Who was the woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons? What were the demons?

HANK :)

Well, it was Mary THE Magdalene.
I don't know what the 7 demons were.
Probably some illnesses of some sorts, because, AS YOU SHOULD KNOW,
There are no such things as demons.
Silly boy

Who, me? An All-American jock in two sports two times over? I guess I'm slipping but I doubt it!

HANK :rolleyes:

Hi Hank,

Jesus cast the 7 demons out of Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9 amd Luke 8:2). There is no mention of what the demons were.

Hi Hank,

Jesus cast the 7 demons out of Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9 amd Luke 8:2). There is no mention of what the demons were.

Why were they not mentioned. This makes a good point. What else doesn't the bible have mentioned in it. Who exactly edited this book over it's many translations, many versions over many centuries?

Why were they not mentioned. This makes a good point. What else doesn't the bible have mentioned in it. Who exactly edited this book over it's many translations, many versions over many centuries?
Surely that's quibbling! And where does this line of reasoning end? That the Bible cannot be authentic unless it contains every detail, every thought and action of every person mentioned, and explains every event from the beginning of history? It's impossible. The Bible provides all the information necessary for honest-hearted ones to learn about God and his purposes.

It's uninformed to make such sweeping criticisms about the integrity of the Bible texts. Modern scholarship reveals little change in the content of the Bible over the centuries. Yes, the various Bible translations have their strengths and weaknesses and readers must be discerning, but the integrity of the Bible as a whole is well-attested.

Chris

Yes there were seven Devils cast out of Mary by Jesus, such is his power. Even the devils are subject to him. Some people do not believe in devils, but the Bible does.

Bultmann demythologised the Bible, as he called the process of removing all references to supernatural events, or explaining them away, believing them to be the ramblings of the simple minded.

But if one accepts the Bible as the Word of God, then one is bound to either accept, to some extent, what it says or else find some very good reasons not to accept what it says.

The Bible has 57 references to "devil"; 48 references to "devils"; 15 references to "evil spirit"; and 4 references to "evil spirits."

That is a total number of 114 references to evil personalities. How can these be explained away as if they did not exist, and what does that "explaining away" do to the veracity of the Bible?


MORGANITE

:)

You mentioned...
“Bultmann demythologised the Bible, as he called the process of removing all references to supernatural events, or explaining them away, believing them to be the ramblings of the simple minded.”
It is people like Bulmann who are the simple mind. Their spirituality is so shallow that they can not accept of comprehend the complex world of God's power and spirituality.
Peace and kindness,
Fred
:)

Who edited the bible? The church. They created it. They changed it to suit their purposes. It is their book to propagate their religion and to support and substansiate their manifesto.
The bible is a conglomeration of many, many ancient stories. It has been so badly interpreted and changed and rewritten that it has become unintelligible. As you said someone took out everything they didn't like or that didn't fit in with their view of things and everything "supernatural"... what might I ask would a god be if not supernatural? Whatever. None of it makes any sense.
The bible is not the word of god. Good grief. If one cares to one can go back and research ancient history. One can also read the apocrypha and everything that was taken out of the bible to learn some quite interesting things. Read the Enuma Elish. The Epic of Gilgamesh. The history of any ancient civilization.
Demons? All in your head, all in your head.

Hogwash!
Pure Hogwash.
There is no REAL HISTORICAL evidence to support your claim.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura)

Before experts begin to be unpleasant to each other, perhaps it would be wise to understand that opinions on this subject - the existence or not of evil spirits, or demons - vary, and for different reasons.

Rather than flinging posts of poo at each other, why not set out in simple form the reasons for your position.

I was interested in the poster who recommended reading the Apocrypha, the Enuma Elish ("When on high ..."), and the Epic of Gilgamesh, as I have an academic familiarity with all three.

As for the Jewish Apocrypha, it was never part of the Bible, although it was published in many Bibles, sandwiched between the Old and New Testaments. Neither the Rabbis nor the Christian Fathers admitted it into the canon of scripture. It was printed as a matter of interest, but not held to be equal in inspiration or value to those books that were eventually canonised; that is, given the approval of Synagogue or Church.

As for the Enuma Elish, which is an ancient creation story from the Near East, it does not reach the grandeur or purpose of the Genesis account of Creation, as reading it will readily demonstrate.

But, what it has to do with the existence of demons, keenu, does not say, and I would be very interested in hearing the arguments and seeing how the connection is made.

The same can be said of Gilgamesh. It is an interesting story, and it may predate the written account in Genesis, but that is a matter only of literary interest. Those familiar with the Epic will note that the hero is concerrned only for himself. There are many other disparities between this account of a flood and the Biblical account. Again, the connection to the reality, or otherwise, of demons and devils is not broached.

This is an interesting and fascinating subject, and I believe it deserves better treatment than being the core of a rowdy slanging match.

There have been many statements made about what the Bible is or isn't, and who did what, and why, and when, and where, and how, but they are all unsupported opinions.

Is it asking too much to expect a better standard of debate and argument, instead of flinging unsavoury epithets backwards and forwards at each other?

Why should someone be unsulted because they disagree, or because they see things differently?

