Archive for October, 2012

Demons and Demonology, pt 3


Well, today is the second biggest holiday in the United States, behind Christmas. That’s right, Halloween. It’s expected that billions will have been spent on costumes, candy, parties, and alcohol. People will make light of the day and some will, in the name of ‘fun’ dabble tarot card readings and other occultist ’games’. Most wont ever even know that what they dabble in is real and powerful and evil.

Today, as we finish our little mini-series on demonology, I felt like we should ask ourselves why this matters? If this is all just fun and games then what’s the harm? The problem is it’s not fun and games. While Satan is a defeated foe, he is still currently ‘the god of this world’ according to Scripture and goes about seeking to ‘steal, kill, and destroy.’ So, let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say about demon activity and our world today.

DK

Question: “Is there activity of demonic spirits in the world today?”

Answer: Ghosts, hauntings, séances, tarot cards, Ouija boards, crystal balls—what do they have in common? They are fascinating to many people because they seem to offer insight into an unknown world that lies beyond the limits of our physical existence. And, to many, such things seem innocent and harmless.

Many who approach these subjects from non-biblical perspectives believe that ghosts are the spirits of dead people who, for whatever reason, have not gone on to the “next stage.” According to those who believe in ghosts, there are three different kinds of hauntings: (1) residual hauntings (likened to video playbacks with no actual interaction with any spirits). (2) Hauntings by human spirits, whose natures are a combination of good and bad (but not evil). Such spirits may simply want to get a person’s attention; others may be pranksters, but, in either case, they do not truly harm people. (3) Interaction with non-human spirits or demons. These entities can masquerade as human spirits, but they are harmful and dangerous.

When reading about ghosts and hauntings from non-biblical sources, remember that, just because an author may refer to the Bible or to Bible characters (such as Michael the archangel), it does not mean he approaches the subject from a biblical perspective. When no authority is given for an author’s information, the reader has to ask himself, “How does he/she know this to be so? What is his/her authority?” For example, how does an author know that demons masquerade as human spirits? Ultimately, those who address such subjects from non-biblical sources must base their understanding on their own thoughts, the thoughts of others, and/or the experiences of the past. However, based on their own admission that demons are deceiving and can imitate benevolent human spirits, experiences can be deceiving! If one is to have a right understanding on this subject, he must go to a source that has shown itself to be accurate 100 percent of the time—God’s Word, the Bible. Let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say about such things.

1. The Bible never speaks of hauntings. Rather, it teaches that when a person dies, the spirit of that person goes to one of two places. If the person is a believer in Jesus Christ, his spirit is ushered into the presence of the Lord in heaven (Philippians 1:21-23; 2 Corinthians 5:8). Later, he will be reunited with his body at the resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). If the person is not a believer in Christ, his spirit is put in a place of torment called hell (Luke 16:23-24).

Whether a person is a believer or an unbeliever, there is no returning to our world to communicate or interact with people, even for the purpose of warning people to flee from the judgment to come (Luke 16:27-31). There are only two recorded incidents in which a dead person interacted with the living. The first is when King Saul of Israel tried contacting the deceased prophet Samuel through a medium. God allowed Samuel to be disturbed long enough to pronounce judgment upon Saul for his repeated disobedience (1 Samuel 28:6-19). The second incident is when Moses and Elijah interacted with Jesus when he was transfigured in Matthew 17:1-8. There was nothing “ghostly” about the appearance of Moses and Elijah, however.

2. Scripture speaks repeatedly of angels moving about unseen (Daniel 10:1-21). Sometimes, these angels have interaction with living people. Evil spirits, or demons, can actually possess people, dwelling within them and controlling them (see Mark 5:1-20, for example). The four Gospels and the Book of Acts record several instances of demon possession and of good angels appearing to and aiding believers. Angels, both good and bad, can cause supernatural phenomena to occur (Job 1–2; Revelation 7:1; 8:5; 15:1;16).

3. Scripture shows that demons know things of which people are unaware (Acts 16:16-18;Luke 4:41). Because these evil angels have been around a long time, they would naturally know things that those living limited life spans would not. Because Satan currently has access to God’s presence (Job 1–2), demons might also be allowed to know some specifics about the future, but this is speculation.

