Frequently Asked Questions About "IHAD" Ministry
What are the major components of IHAD ministry?
There are three key components to the "Inner Healing and Deliverance" (IHAD) Christian ministry conducted by the Church of Grace, NJ. They are known as "Pre-Care," followed by "IHAD," followed by "After-Care." But the most important component of all is Almighty God working in the ministry revealing Himself as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He is the One who does the Inner Healing and Deliverance. (Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:3, Acts 9:34.) He gets all the honor, praise, and glory! (John 8:58, 1 Timothy 1:17, Revelation 4:11, 5:12-13, 7:12, 19:1.) We are merely His vessels that He allows to share in His work of grace and mercy to all who seek Him. As the Word of God says, "Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 3:5-12.)
What is "Pre-Care"?
"Pre-Care" is the process of gathering further information after an individual contacts our ministry and he or she decides to go forward with the Inner Healing and Deliverance (IHAD) process. Our ministry will correspond with the individual via email, telephone, or teleconference -- or in-person -- if appropriate, to find out if IHAD is right for him or her. (Please see our Privacy Policy page.) We will recommend answering the intake interview "questionnaire" found on our "Questions" page, as well as watching some recommended videos about deliverance on our "Links" page. We will also recommend reading all of the pages on this website to familiarize the person with the various aspects of IHAD, especially the scripture references from God's Holy Bible. Becoming thoroughly familiar with what happens during the IHAD process helps to encourage the individual to readily receive everything that the Lord Jesus Christ has for him or her. (Jeremiah 29:11-14, Luke 4:18-19.) We reserve the right to determine is pre-care is a service we will provide, or if we will refer the client to someone else.
What is the Inner Healing and Deliverance (IHAD) process like and how is it accomplished?
"IHAD" is a "process" that uses several methods to determine the extent to which, if any, "demonization, demonic influence, or Satanic oppression" is occurring within an individual's life (and possibly his or her belongings,) as well as identifying any "spiritual wounds." These methods consist of asking deeper questions during the interview process, and considering the answers a person provides, as well as those on the "Questionnaire." Then, specific prayers of repentance for sins, renunciation of any curses, and forgiveness of others are some of the affirmations that may be declared, for example. This part of the procedure may cause a person to manifest certain behaviors that indicate whether hidden or deeper spiritual problems exist. Invoking the name of Jesus Christ and declaring His authority over these issues often brings spiritual resolution and relief to the individual. Continued investigation of any root causes brought to the forefront during this process may enlighten everyone in the session on whether to continue to more precisely detect, determine and proceed with solving other spiritual problems that may be identified. In some cases, a person may need to go through even more extensive spiritual counseling to resolve deeper "spiritual wounds" which may have been caused in different stages of his or her life, especially in childhood. "Spiritual wounds" are the result of how the individual dealt with and held onto the spiritual "hurts" leftover from the battles against evil within his or her spirit, body, mind, feelings, thoughts and emotions. These "spiritual scars" may or may not be the individual's fault; nonetheless, inner healing by the Lord Jesus Christ can renew his or her spirit. (Psalm 51:10, Ephesians 4:23 and 12:12-13, Titus 3:5.) In some cases during this process, there also may arise spiritual dissociative "alter egos" and ancestral "epigenetic" soul ties that can be identified. These types of alter-ego states within an individual's consciousness, if present, are ministered to in the hopes of re-integrating any fractured spiritual identities into accepting restoration in Christ as their Healer. (Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:3, Acts 9:34.) There may be other forms of witchcraft, familiar spirits, astral-projection, and so on, involved. Other factors may also