MORGANITE

:confused:

You have made some good points.
In regard to the Bible.
Please keep in mind that it is a book of short books and stories.
Taken separately many are in support of each other, much more than mere opinions.
The stories have links too much of the rest of the various publications in one or more ways.
It is akin to publications where an editor has gathered several essays, statements, books, stories or what have you that run along the same lines. Thus a compilation which makes it easier for a student for he/she no longer needs to gather all those offered in his/her quest for information.
Thus the Bible is a book of works that stand up for each other; much more than mere opinion.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura)

Have you not ever read any ancient history? Ancient texts? The Apocrypha?
Ancient Civilizations?
No real historical evidence?
Please!
Anyone who cares to educate themselves can.
No excuse not to.

Peace to those on the road to illumination.
Stand and be true

So, someone has some knowledge of Enuma Elish (When on high). I have read it and if you can understand what it is about you will understand that it is more important than anything in the bible. The bible only refers to matters of importance and condenses millennia into one paragraph which on one could hope to understand.
Same for the Epic of Gilgamesh. It is a personal story, but what story isn't?
It gives his account of his journey. It helps to understand what his journey is and what really happens.
Have you ever read Sitchin? The Earth Chronicles? They are worth reading.
Thank you for responding as you did!
Peace and love
On the road to illumination.

So, someone has some knowledge of Enuma Elish (When on high). I have read it and if you can understand what it is about you will understand that it is more important than anything in the bible.

The bible only refers to matters of importance and condenses millenia into one paragraph which on one could hope to understand.

Same for the Epic of Gilgamesh. It is a personal story, but what story isn't?
It gives his account of his journey. It helps to understand what his journey is and what really happens.

Have you ever read Sitchin? The Earth Chronicles? They are worth reading.

Thank you for responding as you did!
Peace and love

on the road to illumination.

Keenu, you disappoint me. I answered some of the charges that you (unjustly) made, and referred to the works that you referred me to, and now you say, "SO WHAT!" and change the ground of your previous argument rather than discuss the substance of your original post.

Shifting the ground of one's argument for any reason is evidence of crooked thinking. I need you to deal with me better and more honestly than that, or else I shall decline to try to help you.

Could I possibly prevail upon you to post your considered opinion as to the major differences between the Enuma Elish and the Genesis account of creation, and also the major difference between the flood of Gilgamesh and that of Noah? Incidentally, both the Enuma and the Epic sit on my bookshelves.

As you raise these documents up against the Bible, to show, I presume (forgive me if I am wrong), the shortcomings of the Bible, you ought at least to show how, where, and why they are superior/inferior, rather than, as it were, chalking an opinion on a wall and then running away. There is much to discuss, and both of us could learn some things to our profit.

As for Sitchin, I regard him much as I regard Erik von Danneken [sp?].

I return your welcome salute.

MORGANITE

I didn't change my stance... I didn't run away. I had to go to work. Will be back tomorrow.

Anxiously we await your return.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura) :)

Who was the woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons? What were the demons?

HANK :)


HANK, I DO NOT THINK THE DEMONS ARE CALLED BY NAME AS TO WHAT THERE PARTICULAR CURSES IN HER LIFE WERE... BUT, HERE IS WHAT I HAVE FOUND. Mark 16:9
[ ((The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20.)) ] When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. Luke 8:2
And also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;
Luke 8:1-3 (in Context) Luke 8 (Whole Chapter)
Luke 10:17
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." HOPE THIS HELPS.

SO WHERE IS THE RESPONSE??
From: "Ask Me Help Desk" <[email protected]> Add to Address Book Add Mobile Alert
Date: Mon, 08 May 2006 01:49:37 -0400

Hello STONY,

Starman has just replied to a discussion you have subscribed to entitled
"Demons:" in the Religion forum of Ask Me Help Desk.

Do NOT reply to this email. No one will see it.

To see Starman's response and to respond yourself click here:
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/religion/demons-8785-new.html

There may be other replies also, but you will not receive any more
Notifications until you visit the forum again.

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Ask Me Help Desk team

Very odd. I have no clue. I'll assume for now an anomale. Let us know at Feedback or Forum Help if it happens again.

Try clicking on the last page shown on the upper right hand corner of this page.

:)His notification pointed to this thread where there is no Starman posting at all.

His notification pointed to this thread where there is no Starman posting at all.

You are right. I just tried the link myself and it just brings you right back here to the same message. From now on maybe I should store copies on my computer to be on the safe side. It's a bit frustrating to see time and effort disappear like that.

BTW
I'll try to repost an answer later in order to contribute to the discussion as I had before.
Come to think of it I really don't recall posting a response to this question! LOL


Who was the woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons? What were the demons?

HANK :)

According to the inspired scriptures the demons are angels who joined Satan in his rebellion against God. Angels are spirit creatures who were created before the creation off our material universe.

Job 38:4-7

A Study On Angels (http://www.biblecenter.com/sermons/astudyonangels.htm)

So they are definitely superior to man. However, their rebellion deprived them of God's blessings and led to mental degradation. This is seen in their sadistically harassing susceptible humans.

The woman who was freed from their influence was Mary Magdalene.


demons
... through Jesus' name His disciples also cast out demons on many occasions, Matt... of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons...
demons (http://www.layevangelism.com/qreference/topicscip/d/demons.htm)

BTW

Jesus and his apostles did not attribute every illness to demonic influence.


