Madad21 said:
Acts 19:13-16
Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.
"Paul I know about"
A dramatic twist the evil spirit is quick to recognize who belongs to Christ and who doesn't.
These boys were of no significance at all, complete unknowns in the demonic realm.
I guess the irony is obvious, these sons don't recognize the power in Christ and as result the evil spirits complete bewilderment of them, no wonder they are beaten and shamed in front of everyone.
In the spirits outburst we can see the authority of the power and by the same token Paul whose name has become a formidable threat. The lesson in this case comes courtesy of the evil spirit, there can be no “low profile” for the Christian, our names should mean peril in demonic circles, how hard are we working on it?
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Many Christians treat the subject of demonic authority with the same reckless disregard as their own flirtations with sin. Why shouldn't they? They are being taught confusion and obfuscation from the pulpit if they are being taught anything at all.
The fact of the matter is that the spiritual realm is a very dangerous place, as evidenced by the passage quoted in the lead post. Those who are unregenerate toy with it not knowing they risk entanglements they cannot escape on their own power. Many saved Christians believe as spiritualists do - that they can utter a few incantations and expunge the presence of evil activity simply because their church pledge is up to date.
It doesn't work that way. It never did. But we are meant to believe it because it gives the illusion of authority to those poor souls who have none of their own at all.
I've read the books and listened to the taped sermons and heard a few rare sermons on the subject of spiritual warfare. Most of it is pure rubbish - hokum - religious hocus pocus - much ado about nothing. Here's a little exercise to test the water - to put a toe into the brew so to speak.....
What is the nature of the second birth?
There's more to it than allegience and a church membership card - but for most of the history of the western church that's really all it was. The passage at the head of this post refers directly and indirectly to the most powerful creature to ever walk the earth - one who is born again. Is it more than an oath of allegiance - a bath with all one's cloths on - or is there something else going on?
Most Christians, if they are honest, have no idea what the mechanics of the second birth really is - despite the fact that the bulk of NT epistles talk about the experience and how to deal with it. And I'm talking about well read, educated theologians here - men who've argued certain points for a very long time.
Case in point is the argument as to whether a man can lose his salvation or not. If the nature of the second birth were truly understood, there would be no argument or dispute - but it isn't and so there is.
Spiritual warfare cannot and should not be participated in unless a person knows what the blood of Christ means. Is it a magical sip from a silver cup on Sunday morning as the Roman Catholics believe? Is it a meeting place between the Holy Spirit and the believer as most protestants believe - or is it something of great power that reaches into and beyond the gates of hell? What is it and how does it work. Explain that in 25 words or less. See the problem?
Spiritual warfare in the church is like watching a baby play with a hammer. Sooner or later somebody is going to get hurt.
So unless you know the secret that the angels and demons know about the second birth - leave spiritual warfare to those who know what they are doing.
and that's just me, hollering from the choir loft...
