The X-Manual
Exousia—A Comprehensive Handbook on Deliverance and Exorcism
Foreword by Stephen A. Seamands
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
The title of the book, The X-Manual, is taken from the word exousia, from the subtitle. It is the Greek word for authority. The word is used throughout the New Testament. For our purposes, it is used to express the divine authority or right to cast out demons--"I have given you authority [exousia] to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you" (Luke 10:19 NIV). Jesus gives believers authority to cast out demons.
This book is about spiritual authority over evil. The X-Manual is a practical "how to" handbook for clergy and laity on deliverance and exorcism. One reason I wrote the book is because so few understand and/or operate effectively in deliverance ministry. Nowhere is the church more inadequate or excessive than in deliverance ministry. The X-Manual contains specific time-tested biblical instructions on selecting and training a deliverance team, pre-deliverance work, the deliverance session, post-deliverance work, and other useful tools like the C1-13 instrument that helps determine if one needs deliverance. Deliverance is essential to the church's New Testament healing and evangelism ministry. It is time for the church to walk in the authority and power that Christ gave us to set the captives free!
Peter J. Bellini is professor of church renewal and evangelization in the Heisel Chair at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Bellini is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. He has served in ministry in a variety of capacities for over thirty-five years in countries throughout Latin America, Africa, East and Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. Bellini is also a revivalist, specializing in teaching and preaching on the Holy Spirit, deliverance, healing, and prophetic intercession and spiritual warfare.
“Peter Bellini combines biblical scholarship with psychological insight and practical experience in the ministry of deliverance. This is a rare combination that few can offer. The X-Manual is a most-needed practical help for Christians who are encountering a growing number of people who need deliverance. . . . I recommend The X-Manual as one of the best resources for Christians to utilize in the ministry of deliverance.”
—Randy Clark, Global Awakening Theological Seminary
“Popular interest in demons and exorcism is on the rise, yet few US Christians are well-versed on a subject that has played a major role in church growth historically and globally today. The X-Manual offers a nuanced perspective, drawing on forty years of theological study and practical experiences. The book will be of interest to those who wonder whether demons exist or what to do if they seem to have encountered one.”
—Candy Gunther Brown, Indiana University
“How timely! In my own thirty-eight years in inner healing and deliverance, I have witnessed a trend. As sin and the occult have increased, so has demonization. There is a cure . . . . Deliverance is made sure through repentance. As Pete writes, Satan’s only hope is the lack thereof. But on behalf of those who bow to the deliverer of us all, Christ has given us authority to bring his works to an end.”
—Mark Sandford, director, Elijah Rain Ministries
“This is a complete handbook of ministry for those who are ready to do more than offer perfunctory prayers over tough situations. It is full of meat and extremely practical, theologically sound, and accessible. If you’re ready to get serious about spiritual warfare, this book is the place to begin. You will be encouraged by the stories and empowered by the principles. Thank you, Pete Bellini, for teaching us how to take authority.”
—Carolyn Moore, vice-chairwoman, Wesleyan Covenant Association Council
“Peter Bellini . . . will equip you with biblical understanding, practical wisdom, and powerful tools to apprehend your authority, recognize bondage in others, and cast out demons. This is kingdom. There is no time to waste. Get the book. Read it. Do it. People are waiting for freedom. . . . I will be making this required reading for anyone doing ministry with me.”
—Kim Maas, president/CEO, Kim Maas Ministries
“The X-Manual powerfully brings the area of deliverance from demonic oppression back into the equipping and mission of the church in a biblically balanced and comprehensive manner. Bellini’s life experiences sprinkled throughout this book reveal that he has been at this a long time and is now releasing practical tools to set captives free and keep them free. . . . This should be a part of every church’s leadership curriculum.”
—Rodney Hogue, author of Liberated, Set Free and Staying Free from Demonic Strongholds
“No other book is as comprehensive in bringing together so many important elements and dimensions related to the subject. . . . Most books on this subject are written by experienced practitioners directly involved in deliverance ministry. Very few have been written by seminary professors. Pete Bellini is a rare combination of both. He has written an extremely practical, user-friendly book that is easily accessible to any Christian who seeks to engage in deliverance ministry with someone.”
—Stephen A. Seamands, Asbury Theological Seminary, emeritus
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