be present in "contact objects" such as idols, charms, crystals, drugs, and so on. Throughout the entire IHAD process, any actual demonic influence, oppression or demonization detected can also be expelled according to God's will. Expelling such evil forces is known as an "exorcism" -- not the fake or misrepresented Hollywood movie kind, but a true Biblical model -- while using the name and authority of Jesus Christ in the power of God's Holy Spirit. Many times, this expulsion of demons is very easy with very little intervention, and the affected person may not experience or be aware of much internal activity or outward reaction at all. (Luke 10:17-19, Acts 16:18.) The opposite can also be true where demonization, infestation, obsession, oppression, possession or integration may be severe and result in strong reactions by the affected person. (Mark 5:1-13, 26:17-29.) And, of course, every level of demonization in between the two extremes exists wherein various types of interventions may be necessary as the Holy Spirit of God leads. No two situations are alike; therefore, it takes God's Holy Spirit helping with the gift of "discerning spirits" in following a pathway to successful healing. (1 Corinthians 12:10.) "Exorcism is healing" (Luke 8:38,) and God as our Healer can break the yoke of bondage by Satan's kingdom upon one's life. (Mark 6:12-13.) In summary, IHAD is a "process" which can be likened to the analogy of an "onion" that has several layers. As each layer gets peeled back, it may bring a few "tears." The goal is to continue peeling away the hurts and oppression and get to the "core" to allow the power of God's Holy Spirit to wash, cleanse, save, heal and deliver the person--ending in "tears of joy!" The inner healing and deliverance of any deeply rooted spiritual wounds, as well as possible exorcism from any demonization, can help to bring a person into a better position in life where his or her upward relationship with Jesus Christ (who actually does the healing and deliverance) can grow even more. "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:36.) We reserve the right to determine is IHAD is a service we will provide, or if we will refer the client to someone else.
What is "After-Care"?
"After-Care" is the "follow-up" portion of personal ministry wherein a person can be given further support, if needed, to ensure his or her goals of inner healing and deliverance have been reached. It's very much like the analogy of a person who returns to a doctor after having an operation to ensure healing is progressing or complete as intended. Sometimes we refer clients to other professionals or clergy as needed. Not everyone needs After-Care, nor needs to continue it, if he or she finds that the IHAD session was sufficiently successful at some point in the process. The person may find that the original reasons for seeking IHAD have been completely resolved. In other cases, however, the individual may discover other issues after completing the IHAD process that need further attention. More IHAD may be sought to resolve even deeper spiritual problems the Holy Spirit of God brings to the forefront. In such cases, continued After-Care may be the most important part of the entire IHAD process. In any event, an individual is always personally responsible to ensure that he or she follows through with repentance, forgiveness, and so on, to maintain any newfound freedom in Christ. (Ezekiel 18:27-32, Matthew 12:43-45, Luke 11:24, Philippians 2:12.) The person's walk with Christ can be further improved by living a wholesome Christian lifestyle, following God's Word in the Holy Bible, committing to prayer, Bible study, fellowship and assembly with other Christians, and so on. One must completely avoid past sinful relationships, unholy soul ties, bad habits, negative thinking, and doubt. Instead, one must make a sincere commitment to make positive changes, and turn away from all willful sins (Hebrews 10:26-31.) Following the words of Jesus Christ is part of the healing process for continued success. (Matthew 22:36-40, John 8:51, 14:23, Psalm 29:2, 96:9, Luke 1:73-75, Romans 6:22 and 15:4, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Ephesians 4:14-32, 1 Thessalonians 4:7, Hebrews 12:14, 2 Timothy 3:16.) We reserve the right to determine is after-care is a service we will provide, or if we will refer the client to someone else.
Can a Christian be "demonized"?
