What God Says...

Rom 10:17  So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Act 17:11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 

First of all let us establish some facts. In the "deliverance ministry" there are basically two main entities to deal with - Satan and his demon(s) and/or  "generational curse(s)". Both need an outside person to administer the deliverance.  This is how Jesus summed up his ministry and it should be ours as well;

The Bible however, does not talk of a specific "deliverance ministry", but rather that these sign shall follow those who believe....

Mar 16:17-18  And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." 

That is not to say that we do not need equipping. Definitely so. A brand new Christian is not likely to move ahead in knowledge and wisdom although he might have an incredible faith. It’s like you might be a great pilot and have an abundance of enthusiasm in reaching your destination, but all the enthusiasm in the world will not help if you fly by the wrong chart. Like I heard the other day; "A genius without a road map will get lost in any country"

So, there needs to be equipping and the "road map" is God's Word.

Paul says that God gave these; apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to equip the saints for the work of the ministry...

Eph 4:11-12  And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12  for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,... 

2Ti 2:2  And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 

2Ti 2:15  Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

Here is what a few leaders have to say (as quoted from Miles J. Stanford Jan 1992);

Question: "Can Christians be demonized (possessed by a demon)?"

Dr. Kurt Koch - "American theologians say 'no', but those of us who have had experience with the demonized say 'yes'."

Question: "Is it possible for a Christian to be demonized?"

Mrs. Jessie Penn-Lewis - "Without hesitation, Yes. For if you have proved it in your own experience, you have no other answer to give...."

Question: "Does it say in the Bible that demons can enter Christians?"

Evan Roberts (emotionally ill leader of the Welsh Revival) - "There is no specific instance given in scripture that Christians can be possessed by demons, but the principle is there; and you can understand the principle by experience". (The Overcomer, 1912)

Red lights are flashing all over the place!!

Since when can anyone arbitrarily make a doctrine out of something they experience without clearly backing it up with the written Word of God, which is our only source for a solid and sure foundation. If so, then we are making our own individual experience the foundation for teaching human "christian" philosphy.

The other day I was actually told by someone who is actively involved in the "deliverance ministry" that Peter was posessed by a demon when Jesus addressed Satan;

Matthew 16:23: But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get behind me, Satan: thou are an offence to me: for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.

Just previous to that, Jesus asked the disciples a question and Peter was the one who gave the answer and Jesus made a statement about Peter and his confession. It certainly does not sound like Peter was demon posessed does it?;

Reading something into scripture that is not there is common, to underpin ones opinion. Peter was conserned about Jesus' life and was protective, but did not know that Satan used his words to try to get to Jesus and prevent him from going to the cross. That's a far cry from saying that Peter was posessed by a demon!!

In the "deliverance ministry", people who believe that a Christian can be indwelled (possessed) by a demon may very well confuse a Christian with one that is not. One that is just talking and acting like one. Hence a "christian" can have a demon. Just like the one in Matt. 12:43-45 who was not a believer and the end was worse that the beginning. We will touch on this later.

Listen to what Paul says about being deceived into believing someone is a Christian when he is not......

2Co 11:13-15  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14  And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. 

Here is an example of a research done by Barna Research Group; 

In this study born again Christians are not defined on the basis of characterizing themselves as "born again" but based upon their answers to two questions. The first is "have you ever made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in your life today?" If the respondent says "yes," then they are asked a follow-up question about life after death. One of the seven perspectives a respondent may choose is "when I die, I will go to Heaven because I have confessed my sins and have accepted Jesus Christ as my savior." Individuals who answer "yes" to the first question and select this statement as their belief about their own salvation are then categorized as "born again."

The question that demands an answer is whether these questions qualifies the persons knowledge and understanding of who Jesus is. The Bible clearly explains that we must believe He is the Son of God and that He died for our sins. It seems that a great percentage of the people that answered Yes did not have a clue as to what that really meant. Just look at their answers to these questions in this study;

BELIEF	Born Again	All "Christians"
The Bible is totally accurate in all of its teachings. (2005)	86%	63%
Personally have a responsibility to tell other people their religious beliefs  (2005)	77%	51%
My religious faith is very important in my life (2004)	98%	52%
Satan is not a living being but is a symbol of evil (2005)	46%	-
if a person is good enough they can earn a place in Heaven.(2005)	33%	-
while he lived on earth, Jesus committed sins, like other people(2005)	28%	42%
Believe in  moral absolutes (2002)	32%	15%

 
Not one single 100% among the whole bunch???  Not only that, but from the answers to some of the questions, you would wonder if these people are really born again by the Spirit. So much for being categorized as being born again!

