Summer 1991

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Spiritual warfare. Oppression. Deliverance. The terms are laden with controversy and connotations of demons and exorcism, angels and the armies of heaven. These mysterious matters have become hot topics in many churches. Pastors often wonder what spiritual influences are affecting their counselees. The following four articles offer one pastor's story of an unexpected "spiritual encounter," another pastor's analysis of demonic influence, a third pastor's discussion of what needs to happen after an experience of deliverance, and a Christian psychologist's understanding of the relationship between conversion, deliverance, and therapy.

I'm sure my mouth gaped as the young wife verbally assaulted her husband. She screamed poisonous, vindictive words at him an octave above her normal level.

Although previously she had confessed these violent episodes, I assumed she had exaggerated. Now I witnessed the full force of their fury.

"You're a liar. You've been scheming with other women to commit adultery!" she shrieked. "And you're trying to turn Pastor Wayne against me! I hate you!"

I let her rage for half a minute, hoping the anger would spend itself, but it only intensified. I'm not one to immediately assume demonic influence. But now I felt we had to probe the possibility directly-her violence was so strong, the charges so irrational, the anger so deep.

First I had to break through the turbulence. I cupped my hands over my lips and silently mouthed the words, "In the name of Jesus, I command you to stop." I didn't say it loud enough for me to hear, much less her.

But something heard!

In mid-sentence her scream halted. She whirled from her husband and faced me head on. An icy stare chilled my soul. Her face twisted into a mocking scowl. ...

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