What is Demonization? Part 3

In the past two posts, we have learned that neither modern psychology nor the biblical accounts offer a fool-proof and complete guide to understanding the work of the demonic.  Instead, we have seen that both can offer some general categories and principles that can help inform our questions about demonic influence in the lives of individuals.  I believe this is probably a good since it demands that we live lives of dependence upon the Living God to know how to apply the principles to our ministry contexts!

So, what exactly does the New Testament teach about the topic of demonization?  In the NT, the word Daimonizomenos is used to describe what is commonly translated demonized or demon possessed.  Daimonizomenos is a participle which is used only twelve times in the NT.  This term has behind it the idea of demon controlling a somewhat passive human (Dickerson, 37).  Thus the person with a demon is considered demonized.  But, does this demonic control mean that a person is totally controlled or are there degrees of demonic influence?  

The pages of the New Testament do not give a clear answer to this question.  They affirm demonic influence to varying degrees, but there is not a detail analysis of what this means.  Throughout the centuries, believers have struggled to understand what is exactly meant by demonization.  Unfortunately, it often is like the classic definition of pornography as set forth by Supreme Court Justice, Potter Stewart in 1964, "I do not know how to define it, but I do know it when I see it."

A brief summary of centuries of discussion and experience can be gained by a quick look at  the theological categories described in Mark Bubeck's The Adversary.  Bubeck argues that there are three classifications of demonic influence.  

First is demonic oppression.  Here Satan targets an individual to oppose, hinder, hurt, or destroy them if possible.  This form of demonic attack may be fairly regular and common particularly in those who are involved in advancing the Kingdom of God.  Christians throughout history have recorded wrestling in prayer and with the Word against the temptations and attacks of evil forces.  

The second is demonic obsession.  This is defined as a more intense time of demonic attack against an individual.  Often demonic obsession is brought about by an individual giving Satan a foothold in the their life (Ephesians 4:27) through willful engaging in fleshly sins or the occult.  As obsession increases in severity, the individual may believe they are possessed.  Bubeck argues that even a Christian can experience this level of attack.  I am not so sure.

The third classification is demon possession.  At this stage, the demoniac is under the total control of the demon or demons (Bubeck, 83-89).  Biblical examples would include the demoniac who lived among the tombs (Mark 5:1-20), and perhaps the young, mute boy who the demon sought to destroy in water or fire (Mark 9:14-29).  At this stage, the demons have control.

At this point, it is important to ask who can experience each of these categories of demonic influence.  Ephesians 2:1-3 states that those who do not believe in Christ are under the control of Satan.  Thus, if demonic forces wanted to work in the lives of unbelievers, they have every right to do as they wish as long as God will allow it.  But can Christians be totally possessed?  

Bubeck, Bufford, and others believe that this stage is reserved only for unbelievers.  I tend to agree.  Yet, all agree that a Christian may, through willful and persistent sin, allow Satan a foothold in their life.  The result will be that some areas of a Christian’s life may be controlled by demonic influence.  The demon does not have ownership, but it (or they) do have control.  


As Dickerson states, “The term possessed is misleading (for a Christian). ... The real concept is invasion and control to some degree, lesser or greater; but never ownership (Dickerson, 89).  Thus a person who is under the control of a demon is demonized, but this term does not necessary mean under the total control of an evil spirit.  Unbelievers, those who belong to Satan’s kingdom, can be totally controlled by demons, but Christian can only be influenced and controlled at the point and to the point that they allow Satan a foothold.

So what can be done about it?  In the next post, I will offer a pastoral response to demonization.

What is Demonization? Part 2

Yesterday we began a discussion concerning the role of the demonic in the lives of individuals today.  We affirmed that for many of us, the full extent of scriptural teaching concerning the demonic is both strange and scary.  Yet, as believers in the modern world we need to address the role of the demonic in our thought and ministry.  

Yesterday we took a brief look at modern psychology's attempt to understand the demonic.  We discovered that the "scientific" discipline of psychology leaves little room for supernatural influence.  Instead, many Christian psychologists use mental illness as the primary category for understanding what the bible refers to as demonization.  We did learn that many Christian psychologists want to keep the category of demonic influence, but they struggle in how to define or describe it.  Thus, as a discipline, psychology struggles to clearly explain the role of demonic influence in a person's life.

Today we will begin a discussion of what the bible describes as demonization.  I know many well-meaning believers will be glad to move beyond modern psychology to the clear teachings of scripture.  I think these folks will be disappointed!  Instead of great clarity, we will see that while the bible affirms the work of demons and Christ's victory over them, it does not provide a complete demonology handbook.  Instead, it provides glimpses into the spiritual realm and some general principles from which we must develop a workable and practical ministry in our modern context.  So let's begin with the NT and the work of Jesus.

It cannot be denied by anyone who takes Scripture seriously that Jesus and his disciples cast out demons.  There are many references to the demonic in the pages of the NT and in the ministry of Jesus.  Sydney Page has condensed the New Testament accounts of encounters between demonized people and Jesus or his disciples into the following paragraph.

There are seven accounts of exorcism in NT 1.) The demoniac in the synagogue at Capernaum (Mark 1:23-27; Luke 4:31-36). 2.) The demoniac(s) in the region of the Gerasenes (Matt. 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39).  3.) The daughter of a Syrophoenician woman (Matt. 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30) 4.) An epileptic boy (Matt. 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-42); 5.) A mute demoniac (Matt. 9:32-24).  6.) A blind and mute demoniac (Matt.12:22-23).  Also Acts 16:16-18 when Paul cast out the demon in the Philippian slave girl.  Also there are many NT references that Jesus cast out demons and gave his disciples power to cast out demons (Matt 10:1,8; Mark 3:15; Luke 9:1).  Jesus attributes his work of casting out demons to the work of God against Satan’s kingdom (Matt. 12:24-30; Mark 3:22-27; Luke 11:15-23).  (Page, 122)

Page then affirms, I think correctly, that the church is to be an extension of Christ’s work and therefore, following Christ’s teaching, exorcism is a valid Christian practice.  Yet, this does not answer the question of what does this mean?