4. Scripture says Satan is the father of lies and a deceiver (John 8:44; 2 Thessalonians 2:9) and that he disguises himself as an “angel of light.” Those who follow him, human or otherwise, practice the same deceit (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

5. Satan and demons have great power (compared to humans). Even Michael the archangel trusts only God’s power when dealing with Satan (Jude 1:9). But Satan’s power is nothing compared to God’s (Acts 19:11-12; Mark 5:1-20), and God is able to use Satan’s evil intent to bring about His good purposes (1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 12:7).

6. God commands us to have nothing to do with the occult, devil worship, or the unclean spirit world. This would include the use of mediums, séances, Ouija boards, horoscopes, tarot cards, channeling, etc. God considers these practices an abomination (Deuteronomy 18:9-12; Isaiah 8:19-20; Galatians 5:20; Revelation 21:8), and those who involve themselves in such things invite disaster (Acts 19:13-16).

7. The Ephesian believers set an example in dealing with occult items (books, music, jewelry, games, etc.). They confessed their involvement with such as sin and burned the items publicly (Acts 19:17-19).

8. Release from Satan’s power is achieved through God’s salvation. Salvation comes through believing in the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 19:18; 26:16-18). Attempts to disentangle oneself from demonic involvement without salvation are futile. Jesus warned of a heart devoid of the Holy Spirit’s presence: such a heart is merely an empty dwelling place ready for even worse demons to inhabit (Luke 11:24-26). But when a person comes to Christ for the forgiveness of sin, the Holy Spirit comes to abide until the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30).

Some paranormal activity can be attributed to the work of charlatans. It would seem best to understand other reports of ghosts and hauntings as the work of demons. Sometimes these demons may make no attempt to conceal their nature, and at other times they may use deception, appearing as disembodied human spirits. Such deception leads to more lies and confusion.

God states it is foolish to consult the dead on behalf of the living. Rather, He says, “To the law and to the testimony!” (Isaiah 8:19-20). The Word of God is our source of wisdom. Believers in Jesus Christ should not be involved in the occult. The spirit world is real, but Christians do not need to fear it (1 John 4:4).

2012
10/31
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Demons and Demonology, Part 2


As we continue to explore the topic of demons, I thought it would be interesting to read about something that I have myself spent time wondering about in times past: are demons and fallen angels the same, or are they different.

The topic is one of vigorous debate, and I certainly don’t claim that this article is inclusive or complete, but having read a few different sources, I believe that this article, once again from gotquestions.org, is both plausible and biblically sound, from my own perspective. Again, I don’t claim this is THE answer, but that it is a good starting place.

Enjoy,

DK

Question: “Are demons fallen angels?”

Answer: When exactly God created angels is open for debate, but what is known for sure is that God created everything good because God, in His holiness, cannot create something sinful. So when Satan, who was once the angel Lucifer, rebelled against God and fell from heaven (Isaiah 14; Ezekiel 28), one third of the angelic host joined his insurrection (Revelation 12:3-4,9). There is no doubt these fallen angels are now known as the demons.

We know that hell was prepared for the devil and his angels, according to Matthew 25:41: “Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’” Jesus, by using the possessive word his makes it clear that these angels belong to Satan. Revelation 12:7-9 describes an end-times angelic battle between Michael and “his angels” and the devil and “his angels.” From these and similar verses, it is clear that demons and fallen angels are synonymous.

Some reject the idea that the demons are the fallen angels due to the fact that Jude verse 6 declares the angels who sinned to be “bound with everlasting chains.” However, it is clear that not all of the angels who sinned are “bound,” as Satan is still free (1 Peter 5:8). Why would God imprison the rest of the fallen angels, but allow the leader of the rebellion to remain free? It seems that Jude verse 6 is referring to God confining the fallen angels who rebelled in an additional way, likely the “sons of God” incident in Genesis chapter 6.

The most common alternate explanation for the origin of the demons is that when the Nephilim of Genesis 6 were destroyed in the Flood, their disembodied souls became the demons. While the Bible does not specifically say what happened to the souls of the Nephilim when they were killed, it is unlikely that God would destroy the Nephilim in the Flood only to allow their souls to cause even greater evil as the demons. The most biblically consistent explanation for the origin of the demons is that they are the fallen angels, the angels who rebelled against God with Satan.

