The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity

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Of the seven deacons, both Stephen and Philip performed great wonders and signs (Acts 6:8;
8:6), some of them being healings and some exorcisms (Acts 8:7). Later Paul and Barnabas
performed signs and wonders in Iconium (Acts 14:3), and on his second missionary journey Paul
cast out the evil spirit of clairvoyance from the slave girl (Acts 16:16-18). “The apostles performed
many miraculous signs and wonders among the people . . . and they brought their sick and those
tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed” (Acts 5:12,16). God did extraordinary
miracles through Paul. Handkerchiefs and aprons that touched him were taken to the sick, and
their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them (Acts 19:11-12).
Symptoms of Demonization
John Wimber gives the following list of symptoms for demonization. He is careful to point
out that the presence of one or more of these symptoms indicates the possibility, though not the
necessity, that the person is demonized. Many symptoms that may look demonic are not
necessarily so. Most people who claim they are demonized are not.
1. Contorted physical reactions, especially when the power of the Holy Spirit is present,
as in a worship service or prayer meeting.
2. Addiction to drugs or alcohol (which in reality is also a drug).
3. A problem with compulsions such as eating disorders, lust, fornication, pornography,
masturbation, homosexuality, stealing, murder, lying, or suicide.
4. Bondage to emotions such as fear, depression, anxiety, and rage.
5. Bondage to sinful attitudes like self-hatred, unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, and
contempt.
6. Chronic physical sickness, especially sicknesses that have been in the family for
several generations.
7. A history of occult involvement.
8. A disturbed family history involving, for example, incest, alcoholism, and various
forms of child abuse. 39
Michael Scanlan and Randall Cirner, in their book, Deliverance, describe four types of
deliverance. The first is the mild form which is personal and self-deliverance, “where bondage is
broken by the individual apart from a special ministry session.” 40 Wimber suggests the following
steps for those who suspect a personal problem (mild form) with demons.
1. In faith turn to Christ, committing every area of your life to His lordship.
2. Confess and renounce the area of sin and temptation with which you are having
difficulty.
3. Take on the authority and power that is rightfully your in Christ and command any
spirits that you sense are present to leave. This may be done with a simple prayer like: