"Dealing with Demons"

"Dealing with Demons"

Matthew 4:23-24 (NLT) 23 Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 24 News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon-possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all.

As an Assemblies of God ordained minister I have witnessed missionary films displaying the work of demonic influence in Africa, India, South America, Asia and the far-flung regions of the world. Not many of the American church had ever seen the likes of the missions’ films.

America is discovering an onslaught of demon power unparalleled in our history. This can best be understood and realized in the area of crime, most crime today is demonic in origin.­ How many times have heard that a grocery store operator was ­held up and without provocation was murdered. ­The perpetrator of the crime would say, “I don’t know what came over me.”­ John 10:10 (NLT) The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. Jesus makes a very revealing statement. The thief, i.e. Satan, has a goal that is to kill, destroy and steal from the believing Christian.  The Apostle Paul tells us clearly in Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

America is rushing down a wide highway to occultism, Satanism, demonism and destruction.  The force that stands in its way is the "Glorious Church" of the Lord Jesus Christ and we are a part of that church.

2 Thessalonians 2:7 (NLT) For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way. The restraining force here mentioned is the Glorious Church empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus talked more about devils and evil spirits than anything other subject except for money. He spoke more about hell than He did about heaven. The reason and purpose of this game plan is to warn people and to give them the truth.

Matthew 7:22 (NLT) On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’

Matthew 8:16 (NLT)  That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick.

Matthew 8:28,31,33 (NLT) When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They lived in a cemetery and were so violent that no one could go through that area…. 31 So the demons begged, “If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.”… 33 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men.

Matthew 9:32-34 (NLT) ³² When they left, a demon-possessed man who couldn’t speak was brought to Jesus. ³³ So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. “Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!” they exclaimed. ³⁴ But the Pharisees said, “He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons.”

In addition to these verses there are 58 more references in the NT relating to evil spirits and devils. Demons and evil spirits are real and becoming more and more a spiritual problem in which the American church must acknowledge and challenge.

The Word is Holiness – Part 6

The Word is Holiness – Part 6

Pursue…holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: …For the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.  Hebrews 12:14; Micah 4:4; Matthew 5:18;

The NATURE Of True Practical Holiness.

Allow me to show what true practical holiness is — what sort of people whom God calls holy?

A holy man will follow after temperance and self-denial. He will labor . . .to mortify the desires of his body, to crucify his flesh with his affections and lusts, to curb his passions,
to restrain his carnal inclinations — lest at any time they break loose.

Oh, what a word is that of the Lord Jesus to the apostles: "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life — and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap!" (Luke 21:34); and that of the apostle Paul: "I beat my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize!" (1 Corinthians 9:27).

A holy man will follow after love and brotherly kindness. He will endeavor to observe the 'golden rule' of doing as he would have men do to him — and speaking as he would have men speak to him. He will be full of affection towards his brethren, towards their bodies, their property, their characters, their feelings, their souls. "He who loves another," says Paul, "has fulfilled the law" (Romans 13:8). He will abhor all lying, slandering, backbiting, cheating, dishonesty and unfair dealing — even in the least things. He will strive to adorn his religion by all his outward demeanor, and to make it lovely and beautiful in the eyes of all around him.

Sadly, what condemning words are the thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians, and the sermon on the mount — when laid alongside the conduct of many professing Christians!

A holy man will follow after a spirit of mercy and benevolence towards others. He will strive to be useful in his day and generation, and to lessen the spiritual needs and misery around him as far as he can. Such was Dorcas: "full of good works and alms-deeds, which she did" — not merely purposed and talked about — but did. Such a one was Paul: "I will very gladly spend and be spent for you," he says, "though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved" (Acts 9:36; 2 Corinthians 12:15).

A holy man will follow after purity of heart. He will dread all immorality, and impurity of spirit, and seek to avoid all things that might draw him into it. He knows his own heart is like tinder — and will diligently keep clear of the sparks of temptation. Who shall dare to talk of their own strength — when David can fall?

