demons

[utopia]

hi, i would like to hear about people chasing out demons as i recently had exp froma recovery group that had a group sort of linked to it that is casting out demons and we did this process where we cast out a demonic spirit. and i went to it and it is strange as i have always had intution.. psychic abilities etc. there s a lot of satan this and bible references.

bit lost in all thie referencing to scripture, how can u take what u like and leave the rest in relation to the Bible if you say you ar e a Christian?

how you can say you are right?

saying you are right means something or someone is wrong and how is that NOT judgement?

more and more to me, faitha nd belief seems a personal thing and a paradox and that bible or no bible its in your heart that you get to know your creator even if through jesus christ, lord and saviour. ?

[cmc]

You bring up some good questions. Jesus is known to many in the world as a historical figure, a good man, a crazed political leader or just a prophet- but the bible teaches differently.

Going to church as a Christian is not like a 12 step meeting, where I take what I want and leave the rest. On the other hand if someone decides not to believe the bible...that is their right and that is their judgement of things.

The reason we have different denominations is usually due to different ways of interpreting the 'nonessentials' of the faith. These could be issues about baptism(s), prayer/musical preferences, literal of figurative interpretation of the bible and the list goes on and on.

The essentials of the Chrisitian faith center on who God and Jesus are, and includes God's plan of salvation through Jesus' death on the cross. The essentials are those things that all believers hold in common without diminishing the core truths of God's word.

As for demons...that too would be something to discuss with a pastor to determine just what a particular church believes about that topic- and I'm sure there are other churches you could try if you don't care for the one you are attending.

The only way I can find out if something is right or wrong biblically speaking, is to read it for myself.

[RJS]

As for the devils being cast out, it was(is?) done in the midst of greater purpose by very principled, matured and enabled people. Reveiling Christ, demonstrating His power and carrying the message.

[utopia]

my latest shift is that everyone has their own beliefs and mine are such that Jesus is still my Christ and Saviour but there are no demons in me. because of abuse i thought that something was wrong with me still, something evil in me. i now see deeper and how much my beliefs shape my experience and reality. that the evil i see was in the people who raped me when i was a child and this is psychological trauma. i dont take the bible literally. i cant keep putting other christians on pedestals. i need to pick myself up. i need to be my own guide. i need to look up to myself. because of jesus;s sacrifice, i beleive i no longer need to toil in my shame. i am saved by love and given the power to live. i owe myself that resurrection.