[Part One] The Flurry of Wings: God, Angels and You

The Moody Church ^ | Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer

[wmfights]

It is not always possible for us to tell the difference between good and bad angels. The evil angels are willing to make as many concessions as possible to deceive the unwary. The angels of darkness turn themselves into angels of light so that people will be confused about their real identity.

This is why you don't mess around with the occult or anything close to it. We are the battlefield. We don't need to give the enemy an opening.

[Quix]

INDEED.

[Quix]

True enough.

I don’t see any evidence in Scripture that people of God were the least in doubt as to who had sent the angels they were faced with—that they were God Almighty’s messengers, servants.

Roland Buck et al JUST KNEW.

And, certainly the Heavenly Visitation helped, in his case though he had no doubt from the beginning.

Also, his Great Dane’s always acted differently when the angels were manifesting in our dimension or about to—in positive fun ways.

Animals with fallen angels are hostile, or cower or avoid etc.

And, of course, I believe we can ask, if we are in doubt—as Scripture instructs—whether the personages in front of us believe Jesus came in the flesh; He is Their Lord; the basic doctrines of the Faith etc.

On the whole, I believe Holy Spirit will place a certainty within us that is unmistakable. That seems to be the experience in Scripture and in modern times.

[Quix]

I agree with you.

Do you have the impression I don’t?

Puzzled.

[Quix]

OF COURSE. INDEED.

[Quix]

PRAISE GOD FOR YOUR FAITHFULNESS IN SUCH SITUATIONS.

I try to be wisely faithful, too.

[Quix]

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!

[caww]

This is why you don't mess around with the occult or anything close to it. We are the battlefield. We don't need to give the enemy an opening.

That is very true...but I do think it's the "almost Christian" sects and or false religions which are most harmful for the deception is so close to Christianity and the truth is not known until people are deeply indoctrinated. New Age Spiritual revival is doing just that...they have mastered the Christian lingo and use it well...also Mormons and some of the other sects....though many have been with us for years they are tweeking their programs and changing their approaches to look more appealing...

Hinduism and the eastern cults have been especially active in promopting their beliefs in America for several years now...and in many cases successfully. The Gurus did not take an influx into our nation lightly but have a very distinct and orchestrated approach....mostly it's about the monies they can generate from American citizens....especially Hollywood where the money is so fluent. Nichole Kidman comes to mind...and they know Hollywood can move the masses. Even Michelle Obama is into Hindu practices....imagine that! No surprise to me...neither she nor Obama give any indication they are Christian let alone favorable to Christianity.

The Lord says we are not to be ignorant of the enemies devices. Deception is one of his best, and successfully so, tactics on the American mind and heart as they have abondoned the God of Christianity....expect to see these false religions to continue to enlarge in our country...and we know what Islam is doing...and will do in the future.

The enemy is on the march for he knows his time is short.

[Quix]

True. True.

[caww]

Ah yes..the Screwtape letters. Remarkable read in itself. Been years since I read but remember the huge eyeopener Lewis brings to how the enemy of God works. Great read.

(satan).... would much rather inflict misery and suffering and pain, but if avoiding those can lull someone into complacency so that they don’t see the need for Christ, he’ll use happiness and comfort to do it.

I do think people are ignorant for the most part of what satan thinks of them......Pawns in his hands to discredit and bring down the things of God....he cares nothing for man apart from how He can affect God... who is his real target. ...and take as many people to the pits of hell with him that he can.

[caww]

Good...very much good reads and gives one pause to consider. Please do ping me as you post these.

I think as the day approaches Chrisitans need to be refreshed about these things, which will continue to esculate. Too many Christians are being misled Wmfights...they derail their faith for a time because they do not understand nor can they identify the wiles of the devil and how he approaches man. Counterfeits abound.

Metmom mentioned the “Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis....Have you read those? Very interesting and insightful read...I bet ‘Lutzer’ is familiar with them.

[caww]

Thank you, that makes sense to me....

It is sometimes a hard thing to understand God being Christ and the Holy Spirit. I think the best we can do is put it in human terms which are familiar to us.... But I do think it is not easy to grasp until we remember Christ is the exact representation of God in every way...in human form.

We are also triune beings....made in His image...body, soul, and spirit. So it's not such a stretch knowing God is three in one. Of course He is way beyond are full understanding ,this side of heaven. Just when we think we know Him well He is full of surprises and reveals more of Himself than we thought we knew. Ha!

[wmfights]

That is very true...but I do think it's the "almost Christian" sects and or false religions which are most harmful for the deception is so close to Christianity and the truth is not known until people are deeply indoctrinated. New Age Spiritual revival is doing just that...they have mastered the Christian lingo and use it well...also Mormons and some of the other sects....

I'm with you!

[Cvengr]

bttt

[Quix]

THX for your kind reply.

[mitch5501]

Great thread!

There is a way to know you will never fall and it involves doing the work of God.

The simple fact that we who believe on Jesus Christ may know that we have eternal life is enough to make the entire universe explode in your face were it to 'sink in'.

Having all this sink in is the very work of God and it's the only thing that cannot and will not be taken from you.

In getting us on the path to establishing our own righteousness,the enemy keeps us from submitting to God's righteousness.Only one will stand and I'm pretty sure it won't be our filthy rags.

Praise Jesus indeed!

[American Constitutionalist]

" A man who was healed from a serious disease in a so-called healing meeting, discovered that he inherited “demonic darkness”, that is, a persistent sense that he now had an evil presence near him. When he rebuked Satan, the emotional and spiritual cloud left him, but his disease returned. We should not be surprised that healings occur in all the religions of the world. Satan is willing to give something that appears good in exchange for blind allegiance. "

Was this person saved or born again in the first place ?
Can unsaved or born again people be healed ?
When a born again person is saved, God puts a seal, the seal of the Holy spirit noting that this person or soul is God's to whom he or she belongs to.
You are correct in what you say, but ? will a demon, or a unclean spirit confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh as Saint John said in his letter ?
" These apostles invite people to come to God “just as they are” not to be cleansed and forgiven " .... yes, your right, come as they are in their own way to GOD....
What it should say, " Come as you are, don't try to clean up your act, Come to Jesus Christ as you are and receive forgiveness, grace, eternal life, for Christ is the one who gives us a new heart and he is the one who cleanses us "

[American Constitutionalist]

" I agree with you.

Do you have the impression I don’t?

Puzzled. "

I should have clarified it more, It was not directed towards you, it's just a proclamation, I was just reinforcing on what you have said.

[Othniel]

I've always found that story about Zacharias one of the unintentionally-funniest parts of the whole Bible. Poor shlub, and he should've known better!!

[Quix]

WELL PUT.