Was that blog post title too provocative?
Here is something even more provocative: There is much in Christianity that is Satanic.
In fact, many elements of Christianity might make it the most Satanic religion on earth.
If you are already offended by this post, you may simply want to stop reading here. But if you keep reading, you will learn five ways that Christians worship and glorify Satan, and these five areas strike at the heart of much of what goes by “Christianity” today.
1. We Give Credit to Satan
Christians often say that one of Satan’s biggest deceptions is convincing people that he doesn’t exist.
This may be true, but I sometimes think that an even bigger deception of Satan is convincing people that he does exist, and that he is more powerful than he really is.
We Christians often give credit and glory to Satan for things which he had nothing whatsoever do with.
It is not uncommon to hear Christians “blame Satan” and pray against Satan for things that in any other person’s life, would simply be the result of poor choices, poor planning, or just poor timing.
Christians sometimes say that they are being tempted by Satan, or were sent bad dreams by Satan, or were kept by Satan from witnessing to a friend. With such ideas, Christians are attributing omniscience and omnipresence to Satan, which are attributes of God alone. Satan is a created (but fallen) being, just like you and me. He cannot be everywhere at once, and so it is nearly certain that none of us will ever have a personal encounter with Satan in our entire life. He has (in his mind) better things to do than give you bad dreams or tempt you to look at porn. The bad dream might be a result of the movie you watched, a stressful situation at work, or the anchovies you put on your pizza. The temptation to sin most likely comes from your fallen “flesh,” the part of each human which naturally pulls us toward our baser desires. In both cases, Satan has absolutely nothing to do with it.
Christians sometimes complain that Satan created problems for them at the airline customs gate or in coordinating travel plans. This is especially true if these Christians are “missionaries” who are headed to another country to “carry out the great commission.” Any problem is therefore attributed to the power of Satan. Yet these things happen to tens of thousands of “normal” travelers every day. To give Satan credit for these is to give him way too much credit.
I once talked with a woman who wanted me to cast Satan out of her car. She said that she wanted to come to church on Sunday morning, but when she got in her car, it would not start. Clearly, this must be because Satan wanted to keep her from coming to church. I told her, as gently as I could, that Satan was not possessing her car, and it would do no good for me to pray over it. More than likely, her car wouldn’t start because of some completely natural reason. Maybe her car was old, or the battery was dead. Or maybe it wouldn’t start because it had been extremely cold the night before. To give Satan credit for keeping her car from starting on Sunday morning was to give glory to Satan that he did not deserve.
Make sure that as you go through life, you don’t give credit and glory to Satan for things he has nothing to do with. Life is full of problems, and everybody has problems, and these problems do not come upon you because Satan is targeting you. In all likelihood, Satan doesn’t even know you exist, and even if he does, he’s not going to waste his time by freezing your car engine or slowing you down at the customs counter.
But this is not the only way we Christians worship and glorify Satan.
2.We Accept Satanic Offerings
In Luke 4 and Matthew 4, Satan comes to tempt Jesus, and in the process, offers three things to Jesus, if only Jesus will worship him.
The three things Satan offers to Jesus were riches, control, and fame, and Jesus rejected all three.
Yet within 300 years of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the church had accepted and embraced all three as tools to help them spread the Gospel. But these offerings from Satan did more to hinder the message of the Gospel than help it.
Whenever Christians today chase after riches as a means to spread the Gospel, control over others as a means to manage sin, and fame or glory as a way of gaining the world’s attention, we have sacrificed the Gospel on the altar of Satanic offerings. When we do this, we not only fail to advance the rule and reign of God, but instead help advance the influence of the ruler of this age.
I wrote a lot more about this in my forthcoming book, Close Your Church for Good, and so I won’t say anything more about this point here. (Sign up for the newsletter to get a free digital copy of this book when it is released.)
3. We Diagnose Someone as Demon Possessed
I know that this point might be controversial (But which of these 5 points are not?), but I do not believe we Christians should ever diagnose someone as “demon possessed,” for doing so might actually glorify and honor Satan.
I sometimes think that we diagnose someone as “demon possessed” because we don’t want to deal with the psychological, emotional, mental, or spiritual issues that the person in question is actually dealing with. It is so much easier to write someone off as “demon possessed” than to do the hard work of loving, healing, restoring, and mending that may need to be done with someone who suffers in such ways.
But more than this, when we consider the “deliverance” ministry of Jesus in liberating people from demon possession, it is important to recognize what Jesus was, and was not, doing.
In Jesus’ day (as in ours, though to a lesser degree), people associated sickness with sin. People believed that if you sinned, one way God might punish you is by sending a sickness upon you. Therefore, if a person got sick, this was taken as an indication that the person had sinned and God was punishing them.
One of the reasons, therefore, that Jesus went around “casting out demons” was to turn this religious lie on its head. Jesus wanted to show that God didn’t punish sinners with demon possession, nor was demon possession an indication of God’s punishment or of that person’s sinfulness. The so-called “demon possessed” person was just as loved and accepted by God as anyone else.
Furthermore, what Jesus wanted to reveal was that the most demonic thing about demon possession was not the demon possession itself, but was the diagnosis of demon possession. To diagnose someone as “possessed by a demon” is to diagnose them as being outside the grace of God, underserving of His love, care, and protection, and as having been so sinful as to incur one of His greatest punishments.
But to show us that God does not send demons and that God does not punish sin, Jesus “cast out demons.” When God is truly at work, it is not to punish someone with demons or accuse them of having a demon, but to rescue, deliver, and free people from such hopeless and condemning accusations.
