This is a MODERATED Forum. Your post may have to be approved before it is posted. In order to post a new topic, you must be registered and logged in. The links to register or log in are at the bottom of any page on this website. Although we often allow controversial topics to be posted, we urge you to follow the spirit of Matthew 5:23-25, Matthew 18:15-22, and Ephesians 4:29-32. We reserve the right to remove posts we feel are offensive.
| You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
| Author |
| |
Messages |
Sort: |
|
askthepastors
Posts:4
|
|
Posted:03/27/2006 9:05 AM |
|
Margie writes:
"I was asked: 'Have you ever seen the devil? If you haven't, then you are walking with him.'
"I replied that I have never seen the devil, but I have seen evil in people. My father thinks I am walking with the devil. He heard this question on a Christian radio program this week (3/20-24/06).
"My question: 'How do I recognize the devil?' And how do I respond to my father's comment?"
|
|
jamessilverman
Posts:1
|
|
Posted:04/09/2006 5:24 PM |
|
|
Margi, Hello... This is a very complicated question but a good one. And just to let you know, you will probably never see the devil in physical form, but may at one point feel his pressure and temptations. And if you would, look at Luke Ch 4 vs 1-13 and you will see the same tricks the devil still employees today. First, he attacks who you are. In Jesus’ case, he said "if you truly are the Son of God...". But with believers you may hear something like, "if you really are a child of God then you wouldn't think or do that..." This is merely an attack on who we are in order to weaken us and cause doubt to grow in us. Then, Satan continues by attempting to bribe Jesus with all the kingdoms of the world. Many times believers are offered better and less painful lives if they follow something else... and finally, Jesus is tempted into testing the Lord. Which I don't know about you, but I have in one way or another have wanted to test God. And it may be as simple as one day saying to God, "if You truly want this, God, then..." and again fill in the blank. Of course in this passage of scripture, Jesus counters all the temptations of the devil with scripture, stating the truth and the reality of life. Always return to the word of God. Knowing the tricks and deceptions of the devil is the first step in seeing him. But ultimately, always rely on the Holy Spirit. He will always know the ways of the devil and to trust the Holy Spirit is to see the truth. And to answer your question, I would let the Holy Spirit guide you on how to answer your father... you know who you are and who you fallow. Remember, "Because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world." (1 John, 4:4 NLT)
|
|
gfike
Posts:230
|
|
Posted:04/12/2006 9:31 AM |
|
Those are very good insights, James. Thanks for weighing in. I would add: 2 Corinthians 11:14 says that "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light," but 2 Corinthians 2:11 says "we are not unaware of his schemes. It is wise to learn how the devil operates, but knowing his methods does not mean "seeing" him. Pastor Brent shared some insights from Jack Taylor last Wednesday at the Gathering as to how you can recognize Satan at work. Our Freedom in Christ Seminar that meets on Wednesdays can help you grow in your awareness of spiritual warfare in your life.
|
|
|
| You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
ActiveForums 3.0
|
|