It is very important to emphasize that the "new creation" spirit of a true Christian CANNOT be "possessed" by a demon. (A Christian's spirit is made a new creation upon salvation as a child of God by His Holy Spirit: see 2 Corinthians 5:17.) However, the person's body may be still be able to be "demonized" for various reasons, as well as their "soul" (or feelings, thoughts and emotions). The Bible teaches that we have these three parts within us while we are alive. (1 Thessalonians 5:23.) The Apostle Paul said, "... a thorn in the flesh was given to me," and he clearly identified it as: "a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure." (2 Corinthians 12:7.) Even after praying three times for it to be removed, God answered him saying, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:8-10.) Therefore, contrary to popular belief, not all demonization may be "removed" if it's God's will to use it for His purpose. For example, King Saul would only be "temporarily soothed" while suffering from a "distressing spirit" and only after King David would play the harp for him. (1 Samuel 16:14-23.) Consequently, reasons or "legal rights" for spiritual oppression to remain may be why God might allow someone to continue to suffer with demonization. Unforgiveness of others is certainly a reason for continued oppression. (Matthew 6:15 and 18:34-35.) God is Sovereign: never late, never early, but always on time. Also, demonization can only occur while a person is living. (Matthew 8:32, Mark 5:13, and Luke 8:33.) When we die, our spirit returns to God in His presence until the Resurrection, the body is buried in the grave, and our "soul" sleeps. (Ecclesiastes 3:21, Matthew 9:24, 27:52, Acts 7:60, 1 Corinthians 15:6, 18, 20, 1 Thessalonians 4:15, 2 Peter 3:4.) There can be no demonization of a deceased person. (Psalm 146:4, Ecclesiastes 12:7.) In other words, "Zombies" as seen in Hollywood horror movies are not the same as the dead being resurrected out of the graves by the power of God. (2 Kings 13:21, Ezekiel 37:13-14, Mathew 27:51-53, John 11:1-44, 1 Thessalonians 4:16.) There is nothing to fear in receiving IHAD. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love." (1 John 4:8 and 18.) God is love, and He is the One who is doing the healing because of what Jesus has done on the Cross for you. (Exodus 15:26, Isaiah 53:5.)
Can demons affect my dreams while I'm asleep?
A "demon" is an intelligent being composed of "spirit" without a physical body that seeks to be in a human body (or sometimes in an animal) as its "host." Because demons can live within a person's thoughts, feelings, emotions (soul,) and body, they are free to operate at all hours of the day in someone who has been demonized. Since they are spirit and not flesh, they do not need to sleep. Not all demons are the same, nor do they hold the same "rank" in power (similar to rank in a military structure). Some demons might only cause or worsen physical sickness and not affect much else. Although the list is endless, other examples include mental problems (unnatural fear, anxiety, compulsion, evil desires, depression, memory loss, hallucinations), distraction from seeking or following Christ, financial ruin or difficulty, marital or sexual difficulties, and perversion or dysfunction. Stronger demons of higher rank may be able to cause multiple afflictions at once as well as control other lesser-ranking demons in assignments. Demons also provide a means for witches to "astral-project" their spirit into the lives and property of others. Demons do NOT want to be exposed. They may hide by operating in the person's thoughts, feelings, emotions and even dreams to avoid detection. (Deuteronomy 13:1-5, Jeremiah 23:32, Zechariah 10:2, Matthew 27:19, Jude 1:8.) This may lead to a demonized person having nightmares or strange dreams that may or may not make any sense. Of course, not all bad dreams are caused by demonization, but it may be the case. This may cause the person to think he or she is going crazy, suffer fatigue, or have trouble concentrating, and so on. Without restful sleep, human beings may exhibit less-than-ideal behaviors and their relationships may suffer. The goal of demons is the same as that of their leader, Satan, which is to "kill, steal, and destroy" whatever they can get away with in a human's life. (John 10:10.)
Why can demons deceive me or my family if I love God?