So to accuse someone of having a demon or of being possessed by a demon is to remove a person from the sphere of God’s grace and love, and lock them in a prison of shame, fear, and darkness, which is demonic. Therefore, to keep from glorifying Satan, we must never accuse someone of being demon possessed.
In fact, this accusatory spirit — for which we Christians are often known — is the fourth way we Christians worship and glorify Satan.
4. We Engage in Satanic Accusations
The word “devil” in Greek is diabolos. It is built upon the Greek words dia, meaning across, and bollo, meaning to cast or throw. The devil is one who casts or throws across something. In the various contexts of diabolos, it refers to one who maligns, slanders, or sows discord and division.
The word “satan” is similar. “Satan” is a Hebrew word (the Greek is satanas), and it means “accuser.”
Both of these meanings are clearly seen in nearly every passage in Scripture where Satan, or the devil, is described. He accuses God of withholding something good from Adam and Eve (Genesis 3), and he accuses God of showing favoritism to Job (Job 1). In Luke 4 and Matthew 4, he accuses, challenges, and questions the mission and purpose of Jesus. The New Testament refers to him as the “accuser of the brethren” (Rev 12:10).
While God only loves, forgives, and accepts, Satan only judges, accuses, and condemns.
So when we Christians judge, accuse, and condemn others, whose example are we following? Are we more like God or more like Satan?
When we demonize our enemies so we can condemn them, we mimic Satan rather than God.
When we accuse and condemn those who we think are “sinners,” we mimic Satan rather than God.
When we sit in judgment on others, because they believe something different or behave in ways we think are wrong, we mimic Satan rather than God.
If we were to mimic God, we would love unconditionally, forgive infinitely, and accept unreservedly.
But by mimicking Satan, we worship and glorify him instead.
And this judgmental, condemning, accusing attitude leads to the fifth and greatest way we worship Satan.
5. We Commit Satanic Violence
The most Satanic thing Christians do, however, is committing violence in the name of God.
If one person murders another, this is evil.
But it is infinitely more evil when one person murders another in the name of Jesus Christ.
The same goes for war, vengeance, lust, greed, gossip, slander, and any other thing that is contrary to the character and nature of God.
When Christians go to war against their enemies in the name of Jesus Christ, we are not worshipping the God who told us to love our enemies, but are worshipping the demonic being who loves nothing more than to get us to do his bidding while blaming it on God.
We commit adultery because “God wants us to be happy.” We retaliate against our selfish neighbor because “God wants us to stand up for what is right.” We become rich on the backs of the poor because “God wants us to be wealthy.” We tell lies about others because “God wants us to share prayer requests.”
And on and on it goes.
Satan, having failed to become like God, tries to get God to become like him. And though God will never fall into such a trap, we who worship God have made God into Satan by doing what Satan wants while attributing it to God.
The most blatant way we do this is by committing violence against our enemies and claiming that it was divinely sanctioned, that God wants our enemies dead as much as we do.
While it is the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy, God gives generously to all, grants life to those in the shadow of death, and mends broken lives and damaged souls. If we are going to follow God, we will do what God does — even (especially!) for our enemies.
The Glorification of Satan
I know that this post will be somewhat controversial, but I believe that if the church is ever going to rise up and reveal to people the outrageous love of God, we must begin by jettisoning everything that looks like Satan.
I have suggested five ways we can do this above. Do you have anything to add?
John Evans says
Great article! Thx for saying this, is SO greatly needs to be discussed!
Thomas Melvin says
I truly like your mindset…… You see the truth behind all the lies. It so easy for people to blame Satan for most things negative in ones life…. When infact it can be one’s own poor judgement
eric says
You forgot the Most Satanic Doctrine of all the Fictional hell of eternal Torment
Ana says
What do u mean by ” you forgot the most Satanic doctrine of all, the fictional hell of eternal Torment”?
Matt Johnson says
Hell is a very real place. God created it!!
Melissa says
I would read this article.
Jonothan says
Honestly, the way I see it, when people say someone has demons in them or is possessed, or says that evil people will be created for these evil days, it’s saying to me, “F*ck free will!” God gave us free will. The ability to choose between good or evil. He’s not going to send us to hell over something we had no control over. If I were to be possessed and I slaughtered my family, then it’s the demon’s fault, not my fault.
Jordi says
Amazing article because it is just common sense and unfortunately most Christians I meet are like this and I try to tell them. For example hell, I ask them if they truly believe Jesus would send his children to hell for not believing in him? That would make Jesus a jealous God and not perfect! I try to tell them Jesus is pure love and compassion and would never do that and would go against everything he tried to teach us!
Anyway I love the article and will try and spread it because the way it is written it is very easy to follow and straight to the point!
Thank you!
Gerald says
I was sort of offended by your opening lines, but I kept reading, and am glad I did.
You are right about the ways Christianity gives credit to Satan and does his will. The worst part about it is how we think we are doing God’s will.
Geneva Hunley says
This has been helpful to me. I have a sister in law who keeps strife and disharmony going in the family trying to turn one against another etc. She lies on her own brothers and sisters and tell horrible things. I have said that I think she is either demon possessed or has a severe mental problem. This helped me to see I am in the wrong attitude. I pray that I can be more like Jesus, forgiving and accepting, and loving. Thanks.
Sharon says
This is so timely. I also have a sister-in-law who does the very same thing and she deceives herself by denying her actions or defending them. I was furious but I have had to let it go into God’s hand and trust him to transform her heart.
