some valuable insights into both of those questions. 

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Can Christians Have Demons? Pt. 2

Item 3: “The Devil Made Me Do It!”

The late Flip Wilson on his 1970’s ‘The Flip Wilson Show’ pretended to be a particular character named “Geraldine” who often uttered, “The devil made me do it!” That was comedy. Unfortunately, in real life many individuals continue the same theme.

We will have to acknowledge some individuals are controlled by demons and do what demons tell them to do, and even are possibly possessed of demons for real. Need I mention Jim Jones, who saw to it that he would kill hundreds in Guyana, and did so happily until the end. Then there’s David Koresh, who claimed to be Jesus leading the people of God to a new apocalypse and a bright new future. Then there are others such as Sherman Allen, and and Terry Hornbuckle who thought that the women of the congreagations were there for pastoral freak purposes instead of the salvation of their souls.

Then there are the more moderate individuals who, if they don’t have a demon, certainly spend their time listening to them such as Creflo Dollar who has recently said that Jesus was not God because Jesus “slept” and the scriptures says that God neither “slumbers nor sleeps”. Now, if that that doesn’t sound like a demon then I don’t know what does.

Many of us would all like to rationalize the actions of these individuals as the result of demonic infestations, because we really can’t fathom someone doing those acts or saying those things without being possessed by demons. We can agree that there is and was some demonic activity in all of what I just mentioned, but we must ask…Is all of that a result of a demon or just the defiled hearts of these individuals who love themselves more than they love God?

There is another class of demons such as Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy, killers that kill for fun or that cut off people’s heads, mutilate their bodies. Then there are individuals who perform certain sins such as drugs and sexual activities to the point where they damage themselves or others uncontrollably. Certainly demons are real and manifest themselves through people in many different ways.

Is There Any Personal Responsibility?

On the other hand human nature without Christ is just so atrocious that it has the ability to be demon like if lives are not yielded or rendered to God. It all begins in the heart of man:

Jer. 17:9-10 ~ “9-The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10-I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings”

Partially because of how we were born into sin and its effects:

Ps. 51:5 ~ “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me”

You see out of the “heart” flows the issues of life...Jesus stated that all these behaviors that are manifest are because of the wickedness of the heart, the "deliverance ministry" claims that it’s because of some external force of demons. Jesus claims it’s because of our dark hearts:

Mk. 7:20-23 ~ “20-And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. 21-For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22-Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23-All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”

And due to our condition of what the Calvinists have coined as “total depravity”,we have no self ability to make our hearts clean or righteous.

Ephes. 2:1-5 ~ “1-And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2-Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3-Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4-But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5-Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”

It is here that Paul in Ephesians says something interesting,(as always)He says in v.2:

"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience”

We were not only dead in our trespasses and sins but we walked according to the “prince of the power of the air” ie: the devil himself and the demonic realm. Some of us were nice, had outstanding moral values, were even assets to our communities but yet still walked according to demons. However, notice what Paul also says. He says:

“Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind;”

What we did in times past, was according to OUR minds and OUR flesh. In other words the devil didn’t make me do it as much as I wanted to do it and had the capacity and ability to do it.

Herein is the problem, when the Christian shifts the responsibility of their actions to simply a “demon”; they also relinquish any personal responsibility for their actions, decisions and ultimate carrying out of their thoughts. This is the deceit of “Pigs In The Parlor” and deliverance ministry in general. The devil can’t make us do anything that we don’t already either want to do or have a predisposition to do.

James confirms this thought out when he says:

James 1:13-15 ~ “13-Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14-But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15-Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

The best effort of the world is to minimize what is called “original sin” In an interview with CNN discussing the recent demise of Michael Jackson, mystic and universal consciousness guru Deepak Chopra expressed that there was no one who was born bad or that was born a sinner. He explained that these things happen to people (they become bad) but that everyone is basically good. Now that could be a lie of a demon, certainly it’s deceitful and untrue, but his sentiments exemplify the desire of the sinful nature to feel that it has no problems, that it is perfectly fine without God and that bad influences only exist outside of it, not from within it. Deliverance ministry denies that our nature is sometimes messed up without the assistance of demons and ultimately, that we need a savior, not because of demons (which are already defeated) but because we’re messed up and are sinners!

Whatever we are “drawn away” with belongs to us in the end. As with anything there are exceptions but this is the norm. We are first reminded that we are culpable for our own actions. Even if we have predisposition’s for certain behaviors, this is why we must be born again (John, 3:3) in order to do away with the old nature and order of things. What does the scripture say:

2 Cor. 5:17-18 ~ “17-Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18-And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;”

“All things” include and pertain to the spiritual wellbeing, welfare, life and godliness of the individual. Through Christ all things are accessible.

2 Peter 1:3-4 ~ “3-According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4-Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

Christians that feel that they have demons are not walking in full biblical council or the freedom of Christ. If one persists with that idea, one should make sure that they are first IN CHRIST because Christ will not live with a demon. Leaders that teach that Christians have and can be possessed by demons, or that attempt to cast demons out of already saved individuals, are leading followers astray and into false doctrine, heretical teachings and “strange fire” for which there is a penalty. (Lev.10:1-2)

Item 4: The Power Of Demons Are Defeated In The Believers Life

One thing we know, Christ has come to destroy the works of demons in the believer’s life. Contrary doctrines flourish where there is a lack of exposition of God’s word or mere misinterpretations of what Jesus actually came to do. Yes, we are all in a growing pattern but it should be a primacy for the gospel minister to both communicate the understanding of the true gospel. Contrary to Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen who believe that salvation was completed in hell, the bible tells us that it was ON THE CROSS that our enemy and his mignons were defeated.

Col. 2:13-15 ~ “13-And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14-Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15-And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

The enemy is already defeated because of the victory of the cross. The problem is that we have split service issues. Jesus said “no man can serve two masters” (Mt. 6:24, Lk.16:13) and the body cannot house both God and the devil simultaneously unless one is subdued and brought under control or cast out (Mt. 12:29, Mk. 3:27, Lk. 11:21). As stated the powers that were opposing the believer were defeated, broken and destroyed on the cross. This includes demons whether known or unknown. They have been “triumphed over” and this was done “openly” The “enemy” or evil one and his agents, both natural and spiritual, has been cut down when Jesus came in:

Ps. 44:7-8 ~ “7-But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. 8-In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.”

In addition we have experienced the freedom that has been “made” within us.

John 8:36 ~ “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

And given power over the powers of the enemy:

Lk. 10:18-19 ~ “18-And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 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.”

It is our ability as believers to continue to be made free from the enemy and not be entangled with his yoke and this especially includes his demonic infestations:

Gal. 1:1 ~ “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

Item 5: Are There Demons In Music?

We know from both observation and current science that music has an ability to effect the innermost part of an individual. However there is yet not a “wicked” C or a “evil” A on the music scale. So why does music have an effect the way it does?

Remember that when God created man he created him a living soul. (Gen. 2:7) This is a physical or material (body) and spirit (breath or life) union, which God calls “living soul”. Man is a physical and spirit mixture with limitations and extensions in both physical and spiritual dimensions. God gave man certain attributes which extend from himself. These attributes are called God’s communicable attributes. This is partially how we are in “his likeness” and “his image”. One of those attributes is the ability to communicate with feeling or expression. The ability to communicate goes beyond the material world and includes the spiritual realm or world also.

In other words we live in an open continuum that includes both the material and immaterial realities. Prayer is spiritual communication with God, who is a Spirit, (Jn. 4:24) from a material being with spirit ability, called a “living soul”. If we were not spiritual beings with the ability to communicate spiritually we could not communicate with God at all. We would be stuck and confined to the materialistic and naturalistic realm. One should be encouraged to come to or develop this understanding otherwise prayer would make no sense.

The “soulish” part of us is where the nonmaterial aspects of our being comes. (I won’t deal with tripartism which is a questionable teaching anyway, I’ll save that for a later writing) The atheist supposes that this is the brain or some mere meta-natural process. The naturalist denies the “soulishness” of our being and assumes that science will one day provide the answer to immaterial parts of our beings such as love, dreams and the ability to hope etc. Please study our post Antisupernaturalism & Miracles Pt.1 and Pt.2 for more indepth information on this dichotomy.

