Reconciling Faith And Science In A Medical Crisis
Dr. Lee Warren is a neurosurgeon who has faced many heavy challenges in his life from serving in the Iraq War to removing deadly brain tumors to experiencing the loss of a teenage son. Hell share about his difficult quest to find answers to some of lifes toughest questions, while holding onto his faith in God and the sure hope of heaven
What Does The Bible Mean When It Says God Sent An Evil Spirit On Certain People
Question: In Judges 9:23, I Samuel 16:15ff and 18:10 it is said that God sends evil spirits on people. Doesnt this support the idea that everything Satan and demons do is under Gods sovereign control?
Answer: Ill make six points in response to this question.
1) If everything Satan and demons do is under Gods sovereign control, wed have to say God has a specific good reason for everything Satan and demons do. This in turn entails that we can no longer explain any evil in the world by appealing to nefarious spirits or even evil human decisions for that matter for behind everything spirits and human agents do is Gods sovereign control. If theres a different way of interpreting these texts, therefore, I think it should be preferred.
2) The fact that Yahweh fights evil spirits throughout the Bible is enough to suggest that spirits arent always under his sovereign control. Most importantly, all of our thinking about God must be centered on the person of Jesus Christ, and Jesus uniformly manifests the will of God by coming against evil spirits. He never suggests that evil spiritual agents are carrying out the will of God.
3) Many scholars argue that the word spirit used in some Old Testament passages doesnt refer to a spirit being, but is rather just an ancient way of personifying human attitudes. So, for example, the TNIV translates Judges 9:23, God stirred up animosity between Abimelek and the citizens of Shechem
Jesus Cast Out Demons
Jesus cast out demons in His ministry here on earth. The demons knew that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. They feared Him and obeyed Him. The demons and the devil are not equal to Christ. They are merely created beings.
37. Matthew 8:31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
38. Mark 5:12 The demons implored Him, saying, Send us into the swine so that we may enter them.
39. Luke 10:17 The seventy came back triumphant. Master, even the demons danced to your tune!
40.Mark 3:11-12 Evil spirits, when they recognized him, fell down and cried out, You are the Son of God! But Jesus would have none of it. He shut them up, forbidding them to identify him in public.
Don’t Miss: Chronological Order Bible
Satan Cannot Harm Anyone Without Gods Permission
When Satan wants to destroy a saint, he must get permission before he touches him. So he comes to God and says, Job only worships you because hes rich. If I take his camels, donkeys, servants, hell curse you . And God gives him permission, but he puts a limit. Dont you touch his body . So he kills them all. Job falls on his face: The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away . Satan has to get permission to go after his body, and he gets it. But God says, Dont you kill him . Isnt that remarkable? So Satan does harm to us, but not without Gods say.
What To Do When You’re Not Okay
Life can be pretty stressful. Between work, relationships, and other obligations, the pressure builds, and we lose sight of who we are. Counselor Debra Fileta helps you better understand your emotions, assess your mental, physical, and spiritual health, and intentionally pursue a path to wellbeing. In dealing with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, Debra understands the importance of self-examination as well as the benefits of seeking professional help. She offers biblically-based advice, tools, and encouragement to help you get on a path toward healing and wholeness.
Also Check: Order Of The Bible
Shining A Light On The Powers Of Darkness
What does the Bible say about demons? Are they real? What people believed about evil spiritual forces in biblical times was very different from todayan ancient worldview missing in modern analysis.
The truth about demons is far strangerand even more fascinatingthan whats commonly believed. Gain a biblical understanding of demons, supernatural rebellion, evil spirits, and spiritual warfare.
Michael Heiser has done a great service to all who want to understand the biblical theology of demons, the supernatural powers in rebellion against God.
Gerry Breshears
Professor of Theology, Western Seminary, Portland
Get ready for many lightbulb moments, and for a whole new appreciation of biblical texts you thought you already understood. This book is highly recommended!
Tim Mackie
Cocreator of BibleProject
Dr. Michael Heiser is a master guide into the unseen realm of angels and demons. His newest book will challenge you to rethink many of your common assumptions.
Dr. Michael Brown
Host of the Line of Fire radio broadcast, president of FIRE School of Ministry, and author of Jezebels War with America
Is it right to say that you love a book about demons? If so, I love this book about demons! Dr. Michael Heiser brilliantly unveils more of the unseen realm.
Dr. Frank Turek
What About Saul Samuel And The Witch Of Endor
First Samuel 28:125 contains a somewhat confusing account that seems to be the exception to the rule about talking to the dead. After the death of the prophet Samuel, King Saul was terrified of the threatening Philistine army and desperate to know the Lord’s will. In his helpless desperation, he resorted to consulting with a medium, the witch of Endor.