Brian Knack says
Just wanted to drop you a line and thank you for this post. I’ve been undergoing an awakening if you will to who father really is and what it really means to “be the Church” in recent years and this post has just helped confirm many things I’ve believed for some time. We give way to much power to a being who was stripped of all his power. But that’s what we love too do, isn’t it? Surrender our responsibility to others and hen blame them for our mistakes.
Good stuff!
Jeremy Myers says
Yep. We love to blame and scapegoat others. It is our favorite human activity!
Kure says
Brian,
he wasn’t stripped of all his power, infact he has power but JESUS IS ALL POWERFUL THAN him. Ephsians 6:11 tells us to put the whole armour of God that we may stand against the wiles of the devil. We don’t need whole armour if at all satan is stripped of all his power. Be blessed.
Jody Ramsay says
This is truth. We are told that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood. We do battle in spiritual places. Our flesh itself is a deterrent to all things holy. We wrestle to walk in the Spirit when our flesh demands we walk in the world.
The good that I have received from this article is to never give Satan more then a glancing thought but to stand firm in the One that has Overcome the World.
Ccw Sparks says
Amen. Way to put that nasty old Devil in his place! 3:-)
Daniel says
Great Post Jeremy loved it very very true indeed many do not think they are doing these but they are and cant even see it and that is very sad that its happing but maybe this will wake some people up ill be sure to share it with others 🙂
Sylvana Becker says
Thank you for an informative and eye-opening article. It brings to mind a coined phrase that people used to say (and maybe still do), “The devil made me do it!”
Jesus who was sinless has set such high standards for us humans! I struggle everyday to walk his path. Lately, I have discovered that many things that I say and do are just very bad habits. I pray, that I can overcome these. May God bless you in your ministry!
Chris Indermuehle says
I don’t know what your intention in posting this concept in the manner you did, but to me it resembles the same stretches of logic and accusing tone of the best (worst) fire and brimstone evangelical. I just can’t get on board with the idea that the veterans who defeated the Nazis in WW2 were worshiping Satan by their actions. If you aren’t implying that, than Im at a loss to think of a time “Christians” corporately went to war claiming the blessing of God in almost 1000 years.
Jeremy Myers says
I didn’t have WWII or the Nazis in mind when I wrote this post… As for Christians going to war in the name of God, the Iraqi war is an example, though I didn’t have that war in mind either. I wasn’t thinking of wars at all necessarily….
Chris says
Not sure that I can buy that the Iraqi war is a good example. One could just as easy consider it an act of humanitarianism. Prior to the Iraqi invasion, intelligence information indicated that Sudam Hussein was stock piling, or at least had in his possession, weapons of mass destruction…and this information was eventually substantiated, even though it was highly politicized and publicized as untrue by the left. Had there been eventual mass killings by this madman, and we failed to take action with the intelligence information provided, how would it have appeared then? While I agree with some of your writings and have enjoyed your blogs, I would disagree here, only to say that you cannot take such a wide swath judgement in matters so complicated as this.
sheepherder says
Keep drinking that kool-aid and parroting Fox news 😉
GI Joe64 says
Actually, it’s not a “Fox News” anomaly. It was the actual intel at the time and has been verified by high-ranking Iraqi military officers after the fact. The fact that the US took 6 months to prep the Kuwaiti theater of operations, gave Sudam time to move the stockpile to Syria. Those weapons (in part) have been found in Syria. Most Military Intel folks could tell you the same.
Russell Dean says
The road to Hell is paved with good intentions…
Mitch Mitchell says
I concur with 98% of what you communicated. I am a Christian and am thoroughly knowledge in the Scriptures, but I must disagree with you that Christians worship Satan by going to war in the name of God. You need to understand one thing. Christians don’t send themselves into war, The lawmakers and the President do. If there was no American military, there would be a draft, just like Vietnam, then we’ll be forced to. I take offense to that portion of your comment because because I am a US Marine and have been one for a long time and have served in combat and none of us remotely said or thought we were going to war in the name of God, so you are not only bearing false witness, you are also condemning military service (Exodus 20 and Matthew 22; Matthew 7:1-3) without understanding that many join the military because of the poor job markets. Also, you lack an understanding regarding how the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). Read the entire passage of Scripture (John 10:1-18)and you’ll understand who the thief is: he focus of John 10:1-18 is Jesus as the good shepherd. He knows His flock, He leads them to pasture, protects them from danger, and gives His life to save theirs. When He said, “All who came before me were thieves and robbers” (John 10:8) He was referring to everyone who promised salvation by another way. Of course every other path to salvation originated with Satan but I wouldn’t read too much into the use of thief in the singular in John 10:10. The Greek word it comes from is klepto which is also the origin of kleptomaniac. It means to steal and is representative of all false teachers and religious systems. The thief is NOT Satan. John 10:10 has been, and continues to be misinterpret from generation to generation. This passage of Scripture refers to the Jewish religious leaders of that times (Scribes and Pharisees) and modern day religious leaders (pastors, preachers, evangelists, etc.). Anyway, like I intonate, I agree with 98% of your commentary. I am delighted to say that I am one who NEVER blame the Devil/Satan/Adversary for any iniquity; although I am a born again Christian, who still sin but not live a life of sin, I blame my iniquity on my fallen nature which began in the Garden of Eden where Satan eguiled Eve into disobeying God and Adam followed. I must also keep in mind that you, like I am, are a human being and, are errant and fallible. I know who I serve and I know my sins have been forgiven and I’m COUNTED righteous in the eyes of God/The Great I AM THAT I AM (Exodus 3:14) and no man’s imput can say otherwise. If you read the Bible, wars just didn’t occur in our modern times. But in closing, may I ask you a question??? Are you without sin (John 8:7; 1 John 1:8-10)????
Kim says
The scripture in John talking about the thief applies to the nature of satan. Satan can and will use false teachers for his deceptions. Satan uses people, especially unsaved people. I believe this article has good intentions, but Christians dont glorify satan by understanding his power. Although he has been defeated, we ( the elect) are in constant spiritual warfare and need wisdom to understand the enemy and how he operates . To completely dismiss satan is foolish. But we know we are more than conquerors in Christ, and have authority over all of the enemy.
Jeremy Myers says
Yes, we should understand satan’s power, but this is different than giving him too much power, focus, or credit. Let us focus our mind on Christ instead.
Crystal says
Great post, I had a dream last night that was of satanists practising there cult, & I went searching for answers on google lol. I came across this post, & I been doing all these things all my life. It definitely has helped clear away some of the ignorance, and I had some uh-huh moments reading this. The title definitely got my attention, but I kept reading. And to the author don’t let people try to shame you or bash you for thinking outside the box. As for the commenter who posted about the wars? That kinda threw a wrench in it all. Confusion is not of God. Anyways god bless
Matthew Richardson says
I would agree that people can ostracize those who are considered possessed and think of it as divine punishmet. But I believe that demon posession is clearly stated in the scriptures and still occurs today (though, perhaps, very rarely). While most who are considered posessed are merely (if I may use that term) mentally ill, I have no doubt (from testimonies I’ve heard) that posession does occur.
Matthew Richardson says
I have long thought that ‘Satan’ was derived from the arabic ‘shaitan’ which means adversary. But then, then NT was written in Greek.
Jeremy Myers says
Interesting. Might be…
Ted says
It is. Satan means “adversary” and is more of a title than a proper name and it can apply to anyone that impedes the path of another, namely in regard to a spiritual path. On the note of possession… I’ve seen it. It happens. Though maybe not that often. It sound like you don’t very much believe in the supernatural. The devil himself, if he exists, wouldn’t have to be doing all those things you describe. That’s what he has underlings for. A hierarchy. The same way our world works. Does a mob boss sell drugs on the street himself? Of course not, he’s got better things to do so he sends someone else to send someone else to do it, and so on down the line. I agree that Christianity is rife with satanism but there are much better examples of this in my opinion. Like the possibility that the being if YHWH may actually be Satan, or what the gnostic called the Demiurgos.
holly says
both greek and arabic were the the spoken language of the time. so you could be correct.
Matthew Richardson says
Many times in the OT God called His people to war. But He did so directly through His prophets. I know of no instnce where He has done so today. When we fight ‘in His name’ we are placing our judgment above His. Placing our judgment above His is the basis of sin.
Alabama Independent says
Matthew Richardson: So when the Nazi’s were overrunning Europe, and the Japanese Bombed our fleet at Pearl Harbor, were our leaders supposed to hear from God before they Declared War?
jonathon says
>were our leaders supposed to hear from God before they Declared War?
A nation that truly is Christian, and follows God, is a nation that will have no official government, and thus, the capability to go to war would not be there.
For those that think that defense is not possible, consider the Japanese invasion of California, Oregon, and Alaska during World War Two. I’d suggest studying the primary sources in Japanese, but official United States Department of War documents on that invasion are almost as illuminating.
Alabama Independent says
If a nation is totally Christian as you suggest, what happens Jonathan, if an atheist nation invades our nation? Are we just to fall on our knees praying to God for our defense? I don’t think that mindset is provided anywhere in the Scriptures.
Look back at Romans 13:4: “For he [the government] is the minister of God to you for good.” And also in Romans 13:4 it reads: “…for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him [the enemies of our nation] who does evil.”
Even though our government sometimes does evil things [like the recent decision on Homosexual and Lesbian Marriages] still government has God’s permission to protect its citizens.
jonathon says
Study the Japanese invasion of California, Oregon, and Washington during World War Two, to understand what happens when an athiest nation decides to invade a Christian nation.
Gert says
Let me get this straight…. you think allowing people who love each other to wed is evil? You realize that the bible clearly states the government is secular? You also realizes Jesus had NOTHING to say on the subject of same sex relationships though he did cure the ill male lover of a solder? You are perhaps familiar with the fact that the author JUST went over passing judgement in God’s name?
SIGH… you have a long way to go yet. Hopefully God will open your heart some day.
Mark Bamonte says
Gert seems confused about what is written in the word of God. Yes, God did put government in position to run a country. Jesus did have something to say about same sex relationships……….. “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.”
—1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NKJV)…………. Old King James version says abusers of man kind, reworded to homosexuals, because that is what it means. This website explains it well so I don’t have to put it all right here. http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-f018.html There is nothing saying the solder’s slave was a sexual partner. That is just what people say it says when it is far from the truth. Jesus never said people were born gay. You misunderstand the meaning of eunuch. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eunuch . When people were made eunuch by others or as it has been written, those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven, means they have those removed to help prevent sexual desire and lust, so they can keep their minds pure to worship and serve God. Eunuchs put in charge of harems because they lose their sexual desire and do not fornicate with other men’s wives. Throughout the ancient nations that included Egypt, Babylon, Assyria and Persia; homosexuals were exalted to such positions as eunuchs that watched the women of the harem. Because of the mistrust of men, heterosexual or bi-sexual men were castrated; but homosexual men didn’t need to be. Eunuchs also had a recognized place in homosexual prostitution, and youths chosen as catamitic favorites were sometimes castrated. Homosexuality was long confused with eunuchry. Like effeminacy and hermaphroditism, eunuchry was sometimes thought of as creating a woman-man. I hope this helps you understand. Peace.
Jeremy says
I don’t believe they were. There are other reasons to go to war. One being self preservation. Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Nobody knew if they were going to try and invade the continental United States. The preservation of life for a group of people, or, in others words, to prevent genocide, as with the Nazis in WWII. The only wars I can see as claiming to be in the name of God, would be the crusades, or the Jihad that extremist Muslims have declared on us. And, yes, I know they say Allah, but still their god.
Jeremy Myers says
Yes. I am going to have to write some posts about OT violence sometime… I have a slightly different take on it.
Antonia Mahmood says
Please do. I really struggle with the violence in Joshua. I am a pacifist, and I believe that if we are truly faithful God will always deliver us from evil, either now or in the sweet By and By! The apostles were martyred and Jesus didn’t fight back when he was captured, but because of their determination and peace they conquered more than nations. The second world war is always an interesting example because Naziism was so horrific, I don’t know the answer, but I’m sure it’s not war, not as Christians.
Alabama Independent says
This is for “Gert.” Gert says Jesus had nothing to say about Homosexuality! Gert obviously does not understand the Doctrine of the Trinity. God is God. God is Jesus. God is the Holy Spirit. Jesus is Jesus. Jesus is God. Jesus is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God. The Holy Spirit is Jesus.
So…when the Holy Spirit gave inspiration to the Apostle Paul in Roman 1:26-28 to write; “For this cause, God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature (Lesbianism): and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with me working that which is unseemly (Homosexuality), and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient” this was also Jesus speaking to the Apostle Paul. So for those who say, “Jesus never said anything about Homosexuality,” they need to understand the doctrine of the Trinity. When we read any word in the Scriptures, it is God speaking, it is Jesus speaking, and it is the Holy Spirit speaking.
If Jeremy can show me the error of my belief on both the doctrine of the Trinity, as well as how firm Scriptures are against Homosexuality and Lesbianism, I am willing to be receptive and ask God to forgive me for my mis-understanding of the Doctrine of the Trinity, and the teachings against Homosexuality and Lesbianism.
I will be waiting for comments from Jeremey.
Jeremy Myers says
I could argue with you on your points, but I can tell this is a hot topic for you, and so I am not going to waste my time. Such an argument will be fruitless for both of us. What Gert was pointing to is something I have “said” on this blog also: Here is what Jesus said in the Gospels about Homosexuality.
Danny says
To Alabama independent
Ephisian1
Revelation2
John clearly describes Paul as a false apostle
Paul also recognizes that the people have turned away from him in Asia (turkey) and John (Jesus says good job for not listening to this man. And goes on to say that people who do so are the church of Satan ) these too are supposed to be Jesus words. So who is right
Matthew Richardson says
Tough subject. Look forward to your posts.
JohnThomas Roseberry says
Great article. Loved point 2: Satan couldn’t convince Jesus to fall for his three temptations, so he got Jesus’ “followers” to fall for them instead. Excellent and thought provoking, thanks!
Grahame Smith says
I agree with lot of this post. I am peaceful by nature but not a paciest. War does happen and one must defend the helpless. War is horrible on all occasions. Its outrageous when it is for economic, territorial or religious reasons and not only fro self defence. Its wrong when politicians call it a holy war eg the crusades or what isis is doing. Having been heavily involved in freedom through Christ ministry for 30 yrs, Ive seen just about every person problem you can imagine. As a clinical counsellor I see they same problems. Some of them are spiritual oppression because of peoples involvement in occult or false religions. A few people were controlled by evil spirits (violent, addictive by nature). The bible talks about foot holds and strong holds in peoples lives which opens the door to oppression eg habitual sin. I don’t discount mental health issues effecting people and I dont look for demons in every closet. I let the presenting issues and history lead me to root causes either in Physical, Emotional, Mental or Spiritual areas.
I also believe Satan fools people in believing he is bigger than he is. Once Christians realize he is a defeated enemy and that Christ rules… freedom is found. In essence the greatest form of spiritual warfare is sharing Christs love and grace to a lost society. Satan and his demonic army doesn’t want that to happen. Hence the Apostles Pauls warning we are in a spiritual battle.
Jeremy Myers says
As a counselor, I imagine you have insight into many of these things. There definitely is spiritual oppression and bondage, and it takes great discernment to see the connection between mental, emotional, and physical problems and the spiritual realm.
jonathon says
>We Diagnose Someone as Demon Possessed
Flip that statement around. Can a person be God-Possessed?
If, as Jesus proclaimed, the sin is in the thought, then the implication is that there is a personality profile for those that do walk with Christ, in God? ^3
The New Testament outlines the personality profile of the individual that walks with Christ, in God. Perhaps less obvious, but equally significant, the Torah also outlines the personality of the individual that follows God’s commandments. (Not unsurprisingly, the two personality profiles are more or less the same.)
The YiJing outlines the personality profile of “The Superior Person”. This profile is not congruent with that from the Torah, nor the New Testament.