A holy man will follow after the fear of God. I do not mean the fear of a slave — who only works because he is afraid of punishment and would be idle if he did not dread discovery. I mean rather the fear of a child — who wishes to live and move as if he was always before his father's face, because he loves him.

What a noble example Nehemiah gives us of this! When he became governor at Jerusalem, he could have been supported the Jews and required money from them for his sustenance. The former governors had done so. There was none to blame him, if he did. But he says, "The former governors, in contrast, had laid heavy burdens on the people, demanding a daily ration of food and wine, besides forty pieces of silver. Even their assistants took advantage of the people. But because I feared God — I did not act that way!" (Neh. 5:15).

Last, but not least, A holy man will follow after faithfulness in all the duties and relations in life. He will try, not merely to fill his place as well as others who take no thought for their souls — but even better, because he has higher motives and more help than they. Those words of Paul should never be forgotten: "Whatever you do — do it heartily, as to the Lord." "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." (Colossians 3:23; Romans 12:11).

Holy people should aim at doing everything well and should be ashamed of allowing themselves to do anything poorly, if they can help it. Like Daniel, they should seek to give no "occasion" against themselves, except concerning the law of their God (Dan. 6:5). They should strive to be . . .good friends, good subjects, good in private and good in public, good in the place of business and good by their firesides.

Holiness is worth little indeed — if it does not bear this kind of fruit. The Lord Jesus puts a searching question to His people when He says, "What are you doing more than others?" (Matthew 5:47).

Adapted from J.C. Ryle insights on Holiness.

The Word is Holiness – Part 5

The Word is Holiness – Part 5

Pursue…holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: …For the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.  Hebrews 12:14; Micah 4:4; Matthew 5:18;

The NATURE Of True Practical Holiness.

First, let me try to show what true practical holiness is — what sort of people whom God calls holy?

A man may go great lengths in religion — and yet never reach true holiness.

It is not knowledge — Balaam had that.

It is not great profession — Judas Iscariot had that.

It is not doing many things — Herod had that.

It is not morality and outward respectability of conduct — the rich young ruler had that.

It is not taking pleasure in hearing preachers — the Jews in Ezekiel's time had that.

It is not keeping company with godly people — Joab and Gehazi and Demas had that.

Yet none of these were holy people! These things alone are not holiness. A man may have any one of them — and yet never see the Lord.

What then is true practical holiness? It is a hard question to answer. I do not mean that there is any lack of Scripture on the subject. But I fear lest I should give a defective view of holiness, -- or lest I should say things about it that ought not to be said, and so do harm.

Let me try to draw a picture of Biblical holiness. Please don’t forget, when I have said all, that my account is but a poor imperfect outline at the best.

Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God, according as we find His mind described in Scripture. It is the habit of . . .agreeing in God's judgment, hating what He hates, loving what He loves, and measuring everything in this world by the standard of His Word. He who most entirely agrees with God — he is the most holy man.

A holy man will endeavor to shun every known sin, and to keep every known commandment. He will have . . .a decided bent of mind towards God, a hearty desire to do His will, a greater fear of displeasing Him than of displeasing the world,
and a love to all His ways.

He will feel what Paul felt when he said, "I delight in the law of God after the inward man" (Romans 7:22), and what David felt when he said, "I esteem all Your precepts concerning all things to be right, and I hate every false way" (Psalm 119:128)

A holy man will strive to be like our Lord Jesus Christ. He will not only live the life of faith in Him and draw from Him all his daily peace and strength — but he will also labor to have the mind that was in Him, and to be conformed to His image (Romans 8:29). It will be his aim . . .to bear with and forgive others, even as Christ forgave us; to be unselfish, even as Christ pleased not Himself; to walk in love, even as Christ loved us; to be lowly-minded and humble, even as Christ made Himself of no reputation and humbled Himself.

He will remember . . .that Christ was a faithful witness for the truth; that He came not to do His own will; that it was His food and drink to do His Father's will; that He would continually deny Himself in order to minister to others; that He was meek and patient under undeserved insults; that He thought more of godly poor men, than of kings; that He was full of love and compassion to sinners that He was bold and uncompromising in denouncing sin; that He sought not the praise of men, when He might have had it; that He went about doing good; that He was separate from worldly people; that He continued instant in prayer; that He would not let even His nearest relations stand in His way when God's work was to be done.