While we cannot deny that Jesus cast out demons, it is clear that the NT was not written as a demonology handbook.  It is assumed and affirmed that Jesus had authority over demons: he recognized them, they recognized Him, he spoke with them,  and they spoke to Him.  He commanded them to leave and they left.  He also gave his apostles authority over evil spirits, and they reported with joy that they obeyed them as well (Luke 10 and 12).  Yet, there are still many questions that the Biblical accounts of engagement with demons do not answer clearly.  

One vitally important question the New Testament does not clearly answer is how can a Christian tell if someone is demonized?  How do we discern between demonic influence, psychological brokenness and illness, or a combination of both?  

Many suggest that 1 Cor. 12:10 provides an answer by affirming that some are blessed with the spiritual gift of discerning of spirits.  One contemporary author defines discernment as "the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to know with assurance whether certain behavior purported to be of God is in reality divine, human or satanic" (Wagner).  

So what does someone with discernment know that tells them if a person, situation, or whatever is under demonic influence?  How will one know if they are hearing from the Lord or just their own intuition since it is possible to project our own understanding on any situation?  

To these questions, the bible does not give a clear answer.  Yet, I believe those with the gift of discernment do have insight and ability given by God that many believers lack.  This is one of my spiritual gifts, and I must confess that I often do just "know" if something or someone is of God, human effort, or demonic influence.  Yet, there are other times when I do not have clear understanding.  At these times, I have to pray with great dependence for wisdom.  Sometimes, I get an answer, but often I do not.  At these times of silence, I just assume it is not important for me to know!  Again, this gift is not an exact "science" that can be explained with easy step by step instructions.

So where does this leave us?  For some, they will argue that this proves that we should not worry about or deal with the demonic since scripture is not clear.  These folk would claim the scripture regulatory principle or some form of it to argue that lack of clarity means we should not engage in spiritual warfare.  Is this a valid argument?  I think not!

The bible also does not explain clearly how to organize and run a church.  It gives parameters concerning leadership, mission, and goals, but it does not clearly explain what we are to do in every situation.  Should we just give up on organizing a church?  Obviously no.  Instead, we must understand the principles and then we develop a plan for implementing these principles in a particular ministry context.

Similarly, the bible does not give one clear presentation of what it looks like or what one experiences when they are converted.  We have some like Timothy who knew of Jesus from infancy and others like Paul who were converted by a blinding light on the road to Damascus.  Did both have the same experience?  Obviously not.  Yet, the bible lays out some general principles of what happened to both.  They were humbled and confronted with their sin before God.  God led them to repentance and they believed in Jesus as their only hope for salvation.  At that time, they were converted and the Holy Spirit came to dwell within them. 

I would argue that spiritual warfare and the work of the demonic is a topic similar to those above.  The bible lays out general principles that must always inform any discussion of the demonic.  Jesus and the apostles treated the demonic as real, and they emphasized the importance that every believer have an awareness of the devil's schemes.

So what does it mean to be demonized?  I have moved all around the topic, but this post is becoming too long to answer the question!  Tomorrow, I will gather from the biblical principles at least a partial answer to this important question.

What is Demonization? Part 1

While many of us intuitively know that spiritual warfare is important in the Christian life, we really are not that interested in knowing personally the full range of spiritual warfare mentioned in the Bible.  The demoniac who lived in to tombs- a bit too scary and strange for our world!  The demons who attacked the Jews who had a deliverance ministry by casting our demons in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches (Acts 19:13)- way to weird and different.  We know the influence of demons is scriptural, but how exactly does demonization relate to our contemporary world and ministry in our current context? 

For the remainder of November, we will investigate this question through the lens of demonic possession.  Today, we often equate what in past times would have been considered demonization with mental illness that is best treated with counseling and drugs.  My interest in this question arises from the need as a biblically-based pastor to deal with clear NT teaching regarding demonization in light of today’s psychological awareness of mental disorders.  Several practical questions drive this inquiry.  Are people still influenced by demons?  Is there a relationship between mental disorders and demonization?  How would we diagnose the real need of the individual?

This research is a compilation of research by Christians without psychological training as well as from modern psychologists.  Understandably, there is not much psychological data on demonization, but there is a growing interest by Christian psychologists in integrating the biblical concept of demons with modern understandings of mental illness and addiction.  This research will begin with a summary of these psychological studies.  Next, it will then give a Biblical and theological rationale for the reality of demons and provide a definition of what it means to be demonized.  Lastly, I will give a pastoral response to the problem of understanding what mental problems are the result of demonic influence as opposed to naturally caused mental problems.

Psychological Data:

The foundation of modern science is the worldview of naturalism.  Naturalism is the belief that the universe is a closed system that operates in strict conformity with the law of cause and effect.  Since the universe is a closed system, the supernatural cannot act upon the universe and all events can be explained by cause and effect.  In the past century, psychology has attempted to gain the status of being a true science.  The result is that psychology has accepted naturalism as a starting point and most secular psychologist do not accept the idea that demons, or even God, can act upon humans.  Instead, all human behaviors can be explained by natural cause and effect.  If someone has mental problems then there are natural explanations that must be dealt with so that the problem can be solved.  Therefore, secular psychologists only look for natural explanations for mental disorders.