I propose that music to a great extent, is developed from the immaterial part of man and because it originates from a spiritual part has an effect upon not only the physical body but also upon a person’s spirit or immaterial nature. Music, though containing natural notes which don’t change on the scale, is directed and effective by what it intends to do.

Biblical example: King Saul had an “evil spirit from the Lord” that could only be eased with skillful harp and music playing (1 Sam 16:16). David however played skillfully upon his instrument and it drove the “evil spirit” away (1 Sam. 16:23) However a second time the music didn’t stop Saul from remaining in that “evil spirit” and trying to kill David (1 Sam. 19:9-10) Music does not either possess or relieve one of demons, but music can be directed to accomplish a function and is an effective nonmaterial communication tool.

Music can incite inner emotions for the better. This is what we call “happy music”. Music can make us feel sexy. This is what we call “mood or love” music. Music can make us sad. This is what we call “blues”. Music can make us feel like dancing and be sad and sexy at the same time. This is what we call “rhythm and blues” music. Music can also present demons to us and influence negative behaviors. This is what we call “holy hip hop” and “gangsta rap”- LOL. )(OK holy hiphoppas, I’ll cut you some slack. Some of your messages are good, methods questionable and debateable but that’s why we’re here right?)

Remember, Saints are not the only ones who communicate spiritually or by immaterial means. Sinners do also. If what I’m saying is correct, there are many individuals that create music who are controlled and certainly influenced by the devil himself. (Remember Ehesians 2:1-5) If communication can occur through immaterial processes through immaterial means, then the stage is set. Demons can communicate, subdue and seduce using music as a medium.

The fact yet remains that the Christian cannot be possessed by the devil no matter what’s on the radio, but the challenge to those who haven’t yielded and surrendered their musical tastes and appetites fully to God is that there should be an awareness that one could be entertaining demons and allowing them to influence you spiritually whether you are possessed by them or not. One cannot take fire into your chest without being burned. (Prov. 6:27)

Steps Of Musical Freedom

Sometimes escaping influences of devils take steps of faith similar to taking a journey. At times tearing up a poster, relinquishing a CD may be what it takes to make a psychological escape from the influence of devils that await and exploit weakness. However, one must be careful because it’s not the outside of the cup that makes one clean, it’s the inside where the change takes place. (Mk. 7:20-23) One could very well burn up all their CD’s as promoted by a popular minister and yet not be free of the influence of that music in their souls. One who found that out was Kirk Franklin who claimed to be addicted to pornography on the Oprah Winfrey Show. He claimed to have thrown all his tapes and DVD’s away only to drive back hours later to the same dumpster, get in and retrieve all his material. What does this say? Deliverance doesn’t begin on the outside, it begins in the heart.

Of one thing we can be certain, there’s no way one can say that artists such as David Banner as referenced in Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 8 is not either led, plagued or guided by demons based on the content placed within his works. We must realize that he is at least entertaining demons as he performs and develops ideas. This is similar to many groups and individuals such as the found innocent but still "Horny" R. Kelley and others that we have examined in our Hip-Hop Idolatry & The Church series on this site. However, the dilemma still remains, that many of these individuals are not claiming to be saved and those that are certainly don’t produce the fruit of that salvation. So that should tell us something.

So music can be a demonic tool for a number of reasons not to minimize the fact that the devil because of how he was created, has always used music as a tool of expression even in heaven before his being cast down.

If a Christian rejects sound council in this area, he or she will usually display that they have a greater problem than just music. Music is similar to alcohol and tobacco. They are simply doorway drugs that lead to greater destruction if one is not careful. Music can be a doorway and a pathway to immorality and immoral behavior. A better question would be, does the devil use music? The obvious answer to that is yes.

What About What We Can’t Reasonably Explain?

