Victory Over The Darkness Part 1 - Archie Callahan

Bridge Church Virginia Beach

Deliverance: Open Doors

Core Value: Find Freedom

Scripture:
John 8:31-36 NIV - 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” 34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Intro: Experiencing freedom is a choice to hold to Jesus’ teaching.

The Bible teaches that although Christians are saved they can still be oppressed by the enemy…This happens through open doors in our lives.

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus said, "Deliver us from the evil one!"

- Why would Jesus tell us to pray that if there was no possibility to need deliverance from the evil one?!

”Demonized” (Umbrella term for all forms of demonic oppression, torment or even possession in the scripture)

1. Whats an open door?

Something that acts as an entry point for demonic entities to effect my life negatively. Satan has no authority to demonise a Christian unless he is given legal right to do so.

• Obvious openings (Ouija, Palm readers, mediums, tarot cards) (Deut. 18 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; )

• Drugs (pharmakea)

• Alcohol (Eph. 5:18 - be not drunk with wine but filled with the spirit)

1Peter 5:8 - Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

2. Trap doors

• Unforgiveness (tormentors Mt. 18:34, 1Tim1:20)

• Anger (Don’t give place to the devil - Eph. 4:27)

• Lies (The battlefield of the mind) Jesus in the wilderness - combatting the enemys lies and perversion of truth with scripture(Luke 4:1-13)

3. Close the Doors

• TV, phone, media, music (Ex. Rap music - changes your attitude)

Conclusion: James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

His 4 steps for practical deliverance in the context of a service:

1. Be sure they have repented - That is turned away from every form of known sin

2. Look only to Jesus; He alone is The Deliverer

3. Base your appeal solely on what Jesus did for you through his death on the cross, not on any "good works" of your own.

4. Be sure that, by an act of your will, you have forgiven every person who ever harmed or wronged you.

And now, "Lord, I renounce any evil spirit that has gained any access or control over me, and I claim your promise of deliverance. In the name of the Lord Christ Jesus."