Flipping to neo-pagan sources, _Liber Al Vel Legis_ outlines the personality profile of the individual who has achieved the Knowledge and Conversation of their Holy Guardian Angel. (This personality profile has minor differences with that from the YiJing, and major differences with that from the Torah, and the New Testament.)
Going through most Sacred Texts, one can construct a personality profile of the serious adherent/follower/initiate. These profiles are sufficiently different, that one can make a fairly accurate guess of the individual’s religious practices and beliefs, based upon their personality profile.(^2)
From the literature, in both “miracle healing”, and “casting out of demons”, there are immediate short-term effects. (^1) But, the long effects kick in _only if_ the individual is “taught” the beliefs and practices of the religious system that performed the “miracle healing” or “casting out of demons”.
^1: This assumes that the healing or casting out is not fraudulent to begin with. Unfortunately, most faith healing today, regardless of who does it, is fraudulent. (Individuals that are Neo-pagans, Buddhists, Christians, and Hindus have all reported these “miracles”, which have later been exposed as fraudulent.)
^2: This type of research is more likely to be published in journals of Trans-Personal Psychology, and Humanistic Psychology, than any other field of endeavor. The more mainstream the journal is, the less likely it is to publish this type of research.
^3: This is the type of response that really needs citations to studies published in journals. Unfortunately, I don’t remember those citations, and the studies I do have copies of, have not been published.
Tito says
The only thing I can say about this is AMEN! for I totally agree with you.
John M. Lasota says
I like the article! The main message is stop finding slew foot under every rock and behind every tree in fact I make it a practice to ONLY acknowledge the Son! Like the Son said “The Prince of this world comes and he has nothing in me!”
Jeremy Myers says
Yes, focus on Jesus and His victory on the cross, not on those defeated enemies who want to trip us up on the way to the coronation ceremony.
Bertus De Klerk says
Amen amen amen!!!!
Alabama Independent says
I’m still waiting on Matthew Richardson and Jonathan to reply to my questions as to how a “Christian Nation” is supposed to stand up against the enemies of the United States when they have already demonstrated their willingness to destroy us.
The problem with modern day Christians, is that we all feel that God is going to rescue us via the Rapture, before the Anti-Christ establishment begins it rules. We are a spoiled lot of Christians – “Professing Christians” as well as “born again Christians.
There is no scripture anywhere in the Bible which says Christians will not be persecuted before Jesus returns. We may not through the Tribulation – that is for sure – but persecution there is an assurance of such. We are feeling the first affects of it now, and many churches, preachers and members are burying their heads in the sands not wanting to believe it. But they will believe it when they are awakened in the middle of the night and hauled off to a Re-education Camp to be taught that Christianity is a Hate Religion, and it must be outlawed.
You think I am off my rocker? Well just hand around for about 10 more years and your mind will be changed
Jeremy Myers says
What you are saying might happen… and it might not. But even if so, what do you propose we do about it? Are we to defend our right to practice our religion by resorting to violence against those who want to criminalize Christianity?
Alabama Independent says
No, we are not to resort to violence. But you have not answered the question of “what are Christians to do?” Are we to just stand by and allow the atheist rulers of the nation tell us to stop preaching Christ and Him crucified? This is what is happening to Christians in some nations today. And many are being killed by beheading. Is this what we are supposed to do? Would you stand idly by and allow you family, friends and yourself to be killed by beheading?
Jeremy Myers says
IF the choice is between kill or be killed, my flesh says, “KILL!” but my Spirit says, “Why not rather follow Jesus and be killed? Is life more important than obedience? Is my life more important or valuable than the person who seeks to kill?”
Thankfully, the choice you have raised is little more than a red herring or a false dichotomy. There are so many ways to resist evil than by resorting to violence. I am NOT a pacifist, nor have I ever claimed to be one.
Gert says
I think you confuse the concept of persecution with freedom of religion. If your version of Christianity involves hatred towards other and anger and demonizing the poor etc then yes, you are much in need of reeducation. Genuine Christians don’t do that stuff. Calling yourself one when you choose to follow evil ways makes everyone question your motives.
Until the constitution changes, the USA was for the last 200+ years free to worship ANY religion or lack of they chose. This is not persecution of Christianity. No one is preventing you from worshiping and frankly speaking, with over 70% of the US identifying as some sect of Christianity, no one is going to for any foreseeable future.
You will never be prevented from practicing your faith in this country. Your fear is unfounded and based in evil words of those who delight in causing trouble and pot stirring. Open your eyes to reality please, before you fall into the very traps mentioned in this article.
Dave says
You wrote:
If your version of Christianity involves hatred towards other and anger and demonizing the poor etc then yes, you are much in need of reeducation.
Hmm…maybe I overlooked it, but I don’t see anyone here ‘hating’ or ‘demonizing the poor.’ Part of the problem is, simply believing the bible, more and more. is being considered ‘hatred’ these days.
You wrote:
Until the constitution changes, the USA was for the last 200+ years free to worship ANY religion or lack of they chose.
