Elder’s Corner: “We the People”???

Those words seem to have an empty ring in light of the recent Supreme Court rulings. When States tried to protect the sanctity of marriage by legislating the “defense of marriage acts,” the people overwhelmingly voted that marriage should be between a man and a woman (duh!). It is God's intended plan for a family and procreation. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Gen. 2:24). This is the “natural” way God planned for mankind to reproduce and sustain a family. I'm willing to bet that all these “couples” who want same sex marriage came from parents of the opposite sex! :)

The media reported that 57% of the population are now in favor of same sex marriage (they didn't call me for their survey). First, let me say that even if 100% of the people agree that something is “right” doesn't make it so. There are absolutes that God has established which are true regardless of what 9 justices (5 in the same sex decision) decree. The scary part of the court decision is not just the content of the case, but the fact that rule of law played little into the arriving at their decision (the decision wasn't rendered based on applying Constitutional law). The judicial branch has taken on the role of Congress in wanting to write legislation instead of what it was established to do–enforce the laws Congress passes. This is especially critical when their views seem so tied to the executive branch (and how could they not be when they are appointed by that branch).

Self-government will only work if there is self-discipline and integrity of the justices. One hopes the court hasn't given up interpreting the Constitution in favor of being “people pleasers.” Romans 1:32 states “Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them” (see also verses 21-31). So where does that leave us? 

I was sitting here reading 1 Peter in my devotion time this morning. Will that freedom ever be taken away? “No way.” I said the same thing 30 years ago when someone said “someday they'll approve same sex marriages.” You can see where we've come from and where we're going.

So is civil disobedience ever an option? 1 Peter 2:13,14 says, “Submit  yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men; whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by Him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.” Peter wrote this during the reign of one of the cruelest emperors of all times, godless, brutal Nero. But. . . .I think there are two things that warrant and even require civil disobedience. One is when the government passes a law that requires you to do something that God forbids.

The second is when the government requires you to abstain from doing something that God commands. In the first instance it could be a county clerk who is a Christian who refuses to issue same sex marriage certificates. Will the courts hold that the county was justified in firing her? What if the courts held you couldn't pray in public? Would you do what Daniel did in Daniel 6:10? He was obedient to God instead of king Darius. In Acts 4:18-20, we have an account of the authorities (religious and civil) telling Peter and John not to speak any more about Jesus. In verse 19-20, Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard.”  In Acts 5:29 ^NASB we read these words: “But Peter and the apostles answered and said ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”

I remember a quote by Abraham Lincoln “To sin by silence when one should protest makes cowards of men.” Even though we can't vote for Supreme Court justices we can vote for those who appoint them. I hope you aren't silent at the next election!         

—Alan

The Spiritual Reality #12: Ghosts & Goblins

Ghost stories have been around for thousands of years. Even Jesus’ disciples displayed a belief in ghosts when they saw Him walking on water (Mark 6:49). In recent times, ghosts have stepped into our media through Charles Dickens’s 1843 classic, A Christmas Carol and subsequent movies which supports ghosts. Since then, an abundance of movies propagating the belief in ghosts have appeared “Field of Dreams,” “Ghost,” “Casper,” “Lost,” etc. And TV shows such as “Ghost Hunters,” which attempt to investigate claims of ghosts using infrared cameras and other devices.

Through this popularization of ghosts,  studies point to nearly one in five Americans believe in ghosts, and also claim to have seen one (http://www.relevant magazine.com/god/world view/what-does-bible-say-about-ghosts#1mShvXoK Q1EkPUHL.99). But does the belief in something prove that it exists?  What does Scripture say about the existence of poltergeists?

Before we can address this question, we need to have an understanding of what a ghost actually is. Webster defines it as “the soul of a dead person thought of as living in an unseen world or as appearing to living people.” With this definition in mind, the Bible clearly addresses whether or not ghosts exist.

In Luke 16, Jesus tells an account of two people who have died, one man named Lazarus and the second called a rich man. Lazarus was said to be in Paradise, while the rich man was in Hades (a place of torment). Yet neither one were able to change their locations as bad as the rich man would have liked.

Hebrews 9:27 plainly states “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment”-^(NASB). There is no in between, and there are no second chances once this life is over.

“For the wicked (all non-followers of Jesus Christ are reserved for the day of calamity; They will be led forth at the day of fury” (Job 21:30 ^NASB). Therefore, Scripture tells us that “today is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).

