Okay, just to clear things up let me set something straight:
when the term 'possessed by a demon' is used in relation to Bob Larson's ministry, it does not mean that the person is mentally unsound--the vast majority of the people that the ministry deals with are perfectly sane, and they come to Bob willingly for help with their spiritual problems. Perhaps the term 'possession' isn't even the right word to describe most cases; but no matter how it causes them to act, if someone's life is being influenced by the demonic then they are in need of spiritual deliverance.
SoccerLOTR wrote:Amethystic wrote:Well if there's anyone who takes demonic power seriously, it's Bob Larson; as I said before, he's performed thousands of exorcisms, and nobody on earth knows more about exorcism than he does.
That's quite a statement to make. Nobody on earth? Perhaps no one as publicly, but the earth is pretty big and has a lot outside of common knowledge. Not to mention...thousands? I think we are putting way too much stock in a mere man here and not enough glory is going to God here.
I guarantee you, nobody alive on earth knows more about this than Bob Larson. And yes, thousands--no exaggeration. He does them multiple times a week, if not on an almost daily basis. And Bob absolutely gives all the glory to God--deliverance is never about our strength, but Jesus' strength, which He has given to us as His followers to use for His glory. In the exorcism business, posers will always crash and burn in the end.
SoccerLOTR wrote:Amethystic wrote:And though exorcisms do often take a long time, there are far more effective ways to cast out demons than what was just described--did the pastor try to identify the legal right that the demon had to the man? The renunciation of sins and generational curses is usually necessary to get the demon out. If you don't remove the spirit's right to the person, they still have something to cling onto and they won't leave.
Show me where in the Bible it explains this. Show me in the Bible ANYWHERE it describes Bob Larson's techniques and theories. And he says most of the corruption in the world is caused by demons? How 'bout sin? Personal responsibility for faults and needing forgiveness from God? Where does all that come in?
Well as I said before, much of the Gospels (and the book of Acts) deals with the confrontation of the demonic--this and greater we'll do in His name, correct? And Bob (and other ministers who have been trained by him) constantly make reference to God's Word--the Bible is both a mighty sword and a crucial law book. The Bible--the Word, Jesus--is always held up as the ultimate authority.
I read those links, and honestly, I think those people are totally and completely wrong about him. And even if his ministry was flawed, it would in no way affect my belief in spiritual warfare--it has been tried and tested, and time and time again I've seen Bob's teaching prove itself to be true. The healing of illnesses, the restoration of psychological and spiritual wellness, the complete changing of lives--these are real people, some of them I know personally, who are involved in this ministry on both giving and receiving ends, doing the same things Bob does on a local level, year round and without charge. Sure, I hear the skeptics and the exposés, but when you've seen God's spiritual reality unfold in your life it's pretty hard to argue with the evidence right in front of you. I believe in the power of Christ with all my heart, and I believe that he's powerful enough to enable His people to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out devils, just like it says in the Bible.
odysseyfan1 wrote:Um, OK. It sounds cool.
But, um, shouldn't reality TV shows be...you know...REAL???
If you don't like watching Bob on TV, see if he's making a local appearance near you.
And if you don't believe that the person really has a demon, just contact a local ministry group associated with him and ask if they've seen any demonic manifestations lately.
Parker Family wrote:Like I said, I don't know that much about Bob Larson so won't really comment on him. However, I do know that most teenagers are still trying to find there place in the world and still are trying not emotional and spiritual ready (myself included). Not trying to brag, but I might know more about this then an average adult Christian; and even then, I know very well that I'm not ready. Demons can attack the exorcist using the exorcist's weakness and therefore, if the exorcist isn't spiritually ready, not only does it keep the demon from leaving, but also hurts the exorcist himself.
About fasting, I think the pastor next door (who moved away last year) fasted every time before he casted out a demon; he would pray and fast the whole day and then he would go do his job.
When filming on this subject, I think it is important to know why the person is filming it. For entertainment? Glory? I'm completely opposed to reasons such as that; especially since the Western Culture is so secular. There is no reason to show it to them. On the contrary, to teach pastors on such topics, then I'm all for it.
I recommend you reading or watching some of his materials sometime, if you can. (Though alas, I haven't seen much of anything about him on Youtube.
) If the exorcist is walking with the Lord and using their God-given defenses (one can spiritually 'bind' a demon on the basis of Ecclesiastes 4:12's threefold cord--hey, if it works, it works) then no, the demon can't hurt them. If they're not right with God, however, like the seven sons of Sceva, then those demons won't be inclined to follow their commands, and may lash out.
Yes, most Christian teenagers couldn't handle an exorcism; mainly because if they saw a real exorcism they'd be running away with their tail between their legs.
Just like anyone who ventures into this arena, young people need to have their heart right with God and follow the boundaries that are in place, but age alone should not be a disqualifier in this arena. If there's a teenager who's at a place where they're spiritually equipped to tackle this area of ministry, then I think they should go for it. (With the proper supervision and permission, of course.)
And I agree, it would be great if pastors across the country began learning this stuff--except most of them refuse to acknowledge the prevalent reality of the supernatural influence in our day-to-day lives. The modern church of North America has largely rejected this movement of God--much like how other great Christian movements have been rejected by the majority throughout history. But the church got their chance, so now the message is being taken to the people who are open to it: those who have no where else to go and those who are unable to deny that the demonic exists--i.e., churches in less privileged countries and the secular world. Those in places like Latvia and Russia especially won't take any pretty words and hotshot promises--either you show them the power or they won't believe you.