2012
10/30
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Demons and Demonology, part 1


As we approach the always controversial ‘holiday’ of Halloween, I thought it would be interesting and informative to provide some information on the subject of demons. The Bible is quite clear that demons are real and that they are active in our world today. Jesus dealt with them in several people, just as he dealt with Satan in the wilderness.

However, while it is always good to have knowledge on a subject, I believe the study of demons in itself can hold an allure that can be bad, as it can make people obsessed with things that they simply don’t need to be focusing on. While an interesting topic, demonology is not something we need to spend our lives involved with. Instead, we should remember these things:

  1. Demons are real
  2. Demons have power and ability to work
  3. Demons can provide information and do ‘works’ but always do so with the purpose of deceit and leading you away from God
  4. Demons are already defeated, just like their lord and master, Satan
  5. We have authority over demons in the Name of Jesus.

So, all that said, here is our first article, from the wonder Got Questions folks (www.gotquestions.org)

 

Enjoy,

DK

 

Question: “What is a succubus? What is an incubus?”

Answer: According to medieval folklore, a succubus is a demon that takes the form of a woman in order to have intercourse with a man in his dreams. The name comes from Old Latin, and means “to lie under.” In Islamic superstition, there is a similar demon called the qarinah or karina, and in ancient Middle Eastern cultures Lilith was the night demon’s name. Whichever name is used, the essential qualities are the same: a demon who tempts men sexually at night and who tries to kill infants at birth.

There are two biblical passages that may refer directly to this kind of demon. One of the Dead Sea Scrolls (4Q184) depicts a being called “the seductress” who has horns and wings and a multitude of sins in her wings. This being tempts men into sin and ultimately drags them into the Pit. The passage is quite similar to Proverbs 2:18-19, which describes the dangers of the seductress or “strange woman.” In describing the results of God’s judgment on Edom, Isaiah 34:14 (KJV) says, “the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest.” The American Standard Version translates “lilith” as night demon or monster, and the Revised Standard Version uses the name “Lilith.” Some commentators have proposed that primitive cultures heard the cries of nocturnal animals and attributed them to demons because they had no knowledge of those animals.

Are succubi real? If we grant any credence to the widespread beliefs of ancient cultures, the answer would have to be yes. If we confine our search to biblical writing, the answer becomes more difficult. To be sure, the name has been associated with a demonic presence for several thousand years and fits in that context in the Bible. It is also certain that the Bible deals with demons as very real, very powerful beings which have dealings with mankind. Second Peter 2:4 speaks of angels who sinned and were cast down to hell in judgment. Jude 6 (KJV) likewise speaks of angels who “kept not their first estate,” and are awaiting the last judgment. Jesus cast demons out of people, as did His disciples. Whether or not we accept the idea of sexual tempters, there is no doubt that demons themselves are real.

The male counterpart of the succubus is the incubus, from the Latin incubo for “nightmare.” An incubus was supposedly a male demon who would lie with sleeping human women in order to have sexual intercourse with them. Incubi were thought to be able to father children, and the half-human offspring of an incubus was called a “cambion.” Merlin, the legendary wizard from the King Arthur legends, was supposedly sired by an incubus, from whom he received his supernatural powers and abilities. Both succubi and incubi were the products of medieval superstitions and were most likely efforts to explain the natural phenomena that occur during sleep—nightmares, sexual dreams, sleep paralysis and night terrors. They are also thought to have been efforts to explain away nighttime rapes and other assaults on women by friends, relatives and even the clergy. It would have been easier to attribute such attacks to the supernatural than to admit they came from some person in a position of trust.

As Christians, we are warned against worshiping demons (Leviticus 17:7), and even their names should be forgotten (Zechariah 13:2). Some people study demons thinking that will help them carry on spiritual warfare. All we really need to know about the enemy is this: “Every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God” (1 John 4:3, NKJV). Our focus should be on learning more about the One who “has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14, NKJV). When we hide God’s Word in our hearts, it keeps us from sinning against Him (Psalm 119:11) and gives us the weaponry to fight off any attack of Satan or his demons (Ephesians 6:17).