As stated, the reality of demons in no way empowers individuals to shirk or relive themselves from any personal responsibility, however we are in a very spiritual warfare and there is a spiritual reality that we face whether we know of it or not. The scripture clearly says that there is a spiritual dimension to our fight and struggle:

Ephes. 6:12 ~ “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

But what about experiences that are not found within the bible and that are sometimes difficult to reconcile? Some examples include:

• The feeling of “presences” that enter a room and you feel or may even see it.
• There are some who suffer from a sudden inability to move while they are asleep. Some have even been attacked in their sleep by beings that had extension in time and space. Many report that they feel that they were helpless to defend themselves and felt as if they were being pressed upon as they lay there and are unable to call a spouse or loved one for assistance.
• Other instances include sudden, strange and unusual pressure and urges to engage in certain ungodly activities.
• For some there are sudden blackouts and losses of time. Some associate these type of episodes with addictions, but could this also be because of a demon(s)?

Because we are in a dimension that is spiritually open, the unseen spiritual world can be revealed at any time. One thing is for sure. There is no safety in that world without Jesus. He has claimed to be the way, the truth and the life (Jn. 14:6) and that no man can get to the father except it be by and through him. There are entries into the spiritual realm that open the world of demons to us. No TRUE Christian follows those paths as they would be led by the voices of “strangers”. God leads the Christian and directs us into better relationship, fellowship with him and into protection from spiritual enemies.

A Word Of Caution:

In providing a writing such as this, I hope not to give the impression that the Christian can behave themselves in such a manner that they can enter into ungodly situations and be exempt from the results of demonic activity. Example: Ouija Boards are ungodly doorways and pathways to the supernatural and that will expose individuals to demonic activity and possibly even demon possession. The same goes for WICCA, Witchcraft, tarot reading, palm readings, seances and Voodoo and tattoos. All of those are demonic in nature and are ungodly practices that Christians need not be involved with in any manner. One of the seeming more innocuous items is the horoscope…Though it seems innocent, the horoscope can be used as a tool of the devil to bind and direct individual’s lives exposing believers to the leading and character traits of the devil himself.

In all of these things it takes submitting to God and resisting the devil and self-discipline. You have the ability to win that battle because Jesus fought it on the cross and won on our behalf.

Conclusion & Summary

In heaven judgement for reward is made based on what a person has done.

Rev. 14:13 ~ “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

Our works will follow us and judgement will not based on what a demon made or caused a person to do. All illnesses are not necessarily demonic, but we know that some illnesses cause persons to act abnormally. Some actions are chemical and even biological in nature and regardless of all that all actions can be made subject to the Cross of Christ.

1 Cor. 10:13 ~ “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

The saint has not been placed in a situation that they cannot bear. The Lord leads us besides still and peaceful waters. (Ps. 23) The Lord does not lead or expose the Saints to demons, neither is his power so ineffective that he cannot prevent a demon from taking over the physical body or spirit of the believer.

There is a solid case and evidence that demons, at times, possess individuals, but at no instance within scripture do we see believers either possessed or being possessed with devils or engaged in casting demons out of other believers. I believe that these articles have demonstrated the following facts:

1. The parallel between the “Temple” and the “body” is ineffectual and out of context, and therefore found to be unscripturally based.
2. Moneychangers were a part of the temple processes by need and were not why Jesus cast them out.
3. The animals that were being sold in the temple were there by necessity and the instruction of God and did not defile the temple.
4. The temple was defiled only because of the usurious practices of men. (Special Note: Be careful of individuals who condemn others in the gospel for their website, DVD and promotional item sales while they themselves simultaneously and selfishly promote the sale of their OWN DVD's and promotional items as if they are somehow doing something different than those they condemn ~ Those type of things are defiling to the body of Christ in general. If it's not demonic, it's certainly ungodly.)
5. What Christ has done on the Cross has broken the power of the devil and demons in the life of the believer who accepts Christ’s atonement by faith. In the life of the believer demonic power is broken at the time that saving faith is exercised and received.
6. The power of demons are destroyed by the work of Christ whether one denounces specific activities or not.
7. Spirits are not necessarily responsible for many personal behaviors. When demons are in the process it will be revealed plainly.
8. Man is a living soul with an immaterial spiritual dimension that must be subject to Jesus for personal safety and wellbeing.
9. Music can be a spiritual tool in the physical realm and can be used by demons to incite behaviors in humanity.
10. Games such as Ouija, and activities such as horoscope, tarot, seances, palm reading, tattooing etc. should be avoided at all costs by believers as those games and activities assist in opening spiritual dimensions without the protection of Christ.
11. A Christian or Saint CANNOT be possessed by a demon and therefore does not need to have one cast out.

This has been submitted for the edification of the Saints. I hope that it was as much of a blessing to you as it was to me going over these concepts once again. I’d love to hear your feedback on both articles.

Blessed!

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Can Christians Have Demons? Pt. 1

Matthew 12:43-45 ~ “43- When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44-Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45-Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.”

In 1973 Frank and Ida M. Hammond released a book called “Pigs In The Parlor: A Practical Guide to Deliverance” which has become a staple of what is called modern day “deliverance ministry”. Many Christian leaders have used this book as a “how to” guide in “delivering” other Christians from satan and demon possession in particular. The book affirms that a Christian can be demon possessed, oppressed, and demon cursed and that certain mental illnesses are actually cases of demon possession and infestation.

Unfortunately many of my fellow pentecostals ate up the Hammonds book (almost like pigs) and began to use it in their ministries, laying hands on fellow Saints, casting out demons and calling the ensuing bolus of mucus and sometimes vomit that came up, demons that were departing from the body. After all, the book said that mucus and vomit were signs of departing demons. Not only that, but the list of demons was so long that almost any behavior that one could think of was listed as a demon or as demonic activity. The Hammonds knew how to make the money and they tapped into a lucrative market in doing so.

Item 1: A False Biblical Premise

The whole premise of the book is based on the parallel between Herod’s Temple found in the New Testament and the “temple of the body” or physical abode wherein God (the Holy Ghost) dwells. The scripture records this:

1 Cor. 6:19-20 ~ “19-What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20-For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

The Hammond’s make the assertion that just as the Temple of Herod was unclean and needed to be purged by Jesus, that our physical bodies, wherein dwells the Holy Ghost, can become unclean and in need of purging also. Here’s an excerpt from the book explaining their foundational principle:

• “All four gospels record the event of Jesus cleansing the temple. This is an unusual picture of our Lord. He was filled with righteous indignation at what he found in the temple. It was no time for mere words; it was time for action. He began personally and determinedly to purge the temple of every defiling thing. This is an illustration of the cleansing of our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit, from all that is unclean. Demon spirits provide nothing good. They only defile. They have no more place in us than cattle, birds and money changers had in the earthly temple. We can act in the same authority with which Jesus cleansed the temple and rid ourselves of defiling evil spirits. Jesus did not make any pretty little speeches or debate with those who defiled the temple-he drove them out!” Frank & Ida Hammond “Pigs In The Parlor” 1973 Pg. 3

There are some pretty disturbing notions set forth in just that one paragraph. The premise of this book is not only questionable but also based on a false interpretation of scripture which I will demonstrate in this writing. If the Hammond's book had been read more critically, much of what we see from so called "deliverance ministries" wouldn't exist today. Some of the initial questions that should be asked are as follows:

• Is the Temple an apt parallel or type for the temple of our bodies?
• Were the sacrifices and the exchange of money the defilement of the temple?
• What relationship does the moneychangers have to our physical bodies?
• What relationship does any of those things have to our spirit or souls?
• Can a Christian be demon possessed?

Biblical Understanding:

In all 4 gospels it is recorded that Jesus overturned the moneychanger’s tables and scourged them for making mockery out of he house of God. In three gospels, known as the synoptic gospels, this event is recorded shortly before the passion of Jesus crucifixion. (Mt. 21:12, Mk. 11:15-17, Lk. 19:45) In one gospel (Jn. 2:13-17) the temple cleansing occurs at the beginning of Jesus ministry long before his passion indicating that Jesus cleansed the temple more than once and may have done this annually during his ministry.

Special Note: Moneychangers were essential in ascertaining the value of imageless silver coins “drachma’s” which were used to pay the necessary temple tax that was required at the Passover. This type of transaction was instructed by God for the upkeep of the temple:

Exodus 30:11-16 ~ “11-And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 12-When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them. 13-This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the LORD. 14-Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD. 15-The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls. 16-And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.”

The tax was the same for every individual no matter their personal wealth or status. Jesus himself honored this temple tax by paying it for he and Peter when they were confronted with it. The interesting part about that is that as a part of the royal family, Jesus was actually exempt from paying the tax but humbled himself to do so:

Matthew 17:24-27~ “24-And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 25-He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? 26-Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. 27-Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee”

The problem was not the tax or those that were selling sacrifice as many individuals would come and purchase a sacrifice as prescribed by law. The problem was exorbitant fees that were being charged. Fees ranged anywhere from 20% to 300%. This was extortion and profit making at its worst. Administration of the sacrifice was the problem and why Jesus purged the temple area. Not the sacrifices or exchange of money itself.

Additionally, scholarly consensus is that Jesus actions may have been in accord with Messianic expectation as found within Malachi 3:1 that says, “And the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple,”. Although there is healthy debate over whether Jews actually expected the Messiah to be divine, according to this Midrash interpretation of the passage, Jesus could have been acting in accord with Jewish expectation of what the Messiah would do. As revealed by the recording of this event by each gospel writer, there was an expectation that Jesus would reclaim the temple of God reminding the nation to turn to God in repentance.

Please note that these events had nothing to do with demons in the temple or temple courts as much as it had to do with wicked and evil men in the temple and the temple court.

“Unclean Spirit & Spirits”

The phrase “unclean spirit” is mentioned in 10 verses of scripture. (Mt. 12:43, Mk. 1:23 & 26, 3:30, 5:2 & 8, 7:25, Lk. 8:29, 9:42 & 11:24) at no point is “unclean spirit” mentioned as being the temple or a part of the temple. The term that indicates more than one unclean spirit, “unclean spirits”, is referenced another 10 times within scripture. These spirits would, at times, cry out for Jesus not to cast them out, or to identify who Jesus was (Mk. 3:11, 5:11-18, Lk. 6:18)

In fact the times that “unclean spirit” or “unclean spirits” are mentioned within scripture in no way is indicative of a problem with the temple itself. In Mk. 1:23-26 there is a man in the “synagogue” who has a demon that is cast out by Jesus. Please keep in mind even as reading this scripture that the “synagogue” was not the Temple. The synagogue was equivalent to the local meeting place to listen to scripture and offer prayers, but there was no sacrifice or expiation of sin done there, and there was certainly no buying and selling of sacrifices or sacrificial offerings. The only expiation of sin was done at the Temple itself.

Item 2: What Do We Find In Scripture?

In Lk. 13:11 there is a woman with a “spirit of infirmity” that is bowed down and cannot straighten herself up. Jesus “loosed” her from her infirmity with no reference to casting out a demon. Although Luke had previously used the word (daimonion) to indicate demon 2 times prior to this event. (Lk. 9:42 & Lk. 11:14). It is important to know that the gospel writer of both Luke and Acts wrote what many scholars believe to be one volume. Luke spoke, at times, in the greater context of the actions that the demon or evil spirit actually caused its host to perform. Acts 6:16 is an example where Luke says that there was a damsel that had a “spirit of divination” instead of a just simply saying that she had a demon.

Other references of demonic possession in the New Testament deal with individuals who were:

1- In the graveyard cutting themselves at Gadara (Mt. 8:28-34, Mk. 5:2-8, Lk. 8:29)
2- In the ‘dumb’ or speechless man (Mt. 9:32-33, Lk. 11:14-15)
3- In he ‘blind’ and ‘dumb’ man (Mt. 12:22)
4- At Simon’s mother-in-law’s home many “possessed with devils” were set free (Mk. 1:32-34)
5- Many individuals healed at the seaside that had “unclean spirits” (Mk. 3:11)
6- The daughter of the syrophonecian woman (Mk. 7:25)
7- In the child whom Jesus disciples couldn’t cast out (Lk. 9:42)

Peter “healed” those that had “unclean spirits”(Acts 5:16). Deacon Philip changed Samaria with his preaching and service causing “unclean spirits” to cry out causing the lame and those with palsies to be healed (Acts 8:7). Apostle Paul was confronted with a lady who had a “spirit of divination” which he cast out. (Acts 16:16-18) There were seven Sons of Sceva who tried to cast the demon out a man who had what the scripture described as an “evil spirit”. Because the Sons Of Sceva had no relationship with God through Jesus, they had absolutely NO success. (Acts 19:16) In fact the demon was able to overcome them quite embarrassingly.