The problem is that many Christian psychologists also have accepted the same understanding of human mental problems as their secular counterparts.  Instead of accepting that Jesus cast out demons, some attempt to explain what happened in purely psychological terms.  As Miller and Jackson state,

“The most common form of psychosis is schizophrenia, a syndrome that has been recognized as a mental disorder since the nineteenth century.  The sparse accounts of demon possessions recounted in the Bible suggest that some of these individuals may well have been suffering from schizophrenia or another psychotic pattern.”  (Miller and Jackson, 342)

Others attempt to illustrate how uncommon demonization is in comparison with psychological problems like schizophrenia.  One example is Archibald Hart in an article in Leadership magazine.  He states,

If this is schizophrenia, though, what does demon possession look like?  The characteristics of demon possession are not neat and simple to discern, but those with extensive experience with possession look for such things as:  The presentation of a new personality.  However, this is also seen in ‘multiple personality disorders,...; a striking lack of human warmth; Marked revulsion to Christian symbols. ... However, I also see many schizophrenics evidence this reaction.  So this sign, by itself, is not evidence of possession; Physical phenomena.  Many describe an inexplicable stench, freezing temperatures, flying objects, and a ‘smooth, stretched skin’; Behavioral transformations.  Obviously, then, possession is not as common as is supposed, and many so-called possessions have more natural explanations. (Hart, Leadership, 75-77)

Hart does not rule out the possibility that demonization could occur, but his criteria for evidence of demonization are so extreme that none of the New Testament accounts of demonization could be considered true cases of ‘possession’.  Perhaps Hart and some other Christian psychologist want to minimize the influence of demons on humanity for theological reasons, but I think many do so because that are following the science of psychology as they were taught.

Thankfully in recent literature, several Christian psychologists have addressed the issue of demonic influence on humanity.  These psychologists include Sydney Page, Rodger Bufford, James Beck, Gordon Lewis, and William Wilson.  All of these researchers have a problem integrating demonic influence into a psychological framework because it is seemingly impossible to scientifically investigate.  Much of what is written about the influence of the demonic on humanity is from case studies by Christians who believe in the demonic.  This causes some concern for Bufford.  As he states, “This concern is particularly significant since these accounts come almost exclusively from case studies rather than more rigorous scientific investigations with standardized procedures for observation, statistical analysis, and checks on the reliability of the resulting data.” (Bufford, 104)  Thus, these men conclude that demonization is scriptural but the task of psychology is to come up with a scientific way of explaining this phenomenon.

Doubts, Feelings, and Faith

"Behold, the Lord's hand is not so short that it cannot save;

Neither is His ear so dull that it cannot hear.

But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God,

and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear." 

Isa. 59: 1-2

What exactly is Isaiah speaking of in this passage?  I believe for most of my Christian life I would have answered that this is the condition of those apart from Christ.  In other words, those who do not know Jesus as Lord and savior do not have the Lord's ear.  So, what should one do if they are in this condition?  You should take heart that his hand is not too short to save!  No matter who you are.  No matter what you have done.  Jesus can and will answer if you cry out to Him in repentance and faith!  For years, I thought this passage was only for unbelievers and it message was a call to faith.

Yet, I believe there are still several questions for this interpretation of the passage.  What about those folks who are not believers and they cry out to the Lord for help with an accident or illness, and He answers their prayer?  What about the ways that God miraculously shows up bringing people to faith?  

I also have questions from another perspective.  Why is that so many Christians feel at different times in their lives that God does not hear them?  They trust in Jesus, what is going on?

Even as I spent time this morning speaking with the Lord in prayer and reading His word, I was struck by these questions.  I know there have been times and even seasons of my life where I wondered where the Lord was.  He just did not seem to hear my prayers for deliverance and my cries against evil.  Other times I did not feel peace even as I prayed for peace in the midst of life's storms.  Why?

One thing I have learned is that God's ways are not my ways.  What I feel and experience in this fallen world does not always match the ideal.  If I am God's child, why do I have such experiences?

I notice I have ended each thought with a question.  I think such questions- some would call them doubts- are helpful and good if they are handled properly.  What I mean is that we must not allow these questions to control our relationship with God.  In other words, questions are good if they lead us to  ask different questions.  

Instead of "Where are you and why have you not heard me," we should ask, "What are you trying to say?"  We must cling to and declare to our soul the promises of God.  By faith we are declared righteous.  We are His children and He loves us.  Jesus' righteousness is ours by faith.  This world is not all there is but is a shadow of eternal life.  We must meditate upon and believe these truths.

We also need to remember that the second verse of Isaiah 59 is also true.  "But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear."

The unbeliever who cries out for help often cries out for mercy.  For a brief moment they confess their inadequacies and need.  They are vulnerable before the living God, and He answers.

The believer stuck in a situation can easily ignore the cry for mercy and instead cry out for justice.  "Lord, bring justice to this situation!  This is so wrong, fix it!"  They might even take it a step further.  "Lord I have done so much for You and been so faithful.  Hear my prayers!"

Such cries for justice demonstrate a profound lack of faith.  Yet, I have lived in this place of unbelief all too often!  Our demand for justice, against evil or for our service, puts our relationship of grace and mercy in a different spot.  In fact, the call for justice means it must begin with us.  

In my experience, The Lord often uses bad situations to help us grow.  He uses them to point out our self-righteousness, our pride, and our sin tendencies.  In other words, He takes us deeper into our need for grace and mercy instead of justice!  When we see this, we should repent and believe!  Cry out for mercy and confess your need for grace.  Such prayers the Lord does not despise.

