Thank you for your reply. I just wanted to know where you were coming from based on scripture. Turns out, you made a couple of assumptions about my beliefs that were a bit off. I will try to address them here. Please know that I am not trying to argue with you. I enjoy communicating with other believers, and I learn quite a lot from this kind of give-and-take. I hope you get something from it, as well.

One of your most striking rebukes is that one should not be taking knowledge from other men, and that one should rely (solely?) on the Holy Spirit for guidance. I read and study scripture and I constantly pray for the Lord’s wisdom and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. While I don’t rely on others to spoon feed me doctrine, I have been greatly edified and blessed by my pastor and other godly pastors, teachers and apologists. As well as I can, I filter everything I learn through scripture. Scripture doesn’t require us to study scripture without someone’s assistance or teaching. Jesus taught the apostles, the apostles taught others, and the gospel has been perpetuated by the church, through the Holy Spirit, in just that manner. I think it’s fair to say that we all begin somewhere and under someone’s wing. Since you are a defender of Mr Hamon, I presume you subscribe to his teachings and traditions. I find it interesting that you require others to meet an unscriptural standard you probably don’t (and are not required to) meet.

We are in agreement in that scripture is truth. According to the scriptures, the gifts of the Spirit are factual. They are scriptural, but some interpretations of them are not. You apparently think I don’t believe in the gifts of the spirit. Just to clarify, I do believe in them, but I also know that many weak, “carnal” Christians are apt to misuse them for their own edification and not the Church’s; and for their glory rather than God’s. For this reason, I don’t believe every “prophet” or “apostle” who comes down the pike and claims their signs and wonders, or their new spin on the historic doctrine, are a genuine “work of the spirit.” I rely on scripture and on the fruit of that individual. To this day, I have personally observed the gifts of the Spirit manifest themselves powerfully in the most mundane ways–in the faithfulness of the “church ladies” who labor diligently for God’s glory; in the abilities of every preacher, teacher, pastor, evangelist, prayer partner, and servant of Christ who bears witness to the Gospel of Christ. I’ve seen people who were hopelessly lost, saved. I’ve seen people healed, and I’ve seen the power of God sustain those who God chose not to heal. Bottom-line: The gifts of the Spirit are for God’s glory. 1 Cor lays it all out, and that’s what I believe.

As for demon possession and demonic activity, you are preaching to the choir. I believe that spiritual warfare is true and very real, first and foremost because scripture bears witness to it. I know we live in world that is as much natural as supernatural. I know and have seen the destruction Satan wreaks on this world and in the lives of individuals. I have seen the effects of demon oppression as well as possession. Nevertheless, the true litmus test is not in my personal experiences or those of others, but in the truth of scripture.

I believe God can and does perform miracles through His servants. Signs and wonders accompanied the first century church, and as a result, the church grew exponentially. Signs and wonders were God’s way of endorsing His original apostles as they ministered to the un-believing. Is it still possible for God’s people to perform signs and wonders? Yes — I personally believe it is. I believe God can do marvelous things through His vessels if He chooses. It is possible, but I don’t believe it is normative.

Even when He chooses to grace us with miracles, signs and wonders, scripture indicates that He is probably not going to work through people with errant doctrines who seek to glorify themselves rather than God. Sometimes I wonder why some Christians, who supposedly believe in the totality of scripture, doggedly demand signs and wonders. As if the power of Christ to change an unregenerate life isn’t wondrous enough! Christ, not signs and wonders, is the manifest power of God.

Although you have made the presumption, I am not given to men’s preconceived notions or unscriptural traditions. Scripture tells us that there will be wolves in sheeps clothing who will deceive with error and corrupt doctrine. This is why I study scripture and do what I can to avoid following those who are unfaithful to scripture.