The word “possessed” is used 15 times in the New Testament. With the exception of Acts 4:32 and 1 Cor. 7:30, “possessed” is usually connected with either a “devil” or as in the case of Acts 16:16-18 a “spirit of divination”. (Which effectively would be a “devil” also). Once again, at no time does the scripture suggest or intimate that the “Temple” was possessed or needed to have demons exorcised or that there was demons exorcised from within the temple.

There is no credible, biblical evidence that can be rendered to make the case that demonic activity was associated with the temple in any way, or that Jesus viewed the temple as a parallel or type of the body of the believer. As noted, cases can be made that there were persons who had an association with the temple (synagogue) and the Jews in general that had demons. In every case the demons were cast out and they were not in or associated with the temple in any unusual or abnormal way.

Are Demons Real?

Of course. There are a multitude of references as noted that demons do exist. Aside from the vast amount of scriptural references to the fact as listed above, I have my own personal experiences with actual demons and know that they are real entities. The question is how do they exist and what purpose or function do they have and most importantly can they possess a believer?

Limitations, Excesses & Restrictions

Remember, the premise of the book and the current hermeneutic of the “deliverance minister” is the discovery of the parallel between the Temple (place of sacrifice) and the body 9of the individual believer) as to indicate that at times the temple can be defiled and in need of purging just like a believers body is in need of purging from demons. According to the book, demons are similar to pieces of lint that may stick to you when you’re not looking or possess you when you are unaware. Further, according to the book and the belief of many “deliverance” ministers today, demons are not restricted to nonbelievers; they also have the ability to infest anyone including believers. According to the Hammonds and many modern day deliverance ministers demons can only be cast out when they are renounced:

• Trespassers (demons) can continue their unlawful practices (possession) until they are confronted and challenged on the basis of one’s legal rights. Jesus has purchased the believer with HIS own blood and has made him a steward over his own life. The devil has no legal right to him; it is up to him to defend his rights. No demon can remain when the Christian seriously desires him to go! “Resist the devil and he will flee from you”(James 4:7b) Frank & Ida Hammond “Pigs In The Parlor” 1973 Pg. 2-3 (emphasis added)

These infestations may appear in the form of habits, such as smoking, eating, drinking, an all sexual sins such as homosexuality, (which was featured by GCMWatch HERE and most recently by CNN) adultery, fornication. According to deliverance ministry adherants, demons can be the cause of excessive sleeping habits such as laziness, oversleeping, medically diagnosed sleeping disorders and even daydreaming. Demons could be in operation through excessive social interactions. They could be called things like “talking” demons, “walking” demons, “attitude” demons, “partying” demons etc. They even could exist in cartoons such as the Smurfs and other kids shows especially.

According to the Hammonds, demons even show up in the form of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, paranoia, and phobias of all kinds…There is the dreaded “stay at home demon” for those of you who miss church regularly, the “TV demon" for those who like to watch television along with the sub demons of football, basketball and baseball…all the dreaded “sports” demons that would need to be cast out before one could live successfully…There are music demons and spirits that arise from certain things like music to entrap even the BELIEVER’S souls.(we’ll touch on this in part 2). Then there are demons for eating disorders and drug abuse etc.

In fact, just about anything that you can do that is either enjoyable or not strictly focused on Christ or HIS word can be caused by a demon and could need to be cast out. There is an additional problem also; You, even after you’ve come to Christ, may have an “unknown” demon or a demon you may have forgotten about. That’s the one that needs to be cast out but won’t reveal himself until he’s confronted in a counciling session or church deliverance service and specifically asked his name.

I'll conclude Pt 1 here but stay tuned we're just gettin' started up on this one. 

Blessed!

Read: Can Christians Have Demons Pt. 2

Update 7/22/2011:

See Primetime: "Battle With The Devil"

Read more!