Quote:
Originally Posted by Azzan
Psych ward. Ugh. Brings back some really bad memories of being locked up in them.
Hey Sam, since this thread is seriously derailed for the moment, I have a question for you. You mention visiting someone in the ward. I am going to assume that perhaps you have done this more than once in your ministry (I realize that visiting a psych ward and ministering in one does not make you an expert by any means). Just curious if you think people end up there more often because of imbalances in their brain chemistry and/or emotional distress or because of spirits and demonic posession?
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both.
This young man committed himself because of having suicidal thoughts.
He is addicted to pain killers, not because of relief from pain but because of the high he gets from them. He also has an alcohol problem. He has made a commitment to Jesus years ago. He has struggled with alcohol and drugs for over 10 years.
I don't really like the term "demon possession." The word in the Greek NT is "demonized" but because of the customs and understanding in England when the Bible was translated into English we have the term "demon possessed" in our Bible. I believe satan and his angels/demons can influence/demonize anyone, even Christians. I believe Jesus within us is greater than any power of satan and his angels outside of us and is greater than our old nature which we are born with and will carry until we are glorified/raptured/resurrected.
I believe groups like AA and NA are very effective in helping people with alcohol and drug problems. I believe that God is at work in those groups even though people don't even know His name but they do admit their own weakness and helplessness and their need for "A Higher Power." I believe God is so loving and anxious to help us that He will do it even if we never know Him as anything other than "The Higher Power."
I also believe medication and therapy are God given helps in treating any diseases --mental, emotional, physical, etc.
When we pray for people we rebuke satan in Jesus name. We also pray for them to stand against satan in the power of the name of Jesus, in the power of the blood of Jesus, and with the help of Jesus Christ living within them.
We tell people we pray for that they have an advantage over others in AA or NA because they know that the Higher Power is Jesus and He lives in them.