Demons - then and now

     Demons are spirits of fallen angels.  While many are temporarily confined to the bottomless pit, many are very active in world affairs today serving their master the Devil.  In fact demons are perhaps the major implementers of Satan’s deceitful agenda.

     And many of those imprisoned demons in the bottomless pit will be released during the rapidly approaching tribulation period to punish unrepentant mankind.  We’ll examine that aspect shortly.

     Demonic activity isn’t new.  Such activity was noted in ancient Israel as well as spoken of in the New Testament including the final book of the Bible, i.e. the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

     Let’s go back several thousand years and review a profound passage from the Psalms that describes the range of Israel’s sins.

     “They served their (Gentile’s) idols…They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons, and shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters…”  Psalm 106:36-38a

     The Hebrew word for ‘demons’ is ‘devils.’  The Hebrew word for ‘sacrificed’ has several synonyms including slaughter and kill. 

     New born innocent children were slaughtered and offered to demons.  Such was an abomination to God.

     Demons influence the nonbeliever by impersonating idols made with hands.  Therefore, any sacrifice offered by a nonbeliever is by definition offered to demons.

     “...the things which the Gentiles (unbelievers) sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God…”  1 Corinthians 10:20

     But the influence of demons goes far beyond sacrifices; it includes false and deceitful teaching.

     “Now the Spirit expressly (explicitly) says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy…”  1 Timothy 4:1-2a

     Anyone who ‘will depart from the faith’ is called an apostate.  Paul warned that there would be great apostasy before Christ returns.

     Submission to demonic influence will accelerate during this age and come to a head during the great tribulation.  Regardless of the extent of tribulation hardship, the nonbeliever will cling to demonically inspired idols.

     The sixth trumpet judgment during the great tribulation describes the refusal of nonbelievers to repudiate demonic influence.

     Demons from the bottomless pit will be released to kill one-third of mankind and yet those who survive will not repent from demon worship.

   “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk.”  Revelation 9:20

     Recall that demons are the implementers of moral evil and they influence the nonbeliever to cling to false gods.  The Greek word for ‘demons’ is the same as the Hebrew, i.e. ‘devils.’ 

     Non-repentant mankind will continue to place their trust in idols of gold, silver, etc.

     Then John lists several other activities that nonbelievers will not abandon.

     “And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”  Revelation 9:21

     Murder (phonos) means slaughter, butcher, cut to pieces.

     Sorcery (pharmakeia) means drugs, occult, or magical incantation with drugs.

     Sexual immorality (porneia) includes any kind of sexual sin.

     Thefts (klepto) means not only to steal, but has the additional meaning to seize, or take by deceit. 

     Using the four preceding definitions, does killing the unborn by cutting them to pieces and selling their body parts fit the description of murder? 

     Does the legalization of marijuana fit the description of sorcery?

     Does the mandate by the Supreme Court to recognize the marriage between two people of the same gender fit the description of sexual immorality?

     Does the redistribution of wealth by way of taxation to fund activities performed by Planned Parenthood fit the description of thievery?

     If any of the above practices or activities are not initiated or sanctioned by God, where does the thoughts for such legislation, Supreme Court decisions, or executive orders originate?

     “Who is wise and understanding among you?  Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.  But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast…This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.”  James 3:13-15

    

    

"Why can't we all just get along?"

     Many believe that if the title words became reality, this nation and the world would enjoy lasting peace.

     Let’s limit the present discussion to America.  Presently there are major divisions among this nation’s citizenry. 

  

     For example, there is a major division between those who espouse pro-choice vs. those who espouse pro-life.  Another major division is between those who support marriage between any two people vs. those who support the Biblical principal that marriage is defined as the joining of one man and one woman.

     In essence, the major division today in America appears to be between the ideologies of progressivism vs. conservatism.

     As one might expect, the Bible is not silent on division and in fact defines the ultimate division among mankind.  The Biblical division was announced by Jesus during His initial time on earth.

     “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth.  I did not come to bring peace but a sword.”  Matthew 10:34

     Jesus went on to say that the ultimate division would be present even between family members.  He repeated the words spoken earlier by the prophet Micah. 

     “For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother…and a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.”  Matthew 10:35-36 (Micah 7:6)

     For those who are skeptical of the severity of internal division, consider the following Scriptural passage.

     “I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms; I will destroy the strength of the Gentile kingdoms.  I will overthrow the chariots and those who ride in them…every one by the sword of his brother.”  Haggai 2:22

     The Hebrew for ‘brother’ in the present context is not limited to a blood relative, but includes a ‘fellow countryman.’

  

     The New Testament epistles define the single predominant division affecting all mankind.

     “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”  Galatians 3:28

     “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – have all been made to drink into one Spirit.”  1 Corinthians 12:13

     Therefore, the Bible is very clear.  The ultimate division of mankind is defined as those redeemed by the vicarious sacrifice of Jesus Christ vs. those who have rejected such redemption.  All other divisions are subsidiary.

     A very popular misconception is being voiced during the beginning of the upcoming election process.

     Many are stating that Christianity in America can prevail if ‘the silent majority will rise up and take a stand.’

     What defines the majority?

     “Then one said to Him, ‘Lord, are there few who are saved?’  And He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.’”  Luke 13:23-24

     “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate…that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”  Matthew 7:13-14

     Thus, according to the Bible the wide gate leads to destruction and the narrow gate leads to life.

     Therefore, the majority must be defined as those who miss the mark and the minority consists of Jesus’ true followers and disciples.  The majority can be further defined as the ‘world’ and the minority as the ‘kingdom.’

     That being the case, do we as a nation really want the silent majority to rise up and rule?  Sadly, it appears that is exactly what is happening.

     Political correctness, under the guise of ‘isms,’ is defining the rule in America.  America’s greatest threats are arising from within.

     For everyone to ‘just get along’ is not the solution to America’s challenges.

     Once again, this column is intended to inspire everyone to search the Scriptures to arrive at one’s own conclusion as to America’s present status and understanding of the future.

     Without a doubt, there are exciting times ahead that will affect every single American in a profound way.

     The choice of ultimate freedom is available to everyone and it is free.

     Share your thoughts walt.thrun@gmail.com      

Politics, Polls, and Probability

     Many politicians of today claim they don’t follow the polls, if such polls are not favorable to them.  Others say the polls are a good indicator of the future, if such polls reflect them in a favorable light. 

     Polls and probability are closely related and are based on the mathematical likelihood, or percentage, of a future event becoming reality.

     But in God’s sovereignty, how significant are polls?

     Beginning in the early days of Israel, apportionments and appointments were made not by polls and elections, but by casting lots.

     “These are the areas which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan…Their inheritance was by lot, as the LORD had commanded by the hand of Moses…”  Joshua 14:1-2

     Such was the method also used to select individuals.

     “And they said to one another, ‘Come, let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this trouble has come upon us.’  So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.”  Jonah 1:7

     Now before we conclude that there was ‘chance’ involved, we need to see how Solomon explained the casting of lots.

     “The lot is cast…but its every decision is from the LORD.”  Proverbs 16:33

     The Hebrew for ‘lot’ means ‘destiny.’  The Hebrew for ‘decision’ has several interesting synonyms including judgment, justice, right, and/or law. 

     Therefore, according to God’s predetermined sovereign choice, the lot fell accordingly in every instance.

     Let’s jump forward to the New Testament.  The event was choosing a replacement disciple for Judas.

     “And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas…and Matthias.  And they prayed and said, ‘You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell…’  And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias.”  Acts 1:23-26

     But God’s choice of the individuals to participate in His plan is far more encompassing than illustrated by the casting of lots.  His complete sovereignty was made known from the beginning.

     For example, hundreds of years before Israel demanded a king, God had revealed they would indeed have a king; a king that God Himself would choose.

     “When you come to the land which the LORD your God is giving you…and say, ‘I will set a king over me like all the nations that are around me,’ you shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses; one from among your brethren…you may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother.”  Deuteronomy 17:15-16

     High points from the above include God’s proclamation that He would choose Israel’s king and the king would be an Israelite, i.e. one who shared the ideology and religion given to national Israel. 

