The Bible is crystal clear: Satan exists. He is introduced to us in Genesis 3. And, Jesus refers to him repeatedly in the gospels. Yet, many people - including believers - forget about his relentless pursuit to make us lose our faith or, better yet, prevent us from coming to faith in Christ altogether. (For … Continue reading For Those Who Laugh at the Thought of a Real Devil
satan
The Exorcists – A Word about Demonic Possession
I remember the first time I saw young Linda Blair’s head spin around in the 1973 monster-hit (pun intended), The Exorcist. It scared the you-know-what out of me. I’ve professed my faith in Christ since then. And that, according to the Bible, changes everything. Powerfully. The Daily Beast recently published a story on the Vatican's … Continue reading The Exorcists – A Word about Demonic Possession
Would You Recognize the Devil if You Saw Him?
Some time back, I was reading part of a work by 16th century theologian, Ignatius of Loyola. The quote below gave me pause and prompted the question: Would you recognize the devil is you saw him? I believe many Christians do not. “The enemy…makes a tour of inspection of our virtues…Where he finds us *weakest … Continue reading Would You Recognize the Devil if You Saw Him?
“Then Satan stood against Israel…”
The above phrase is from 1 Chronicles 21:1. We have an enemy - his name is Satan. He'd like for you to forget that. Why? Because you can't fight an enemy you don't know exists. But our enemy he most certainly is. Jesus cryptically told Simon Peter and the rest of his twelve disciples, "...Satan … Continue reading “Then Satan stood against Israel…”
Bottom Feeders
The night before he was crucified, Jesus, using the imagery of vineyards, told his disciples, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-dresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he *prunes*, that it may bear more fruit." (John 15:1-2) … Continue reading Bottom Feeders
Homeless Demons
[Jesus said],“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more … Continue reading Homeless Demons
Paranormal Activity: what the Bible says about Ghosts
"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons….Watch your life and doctrine closely." (1 Timothy 4:1 & 16) The topic of the supernatural is at a fevered pitch nowadays. Years ago, I sat in a class led by sociologist, Tony Campolo. … Continue reading Paranormal Activity: what the Bible says about Ghosts
I See Dead People
“Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.” (1 John 4:1, NLT) Years ago, while surfing through TV channels, I came across a “ghost expert” waxing eloquent. … Continue reading I See Dead People
“I Would Never Do That.” (Oh, yes you would.)
"Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin]." (1 Corinthians 10:12 - Amplified) From the Washington Post, September 1998: In the 1980s, when flashy, money-loving TV evangelists were giving men of the Lord a bad name, … Continue reading “I Would Never Do That.” (Oh, yes you would.)
Your Enemy is Always Ready. Are you?
"....in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." 2 Corinthians 2:11 Phoebe Palmer, raised in New York City, was one of the first women of the 19th century to become a celebrated public figure and speaker. In her classic work, "The Way of Holiness," she writes, "But … Continue reading Your Enemy is Always Ready. Are you?