Selective Belief: Rewriting The Bible
The twentieth century
witnessed the rise
of a new phenomenom
in Western Nations
across the world.
The strange case
of selective belief,
rewriting the Bible.
Belief read like a roll
of declining acceptability
for these creators
of their own personalized
selective belief system.
Yes we believe in God,
a personal creator, the majority!
But not Satan the Devil,
we choose not to believe in him?
Belief in God, Satan, but not demons?
No we choose not to believe in
demons – they are not real?
Miracles no. They never happened?
Some self professing
so called Christians;
rewrote the whole Bible,
removing all miracles!
Of course not much
of the Divine nature;
of Almighty God Jesus,
the Holy Spirit is left!
After calling both
God and Jesus liars!
(these Bible rewriters read?
their blasphemy bible
miracle stripped.)
All Abrahmic religions;
the world’s three primary,
monotheistic faiths
Judaism Christianity Islam;
3.8 billion followers,
of three Abrahamic religions
over half the world’s population;
must condemn blasphemy vehemently,
because God created miraculously!
The reason: Bible rewriters deny;
created vision recorded in Genesis;
all holy writings in these religions.
Jesus is not God not a Prophet;
to Bible miracle rewriters merely;
a personal guru a cute philosopher.
Problem: Jesus declared the existence
of demons, even non-biblical sources,
attest the multitude of Jesus’s miracles
preformed. God omniscient omnipotent
omnipresent; the all powerful Almighty!
Omnipotent: the all powerful nature of God;
almighty power unlimited infinite power;
all-powerful Lord who has created all things;
and sustains all things by His Word miraculous;
a word of wisdom for the miracle removers
“In the beginning God created
the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1: 1
“In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made;
without him nothing was made that
has been made. In him was life, and
that life was the light of men. The light
shines in the darkness, but the darkness
has not understood it.” John 1: 1-5
poem by Terence George Craddock
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Related quotes
Do You Believe In: Jesus Christ Or The Cosmic Christ?
Easter is a time where we celebrate
the crucifixion of Jesus Christ
who is God Himself who died for our sins,
where we celebrate His resurrection
from death, where we proclaim
that through no other name,
no other person, there is salvation
from the penalty of sin
which the Bible explicitly states as death,
but at this very time there is an attack
on the Godhood of Jesus Christ,
where Afrikaans and English churches
in South Africa, churches throughout
the entire world,
are starting to follow the teachings
that Jesus was but a mere human being.
Where it is argued that God the Father
is guilty of child abuse,
in sending His Son to pay the penalty
for our sins instead of letting us
pay the price for them,
where Jesus Christ who is God Himself,
came down to this earth
to sacrifice His own life for us.
Further it is argued that Jesus Christ
was not resurrected from the grave,
that His body was eaten by dogs,
and that His disciples and apostles
lied about Him appearing to them,
it is argued that Jesus Christ
did not ascend to His Father in heaven
and some of the things
clearly stated in the holy Bible
is being seen as only myth
and thus men are saying
that Jesus Christ was only a man.
This poem is no attack on any church,
but as a follower of Jesus Christ
I see it as my duty
to proclaim Him and a relationship
with Him as the only way to salvation.
Behind the scenes Jesus Christ
who is God and who is
the Son of God, is being debased
to only a son of the gods
and slowly but surely lowered
to the position of only a prophet,
while ecumenism is spreading
to take hands, to find
a universal compatible christ
for all religions world wide
(by uniting Christian
and non-Christian religions)
and the way is opened
for the cosmic christ to appear,
who his believers clearly state
to be another person from Jesus Christ.
According to the Holy Bible
there are only two forces
interacting in this world
and the one is from God
and the other is from Satan
and as a believer
in the holy Bible only
as the word of God,
I choose to follow Jesus Christ
and God leaves a free choice
for whomever you decide to believe in.
poem by Gert Strydom
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The True Character Of God Revealed
Facts the true character of God is unchanging
God is omniscient omnipotent omnipresent
all knowing all powerful present everywhere
continuously simultaneously present throughout
whole of creation at the same instant of time
possessing complete unlimited universal power
authority Satan but limited power on God’s leash.
The only limitation
upon the power
of God
is limitations
God imposes
upon himself.
What God has said
what God has written
in his word
the inspired word
of God the Bible
is all going to occur.
