Demons have always been one of the most confusing topics in the Bible. Do they exist today? Did they exist in the past? If they do exist, then how much power do they have in people’s lives today?
Well, the answer to the first two questions is yes. While we don’t know exactly what demons are – they may be fallen angels or they may be the wicked spirits of men – we do know that they exist. The Bible clearly tells us so.
However, the third question, regarding demonic power and its influence in people’s lives today, is a bit more complicated to answer. The Bible tells us that when that which is perfect comes (the completed New Testament) then that which is partial will pass away (1 Cor 13:8-10). In this same section it also tells us that prophecies, tongues, and “knowledge” will pass away.
The casting out of demons was certainly a miracle in the time of Jesus and the apostles. Yet, from reading these verses it seems that miracles have ceased. And if the miraculous ability to cast out demons has ended, then wouldn’t it make sense that God would take away demon possession as well? It doesn’t seem logical that God would leave demons here and take away our ability to counter them.
So, the Bible does indeed tell us that the time of miracles, prophecy, and demons has passed away.
I find it extremely interesting that some folks see Christianity as a way to solve all of their problems after they live their life any way they please. They do not want to follow the meek and lowly life presented to us by Jesus yet they still want the great reward that Jesus has promised to all who follow after him.
Um, this is clearly a logical contradiction. If someone says that they will pay you for playing professional sports then it is quite obvious that they expect you to…um…actually play. Why is it different with Christianity? Jesus has given us a set of commandments that we need to strive to keep (while staying in a repentant state) and then, and only then, can we reap our reward.
In no way am I saying we earn our salvation – it is a gift from Jesus. However, we must adhere to the prerequisite commands of our Savior in order to receive that gift. You have to sign your check to cash it and the bank has every right to ask you to do that. It is the same with salvation, Jesus has every right to ask you to stay in a repentant state, confess, be baptized, and live faithfully. He is the one giving the gift and he has a right to ask you do do certain things in order to receive that gift.
Universalism, the belief that Jesus will save everyone on earth no matter their belief or religion, is such a doctrine. This video might better help you understand what I’m talking about. If you get a chance subscribe to may channel because I hope to be making more videos soon:
C.S. Lewis, a great writer, once wrote an essay that discussed the fact that evolution is every bit as much of a myth as any other false religion. Now, he was not speaking of Christianity (for which there is ample proof), but rather of “other religions” that do not have sufficient evidence supporting their claims.
Lewis went on to discuss how compelling the myth of evolution was. After all, to think that we humans evolved to where we are today from a mere bacterium is astounding to say the least. It’s a true underdog story! Unfortunately, there isn’t enough evidence for macro-evolution to fill a thimble.
Notice I said macro-evolution. Evolution that results in large and complex changes like the formation of new species. No theologian (or scientist for that matter) worth his salt will deny micro-evolution, which is the adaptation and selection of creatures that already exist – but to claim that the changes that occur in an already existing organism actually created the organism is quite absurd. There is no evidence for that.
Lewis said that many scientists even in his day were eager to give up on Darwinism, but that there were several key reasons why it hung on (despite insufficient evidence). First, there was the political effectiveness of the theory of evolution. This theory (when applied to politics) would give the false hope that we are just one elected official away from a utopian society. This keeps the people engaged in the political realm.
According to Lewis, one other reason for not giving up on evolutionary theory is one of economics. There is nothing better for a business than the theory of evolution. Think about it. Every year a better car, smartphone, computer, etc. comes out, and evolution demands that it is better than the one before! So, you should go out and buy that thing! The same holds true with fashion and style. Air Jordan’s anyone?
Technology. Automobiles. Politics. Fashion. Evolutionary theory benefits them all. No wonder it is so hard to get rid of! As Christians we must be on guard against all false religions – even when they come in the guise of science. We must educate our friends, family, and yes, our children about the false doctrines that permeate the culture. Then, we must patiently open their eyes to the greatest truth in the cosmos through the inerrant Word of God.
In my recent studies I have been exploring the journey of Paul into Athens and (particularly) his discussion with the council of philosophers and officials at the Areopagus. This story is found in Acts 17. The Areopagus was a rock outcropping northwest of the Acropolis and was an important meeting place for a group regarded as the Greek Council.
