Three In The Power Of One
Souls black as night
But its nothing for the children of God to fight
We wrestle not with flesh and blood
But with the principalities fo darkness
So put on your armor of god
For the day of battle will come
But the victory is already ours
Through christ in the power of one
Chorus
The power of christ
Surrounded by the angels of god
Step to the realm where evil reins
We are soldiers prepared for war
With the power to speak his name
Satan with his legion of demons
Decieving with his wicked ways
With his life he has paid
With his word I will slay
Any demon that steps in my way
So bring it on
Its the p.o.d. on the mic rockin the set
In case you didnt know payable on death
Makin suckers drop, kick n non-stop
The hard rock and thrash with a little hip-hop
Four christian borthers on a roll, there we go
Coming up hard but you know we got soul
Im strapped yes, were packed and its about time
Jesus go my back, p.o.d. on the frontline
Three in the power of one
8x
song performed by by P.O.D.
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
Related quotes
He’s Coming Back In Power
Jesus is coming to set all straight and you may have no time to wait.
For no one knows the day or hour when He’ll return in all His Power.
And every eye will see that day when all His power He does display.
The power He set aside for me when He chose to die upon that tree.
He had the power to save His life but He chose to be our sacrifice.
But unlike a sacrifice that lay dead, The Lord my friend rose again.
And in the view of many men, back up to Heaven Christ did ascend.
As they looked intently in the sky, they may have asked how and why.
Then two angels appeared on the way with the following words to say,
This same Jesus that did ascend is coming back the same way again.
From this you and I should learn we should be looking for His return.
To believers Christ sent His Power to teach about that awesome hour,
Although Christ died, He rose again, to become the Savior of all men.
The power He could have used was a power that He could not lose.
Jesus Christ set aside His Majesty, but as God, retained His Deity.
He will return in Total Majesty and again, every single eye will see.
Many on that day will perish refusing to embrace The Lord we cherish,
As Christ destroys the man of sin, with the brightness of His coming.
While men who wait in every nation, to them He brings His Salvation.
It may be today or tomorrow, so embrace Him now and have no sorrow.
(Copyright ©11/2004)
God Made A Prophecy Not To Adam But To Eve
God made a prophecy not to Adam and Eve
but to the woman Eve alone Jesus Christ
was born of a virgin woman promised seed
bruising the head of Satan the fallen serpent Genesis 3: 15.
Jesus Christ died to defeat sin the sacrifice himself
to destroy Satan the devil who had power over death
he bruises his head destroys his power his lordship
over mankind defeating the power of Satan for God
'To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness
to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that
they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance
among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me' Acts 26: 18.
poem by Terence George Craddock
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Wickedness Is Everywhere
His wicked spirit is everywhere, the prince and power of the air,
Born into a system led by him, Satan fills the world with evil sin.
God of the world, on this earth, inciting all born of natural birth,
On this earth, that God created, is a spirit by which He is hated.
God’s Kingdom is not of this world, is what Christ world herald,
Christ’s comes from God above, one filled with peace and love.
Men join His Kingdom from earth. Through Jesus and New Birth,
When in Christ we’re born again, we become to God, His friend.
That dragon is God’s enemy, who wants to destroy you and me,
Aware that he faces eternal fire, our destruction’s his only desire.
Satan’s power deceives the mind, making many spiritually blind,
This while he deceives the heart, wanting all, to from God depart.
God’s Kingdom soon will come, ruled on earth by Christ His Son,
With Satan cast into the abyss, upon earth will be Heaven’s Bliss.
Until then there’s a battle on, but, not against the weak or strong,
It’s against the evil principalities; the darker powers we can’t see.
Man was expelled from Paradise, into a world of darkened strife,
Where Satan sets out to deceive, men and women, just like Eve.
But accept as Savior Jesus Christ, and you’ll receive Eternal Life,
Delivered from this darkened night, into The Lord’s Eternal Light.
(Copyright ©04/2007)
In Christ
Living each day, week to week, this world looks dark and bleak,
So I must be in Christ each hour, as He gives me staying power,
Looking to Christ in all things, for the abundant peace He brings,
So whatever does come my way, in The Lord Jesus, I must stay.
In Christ is His Power and Grace, to lead me daily place to place,
Even within the darkest of night, Christ alone, becomes my Light,
So when I have a troubled heart, from my Lord, I must not depart,
For when in Christ, in Him alone, He allots power from His Throne.