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." (Galatians 6:7-8.) Notice that sowing (planting) in the Spirit brings eternal life in Christ Jesus. But everyone sins and breaks God's laws. We are trapped in a body that also has thoughts, feelings and emotions that can get the best of us when we allow sin in our lives with our own free will. (Romans 8:7.) God allows us to choose life or death, blessing or cursing. (Deuteronomy 30:19-20.) As Christians, though we may sin, we can choose to run to Jesus for His mercy and grace if we are repentant. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9.) However, choosing to continue in sin by hardening one's heart and turning away from repentance toward God opens the door to judgment and His chastening. (Proverbs 25:28, Amos 9:3-4, Psalm 78:32-33, 1 Corinthians 10:21, James 3:15, Hebrews 10:26-31.) Then, assigning Satan and his demons to implement judgment is one of the ways God can use to accomplish the chastening process. (Judges 9:23, 1 Samuel 16:14-23, 1 Kings 22:23-24, 2 Kings 19:6-7, 2 Chronicles 18:21, Isaiah 19:4, 37:7, Matthew 4:1-11, 12:45, 18:34-35, Mark 5:13, Luke 11:26, 22:3, 22:31, John 13:27, Romans 11:8, 1 Corinthians 5:5, 2 Corinthians 2:11, 12:7, 1 Timothy 1:20, Revelation 12:9, 16:14, 20:7.) Satan even received permission from God to strike Job with painful boils to see whether Job would remain faithful to God. (Job 2:7.) We will have trials and tribulations because God knows, that in the end, it really will be worth it! (John 16:33, Acts 14:22, James 1:2-3, Romans 5:1-11.) God's Word also encourages us, "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." (1 Peter 4:12-13.) God says in 2 Thessalonians 1:7 that, no matter the outcome of our current state in life now, our sufferings, sicknesses, trials, persecutions and tribulations will absolutely cease forever at Christ's return: "... and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels... " (Revelation 21:4.)
Can demons "haunt" my home, or move or levitate objects?
Some people who are being oppressed or demonized report that personal belongings or things in their home show signs of being haunted or manipulated by paranormal activity. This may very well be the case, and the Bible has some things to say about demonic infestation. "The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12.) Satan is a great deceiver and can appear as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14.) Pharaoh's magicians in Egypt were able to mimic God's miracle of Aaron's rod turning into a serpent. In Job, chapter 1, Satan not only could demonstrate the ability to move objects, but also received permission from God to completely destroy all of Job's property and kill all of his children and livestock. Revelation 13 speaks of a demonic "beast" that will have great power to make war with the saints. God gives instruction to avoid becoming entangled with evil spirits by seeking after them in an unholy way. (Leviticus 19:31, 20:6-27, Deuteronomy 18:11, 2 Kings 21:6, 17:17, 2 Chronicles 33:6, 1 Samuel 15:23, Jeremiah 14:14, Ezekiel 13:7, Isaiah 8:19, Micah 5:12, Galatians 5:20.) Anyone who is unable to stop what appears to be paranormal and demonic activity in their home should contact someone who can evaluate the situation and, if needed, conduct IHAD procedures. Much information can also be found in books and online materials on cleansing the home of items that could bring on a curse. (See our Links page.)
What could prevent me from being completely successful through the IHAD process?
There are several scriptural-based reasons why, after going through the inner healing and deliverance (IHAD) process, someone might still be open to being "demonized." (Matthew 17:14-21.) One major cause for an open door to Satan's kingdom of darkness and demonization is a lack of complete and total FORGIVENESS toward someone else. Most people are familiar with "The Lord's Prayer" found in Matthew 6:8-13 and can recite it by heart. "Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your name..." But most people have no recollection of or noticed the next two verses: "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 18:21-35 tells the story about a servant who was forgiven a debt by a king. But then the servant would not forgive the debt of someone else thereafter. When the king found out about it, he had the servant delivered to the "torturers" until he repaid the debt that had been forgiven. Who are these "torturers" God is alluding to? Verse 35 says, "So my heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” We are to forgive and forgive, over and over again "seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:22, Mark 11:26.) “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." (Luke 6:37.) Just to be clear, God's Word in Matthew 5:43-44 tells us to love our enemies and do good to them. (That doesn't mean we have to agree with them or continue to be abused by them, communicate further with them, and so on.) (Luke 17:3.) The Apostle Paul wrote that even the person who had been previously disfellowshipped and "delivered to Satan for the destruction of the flesh," later said that the repentant man should be forgiven and welcomed back into the congregation (2 Corinthians 2:5-11, 1 Timothy 1:20.) "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32.) "... bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." (Colossians 3:13.) So, if an individual does not completely and totally