I would like to share a bit about the value and importance of
deliverance from the standpoint of a pastor. I pastor a Hebrew Christian congregation and this past summer some strange things began to happen in one of my counseling sessions. A person being dealt with reacted violently to a word of Scripture and began to literally roll on the floor. I was ready to call for the men in white coats, but continued prayer in the name of Jesus the Messiah caused this unorthodox behavior to subside. I had heard of possession; could this be related to that? A few weeks later, a couple from our congregation told us that they had taken their mentally ill son to Hegewisch Baptist Church. While there they had picked up a copy of the pastor's book, Battling the Hosts of Hell, and gave it to me to read. I had great reservations, fearing it was some form of heresyfor had I not been educated in one of the finest colleges and seminaries in the nation, and they did not touch on this subject! As I read the book, however, I was amazed at the pungent, straightforward approach and the great number of Scripture passages he cited. I got my Greek concordance and checked closely on what he was saying. Strangely enough, although I had not previously seen it, the truth about deliverance was actually couched in Scripture. I suggested that another leader of our church read the book. He had the same reaction that I did. We discussed attending some of the church services, but discovered that it was quite a distance from us. We called places closer which we thought might be similar to Hegewisch. As I questioned them, some things were similar but when I asked the question, "Do you cast out demons in your services?" the answer was always the same: "No." We decided to go and see. If what Worley was saying was true, then we needed to know more about it. The first time we sat toward the back and observed closely what was going on. The services were warm and flowing and the singing and testifying invigorating. The pastor's message was as simple and plain as his book, but I was a bit surprised that there was no mention of demons at all. The passage he used said nothing about them. When the invitation began, he mentioned that if people had demonic problems they could come for prayer. I was feeling that perhaps
nothing was going to happen and was frankly a bit disappointed. I
watched as many people went forward to have prayer for healing. It was all very quiet, orderly and reverent. In a few minutes, I nearly jumped out of my shoes. There was a blood curdling shriek echoing from the front and I saw a woman jerking back from the people praying, and screaming horribly. The people in the church did not seem in the least upset and very efficient workers quietly moved in on either side of the struggling figure. About that time another one went off on the opposite side of the auditorium and the fight was really on. I was thoroughly shaken. The quiet preliminaries were so "low key" I was unprepared for what was happening. I was trying to decide what to do when the pastor walked up and invited me to come to the front with my friend to see at close quarters what was taking place. I guess we looked uncertain for he assured us there was no danger and led us to the front. That night we saw and heard things we had never imagined possible and witnessed several deliverances which were going on simultaneously. My friend decided to ask for prayer and I watched in awe as the demons began to wail in him and contort and twist his body as they left him. This thing was real, this much I knew. I visited the church several times after this and spent time with the pastor asking questions. Before long I found myself helping in deliverance there. The conviction grew that perhaps here was the answer for many who were not able to receive help through traditional means of counseling. Soon we applied prayer and deliverance along with counseling in our church and with astonishing results. People began to change as various spirits were cast out. Indeed, for the first time there seemed to be an ability to apply scriptural teachings for life changing personal changes. We have now set aside regular periods for group prayer and counsel and have seen the power of our Lord manifest in wonderful ways. The pages of the New Testament have a new and vital relevance for us now and the reality of the power of the blood and name of Jesus the Messiah is overwhelming. I must praise the Lord for the people of Hegewisch Baptist Church who have followed their pastor in giving themselves selflessly to all who come their way in order that the devil be defeated. The manifesttations in our sessions have been very similar to those at Hegewisch. God is indeed at work to heal and save.
In Messiah Jesus Rev. Daniel C. Juster, B.A., MDiv. Presbyterian Pastor NOTE: Taken from Conquering the Hosts of Hell, pp. 10-12.