His Power is from His Authority, this, Christ holds over all eternity,
This Power, Christ supplies to us, when we remain in Christ Jesus,
When troubles tempt us to stray, in The Lord Jesus, we must stay,
And His Power provides us peace, that when in Him will not cease.
As Satan prowls as a hungry lion, enticing believers to fall into sin.
Directing our eyes off of God, so not to see Christ’s staff and rod,
As our Shepherd shall always lead, all believers to their every need,
So from God we mustn’t look away, as Satan cause hearts to stray.
We’re all new creatures in Christ, each called to be a living sacrifice,
To those who follow Christ, as Lord, God’s Peace to all, is assured,
Peace from Christ, not this world, as abundant life, He has unfurled,
Knowing He has given us New Life, every day, we must be in Christ.
(Copyright ©06/201)
His Body And Blood
I thank God for His grace and love, and for Christ’s Body and Blood,
His Body that was God’s Sacrifice, Jesus’ Body that paid sin’s price,
For Christ’s Blood, that was spilled, as The Father above, had willed,
For our Lord’s death at Calvary, so that believers could live Eternally.
It is through the very Blood of Christ, that sinners can have New Life,
From the Body, prepared for Him, redeeming souls from all their sin,
For The Lord had sent His Only Son, to be Redemption for everyone,
And all we must do is to believe, and God’s Salvation we will receive.
Today an empty grave now shows, though He died, Christ has arose,
The same power will be given to us, who, have come to Christ Jesus,
Though we are still on the earth, we receive God’s Spirit by New Birth,
Promised by our Lord to all men, when in Christ, they are Born Again.
Born of God, by The Spirit above, when we’re cleansed by His Blood,
Forgiven of all our sin and shame, all through the Power of His Name,
We are now the children of God, to walk anew upon the earth we trod,
To no longer be a part of the night, but now, to be The Savior’s Light.
This, all because God loved us first, even, when we were at our worst,
And His love was for all sinners lost, so our Lord employed the cross,
Crucifying Christ the Spotless Lamb, to pay sin’s price for every man,
This is His New Covenant of Blood, provided to us all by God’s Love.
Silver Is Granted Power Over Evil
silver silver is redemption metal
thirty pieces of silver payment
price for betrayal of prophet Christ
in blood of Christ
silver is granted power over evil
silver is metal
used to kill demon souls
silver not gold
is salvation metal
with power to slay evil
poem by Terence George Craddock
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Can God Use You?
Friend, are you filled with a zeal, which from The Lord is truly real?
From God’s Spirit up above, which fills your witness with His love.
Do you stand firm on The Truth, when facing reproach or reproof?
To let men see your power within, is not your own but is from Him.
Does God’s Word fill your days, with an unending joy and praise?
That allows others to see in you, it’s His Word seeing you through.
Does the praise flow from a heart, which God truly has every part?
To order all steps of your life, for praise and glory of Jesus Christ.
Can God use you this very day, to lead others to life’s narrow way?
To Christ’s glorious eternal path, one far from God’s pending wrath.
Are you ready to join God’s fight, against the darkness of the night?
Using not your power and might, but dispelling it with Christ’s Light.
Will you this day, be on the side, of The Risen Lord, now Glorified?
Who fills you with heavenly power, even in the battle’s darkest hour.
Will you today not stand with Him, who alone died for all of our sin?
Giving all believers eternal victory; assuring each one a life eternally.
Friend, today can you truly afford, a life not serving our Risen Lord?
Who sits beside the Father’s throne, actively interceding for His own.
Dear friend, I ask, how can you lose, if today The Lord you choose?
As the primary focus of your life; this to win all men to Jesus Christ.
(Copyright ©07/2007)
As The Nations Rage
We’re not here to fix this world, but Truth, we are here to herald,
Truth of God and His Salvation, we’re to preach to every nation;
This world can be a sorry place, sorely in need of God’s Grace,
In a world where wrong is right, we need to point to God’s Light.
As we live out this present age, we sure see many nations rage,
Seeking political power and gain, the wicked hearts plot in vain,
Kings of earth counsel together, while Truth, they seek to sever,
Wanting to cast all restraint off, evil men toward God just scoff.
So it’s not hard to understand, why darkness pervades the land,
While evil men today conspire, against The Truth, that we desire,
But, God’s Truth, that we cherish, by their hand will never perish,
Even though they council together, God’s Word will last forever.