What does all this mean when we struggle to feel God's presence and peace?  The essence of authentic faith is dependency upon God.   We look to God for forgiveness, grace, mercy, and love while  confessing our unbelief.  From the moment of first faith, by the foundation of God's grace, a believer is justified or declared righteous in the sight of God by faith.  

From the moment of first faith, the Lord begins to shape us and transform us by His grace toward our created good.  This process, called sanctification, is achieved through dependent faith.  So, when we depart from dependent faith, the Lord often calls us back to repentance and faith by pointing out our sin to drive us back to Jesus.  We may not want to hear about it, but such a state of repentant faith allows the Lord to hear us!

I do not know where you are in your journey of faith, but if the Lord does not seem close, I encourage you to ask different questions.  Ask the Spirit to lead you to a place of deeper repentance and dependent faith.  As you do, you will find that you draw near to God, and He will draw near to you (James 4:8).

Attacking the Weakest Link

"Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock,

among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers,

to shepherd  the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, 

not sparing the flock;

and from among your own selves men will arise,

speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them."
Acts 20:28-30

Today my family is beginning the preparations for a Thanksgiving feast.  We are so blessed!  In addition to all we have, the Lord has brought a great snow to Maine today.  I love snow storm days as it forces us to slow down.  In Maine, most of us enjoy "hunkering" down and letting it snow.  We will have much to clean-up afterward, but we have all the equipment for it!

Today I was thinking about the nature of temptation for both an individual and groups.  I was thinking of all the church splits I have seen, all of the churches marked by non-biblical teaching, and the "Christian leaders" I have seen fall from grace.  Why does this happen?  Why does God allow this to happen?  I thought He was holy and just.  How can He let His church and His people be marked by such sin?

In the opening passage, Paul is addressing one of his church plants in Ephesus.  I believe it was one of his favorite churches!  In our passage, he is addressing the Elders from this church.  He warns them that from your "own number" will arise false teachers who will bring division.  In other words, from Christian leaders will come those who lead other astray.

I have dealt with this passage in detail in a previous post entitled, "The Myth of the Pure Church" on September 8, so I will not go into more detail about it.  Instead I will take the question of the day in a different direction.  How did these men go astray?  How does one turn to a "savage wolf" who scatters the flock?

I believe one of the primary reasons we see this so often is a lack of understanding of the nature of temptation and spiritual warfare.  As humans in this world, we are fallen creatures who will struggle until death with our sin nature.  We must be constantly on guard.  We have a traitor within who can turn away from righteousness and holiness in a moment's notice.  Thus, we must watch our lives and doctrine closely (1 Timothy 4: 16).

Why?  Because temptation will come at our weakest point, at our weakest moment.

As I have presented before, our greatest weakness is often close to our greatest strength.  In fact, it is often misuse of our greatest strength!  We must be diligent to remain under the influence of the gospel.  This means living a life of constant repentance and faith.  It means drawing near to God so He will draw near to us.  It means recognizing our weakness and need so we can cling to Jesus all the more!

When we move away from this place of dependence and faith we are prepared for the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

What I find interesting is that the full force of temptation never comes when we are strong and ready.  It always comes when we are weakest.  You would think we have an enemy that watches and waits for the perfect opportunity?

In a group, like a church, I find the same principle at work.  The strongest members of a group are rarely attacked directly.  What I see happen is that the stronger members of a church are often distracted with assorted busyness and issues.  Then the weaker members are attacked with direct assaults on their faith, their thought (doctrine), or their behavior.  The result is a "sudden" fall from grace that was really well orchestrated and coordinated.

Please note that the strongest people are often not those in leadership!  Often those in leadership can get by on their personalities, their training, or their past performance so they appear as strong.  Yet, they might not be walking in repentant, dependent faith!  Thus, the truly strong get distracted and the evil one sets a scheme against the Church and her leaders.

What is the cure?  The gospel of Jesus Christ believed and lived!  Be on your guard!  Watch your life and doctrine closely.  Do not take anything for granted.  Be thankful that Jesus has won the victory and tie yourself into that victory by faith!

To my American readers, have a great Thanksgiving Holiday!

The Gospel and Demonic Possession

"And when He had come out of the boat, 

immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met Him." 

Mark 5:2

"Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 

and do not give the devil an opportunity (or foothold)." 

Ephesians 4: 26-27

Today marks my 100 blog post since I began in early May.  This represents quite a few pages of writing!  I have debated on what topic to write about for my 100th.  Late last week, I started on an idea, but it just did not flow.  I cannot put off writing any longer.  Today, I thought I would continue with the theme of spiritual warfare, and offer a remake of an earlier post concerning demonic possession.

I do not wish to over-emphasize this topic.  I also know I cannot under-emphasize it if I wish to follow the Lord's leading.  Many of us have seen the Hollywood sensationalism of possession in the movies like The Exorcist or The Exorcism of Emily Rose.  Most of the time we pacify our fear by saying that it is just a movie that does not mirror real life.  I agree that much of the sensationalism is overdrawn.  I also know that when confronted with possession or severe demonic oppression, I hope I do not hear scary music in the background!  

The primary problem with these movies and their portrayals of the demonic is there starting premise.  Both of the above flicks begin with the premise that there is an epic battle between good and evil with the outcome always in doubt.  In fact, most of the time evil is stronger!  In each, a doubting and struggling priest confronts his own doubts and the reality of evil.  It ends up being an individual against the demonic.

Such a portrayal falls into a variety of errors, but the most clear is that of dualism, which we have discussed before.  Furthermore, most of these movies do not proclaim the true winner in the spiritual battle: the Lord Jesus Christ.  When we encounter the Evil one and his servants we are  powerless apart from Christ.  If we know and live the gospel, we also see how powerful we are with Christ for He has already won the victory (Eph. 1: 20-22).