2012
10/29
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I Love How God Works


When my wife went to India for several months back in 2009 I picked up a part-time job working with Family Christian Bookstores to give me something to do in a new city. We’d recently moved to the Kansas City metro area and I was still getting to know people, so I thought it would be good for relationship building and for some extra spending money. I’ve kept the job since then and work a few times throughout the year, picking up around the Christmas shopping season to pocket some extra cash for gifts. (Usually however I end up spending anything I make in the store…go figure!)

Along with the few extra dollars I especially like the job because while it is a bookstore you get to help people find things that speak to their needs and, sometimes, even minister beyond a book. I remember once when a young man came in as a brand new Christian and wanted a Bible…but he didn’t know anything about Bible translations or study features. He found a nice study Bible he understood and really liked…then saw the price. He was a young kid and just moved in with his sister from the Atlanta area where he’d been in a gang and living in the world. As a brand new (literally the night before he was saved) Christian he was excited about his new life and wanted to learn and get to know God. But he became very dejected when he realized all he could afford was the small print $5 Bible. God moved on my heart and I pulled his sister aside and told her I wanted to buy him the Bible he wanted. It was a touching moment, and even more so when he came back the following week to thank me again and tell me excitedly about things he had read in God’s Word that spoke to him.

Then there was this past week. I was working a closing shift at the store and we are, of course, busy getting things ready for the Christmas season. I was actually thankful that there weren’t many customers because it’s hard to move stock and get things put out when you need to help them…and in retail, there is a lot of stock to move! we had several people who were in and out, but most were fast and knew exactly what they wanted.

But one lady seemed to be wandering around. She would pick up a book, read the back, thumb through it, and then move on to another one. She was there for some time, and at first indicated when I asked that she was ‘just looking’. Usually that is code for ‘leave me alone’ so, I kept my distance but walked by and smiled at her several times so she knew I was ready to help if she needed it.

Eventually she reached an area where she was looking at nearly every book and seemed confused. You can tell when someone is just browsing and when someone is focused on finding something that will address a need in their life, because they get certain facial expressions that become almost longing and desperate…like they need God to point to the book that will help bring them comfort or answers. This lady was at that place. After a few minutes of letting her stand there, I approached her again and asked if I could help her. This time, she broke open and told me that she had just recently lost a loved one to a tragic death and when through a divorce after her husband (who was supposed to be a strong Christian) had been found to be cheating on her for over 15 years.

To say she was emotionally devastated would be like calling the sinking of the Titanic bad news. She was a mess. But, she was strong in her desire to draw closer to God through it all and come out on the other side in victory and with joy. She just didn’t know where to start. I took her through and showed her several books about dealing with emotions (Anger and bitterness, specifically) and helped her find a book that addressed why bad things happen to good people. But I again sensed that there was a specific book that she needed. When she told me that she’d also just lost her job I saw an opportunity to invest in her life. So, after she got the books we’d discussed i gave her the other book that I just strongly felt she needed to read and told her to read it first and let God minister to her heart.

Then, before she left I prayed over her and blessed her. She was tearful and thankful as she left, and I went back to my stocking.

About two hours later the phone rang and I was told my by co-worker that it was for me. Seeing that I have a pregnant wife I wondered what might be happening. But when i took the phone on the other end was the lady from earlier. She was again crying but this time sounded different. She explained how she’d gone home and immediately started reading the book I gave her and told her to read. She said that she was nearly halfway through it and that God was speaking directly through it to her. She was already dealing with some issues that she didn’t even know she needed to deal with and said she could feel the spiritual baggage falling off as she’d been reading and praying.

We rejoiced together and I again encouraged her to keep going, and to be sure she was active and involved in her church so she could find support and love, and we hung up.

I’ve been thinking about this encounter since it happened, and just keep wondering how often we miss the chance to impart life into someone else and their situation, or minister healing to someone who is hurting, because it’s ‘not our job’ or ‘we are just too busy’. I was  working, and my work afforded me the opportunity to minister. But I could have easily just left her alone to search for what she wanted, then checked her out and gone on about my business. Instead, I was sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and was able to touch someone who needed encouragement. I’m so thankful that God gives us those chances.

Now, I need to make sure I’m not missing more of them.
DK

2012
10/27
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