This council was formed of elders and representatives of the city (and many philosophers) and was quite powerful and influential (similar to what the Senate would have been in Rome). Here, discussions would be held about various gods, new ideas, city matters, and philosophies. Paul was taken here by the council so they could hear his thoughts, beliefs, and ideas (Acts 17:19 NET).
Paul taken to the Areopagus
Notice I said “taken” to the Areopagus. The terminology used here is very similar to Acts 16:19-20 where Paul and Silas are “seized” and “dragged” into the marketplace to face the authorities. This council felt they had the legal right to hear any new “ideas” that were brought forth and to make sure that they did not endanger the city.
So, what seems like a great discussion of ideas with various philosophers and council members is actually (again) a trial of sorts. Paul deals with it well and his lessons in evangelism here are immense. First, he relates to his audience by stating that he can see they are “very religious” (Acts 17:22).
Paul Begins his Oration
Next, he asserts that he can identify the “unknown god” that they have built an altar for. It seems they had many gods and idols and had built this altar in case they had left one out. Regardless, Paul preaches God to them and then relates to them once again by quoting one of their respected philosopher/poets, Aratus, who said ‘For we too are his offspring’ (Acts 17:28-29).
Paul is certainly using rhetoric and argument in a powerful way – but he is also using it in a Godly way. Paul is “softening the blow” for his “elite” and “sophisticated” audience. He is relating to these people on a personal level before giving them the hard truth of God, Jesus, and the resurrection.
Evangelism Today
What can we learn from this that might influence our own evangelism today? Well, I think we can learn to relate to our audience before giving them harsh truths. I think we can see where someone is right before we address where they are wrong, and I think that we can follow all of that up with God’s saving truth.
Finally, there is one more step that should be mentioned. If, after presenting the truth, you are rejected, then you must move on to the next opportunity. That doesn’t mean you’ll never try to evangelize to that person again, but it does mean that for the time being you must “shake the dust off your feet” and leave them for a time (Matt 10:14). After all, the fields are white for harvest (John 4:35).
Spreading the gospel is not so much about the success as it is about the trying. God causes the growth, we can but plant and water. I always loved this line by T.S. Eliot in his book of poems, Four Quartets:
“For us there is only the trying, the rest is not our business.”
I believe we all battle something that is seldom mentioned inside our churches (or in life in general). This thing is there…lurking…and it has an effect on us all. This “thing”, which is the subject of today’s article, is our immense interest in the things of the world and our lack on interest in the things of God.
Now, I understand this may not apply to everyone reading this article, but I do think it applies to me more often than it should. Too often we fail to read our Bibles daily, too often we go though slumps in our study, too often we put the things of the world ahead of the things that concern God (and thus our eternal life).
Think about your media viewing habits for a minute (T.V., books, YouTube, etc.). Do you make more time for television or YouTube than you do Bible study? Do you read more worldly books than books concerning God? If you say “yes” to this question I do not think you are alone. In fact I think that we all face this to some extent. We all sometimes let our earthly interests outweigh Godly interests.
So how can we solve this? Well, I think it starts with taking just a small action towards the Godly and away from the worldly. This is a complicated topic, but here are a few steps I think will help:
Set aside time to read and study the Bible each day.
Attend all of the church services that you can.
Learn to “love” theology, and yes, apologetics (the defense of God’s Word). Apologetics is becoming more and more important as we engage with more agnostic/atheistic secular people in our daily lives.
Push worldly things aside whenever possible. Whether it be the television or the internet. Begin to push away the worldly and embrace the things of the Lord.
I also believe that prayer is often overlooked and that we should all pray for God to help us to keep our interests in the correct (and proper) order.
Finally, remember that this is a process. It will take time to develop new habits and interests. Still, I believe if we dedicate ourselves to the development of these new “Godly” interests our lives will be much richer both now and eternally.
From what I can see the church of Christ and education have had an interesting relationship over the years. Many preachers (and I am one of them) state that the only education needed in ministry is a strong foundation in the knowledge of God’s Word, a desire to preach, and the desire to be a dedicated Christian. These components will lead to experience and skill and thus will lead to a pretty solid preacher.