The Word which God shall fulfill, in His Son, on God’s Holy Hill,
Christ, who now reigns above, all that evil, these men speak of,
God, who scoffs at their decision, will have them all in derision,
Judging every darkened fool, when from Zion, Christ does rule.
Until then, all Believers must be, lights, for The Lord of Eternity,
As for Christ we make the case, while it’s still the Age of Grace,
That Christ’s coming back again, as Lord and Judge of all men,
And the only Hope in this life, is accept as Savior, Jesus Christ.
(Copyright ©05/2010)
The Resurrection Changes Everything
The Resurrection changes everything, through the power of Jesus Christ,
As Christ becomes our Lord and King, giving all Believers brand new life.
To Him we lift up our praise and sing, for us He came to be our sacrifice,
Christ destroyed death with its sting, and prepared us a place in Paradise.
This change begins first in our heart, when in Jesus Christ we do believe,
Then from Heaven Christ will impart, His Spirit, for all believers to receive.
From our being, Christ will not depart, as new life in us He does conceive,
In The Savior change has its start; by the Resurrection new life is achieved.
Through God’s Resurrection power, Jesus Christ’s body could not remain,
And believers live each day and hour, New Life through the Savior’s name.
As new life on us Christ shall shower, we no longer live our lives the same,
Now living for Him we do not cower, through Christ’s Resurrection change,
In the power of Christ’s Resurrection, believers now live life the narrow way,
A new life that was not our selection, but we live for Christ now day to day.
We’ve been called through His election, no matter what other men may say,
And ordained by God a new direction, upon a course, Christ helps us stay.
Friend, everything is changed by God, when New Life in Christ has begun,
As we live life upon this earthly sod, all believers live to Glorify God’s Son,
Lead by Christ every step we trod, we become God’s witness to everyone,
Guided by The Lord’s staff and rod, until our work upon this earth is done.
(Copyright ©04/2007)
Power To Change
The power God used to save me, is the power that will change me,
The power of the Savior’s blood, and His grace He gives with love.
He is my friend and my Savior, my Sovereign God and my Creator,
And He, who saved my dark soul, can make a heart pure and whole.
The power of His awesome Grace, truly helps me as I seek His face,
To allow His Spirit to take control, as God changes this wicked soul.
The precious blood of God’s Son, has the power to change anyone,
Who comes to The Cross of Christ, to receive from God a New Life.
By Christ’s blood we were bought, so that change could be wrought,
In the body that belongs to Him, Christ who was crucified for our sin,
This body Christ called the Church; He did not leave here in the lurch,
But sent His Spirit, with His Light, to guide us safely out of the night.
The changes are the Father’s will, for this Church that Christ shall fill,
Filled with sinners from every nation, saved by The Lord’s Salvation,
Sanctified by the power of God, throughout the many lands we trod,
As a witness for those still lost, pointing them to our Savior’s Cross.
The changes shall continue in us, as in our Savior we place our trust,
To be all that we can be, through His blood, that flows from Calvary,
As His Grace gives us the power, for our needs, every day and hour,
Until that day, when by God’s Grace, we see our Savior face to face.
(Copyright ©06/2008)
Changing Attitude
True believers, who know the Lord, by the Apostle are implored,
To make changes in their life, to become more like Jesus Christ,
Through His power, we are endued, to have a Christ like attitude,
Putting in place all we've heard; life changes found in The Word.
Recognition is what we need, this, as we follow The Spirit's lead,
God's Word sharp as a sword, brings to light changes implored,
Change spoken of by Apostle Paul, are to be pursued by us all,
To be more like Jesus Christ, as we seek to be a living sacrifice.
Renewal is then not only desired, but, by The Lord it is required,
This, to renew our heart and mind, to leave our old ways behind,
No longer shall we be conformed, to this world but transformed,
Conforming to the will of Christ, as we honor God with New Life.
Replacing in our life old ways, with a newness unto God's praise,
A new life substituting sinfulness, with our Lord's Righteousness,
As we died for Christ, that old man, is now dead, per God's Plan,
As the power of His Salvation, makes all believers a new creation.
Run hard then, this life's race, through the power of God's Grace,
Running in a way that pleases Him, the One Who died for our sin,
That we too can be a sacrifice, living for our Savior, Jesus Christ,
Living to please The Lord above, compelled by our Savior's love.
We Got The
Who got the chance to make things right?
Why the politicians always want to fight?
The Christian coalition and the right wing ooooh!
