CAN A PREACHER BE DEMON POSSESSED?

The origin of demons is not explicitly spelled out in the Scriptures. While there is mention of spirits in the Old Testament (e.g., 2 Chronicles 18:21) and the New Testament is full of stories regarding demonized individuals (e.g., Mark 5:9 et al); there is no exact explanation of where demons originate from. 

Some Bible teachers have instructed that demons are the disembodied spirits of a “Pre-Adamite Race” of Genesis 1:2-2. This “Gap Theory” is taught in the “Dake’s Bible,” an expository Bible, that is popular among Pentecostal preachers. Other Bible teachers have explained that demons are fallen angels. But, honestly, there is no way to pin point on where a demon spirit originates. 

Everything was originally created for the glory of God (Revelation 4:11). Then, in Colossians 2:10 Paul taught that Jesus is preeminent over EVERYTHING; including “principalities and powers.” However, it is inferred from the Ephesians text, that demons are included in Paul’s breakdown of the “devil’s” “kingdom” in Ephesians 6:11-12. Considering that (as well as the many stories of violent demon possession in the Bible); we know that demons (wherever they come from) are not good and they are unwelcomed guests.

The lingering question is, “Can a preacher, purported to be saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost be possessed by a demon and then have that demon(s) to manifest?” It may seem like there is an obvious answer to the question. However, I have personally witnessed a few occasions where preachers (and these were well respected individuals among their churches and families) have manifested demons. The demons literally started talking through the individuals; along with the “normal” manifestations of: growling, hissing, crawling, foaming at the mouth, voice change, talking in the third person, etc. 

The Bible is pretty plain that you cannot cohort with God and demons at the same time, “You cannot drink the cup of the LORD and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s Table and the table of demons” (1 Corinthians 10:21). And even though he was referring to money in the text; the statement that Jesus made, is a principle that can be applied to a multiplicity of subjects, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24)

While a person may appear to be and even have the desire to live a saved life, in order for that individual to become demon possessed; somewhere somehow, they have had to let their defense down. 

Mark 3:27.

In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. 

Matthew 12:43-45.

43 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”

With these Bible verses in mind, a person cannot be truly saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost and demon possessed at the same time. James rhetorical question implies that you cannot have good and evil flowing from the same source, “Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?” (James 3:11) If a person is saved, they will not be and cannot be possessed. To be saved means, “to be delivered from sin and its consequences.” To be possessed means, “To be seized or controlled.” You cannot be free and bound at the same time. 

The fact that I have seen PERSONALLY SEEN ministers, with upright reputations, manifest demons; lets me know that we must constantly take inventory of where we stand with God: 

1 Corinthians 10:12.

            So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!

2 Corinthians 13:5.

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you-unless, of course, you fail the test?

It is easy for preachers to become susceptible to the pride, glamor, politics, cut-throat, back-stabbing etc., which goes on in ministry – to the point where you allow yourself to become contaminated. I don’t know about you; but my anointing COST TOO MUCH to allow myself to become contaminated. Now you may argue and say that you received the anointing for free. That may be your testimony. Salvation is free; but this anointing cost EVERYTHING. Therefore, I constantly ask God to keep my heart pure and untainted:

Jeremiah 17:9.

            The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Psalm 51:10.

            Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

The Bible states that in the last days judgment is going to begin at the house of God. 1 Peter 4:17, “For it is time for judgment to begin with God's household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the Gospel of God?” Considering what we have just discussed in this short writing; I feel that there was too much work for us to do SEARCHING OURSELVES and PREPARING OURSELVES for the SOON return of Christ; that we really do not have the time to focus on what's going on in somebody else's life. I think there's an old song that says, "Sweep around your own front door."

BISHOP WOOTEN CELEBRATES 38TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY!

 Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten has been pastoring the Williams Temple Church Of God In Christ (COGIC) in St. Louis, Missouri for 38 years! With his wife (Lady Shirley Wooten); the two have served as a "dynamic duo" committed to evangelizing the region.

Serving as a General Board member of the Church Of God In Christ; Bishop Wooten is also a Police Commissioner for Saint Louis County, President of the Ecumenical Council of St. Louis and is a retired Superintendent of Public Schools. Lady Wooten (known as the "Devil Driver") is an international evangelist from her heart; doing missions work in Nigeria, maintaining daytime services and Williams Temple and serving as the coordinator of Christmas in November (the event during the International COGIC Holy Convocation where thousands of residents receive: food, clothes, toiletries, gift cards, toys for Christmas and most of all the Gospel of Jesus Christ).