Still, education can be valuable as well. Brother Thomas B. Warren was a big proponent of education (even secular education) for preachers. He felt that the universities had had education to themselves for too long and that good Christians needed to become a part of the system. I agree, but I also wonder if things have now gone too far for that to (realistically) happen.
I will tell you a story to illustrate my point. I had a professor in undergrad who what blatantly misinterpreting scripture by “picking and choosing” verses and using “the argument from authority” fallacy. What I mean by this is he was taking another professor (who he obviously looked up to) and stating that because this professor said such and such that such and such was “fact”. I spoke up in class and refuted each point that the professor made with scripture. Things did not go well.
Before I get into the outcome of this contention I would like to state that I did nothing that any solid brother or sister in the church could not have done. In fact, I looked many of the verses needed to refute him on my iPad right there in class! So, I am not saying that I’m some kind of Biblical genius who refuted this well educated man. Still, I was able to refute every argument he offered and I did so.
He became VERY agitated and began to yell at me. He said, “Do not insult my intelligence! This man [the professor he was looking up and referring to] has a PhD and has been on the New York Times best seller list!” I basically replied that what the Bible says outweighs any man, as I believe it to be the Word of God. During this “confrontation” the other students in the class were looking at the floor uncomfortably. Still, I continued to refute each false premise (I felt it was my duty as a Christian for the benefit of the other students in the class), and he became even more angry.
After five or six refutations he was literally yelling so loudly that I was afraid other professors (in other classes) were going to intervene. He said many things, that I did not have the expertise to correct this famous professor, etc., and concluded by bellowing “That’s it! Class is over! I cannot be interrupted by someone with such a naive view of the Bible!”
After class I tried to give him a Bible reference card that tells you where to look up various subjects (Plan of Salvation, etc.) in the Bible. He refused to even look at me and told me he did not want my material and to take it with me and then followed me out of class yelling about the “insulting” of his intelligence and my “naive” view of the Bible. He went to the elevator and I took the stairs, I heard his yelling echoing down the hallway until the doorway to the stairs closed behind me.
I tell this story because the situation at public universities is (in my opinion) worsening. I know there are some places where this is likely less severe, but consider that I was at a university in the south! The ability to express views is being limited to that which is “culturally acceptable” and Christianity is becoming less and less acceptable in the university culture. Forget “equality”, we have a power shift (that has been happening for decades by the way) occurring in our public institutions – and I believe it is reaching an unprecedented level. Certain religious and political views are just not allowed to be put forth. This should not be the case.
Now, I understand that freedom of speech has its limitations (see my article here), but I also understand that if atheistic and evolutionary views are being presented in college (as well as views that assert that the Bible is just a book) – then the proper Biblical views should also be allowed to be put forth. This gives each student the ability to choose rationally between the two possibilities and make an educated decision about the future of their lives.
So, what is to be done about this dreadful situation? I think that we have to continue to fight for the equal presentation of both sides of the argument. I am not claiming that teachers should not put forth views, but they should put forth (to their students) all reasonable options. Since the Biblical option is by far the most reasonable option, it should be included in the curriculum of our educational institutions. Since that is not currently the case, I believe that we must educate our young people so that they can fight the good fight of faith in classrooms across the nation…even if professors and teachers claim they are “insulting their intelligence”.
There can be no better habit to establish than that of daily Bible reading. Fortunately, with just a few changes to your existing lifestyle you can easily fit this daily reading into your schedule. Remember, even a small amount of reading accomplished daily will really add up over time (and pay huge dividends).
I think any Christian would agree, studying the Bible is one of the most important things a human being can do. Prayer is our way to talking to God and the Word of God is the Lord’s way of talking to us. We need this two way communication in order to live our lives to the fullest and reach eternal life.
Heb 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
2Ti 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
So, we know Bible study is important, but in today’s busy world we often have limited time to get things (like Bible study) accomplished. In addition, our minds have been corrupted by the modern “productivity” culture and its demand that we work for hours and hours every day. Many of the productivity guru’s today recommend that we should work as many hours a day as we possibly can. This, they say, is being “productive” and will lead to maximal gains in whatever endeavor we are pursuing.
