dc.description.abstract | Christ mandated the church to take the good tidings to every creature and
make them believers (Mark 16:15-16). Christ is very clear that believers are endowed
with many gifts like casting out demons, healing the sick and so forth (Mark 16:17-
18). Applying Bible principles to cast out demons remains a challenge since Christ
did not design one for the Christian family. From Genesis to Revelation it is evident
the Bible does not give a standard procedure or formula for driving out demons.
After a thoughtful study on demon possession and exorcism in the Bible, the
researcher developed a Biblical teaching manual which can be used in Masii District
and Central Kenya Conference. The manual is thus developed to teach church
members on the reality of demons, to help them learn on demonic possession (and
what it entails) and exorcism, to train and equip members with Bible based procedure
to cast out demons. This study is also geared to encourage and bring hope to the
demonic possessed, to the affected family members and friends who are giving up after numerous efforts of deliverance. Ultimately, this study is purposely designed to
combat demonic attacks, oppression and harassment among our church members.
In order to make this study viable and practical, church members of three
churches namely Kitooni, Masii Township and Utithini were involved. This study was
intended for the youth and adults who are able to understand the concept of demon
possession and exorcism. Adults in attendance were averagely 54.1% while Youths in
attendance were 45.9% average. Men’s attendance in the seminar averagely summed
up 40% compared to the women which was 60%. Data collection was done through
questionnaires, surveys, interviews and reading books.
After the first training session, it was observed that members who doubted the
existence of demons and their tricks now had the urge to learn more. Other members
were interested to get acquainted with the procedure to drive out demons. The
researcher discovered that deliverance procedure may vary depending on (i) the
exorcist, (ii) the location and (iii) the demons that have invaded and the tricks they
exhibit. However the underlying principle is that the procedure should entail prayer
invoking the power of God for deliverance.
Deliverance procedure is an item the Adventist church needs more than any
other time in the past. Church leadership should therefore give a statement on how the
church should engage demonic possession and how to drive out demons. The
researcher learned that the program candidly benefited all participants. | en_US |