So, again I would reiterate - when encountering spirits or demons in so-called “Christians”, they are not born again Christians at all. We live in a the western world where a lot of people call themselves Christians that are not. Certainly at election time it’s popular to affiliate with Christianity to get their votes.

Some years back we participated in something called Evangelism Explosion. We went in pairs from house to house and did a survey and one of the questions we asked was; “Do you believe you will go to heaven when you die?”  Most people said yes. When we asked why God should let them into heaven most people started to qualify themselves by good deeds, being a good person etc.

One Sunday afternoon sitting and reflecting on this after lunch a rather blunt sentence dropped into my mind: “Don’t take Heaven for granted, you could be in for a Hell of a surprise”  I think that says it plainly.  But a lot of people still do and call themselves Christians.

Again, a “believer” or a “Christian” may not be that at all. What is needed among born again Christians and specifically those in governing ministry is discernment. Just look at Ananias and Sapphira. They took on an appearance of being part of the Christians. However, look what Peter says to Ananias;

Act 5:4  While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." 
Act 5:5  Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 

Peter discerned what was wrong. Do the ministers of the Gospel today do the same? Maybe if we did, there would be more fear of God in our midst, leading people to repentance.

Here is another example of pretending. Simon the sorcerer was even baptized. He believed because he saw the miracles. Believed what? That there was power behind what Philip was doing. Except Simon was a businessman. He looked for an opportunity to make money with this. Just follow the story;

Act 8:13-23:  Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.  17  Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.  18  And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,  19  saying, "Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit."  20  But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!  21  You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.  22  Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.  23  For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity." 

This is how Neil T. Anderson explains how The Holy Spirit and a demon can both inhabit a believer;

He is very careful with his words here, using "influence" and "partial control" rather than possession or demonizing. However it is clear what he means by trying to prove that the devil and the Holy Spirit can inhabit the same space (or place). Trying to bring validity to his position he is referencing another author to try to convince you rather that bringing forth compelling evidence from the scripture. 

According to Anderson the god of this world (Satan) and the Holy Spirit occupies a place in our atmosphere and on that basis he draws the analogy that Satan and the Holy Spirit can also co-exist in a human (Christian person's) body.

First of all the atmosphere is a confined created space around the earth that makes us able to live and breathe and it is absolutely ludicrous to think in such limited fashion when we are talking about the God of the universe. We only see the dark part of God's entire Domain, the part that has to be illuminated by the Sun. The earth and its atmosphere is just a dust particle in His unfathomable domain.

God the Holy Spirit is Omnipotent.  However Satan is not. Remember he was cast out of heaven and down to earth (see ref. scriptures below). He is limited to the earth and its spheres. Besides, that's all he's interested in, since that's where the people are whom he is trying to deceive. What did Satan answer when God asked him where he's been? 

Job 1:7  And the LORD said to Satan, "From where do you come?" So Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it."

We know that Satan was cast out of heaven and down to earth. That he can communicate with God does not mean he has access to God's specific Holy domain in Heaven. 

Just as God instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle with three distinct compartments. First there was the Court where all the people of Israel were in, then within that was the Holy Place for the priests and within that the Holiest of Holy where only the High Priest was allowed in once a year to sacrifice for the sin of the people. Outside the Tabernacle was the world. God obviously fills the entire universe and the devil is allowed to exist in the earthly realm, just as unholy mankind are allowed to exist on earth until judgment day. It says in Job that he (the devil) presented himself before the Lord. 

Job 1:6  Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. 12  ........So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. 

Furthermore, the Temple throughout the Old Testament was the Temple of God. It was a confined place that was HOLY, not accessible for the gentiles. It was the ungodly and unrighteous and those who practiced evil that defiled the Temple. We are told that our body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit and as a Christian - a born again believer, we are the Temple of The Holy Spirit - ONLY!

1Co 6:19  Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 

Eph 6:12  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 

Isa 14:12-13  "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! 13  For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; 

Luk 10:18  And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven". 

Rev 12:9  So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 

Rev 12:12  Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time." 

1Co 6:19  Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 

2Co 6:14-15  Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15  And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16  And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. 17  Therefore "COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM AND BE SEPARATE, SAYS THE LORD. DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN, AND I WILL RECEIVE YOU." 

1Co 3:17  If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. 

Act 21:28  .......and furthermore he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place."

Mar 11:15-17  So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 16  And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. 17  Then He taught, saying to them, "Is it not written, 'MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL NATIONS' ? But you have made it a 'DEN OF THIEVES.'" 

Believing in the unsubstantiated notion that a born again believer that has been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ can have a demon dwelling within him in the TEMPLE where the Holy Spirit abides is rather absurd.

To believe that it is because of a demon that a Christian have a certain problem is kind of convenient and in total line with the age of instant gratification. Just get delivered and your problems are over! whola! Just a quick fix and no more battles to worry about! Besides it makes for good “Christian” business and sells a lot of books and other material on the subject. The “fix” is in my book!! No personal responsibility, discipline or effort to change.

Reality tells me it's not quite that simple. Rather we as Christians are fighting battles with our own Flesh (within), the World (influence) and the Devil (throwing fiery darts at us Eph 6:16).

We are told that we are in a warfare aganst spiritual wickedness and as Christians we are all engaged and we must be "dressed" accordingly...

Ephesians 6:11,12: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Remember the man who was delivered from a demon. It was empty and swept and  seven more demons came and made it worse. Do you think for one moment that the unclean spirit would have entered the man if the Holy Spirit had been there??
He had access because there was no Holy Spirit there. It was EMPTY!

Mat 12:43-45  "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. 44  Then he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. 45  Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation." 

Rom 8:9  But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 

James explains who is responsible for giving in to temptations;

Jas 1:14-15  But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15  Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 

Pro 9:12  If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. 

Believing there can be a demon and the Holy Spirit within us at the same time, one would wonder how much of each to make any part win the battle. At 50/50 it would be a standoff. 60/40 partial victory? At what point would the demon leave? At what point would the Holy Spirit leave? And why would anyone need human help ("deliverance ministry") to get rid of the demon, since the Holy Spirit is there, who is far more powerful. Besides God says very clearly that greater is he that is IN YOU, that he that is IN THE WORLD;

When Jesus cast out a demon or healed someone, he said; "sin no more". In other words there had to be a change and it was up to the individual to be responsible for that change. 

Here is a clear example of how the Holy Spirit and the evil spirit cannot be in the same vessel at the same time. Only when God's Spirit left, was the evil spirit sent.

When the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, The Lord sent an evil spirit to trouble him. Then when David played, the evil spirit departed. The next time it happened, David played as usual, but Saul had a javelin in his hand.

After the Spirit of God had departed, the evil spirit came...

1Sa 16:14  But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. 

1Sa 16:23  And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

1Sa 18:10  And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand.

Jesus provided victory over Satan on the cross and He gave us the weapons to secure that victory, because Satan, being the father of lies has never stopped asking the question; "has God really said?" The most important weapon against Satan is the shield of faith, which will stop ALL his attempts at derailing us.

Just recently in conversation with a friend, while discussing this, he pointed out that the Shield (of Faith) is the only one in addition to the Sword that moves around according to how we are attacked or attacking in the battle against the enemy. The helmet of salvation and the breastplate of righteousness are stationary. They are fundamental in our redeemed life and the shield protects all areas of our life as we proclaim the truth with the sword (which is the Word of God).

Eph 6:16  above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 

Rom 7:18-25  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.  20  Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21  I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22  For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24  O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25  I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

It's interesting when Paul talks about strongholds, it's clear that he is referring to the mind rather than being possessed by a demon and out of control needing someone else to deliver them.

2Co 10:4-6  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5  casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6  and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. 

Resisting the devil is not good enough. I believe that is what a lot of Christians try to do and it results in turmoil, frustration, anxiety, depression and failure as we call on God to help us, but we are not willing to submit to God and use the weapons He has given us. As a matter of fact we cannot resist the devil, unless we first submit to God and His Word. THEN, through His nature in us, we can resist the devil and he will flee from us, because the only thing he fears is Jesus Christ - The Word of God, the Lamb that shed His blood for our sins.

Jas 4:7  Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

The following four scripture references are those typically used by the proponents of a "generational curse" in the exercise of a "deliverance ministry". It is crucial that we not blindly receive the spoken word, but examine the scriptures carefully like those who did it in Acts 17:11 and were commended for it.

Instead of the practice of finding scriptures to support our belief, it would be safer and more accurate if we just took the Word and examined it with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit and thus allow Him to shape our belief. And as we do, the TRUTH will set us free from any misconception, because He (The Holy Spirit) will teach us all things, AND bring to remembrance.....(Joh 14:26).

The context here is that Israel was told not to have any other gods and not to make any graven images and bow down to them:

Exo 20:5  you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,...
Exodus 20:6: And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Exo 34:6-7  And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children to the third and the fourth generation."

Num 14:18  'The LORD is longsuffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He by no means clears the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation.' 

Deu 5:9  you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,...
Deuteronomy 5:10: And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

Lev 26:39-42  And those of you who are left shall waste away in their iniquity in your enemies' lands; also in their fathers' iniquities, which are with them, they shall waste away. 'But if they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers, with their unfaithfulness in which they were unfaithful to Me, and that they also have walked contrary to Me, and that I also have walked contrary to them and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if their uncircumcised hearts are humbled, and they accept their guilt—then I will remember My covenant with Jacob, and My covenant with Isaac and My covenant with Abraham I will remember; I will remember the land. 

In Lev 26 - Confessing the iniquity of their fathers is not the same as repenting on behalf of them, which will be touched on later. They were to accept their guilt for God to remember the land. These were people who were living in iniquity and was given a warning and an alternative by God.

What is often left out of the scriptures quoted above is verse 6 in Ex 20 and verse 10 in Deut 5  which says; "...but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments". 

If you have been involved in the "deliverance ministry" either as a recipient or a proponent you would do well to examine God's word more clearly to see what He really says on the subject.

Only the TRUTH will set you free, not someone’s pet belief. So let us examine the Word and what it really says...

Joh 8:32  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free:

In the above scriptures we First notice that it is God who will visit the iniquity on the third and fourth generation, NOT a demon or a spirit or even Satan himself.

Secondly, we notice that the same scriptures specifically points out WHO qualifies - for the Lord to visit the sins of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation, commonly and unbiblically called "generational curse" - It's The GUILTY and THOSE THAT HATE GOD! If you hate God, you qualify!

Thirdly, what does actually "visiting" imply? It's root means to visit with friendly or hostile intent. It's the exact same word used when God "visited" Sarah and made her able to bear a son. It's also the same word used when Joseph's master made him an "overseer" in his house. It's also translated "charged", "appoint", punish (....the king of Assyria Isa 10:12, the world for their evil and the wicked...Isa 13:11) etc. (Strongs #6485)

It seems from the following scriptures that God is concerned with the generation of the righteous no matter what the previous generations did or did not do. Other scriptures speak for themselves
 

Psa 14:5  ........ God is in the generation of the righteous. 

Psa 102:18  This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD. 

Isa 51:8  For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation

Gal 3:10  For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse:  "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the Book of the Law, to do them."

Gal 3:13  Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree: 

2Co 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 

Eph 1:7  In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 

1Jn 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Furthermore, God lays it our through Paul very clearly in the fith chapter of the letter to the Romans, that the sin which entered the entire human race through one man's disobedience (hereditary sin), the freedom from it (Righteousness) was granted through one Man's obedience.

Romans 5:12: Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Romans 5:13: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Romans 5:14: Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
Romans 5:15: But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Romans 5:16: And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
Romans 5:17: For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Romans 5:18: Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

Now, let's look at a few other passages that  are very clear and will forever dismiss any notion of a "generational curse" from being applicable to the righteous....

Eze 18:1-4  The word of the LORD came to me again, saying, "What do you mean when you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying: 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children's teeth are set on edge'? "As I live," says the Lord GOD, "you shall no longer use this proverb in Israel. "Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father As well as the soul of the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die. 

Eze 18:14-20  "If, however, he begets a son Who sees all the sins which his father has done, And considers but does not do likewise; Who has not eaten on the mountains, Nor lifted his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, Nor defiled his neighbor's wife; Has not oppressed anyone, Nor withheld a pledge, Nor robbed by violence, But has given his bread to the hungry And covered the naked with clothing;Who has withdrawn his hand from the poor And not received usury or increase, But has executed My judgments And walked in My statutes He shall not die for the iniquity of his father; He shall surely live!  "As for his father, Because he cruelly oppressed, Robbed his brother by violence, And did what is not good among his people, Behold, he shall die for his iniquity.  "Yet you say, 'Why should the son not bear the guilt of the father?' Because the son has done what is lawful and right, and has kept all My statutes and observed them, he shall surely live. The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. 

Jer 31:29-32  In those days they shall say no more: 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children's teeth are set on edge.' But every one shall die for his own iniquity; every man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge. "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers....."

Rom 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 

Rev 12:11  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 

Eph 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

1Co 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 

The born again believer (the Righteous) has been redeemed from the curse of the law (Gal.3:13). 

Because people struggle with issues in their life they confuse a "generational curse" with wrong and/or sinful thinking and learned bad habits which are to be solved by appropriating God's Word for each different situation. (Eph.5:26).

God further tells us in Proverbs (9:12) that we stand and fall on our own, not because of someone else. It's called responsibility.

Now, before we go any further let me point out that unconfessed sin will keep you in defeat until it is dealt with. That means not just confession and repentance toward God, but also whoever you have wronged, whether they know it or not. Living a lie or deception is like scorning God and His Word..

Mat 5:24  leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 

Pro 9:12  If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

So, let me hasten to add that one will live in bondage to their beliefs and habits as long as they do not appropriate the Truth and change their ways. We sometimes call that  "listening to the lies of the enemy". Many will call them "strongholds" or even saying that one is demonized or indwelled by demons and evil spirits that are controlling them. Yes, there are definitely situations where demons will need to be cast out of an unbeliever both in relation to healing and other problems.

However, there are no references in the Bible that a Christian was ever delivered from a demon or a "generational curse".  But what holds us back, even unknowingly because of ignorance, can be wrong beliefs, habits or concepts learned from our upbringing from our parents and what and who we allowed to influence us. It's all part of what shapes the way we respond to what happens to us. Typically people live beneath their privilege because they do not know and/or do not apply the Word of God and subsequently do not have the nature of Christ manifested in their lives resulting in constant defeat. God says that the TRUTH will make you FREE! (John 8:32)

These people need the Body of Christ (for we are members of one another) to come along side and first of all encourage and minister HOPE. Sometimes people are so depressed and down under their burden that they have a hard time comprehending what is going on. We as Members of the Body must then come to their aid, not showing or allowing self pity, but in loving compassion show them the Truth. Not wavering or allow excuses but speaking the Truth in Love....

Have you ever had someone walking or driving stop and ask you for direction and you have to tell them to turn around and go the other way to reach their destination? That's what we are called to do both to saints and sinners. Christians often have been detoured by wrong choices and need help to find their way back to the main road.

Not making excuses or look for an evil spirit under every "bush", but address personal responsibility and submission to the commandments of Christ. 

Eph 4:15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 

Rom 12:5  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 

1Co 12:26  And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it....."

1Co 12:25  That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 

The truth will set you Free! We must first of all admit that we have a problem, identify the problem and apply God's Word accordingly. This will happen as we walk in the light. If we walk in darkness we cannot have fellowship with God nor man...

1Jn 1:6-7  If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 

There is a very truthful statement that goes like this: Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you are right!  Because you will act out your thoughts, and what you believe to be true, that's truth to you. That will create habits, good or bad, which will make you automatically respond accordingly to circumstances of life.

It is not WHAT happens to you that matter, but what you DO with what happens to you - according to your own habitual way of thought and action or according to the Word of God - the Truth!

The Word teaches us that God does not personally tempt any man, however he arranges for it as a means of testing....

Jas 1:13-15  Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 

Mat 4:1  Then Jesus was led up into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted by the Devil. 

Jas 1:14-15  But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 

How do you deal with the temptation of not confessing? 

IT IS WRITTEN....
Jas 5:16  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed....."

How do you deal with the temptation to go to the bottle for comfort instead of being strengthen in the inner man by the Spirit?

IT IS WRITTEN....
Eph 5:18  And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 
1Co 6:10  nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 

IT IS WRITTEN...
1Co 5:11  But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. 

Mat 19:9  And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery." 

What do you do when the enemy comes against you with thoughts of anxiety and worry?

IT IS WRITTEN...
Php 4:6  Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God...

Php 4:7  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Php 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 

There is typically no quick fix. When it comes to renewing the spirit of our mind (the way we think) which will affect how we respond to circumstances and everything we do, it's a process of Sanctification - The washing of water by the Word. It's a process....

"Success is not a destination, it's a Journey"  You will succeed as you move forward one step at a time - God's way.

Isa 28:10  For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 

2Co 3:18  But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Eph 4:28  Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands. 

Eph 4:25  Therefore, putting away lying, "LET EACH ONE OF YOU SPEAK TRUTH WITH HIS NEIGHBOR," for we are members of one another. 

Remember.... Mat 6:12  And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 

IT IS WRITTEN:
Exo 20:12  "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.

Eph 6:2  "HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER," which is the first commandment with promise: 

You can argue that on all day long, but I did not say that - God did and His word is final. God is not keen on rebellion, because he's had some experience in the heavenlies with that an he calls rebellion as the sin of witchcraft;

Are you baptized?

IT IS WRITTEN:
Mar 16:16  He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 

However, this scripture is not about baptism, but about obedience. If you ignore this commandment you are disobedient to God's Word. The Scripture further tells us that baptism is very important...

Rom 6:3-4  Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4  Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 

Luk 7:30  But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him. 

1Jn 2:3-4  Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4  He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

And we wonder why we have problems? 

We need a "check up from the neck up!"

Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

[There is this story about great intention...There were three monkeys sitting on a branch. Two decided to jump down. How many were left? The answer is found somewhere below...........]

Eph 5:26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 
Eph 5:27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 

Even unsaved people who apply God's principles will reap the benefit - the principle of sowing and reaping is the same for saint and sinner. If someone has not been "sowing" because he never learned or he's the third generation of people who never "sowed" he probably goes around hungry or he steals. Once he's told about the principle and apply it and start "sowing", he'll reap the benefit. 

Les Brown, who is now a world famous speaker, tells his own story that illustrates this very clearly. He grew up in a single parent home with his mother and brother. They were poor and his mother worked hard to make ends meet. At school, Les was deemed educably mentally retarded and all the kids would laugh at him. He succumbed to that image and when asked to do a task at the blackboard by a visiting teacher, he excused himself because he was "educably mentally retarded". The teacher walked slowly down to where Les was sitting pointed his finger in his face and said: "Don't you ever let someone's opinion of you become your reality" That statement completely changed Les Brown's life, which is clearly evident in his life today, being a sought after speaker and author.

There are tons of stories of people that have grown up in miserable circumstances. Some in several generations of welfare recipients and yet some of them have broken away from that because someone brought a ray of HOPE to them and told them things can be different and they CHOSE to change.

We are supposed to watch and pray and have faith and love toward one another and restore those who have fallen....

There are Winners and Losers and those who have not yet learned how to Win. We need to bring Hope to those trough the Word, prayer and our loving support. Sometimes these will need a loving sister or brother telling them "It is possible". You can be a different person. Jesus can and He will help you. God does have a plan for your life. You are special to Him. He loves you so much He gave his life for you that you may have an abundant life. The decision to change however, lies entirely as a responsibility of the individual.

Eph 6:18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 

Phm 1:5  Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

Gal 6:1  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 

God has given us the weapons.....

2Co 10:4-5  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 

Eph 6:14-18  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 

Look at the scripture above that says “ALL the fiery darts of the wicked one” and it refers to using the “Shield of Faith”, Not a specialized “deliverance ministry”, but Faith (shield) and the sword of the Spirit which is the WORD of God - Jesus Christ. He is the Word and fellowship with Him is the Faith that will quench all the fiery dart of the wicked one.

We live in an era of incredible biblical illiteracy and if people do not know the Word of God, nor how to appropriate it, how will the TRUTH set them Free? You will not be free by a quick "fix" of renouncing the sins of several generations back.

Todd Bently is one of those who will bring people into further bondage by even going as far as saying you may even need to repent on behalf of a dead person. Says Bently; "You may even have to repent on behalf of someone in your generational line now gone (dead), such as a father, or an aunt, or even someone you've never known". What kind of utter heresy is that. That kind of false teaching will only bring people who do not know the Word of God into further bondage and misery. 

The nature of Christ (which is the Word and the Spirit) need to be part of us for continual victory. How does that happen? There is only one way. David knew how... 

Psa 119:11  Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. 

2Ti 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

How did Jesus respond when He was tempted by the Devil? 

Mat 4:4  But He answered and said, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.' 

Deu 6:7-9  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. 

Psa 1:1  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 
Psa 1:2  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 

Psa 1:3  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 

Joh 15:4  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 

Joh 3:3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 

1Jn 2:3-5  Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 

The Bible says that as you think in your heart that's the way you are; 

Pro 23:7  For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...

Anybody want to know the will of God for their life? Practically everybody will say YES! However, few will do what it takes, namely...

Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

Eph 4:22-24  that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,  and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. 

Take a drinking glass and fill it with water. Then add some black ink and stir. It looks pretty bad, but I'll bet, in a short while you will drink what is in that glass without emptying out the dirty water first. Here is how it works and it's the same way we go through the process of renewing our minds...

Eph 5:26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.

THAT is how God works in us as we apply His Word to our lives on a constant basis, because He is coming back for a Bride without spot or wrinkle....

Eph 5:27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 

Eph 2:1  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Eph 2:4  But God, who is rich in mercy........And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 

Eph 4:22  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 
Eph 4:23  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 
Eph 4:24  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 
Eph 4:28  Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands 

Eph 5:3  But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 
Eph 5:4  Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 
Eph 5:5  For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 
Eph 5:6  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 
Eph 5:7  Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 
Eph 5:8  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 
Eph 5:9  (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 
Eph 5:10  Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 
Eph 5:11  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 
Eph 5:12  For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 
Eph 5:18  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 

Blaming things on "generational curses" is like modern psychology, blaming it on someone else.

The curse was remove by the blood of Jesus Christ and NOTHING can separate us from that...

Rom 8:35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 
Rom 8:36  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 
Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 
Rom 8:38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 
Rom 8:39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Gal 5:16  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 

Deu 28:2  And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. 

Deu 30:19  I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: 

Jos 24:15  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. 

When we sing: "I have decided to follow Jesus" It will only be evidenced by your fruit as it is acted out in daily living.

Luk 6:44  For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. 

Rom 6:22  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 

Eph 5:9  (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 

Mat 7:16  Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 

Gal 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is 
1.love, 
2.joy, 
3.peace, 
4.longsuffering, 
5.gentleness, 
6.goodness, 
7.faith, 
8.Meekness, 
9.temperance: 
against such there is no law. 

Gal 5:24  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Mat 7:19  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 
Mat 7:20  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 
Mat 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 
Mat 7:22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 
Mat 7:23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 

Php 1:15-18  Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. 

Gal 5:19  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; 
Adultery, 
fornication, 
uncleanness, 
lasciviousness, 
Idolatry, 
witchcraft, 
hatred, 
variance, 
emulations, 
wrath, 
strife, 
seditions, 
heresies, 
Envyings, 
murders, 
drunkenness, 
revellings, and such like: 
of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 

Let us all continually apply the full counsel of the Word of God to our lives and allow the Holy Spirit to lead in His perfect will.

Let me close with this scripture;

Rom 8:37-39  Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38  For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39  nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.