“No evidence has produced a single fact that should sway a Christian into believing that the spirits of deceased people can loiter on earth” (https://answersin genesis.org/angels-and-demons/do-you-believe-in-ghosts/?utm_source=articlesmedia&utm_medium=email&utm_content=featurebutton&utm_campaign=20141031). Then how does one explain the experiences many claim to have had?

Scripture points to only two possibilities of their identity. First, it is possible for a person to be confused by a figment of their imaginations. Or second, it could be a sighting of something demonic. In his book The Truth Behind Ghosts, Mediums, and Psychic Phenomena, Christian author Ron Rhodes states, “People sometimes genuinely encounter a spirit entity—though not a dead human. Some people encounter demonic spirits who may mimic dead people in order to deceive the living (see 1 John 4:1; 1 Tim. 4:1–3). Many who claim to have encountered such spirit entities have some prior involvement in the occult” (p. 71).

Why would demons want to deceive the living by impersonating the dead? They are enemies of God, and would like to cast doubt on God’s Word and its warnings about the future judgment.

Therefore, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

In His service,

     Matt

The Spiritual Reality #11: Possessed

Last month we discussed the reality of demonic influences on individuals and how a person can recognize it. This raises the question: Can a Christian be demon possessed? The answer to this question completely depends upon a proper understanding of the original New Testament (NT) Greek word that gets translated as such. This is where the misunderstanding occurs.

The word “possessed” does NOT exist in the Greek NT. Wayne Grudem explains this by saying, “The Greek NT can speak of people who ‘have a demon’ (Matt. 11:18), or it can speak of people who are suffering from demonic influence (Matt. 4:24), but it never uses language that suggests that a demon actually ‘possesses’ someone”- (Systematic Theology, p. 423). Therefore, technically speaking no one can be “demon possessed” rather a person can only be under their influence.

The significance of this clarification is that by saying a person is “possessed” implies that they have no freewill choice but to give into the demon’s attacks and temptations. Thus, literally speaking, a Christian cannot be demon possessed (Rom. 6:14). On the other hand, a Christian can be under their influence. The Apostle Paul admits to being tormented by a demon (2 Cor. 12:7). Like-wise, Jesus freed a believer who had struggled with “a spirit of infirmity for 18 years” (Luke 13:11 NKJV).

Some will make the argument that demons can’t exist in the same place as the Holy Spirit. Yet demons and the Spirit are vastly different meta-physically. The Spirit is divine, infinite, and uncreated, while demons are imperfect, finite, and created beings. Further-more, if an evil spirit and the Spirit can’t operate at the same time and place, then there would be no need to be on the alert for our enemy (1 Pet. 5:8), nor to put on the armor of God (Eph. 6:11).   

“The influence that Satan and his demons can have on believers is a matter of degree. Since we live in a world whose god is Satan (2 Cor. 4:4), the possibility of being tempted, deceived, and accused is continuously present. If you allow his schemes to influence you, you can lose control to the degree that you have been deceived”-(Anderson, The Bondage Breaker, p. 187).  Their influence can include bringing certain ideas and images into our minds. “They stoke the fires of our sinful desires and exploit our spiritual weaknesses. They work indirectly upon our wills through other people”- (Cottrell, The Faith Once for All, p. 175).

So how do we as Christians overcome and/or prevent demonic influences in our lives? Satan and his demon’s most effective means of influencing our lives is through deception, as they “deceive the whole world” (Rev. 12:9). Therefore, first, we must know and follow the truth; Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). And He has given us all truth necessary to overcome in His Word (John 8:32).

Second, we can overcome demonic influences through resisting by the power of the Holy Spirit (James 4:7). The Holy Spirit is the One who is greater than our enemy and He lives within us (1 John 4:4).

And third, we can overcome demonic influences by avoiding things that they could use as a foothold in our lives like unrighteous anger (Eph. 4:27), jealousy, selfishness, boasting and lying (James 3:14-16)

Therefore, may we as Christians protect ourselves with the truth (Eph. 6:14). May we resist our enemy through righteousness (Eph. 6:14). And may we avoid opportunities that could open ourselves up to their attacks (Eph. 6:16). 

In His service,

     Matt

Elder’s Corner: Secret Truth vs. The Eternal Truth

A few weeks back in our Sunday adult class, we read the letter of 2 John. In it the Apostle John speaks of his love for Christ and all Christians as they walk in the truth. Knowing that the truth is a path for freedom, so John warns about failing to follow it.

The original recipients of 2 John were a group who had doubts about Jesus: questioning His existence, miracles, teachings, death and resurrection. Claiming like today, that there are secret books, or “gospels,” rather than accepting the Bible’s teaching of its completion (Rev. 22:18-19). These false teachers claim that the church is trying to cover up things.