As God has said
so will it be done
on earth as in heaven
unto you unto
an entire inhabited
God created world.
poem by Terence George Craddock
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O Jesus
O Jesus, peace be upon him, the one who was the Word of God…
O Jesus, peace be upon him, who came and was always in the Thoughts of God…
O Jesus, peace be upon him, he who was born of the Virgin Mary…
O Jesus, peace be upon him, and peace be upon his mother Mary…
O Jesus, peace be upon him, the one who the Holy Spirit of God was given…
O Jesus, peace be upon him, the one who in the name of God, casted out demons…
O Jesus, peace be upon him, the one they said slanderous things about…
O Jesus, peace be upon him, the one they tried to blot out…
O Jesus, peace be upon him, who came and was sinless…
O Jesus, peace be upon him, who came to the temple and became relentless…
O Jesus, peace be upon him, who came to the Israelites to teach them the Gospel…
O Jesus, peace be upon him, who came and did things that were impossible…
O Jesus, peace be upon him, he who is the Prophet and Christ…
O Jesus, peace be upon him, he who the Scriptures prophesised…
O Jesus, peace be upon him, he who Almighty God raised up…
O Jesus, peace be upon him, he who Almighty God will send back and amaze us.
poem by Russel Choudhury
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Genesis Creation Science Affirms
From whence did prophet Moses
famous Biblical writers of Bible books;
gain knowledge of origin creation
which infuses Biblical books with facts;
proof scientific behold first book first line
Genesis boldly declares God's ultimate
authority in a statement spoken absolute;
'In the beginning God created the heavens
and the earth' worships most famous
most profound statement ever to be made;
first beginning best perfection creation
behold 'Elohim created The Beginning In
the heavens and the earth' Hebrew declares
proclaiming God created the earth heavens;
in the beginning of everything Creations
finest moment spoken into being by God;
philosophy imbues the beginning behold
God's declaration 'In The Beginning God
Created The Heavens And The Earth' argues
God's nature God as Creator proves God's
ownership of creation astounding makes
God's utterly extraordinary confession as an
Author of Creation who seeks to address
that which he has spoken into being written;
Genesis constitutes a philosophical creation
storm such as never was or will be ever again;
Genesis states core identities Genesis explains
all essence contains greatest promise ever made;
Genesis declares God seeks intimacy is intimate
examine scientific facts Science of Creation;
'In the beginning (time) God created the heavens
(space) and the earth (matter) ' meaning God
in very first verse of Genesis in the Bible states
God created time, space, matter! Great Scientists;
Philosophers did seek over thousands of years
to discover prove basic conceptions of creation;
components of or make up of the universe behold
twentieth century break through physicists state;
physics proves our entire vast universe is founded
upon time space matter as proclaimed in Genesis;
richest single line in all of literature so connected
to everything else this famous phrase marvel Jesus;
compressed the entire Law the Prophets with words
sacred 'love the Lord with all your heart and mind,
and your neighbor like yourself, ' recipe peace in
perfection an entire world your own duty household;
God and His Bride an entire Torah Bible Big-Bangs
culminates purpose in Christ and the Body of Christ.
First quotation Genesis 1: 1.
poem by Terence George Craddock
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Sonnet: God's Own Word
Before I’d read the Bible properly,
I never knew the answers to queries
That appeared right and scientifically,
But quite against the Almighty’s decrees!
The more I read the Bible thoroughly,
The more of wisdom, God appears to give;
No more can devils tempt me cleverly;
The Word of God helps me to rightly live.
The Holy Bible- writ by men o’er years
By Holy Spirit’s wisdom, inner urge;
Allaying spiritual doubts and soul’s most fears,
Protecting man from God’s rod and His scourge!
Man, hear the Word of God and profit much,
For, sinfulness will vanish by its touch!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 12-19-2006
poem by John Celes
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Bible In Poetry: Gospel Of St. Mark (Chapter 0)
Introduction:
The shortest of the gospels all,
In Testament Anew Bible,
Of Jesus’ miracles, tells well.
Perhaps, the first ever written,
By Jesus’ disciple Mark when
Jesus preached about Heaven.
It starts with Baptist John’s forecast
Of Messiah’s advent (or Christ):
John baptizes the Son of Man,
In river Jordan in his span.
But Jesus came to baptize all
By Holy Spirit, by God’s call.
And Jesus Christ, the ‘Son of Man’,
Is tempted by himself Satan;
Though Jesus Christ is victorious,
Is crucified to death on cross!
