There are quite a few people today who would say they don't believe in the devil. Maybe it is because they don't want to believe in the devil! There is certainly "someone" having an evil influence in our world today!
The Lord Jesus Christ was in no doubt that there was a real and personal devil. In fact, "the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work."
1*.
The father we meet in this true story knew the devil was real and that he controlled people's lives. From the midst of a large crowd he called out to Jesus, ‘Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams. It throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him."
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The evidence of the devil's control of people's lives is so clear. The Apostle John writes, "Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray… He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning."
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Don't think it is just a passing "sickness" when a person is seen to be wicked, deceitful, lustful, violent, vulgar, greedy, disobedient or perverted.
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This shows they are enemies of God and slaves of sin and the devil!
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But there is help for all who look for it the right place. This man said to Jesus, "I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not."
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Now he was coming direct to Jesus - could Jesus deliver his son from this evil spirit?
I wonder do you think of the sin and wickedness in your life as normal behaviour and just put up with it the best you can? Or do you see it as the evidence of an evil power that is destroying you as surely as this child was being destroyed by evil?
Jesus was very annoyed to see this child being controlled by demon powers. "O unbelieving and perverse generation", He said, "Bring your son here." Even while the boy was coming to Jesus "the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion."
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The demon who controlled the boy was demonstrating his power over the child - but not for much longer!
Today it is still the same when evil is confronted by the good news of Jesus Christ the Saviour. The devil often reacts strongly and demonstrates his evil influence over his victims by causing them to become violent to the preaching about Jesus, and to the preacher!
"But Jesus rebuked the evil spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father. And they were all amazed at the greatness of God."
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Today deliverance from the powers of evil can still be had through Jesus. It can only be had if you will put your trust in Him alone as your Priest and Saviour.
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But most people continue to put their trust in their religion or sacraments even although they see those things are powerless to change in their lives.
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Read for yourself how faith in Jesus defeated evil in this Demon controlled child in Luke chapter 9, verses 37-43.
Bye for now,
John Nixon, Ballincollig, Cork, Ireland. P31HD98. Contact: jnixonj@gmail.com
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