Mark 5:

25And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
26And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
27When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
28For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
29And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
30And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
31And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
32And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
33But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
34And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.


Notice that Jesus referred to it as an illness.

Stony,
You might find it by looking at all the post pages on this thread mad by Starman.
I sometimes have to search to find responses to me.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

So you don't believe that the Bible is the word of God. Please look up and read the prophecies dealing ONLY with Messiah. You will find that there were 30 obvious ones (more if you are familiar with the Bible) fulfilled in Jesus life, most between the betrayl of Judas and the resurrecton of Jesus. Now you do the math! What are the odds against all these detailed prophecies just happening?

So you don't believe that the Bible is the word of God. Please look up and read the prophecies dealing ONLY with Messiah. You will find that there were 30 obvious ones (more if you are familiar with the Bible) fulfilled in Jesus life, most between the betrayl of Judas and the resurrecton of Jesus. Now you do the math! What are the odds against all these detailed prophecies just happening?

Is belief a matter of mathematics, or is it more?

Is belief a matter of mathematics, or is it more?
It's more, much more.
The math is interesting. It may help as a stepping stone to belief, but that is still not faith. Religious faith goes beyond belief. A true strong faith is belief trust and a knowing that is very personal.
And example is though I cannot scientifically prove that God exists, I know he does.
If a person insists on disbelief no poof is adequate. If a person have faith no proof is necessary.
It sounds a bit like double talk, but that's the way it is.
Peace and kindness,:) :) :)
Fred (arcura)

It hasn't been scientifically proven that God doesn't exist either.

Anyone can cast out demons, anyone who believes they can.
I remove demons from people often. I have no power over them, but my faith in God, the warmth of the holy spirit that lives with in me, and the belief that when Jesus says you can do it to, so I can.
If we want to believe in Angels and protectors we must also believe in Demons and fallen Angels.
The most cunning thing the forces have done, is spread the belief that they don't exist.
Homecoming
Spiritremoval.com

Homecoming,
Jesus said that it takes faith and much prayer to cast out demons.
I would be interested in reading about some of the "often" many casting out of demons episodes you have experienced.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

The most cunning thing the forces have done, is spread the belief that they dont exist.


Or that they are something other than what they really are.

THESE ARE THE VERSES IN QUESTION... Mark 16:9
[ ((The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20.)) ] When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.
Mark 16:8-10 (in Context) Mark 16 (Whole Chapter)
Luke 8:2
And also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;
Luke 8:1-3 (in Context) Luke 8 (Whole Chapter)

THERE IS NO MENTION OF WHO OR WHAT THE DEMONS WERE OR NAMED.
HOPE THIS ANSWERES YOUR QUESTION.

Hello,
There is no doubt in my mind and heart that demons certainly do exist. If anyone can prove otherwise, then please feel free to try. These “demons” are actual persons, real personalities? Or are they mere forces of evil in man, as some say? Let no one be deceived into thinking they are not actual persons. The Bible corroborates what has been said about the dangers involved in witchcraft and gives us definite identification of the demons. It shows that the demons are spirit persons, chief of whom is Satan the Devil. Some may deny his existence, which makes them more vulnerable to his deceptions. Belief in God’s Word is a safeguard, “that we may not be overreached by Satan, for we who believe what that Word says, are not ignorant of his designs.” 2 Cor. 2:11.

The Bible makes it very clear that Satan is the archenemy of God and man. God’s Son, who had been alongside his Father in heaven before coming to earth, had seen and encountered the Devil personally. He called Satan “the father of the lie.” John 8:44; 17:5; Job 1:6; Jude 9
This one rebelled against God, challenging God’s sovereignty and inducing the original human pair to sin. Gen. 3:1-5
The apostle Peter wrote: “God did not hold back from punishing the angels that sinned, but, by throwing them into Tartarus, delivered them to pits of dense darkness to be reserved for judgment.” Peter goes on to speak of God’s destruction of that demon-corrupted pre-Flood world. 2 Pet. 2:4, 5 Jesus’ half brother Jude also spoke of the judgment passed on these angels, saying: “The angels that did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place [God] has reserved with eternal bonds under dense darkness for the judgment of the great day.” Jude 6
They have not been allowed by God to have any further divine enlightenment and service assignment, and are restricted. There is evidence that, since the Flood, they have not been able to materialize, but, in order to indulge their perverted desire for fleshly connections, they have possessed or inhabited and controlled humans. When God’s Son Jesus Christ was on earth, he encountered such possessed persons in pitiful condition and healed them, expelling the demons.—Matt. 12:22; Mark 5:1-6.
The resurgence of witchcraft, voodooism and other forms of demonism in these times is truly a fulfillment of the Scriptural description of the “last days” of this system of things. The demons know they are soon to be destroyed, and so whip up violence and corruption in the earth in order to carry everyone to destruction with them, if possible
Are Demons for real? You bet they are! Demons are real. How else could the insatiable thirst for blood and destruction so evident among people today be explained? Humans naturally want to live in peace and happiness. But the demons promote badness and have the power to influence and corrupt the human mind.
Almighty God though without any doubts is more powerful than the demons. He offers his strength and protection against “the machinations of the Devil.” Ephesians 6:11-18
We need not have a morbid fear of the demons, for God promises: “Subject yourselves, therefore, to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.