forgive everyone during an IHAD session, then God is not required to heal and deliver that person at that time. Accordingly, a demon who has a "stronghold" of unforgiveness over that person may cling to the "legal right" to go on oppressing and demonizing the individual. A "stronghold" is a term used in ancient and modern military warfare where something that is critical to success of the mission is protected at all costs. For example, a modern nuclear arsenal is given extra resources and layers of protection such as fortified concrete and steel bunkers, guarded gates, watch towers, sensors, security cameras, specialized perimeter defenses, and authenticated entry procedures for authorized personnel. In spiritual terms, someone may have a stronghold of lies within their mind that is guarded by demons with assignments to prevent healing and deliverance from those lies at all costs. Such lies may consist of false doctrines, roots of hate and bitterness, rejection, betrayal, or many other false or ungodly or unscriptural beliefs. These demons want to keep a person from shedding such baggage in favor of their maintaining control, manipulation, subjection, subjugation, condemnation, abomination, and so on. In other cases, even if all strongholds and legal rights are broken, a demon and his gang may continue to be rebellious and refuse to leave the person anyway. After all, that's why they were cast out of Heaven -- rebellion. (Revelation 12:9.) Demons are evil and do not respect authority. The "seven sons of Sceva" learned that painful lesson the hard way. (Acts 19:13-16.) So, what are other "strongholds" that may prevent a person from receiving successful IHAD? Following false religion is an open door to evil. "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons." (1 Timothy 4:1.) Having occult objects, jewelry, paintings, or even unknowingly listening to inappropriately themed music that has been prayed over with a curse by the artist or band can be an open door. "You shall burn the carved images of their gods with fire; you shall not covet the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it for yourselves, lest you be snared by it; for it is an abomination to the Lord your God. Nor shall you bring an abomination into your house, lest you be doomed to destruction like it. You shall utterly detest it and utterly abhor it, for it is an accursed thing." (Deuteronomy 7:25-26.) "Unbelief" in God's Word in His Holy Bible is another major reason for existing open doors to demonic strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:5, Matthew 13:58, Hebrews 3:12-19.) Thankfully, someone can be shown that, "With God ALL things are possible." (Matthew 19:26, Mark 9:23, Luke 18:27.) Unrepentance after being delivered from demonization is a sure way to open the "spiritual doors" to a much worse condition! (Proverbs 26:11, Matthew 3:2, 4:17, 11:20-24, 12:45, Luke 11:6.) "Double-mindedness," "doubting," or "drawing back" are also reasons for not being able to receive lasting freedom from demonization. (Mark 11:23, Hebrews 10:38, James 1:6-8, 4:3-8, Romans 14:23.) The list of things we should not do is huge and will open the doors to Satan's kingdom. (Romans 1:28.) The list of things we should do are very clear. (Deuteronomy 10:12, Micah 6:8, Matthew 10:37-38, Luke 3:8, Acts 15:28-29, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.) Finally, a person who wishes to discontinue the IHAD process while it is being conducted may not be able to receive the full help that may solve the individual's problem. In such a case, we know we are not the only service ministry that God can use to complete the IHAD process in someone's future. We realize we may only be a "stepping stone" to the next level of someone's journey. Similarly, we may feel it necessary to refer someone for help by another agency who could best deal with their specific needs. This could be due to a person's uncooperative nature with the deliverance minister, opposing religious belief system, lack of faith, unwillingness to repent, or other reasons. We are here to help; however, when someone becomes confrontational or aggressive towards our ministry then we reserve the right to stop services. The client is always free to find someone else they are more comfortable with to help them with their problems.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes, according to our Privacy Policy. All IHAD meetings in this ministry are electronically recorded for everyone's mutual protection and archived.
Note: Please review our "Privacy Policy" page for more information.
What are other sources of information about IHAD?
We recommend visiting several sites listed on our "Links" page for further review. These sites may not always contain completely accurate information, but can be useful to the individual seeking IHAD. There is no lack of misinformation, misinterpretation, or even misrepresentation on these topics. "Test all things; hold fast what is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21.) "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 Joh 4:1.) It should be noted that the only 100% guarantee of knowledge and wisdom is as God reveals Himself through the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and through His Holy Word in the Bible. God's Word gives a double warning! "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9.) Here is a good filter guide to follow: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:6-9.)