Exorcism gone bad

In Romania, a "priest" tried to perform an exorcism. The result - his patient died. The person was bound to a cross and denied food and water for many days. Many people will look at this type of news and come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as demon possession. I beg to differ.

It's clear in the scriptures that our world is involved in a great struggle involving unseen forces. While God is ruler over all, their are spiritual forces opposed to his kingdom. In the New Testament, Jesus cast out many demons. He had personal encounters with the devil. He clearly taught that a being, going by various names (Satan, the devil, etc) stands opposed to the rule and reign of God.

Aren't all the accounts of demon possession in the Bible because those people didn't understand about mental illness? The Bible clearly knows the difference between demon possession and mental illness. In Mark 4:24 we read,

"24News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them."

Not all evil is a result of demon possession or demon activity. We can't get away with just saying, "The devil made me do it." We have our own sin nature to deal with and our own sinful desires. But - we should not discount the supernatural forces at work as well.

Interestingly, most accounts of demon possession occur before the death and resurrection of Jesus and the epistles make no mention of it nor give instructions for exorcism.

Although it doesn't seem to be as common today, Demonic possession still occurs. There are many credible missionary accounts of confrontations with demon possession in pagan cultures. These involve such manifestations as unnatural strength and knowledge of foreign languages not known by the possessed, along with other supernatural knowledge.

With the rise of Paganism and occult idolatry in our culture, demon possession is likely to become more common.

So how should a Christian respond to this knowledge?

First, realize that "greater is he that is in you - than he that is in the world." We need not fear Satan's power for we have a greater power within us - the Holy Spirit.

Second, do not discount the demonic. In our culture today, Satan works best by deception. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

Third, understand that the occult is not a plaything. Any involvement in occult activities - even the "innocent" ouija board and your daily horoscope are activities that God calls an abomination.

I just finished reading a website that was promoting the ouija board. Even though they that this was a fine activity, there was a constant warning that you might be contacting evil spirits. According to the Bible, any spirits you contact this way are evil!

Finally, if you have been involved in the occult, repent. This is not an unforgiveable sin - but it is a sin and one which will harm your Christian walk.

Pastor John

Choose Life

Deuteronomy 30:19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Choose life - it seems like such a simple choice. And yet - it's such a controversial issue. Since the Supreme court issued it's ruling in 1973, it is estimated that 46 million babies have been aborted in the United States.

On January 24, 2008 a federal court ruled in Missouri that the state could not ban "Choose Life" as a slogan for speciality license plates. The 9th circuit court just ruled the same way in a case involving Arizona.

Why is there such controvery? Why is there an almost pathalogical fear against a license plate slogan?

While many reasons could be cited, I believe the heart of the issue goes back to the Garden of Eden. It was here that the temptation was presented to Adam and Eve. Obey God - OR - follow your own path, making your own rules, living by your own standards. If God happened to be on your side - that was ok. BUT - humans would get to decide the rules.

The ugly issue of abortion is but one of the outgrowths from the fall. It is primarily a rebellion against God - a decision that babies are not really made in the image of God, until a mother wants them, that God is not soverign over creation, that God makes mistakes, that my happiness is the ultimate standard of right and wrong.

Over all of this, God says - I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now - choose life!

Lord, I pray that the day may come when this terrible rebellion against you ceases and life is once more honored.

Pastor John