Using demonic powers of sorcery, she called up Samuel. But when he appeared, even she was startled, for she had expected a satanic apparition and not Samuel himself. Shocked that God had intervened for Saul, the witch of Endor knew this “spirit coming up out of the ground” was not the result of her demonic conjuring.
So, Samuel’s appearance here can only be explained as the unprecedented intervention of the Lord in response to Saul’s hopeless desperation, permitting him one firm and final encounter with the prophet. The event in no way indicates God’s endorsement of talking to the dead or consulting with mediums. In fact, Saul was condemned to death for these actions in 1 Chronicles 10:13-14.
God has repeatedly made it clear in his Word that guidance is never to be obtained from mediums, physics, or sorcerers, but rather, from the Lord himself.
Read Also: What Order Should You Read The Bible
About Michael S Heiser
Michael S. Heiser is the academic editor for Logos Bible Software, Bible Study Magazine, and Faithlife Study Bible. He is the coeditor of Old Testament Greek Pseudepigrapha with Morphology and Semitic Inscriptions: Analyzed Texts and English Translations he is also the Hebrew instructor for Learn to Use Hebrew for Logos Bible Software. He is the author of several books, including the best-selling The Unseen Realm. He earned his PhD in Hebrew Bible and Semitic languages and holds and MA in ancient history and Hebrew studies. In addition, he was named the 2007 Pacific Northwest Regional Scholar by the Society of Biblical Literature.
Understanding The Root Of Your Child’s Misbehavior
Often, children act out because they are used to getting attention through bad behavior. Dr. Kevin Leman offers advice to help parents transform their childs behavior. He discusses the benefits of allowing your kids to learn from real-life consequences and describes the importance of understanding your childs temperament based on his birth order.
Don’t Miss: Chronical Order Of The Bible
The Spiritual Battle For Your Marriage
God designed marriage to reflect His love to the world and because of this, the enemy wants to destroy Gods beautiful design. Based on his book, Defending Your Marriage, Dr. Tim and Noreen Muehlhoff share about the reality of spiritual warfare against marriages, and how to combat the enemys lies with the truth of God. Couples will be encouraged that theyre not alone in the fight for a godly marriage and better equipped to be a shining example for the world around them.
What Is The Eternal Fate Of Demons
Demons know that Jesus will ultimately defeat them and Satan.
The Bible tells us that Jesus became man for the very purpose of destroying the devils work . We see many instances in Scripture of Jesus authority to cast out demons who serve the devil .
In fact, demons themselves know that Jesus is more powerful than them and that their days are numbered. For example, when Jesus confronted the demons in Matthew 8:29, they acknowledged His ultimate authority and their eventual demise by shouting at Jesus: What do you want with us, Son of God?…Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?
The Bible affirms that Jesus will ultimately vanquish Satan and all his demons once and for all . These depraved forces are bound to an eternity in hell, described in the Bible as the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels .
Biblestudytools.com, New International Version.
Christianity.com, How Did Lucifer Fall and Become Satan?, Oct. 22, 2007, Ron Rhodes.
Dolores Smyth is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in numerous faith and parenting publications. You can follow her on Twitter .
Read Also: What Foods Does The Bible Say To Eat
God Determines Our Suffering
Satan is described as a roaring lion, prowling and seeking to devour people. And Peter says in 1 Peter 5:9,
Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
In other words, the jaws of the lion are suffering. Resist. Hes prowling around like a lion, seeking to devour people. Resist him, firm in your faith, because you know that the same experience of suffering is being experienced by your brethren around the world. Therefore, the suffering of Christians is the jaws of the lion coming down on them. Satan is real. Dont mess with him. But then you read these words in the same book :
It is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be Gods will, than for doing evil.
If God should will, the jaws will close and not before. God will decide whether they get out not the devil, ultimately.
What Are Demons According To The Bible
Demons are angels that have rebelled against God. They decided to follow after Lucifer, the archangel who decided he wanted some of the glory that was going to God.
Just like angels, they are spiritual beings that may take on physical form. But also just like angels, they cannot act without Gods permission.
1. Revelation 16:14-15 They are demonic spirits who work miracles and go out to all the rulers of the world to gather them for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God the Almighty. 15 Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.
2. Deuteronomy 32:17 They sacrificed to demons, not to God, To gods they did not know, To new gods, new arrivals That your fathers did not fear.
3. Psalm 106:37-39 They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons. 38 They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters. By sacrificing them to the idols of Canaan, they polluted the land with murder. 39 They defiled themselves by their evil deeds, and their love of idols was adultery in the LORDs sight.