Let me tell you what you can do
Step outside the cone of silence
Too much hatred and violence
It's time to rewind
We need a military decline
Got the power of the mind focused
Government like a locust
Are we gone or just going?
Time to act on what we be knowinh y'all
Who got the power to make a difference?
Who got the power to make a change?
Who got the power to make a difference?
We got the
We got the
We got the
Eyes on the prize and never wane
Take the bull by the reins
If you want it be the change
Like Ghandi and MLK
Wait up, got to change the system
Need knowledge, power and wisdom
Same way I rock this microphone
Speak up, just let it be known
Hey ladies, fellas
And everyone between
Take the power back, let them react
And let's show them what we mean; Check it out
Who got the power to make a difference?
Who got the power to make a change?
Who got the power to make a difference?
We got the
We got the
We got the
We can work, walk, march and protest
Think about how we approach this
Ask questions but they keep frontin'
Due time we change a little something
Hey yo don't you know
Won't forget Amaduous Diallo
To the crooked people and the crooked cops
Got to spread love before the world goes pop
Never again should we use the A-bomb
We need an international ban on
all W.O.M.D.'s gone
We need a multilateral disarm
Who got the power to make a difference?
Who got the power to make a change?
Who got the power to make a difference?
We got the
We got the
We got the
song performed by by Beastie Boys
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
I Come To Him
I come to The Lord Jesus Christ; He gives to me a brand new life.
New Life in Christ from up above; the gift of God’s Awesome Love.
I bring to The Lord my life of sin, and He cleanses me deep within.
Cleansed by the Blood of Christ; the cleansing blood for every life.
I come to Him with a contrite heart, and God gives me a new start.
It’s the start of a brand new life, one centered around Jesus Christ.
I pray to God on bended knees, and Christ fills me with His peace.
That peace secured at Calvary, where Jesus died for you and me.
I come to Him with a heart of grief; God gives to me amazing relief.
He lifts the burden from my heart, and sinful ways begin to depart.
I come to Christ with no Hope, and He gives to me power to cope.
A power for this earthly race; supplied by God’s Awesome Grace.
I believe The Word as I hear it, and God gives me The Holy Spirit.
And The Holy Spirit I did receive, the very moment that I believed.
I surrender my life to Christ above, and God fills me with His Love.
Love to help me share The Word, until Truth, all men have heard.
I stand in need of His correction, and He gives me a new direction.
He forgives my past wicked life, and puts me on a path with Christ.
I come to Him out of empty strife, and He gives to me Eternal Life.
This empty world will pass away, but with Christ, I will forever stay.
You can come to Him my friend, and have yourself a better end,
If you would just believe in Christ, He too, will enter into your life.
God will forgive your sinful past, and give you a life that will last,
Life that will last for Eternity, where with Christ you’ll forever be.
An Attitude of Altitude
We can have an attitude of altitude, from the power that’s endued,
To all believers while in this life, through The Spirit of Jesus Christ,
So when we hit that valley low, we get strength from who we know,
To then rise above any situation, through the God of our Salvation.
This attitude that’s available to us, is from our Savior, Christ Jesus,
Who left His Throne from on high; All-knowing that He came to die,
Leaving Heaven, not mindful of, the power He had, reigning above,
Humbling Himself, for those lost, to a death upon Calvary’s Cross.
So let this mind be also in us, as believers serving our Lord Jesus,
Mindful not of our own needs, as we sow for Him, Kingdom seeds,
Being mindful of Christ instead, who, died for men spiritually dead,
So they could have Eternal Life, through our Lord’s great Sacrifice.
Through life’s battle that we face, sufficient for us, is God’s Grace,
When Satan brings on us a feud, we need to have Christ’s attitude,
Being mindful of Christ’s sacrifice, willing for God to pay the price,
While living for God, in all we do, in the valley, He’ll see us through.
With Christ’s attitude, from on High, we’ll do more than, just get by,
And that valley we’ll rise above, when mindful of our Savior’s Love,
While having the mind of our Lord, during the battle, we’re assured,
Not only of the present victory, but, our future with Christ Eternally.
(Copyright ©08/2009)
In Christ Alone - anyone
vs.1 In Christ alone, my hope is found?;
He is my light, my strength, my song?.
This Cornerstone, this solid ground?,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm?.
What heights of love, what depths of peace?,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease?.
My comforter, my all-in-all?.
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
vs.2 There in the ground His body lay?,
Light of the world by darkness slain?.
Then bursting forth in glorious day?,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory?,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me.
?For I am His and He is mine?,
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
vs.3 No guilt in life, no fear in death;
?This is the power of Christ in me?.
From life's first cry to final breath?,
Jesus commands my destiny?.
No power of hell, no scheme of man?
Can ever pluck me from His hand,
?Till He returns or calls me home?,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
poem by Rebecca Ryan
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Powers that hold forever
You had a power over me.
On that day that you hurt me.
You had the power to bring me down.
Its a power thats never gone.
A power thats never losened its grip.
You prayed on my weakness
You knew I was defencless.
But it would appear you didnt care.
You didnt give a shit.
That I was weak and helpless
I couldnt fight back.
God only knows how scared I was.
You had the power to scare me.
You took the power to hurt me.
Power is a strong thing.
Bastards like you love power.
Power nevew losens the grip.
Never lets me be.
Thats cos you scared me so
You scared me with your power
You scared me witless
poem by Amy Kerswell
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Signs Pointing To The Christ
As the snake was lifted on the pole, Christ was lifted up to behold.
Bitten by snakes and destined to die they were told to look on high.
As those who looked were healed, at the cross Salvation was revealed.
We too were destined for the dust, but Christ my friend, died for us.
It pleased The Lord God to offer Christ to the world as a sacrifice.
The Spotless Lamb upon the cross saving men who are eternally lost.
Although He died bearing our sin by God's Power He was raised again.
He couldn't be held in the grave and was raised so we could be saved.
Jonah followed his heart of sin so God prepared a great fish for him.
There was Jonah filled with fright in the belly 3 days and 3 nights.
Jonah was to be a sign for the coming Christ who had been prophesied.
So Jesus gave up all His rights to be in the earth 3 days and nights.
And Christ visited prisons deep within claiming His victory over sin.
Then God raised His body for all to see, affirming Christ's Victory.
And all believers are buried with Christ to be raised unto new life.
One day soon our mortal body will be gloriously raised for Eternity.
He who had no sin died in our place, for this was God's Saving Grace.
He rose again in the morning hour, and this was God's Saving Power.
He rose in victory over sin so that all could have new life in Him.
He's coming back one more time, to bring Home His blood bought Bride.
Poweres that hold forever
You had a power over me.
On that day that you hurt me.
You had the power to bring me down.
Its a power thats never gone.
A power thats never losened its grip.
You prayed on my weakness
You knew I was defencless.
But it would appear you didnt care.
You didnt give a shit.
That I was weak and helpless
I couldnt fight back.
God only knows how scared I was.
You had the power to scare me.
You took the power to hurt me.
Power is a strong thing.
Bastards like you love power.
Power nevew losens the grip.
Never lets me be.
Thats cos you scared me so
You scared me with your power
You scared me witless
poem by Amy Louise Kerswell
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Freed Through His Riches
All are in bondage to Satan and sin, driven by hearts of flesh within,
But, Jesus Christ was sent to us, and in His Truth we place our trust.
It was The Father who sent Him, to save all His people from their sin,
Sent down to men who are but dust, our Emmanuel, to dwell with us.
Christ came with Truth to impart, to every weary and searching heart,
God’s Truth that sets captives free, flowing from a Cross at Calvary.
Truth that once within your heart, causes sinful ways to soon depart,
Defeating Satan for you and me; through Christ we gain the Victory.
A victory that won’t be denied, and in Heaven’s Glory we will reside,
With The Lord Jesus, forevermore, when we enter through His Door.
When His Spirit comes to live inside, in Christ He helps us to abide,
The Spirit gives men so much more, as they live for Christ our Lord.
Christ reaches down with His Grace, through The Spirit at any place,
Filling hearts with God’s Peace, from the greatest down to the least.
He empowers you to run the race, with His endless supply of Grace,
With power that shall not cease, coupled with God’s Joy and Peace.
It’s through Salvation, we are freed, from all Satan’s power eternally,
And all that we need to do is trust, our Savior who died for all of us.
Christ’s Spirit will dwell in your heart, and once inside will not depart.
So, take time to seek His face, and receive the Riches of His Grace.
(Copyright ©12/2007)
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
7050 35th Avenue NE | Seattle, WA 98115 | (206) 524-0024
Questions or comments about this site can be sent to [email protected]
Copyright © 2008. Messiah Lutheran Church. All rights reserved.
poem by Mthokozisi Ntokozo Maphumulo
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!