A couple of problems here. The constitiution HAS changed, by Secularists fixated on the slow, steady, incremental destruction of Christianity(and others brainwashed by their revisionist history that play along). The result is, the constitution has changed, over time significantly, by the judicial branch ignoring historical context of the constitution and changing the semantics of the words in the constitution, in the end eisegeting. As for ‘Freedom of Religion,’ that is slowly becoming, ‘Shut up, never mention your faith in public. Just be quiet, go to your church building on Sunday, be a Christian there for a couple of hours. DO that, and we won’t come after you, for now.’ Furthermore, we’re becoming a society controlled less by laws, and more by the mob, a mob that is more and more politically correct, and increasingly hostile to bible believing Christians. Sure, as far as the govt is concerned, you might be ‘free’ to believe the apostle Paul’s when he said homosexual behavior is wrong, as long as you don’t mind losing your job and your ability support your family because you are ‘hateful.’ The church might be able to preach on that text, as long as they don’t mind being vandalized by pro-homsexual activist groups(yes, it’s happened more than you know). The same type of groups are lobbying to get churches that preach certain bible passages to lose their tax-exempt status. I think there’s a lot going on that you are unaware of.
You wrote:
No one is preventing you from worshiping and frankly speaking, with over 70% of the US identifying as some sect of Christianity, no one is going to for any foreseeable future.
I think this statement is a little misleading. I think there’s a difference between the pastor at the liberal church that denies the resurrection and is not even sure if Jesus was a real person or a legend, and the Inerrantist that believes everything the apostle Paul wrote. If you think both get equal treatment or equal protection, I think you are mistaken. Even the militant atheist doesn’t mind the ‘christian’ that thinks the Bible is a mix of fact but mostly fiction..little more than bunch of moral stories that inspire you emotionally. They’ll leave them alone, but if you think it’s God’s revelation and align your thinking with Paul? It may become open season on you soon, if it hasn’t already.
Robyn says
I think those you accuse of having a mob mentality (and some of them do) have developed this attitude in response to the mob mentality exhibited by so many Christians today. Our “our way or else” demands get old.
90% of the “persecution” American Christians face today could have been prevented by the simple practice of courtesy toward others. 1 Peter 3 tells us to be courteous to everyone and to defend our faith IN MEEKNESS and fear. Meekness is not normally expressed in ALL CAPS, but it is so underrate these days, I felt it needed stressing.
Dave says
Just now seeing this Robyn.
you wrote:
I think those you accuse of having a mob mentality (and some of them do) have developed this attitude in response to the mob mentality exhibited by so many Christians today. Our “our way or else” demands get old.
Not sure what you’re talking about here. Mob mentality by christians? Can you explain in more tangible terms what you mean? “Our way or else” demands? Or else what? Our way? What is being demanded? If I understand what you’re getting at here, I don’t see this at all. But maybe I misunderstand as it is a little vague. In what way was this mob-mentality expressed by christians? The anti-christian sentiment permeates the media, hollywood, academia, just about all major spheres of influence. The christian remnants that exist in these arenas are in decline, on the defensive, and fighting to maintain their existence. Seems a little convoluted to turn this around and say that christians are at fault that the PC mob is after them. Couldn’t a better case be made that it’s simply Christians picking up their cross and following Jesus? Jesus promised persecution to those that live like Him. They hated Jesus, they’re going to hate those that talk about Jesus and aim to live like Jesus.
Danny says
Ephesians 1
Revelation 2
Freedom of religion also means that you as Christian may not force me as a Christian to bow to your dogma
I believe John is correct in identifying Paul to be false
Remember Satan is a persecutor created by God and God does not make mistakes right
Jesus was not persecutor.
Which are you
Jesus went on and on about hypocrites
And in living flesh said nothing about gays
Remember
Paul is saying he speaks for Jesus
When Jesus was able to speak for himself.
Deception. That’s what Paul is. The bible says so. and if Paul is right what does that say for John
Nick says
The realty is that they have basterdized Christianity in this country to the point where it is unrecognizable from the scriptures. Churches that speak more about social justice then they do the word of God. Pride flags flying from steeples. Acceptance of not only individuals but of their sin. Prosperity prechers who’s love of money is far greater then their love of christ and even the suggestion by many so called Christians that there are many paths to heaven and some don’t require christ. This is the type of “christianity” that America still finds palatable. True Christians are already seen as dangerous radicals. It is these Christians that are currently and will continue to be persecuted in this country. In the end those “christians” who ignore the scripture, deciding instead to say and do what’s popular and feels good, they will be easily persuaded by the anti christ and more then willing to turn on anyone who follows the true word of God
Margo Victoria says
Many Christians insist on the false-teaching that Eternal-Life can be lost. Teaching from the utter-depths of Hell. Thus, these folks deny themselves BLESSED ASSURANCE of Everlasting-Life because they listen to satan over Jesus Christ and His promises to keep the believer saved. Tisk tisk.
tovlogos says
James tells us: “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.” (1:13-14)
And verse 15 shows the progression toward accomplishing sin, and spiritual death.
So, yes, it our propensity to lust that give the devil the opening…the porthole into which to enter our lives. He is insidious and relentless — especially now, (Revelation 12:12).
Ephesians 6:10-18 shows that the fallen state does create significant complications; and Satan is indeed a very aggressive, proactive foe who means to destroy us if we give him a chance.
For example, take verse 16 — “In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”
The NASB in this verse is a better translation that the KJV. The KJV says, “…quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”
The more accurate sense of the greek here is, “flaming missiles”, regarding the intensity of the attack of the evil one — Satan. Look at all the psychosis, hysteria, hate, and sexual sin, for example.
Yes, in the same verse it does say we need faith — that’s a must to be able to “resist the devil” so that he may flee. (James 4:7)
Nevertheless, it would be dangerously naive to think ignorance of the word of God will spare you of demonic influence.
One of the most important things our Lord revealed to us is the need to be free from the captivity of the devil — not the (theologically speaking) Romans; since His mission was fundamentally spiritual (John 1:31-33; John 3:3; John 4:24 etc.)