Demons are powerful but never more powerful then God!Take care,
Hope12

The Bible tells us what these demons are in Genesis and other scriptures and expects us not to need a constant reminder of what they are every single time they are mentioned. That's why an explanation isn't included each time the word "demon" is used. If indeed such a constant reminder were used the reader might conclude that the author believed the readers to be mentally handicapped in some way since he seemed to be assuming that the readers were constantly forgetting the previously explained.


BTW

If reminders accompanied every mention of every event or personality the Bible would be so thick that you wouldn't be able to lift it.


Hello,
The demons know they are soon to be destroyed, and so whip up violence and corruption in the earth in order to carry everyone to destruction with them, if possible Hope12

So what percentage of the fault for the problems on earth would you attribute to man and what percentage would you attribute to the Devil and his demons?

Almighty God though without any doubts is more powerful than the demons. He offers his strength and protection against “the machinations of the Devil.” Ephesians 6:11-18
We need not have a morbid fear of the demons, for God promises: “Subject yourselves, therefore, to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.

Demons are powerful but never more powerful then God!Take care,
Hope12

Why do people hate each other?

Demon possession?



M:)RGANITE


Why were they not mentioned. This makes a good point. What else doesn't the bible have mentioned in it. Who exactly edited this book over it's many translations, many versions over many centuries?


Good questions. What is your take on them?




M:)RGANITE


The Bible tells us what these demons are in Genesis and other scriptures and expects us not to need a constant reminder of what they are every single time they are mentioned. That's why an explanation isn't included each time the word "demon" is used. If indeed such a constant reminder were used the reader might conclude that the author believed the readers to be mentally handicapped in some way since he seemed to be assuming that the readers were constantly forgetting the previously explained.


BTW

If reminders accompanied every mention of every event or personality the Bible would be so thick that you wouldn't be able to lift it.

LOL - Try having it in separate volumes small enough for a normal person to carry. Size and weight were NOT considerations in pulling together the documents from which the Bible is composed.

The Bible is chock full of reminders.

There are twenty reminders to repent in the Old T, and twenty two in the New T.

Writers reminded readers about what was important at the time. It doesn't always have the answer to today's questions.




M:)RGANITE

This Is Another One Of Those Verses That Gets Lost In The Translation. As A Jew Speaking Hebrew To Another Jew It Would Read More Like This, "submit Yourself Therefore First To God And Resist The Devil And He Will Run In Holy Terror." There's A Bit More Power And Strength In Its Original Version.

LOL - Try having it in separate volumes small enough for a normal person to carry. Size and weight were NOT considerations in pulling together the documents from which the Bible is composed.

The Bible is chock full of reminders.

There are twenty reminders to repent in the Old T, and twenty two in the New T.

Writers reminded readers about what was important at the time. It doesn't always have the answer to today's questions.





There is a difference between a definition for definition's sake and moral reminders.


In any case, not all reminders are unnecessary.

Necessary reminders are a demonstration of our heavenly father's concern for our well being. The reason we are reminded of moral obligations is because as imperfect humans we have a tendency to conveniently forget in order to live what we might consider a less restricted life. Since God knows our sinful nature:


Romans 7:14-20 (King James Version)

14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.


-he reminds us as one would remind a child which tends to stray far from his parents because that is the child's nature. So we have to be constantly reminding the child in order to protect him from himself.

This Is Another One Of Those Verses That Gets Lost In The Translation. As A Jew Speaking Hebrew To Another Jew It Would Read More Like This, "submit Yourself Therefore First To God And Resist The Devil And He Will Run In Holy Terror." There's A Bit More Power And Strength In Its Original Version.

The original which was spoken in Aramaic but written in Greek says only that the Satan will run away. It says nothing about terror holy or otherwise.







M:)RGANITE

These last post are very interesting to me.
Please continue.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Originally Posted by Hope12

Why do people hate each other?

Morganite asked:

Demon possession?


Demon possession is not the main way that Satan and his demons operate.
They take a much more subtle approach in order to turn minds away from correct thinking. Fomenting Nationalistic propaganda, for example, in which the future of mankind is described as being dependent on man and not on God is one way of turning men's minds from God's Kingdom.

Daniel 2:44
And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.


In trhat way they also propagate the first rebellion in Eden by having mankind continue in its self confident way to seek total intedependence from its creator.

Jeremiah 10:23
O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.


They also feign to be what they are not in order to spread the original lie that man does not die if he chooses to sin.

Genesis 3:4
Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die.


Additionally, they concoct false doctrines hoping in that way to do as much damage as possible before their allotted time is up. This makes them manslayers since sin leads to death and they try to get people to sin via false worship.


John 8:44
... When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.


All these tactics reinforce one another and have a cumulative negative effect on human behavior than an occasional possession.

Morganite,
The Only Response I Can Give You Is We Had 2 Different Teachers. I Choose To Believe The Translation That Someone Else [my Teacher] Used Is The Result Of Their Legwork In Studying The Word. Btw, The Teacher I Am Referring To Is Kenneth Copeland. Maybe You've Heard Of Him... he Has Tons More Resources
And Study Materials Than I Do. Once At Hebrew University In Jerusalem, I Saw The Dead Sea Scroll; Book Of Isaiah Under Heavy Glass. And, We All Learn At Different Rates And Abilities. As Much As To Say, If I Knew Everything There Would Be No More Reason To Study. That My Friend Is A Boat We All Ride In.