It has been a blessing to have known this couple for many, many years. They have been supportive of so many. That is why there was no hesitation for me to serve on the committee for all of Bishop Wooten's campaigns for General Board (resulting in two great successes). I had no reservation in carrying his literature and campaign around the country on my ministerial crusades. These are good people.

Bishop Wooten is the first COGIC bishop from Saint Louis to serve on the General Board. Even though the late Bishop Daniel Bostick, the "father" of COGIC in the area, served on the "Board of Directors," Wooten is the first to serve on the "General Board."

May God continue to bless these well deserving people of God.

ONE GOOD THING I'VE LEARNED FROM PRESIDENT TRUMP!

I take Jesus' command seriously to "Go into ALL the World and preach the Gospel" (Mark 16:15). Not only that, but Senior Bishop Charles H. Mason, founder of the Church Of God In Christ (the movement I am godly proud to be part of) used to pray, "Send Your Word everywhere!" Thus, whether it is blogging, email, social media, etc., I am determined to live out that Great Commission.

With this in mind, I have learned something from President Donald Trump. (I know he is definitely a controversial figure; but there are some principles that you can learn from anyone). He did not like the way that he was portrayed in the news; so he started his own news through tweets. 

I really feel the same way. Much of the news (even in my own city) has a detrimental bias. For example, in Saint Louis, crime, murder, violence, etc., is all front page news. The many good things that happen in our city is rarely highlighted. Much of the "black" news in our town has its own peculiar slant and bias. Many blogs and videos, when they address religious issues, are not edifying in the least bit. Since I am not happy with how things are going (following the leading of the Lord), I decided to do my own blogging - and try to put some positive information out in the airwaves, attempt to wrestle with the theological issues of the day and address the issues that matter most to the people. Even if there are bad things to report; the question is what lesson can we learn from it - how does the Bible address it? That's what I want to do and will do.

So not only was this blog created (of which I am excited that, as of this writing, THOUSANDS of people have visited from around the world); but now I am also on YouTube. I have had a channel for awhile; but I cannot say the urgency or the passion was there for it. But, I love to write and talk (lol) - so I am grateful for this means to spread the Good News.

I am asking YOU to go and subscribe to my channel, "Bishop Elijah Hankerson," on You Tube and to invite others to subscribe as well. Look forward to exclusive information and teaching that will ONLY be available on that channel. Thanks! Every time!

BEING PRO JUSTICE IS NOT BEING ANTI POLICE

Many people falsely feel that if you call for justice; in some kind away it means you're against the police. That's the farthest thing from the truth. Any community must have a strong police force, in order to ensure the safety of its citizens. When trouble comes you want to be able to call Jesus first; then call 911 and see the police come to the rescue.

Being pro justice is not being anti-police. It is important to remember that just like you have good preachers and bad preachers, good politicians and bad politicians; you also have good police persons and bad police persons.

Today I was honored to be among the good police: St. Louis Association of Retired Police Officers (aka SLARPO). This august body of retired police is led by President Reverend Carl Smith. Today was their 18th Annual Christmas luncheon.

Colonel Bettye Battle-Turner (who is from the Pentecostal and prominent Battle family) was the keynote speaker. She shared a profound "message" on the goodness of God. One of the thoughts that really stuck with me, was when she said that you cannot have a valley, without having a mountain. Valleys are created by two mountains. No matter what valleys you experience in life; there is a mountaintop experience somewhere around the corner!

Sergeant Heather Taylor the president of the Ethical Society of Police (ESOP) was honored for her service to the community. I miss the many dangers that Sergeant Taylor has experience in her career; she reiterated the fact that she is covered. Prayer was offered on her behalf Buy three clergyman, to continue to keep her covered in the blood of Jesus. I was honored to serve as one of those prayer warriors.

This event today showed that, while we have made SOME progress, there remains a lot to do as far as bridging the racial divide in our community. "SLARPO" is the "black" organization of retired police; and "ESOP" is the "black" organization for St Louis Police officers. 

Crime is a major problem in the St. Louis area; with almost 200 homicides just this year alone. There must be unity among police and first responders in order to overcome this "plague" in our city. A lot of work must be done-because it's the same issue when the Church. We have a world that's dying in sin; however, the Church must also come together as one, in order to present the Solution (Jesus Christ the Son of God) to this epidemic of sin.

BREAKING NEWS! PRESIDING BISHOP BLAKE IS ALIVE AND WELL!

