But there is even differences as the article says, between demonic possession and simply oppression from demons. There are deliverence ministries out there, but I have a lot of times heard that if it is the case of possession, than call a Catholic priest trained in the ritual because of concerns of possible demonic attacks on ordinary Christian ministers.
Yes, discernment is necessary in these cases.
This is what I am trying to say. While there are differing degrees of demonic influence, Jesus is the Big Gun, not the priest, nor any other would-be specialist. Every one born into the family of God has the Holy Spirit residing within them, and just as the Scriptures say, the devil turns and runs from a serious fight. This is one of his greatest deceptions, not unlike the Democrats, that only a certain class of persons with the right ecclesiastical pedigree can do this safely. The truth is no human can do this safely, but every believer has power in the name of Jesus to confront spiritual evil, even at this level. Remember what Jesus said concerning the non-apostle casting out demons in Jesus’ name, that being for Him was the issue, not whether one belonged to the right human association. I take that seriously because I have seen it in action. There was no ritual. There was only an honest and sincere calling on Jesus to deal with a problem the “exorcist” knew he could not deal with on his own. This is for all believers, and it is only our great enemy who wishes us to believe otherwise.
Peace,
SR
“call a Catholic priest trained in the ritual”
I generally agree with you as the experience of being human and thus being attached to physical possessions and our own identity make it very difficult to have the purity necessary to do this work.
If you hold onto pride, wealth, or any other physical attachments including your very own life, you are vulnerable. The only thing to be attached to is God through His Son Jesus.