All these things, a holy man will try to remember. By them, he will endeavor to shape his course in life. He will lay to heart the saying of John: "He who says he abides in Christ, ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked" (1 John 2:6); and the saying of Peter, that "Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example that you should follow His steps" (1 Peter 2:21). Happy is he who has learned to make Christ his "all," both for salvation and example! Much time would be saved, and much sin prevented — if men would oftener ask themselves the question: "What would Jesus have said and done — if He were in my place?"

A holy man will follow after meekness, patience, gentleness, patience, kind tempers, and government of his tongue. He will bear much, forbear much, overlook much and be slow to talk of standing on his rights. We see a bright example of this in the behavior of David when Shimei cursed him, and of Moses when Aaron and Miriam spoke against him (2 Sam. 16:10; Num. 12:3).

The Word is Holiness - Part 4

The Word is Holiness  - Part 4

Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV) Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

Since no sin can stand in God’s presence, Christians must—and will be—sinless when they see the Lord compare 1 John 3:2 (NKJV) Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. That realization offers motivation for pursuing holiness here and now. But the author may also have had in mind the thought that one’s perception of God even now is conditioned by his real measure of holiness (cf. Matt. 5:8).

Believers must try to live in peace with everyone. Believers are to have as peaceful relations as possible with their unbelieving neighbors and associates, as well as harmonious relationships within the church. Certainly they should not be the cause of dissension. Christian fellowship should be characterized by peace and building up one another see 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV) Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

In addition to seeking peace, believers must also seek to live a clean and holy life (see also Hebrews 12:10 (NKJV) For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness). “Holiness” means devoted or consecrated to God’s service. In a practical way, our holiness means honoring God in how we treat others—friends, neighbors, spouse, children, even enemies—and in how we run our businesses, finances, etc. Holiness causes the behavior, thoughts, and attitudes of Christians to be different from unbelievers. Our holiness, provided for us by the death and resurrection of Christ, will allow us to see the Lord as he really is, when we go to be with him forever.

The means used by God for our sanctification and holiness.

Chastening:

Revelation 3:18-19 (NKJV) 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

Proverbs 3:11-12 (NKJV) 11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction; 12 For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

Pruning:

John 15:1-2 (NKJV) 1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

Romans 11:16-22 (NKJV) 16 …if the root is holy, so are the branches….21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either….22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.

John 6:26-27 (NKJV) 26 Jesus answered them and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not labor for the food (meat) which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him."

We MUST without fail CONTINUE in the word of TRUTH and ENDURE unto the END in order to be SAVED and inherit Eternal Life in the world to COME. So then, in order to understand what Jesus meant by laboring or working for that MEAT which will produce ETERNAL LIFE in us, then we need to know WHAT Jesus meant by the word "MEAT"? Well if we back up a couple of chapters and read John 4:32-38 we will see that one of the meanings of the word "MEAT" means to labor or to work the Will Of Almighty God.

The Word is Holiness – Part 3

The Word is Holiness – Part 3

Romans 6:22 (NKJV) But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.  

What a beautiful, beautiful insight into God’s eternal plan. Paul once again stated that slavery to sin and to righteousness are mutually exclusive (cf. vv. 13, 16). But he went on to indicate the superiority of being enslaved to righteousness and God. The benefit (this Gr. word is usually trans. “fruit”) of enslavement to sin was that it produced things that a believer is now ashamed of. But even worse, “the end of those things is death” (lit. trans.).

Responding to the gospel by faith and accepting Jesus Christ completely reverses things for an individual. He is now... set free from sin (cf. v. 18) and has been enslaved to God with the result that he has the benefit of holiness (cf. v. 19), the subject of chapters 6-8 of Romans.