‘The Kingdom of Heaven is near;
Repent; have faith; live without fear, ’
Through parables, Jesus teaches,
Of God’s kingdom, He thus preaches.
All afflicted, Jesus heals /cures;
And out from men, demons, He drives;
Makes fishermen, ‘Fishers of men’!
He shows the way for all, Heaven.
In A.D.70, it’s written.
poem by John Celes
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About the Holy Bible (Alphabetically-speaking)
Allow the Word to seed within your heart
Beg God’s forgiveness for your sins and grace for soul
Change your earthly life in accordance with the Word
Delve into its meaningful depths
Encounter Jesus in the Living Word
Fall in love with the Word
Genuflect while reflecting upon the Word
Harness the wisdom got by reading the Holy Bible
Ignite the eternal flame of divine love in your heart
Journey to know the ‘Good News’
Knock and it shall be opened unto you
Love the ways of the Maker
Meditate upon the Living Word
Never say ‘No’ to God’s call
Obey the tenets expressed by God
Pray that you live in Jesus and practice the faith truly
Revel in the healing power of the Word
Spread the Word to all across the globe
Thank God for this mysterious device
Understand the true meaning of the Word
Verify the veracity of the verses through fervent prayer
Welcome the eternal Word from God Himself
Xerox the virtues taught by the Holy Bible
You became a ‘Soldier of Christ’ through Baptism
Zealously safe-guard your soul against the Evil One
Copyright by Dr John Celes 10-05-10
poem by John Celes
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Beware of Satan, the Deceiver of the World
Satan deceives the world for long
As Gospel's truth aren't known to all;
He uses Christian rituals, rites,
Doctrines and laws to delude souls!
The evil spirit Satan thus
Enters the souls afilled with sin,
Pretending as Holy Spirit,
Duping even Christians with faith.
Satan can quote the scriptures well;
He uses name of Lord and God;
The Tempter is a ‘born' Liar;
And steals souls en way to heaven.
Receive the Holy Spirit then,
By knowing Gospel entirely;
And let Him dwell within always,
Enlightening your soul with grace.
False preachers in this world abound,
Who try to interpret the Word,
By creating ‘mass hypnosis',
And making people to convulse.
Loud hymns and intonations work
Illusions, magic, transient ‘cures',
Taking the minds and hearts to heights,
As if God has anointed one.
The Bible is the Word of God;
A heart with sin can't work like Christ;
Only a soul that's cleansed off sin
Can do the things, Jesus akin.
The Holy Spirit cannot dwell
In persons who have little faith,
In sacred words that Bible tells,
And live their lives as per God's Word.
A sustained life of prayer's first,
To follow foot-steps of Lord Christ;
A soul that's kept sin-free always
Can make the Holy Spirit stay.
The Holy Spirit dwells in those
Who have repented for their sins,
Renouncing Satan's pomps and works,
And never follow his vile ways!
No human act or endeavour
Can do miracles on one's own
But grace of God, prayer-obtained,
Alone can heal afflicted men.
For grace of God, strong faith is prime;
Fasting, prayers make life sublime;
Good deeds and charity are next;
All stem from love of Jesus Christ!
God sees the minds and hearts of men;
If body must be God's abode,
It should be freed of every sin,
And stay that way until one's death.
Beware of false teachers, prophets,
Who claim to see Jesus, Angels!
For, God was never seen by man,
From ever since the world began!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 12-09-2012
poem by John Celes
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Why This World Exists (In Answer To Louis Esterhuizen)
From the moment that I could think
I was wondering why this world does exist,
man is born in a place
where everything goes to destruction and decay?
What kind of God creates a place
where there is pain, suffering and hardship
where catastrophe at times hit mercilessly
as if every thing is going into damnation and darkness?
Some faiths believe that man
reincarnates over and over,
to in the end become part of a god,
have got to live though this desolation time and again.
Only the Christian faith declares
why our world is in this state,
about a almighty God who comes, to take up man’s guilt
with a salvation plan and how its going to end.
If you read the holy Bible carefully,
it’s clear that Lucifer was created perfectly,
that out of his own will he wanted to be equal to God,
he wanted to stop worshipping God.
When he broke the law
he created the biggest crisis in the universe
persuading other angels to act in rebellion,
where Michael (who is like God)
and his angels defended the heaven.