You May Like: What Does The Bible Say About Dreams Of Snakes
Love In Every Season: Understanding The Four Stages Of A Healthy Relationship
Every relationship goes through four life-changing seasons: Spring. Summer. Fall. Winter. Each season plays an important role in taking your relationship to the next level. And depending on how you navigate each season, your relationship will either flourish and grow, or it will slowly die. Whether youre single, dating, engaged or married, join licensed professional counselor and relationship expert, Debra Fileta as she takes you on an eye-opening psychological and spiritual journey through the four seasons that she has observed in every healthy relationship.
Points To Remember About Demons
Demons often disguise themselves, which is why God forbids participation in the occult, seances, Ouija boards, witchcraft, channeling, or the spirit world .
Satan and demons cannot possess a Christian . Believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit however, unbelievers are not under the same divine protection.
While Satan and demons cannot read a believer’s mind, these ancient beings have been observing humans for thousands of years and are experts in the craft of temptation. They can influence people to sin.
The Apostle Paul was often attacked by Satan and his demons as he carried out his missionary work. Paul used the metaphor of the Full Armor of God to instruct Christ followers in how to withstand demonic attacks. In that lesson, the Bible, represented by the sword of the spirit, is our offensive weapon to cut down these unseen enemies. An invisible war of good vs. evil is going on all around us, but it’s important to remember that Satan and his demons are a defeated enemy, conquered by Jesus Christ on Calvary. The outcome of this conflict has already been decided. At the end of time, Satan and his demonic followers will be destroyed in the Lake of Fire.
Recommended Reading: In What Order To Read The Bible
What The Bible Says About Satan And Evil Spirits
There are so many evil things that people are interested in today. Vampires, zombies and death are the topic of many television programs, movies and books. Witches and witchcraft are glamorized and the quest for evil spirits that seem to haunt houses has become all the craze. To many this evil is good they are drawn to the shows, books and rituals. Even some people who call themselves Christian are caught up in this stuff. That being said, what does the Bible say about these evil spirits and about their leader, Satan?
Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil that put darkness for light, and light for darkness that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Mr And Mrs Guy And Amber Lia And Mrs Jean Daly
Amber Lia is a work-at-home mom, blogger, public speaker, and co-author of two best-selling books. Her husband, Guy, is a former TV, feature film, and VFX development and production executive who has worked on popular TV shows and films. Guy and Amber own Storehouse Media Group, a faith- and family-friendly TV and film production company based in Los Angeles,
Read Also: Maryland Bible College
Giving Up Sugar Tasting God’s Goodness
As a latchkey kid, Wendy Speake turned to sugar for comfort. Every Friday, she would pedal to the candy show and use her allowance to fill her bag with candy. And one day, when she was older and a mom of three young boys, she came to realize that she was still pedaling away from her stress and using sugar as comfort, instead of turning to Jesus. She was joyless, worn out, tired, and in need of a change. In this interview, Wendy will challenge Christians to take 40 days to focus on fasting from something they turn to instead of Jesus for comfort. She invited people to break free from a dependence on sugar and taste the goodness of God.
Identifying Triggers In Your Marriage
They were both convinced they had married the wrong person. From almost the very beginning of their marriage, Amber and Guy Lia experienced various tensions and personality clashes related to house cleaning, backseat driving, workaholism, and intimacy. In this two-day Focus on the Family broadcast, Amber and Guy discuss how they bravely faced the triggers head-on, and committed to working on their own relationships with Jesus. As you listen to the Lias story, youll feel hope that you, too, can see real marriage transformation!
Read Also: Bible Books In Chronological Order
Effective Habits To Embrace In Parenting
To be an effective parent, you must be a leader in your childs life, guiding with a gentle hand and setting a solid example. Dr. Randy Schroeder provides the insight you need to be a leader-parent. As he explores the foundational Rsrelationship, routines, responsibilities, and rulesyoull better understand the role you play in your childs life. Youll learn great phrases to employ such as Either/Or/You Decide and When You/Then You. While there is no perfect parent, this nuts-and-bolts material will equip you to lead your child in a loving, confident manner.
Names Of Demons In The Bible
There are a few names of demons, or fallen angels mentioned in the Bible. Satan or Lucifer being the archangel who fell and who led others to fall.
He now is the leader of the demons. Legion is another name mentioned as is Beelzebub/Beelzebul. Apollyon/Abaddon is also mentioned.
23. Luke 8:30-35 And Jesus asked him, What is your name? And he said, Legion for many demons had entered him. 31 They were imploring Him not to command them to go away into the abyss. 32 Now there was a herd of many swine feeding there on the mountain and the demons implored Him to permit them to enter the swine. And He gave them permission. 33 And the demons came out of the man and entered the swine and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. 34 When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they ran away and reported it in the city and out in the country. 35 The people went out to see what had happened and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting down at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind and they became frightened.
24. Matthew 4:10-11 Then Jesus *said to him, Go, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only. 11 Then the devil left Him and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.
25. Mark 1:13 And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him.
You May Like: We Are Born Sinners