In this sermon, Pastor Rotola delivers a message on spiritual warfare and demonic activity as part of a series called "Freedom." He lays out a biblical framework on demons, then interviews guest Pastor Terry Fox, a former Southern Baptist pastor turned deliverance minister, before closing with an altar call and prayer time for those seeking freedom from demonic harassment.

Read the summarized highlights of the sermon below or watch it here.

Sermon Highlights

Biblical Foundation on Demons

The Origin of Demons

Rotola traces demons to the rebellion of Lucifer (Satan), citing Revelation 12, where a third of the angels ("stars") fell with him and were cast to earth. These fallen angels became known as demons, evil spirits, or unclean spirits.

Authority Over Demons

Using Mark 16:15–17 and Luke 10:19, Rotola argues that authority to cast out demons and perform other spiritual gifts is conditional on belief — not automatic for all Christians, but available to "those who believe."

Types and Names of Demons

He describes various biblical designations: spirits of divination, infirmity, fear, whoredom, familiar spirits (generational curses). He references the "Jezebel spirit" as an example of a demonic influence recurring across generations.

Possession vs. Affliction

Rotola distinguishes between possession (only possible for unbelievers, since demons cannot dwell where the Holy Spirit resides) and demonic harassment or affliction, which he says believers can still experience.

A Warning About Balance

He cautions against two extremes: over-attributing everyday problems to demons and completely dismissing demonic activity. He connects proper discernment to the spiritual gift of "discerning of spirits" (1 Corinthians 12).

Case Study: Acts 16

He reviews Paul's encounter with a slave girl possessed by a "spirit of divination," noting Paul commanded the spirit out directly, without asking permission — a model he says is often mirrored in Scripture.

Interview With Pastor Terry Fox

Background

Pastor Terry Fox, formerly a Southern Baptist pastor in Wichita for 23 years, describes being led into deliverance ministry through the Holy Spirit's guidance. He felt called to confront what he describes as significant demonic activity in the region. He now leads "Telling the Truth Ministries."

Ministry Growth

Fox says a widely publicized case in Wichita (drawing national media attention) propelled his ministry onto the national stage. He says his team now fields 30–50 calls per month from across the country and has documented around 700 cases.

Claims About Deliverance Sessions

Fox describes:

• Sessions typically lasting about three hours

• Physical phenomena (levitation and being pushed or scratched)

• Demons allegedly identifying themselves and revealing information about a person’s family history

• A practice of commanding demons to "tell the truth" under spiritual authority

Root Causes Identified

He lists potential "portals" for demonic influence: unconfessed sin, generational curses, and — described as the most common — unforgiveness. He also emphasizes salvation as a prerequisite for genuine deliverance, warning of what he calls "demons of religion" that mimic conversion language to deceive ministers.

Distinctive Practice

Fox describes a specific closing ritual in his sessions: requiring demons to remain present while the afflicted person verbally renounces them before deliverance is completed.

Altar Call and Closing Prayer

Rotola closes the service with a multi-part invitation for those who:

• Want salvation for the first time

• Feel called to deliverance ministry (invited forward for Pastor Terry to lay hands on them)

• Experience personal demonic harassment (invited forward for a prayer of deliverance)

The service ends with Fox and Rotola preparing to pray individually over those who came forward.

Tune Into the Word With Word of Life Church

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