At that moment God could have wiped out Lucifer
and his followers instantaneously
but then everyone would serve Him out of fear and not out of love
and his Godly character did not even consider that possibility
whereupon He made a plan to solve this problem eternally.
God exists from eternity and is without a beginning,
through Jesus Christ, God created the world, by His own hands formed man
in the image of God and blew into him the breath of life,
He created man as two sexes, as man and woman.
Man was instructed to multiply,
to bring forth a own life in his image, to bring forth children,
to rule over the earth, the animals, birds and fishes
and everything was perfect in the whole earth, in every single thing.
It was then that God started the thing called time,
determining a period of time in which sin has got to abate,
where man as ruler had to lie down laws,
had to eat from the fruit of the earth,
proving to the universe that God is only love,
that dominion demands just laws,
going to the meaning
that the creation came from love.
No angels have ever been ordered to multiply
or to reign, Satan wanted to rule,
wanted to receive worship and become a god,
used his opportunity to lead man into darkness
saying in deception as he still does, that man will get knowledge
will become like God and will not die
and man had then lost his glory
(so as if the master of darkness could bring light)
and in free will man chose,
where his choice had an impact on everything,
even cursing his descendants to a damned world
but God came to place Himself in man’s place
and many people believe that I am only telling a myth here,
but my almighty Lord Jesus Christ lives.
poem by Gert Strydom
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An Only Begotten Son
Joseph and Mary
your son Isaiah 9: 6-7
is only first born Matthew 1: 16
without original sin
human stain
of Adam and Eve Genesis 3: 1-18
only child
born without
original sin Matthew 20: 28
an immaculate Matthew 1: 18
conception Matthew 1: 23
awaited virgin birth Matthew 1: 25
third perfect
human being
second Adam Hebrews 7: 28
only perfect soul
tempted by sin
that did not fall Mark 1: 13
God incarnate
in flesh
our long promised John 1: 14
Messiah born John 1: 41-42
into the world
in Bethlehem Matthew 2: 1
Adam made by
God’s own hands
shaped in red clay
God breathed breath
of life into Adam
spark of life living soul Genesis 2: 7
Eve rib taken
from Adam in sleep
flesh of his flesh
soul of his soul
God created first man
God created first woman Genesis 2: 20-23
in the beginning
was the Word
the Word was with God John 1: 1
the Word was a God
all things came into
existence through him
apart from him
not even one thing
came into existence John 1: 1-3
Lord Jesus Christ John 20; 28
Our Lord and Saviour Acts 13: 23
The Blood of the Lamb John 1: 29
For God
loved the world
so much
that he sent
his only
begotten son John 3: 16
as a ransom
sacrifice for our sin 1Timothy 2: 6
to save the world John 3: 17
so that all people
exercising faith in him
would not be judged John 3: 18
but be saved
given eternal life
for there is one God
and one mediator
between God and men
a man Christ Jesus 1Timothy 2: 5
who said
I am the way
the truth
and the life
and no one
comes to God
except through me John 14: 6
poem by Terence George Craddock
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Speaking Against ‘ Da Vinci Code’
What Jesus did until thirty
Years, isn’t mentioned in the Bible;
For next three years, he traveled wide,
To preach the Word of God’s Kingdom.
A busy man, a Master too –
With flock of Apostles behind:
He preached through parables to all,
And earned good respect ’midst people.
He spoke in parables;
He performed miracles;
His wisdom was so great,
That Pharisees did hate!
Yet, all the while, He knew His end!
A painful death on Holy Cross –
For sins of entire mankind;
He had His Father’s cause always!
Oh, what a sad life for young Christ!
His eyes revealed divine love first;
He had no time for romance, love;
His Father’s work was duty prime!
Like a man who knew His end was near,
He walked about praying, with fear;
He fasted often- bible tells;
Some laid snares to entrap Jesus.
Which doctor marries his patient?
Which lawyer weds his own client?
Do teachers marry own pupils?
These are’nt so common-place at all!
To say that Jesus was in love
With Mary Magdalene, that too,
Who was a known harlot those days:
Amounts to only blasphemy!
To speak wrong things about the Lord,
To lie about his personal life,
To misinterpret Bible’s words –
Are sins that God cannot forgive!
To slander about Christ’s conduct,
To spread false stories about him,
To hurt a Christian’s faith, beliefs –
Is but a work of Anti-Christ!