I think that this is a foolish way to look at a challenging goal. For example, most walking apps recommend that you start out with 10,000 steps a day, which, in my opinion is way overboard. It would be much better to start with 3,000 steps a day, then slowly work your way to 5,000 steps over the course of a few weeks. Within a few months you could be at 10,000 steps a day, your ultimate goal.
In regard to Bible study, I believe that starting small is key. I think that if you are looking to start reading the Bible daily you should start with one chapter deeply read (for maximum understanding). Take it slow and really absorb the content. It is better to read one chapter well than five chapters quickly (and without comprehension). An interesting fact:
If you read one chapter of the New Testament a day it will take you nine months to complete it.
If you read one chapter a day right from the beginning of the Bible (Genesis) it will take you 3 years and 3 months to complete it.
Typical chapters take 5-10 minutes to read.
After you establish a solid habit you can then add another chapter (giving you a total of two). However, don’t start the two chapter a day regimen until you have gone a month or two consistently accomplishing your one chapter a day goal. At this point I would recommend one chapter of the New Testament and one of the Old Testament. Then, when you finish the New Testament (and are still working through the longer Old Testament) you can just restart the New Testament.
Reading the Bible gives you a great sense of accomplishment. Regardless of what happens during your day (for good or ill), if you do your daily reading you will know that your Bible study goal was accomplished. As time passes you will begin to cherish your daily opportunity to let God speak to you. Happy reading!
I began my venture into philosophy because of a debate I saw with brother Thomas B. Warren, a Christian philosopher and member of the Lord’s church. This entire debate can be viewed on YouTube. Here is the first video (of many) in the series:
In this debate Brother Warren went against the leading atheist of the time period (this being circa 1976) – a philosophy professor from Oxford, England named Dr. Anthony Flew. Dr. Flew was a brilliant man and I’m sure he stepped into this debate (concerning the existence of God) without a second thought. After all, he was willing to pit his mind against the mind of any man, including Dr. Warren.
I believe Dr. Flew was correct in his assumption that he and Dr. Warren were of similar intellectual capacities. What he did not count on was that Dr. Warren had help from God. I don’t necessarily mean that brother Warren was helped providentially (though I’m sure he prayed and was indeed so helped). What I mean is that brother Warren had the Word of God to go by -God’s logic – while Dr. Flew did not.
Brother Warren, an expert in Propositional Logic, took Dr. Flew to task by cornering him with the objective truths of the Bible. Everywhere Dr. Flew turned he was cut off by his own contradictions which were brought to light through brother Warren’s powerful use of God’s Word.
Set points such as mathematics, physics, morality, and yes, logic are given to us by God. They are the unchangeable rules of the world we inhabit. Today I see a weakening of Logic and critical thinking within some congregations of the Lord’s church. I may write about this on this website sometime in the future (at this time I am still observing and gathering information).
Dr. Flew was one of the preeminent intellectuals of his time, but when he tried to push against God’s set point of logic he lost his debate with brother Warren. Let us (in the Lord’s church) not make the same mistake. Let us use logic and reason to rightly divide God’s Word. If we do so many of the “controversies” that have come to light recently will fade into the ether, being dissolved in the written essence of God.
So many people in this world are lost, confused, depressed, and hopeless. Our culture today (and, honestly, throughout history) is focused on prestige, power, material gain, and money. This is really nothing new but the situation we are in now is “different” to say the least.
Never has technology made it so easy to gain information, and yet still people are uninformed. We watch the news, read blogs (yes, I’m aware this is a blog!) and ask others (often priests, rabbis, or ‘pastors’) what we should do to remedy our derelict lives, yet many fail to think of looking for themselves.
Pro 16:9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
According to the American Bible Society 87% of households own a Bible – yet only around 1% of Americans belong to the Lord’s church. This is a sad situation indeed. Think of how many people have passed away with the secret to eternal life only a stone’s throw away!
We are a culture that has become overly reliant on so called “experts” and under reliant on the Word of God. When we are searching for answers in our daily lives let us first turn the Bible, the Word of God – not to worldly experts and information.
After all the most comprehensive book of knowledge on the planet (sorry Webster) is probably right there under our noses. Only when we begin to turn to our Bibles for the ultimate truth will we truly know we are on the right path.
Psa 119:105NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path.
