REVISED
This is a delicate subject to write about because many who received the Lord Jesus Christ believe they are weight and sin free. The writer of Hebrews is addressing followers of Jesus Christ said it this way: Hebrews 12:1 (KJV) 1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Since the cloud of witnesses already existed, he is saying to us today to release and let go of weights and sin so that we may successfully join the cloud of witnesses at our appointed time. The writer is acknowledging that we have weights and sins but he believes we can release and repent of them to live lives of holiness.
This notion that we are perfect once we receive Jesus Christ is incorrect if we believe the Word of God that gives us the remedy to confess our sins and repent according to I John1: 8 – 10.This scripture written to believers not to unbelievers. I want you to read it now so you can know it for yourself. 1 John 1:8-10 (KJV) 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Once you are clear that you and I yet carry weights and sin it is easier to understand that many who saved yet are burden with weights that they need deliverance. Contrary to many pastors who take offence to the fact that, people come to their church week after week yet burdened with weights. Many of these pastors carry their own weights and do not know how to be free from their burden. We know this to be true because of the hundred and twenty-three people that commit suicide daily. Just so, you know and understand that in America almost 50,000 people including some pastors commit suicide each year.
According to Jesus, we as followers of his do not have to be burden with weights. Jesus said this in Matthew 11:30 (KJV) 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Therefore, when we understand and believe His word we have to learn how to release our burden(s) to Him. Releasing burdens to Him done in some traditional churches when they have time for special services focus on deliverance. However, there are churches and centers that specialize in Deliverance Ministry. This concept based on the medical model of the general hospital, the step-down hospital and various rehabilitation units. The Deliverance Ministry in many instances looks like this model of the traditional church, deliverance centers and home church centers.
I believe regional deliverance centers are most effective if leaders come together to perform deliverance ministry by those anointed with the Holy Ghost, Fire and wisdom from the Lord. Mark 16:17-18 (KJV) 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. When Jesus spoke the above word, He was establishing I believe the concept of “Command Healing!” Command Healing happens when the man or woman of God takes authority in Jesus Name to command the weight or sickness to go.
There is in scripture this promise: James 5:13-15 (KJV) 13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. This type of deliverance calls for prayer with the anointing with oil in Jesus Name. This gives a promise that if you call for the elders (leaders) of the church (deliverance center) that the prayer of faith will deliver the person (s).
Over many years, I observed these deliverance centers several souls’ birth into the kingdom according to Acts1:8 and Acts 2:4. There are many people sitting in congregations desirous of receiving the Holy Ghost according to Acts 2:4, but have no one to take the time with them to receive the Holy Ghost as described in Acts chapter 1. I know the scripture illustrated in one place an apostle laying hands on someone and they were instantly filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak in other tongues as the Holy Spirit gave utterance. Unfortunately, there are leaders who deemphasize the Gift of the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in other tongues when in fact if they want to see the true power of God at work they most do it according to the scripture.
Jesus promised in Acts 1:8 (KJV) 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. This promise by Jesus has not been counter-minded anywhere in the New Testament, which means I believe every Christian that desires true power, or authority must receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in other tongues. It is a promised gift. You must ask for it. The demons, spirits of sickness and forces of darkness are subject to those who have the power of Jesus at work in them.
Now that you are synthetize to the deliverance concept, let us understand who needs it. It is either a need or a want to be free from bondage. The definition of bondage is anything that you allow to take control of your body or do to your body that brings harm, pain, agony and/or death. Abuse happens to believers and non-believers. Forces of darkness indiscriminately not care who or what they attack as long as they carry out the assignment of stealing, killing and/or destroying.
If ever we need to have an avenue where we can go and spend the quality time of worship, prayer, deliverance and healing that time is now. We have so many people going back on the Lord back to the world or other religious sects. Some people go to church week-after-week and leave miserably with no relief. Others are in relationships that they say God joined them together with their mates however most of them was not of God but there flesh. There are those dealing with emotional and psychological issues who will find relief from spiritual counseling and deliverance ministry.
There are some churches, which are using the Command Healing concept as well as the laying on hands to bring deliverance. Other places established to be centers of hope and deliverance no different than, a church set up similar to the step-down unit of the general hospital. The key is for these home-based centers and non-church centers to be alternatives for those seeking deliverance. There must be centers where people can go to receive the deliverance they desire and need without condemnation and ridicule. God so love the world that He freely gave His life that we are free from those things that bind us.