I’m simply a grateful follower of Christ and this is what I believe: I believe I am a wretched sinner undeservedly saved by the grace of Christ. I believe in the power of God to save. I believe that belief leads to obedience in Christ. Belief is not something I can conjure up, in and of myself, but like faith, repentence, and grace, through the Holy Spirit, it is a gift from God. I believe that God is sovereign, and that His will drives us — not the other way around. I believe that Jesus–not the church–will usher His Kingdom and that He will rule forever. I believe in the power and authority of Christ, and I am pleased just to be His slave. I believe that the Holy Spirit resides in me, and that it is impossible for any power of darkness to overtake me, because God is faithful to keep His sheep. Your assumption that believers who don’t see your viewpoint don’t really believe, or that we have a substandard relationship with Christ, or that we are somehow under the influence of religion or errant teaching is a bit odd to me. I agree that the Word of God ought to be taken totally, because it is truth — all of it — is truth. Because of the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, I don’t need to petulantly hang on the prospect of power and authority, or signs and wonders. I don’t need to limit my belief to the temporal or carnal benefits of being a servant of Christ. True belief transcends all that. True Belief requires obedience to Christ; it requires willingness to take up the cross to follow Him. I believe in God because He’s God, and I have seen His power in my life and in the lives of others who were hopelessly lost. I believe in the scriptures because they bear witness to God’s glory — not man’s. I think maybe we (and every believer) can find agreement in that.

Although I think your rebuke of me and others who challenge your viewpoint is misplaced, I thank you for taking the time to reply. I encourage you to look deeper into what it really means to believe. Re-read the scriptures you cited, this time concentrating less on power, authority, and the outward benefits of operating in the power of Christ(which are valid), and more on the less glamourous concepts of obedience and sacrifice; evangelism, love and servant-hood. Afterall, Jesus didn’t come to give us special abilities, signs and wonders. He came to save us from hell. In humility and love, He modeled perfect obedience to the will of His Father and compelled us to do the same. He equipped us with the Holy Spirit to enable us to obey His commands — not just so we could perform signs and wonders.

Anyway, I hope this is helpful to you. Thanks again, and may God bless you!

Thank you, and God bless you.

in response to this statement i refer you directly to scripture.

all scripture quotes come from the King James Version on biblegateway.com. forgive me if it is rather long, lest i be accused of taking scripture out of context, i had to put entire sections in to make sure everything is in context.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

2Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

this mentions the different gifts of the Holy spirit, something that the writers of this site OBVIOUSLY ignore and toss out of their belief system because their carnal minds cannot fathom such things.

Matthew 17:14-21

14And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

15Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

16And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

17Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

18And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

19Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

20And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

21Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

here Jesus obviously cast a demon out of a child.

Luke 9:1-6

1Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

2And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

3And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

4And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

5And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

6And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

here Jesus gave his disciples power and authority (dominion) over sickness and devils(spirits). this is a verse referring to spiritual dominion.

Luke 10:1-21 pay close attention to lines 9 & 16-20

1After these things the LORD appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

2Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

3Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

4Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

5And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

6And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

7And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

8And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

9And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

10But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

11Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

12But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

13Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

14But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.

15And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

16He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

17And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

18And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

19Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

20Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

21In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

line 19 is one verse where i get spiritual dominion from,(there are many more) this is obviously referring to dominion over all power of the enemy,(demonic spiritual power) and talking about treading on the enemy, (where we set our feet)

Mathew 4:23-24

23And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

24And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

these two verses only illustrate that part of the gospel of the kingdom is to heal the sick and cast out devils, and lest you believe only Jesus could do it and not us, verses that disprove that belief follow.

Mark 16:14-20

14Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Line 17-20 clearly states that these signs will be with your ministry if you follow Him and BELIEVE! believing is a prerequisite to seeing, and line 20 even says He will confirm our words about Him with SIGNS following. meaning laying on of hands and healing the sick, casting out devils etc.etc. mentioned in the above passages. So if these signs arent following your ministries, you may want to start believing what the word says and stop listening to the teachings of man.
Here is the clincher where Jesus says we will do even greater works than he did. also mentions the Holy Spirit coming into us and dwelling in us.

John 14:12-17

12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

15If ye love me, keep my commandments.

16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

one more set of scriptures that God says he gives us power through the Holy spirit follows.

Ephesians 1:17-23

17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

It is very clear here that through Jesus we have power and dominion because no other name on earth or heaven has more power, and God gives us, his church body, exceeding greatness of his power. in His fullness.
Now i say everything is a spiritual battle, not a physical one, if any oppose you, you are being apposed by the spirit in them, and to prove this, and to help you understand itual battles and how to deal with them here is some scriptures dealing with it.

Ephesians 6:10-24

10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12For 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.

13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

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

19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

21But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

22Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

23Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

24Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

Now i exhort whoever is reading this and claims to be a follower of Christ, start following Christ and His words and teachings rather than the teachings of men that prevent you from being filled with the Power of God through his Holy Spirit. Have a nice day!

Peace.