Tag: casting out demons
An earthquake with eternal blessings!
Scripture reading for May 27th: Acts 16
Earthquakes have been in the news frequently. A devastating earthquake killed thousands in Nepal and caused terrible hardship and suffering. But the Book of Acts tells of an earthquake that had a liberating effect on a specific group of people. This earthquake literally shook the chains off them and opened the hearts of a family for salvation!
Paul and Silas while on a missionary journey found themselves in stocks in the prison dungeon, beaten and bruised, after casting a demon from a slave girl in the Roman province of Philippi. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves, they began to worship God. “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the doors flew open and everybody’s chains came loose.” (Acts 16:25-26)
Worship has a liberating effect on the souls of those who practice it. It also has a way of loosing people from chains of bondage! In this case, all the prisoners experienced a terrible shaking that loosed them and opened the doors of the jail!
The jailer was fearful that all the prisoners would escape in the night, and drew his sword to kill himself. Paul called out to stop him, letting him know that all were still there. “The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved–you and your household.” (Acts 16:29-31) This earthquake opened the heart of the Roman jailer to recognize his need of salvation! This was an earthquake that brought blessing!
Casting out demons!
Scripture reading for June 28th: Acts 18:22-19:12
One of the major ministries of Jesus Christ was dealing with those bound by demons. He told His followers that they would also cast out demons in His Name. (Mark 16:17) The Kingdom of God is always opposed and in conflict with the kingdom of Satan. When there is a clash of the kingdoms, those who know Christ always win. Those who are not properly in God’s kingdom don’t come out as well!
Paul left Apollos at Corinth and went to Ephesus. There he found some disciples who were baptized in John’s baptism of repentance. He asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit and they had not even heard about Him! Paul then told them about Jesus Christ and their need to be baptized. They were baptized and as Paul prayed for them, laying his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied just like they original day of Pentecost! This was over 20 years after that first Pentecost!
While there preaching in the synagogue for about three months, Paul stirred up more opposition. He left the synagogue and went to the lecture hall of Tyrannus and spent two years there preaching. “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.” (Acts 19:11)
There were seven Jewish exorcists using the name of Jesus, whom Paul preached, attempting to cast out demons. One day they tried to cast out a demon and the evil spirit spoke back to them. “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” “Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding!” (Acts 19:14-16) This incident caused many who were involved in the occult to bring their occult materials to be burned and to repent. The result was an even greater revival!
Two lessons we can learn from this story. One is to not be afraid to deal with the demonic if you truly know Jesus Christ as Lord. The second is that the devil and demons know whether you are really a Christian. They don’t treat impostors with respect!
Casting out demons!
Scripture reading for June 28th: Acts 18:22-19:12
One of the major ministries of Jesus Christ was dealing with those bound by demons. He told His followers that they would also cast out demons in His Name. (Mark 16:17) The Kingdom of God is always opposed and in conflict with the kingdom of Satan. When there is a clash of the kingdoms, those who know Christ always win. Those who are not properly in God’s kingdom don’t come out as well!
Paul left Apollos at Corinth and went to Ephesus. There he found some disciples who were baptized in John’s baptism of repentance. He asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit and they had not even heard about Him! Paul then told them about Jesus Christ and their need to be baptized. They were baptized and as Paul prayed for them, laying his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied just like they original day of Pentecost! This was over 20 years after that first Pentecost!
While there preaching in the synagogue for about three months, Paul stirred up more opposition. He left the synagogue and went to the lecture hall of Tyrannus and spent two years there preaching. “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.” (Acts 19:11)
There were seven Jewish exorcists going around using the name of Jesus whom Paul preached to try and cast out demons. One day they tried to cast out a demon and the evil spirit spoke back to them. “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” “Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding!” (Acts 19:14-16) This incident caused many who were involved in the occult to bring their occult materials to be burned and to repent. The result was an even greater revival!
Two lessons we can learn from this story. One is to not be afraid to deal with the demonic if you truly know Jesus Christ as Lord. The second is that the devil and demons know whether you are really a Christian. They don’t treat impostors very well!
Come and Follow Me!
Scripture reading for October 15th: Mark 1-3
“As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed Him.” (Mark 1:16-18) Jesus had a plan in His heart from the Father to reach all nations with the message of repentance and life. He knew that His time on earth was short and that He must choose some faithful men who would carry His heart for the lost and obey His instructions. The men He chose were ordinary men who were working at a trade. He promised to use their training to reach men. The authority by which He spoke caused these men to immediately leave their work and follow Him!
In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus was pictured as a man of authority and action. He seems to stir up demonic forces and then confronted demonic powers with authority, casting them out. He dealt with sickness with that same authority, healing many and drawing large crowds of hurting and needy people. He was angry at the ruling religious authorities for their stubbornness and refusal to believe in Him.
“Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to Him those He wanted, and they came to Him. He appointed twelve–designating them apostles–that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach and have authority to drive out demons.” (Mark 3:13-15) Jesus called those He wanted by name. He appointed them as apostles, ones sent out with a message. He wanted them to be with Him and learn from Him, sharing His heart. This was common for a “Rabbi” to choose his disciples. When a disciple was fully trained, they were to be like their Master!
I heard Jesus call and chose to leave my farm, my cattle and hogs, and my family’s home area to follow. I told Him I would follow Him wherever He would lead me. The journey has been wonderful, although not necessarily easy at times. I am still being taught and need to follow daily. I want to be with Jesus and preach His Gospel with authority! Where are you in your spiritual journey? Are you following Jesus? The Master is still calling out, “Come, follow Me!”