Starman,
Toss Satan inspired temptation into that pot and you have a wicked stew to brew.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura)

Stony,
I'm on the same boat so please don't rock it.
Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura)

Starman,Toss Satan inspired temptation into that pot and you have a wicked stew to brew. Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura)

What percentage of mankind's troubles would you pin on Satan and what percentage would you pin on mankind's fallen nature?

Now that the question has been answered:

1) It was Mary Magdelene who had the 7 demons
2) The story of Lucifer's crowd falling from heaven


Now, why do we care about demons? Demons/ evil spirits are wimps!

Anyone with an ounce of faith can discern. I don't entertain or have demons entertain me. As a Christian, we're supposed to contemplate higher and holier things.

Philippians 4:8-
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent and praiseworthy- think about such things.


Am I right or am I left?!

;) :rolleyes: :D

Very good advice!
I think it applies even more also to my post concerning Cain.
I will see if I can delete it.

Starman,
I'll venture an estimation that our present day's' troubles ares 50/50. Satan's and man's doing.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Starman,
I'll venture an estimation that our present day's' troubles ares 50/50. Satan's and man's doing.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Why do yo say 50/50?

That's maybe man listening and following through on Satan's lies. That may be your 50% from man doings. The evil one (remember he can't read your mind & is not omnipresent, so enlists evil spirits).
Satan can pull man in through TEMPTATION. Through a person's SOUL(mind, will, emotions) Demon possession has to do with the spirit( which is rare anyway) When I person ponders a sin like stealing or pornography or lust, If those thoughts are not dismissed & are carried through by dwelling more in the thought, and giving way to an action & a sin, well, then there you go - that person has done Satan's work.
If there is another( say 50%) doings going on by Satan in general. Well, it's something that God allows (never causes) Free will of man causes consequences of sin in peoples life. EX)- A couple living together and not being married may struggle much more than if they were married. God's Plan is that they be married. If they don't have that obedience, they might not get the blessings intended for them, and their life may have more strife until they do.
I'm not saying they will have tragedy. But a lot of smaller problems weighing them down.

I'm not sure about percentages. But I know we are all under the sway of the evil one.

JOHN 16:8-11 (THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT) When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

Hallelujah! :rolleyes:

Unfortunately I find there are more people are under a demons influence than not. Who else better to corrupt than a child of god. Isn't that the plan to draw as many people as possible away from the kingdom. If we don't study and learn how the legions work, how do we know when were playing into there trap? They never knock on our door showing there true intentions, they are very intelligent and can read a persons mind in a blink of an eye. No one is perfect we all have strengths and weakness that we work to overcome, its in this meantime our cracks are open to attack.

Very odd. I have no clue. I'll assume for now an anomale. Let us know at Feedback or Forum Help if it happens again.

How do you change your icon thingy?


M


Unfortunately i find there are more people are under a demons influence than not. Who else better to corrupt than a child of god. Isnt that the plan to draw as many people as possible away from the kingdom. If we dont study and learn how the legions work, how do we know when were playing into there trap? They never knock on our door showing there true intentions, they are very intelligent and can read a persons mind in a blink of an eye. No one is perfect we all have strengths and weakness that we work to overcome, its in this meantime our cracks are open to attack.


How do you know who is and who isn't under the thrall of demonic powers? Is it a gut feeling, a suspicion, a vision, a direct revelation? What? What mechanism do you employ? Is is occultism?




M:)RGANITE

As a Born- again Christian ONE discerns by the Holy Spirit any trap the enemy tries to ensnare them in. One doesn't need to learn much more about demons. If you know a little, you know all that's needed. Knowing the things of God is what's important. Remember the POSITIVE? The Power of Positive Thinking - the book?

Would you rather look at the dirty street or look at a perfect moon?
It's so elementary. Why overload the circuits? Why do you think children are happy? B/C they don't think about such crap! :eek:

As a Born- again Christian ONE discerns by the Holy Spirit any trap the enemy tries to ensnare them in. One doesn't need to learn much more about demons. If you know a little, you know all that's needed. Knowing the things of God is what's important. Remember the POSITIVE? The Power of Positive Thinking - the book?

Would you rather look at the dirty street or look at a perfect moon?
It's so elementary. Why overload the circuits? Why do you think children are happy? B/C they don't think about such crap! :eek:



You still don't say how except to say that YOU KNOW when YOU KNOW, which is very subjective and the world is full of those who were SURE they were tuned in to the Holy Spirit when they charged others with being demon-possessed, but who got it badly wrong. I trust that sensible people will see the danger of people walking about denouncing people for demon-possession or witchcraft on nothing more than a hunch.

You will agree that denouncing people as demon-possessed is of a different order than looking at scenery.

As far as I can see in the scriptures, the Holy Spirit has no denunciatory function. According to Jesus, it testifies of him, it teaches all truth, it brings his teachings to the remembrance of Christians who have already obtained them, and it leads them in the way of life.