Yes, Satan trys his level-best
To bring a slur on Christ’s image;
But Prophecies will happen true;
God’s Words are words of truth always!
No Christian cares for Vinci code;
God knows to annul extreme lies;
Lord Jesus who won o’er satan
Was not an ordinary man!
His aim in life was Redemption
For mankind’s sins by death on cross;
The thought sometimes troubled his mind;
He prayed to Father for new strength!
(To be contd.)
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-13-2008
poem by John Celes
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Speaking Against ‘Da Vinci Code’ -2
So mean, some try demeaning Christ –
The Son of God, the Almighty;
They know His birth was one divine,
From Virgin Mary, by God’s word!
The Lamb of God was sacrificed
For sins of mankind, on the cross;
The Son of God became a man,
To just fulfill His Father’s wish.
Yes, Jesus knew the Scriptures well;
He had two natures – man and God,
Like two faces of any coin;
As man, he was fully a man!
‘The Son of God could forgive sins’
- The words of Jesus Christ Himself;
Like God, He loved the sinner who
Confessed his sins and made amends.
Christ chose twelve men as Apostles;
May be, some women heard his talks;
Christ won over satan’s designs,
When latter tempted him, at last.
The sinless man called Jesus Christ
Defeated satan, once for all;
And when He rose from death, third day,
He showed his pow’r divine to world.
To mar his name by saying that
Jesus was married, had a son –
Amounts to blasphemy and Lie:
A sin, His Father won’t forgive.
‘Beware you liars of God’s word! ’
Lord Jesus Christ will come again
In glory, as Judge of mankind:
Ask forgiveness, repent for sins!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 5-14-2008
poem by John Celes
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The Holy Bible
The Bible has the keys to heaven’s gates!
The living God (One most High) speaks, it states;
Its stories are real including dates;
The God of love and goodness, sin, He hates.
The bible tells the ways, Christians should live;
First place to soul’s upliftment, man must give;
The more we read, the more wisdom we get;
The ‘blind and deaf’ will one day much regret.
The Bible speaks of many mysteries;
Old Testament is full of histories;
“Every word will come true, ” the Lord, God says.
The man is saved who well repents and prays!
All men must read the bible’s every page;
When life is lived by it, you turn a sage;
The gospel tells of Jesus Christ’s message;
For men who live in sins, hell is the wage!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 9-7-2006
poem by John Celes
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Jesus In Messianic Judaism
merging combinations
of philosophical religious
belief still seeking seekers
merging different forms
different inflectional forms
common single form origins
Jesus Christ by John was baptized
in Aramaic into Messianic Judaism
you into Christian denominations?
Messianic Judaism morphs
into contemporary Christianity
movement syncretic religious
arose in ritual American 1960s
adds to evangelical Christian theology
some elements of Jewish terminology
at least 150 Messianic houses
of worship in the United States
by 2003 embrace life teachings
over 400 worldwide members
of larger Messianic organizations?
alliances by 2008 an estimated
6,000 to15,000 members
are living in Israel worshippers
estimated 13 million believers
world wide over ten years
ago; defined themselves
Messianic Jewish believers
this is what the original church
under Jesus Christ originated as
ministry of Jesus was the tribes
only the tribes of Judah and Israel
Paul opened ministry to the Gentiles
but forget numbers on pages places
true worship is sincerity of believers
Messianic Judaism is what at core beliefs?
to Judaism and Islamism idolatrous
Messianic Judaism the Holy Trinity affirms
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit
are the same Divinity; Judaism Islamism not
Messianic Judaism Jesus is Messiah affirms
Jesus is the Jewish Messiah and God
Jesus Yeshua is Divinity God the Son
Jesus is human-born of the Spirit of God
Judaism Islamism both affirm Jesus is not
Messianic Judaism Holy Spirit affirms
The third person of the Trinity is Holy Spirit
'Spirit' is proclaimed as co-creator with God Genesis 1: 2.
Holy Spirit was active inspiring prophets I Sam 19: 23-24, II Sam.23: 1-3.
Holy Spirit will fall upon whoever God wills
Holy Spirit was dove at baptism of Jesus Matt 3: 16.
Holy Spirit of God was the giver of tongues Acts 2.