I want to introduce the topic of demonic possession with a story from my life.  I do so with a bit of concern that some will take me to be a quack! I know for some this will be hard to believe because many of us in the West have not witnessed easily recognizable demonic activity.  I know that even with the spiritual gift of discernment, I have not seen much open demonization in the West.  I did see it in Thailand often, but not here.  

I believe the reason for this has to deal with the spiritual climate of America as opposed to Thailand.  In America, apathy and secularism rule.  The demonic controls the world system, so there is no need for open demonization, which could scare people toward embracing Christ.  In Thailand, worship of false gods opens hearts and minds to possession, both through ancestor worship and direct demonization.  I know I am giving many categories that I need to explain, but I wanted to begin with a brief explanation as to why many of my readers have not seen what I am going to discuss.  

For many of us, we read the stories in the bible about Jesus casting out demons, and we wonder what this is all about.  We do not experience the same occurrences, so we treat Jesus' interactions with the demonic as representing His healing of psychological illness.  If this is your take on the demonic, I beg you to hang with me to see if what I have to say matches with the teaching of scripture.

Now for the story and some background for the story.  I spent the summer of 1990 in Thailand on a mission trip with Campus Crusade for Christ.  It was a great time to experience another culture, and to learn how to share the gospel in a different culture.  We witnessed many people coming to faith, opened several new college campuses in Bangkok to the gospel, and witnessed a spiritual world very different than America.  In many places throughout the city are places to offer incense and to pray to the local god (demons).  I met people who affirmed that their family had been granted success for hundreds of years because the oldest son had inherited the help of a spirit (again a demon), who blessed them with success.  It was a strange spiritual world.

When I returned, it was life back to normal.  That is until about six weeks after I returned.  I was practicing with the worship band of our college ministry one warm fall evening.  We were practicing, but also praising the name of Jesus.  When we would stop practice, through the open windows, we would hear someone cursing Jesus and telling us to stop.  The first time, we thought it was a prank by guys in the dorm next door.  It was in bad taste, so we ignored it.  The next time, it was louder, and I went to see what was going on.  I went to the front door of the church, and I could see through the glass a man with two Elders from the church behind him.  I opened the door, and I was immediately stuck by a feeling of evil I had not experienced since Thailand.  I cannot explain it, but to say that my spirit immediately declared watch out and pray.  I back up, and the man came charging through the church door and headed to the front of the church.  There he looked upon the lighted cross, and he cursed Jesus' name.  One of the two Elders said in a low voice, "Greg we were afraid someone would open this door.  We believe this man is under the influence of a demon.  Get your worship team together and pray.  Please stay out of his way, as he is really dangerous."  I did not have to be told twice!  The four or five members of our worship team gathered in the back of the church and prayed.

As we prayed, the man cursed the name of Jesus.  He swore often.  He threatened these two men.  The Elders continued to claim the protection of Jesus.  The man would get up quickly and violently, and the men would tell him in the name of Jesus to be seated.  In response he would immediately sit.  Slowly he became more subdued.  After about fifteen minutes, the man said he did not know why he was here, he cursed, and he got up to leave the building.  The Elders went with him praying.  When he left, they asked me to lock the door.  Eventually, the man got in his car and drove away.  I can say, that our worship team was visibly shaken as we had never seen anything like it.  We had felt incredible evil.  We had seen the power of Jesus' name.  We finished prayer and honestly did not know what to do.  Several folks on the worship team left.

After just a short while, the pastor of the church and the Elders returned.  They apologized to us for having to have seen this and for being short with me.  Truly, no apology was needed!  The Elders affirmed they had never seen anything like this.  Now that it was over for the evening, they were shaking and bewildered.  Then the pastor told us this man's story.

This fellow had been special forces of some sort in Vietnam.  He had been captured and then tortured by his enemies.  Somehow he had escaped captivity, and when we returned home he was a different man.  His wife had recently come to faith, and she had told the pastor that she feared her husband was possessed.  He was an angry, but quiet alcoholic.  Almost every night, particularly around a full moon, he could not sleep because of horrific nightmares.  He also was openly hostile to the person and name of Jesus.  He had a history of violence, and the military training to make violence deadly.  She wanted to bring him to church, but she did not know what would happen.  It appears that he had been in church for several Sundays without incidence, but the pastor was concerned.  He had shared what he knew of his history with his Elders, and introduced him to several of these men.  That evening, one of the Elders had felt led to drive by the church that evening "just to check it out."  He heard us practicing through the open windows, and he noticed a car in the parking lot.  As he looked closer, he saw it was this man.  He approached him to ask if he was O.K., and the entire event began with him jumping out of his car and screaming his hatred of Jesus.  The Elder had not experienced anything like it, but he knew this was demonic.  Providentially, the other Elder was driving by, saw the man, pulled in, and began to pray for the first elder as he also could tell this was evil and different.  With this information, we all prayed for him, and the rest of the worship team left for our dorms.  The pastor and elders were going to handle it.

Now for the rest of the story.  That evening, the man drank heavily and did not return home.  Within a week or so, he was broken before the Lord and He called out to Jesus for help.  The pastor and elder prayed with him, and was set free.  Then they learned the rest of the story. While in captivity in Vietnam, he grew increasingly angry and bitter toward his captures.  He wanted them dead!  One night, he heard a voice in his head telling him that he could help him get revenge and get out.  He noticed the cage was unlocked.  He crept out, killed his captors, and escaped.  Unfortunately, the voice did not leave.  He began to have horrible nightmares.  He began to drink to self-medicate.  He had married, but he could not escape his internal issues (as some say, his personal demons!).  Finally, his wife had come to faith.  He had heard the voice saying, he would never come to faith because he belonged to him.  He had helped him escape.  He was beyond help.  The man witnessed his wife change.  He had gone to church, but he could not hear anything but condemnation on how God could not love a murderer like him.  He did not remember the night at the church.  He was finally set free when he called out to Jesus for help.  "The voice" left him at that time.