The hijacking of the function of the Hoy Spirit by those poor souls whose minds are demon-oriented - that is, they determine (without the inspiration of Heaven) that anything or anyone that is new or different, is bound to be demon infested because it MUST be. This is NOT a Christian occupation, and it does say something rather disturbing about this kind of 'Christian.'

What is says is that their faith is so shallw and frail that it is constantlym under threat by demons more powerful than their God.

If it were not so, they would not fear what the demons could do, but trust in God to be sufficiently powerful to be able to overthrow all evil, and they would also be able to trust God when he says that he will protect them against their enemies from all sources.

When someone reaches this mature phase of faith, their lives are no longer lived in the fear of dark forces that they fear could engulf them at any moment, and they flourish in the divine light that God sheds on the faithful who know and trust him.

The business of a Christian is not to live his life dominated by thoughts of evil, but to be busy doing good, and enjoying the blessings that the God of heaven pours out on them according to his promises, rather than sitting every moment in fear of being overwhelmed by dark forces over which they feel they have no control.

Those whom live such fearful lives do not - cannot - have the spirit of God, because "God hath not given [Christians] a spirit of fear ... "



M:)RGANITE

Morganite:

I fail to see why you are referring to me in your previous post.

Did I say something about being preoccupied by demonic forces?

Yes, the Holy Spirit bring into remembramce the teachings of Christ, but it also brings more. The Holy Spirit allows you to hear God's voice for many things. For prayer, for direction, for counseling , for healing. For service, for peace.

Sorry if that seems too subjective to you but I assure you one is mature in the faith enough to walk in alignment (maybe not always everytime) Alignment meaning an " outer ring" which represents your spirit, a middle ring which is your soul, & an inner ring being the body. When the spirit is 1st (the Holy Spirit btw) One is in touch with the Lord more easily & promptly.
When the SOUL is in the outer position, the Lord's voice must filter down through your whole personality, & mostly not hearing Him at all.

When I say walking in alignment like this: any time there is negative influence, it is always discerned in the spiritual realm first. That I know is my longest gift (since 7 yrs old) Discerning of spirits.

So it may be that different Christians have different revelations in their Spirit. But we know it is still the same Holy Spirit. Just a different experience individually.

How come this Satan bloke and his Demons get all the hassle and blame and the Jesus guy and the Desciples are always squeaky clean??

PROPAGANDA!!

This whole shebbang could easily be like a quarrel between the USA and anyone who gets in its way - and the only news media in the whole world is Fox News!

This "Ole Nick" fellow seems an okay sort of bloke to me - He is blamed for booze - fornication and all manner of so called ills... Well I enjoy a pint and a nice wine with meals and legitimately fathered five kids along the way.

Therefore until the Jesus crowd can come up with a better argument than their version of FOX News I reckon they should leave Ole Nick alone.

As a devout Atheist I find the whole thing highly amusing and don't believe any of it - but you know us Brits - always supporting the under-dog - fictional or not.:D

Jonegy -

You find it all very amusing so that's fine & dandy for you.

But you leave yourself vulnerable to evil doings & happenings anyway without God - regardless of what you say now. This Satan & Jesus thing you mentioned is not propaganda. It's the difference between good & evil. Choosing the latter only results in death. Now & later.

I'll be praying for you.

How come this Satan bloke and his Demons get all the hassle and blame and the Jesus guy and the Desciples are always squeaky clean ??????

PROPAGANDA !!!!!

This whole shebbang could easily be like a quarrel between the USA and anyone who gets in its way - and the only news media in the whole world is Fox News !!

This "Ole Nick" fellow seems an okay sort of bloke to me - He is blamed for booze - fornication and all manner of so called ills ..... Well I enjoy a pint and a nice wine with meals and legitimately fathered five kids along the way.

Therefore until the Jesus crowd can come up with a better argument than their version of FOX News I reckon they should leave Ole Nick alone.

As a devout Atheist I find the whole thing highly amusing and dont believe any of it - but you know us Brits - always supporting the under-dog - fictional or not.:D


I have yet to meet an atheist who does not believe that there are any moral absolutes. Are you the first?



M:)RGANITE

I have yet to meet an atheist who does not believe that there are any moral absolutes. Are you the first? I think that you may be a little confused:

Moral absolutes: those unchanging ethical truths revealed by God (also known as the moral orders in the Bible). Source (http://www.summit.org/resource/dictionary/)

So an atheist would indeed not believe in moral absolutes. I also believe there are no moral absolutes so I would be the second person that you haven't met. :)

Jonegy -

This Satan & Jesus thing you mentioned is not propaganda. It's the difference between good & evil. Choosing the latter only results in death. Now & later.

I'll be praying for you.

Apart from the bible (your version of Fox News) - How do you come to that conclusion?? :)


I have yet to meet an atheist who does not believe that there are any moral absolutes. Are you the first?



M:)RGANITE

What has my posting got to do with the moral absolutes?

My friend, there are people who are "good" or try to be good - in that they endeavour not to do harm to and consider the feelings of others. These people do not necessarily believe on a god or religion.

There are also people who are "bad" or in the religious vernacular "evil" - who do not care whether others are harmed or not - or even have consideration for their feelings. These people are not necessarily devil worshippers - in fact - if you take a look through the history books the vast majority of them professed religion - and mainly christian.

Ball in your court I believe. ( See I DO believe SOMETHING ) ;) :D

Apart from the bible (your version of Fox News) - How do you come to that conclusion ???:)


Fox News? Oh you mean because it has been in the media that Fox News tends to cater to/by Republican / Christian outlooks? I don't even like Fox News.

Oh, how shallow! Comparing that with the Bible. One thing I can't stand is an unbeliever that drags all the B.S. they have for not believing in God to the general public. Disgust me not.

Your SIN separates you from God. Sin leads to death. If you are not saved from your sins through belief in Jesus Christ, and even worse, you are denying God,. You are in a place where the wrath of the Lord could come down on your head at any time. And that's just for spreading your disbelief. If you don't care & want to get by by your own pride & confidence - DO IT.

What does darkness have in common with the light? What do unbelievers have in common with believers? The Bible tells us there is nothing, and I am wasting my time because your unwilling to believe.

One needs someone to talk to & that someone is Jesus/God. People can help only so much. The void is filled by God.

I don't even go to Church regularly. But I always keep in touch with the Lord by reading the Bible and through Christian programs & missionary support.

You're correct - I'm no angel. But I have 2 that protect me. You don't get to have those revelations if you don't believe! :cool:

Fox News? Oh you mean b/c it has been in the media that Fox News tends to cater to/by Republican / Christian outlooks? I don't even like Fox News.

Oh, how shallow! Comparing that with the Bible. One thing I can't stand is an unbeliever that drags all the B.S. they have for not believing in God to the general public. Disgust me not.

Your SIN separates you from God. Sin leads to death. If you are not saved from your sins through belief in Jesus Christ, and even worse, you are denying God,......You are in a place where the wrath of the Lord could come down on your head at any time. And that's just for spreading your disbelief. If you don't care & want to get by by your own pride & confidence - DO IT.

What does darkness have in common with the light? What do unbelievers have in common with believers? The Bible tells us there is nothing, and I am wasting my time b/c your unwilling to believe.

One needs someone to talk to & that someone is Jesus/God. People can help only so much. The void is filled by God.

I don't even go to Church regularly. But I always keep in touch with the Lord by reading the Bible and through Christian programs & missionary support.

You're correct - I'm no angel. But I have 2 that protect me. You don't get to have those revelations if you don't believe! :cool:

Halleluiah - and may your god be with you - just promise to leave us poor non-believers to our fate. Your book tells you that the man upstairs gave us freedom of choice - I made mine - so if its okay with him why can't we be left in peace?

Just one little question -- Where do you get the idea that I'm spreading my beliefs??

I'm so glad I haven't seen in person anyone who wasn't Christian . In years!

Wow this is a yawn. Same to you too N.K.

So... you have never eaten in a Chinese, Japanese , Thai , Indian... or other ethnic style restaurant... and certainly not Kebab Houses. (mainly Muslim).

Pumpkin - please do feel free to join the rest of the world - there are many, many wonderful people out there. Their beliefs are their own business. Meet them person to person with an open mind. Your beliefs will not be contaminated by theirs.

You can remain christian, they can remain in what ever religion they profess. Religions are not contagious!!

I already met them. They can only discuss the time of day, the weather and ask for directions.

I could NEVER GET PAST what we have not in common


We usually get take out. Unless we go out of town. But hello- I don't mingle with even though they say hi.

So the only common ground you can ever have with someone is the sharing of the same religion?

Well, is this interrogation I sense?
I think you should rephrase the question. I don't discuss religion at work for one. And in public in general, nobody's really talking religion either. I think that maybe I can't handle a friend or a close relationship if theydon't have the basic beliefs I do.
Christians are really not supposed to "hang out" with unbelievers except to influence them to come to Jesus and save their souls. We have to be careful so that we in turn won't be influenced toward sin.
Hope that makes sense. But I can only talk to outsiders on a superficial (how's the weather going) basis.
They lack an understood hope we have I guess.

What an all embracing religion you do profess - may your god be with you.

Thank You... and He's not just my God :rolleyes:

I think you should rephrase the question. I don't discuss religion at work for one. And in public in general, nobody's really talking religion either. So how do you know what religion they are? In my circle of friends/acquaintances/workmates I probably the religious affiliation of a little more than a handful of them - some are Roman Catholic, Protestant, atheist, agnostic, Jews, Jehovah Witness, probably a muslim and a buddhist in there somewhere. Yet we discuss everything under the sun.



Christians are really not supposed to "hang out" with unbelievers except to influence them to come to Jesus and save their souls. We have to be careful so that we in turn won't be influenced toward sin. Who preaches that? Not the bible nor the church. And non-christians aren't the ones that influence others towards sin - christinas sin just as much as the next man no matter what religion they are or aren't.


But I can only talk to outsiders on a superficial (how's the weather going) basis.
That is self-imposed by yourself obviously.


They lack an understood hope we have I guess.Nah, pretty much everyobe I meet has hope unless they are destitute and that, once again, is not dependent on religion.

What an all embracing religion you do profess - may your god be with you.Couldn't comment on your post. It appears that the sarcasm was completely lost on the intended recipient. :)

Hope? Don't Jewish people think that burying the dead and the ground become one? That's it?