Messianic Jews believe in God
Yahweh, Adonai, LORD
omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient
all-powerful, instantaneous everywhere, all knowing
unlimited power, present everywhere, infinite knowledge
eternal exists outside of time creation
infinitely significant and benevolent
omnibenevolent God is perfect goodness
may the Lord be with you upon you always
poem by Terence George Craddock
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The Word Became Flesh
Man on Earth will one day perish, but not so for The Word we cherish.
The Word of God that many treasure will indeed friend, go on forever.
In the beginning was The Word, this is a verse that many have heard,
And God was with The Word, this is what the Apostle John conferred.
And The Word indeed was God; and clearly said with a definitive nod.
The Word is Christ my friend, who had no beginning and has no end.
Christ is The Living Eternal Word, as many prophets have concurred.
The Word became flesh indeed, coming to earth as the promised seed.
Through Him all things were made as the heavens and earth were laid.
And in Him was life, my friend, and that life was the light of men.
Christ is the true Light of the world, this is the message to herald.
He came to give light to all men, but this they would not understand.
And though He created all things, the world did not recognize Him.
And John was sent to testify, that Christ was The Lord from on High.
Christ’s own people wouldn’t believe and Christ they did not receive.
He came to the darkness of men, but Light they could not comprehend.
Christ came as The Light of all men, but men liked darkness instead,
Not wanting The Light to reveal, that their many deeds were so evil.
But these men are much like the grass and their glory will not last,
But let The Light be your endeavor and like Him you will live forever.
(Copyright ©10/2004)
Jesus Power over Demons
Jesus' Power Over Demons
home » sermons » 06-24-07
June 24,2007 — The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
“Jesus' Power Over Demons” — Pastor Lassman
Luke 8: 26-39
Listen
My Fellow Redeemed in Christ,
Do you believe in a real Satan? Do you believe that there are demons? I’m sure you do, but if you don’t you should. Of course, such things might seem strange in our scientific and technical world and many people don’t believe in Satan or evil spirits. And, being spirits, we cannot see Satan or demons. But the Bible talks a great deal about them. I’ve never seen Satan or a demon, but I believe in them not only because the Bible talks about them, but especially because Jesus Christ himself speaks about Satan and demons. In the church we often talk about sin and death, and rightly so. But we should never forget about Satan and his evil forces. For they go together: Satan, sin, and death as Martin Luther says in his Small Catechism about Jesus: “who has redeemed me a lost a condemned person, purchased and won me from all sin, from death….and from the power of the devil.” The power of the devil. That brings us to our gospel lesson where we see “Jesus’ Power Over Demons.”
I. In Jesus Christ the kingdom of God has come to attack and destroy the kingdom of Satan. When he began his public ministry at his baptism Jesus said: “repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.”.
A. God, of course, had created a perfect world. This included what we would call the “good angels.” But some of those angels, led by their leader, Satan, were not happy with their position in God’s order: they wanted to be God. And in their evil rebellion against God they were transformed into demons who oppose God and all that he stands for. It was their leader, Satan, who showed up as a snake in the Garden of Eden to tempt Adam and Eve to also be like God. And so sin and death came into the world. Satan had invaded God’s world and trashed it. Demons are the source of the world’s superstitions and religions. Demons are the ones behind those who persecute and kill Christians. Demons are the ones behind all the false doctrines that divide the Christian church. With deception and lies they do all in their power to keep people from believing in Jesus Christ and to destroy the faith of those who already believe. Thus the Bible calls the devil our “enemy”. There is an underlying evil in the world that human beings are helpless to overcome. The demon possessed man in our text symbolizes all of this. But remember that every human being is born into this world under the influence of Satan and a member of his kingdom as the apostle John says in his first letter: ”the whole world is under the control of the Evil one.” When you and I were born in the world, we too were under the control of the evil one—enslaved to sin and death, under God’s wrath and damnation. Never forget that.