     Further in that passage God said that the future king would study the same law given to the priests all the days of his life to insure understanding and compliance with God’s required standard of justice.

     Approximately 800 years later God reiterated His sovereignty in choosing kings and kingdoms.

     “…the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men.”  Daniel 4:17b

     This verse applied to the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar.  However, the same principle applied when God gave Israel king Saul to teach them a lesson.  He gave them what they wanted and deserved.  Sound familiar?

     Well nothing has changed.  God is still very active in American politics and the choosing of our leaders.

     “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”  Romans 13:1

     The sovereignty of God and His hand in the affairs of mankind is beyond finite man’s comprehension.

     The recognition of God’s sovereignty does not negate each individual’s responsibility to support the candidate who best represents God’s standard of righteousness and justice.  In the same light, everyone needs to accept God’s choice for He does nothing without reason.

     Do you suppose one of the candidates will adopt the motto in question form, i.e. “Are we closer to God’s standard of righteousness today than 4 years ago?”

Share your thoughts walt.thrun@gmail.com

Biblical warning to all nations

     As previously noted, Abraham’s offspring was the first family to be called a nation.  Accordingly, Israel was/is God’s chosen and favored nation.  However, due to their disobedience of God’s statutes Israel was, and will be, severely judged.  After their judgment Israel will be redeemed and restored as the light of the earth.

     What about the other nations?  What part, if any, do the other nations play in the future history of the earth?

     The prophet Isaiah calls all nations to listen as God reveals that all nations have violated His statutes and will taste of His fury.

     “Come near, you nations, to hear; and heed, you people!  Let the earth hear, and all that is it in…For the indignation of the LORD is against all nations, and His fury against all their armies…”  Isaiah 34:1-2

     Several hundred years later the prophet Jeremiah likewise addressed all nations.

     “‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the LORD, ‘that I will punish all who are circumcised with the uncircumcised…’”  Jeremiah 9:25

     Therefore, according to the Bible, all nations will be punished along with God’s chosen nation of Israel. 

     “But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King.  At His wrath the earth will tremble, and the nations will not be able to endure His indignation.”  Jeremiah 10:10

     The Hebrew for ‘wrath’ in the above passage means ‘fury’ and/or ‘anger.’  Wrath and indignation are synonyms. 

     Again, according to the Bible, God’s wrath will affect all nations ‘and the nations will not be able to endure His indignation (wrath).’

     Progressing to the New Testament, the apostle John reveals that God the Father has delegated all judgment to Jesus, His Son.

     “But the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father.  He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.”  John 5:22-23

     Not only has all judgment been committed to Jesus the Son, this passage clearly confirms the deity of Christ.  The deity of Jesus is one of the most significant doctrines in the Bible.  Jesus is the express image of the Father and was revealed to destroy the works of the Devil.  The inhabitants of the earth can know the Father only through the Son.

     In the final book in the Bible the apostle John reveals the primary reason why all nations will be judged.

     “For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.”  Revelation 18:3

     All the nations have committed fornication, i.e. spiritual adultery, by placing commercialism ahead of God.  The nations have chosen tangible and present fulfillment over spiritual future rewards.

     At the exact predetermined time in history, Jesus Christ the righteous Judge will return to earth and reestablish God’s immutable priorities.

     “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse.  And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.”  Revelation 19:11

     The war spoken of will end the great tribulation at which time Christ will reestablish His kingdom in Israel’s capital city of Jerusalem.  The war will be the greatest war of all time.

     “Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword that with it He should strike the nations.  And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron.  He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.”  Revelation 19:15

     Therefore, there are several questions all Americans should be asking themselves.

·        Is America included when the Bible speaks of ‘all’ nations?

·        Would America ever put the economy or commercialism ahead of God?

·        Do America’s leaders really take the Bible seriously, or…

     “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.”  Matthew 15:8

     Again, everyone can draw their own conclusion as to where America stands relative to Biblical standards and her future as a nation.

     Share your thoughts walt.thrun@gmail.com