Self-imposed but true! I know when to use a Jewish lawyer's services. But I still didn't see any one but Christians for years. There's not even a Temple or a Mosque where I live. When I lived in N.Y. (yey, go Yankees) just kidding! Go Heat! :D
I ran across probably every religion possible.

I can't (see-negative already!) be good friends with people who might not believe in a God or Jesus. I didn't say acquaintances like at work or even neighbors. What you described in" the handful" of people was just casual. p.s.- you described 8 people - & u said "a handful".

Most importantly, I want to see my brother again.

What's this got to do with DEMONS? Well, let's just say that the angels already won. Take it easy- life's a beach!

[quote] Christians are really not supposed to "hang out" with unbelievers except to influence them to come to Jesus and save their souls. We have to be careful so that we in turn won't be influenced toward sin.Hope that makes sense.

It makes plenty of sense 31Pumpkin. The Bible tells us so.


New King James Version (NKJV)
1 Corinthians 15:33. NKJV
33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

So yes, you are right. Satan would try to use such associations to try to drag you down. So you are definitely doing the right thing in keeping a respectful distance.
(2 Corinthians 6:14-16)

[quote=31pumpkin]
It makes plenty of sense 31Pumpkin. The Bible tells us so.

New King James Version (NKJV)
1 Corinthians 15:33. NKJV
33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

So yes, you are right. Satan would try to use such associations to try to drag you down. So you are definitely doing the right thing in keeping a respectful distance.
(2 Corinthians 6:14-16)By this you are saying that all non-christians are evil. What a sad way to live your life, to think all 70% of the people on this planet are evil. So why do you choose to live in a place that is predominantly full of evil people?

AAAAaawwwwwwww Karma!

I had been holding on to that 30% christian card ;)

Sorry for playing it so early. :(


:D

Karma: I didn't say that 68-70% of the world was EVIL, you chose that word.


The real catch is that they are living in sin just from their unbelief.

You really have "negative karma" (for lack of a better term) with the Lord spiritually.

Now, knowing that revelation in my Spirit, I would definitely prefer to ride on a plane with a bunch of people wearing Christ heads about their neck & a cross or two. You get the message.

I wouldn't want to ride in a taxi driven by someone who was a Wicca, so hide the pentagram( or star what it's called ) Then I have to remember my God's favor & how when a big boulder comes & falls on the taxi - it will split it in two, and I have to think about that poor driver... & forget about getting to where I'm going because that one's crushed.. & I barely made it. That's what I'm saying. We live in dangerous times & one needs a savior.

That's a false religion anyway. It's an excuse. Any belief that relies on nature & the nature of man (which is the flesh/body) is false. Christians are led by the spirit & not by the flesh in their actions (the Holy Spirit) It does not give in to sin as they are convicted of that sin beforehand.
The trouble I see is that many Christians are not "born-again" in the statistical data of world religions. This is an important step (not just my opinion either).
Christians are living in light of the 10 commandments, but some need to be officially born-again to grasp the teachings of the Lord & to pray in the Holy Spirit. It makes one's life holier I think. Not being carnally inclined like everyone else.

Karma: I didn't say that 68-70% of the world was EVIL, you chose that word. No you didn't say it, agreed,; there was a bug in the quoting system when I posted. Actually Starman makes the link from a Bible verse that non-christians are evil. "Evil company ..."


The real catch is that they are living in sin just from their unbelief.No they are not. That's just you saying that. Just because people are not like you doesn't make them bad people. You'll have to get that through your head eventually else you're just a regular lowly bigot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bigot).


You really have "negative karma" (for lack of a better term) with the Lord spiritually.
Not at all. You simply want to believe that I'm a bad person spiritually because I refuse to put down others who are not like me. Not going to happen.

See Karma, that's just it, you just don't KNOW.

I am not prejudiced towards a person. I am decided in my own religion. It's the religion or cult I'm repelled by. I don't say judge a book by it's cover, either.

Say, I saw Rosie Perez on T.V. this week kidding with Adam Sandler(who now is attatched.) She said she "flirted" with him 10 yrs. Ago, but he didn't take it as that. She said to her agent - "Who's that nice looking Jewish Guy over there?"
Leno asked, "how did u know he was Jewish?" She said, "I'm from N.Y., I can tell!" So, my point is that one may recognize someone or not being a certain faith, but we all still have to share many things in common to living and working together. It's the actions of any religion (or lack thereof) that will be most important.
Knowing what I know now(having experienced many years without Jesus) I can say my life is complete. And now I know why. It took years to find out & when it comes time to share Spiritual things - I only appreciate someone who's on the same page.
Psalm 1 - You'll be like " a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth fruit in season; your leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever you do shall prosper."

Starman is correct. Here's more on choosing friends wisely - "I wrote you in previous letter not to associate (closely and habitually) with unchaste(impure) people" 1 Corinthians 5:9 - The Amplified Bible.

If " we" are to walk in things of the Lord, we aren't suppose to choose friends who don't give God a place in their lives. They can pull us down. If we associate with Godly people, their faith rubs off on us.

BTW - Isn't your wife Christian? I just thought I read that somewhere before?

You're right - it's best that you and Starman keep to yourselves.
Bye.

This thread is hereby consigned to the "Off Thread Pit of Doom"

Thanks to everyone