The sinful life gives no benefit (6:21), but salvation gives the benefit of a holy, clean life (v. 22). Whereas the “end” (telos) or result of sin is death (v. 21), the “end” of salvation is eternal life. Paul then summarized these contrasts. The wages (the Gr. word opsōnia originally meant a soldier’s pay) of sin is death (eternal death here, in contrast with “eternal life” in v. 23b). This death is eternal separation from God in hell, in which unbelievers suffer conscious torment forever Luke 16:24-25 (NKJV) 24 Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' 25 But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.. This is the wages they have earned and deserve because of their sin (cf. Rom. 5:12; 7:13). By contrast, the gift (charisma, “grace-gift”) of God is eternal life (cf. John 3:16, 36). Eternal life is a gift that cannot be earned cf. Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5 (NKJV) not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

God in His grace saves those who believe, not because of any righteousness in them (cf. Rom. 3:21-24; Eph. 2:8-9; 2 Tim. 1:9), but because of His mercy. The three words, “kindness,” “love,” and “mercy” (Titus 3:4-5) all represent aspects of God’s grace. The dual means of grace through which He accomplished this salvation are (1) the rebirth spoken of as a washing from the filth of sin, and (2) the renewal by the Holy Spirit (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17). No mention is made here of the role of faith in the process because Paul’s entire focus was on what God has done, not on human response.

The Word is Holiness - Part 2

The Word is Holiness - Part 2

Central to God’s character is the quality of holiness. Yet, even so, most people are hard-pressed to define what God’s holiness precisely is. Many preachers today avoid the topic altogether because people today don’t quite know what to do with words like “awe” or “fear.”

The holiness of God in its proper and central place in the Christian life is vital to his understanding. He paints an awe-inspiring vision of God that encourages the Christian to become holy just as God is holy. Once you encounter the holiness of God, your life will never be the same.

Holiness for the believer is to know that he is “set-part to the Lord”. Consider what the writer of Hebrews 12:14 says, (NKJV) Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:  Strive for peace with all men as well as personal holiness must be vigorously sought since without holiness no one will see the Lord. Since no sin can stand in God’s presence, Christians must—and will be—sinless when they see the Lord. Thank God for the promise of 1 John 3:2,3 (NKJV) Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.  All things being equal, on that day having lived according to God’s plan and will, we shall be like Him.

Philippians 3:15-21 (NKJV) 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. 17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Once You Encounter The Holiness Of God,

Your Life Will Never Be The Same.

The Word Is Holiness

The Word Is Holiness

I accepted Jesus as my Lord and savior in my junior year of High School in 1952. That decision introduced me to the Assemblies of God. Thinking back to those early days there were some “strange rules” recognized and accepted as Holiness. 

For instance, the ladies were discouraged to cut their hair. Accept for wedding rings, it seemed that jewelry that touched the skin like earrings and necklaces were taboo.  Slacks and jeans were also considered unacceptable. Movies, cards, social drinking, mixed swimming likewise were all no, no’s.  These and others were all promoted as signs of “holiness”.  We must understand that Holiness is NOT a man made list of do’s and don’ts. As time went by most of these outward standards fell by the wayside.

The question that we must ask is, “What is Holiness?”  

1.    Holiness is related to Godliness, i.e. God-like-ness. Paul shares some light in his letter to young Timothy. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NKJV) 7…exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.  Exercise yourself toward godliness. Godliness is profitable for all things.

2.    Holiness is related to Righteousness, i.e. Right-living or Doing what is right. Romans 8:4 (NKJV) …that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

I believe that Holiness is the basic central nature of God. I base this on the events we can see from the Scriptures. Listen to Isaiah 6:1-3 (NKJV) 1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2 Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!"  Revelation 4:8 (NKJV) The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!"  These two events one from the Old Testament and the second from New Testament imply that those heavenly creatures closest to the throne and He who sat on the throne cried out day and night Holy, holy, holy. Why? They could have said power; love; grace; wisdom; omnipotent; eternal; all words that could have been spoken honoring the Almighty one on the throne. But these creatures cried out day and night Holy, holy, holy, because holiness is His central basic nature.

1 Peter 1:16 (NKJV) because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."  

1 Thessalonians 4:7 (NKJV) For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.

Romans 6:22 (NKJV) But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV) Pursue…holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: