Are the demon-possessed responsible for being in that condition?

Were those of whom we read in the New Testament that they were demon-possessed responsible for being in that condition?

Certainly not in every case. In that of the boy in Mark 9:20-22," TARGET="_blank">Mark 9:20-22, his father in reply to the Lord’s question said that he had been thus from childhood. What was true with regard to the other miracles of healing wrought by Christ was probably true of the demon-possessed also, that in some instances the trouble was due to sin on the part of the person concerned, and in others not so. Contrast the warning to the impotent man in John 5:14," TARGET="_blank">John 5:14, “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee,” with the words spoken of the blind man in John 9.3," TARGET="_blank">John 9.3, “Neither hath this man sinned.”

W.R.

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What is the consequence of not serving others?

What is the consequence of not serving others?

To a servant mind (Philippians 2:5)," TARGET="_blank">Philippians 2:5), meeting the needs of others is a way of life. Human nature being what it is, the absence of a servant mind introduces "strife and vainglory" (rivalry and conceit, ESV) (v 3) into the assembly. It creates a dead, difficult-to-define, negative atmosphere that causes the disenfranchised to go elsewhere and children to turn from the gospel. The existence of the assembly in Philippi was endangered because of the lack of a servant mind. By adopting a servant mind, the believers were to "work out" the salvation of the assembly (v 12). Only by this means could the believers be effective Christian witnesses in the community. Failure to serve others is totally foreign to the heart of God and therefore is destructive to testimony, personal growth, and gospel outreach.

D. Oliver
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Was the descent at the time of Pentecost gradual?

Was the descent at the time of Pentecost gradual?

If the question refers to the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost, the answer is in verses 2 to 4 of Acts 2" TARGET="_blank">Acts 2: "And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, … And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost." With unexpected suddenness (Strong’s Dictionary), the sound filled the house, divided tongues (ESV) appeared and rested on the believers, the Holy Spirit filled them, and they spoke in tongues.

However, perhaps the question addresses the descent or decline of Israel’s place of privilege. During the period covered in the Book of Acts, the gospel went "to the Jew first and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 1:16). In Ezekiel’s visions, the glory of the Lord gradually moved away from the temple, the land, and the nation. The Lord did not rush to withdraw from His people. The prophet received the message of judgment before the glory departed, but God carried out the judgment with apparent reluctance, which is both instructive and touching. So during the book of Acts, Israel’s removal from its position of privilege took place gradually. The Lord had announced it before the cross, and made it clear that the reason was the slaying of the beloved Son (Matthew 21:33-43)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 21:33-43). He taught that after He ascended back to heaven, the nation would seal its doom by sending after Him the message, "We will not have this Man to reign over us" (Luke 19:12-14)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 19:12-14) and by declining the invitation of the King’s messengers (Matthew 22:1-7)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 22:1-7). The same leaders who plotted the death of Christ sent their message of determined rejection ("We will not have this Man . . .") back to heaven when they stoned Stephen (Acts 7)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 7). They imprisoned and beat the messengers (ch 5). They proved that their slaying of Christ was not accidental; they were not manslayers (Deu 19:1-4)," TARGET="_blank">Deu 19:1-4), but, as Stephen said (Acts 7:52)," TARGET="_blank">Acts 7:52), were murderers (Deuteronomy 19:11, 12)." TARGET="_blank">Deuteronomy 19:11, 12). They had no refuge from the sword of judgment. As the gospel spread from Jerusalem to Rome in Acts, the Jewish leaders affirmed the nation’s rejection of Christ and His messengers, although individual Jews were saved.

The nation rejected Christ and His kingdom when they crucified Him. As the gospel spread, the nation’s rejection of the message spread; the pall of darkness and blindness (Romans 11:25)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 11:25) settled over Israel. With apparent reluctance, God gradually removed the place of privilege from the nation that had rejected His Son. That generation crucified the King and therefore would not share in His kingdom. That was settled before the beginning of Acts. During Acts, God gradually removed their place of privilege as the message went from Jerusalem to Rome. After the end of Acts, the army came from Rome to Jerusalem to destroy the city (Matthew 22:7)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 22:7). The decline was gradual, but the result inevitable.

D. Oliver
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What is the difference between being restored to the Lord and to other believers?

What is the difference between being restored to the Lord and to other believers?

Restoration brings a thing back to its original state. Old houses and old cars are frequently "restored." Our question deals with relationships between a Christian and his Lord or between two Christians. Restoration is necessary when relationships have been damaged. An offense will shatter a relationship. Drifting apart will damage relationships.

David prayed for restoration after his sin with Bathsheba. "Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation" (Psalm 51:12)." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 51:12). Noteworthy in this psalm is David's confession of sin when he sought restoration. In Psalm 23," TARGET="_blank">Psalm 23, he wrote of continuing occasions when the Good Shepherd "restoreth my soul" (verse 3). He realized his tendency to stray from the Shepherd.

Christians, too, may drift apart or offend one another. Our Lord gave instruction in Matthew 18:15" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 18:15 for restoring a broken relationship. The two must meet together, seeking to clear up the matter between them. It is likely that, in most cases, mutual repentance, confession and forgiveness will be required. If an offense has caused damage, restitution will also be necessary.

There is no difference in the need for restoration, whether to the Lord or another saint. In both instances, the need must be acknowledged. One cannot be restored to the Lord who has not first been restored to his brother or sister (Matt. 5:23, 24)." TARGET="_blank">Matt. 5:23, 24).

J. Slabaugh
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Can a sister in the assembly say "Amen" to a brother's prayer?

Does a sister violate the truth of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:34-35 when she says "Amen" audibly after a brother's prayer?

No.

We read in verse 16 of the same chapter, "Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks?" Clearly, it was customary for assembly saints to say "Amen" at the close of a brother's prayer, praise, or thanksgiving. In Nehemiah 8:6" TARGET="_blank">Nehemiah 8:6 we read, "And Ezra blessed the Lord, the Great God. And all the people answered Amen, Amen." "All" must have included the women.

When we say, "Amen," at the close of a brother's prayer, we express our agreement, therefore we must listen and understand what he has said. It would be good if every assembly saint were as ready to say "Amen" as New Testament saints were, but we should never use "Amen" as a political tool. The less politics we have in an assembly, the better.

W Gustafson

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How long before a person put away from the assembly can be forgiven and comforted?

How long before a person put away from the assembly can be forgiven and comforted?

When Paul writes his second epistle to the Corinthians, he has received from Titus a report of conditions in Corinth (2 Corinthians 7:6, 7)." TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 7:6, 7). Now as he writes, he is careful in his wording. At least one person who was put away from the assembly is likely to hear what Paul is writing. Although that individual has caused Paul grief, he indicates that the greater concern is the grief that the sinning individual has caused to the entire assembly (2 Corinthians 2:5)." TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 2:5). The Revised Version’s translation of the latter part of the verse, "that I may not overcharge you all," seems more consistent with the context. A number of other translations indicate that Paul is not thinking of the assembly alone. The following verses support this. The excommunication had been sufficient to accomplish its purpose. Paul, informed by Titus, was aware that the sinning individual could be overcome with sorrow, so he spoke - and asked the assembly to act - in a way that would not overburden that individual with sorrow.

The passage in chapter 7 (vv 2-16) has a number of parallels with what Paul writes in chapter 2. A key difference is that chapter 2 deals with the recovery of a man who was put away and chapter 7 with the recovery of the assembly. The comments Paul makes about the assembly’s repentance and sorrow (vv 8-11) give us principles that apply to the individual. "Godly sorrow" produces repentance, which results in deliverance from the condition that caused the sorrow (vv 9, 10). Sorrow which results from submission to God and His Word results in repentance. Paul judged that sorrow had done its work in producing repentance; any further sorrow would be destructive.

The passage gives the answer to the question. The assembly’s forgiveness and comfort are predicated on the individual’s recognition of the seriousness of his sin in dishonoring the Lord, defiling the assembly, and grieving his fellow believers. His contrition of heart and submission to the discipline and to the Word of God will be evident. Determining this is a matter of spiritual discernment that assesses the work of God in that individual. This is not a matter left to the opinion of each believer in the assembly, with every man doing that which is "right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25)." TARGET="_blank">Judges 21:25). The elders who guided the assembly in the discipline of that individual will guide the assembly in recognizing when the assembly should confirm its love, forgive, and comfort the repentant believer.

D. Oliver
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How can I consistently learn the truths of God's Word?

How can I consistently learn the truths of God's Word?

First, carefully read the text. To Timothy, Paul said, "Give attendance to reading" (1 Timothy 4:13)." TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 4:13). Admittedly, this was public reading, but the principle applies. Again, "Consider what I say (AV), for the Lord will give thee understanding in all things" (2 Timothy 2:7," TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 2:7, JND). The understanding will be from the Lord by the Holy Spirit, but not without careful mental application on our part. Second, meditate on the text (Joshua 1:8)." TARGET="_blank">Joshua 1:8). This was the constant exercise of the fruitful man in Psalm 1:2." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 1:2. Jeremiah spoke of finding God's words and eating them examination and assimilation (Jeremiah 15:16)." TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 15:16). Third, have a prayerful spirit. Psalm 119," TARGET="_blank">Psalm 119, which celebrates the supreme delight of an Old Testament saint in God's Word, is saturated with prayer. As we listen to God speaking to us, we in turn speak to Him. Fourth, submit your will to God. The Lord Jesus said the secret to knowing doctrine was a willingness to do His will (John 7:17)." TARGET="_blank">John 7:17). Bible study that is merely technical is not enough. The secret of knowing more is to practice what we already know. Such techniques produce ready scribes like Ezra, who "prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach" (Ezra 7:10)." TARGET="_blank">Ezra 7:10).

D. Gilliland

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What is exorcism? Can a believer cast out demons?

Exorcism is the practice of expelling a demon from a person who is controlled, or possessed by the demon. Several examples of exorcism are mentioned in the Bible – all in the New Testament during the period of Christ’s ministry and the following years with the disciples.

The Christian should resist the devil, but not by exorcism. Instead, the weapons we have been given are our ability to resist in the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives and by the liberating power of salvation through the proclamation of the gospel to the lost ones.

Examples of exorcism

Some of the examples include people who were casting out demons (Mark 9:38)," TARGET="_blank">Mark 9:38), Jesus commands to the 70 evangelists (Matthew 10)," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 10), the false accusation that Jesus was empowered by Beelzebul to be able to cast out demons (Luke 11:15-19)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 11:15-19) and Paul’s ability to cast the demon out of a slave girl (Acts 16:16-18)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 16:16-18).

Mark 9:38-40" TARGET="_blank">Mark 9:38-40 John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." (39) But Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. (40) For the one who is not against us is for us.

Matthew 10:8" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.

Luke 11:15-19" TARGET="_blank">Luke 11:15-19 But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons," (16) while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. (17) But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. (18) And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. (19) And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.

Acts 16:16-18" TARGET="_blank">Acts 16:16-18 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. (17) She followed Paul and us, crying out, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation." (18) And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour.

Why show this power?

In order to demonstrate Christ’s power over the Prince of Darkness, he cast out demons. For example he says in Luke 11:21" TARGET="_blank">Luke 11:21 -22 “when one stronger than he (Satan) attack him and overcomes him…” He also gave this power to authenticate the 12 disciples in the eyes of the people. He says in Luke 10:17" TARGET="_blank">Luke 10:17 “I have given you authority”

Luke 10:17-20" TARGET="_blank">Luke 10:17-20 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" (18) And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. (19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. (20) Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

Christ’s ultimate triumph over Satan was accomplished at the cross. From the very beginning of time, God had given a curious prophecy regarding the power of Christ over Satan. This verse is known as the protevangelium, meaning "The First Gospel."

Genesis 3:15" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 3:15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."

The “offspring” or “seed” of the woman is Christ the Messiah or the Promised One. The offspring of Satan is the group of his agents – fallen angels. The bruising of Christ’s heel refers to his wounding at the cross. The bruised head – or crushed head – is the ultimate triumph over Satan’s power. His “power” resides in the manipulation of the laws of sin and death against humanity. Bruising Satan’s head is a mortal wound, while bruising the heel is a painful, but less serious wound. Satan is defeated when Christ gives us eternal life.

The instructions to the church in the epistles tell us that Satan is a defeated foe. However, we are not encouraged nor commanded to cast out demons. Instead we are to put on armor to stand against Satan.

Ephesians 6:11" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

We should resist the devil and his work of provoking jealousy and covetousness by submitting ourselves to God. The devil is using our own fleshly desires and selfishness against us. His tools are found within our own being. By denying him access to our selfishness, we can defeat him.

James 4:6-7" TARGET="_blank">James 4:6-7 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Ephesians 4:25-27" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:25-27 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. (26) Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, (27) and give no opportunity to the devil.

We should be aware of him, and strengthen our own faith in response to his attacks.

1 Peter 5:8-9" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (9) Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

A new weapon in Christian victory over sin

The lack of instructions for expelling him from possessed people is a noticeable contrast to the activities of Christ and the disciples during His earthly ministry. The new weapon that we are given in our spiritual battles is the Holy Spirit. With Him residing in every believer we have a way of resisting the devil and new power to submit to God. The focus of our spiritual conflict is on the battle between fleshly desires and the Holy Spirit.

A new weapon in victory for the lost ones

An unconverted person, living in spiritual darkness and tormented by the ways of the devil, can be freed by the power of the gospel. A drug addict, alcoholic or a person in involved in cults is clearly being manipulated and driven by Satan. The Christian’s response and duty is not to try to drive away demons, but to set him at liberty through faith in Christ.

Remember the words of the Lord at the start of his ministry? As he begin his ministry he demonstrated his power over Satan. He finished his work by redeeming us through his death on the cross.

Luke 4:18-19" TARGET="_blank">Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, (19) to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Paul announces his mission statement as opening the eyes of those in darkness, not through exorcism, but instead through the power of the forgiveness of sins in the gospel.

Acts 26:18," TARGET="_blank">Acts 26:18, 22-23 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (22) Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: (23) That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

Conclusion

The Christian should resist the devil, but not by scolding him, or "binding" him, or by exorcism. Instead, the weapons we have been given are our ability to resist in the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives and by the liberating power of salvation through the proclamation of the gospel to the lost ones.

Shad Sluiter

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Will believers and unbelievers die in the Millennial reign?

Will believers and unbelievers die in the Millennial reign?

All who enter the Millennial reign of the Lord Jesus will be believers (Matthew 13:41-42)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 13:41-42). The provisions of the New (Jeremiah 31:31)" TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 31:31) or Everlasting (32:40) Covenant with Israel will produce in those believers a new heart and inward submission to God’s moral law (Jeremiah 31:33)." TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 31:33). God promises, "I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes" (Ezekiel 36:27)." TARGET="_blank">Ezekiel 36:27). In an environment where the devil is inactive (Revelation 20:2,3)" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 20:2,3) and the world encourages and supports this inward bent of the believers, the effect will be remarkable. This does not mean these believers will not sin, for they will still have the flesh within as we do in this age. Nonetheless, they will obey from their hearts the glorious King.

In contrast, a person born during the Millennium will be "born of the flesh" (John 3:6)" TARGET="_blank">John 3:6) and, unless converted, will obey only externally. He may cover his rebellion for 100 years, but, when the rebellion of his heart flares into action, "the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed" (Isaiah 65:20)." TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 65:20).

Justice will be perfect during this time (Isaiah 11:2-5)" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 11:2-5) and the punishment will fit the crime. Those who refuse to acknowledge their indebtedness to the Lord for their harvest will suffer drought on their next planting (Zechariah 14:16-19)." TARGET="_blank">Zechariah 14:16-19). Therefore, the Lord will not punish every sin with death. The degree of sin which He punishes with death would appear to be blatant acts of rebellion, likely including a rival worship to that of the living God.

Unbelievers are capable of such rebellion during this period; in fact, a great multitude will rebel when Satan is freed at the close of the thousand years (Rev 20:7-9)." TARGET="_blank">Rev 20:7-9). The blessings of the New Covenant will most likely preserve believers from such rebellion ("I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: . . . and lay no famine upon you" Eze 36:29," TARGET="_blank">Eze 36:29, see also Romans 11:26, 27)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 11:26, 27).

Apparently, therefore, the judgment of death will fall on unbelievers, but not believers during the Millennium.

D. Oliver

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Is there any difference between a Christian and a disciple?

DISCIPLESHIP
Is there any difference between a Christian and a disciple? (John 6:66)." TARGET="_blank">John 6:66).

Are all Christians disciples?

Luke 14:27," TARGET="_blank">Luke 14:27, “cannot” Can one be a disciple and not a Christian?

What of Judas (John 12:4)." TARGET="_blank">John 12:4). Can we speak correctly of “discipleship” as a call distinct from conversion?

In Acts 11:26" TARGET="_blank">Acts 11:26 we read “that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch,” so here the two terms are not to be separated, especially when one remembers that, as I firmly believe, the new name was God-given. The verse runs as in the Revised Version: “And it came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught much people; and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch,” so that the “gathering together,” “the teaching,” and the naming of the disciples in the new way, were three concomitant facts of spiritual significance. The English word, “dis-ciple,” is from the Latin, “dis-co,” “I learn by study,” and is the equivalent in the New Testament of “mathtës,” “a learner” (from “manthanö,” “I learn”). It is certainly used in two meanings like our word “scholar.” A boy goes to school and becomes at once “de facto” a scholar in that school, though he may not yet have learnt anything, but he is regarded according to the intention of his being there. He may not become a “scholar,” in the deeper sense of being proficient for years to come; in fact he may never deserve the name.

So we read in John 4:1," TARGET="_blank">John 4:1, “Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John.” They became disciples by obeying the Lord’s call. They professed themselves His followers and they were marked as such by baptism. But of some such we read in John 6:66," TARGET="_blank">John 6:66, “Many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him.” But did this take the Lord by surprise? In no way was He surprised, for in ver. 64 we read, “But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not and who should betray him.” When these special disciples became such the Lord knew they were not real. It is the same to-day. Perhaps one of the best proofs that we ever did believe in the Lord Jesus isto be Continuing daily to believe on Him. There is, it is to be feared in these days of easy profession, a possibility of taking ourselves too easily for granted. The exhortation is “that they that have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works” for “faith without works is dead” (Titus 3: 8;" TARGET="_blank">Titus 3: 8; James 2:20)." TARGET="_blank">James 2:20).

However, there were many who proved themselves true disciples, in the primary sense, but such were called to go on and become disciples in the fuller meaning. To do so meant and ever means a costly thing, as Luke 14:26-33" TARGET="_blank">Luke 14:26-33 testifies. It involves the sacrifice of natural ties, of self, yea, of all. Though the word “disciple” does not occur in the New Testament after Acts zi. i6, the verb manthanö occurs often, e.g. Ephesians 4:20;" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:20; Philippians 4:11;" TARGET="_blank">Philippians 4:11; 1 Timothy 2:11;" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 2:11; 2 Timothy 3:4" TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 3:4 (and for the false thing, see 2 Timothy 3:7);" TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 3:7); and the commission of Matthew 28:19," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 28:19, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (marg. “make disciples of”), carries the thought on throughout the present dispensation, and the truth is prominent in the Epistles.

Philippians 3" TARGET="_blank">Philippians 3: is a good example of true discipleship: “What things were gain to me (i.e., as a religious Jew) those I counted (lit. I have counted: hëgmaj) loss for Christ. Yea doubtless and I am counting (hgoumaj) all things but lOSS. . . but dung, that I may win Christ” (Vi’. 7, 8).

A man said to a friend of mine, “I would give the world to have What You’ve got.”

“Well,” replied my friend, with a smile, “that is about what it cost.”

W.H.

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