Thus, these false teachers claim that there is a hidden knowledge that the church does not want a person to know. The idea of “new secrets” propagated in John’s day, was also known as the heresy of Gnosticism. This so called “secret truth” finds no credibility (see http://eugenechristianchurch.blogspot.com/2013/10/how-to-understand-bible-101-lesson-1.html).

 In John 8:32, Jesus states “You will know the true and the truth will set you free.” Truth is readily accessible in contrast with the secret truth that John mentioned and some cults assert today.

The truth, which lives in us, gives a personal sense of understanding as an indwelling power. We have the access to Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6) when we follow His instructions to remain in Him as He remains in us. Truth is not temporary or situational, but will be with us forever, contrary to today’s rejection of absolute truth. This is the eternal truth of God’s Word.      

—Enrique

Worldview #1: The Big Picture Questions

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

It has been said, “In the journey of life, it’s ok for me to stop and ask for directions.” As a child, I loved asking the infamous, pestering question of ‘Why?’  Why is the grass green?  Why does the sun shine?  Why does the ant crawl? And now as a parent, I know that it will not be long until I start to hear some of those same questions from my son.

Yet, am I ready to answer the barrage of questions that I know are coming?  How can I answer his questions when I have questions of my own that life has challenged me with?  Maybe you have some of the same questions.  I want to encourage you to join me as I explore some tough questions that have locked some into a pretzel.

In fact, life seems to be full of questions. The answers to some questions really do not make a whole lot of difference. However, there are some questions that do! The questions that have the greatest significance pertain to a person’s worldview.  Questions like…

· Where did all of creation come from? How was the earth, as we know it today, shaped geologically? And what difference does this mean to mankind?

· How is right from wrong determined? Does absolute truth exist; in other words, is what is true for you not necessarily true for me?

· Is there a God?

· Are all the various religions constructs of mankind? Or in other words, do all religions teach the same thing and conclude with the same result? How is it possible to know if any of them are correct?

· What is the purpose or meaning of life? Does it matter what a person does and how they live?

· What causes the pain and suffering we experience throughout our lifetimes?

· What happens when we die?

There are serious questions that can and should be answered.  Questions, that once understood, can impact our lives. Unfortunately, there are also numerous answers to these questions. Therefore, my plan is simply to examine some of the most widely held views, consider where the evidence points to, and then leave it in your hands, while praying that we are granted wisdom with the answers that we discover.

In His service,

            Matt

The Spiritual Reality #10: Who Has the Most Bullets?

As illustrated in previous articles, there is a spiritual war going on in our world today. Some contend that all evil and sin is from Satan and his demons, yet that is not the case. “If we think of the overall emphasis of the New Testament, we realize that very little space is given to discussing demonic activity in the lives of believers or methods to resist and oppose such activity. The emphasis is on telling believers not to sin but to live lives of righteousness” (Grudem, Systematic Theology, p. 420).

Therefore, agreeing with Grudem, I believe that demonic influence/possession is not as common as some would like to think. However, I do believe that it is much more common than a lot of people would like to contend. On this note, I also agree with Roger Ellsworth who says, “Satan is never happier than when people believe he does not exist” (What the Bible Teaches About Angels, p. 26). Thus, this month, I asked Alan McNeely, an elder here at ECC to share an experience that he had with demonic influence/possession.

“When I was a student at CMSU, I also attended Christian Campus House.  I met a girl, Marsha, who also attended Bible Study there.  We became good friends.  I learned she had been abused as a child and had also participated in séances and other occult practices against her will. After our conversations, I realized why the Bible so strongly prohibits involvement in such practices (Lev. 19:31; Deut. 18:10-12).  She was in a situation that allowed opportunities for the devil to attack her.”

How can demonic influences be recognized? First, Scripture illustrates that a demonically influenced individual will commonly be violent, especially towards themselves. For example, in one instance, a boy who suffered from demonic influence would be thrown violently to the ground by the spirit; he would foam at the mouth, grind his teeth, become rigid, and often the spirit would throw the boy into fire or water attempting to kill the boy (Mark 9:17-22 see also 5:2-5). “Such violent actions, especially those tending towards destruction of the affected person, were clear indications of demonic activity”(Grudem, Systematic Theology, p. 425).

Second, Scripture illustrates that a demonically influenced individual can suffer from various health issues such as epilepsy or other infirmities (Matt. 17:14-18; Luke 13:11ff). However, elsewhere epilepsy is distinguished from those who are under demonic influence (Matt. 4:24). Thus, sometimes health issues can be the result of demonic influence.