I tell this story not to cause fear nor to sensationalize demonic power, but to explain what it could look like.  I experienced these events, and I have tried to explain them as clearly and accurately as possible even though 21 years of past since I lived them.  I have not seen anything like this before or since!

Looking back, I ask what happened?  Through anger, this man had opened himself up to demonic influence and control.  Anger and bitterness is a great doorway into our soul, thus Paul's warning in Ephesians 4.  He had struggled and suffered under this demonic influence for almost 20 years.  The demon did not come out of the man on the evening at the church because he did not want the demon to leave at that time.  He clung to the demon he knew, instead of asking the God he did not know for help.  When he sincerely called out for Jesus' help, the demon left.  As far as I know, it never returned.

As this week goes on, I will offer more thoughts on demonic possession, demonic oppression, and how this relates to Christians and non-believers.  This is an important topic even if we do not see much open demonization in the West.  I know some of you will not buy into what I am saying.  All I know is that Jesus and the apostles cast out demons.  Jesus treated this topic as important and real.  As we move to see the Kingdom of God advance, we most likely will encounter demonic resistance.  We need to know what to expect, and how to appropriate the power of Jesus in the midst of this conflict.

The Nature of Temptation

"Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden?'" 

Gen. 3:1

"The tempter came to him and said, 'If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.'" 

Matt. 4:3

As I write today, I do so with a heavy heart.  My wife and I were traveling this weekend, and we had a chance to proclaim the gospel.  On Sunday afternoon, I received an e-mail that a prominent pastor/religious leader in my area had died.  I had worked with this man in a variety of setting for the past seven years, so I thought I would need to attend the funeral when I get back.  When I returned, I found out that he had died by suicide by jumping off a bridge; and as of last Thursday, we was under investigation for child sexual abuse.  The reports state that he began a sexual affair with a young man in the 1970s and it continued to today.

As you can see, this is a bit to process!  I have already had two or three discussions with folks in the community who ask my take on this sordid affair.  Overall the question keeps coming up, "How could this happen?"  

In today's blog, I wish to give a short answer to this question.  Each case of full-blown sin is different, but they all spring from a similar source.  To help us understand this source, we will look at the fall of humanity in Genesis 3 and Jesus' temptation in Matt. 4.

In both of these passages, Satan's first move is to call into question the character of God.  

"Did God really say...." "If you are the Son of God...."  

Both of these statements point to a flaw in God's character that Satan believes everyone should see.  Of course there is no flaw in God's character!  Nevertheless, Eve takes the bait and she begins the process of the fall.  Meanwhile, Jesus knew that He is the Son of God, so he does not have to prove anything.  He completely sidesteps the temptation by quoting and living the truth, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matt. 4:4)

Why did Eve fall?  What was her underlying sin?  I think ultimately the crack in her armor was that of lacking faith and trust in God.  

In discussing the consequences of the fall, John Calvin observes that many vestiges of the Image of God remain in us.  Thus, the fall does not mean that we are as evil as possible, because we still have the ability to express love.  Love remains a vestige of our created good.  Yet, he claims, and I agree with him, that the attribute of faith was completely lost in the fall.  

Eve lacks faith in God's character and the fall begins.  She begins to reason to herself and explain away what God has said.  Eventually, she does exactly the opposite of God's will and expressed command.  On the other hand, Jesus maintains His trust in God's character, and He resists the temptation to handle his hunger on his own.  He lives in faith and trust in God to provide.

Satan's primary temptation is to get us to trust ourselves and our strength instead of relying upon God.  When faced with a decision, if we do not look to God for answers through His word and wise counsel, we are falling right into Satan's primary temptation.

I believe one reason we do not see much outright demonization in America is that Satan's primary temptation matches perfectly with our vision of the World and the Flesh.  In other words, in the West Satan does not have to tempt or drive to fear from direct attack because believers and unbelievers are marked by self-effort, self-righteousness, and a lack of real day to day faith in the Living God.  

Everything about our culture tells us to "trust our hearts" and to "follow our own path."  The World works in perfect tandem with the temptations of Satan.  Our biggest problem is that this temptation also works perfectly with our fallen fleshly nature that loves this message!  We would like nothing more than to be the captain of our own ship and the master of our own soul.  On Satan's side, why risk exposure by being out in the open when the World and Flesh are already keeping believers and unbelievers unfruitful and lacking God's power that comes by faith?

So, how does this shed light on this week's events in Maine?  Our greatest strengths can be used mightily to build the kingdom of God.  They can also be used mightily to keep us away from trusting God.  Who needs God when I can do it on my own?  We must be aware that our fallen human nature will always move us to trust in ourself, our efforts, and our flesh.  

According to many, this pastor had a great ability to care for others.  I must admit that I never thought of him in this way!  Still, a care-giver must protect themselves from using their strengths in an inappropriate manner.  One does not begin the descent of sin with sexual contact and abuse.  It takes time to develop.  Like a cancer, sin turns us away from trusting in the Living God, and instead it always demands that we take matters into our own hands.  Instead of finding joy and strength in God, we find it in any variety of sin tendencies.  As we nurture of sin, it grows in severity and perversion.