Yesterday, December 1, 2017, I had the privilege of having a great breakfast meeting with the Presiding Bishop of the Church Of God In Christ; near his home (undisclosed location). During the meeting, his phone "rang off the hook." Close associates were asking him was he in the hospital! Later on we rode in the car with Lady Mae Blake. Her phone was ringing with the same question. Then I received the same question by text.

We were puzzled, because we were sitting there in the sunshine near the beach. We have no idea where this "fake news" was coming from. But, nevertheless, Bishop is doing very well and has not been in the hospital. He's taking care of his pastoral and denominational duties. He's relaxing when possible (having recently visited the golf course). Bishop is hosting Ambassador Andrew Young at West Angeles on Sunday and then he heads to New York on Monday on behalf of the national church.

Let's continue to hold up the hands of the leader of the Church Of God In Christ and all Christian leaders.

AN ANSWER TO THOSE WHO ARE ANTI-DENOMINATIONAL

A denomination is defined as, "a subgroup of a religion." While it is en vogue to say, "this is not a religion, it's a relationship," technically Christianity IS an organized religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. This religion of 2 billion people is comprised of a myriad of subgroups or denominations. Are denominations a new phenomenon of the last 500 years (since the Reformation)? Are denominations dying out? Is there such a thing as not being a part of a denomination? Let's answer all three questions...

First, considering the definition of the word "denomination," subgroups have always been present from the start of Christianity. For example, (1) in Mark 9:38-41; Luke 9:49-50, there was a man that regularly invoked the name of Jesus (and was effective); but he had not adjoined himself to Christ's movement or group. Evidently the man had a following; because demonized people came to him for deliverance. Thus, this was a subgroup. The apostle John was appalled at this. But, Christ's answer was to leave the man alone because,"he that is not against us is for us." (2) It was early on decided that there would be two major subgroups of the faith: a movement among the Jews and a movement among the Gentiles (Galatians 2:7-8). Next (3) various subgroups sprang up around the personality of outstanding ministers of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 1:11-14; 3:3-6). Remember, the New Testament canon would not be complete for a couple hundred years. So many of these groups even accepted or didn't accept different "books" as Scripture. Also, (4) you had a major subgroup of Christianity called "Gnosticism." If the apostles had not have addressed it (e.g., 1 John 2:18-27) this subgroup would have taken over the faith. Thus, denominations are nothing new. 

Second, as long as you have people, you will have denominations. It's human nature to divide into and join subgroups that are favorable toward our beliefs, practices and values. Denominations are not bad in themselves. More can be accomplished collectively than individually. For example, many denominations sponsor: hospitals, universities, missions outposts, publishing houses, humanitarian relief and most of all: major promulgation of the Gospel. As long as we recognize that there is one Lord, one faith and one baptism (Ephesians 4:5-6); and as long as we do not honor our denomination more than we do our God; then God can get glory in and through through denominations. Yes, there have been abuses, scandals and cover ups in denominations. BUT, there has been the EXACT SAME THING to happen among those who choose to not be a part of a denomination. So let's quit fighting about who's right or wrong. 

Third, it is a persons (or church's) prerogative to not be a part of a denomination. But, (1) there is no such thing as "independent." The body of Christ is One (1 Corinthians 12:12-20); anything independent of the Body would be VERY questionable - I would venture to go as far as saying "cultic." For a person to say "I only answer to God" is dangerous. We must be accountable to someone. Even Jesus had to submit to John's affirmation (Matthew 3:13-15). Paul had to be accountable to the apostles (Galatians 2:1-2). (2) Even for those who say that they are not a part of a denomination must remember that a "fellowship," "apostolic network," "covering," etc., is STILL nothing more than a SUBGROUP of the faith. And, many times the practices, liturgy, etc of these subgroups are borrowed from major denominations. Thus, whatever you call it; it's really a denomination. Denominations have been around for 2,000 years - and there will continues to be subgroups until Jesus returns. 

The best result is if you are a part of a denomination, don't "bad mouth" those who aren't. If you are NOT a part of a denomination, don't badmouth those who are. Really, if we focus on (1) the Great Commission (2) keeping ourselves pure and unspotted from the world - we would have NO TIME to be fighting each other in the first place. 

PRAYERS FOR BISHOP CARL PIERCE AND CARTER MEMORIAL!

Our thoughts and prayers right now are with Bishop Carl Pierce Sr and the Carter Memorial Church Of God In Christ of Baltimore, Maryland