Nancy
Well-Known Member
Oh yes, I see. There are several of these I notice, and some DO have a door handle...those must have been painted by a non-free-willer,
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Oh yes, I see. There are several of these I notice, and some DO have a door handle...those must have been painted by a non-free-willer,
Hi Nancy,
Figured that you may have meant the other part of my post, but wasn't sure X
You know I have had many Christian friends who grew up in true Christian homes and some just haven't got that ' day ' where they can say ' they came to faith , they were aware of change but because they held the truth in their hearts already , they just grew. Some are aware of something deeper happening at very young ages.
Rita
Perhaps it's weeds. I haven't actually seen it for a while. And I've never seen that one before, definitely no weeds on that one. I'll try and post the one I know. It's called the Light of the World by Holman Hunt.
Hey there
@Nancy 's picture is the only one I have seen before...Yours maybe the original and I like the light in His hand..but not the dinner plate behind His head much.
I did notice in Nancy's picture, the light was ON on the inside of the door!!
Interesting.
Sometimes its date is obscure but testimony of a Scripturally recognizable experience is indeed there.Hi Nancy,
Figured that you may have meant the other part of my post, but wasn't sure X
You know I have had many Christian friends who grew up in true Christian homes and some just haven't got that ' day ' where they can say ' they came to faith , they were aware of change but because they held the truth in their hearts already , they just grew. Some are aware of something deeper happening at very young ages.
Rita
I wondered, too...Sorry Nancy, not quite sure of the connection with what I posted about Simon !
I have often wondered about the things in a person's life before coming to faith, things that can come in as a result of lifestyle, choices, influences- I mean many need ministry after coming to faith, often many times- so it must be possible for certain things to remain with the In dwelling of the Holy Spirit. We all have pasts prior to coming to faith- and we don't get free of everything ( although some are dramatically released )
Reading the article, he does stated that the word demonization is mis leading, so perhaps it's how we interpret that word that gives the impression that people have different opinions.
He states that many think that the word means that a demon has completely taken over that person- what I would call ' real possession ' Hecdoesnt seem to convey that he believed that can happen to a ' spirit filled ' Christian. However the word can also mean ' to be influenced by a demon ' and thus be deceived- now I totally get that , and agree.
One is an internal inheritance the other is an outward influence.
The latter is something that we should all be aware of, and I don't think all Christians are, so it can make them a target for denial. If a person never seeks to be ' searched by the Lord ' If they never self examine, then the enemy will find it easier to continue the deception.
Have you ever read Frank Perretti books,( piercing the darkness ect , they are fantasy, but give an interesting view of this kind of warfare.
Rita
It is a fact. There is no need for the enemy to attack a person who is not advancing spiritually. So that's why so few people understand the kinds of attacks that are possible. They walk in the realm of theory...having no practical experience of the spiritual walk.
It is unsettling at first to come to grips with the depths of the enemy's deceptions. As in...why does God allow the devil so much wiggle room?
The truth is that we get smug and forget to remain humble and fearful. God preserves them that fear Him. All others will be deceived by the devil...whether they realize it or not. The ones who realize the enemy's ways are the ones who walk in the life of Jesus.
So the right formula is to walk in the fear of the Lord AND the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
The story of Ananias and his wife is a prime example of the external influences of Satan. '. How is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit. The issue was not that he kept money back, as the apostles states that it was his in the first place, it was the fact that he was decieved enough to believe that the lie would not be revealed. That was the lie that was fed to him by Satan ' God won't know ' that is temptation given into, and we are all able to be tricked by his whisperings.
In many respects I have always found it harsh that it cost Him and his wife their lives, but I guess God needed to shows the new followers that the Holy Spirit knows everything, and can reveal things through others.
Rita
That article is taking Scriptures out of context to prove an invalid point. I could tear it apart, but that is a very misleading article, not worth wasting time on. Christians can be (a) influenced, (b) deceived, (c) oppressed, and (d) attacked by Satan, evil angels, or demons, but NOT possessed. Why? Because they are the PURCHASED POSSESSION of Christ.
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There are many pics of Jesus at the door and I noticed some have handles even...I think they are different artists?
As already noted, demons and evil spirits can attack and oppress Christians, and create all kinds of problems for them. But if anyone comes along and states that they can actually possess those indwelt by the Holy Spirit, he is talking nonsense.If demons are not able to affect Christians, then the instructions in Ephesians 6 would be needless and irrelevant.
As already noted, demons and evil spirits can attack and oppress Christians, and create all kinds of problems for them. But if anyone comes along and states that they can actually possess those indwelt by the Holy Spirit, he is talking nonsense.
As to Judas, he never was saved and Satan did indeed possess him. But Peter was strongly influenced by Satan and Christ rebuked Satan for what he had planted in Peter's mind.
I am still not convinced that a Christian can have a demon, even if something had happened before coming to faith - demons would resist the work of the Holy Spirit, they would kick against any attempt to bring that person to accept Christ, the man who was possessed had to encounter Christ, but at the point he was released. Don't deliverance ministries happen when someone is a seeker. Ministry after coming to faith is often about releasing people from the influences of Satan that have bound them.I tend to believe along those lines as well. I was reading up on it and from what I've read so far, it appears that Christians can have a demon. Our former pastor's wife did away with her own life and I wondered if it was demonic - the evil one urging her to do that. I think things like that are too easily dismissed as the person being depressed or upset, not really looking at the realization that the evil one may be behind it. Satan appears to have access to believers minds' but I'm still trying to figure out a few things.
Many embrace doctrines of demons so in that sense they come under their control.I am still not convinced that a Christian can have a demon, even if something had happened before coming to faith - demons would resist the work of the Holy Spirit, they would kick against any attempt to bring that person to accept Christ, the man who was possessed had to encounter Christ, but at the point he was released. Don't deliverance ministries happen when someone is a seeker. Ministry after coming to faith is often about releasing people from the influences of Satan that have bound them.
I believe suicidal thoughts come from Satan, not necessarily through possession, but definately through influence. My son gets suicidal thoughts, but he can talk about Jesus, maybe wrong but I am pretty sure a ' demon ' within would not allow him to utter his name - but I could be wrong !!
Love to know what others think on that !
Rita