It looks like this man took time to develop his sin tendencies!  The act of suicide was a final action expressing these tendencies to trust self.  I sure hope I am wrong on this, but I am afraid I am right.

The direct opposite of self-effort and self-righteousness is faith and trust in God for our life, joy and righteousness.  Similar to the descend of sin, faith and trust is something that must be nurtured and built.  It is given by divine grace, but it does not come naturally to our fallen nature.  We must cultivate it!

The ascent of grace grows as we walk in repentance and faith.  As we confess our tendencies to trust in self, others, and created things for our life, joy and righteousness, we find release from bondage.  As we trust in Jesus for life, joy, and righteousness we experience authentic joy and life-transforming power. 

How about some practical steps to make the transition from the descent of sin into the ascent of grace?  

First, start by how you organize your day.  Take time to listen to God's Word and to meet with Him in prayer.  Ask Him for wisdom with the decisions you need to make.  At work and home begin to involve God in decisions that you usually just make out of habit or your strengths.  

Second, begin the process of walking by faith.  Be particularly vigilant when you feel fear.  Fear prompts us to make choices without faith.  We do not consult God or His Word.  We just react.  How can we have faith and fear at the same time?  (1 John 4:18)  Be aware that in our very spiritual world, Satan and his forces are lurking tempting us to work in our own strength without reference to God.  If you have lived in this manner, repent and believe the gospel!  

In the face of such sordid actions both locally and nationally, may we all be drawn to a deeper  faith and trust in the only True God!

Fear, Doubt and the Evil One

"For the Lord has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and self-discipline." 

2 Tim. 1:7

"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in your faith;" 

1 Peter 5: 7-8

For many of us, we kind of like the way that Christian leaders and others have told us that those who sensationalize the devil have it all wrong.  We enjoying making fun of the "demon behind every bush" theology, and those who claim "the devil made me do it" when caught in any sin.  As a result, most of us do not study Satan's schemes, and we live our lives as practical secularists who deny a spiritual dimension to the temptations and issues in our lives.

On the other hand, there are churches and individuals who make every element of the Christian life a battle between God and Satan that we decide.  These folks live as practical dualists who give too much credit to Satan and his forces.  Often, they also neglect the awesome power and victory of Christ over Satan and his forces.  Neither position reflects the true direction of biblical teaching.

Both of today's passages describe one of Satan's primary methods of attack on the Christian: fear.  When we live in fear, we do not live a life of faith and trust.  Instead, we are marked by self-regard, self-effort, and a lack of knowledge of the true God.  Paul reproves Timothy because he lives in fear.  The gospel gives us a spirit of power and love and discipline, not fear!  

Peter tells us that our adversary prowls like a roaring lion.  I have heard it said that the roaring lion is not the one to worry about.  He roars to drive fear into his prey so that the intended victim runs away from the roar.  What the prey does not know is that his scheme drives them directly to the other lions in the pride so they can kill it.  Peter warns us to be aware and alert.  He commands us to stand firm in the gospel.  The devil may roar; but when you hear it, arm yourself with the gospel and Christ's victory!

As Mark Bubeck states, "The victory of Christ over Satan is total and complete.  The person who appropriates and applies by faith the victory which Christ has purchased and provided will find a gracious, God-authored courage stabilizing his inner man." The Adversary, 80.

Fear takes many forms in our fallen world.  Some are wise and some are harmful.  It is wise to fear the 1800 pound bull in my back field.  I give him a healthy respect and distance.  Yet, I do not walk about in constant thought and fear of that animal!  I am "sober minded" about his power and I seek to respect and be mindful of his power.  I know he has a job to do, and I am allowing him to do it without putting myself, my family, or visitors in his path.  I think this is wise fear, because it is really respect and knowledge of this beast's power.

Other types of fear are mixed between wise and harmful.  It all depends upon what you do with it.  Most of these fears are even socially accepted!  For example, it is prudent to lock your doors in these desperate times.  Yet, those who live in fear of being robbed, those who think about it all the time, those who check their doors repeatedly for fear of an intruder do not walk in faith.  They believe that their resources and diligence will save them.  Where does God fit into this picture?  Most likely He doesn't.  Still, it is socially acceptable and encouraged to lock your doors!  Where do we draw the line?  That is a question for each of us.  If we walk in fear, we need to repent and ask God for mercy to rest and trust.  We need to ask for His protection.

Another example is parenting.  How many of us fear for the future of our children?  It is true that we have a responsibility to raise our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.  Yet, study after study has shown that those in the 20s now have been "overly protected" by their parents from life's hardships.  Why? I believe the key reason was a socially acceptable fear.  We fear, so we give money, protection, shelter.  The unintended consequence is a generation that "has a failure to launch."  Another unintended consequence is that we have given Satan ground into our families by walking in fear.  We have not been sober minded and aware of Satan's schemes.  We have fed fear, and without repentance we will reap the consequences.

A final example is ministry.  How many of us have not spoken to a neighbor about the Lord because of fear?  What if they reject me?  What will they think?  The real question should be, are they in bondage and do they need the gospel?  If so, then out of love for them and in response to walking in the power of the Spirit, we need to share the gospel with them.  We need to pray that the Lord will open the door so it just flows naturally.  Most importantly, we need to say something!

Why do we not do this?  Fear.  Plain and simple, it is fear.  What about a ministry that you would love to start or be part of, yet you do not do so for fear that it will not go well or that you will "not find the time."  We so often put off to tomorrow what should be done today (to quote the great theologian Garth Brooks).

Again I say, fear is not from God.  "There is no fear in love; but perfect love drives out fear." 1 John 4:18  Do we not believe that God can work it out to bring someone to faith without making us their enemy?  Do we not believe that God can work through us, even with our frailties?  Do we not believe that God loves our children, and that He will take care of them?  Is everything really all about us?

