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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizophrenia
There are a number of questions one might ask this theme.
1. If they could not scientifically identify his illness what would they call it?
2. What did the Greeks and Romans believe in that day - their language and understanding of diseases and illness was common language?
Pagan beliefs were as prevalent then as they are today. Needless to say, if a person suffers from such an illness today they are not demon possessed just another manifestation of the flesh and its weakness.
P.
Good post truthquest.
I see where you are coming from and I agree with all you have said in part.
And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. (Acts 10:22)
Was his love of God enough?
What knowledge or words were needed?
Yes one can expect after 2000 years and numerous world empires a once pure Gospel has been adulterated beyond recognition.
True - I could add sincere prayer; a searcher of truth as per Prov 1-3
Nice point.
This is exhortational Brakelite and worthy of its own thread.
Brakelite, what you have seen and what is real can be two vastly different things. But lets see where you take this plea!
Its a shame you do not understand the nature of the battle only then can the this post have real meaning.
It always bothers me when well meaning Christians, which I believe you to be, misquote Scripture to support false doctrine. Why not spend your quality time actually appreciating the text which Paul laboured to give you?
Your plea in this post misses the mark because of your lack of knowledge concerning Paul, the ecclesia and their fight.
Who were the principalities & the powers of that age? Who were the rulers of the darkness of that religious world?
What did the spiritual wickedness in high places do the people of God? Even the Son of God?
You see its easy to wrestle against flesh and blood because its a tangible thing - it can be touched and handled, killed.
But what of the religious darkness in wicked councils? How do you overcome such powers? False doctrines which have flooded the world - how do you overcome them as I am doing here?
What of the political powers of Rome?
The answer is "you cant" if you don't have the armour.
You go on from here to quote Revelation which is clearly unknown to you.
To your shame you need to heed James 1:5 - picking up on your subject of prayer!
You lack the knowledge which enable you to be an effective teacher.
You took us to Ephesians - yes?
Did you know Ephesians is in the same chronological group of Paul's epistles as Col, Philemon, and Philippian's, called collectively "The Prison Epistles" because written during Paul's first Roman imprisonment (cp 2 Tim 1:8: Paul's second imprisonment).
Now would this have some bearing on his exhortation in Eph 6:11-17?
Now what ever you do o foolish brakelite do NOT infer Pauls imprisonment was the result of some supernatural being who overcame Paul in his faith - that would be just stupid nonsense.
He was there because that's where God wanted him fullstop!
There is no other power in the world except for God and its His purpose to have Paul in prison for the benefit of the saints scattered abroad.
Can you see before Paul a fully-clothed and armoured Roman soldier?
Hence, "You see (these scrolls)? My 'sword' is mightier than your 'sword'!"
What does this mean for you Brakelite?
Well the context depicts the lesson being inferred.
Now Jesus provides further comfort to his remnant of believers throughout Asia Minor in Rev 2:10
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil (false accusers) shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (Revelation 2:10)
Now a foolish Christian mind would run away with themselves into all sort's of ungodly notions, none of which is inferred here.
Remember it was the r
eligious authorities who killed the prophets and the disciples and apostles - even Christ himself was crucified by the Sanhedrin (Jews) and the Romans powers, principalities in high places!
So what is Jesus teaching the B&S a Smyrna?
Fact 1. He uses the word diabolos signifies false accuser.
Context: A warning against the civil authorities of Smyrna.
The Spirit warned that they would shortly engage upon a program of persecution of the local Ecclesia, falsely accusing member; of crimes they did not commit, and imprisoning them. In Eph 6:11, Paul makes reference to the civil authorities as the diabolos. In 1Pe 5:8, there is reference to "your adversary the devil" (diabolos). Here the word adversary is antidikos, and signifies an opponent αϊ law. Such opponents did not hesitate to falsely accuse the brethren, thus earning the title of diabolos. In the verse before us, they so succeeded in their legal charges against the brethren, as to secure their imprisonment.
The principle of Jesus' true disciples is found in 2 Tim 3:12
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)
It is this persecution which the first century believers suffered at the hands of the authorities. Needful due to Acts 14:22
Of course Psa 34:19 "A
righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all."
A personal note to Brakelite:
I am without doubt you have a sincere love of Jesus Christ - this cannot be questioned! What you lack is knowledge Hos 4:6 which will take many Christians before and after his coming. My warnings no doubt will fall on deaf ears as they did with Gods people Israel Isa 6:9
God bless your reading with prayer and may He lead you into truth and not be deceived in these dark days.
P.