B. And that’s why Jesus came into the world: to attack and destroy the kingdom of Satan and save his people. He trashed the kingdom of Satan, defeating him and giving mankind victory over sin and death. You can hear the fear in the evil spirit’s voice: “what have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the most high God.” They are filled with terror because they know that Jesus is stronger than they are. They are afraid of Jesus: “I beg you do not torment me.” They know that on the judgment day Jesus Christ will cast them into the fires of hell as we read in revelation: “and the devil..was thrown into the lake of burning sulpher, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night.” And so the spirits begged Jesus not to send them “into the abyss.” The demon was afraid that that day had come. But it had not. So Jesus told them to leave the man and enter the pigs. And they had no choice but to do what he said. Now in our gospel Jesus only delivered one man from demon possession. But on the cross he delivered all of humanity, you and me, from Satan and his forces by dying for our sins. Because of Jesus Christ we never have to fear being possessed by a demon—for our bodies are the temple of God. Because of Jesus Christ we can resist the devil and his temptations—for in baptism we have been united to Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus Christ the devil cannot scare us with death or damnation—for all our sins are forgiven and we will be raised from the dead. Because of Jesus Christ the devil cannot deceive us with his lies because we know the truth. Paul says it all when he writes in Colossians: “for he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Col.1: 13) you and I have been rescued from Satan and his kingdom—he has no power over us.
II. But as always there are two responses to Jesus.
A. Regardless of the evidence, some people just won’t believe. We see this in our text. There were eyewitnesses to what had happened—the herdsmen who tended the pigs. And they went and told the city and the whole country-side what they had seen. Indeed, they created such a stir that many people went out to the spot where it happened to see for themselves. And there was Jesus- and the man sitting at his feet. And they saw with their own eyes the difference in him. He was no longer naked, but clothed; no longer out of his mind and violent, but calm and in his right mind. He was normal. Clearly, something profound and wonderful had happened. And now comes the strange response: “then all the people of the surrounding country…asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with fear.” What? ! Why did they say that? ! Couldn’t they see that Jesus had done something good, something kind, something merciful, something wonderful? Why did they ask him to leave? Did they care more about the pigs that were destroyed than they did for the well-being of this man? We are not told. But all through the gospels we hear of people who do not believe in Jesus even though they saw him doing miracles and wonderful acts of kindness. Perhaps we get a clue when just fourteen verses before our text Jesus says: “[these] are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the words from their hearts so that they may not believe and be saved.” Many people prefer the kingdom of Satan. They like the darkness more than the light
B. But that wasn’t the response of the man from whom the demons left! He believed and was thankful for what Jesus had done for him. As a matter of fact, he was so grateful that he begged Jesus to go with him. But here’s another little surprise- Jesus said “no”. Instead he told him to return to his home and tell everyone what God had done for him. And that’s exactly what he did: he went home and told everyone what Jesus had done for him. I imagine that took a lot of faith. His emotions told him he wanted to be with Jesus. But he denied his emotions and instead did what Jesus told him to do. And so it is with us. We too are thankful for what Jesus has done for us. Every Sunday through the forgiveness of sins he gives us victory over sin and death and the power of Satan and the forces of evil. Such is the power of god’s forgiveness. We love coming here on Sunday mornings and being with Jesus and receiving his salvation. And yet as important as it is, we cannot sit in church all the time. Jesus wants us to return to our homes, our work, our schools—our communities and tell everyone what he has done.
Conclusion: when Jesus drove the demons out of that man Jesus attacked the kingdom of Satan. But when he died for the sins of the world Jesus destroyed Satan’s kingdom. And through faith in him we share in his victory. For Satan’s only weapons are lies, sin, and death. But in Jesus Christ we know the truth; in Jesus Christ our sin has been forgiven, and in Jesus Christ death has been defeated and we have life. Satan has no power over us. Indeed, we can resist him. And how do we know this is true? Well, we see Jesus casting out helpless demons who fear him and must obey him. But the main proof is the empty tomb. When Jesus was raised from the dead God’s hand was raised in victory over Satan and his kingdom. Everywhere the gospel of Jesus Christ is preached and taught the kingdom of Satan is trashed. And one day Jesus will return and cast Satan and all demons into the abyss that they fear so much. Amen!
Messiah Lutheran Church Seattle - Missouri Synod
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poem by Mthokozisi Ntokozo Maphumulo
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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If I Could Pass Something On To You
If I could pass something on to you my dear friend, what would it be?
If it was a word or two on life, would you want words simply from me?
Words of my own are of so little value, so why should I even pretend?
For the only words of eternal value are found in the Bible my friend.
As I read the Bible, what I should pass on is made very clear to me,
For this life will soon be over, and where are you going eternally?
Much time is spent on planning for this world that will one day end,
But very little thought is given to one's eternal destiny my friend.
All of the world's uncertainties will end soon, this you can be sure,
While the certainty of the coming age we avoid will last forevermore.
One reason to focus on life with The One Who's knocking on the door,
He promised to purify all with this Hope, just as He Himself is Pure.
You may not be moved by my reasoning or you may not even understand,
But for me it goes beyond reason, as it is The Lord's direct command.
For Jesus said seek first The Kingdom and you will have all you need,
This is something instead of glossing over, each day I try to heed.
Before Jesus left He said make disciples of the nations in the world,
It wasn't only for the Apostles, but for all ages to joyfully herald.
Paul wasn't ashamed of the gospel, for it's the power unto Salvation,
This should shame us until we reach every tribe, tongue and nation.
God of The Bible
God’s Word was sent by inspiration, every word of God’s Revelation,
If you say He didn’t inspired the Bible, you friend will be spiritual libel.
For God of The Bible, and only He, sent His Son to both you and me,
If you don’t know God of Scripture, you know one, of another picture.
God sent His Son a propitiation for us, God’s Only Son, Christ Jesus,
As a perfect, bloody atoning sacrifice, so sinners may enter Paradise;
We can only see The Father by Him, Christ, who alone paid for our sin,
For God placed our sin on His Son, paying that full price for everyone.
The Scriptures are God’s Authority, from the beginning through eternity,
As men change, God changes never, and God’s Word endures forever,
It’s important to heed God’s Word, before God’s Judgment is unfurled,
Yes, God is Love, but He’s also just, and so God’s judgment is a must,
We have the word of prophets of old, to know how the end shall unfold,
With God’s Word made more certain, we know all about the final curtain,
Men would do well to heed the light, to be saved from the coming night,
To know God’s Word as we hear it, is the enablement of The Holy Spirit.
From The Word of God we must heed, Eternal Truth which all men need,
The only Truth which leads to Grace, when God’s Truth men do embrace;
However, if God’s Truths you refuse, do not expect to hear Good News,
As you will be separated from God, for all eternity after leaving this sod.
(Copyright ©02/2011)
Simply The Truth
At the beginning, we are told, no life, no space, no time...
Until God's holy word took hold for miracles sublime...
Then out of nothing, light was born and God began His task,
With each new evening and new dawn beyond what we could ask...
The distant stars we cannot see, yet they declare God's fame,
His glory, power and majesty and God knows each by name...
So how much more does God know Man? From womb to tomb and more!
That's why the Lord devised His Plan, salvation to assure...
Freewill for angels God desired, yet Satan still rebelled!
His services no more required, though he, the Lord, beheld!
Thus Man became the enemy, the victim, come what may...
The Devil fears eternity! He'll suffer Judgment Day...
Millenia have come and gone since Adam wept on Earth.
With Eve, he lived to carry on to grant new life through birth.
Alas, each life was soiled by sin, until God's Son was sent...
He died, our priceless souls to win, when to His Cross, He went...
Atonement made, God raised His Son, a Royal Priest above,
Made perfect by the things He'd done, He's called the King of Love!
In Christ, forgiveness is supplied, believers' sins are waived...
The Gospel Truth is preached worldwide for billions must be saved!
To think, that billions don't believe! There's so much left to do!
To think, there's so much to receive, because the Bible's true!
It's up to us, it's down to us... It's there in black and white...
The Messiah's Name is Jesus! The Lord who never lied...
poem by Denis Martindale
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Looking For Direction
What does God have to say, have you looked in His Word today?
Where He speaks to men like us, when in Him we place our trust.
However, God will speak to anyone, if you’d like to know His Son,
To know Christ in a personal way, so God can speak to you today.
If you are looking for direction, God’s Word is your best selection,
God’s guide for your daily life, in a world filled with pain and strife.
His Word is more than just advice, as it points all men to New Life.
God left us with His Holy Word, to read anew Truth’s we’ve heard.
God does not leave us all alone, and calls on men to be His own,
He sent The Spirit upon the earth, to give to them a spiritual birth.
The Spirit helps common man, to read The Word and understand,
That The God of all eternity, came to earth to die, for you and me.
God’s Holy Spirit opens eyes, as God changes hearts and minds,
Then He leads men to the place, where they read of God’s Grace.
God’s Word helps us comprehend, what God has done for all men,
That His Son came to earth to die, to provide New Life to you and I.
To some it may be just a book, however it deserves a second look,
The Bible is God’s revelation; God’s Truth revealed to every nation.
Without it many nations perish, without The Word which we cherish.
It is a message from our Creator, to lead us to our Lord and Savior.
(Copyright ©10/2006)