I know what it is like to live in fear.  I know how we can busy ourselves so we avoid walking in faith.  I also can say clearly, walking in fear is not from God.  Pray about this.  Fear gives the devil a foothold in our lives, our families, our churches.  It is the primary way that Satan works to hinder the work of God.  

Pray through these passages I mentioned in this blog.  If the Spirit gives you insight into areas where you are dominated by fear, I ask you, no beg you, to repent!  Confess to God your sin and your need for His grace.  Ask Him to work instead of you thinking it is all about you.  Walk in faith.  Claim the victory of Christ and the truth of the gospel as your own.

May your life be marked by grace, trust, rest, and God's power instead of fear.  In so doing, you will defeat the schemes of the Evil one against you, your family, and your church.

OT Teaching on Spiritual Warfare Part 2

"Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God,

and the authority of his Christ.

For the accuser of our brothers,

who accuses them before our God day and night,

has been hurled down."  Rev. 12:10

In the last post, we discussed the book of Job as a good backdrop for understanding the topic of spiritual warfare.  Job is perhaps the oldest OT book, and it reveals a worldview that acknowledges and affirms the reality of a diverse spiritual universe.  In particular, we discussed Satan's ability to come before the throne of God as a tempter from both Job 1 and other OT passages.  These observations illustrate that the concept of dualism- that there are eternal forces of good and evil fighting in the universe with the outcome unclear- is utterly false.  There is only one True God.   

Today we pick up another key concept concerning the evil one and spiritual warfare that can  be drawn from Job 1.  In particular, we see Satan's role as an accuser of believers.  

God draws Satan's attention to Job and praises Job.  To this Satan replies, "Does Job fear God for nothing?  Hast Thou not made a hedge about him, and his house and all that he has, on every side?  Thou hast blessed the work of his hands and his possessions have increased in the land.  But put forth Thy hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse Thee to Thy face." (Job 1: 9-11)

Satan's first, favorite, and primary method of attack is to accuse.  "Job is only faithful because he is blessed.  Take it away, and he will be like every other man!"  This trait is one of the names of Satan.  He is the accuser of the brethren.  

As we see in the passage that begins this blog, Christ's victory cast Satan out of heaven.  I am honestly not clear if this was his victory while still on earth (Luke 10: 18) or at the end of time.  I am inclined to think that Satan no longer is before the throne of God, but is now relegated to earth until Christ comes to finish the judgment of Satan at the end of time.  We do know that now Satan is at war against those who obey God's commandments and who hold to their testimony of Jesus (Rev. 12:17).  One thing I do believe is that Satan's nature has not changed.  He is still the accuser!

Now back to Job, for an unknown reason, God then allows Satan to take away Job's earthly blessings.  Job loses his riches and his children in several great tragedies.  Yet through it all, he does not curse God.  How could this be?

In the next chapter, the accuser claims that the only reason Job did not curse God was because he was still healthy.  "However, put forth Thy hand, now, and touch his bone and his flesh; he will curse Thee to Thy face." (2: 5)  God also allows this request with one limitation, "Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life." (2:6)  Job is then struck with boils from head to toe so he is in great pain.  Still through it all, he does not curse God.

From this passage in Job we learn several important facts.  First, Satan is the accuser.  This is his nature, and it is what he does.  Second, his power is completely limited by God.  God may allow Satan to work and to bring harm, but Satan is not free to do as he wishes.  God is God and there is no other.  Satan and his attacks are subject to God's power.

So what does this mean for today?  Satan's primary method of attack is to accuse us.  Have you ever been engaged in some form of ministry, and then you wake up one day with a feeling that you just do not have what it takes?  You feel convinced at an emotional level that you are a failure.  I have seen people engaged in active ministry almost physically shrivel through doubt and fear concerning their weakness.  It might be because they "did not have a good day" the day before, but it also might be for no real reason at all.  I am convinced that most of the time these thoughts are the accusation of the evil one!  We need to claim not our own competency, but the great competency and victory of Christ.  We need to be grounded in the gospel.

As Paul tells us in Romans 8:33-34, "Who shall bring a charge against God's elect?  God is the one who justifies.  Who is the one who condemns?  Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised to life, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us."  When we believe the gospel, Jesus transforms us into an adopted child of God.  From that moment, we are completely justified, throughly loved, and empowered and in dwelt by the Holy Spirit.  When we feel accusation of our failings, we need to repent of our real sin of unbelief that often lead us to a variety of sinful actions.  We also must by faith reject the accusations about our incompetence as a lie of the evil one!

"Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7  Our method of resisting is to claim and live in the full and complete victory of Christ.  He is our savior, and He has won the victory!

In ministry, I often combat these self-accusations with Paul's claim in 2 Cor. 3:5 and 4:7.  2 Cor. 3:5 states, "Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy if from God."  4:7 claims, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves."  

I know that I often do not say what I should say.  I often struggle with my lack of clarity and my lack of love for others.  I am an earthen pot, slightly cracked, and in need of abundant grace.  Yet, God works through me.  His awesome power courses through my frail words.  Why?  Because He is gracious.  If He can work through me, He can work through anyone!  In need to believe the gospel, resist the devil, and he will flee.

I will end this post with a word of admonition.  I believe that many sincere believers have bought into the accusations of the evil one.  They have gotten out of fruitful ministries, and they do not listen to the Lord's leading because they fear their own weakness.  Lord willing, tomorrow we will talk about fear.  Today, I challenge you to reject the accusations of the evil one and believe the gospel.  God works through cracked pots like you and I!  He loves us in Christ with an unending love!