Third, Scripture illustrates that a demonically influenced individual will commonly oppose the teaching or preaching of Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation (1 Cor. 12:3; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; John 4:1-6). While sometimes these false teachers will deny Jesus’ human nature, most commonly they will deny that Jesus is God (see http://eugenechristianchurch.blogspot.com/2013/12/god-revealed-2-greatness-of-our-god.html)

And fourth, sometimes they can be recognized through spiritual discernment as in Alan’s experience. “There were many inconsistencies in her behavior which led some to believe she might be demon possessed. The campus minister was the driving force behind this determination (1 Cor. 12:10).” 

How should we as Christians respond to encounters with demonically oppressed individuals? In Alan’s situation, “they consulted with others and thought an exorcism might be required. I was asked by him to sit with Marsha during the exorcism. The campus minister and minister from Northside were there. They had apparently agreed what protocol to follow according to their interpretation of Scriptures. I had no idea what was to happen next.  There were demonstrations of supernatural phenomena during the conversations of the minister with the demons who possessed her.  I was one wide-eyed and wondering guy as all this took place. I've been asked many questions since then. Do you think she was demon possessed? “Yes.”

Relating to the question of how Christians should respond, Alan was asked “Do you think an exorcism should have been performed? “I'm not sure.” Do you think it should have been performed at Christian Campus House? “Probably not.”

What did I take from all this? Much! I am convinced that Ephesians 6:12 is absolutely correct. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

How am I to conquer these strong evil forces?  The next verse in that passage gives the answer.  v.13 “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything to stand firm.” The next verses talk about those protections.  I take great confidence in knowing God has not left us defenseless in fighting back against demonic forces.

Some of my favorite verses point out how Satan is limited by God as to what he can do. Luke 22:31 points out that Satan begged for permission to put Peter through trials (sift like wheat). You can't be too powerful if you have to ask for permission to do something. 

So as a Christian I need to respect the power of Satan. (1 Peter 5:8 “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”)  My paraphrase “I'd better watch out so I won't be his next snack.”  Another favorite which shows God has more bullets than the devil in this spiritual warfare is “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”   1 John 4:4b

—Alan

          

The Blessed Life #16: Life Lines

The New Testament (NT) Church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). 

One of my favorite game shows is Who Wants to be a Millionaire. The trivia is fun (even though I don’t know 90% of the answers). It is interesting to consider the possibilities of what could be. And I love the life lines given to help with the difficult questions.

Life lines are not only available in game shows. God has blessed His faithful followers of Jesus Christ with life lines in real life. Therefore, this past month, we began something that the NT Church took advantage of to utilize the life lines mentioned in Acts 2:42ff, namely Life Groups. Life groups are basically small groups of people focused on doing the one thing that matters, life. 

Do you ever question what you are experiencing and how you are going to get through it? The reality is we all do. We might question how to deal with difficult people or struggles at work. We might question why certain things happen, and what our purpose is in life. The “apostles’ teaching” (aka Scripture) is the life line that gives us the answers to these questions and many others. Yet sometimes it can be challenging to comprehend exactly what God is telling us, which is why the NT Church studied Scripture together in small groups. Diana Bax, a life group member said, “I feel as if the study has given me a new under-standing of a purpose driven life: Why are we here? What plans does God have for my life? How can I serve others through my experiences (be it good or bad)? I feel more connected to the Bible study. Questions are being answered through group involvement. And it has been very eye opening to say the least.”  

The second life line that the NT Church took advantage of was fellowship. Samantha Miller was skeptical at first about life groups, “It’s not what I thought it would be...The camaraderie is fantastic.” Life Groups can be a lot of fun! Beyond that we all need encouragement from time to time. And this is where real, life-enriching relationships can form and develop. I have personally witnessed life group members being with others as they mourned the loss of a child, yet their biological family members were nowhere to be found. Life group member Alan McNeely said, “I am always encouraged when meeting with other brothers and sisters in Christ.” Again it is about helping you to do the one thing that matters, life.

A third life line that the NT Church took advantage of was helping others to jump the problems that came their way. This can take place by praying for one another that God would remove the struggle. And it can happen by personally being the answer to someone’s prayer. Life group member Cynthia Bible mentioned her group taking care of some of the hurting in our area just like the NT Church did.

Thus, I encourage you to take advantage of the life lines that are available to you here at ECC. Diana said, “I would encourage everyone to try it for a month and see what they can take from it.” God bless!

In His service,

            Matt