So we can discern evil from good, and resist evil, become imbued by agape love; and take up our crosses. However, how often are people conscious of these things, so that they may be aware and not get caught in the devils snares? After all, ultimately it is a vital necessity to “stand against the schemes of the devil”, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12.
The Why Guy says
I’ve been kind-of pushing your message on my Facebook page. One of my “friends” now want to know of material you have written. I posted your Amazon book order page for her and all to see.
Jeremy Myers says
Wow. Thanks!
Alabama Independent says
Most every one of the respondents, seem to be caught up in the “rapture doctrine” that God will only let His people suffer so much oppression from demonic possessed leaders of foreign nations. Many of them seem to be saying that we should be willing to see our children killed and then calmly allow the enemy to slaughter us and all Christians, since we know that upon our death, we and our children would be rejoined in Heaven.
So why did not this happen during WWII? Most of those U.S. soldiers who volunteered or were drafted for service were Christians. Were they fighting to defeat our enemies (Germany and Japan) or were they fighting knowing that upon death on the battle field, they would immediately go to heaven?
Personally, I believe the position all Christians of today should be to obey Romans 13 but also believe the lesson taught in Romans 13, that the ministers of God (government) have the right to built an army from among its citizenry to defend our nation against the forces of evil. I believe the main reason we defeated Nazism and Imperialism was because God was on our Side. While some of the Nazi soldiers were Christians (Lutherans and other Bible believing Christians), God knew that if the Nazis of Germany and Imperialists of Japan had won WWII, it would have interfered with His Master Plan from which we learn from Scriptures. We must face the Anti-Christ (whomever he may be) and undergo the persecution, then at God’s appointed time, Christ will take His people up (the Rapture) to be with Him, but the Anti-Christ will remain on earth, and those “left behind” will have an opportunity to accept Christ as Savior, but will face death for doing so. Then, and finally then, Satan, the Anti-Christ and the False Prophet will finally be defeated once and for ever.
Brother Myers, is my theology in error or pretty much biblical. Would love to have your comments.
Jeremy Myers says
I wouldn’t say your theology is in error. I would only say that I am not in full agreement. I think there are different ways of understanding Romans 13 and the book of Revelation.
I do, however, object strongly to the idea that if the Nazis of Germany and Imperialists of Japan had won WWII, this would have interfered with God’s Master Plan. I think God is innovative and would not have been stopped or thwarted by such a turn of events.
jonathon says
>Many of them seem to be saying that we should be willing to see our children killed and then calmly allow the enemy to slaughter us and all Christians, since we know that upon our death, we and our children would be rejoined in Heaven.
At least four distinct positions have been expressed. One can oversimplify, and thus distort/caricature their positions as:
* All defense is contrary to what Scripture teaches;
* Self-defense by the individual, or family, is not contrary to what Scripture teaches. The same act, done at the command of the political authority, is always contrary to what Scripture teaches;
* Theory of Just War;
*The State always has the right to initiate force;
The hardest position for an individual to maintain, is the first one — all defense is contrary to what Scripture teaches. This is also the only position for which one can cite Jesus as an example. This position requires the most moral strength, precisely because it demands that one’s thoughts overcome one’s emotions.
>So why did not this happen during WWII?
a) The United States rounded up 100,000 people, based purely on their alleged ethnic origin, put them into concentration camps, and left them to rot until more than a year after VJ day. (More than 10% of the people in the concentration camps died.)
Is this the act of a “Christian Nation”?
Is this the act of a nation that is moral?
b) Whilst there was a lot of opposition to WW2, the only time it made its way into the major newspapers and newscasts of the time, was upon the arrest, or conviction of somebody opposed to the war effort;
The media outlets that publicly discussed either the pacifist position, or the anti-war position, were assaulted by law enforcement, in the name of “protecting the security of the state”.
Is this the action of a “Christian Nation”?
c) Those opposed to WW2 fell into one of three major groups:
* The communists, which remained opposed until Hitler invaded Russia;
* The isolationists, that believed that non-interference was the only ethical foreign policy;
* The Christians, that believed that all war was immoral, unethical, unjust, and contrary to what Scripture teaches. This was probably the smallest group, and not only because most Christians adhere to “Just War Theory”;
Is communism Christian in thought, word, and deed?
Is non-interference Christian in thought, word, and deed?
Is “Just War Theory” Christian in thought, word, and deed?
Is pacifism Christian in thought, word, and deed?
>Were they fighting to defeat our enemies (Germany and Japan) or were they fighting knowing that upon death on the battle field, they would immediately go to heaven?
Assuming that the studies done during the Korean conflict, the Vietnamese Era, and conflicts since then hold true for WW2, then the people in combat were fighting to protect their buddies. The other people in their squad. The only thing that counts is the Right-Here-and-Right-Now. When bullets are flying towards one, everything else goes out the window.
>God knew that if the Nazis of Germany and Imperialists of Japan had won WWII, it would have interfered with His Master Plan from which we learn from Scriptures.
The Bible isn’t _Foundation_.
Furthermore, is it what God plans for people, or is it what God sees people do?
The symbolism in the Bible can be construed to apply to the Axis powers, as easily as they apply to the Allied powers. As such, I have no doubt that had the Axis powers won WW2, you’d be questioning the statement “His Master Plan required the Allied powers to win”.
Nick says
I think it’s important to point out that the proper translation of the 7th commandment is “Thou shall not murder” there is a distinction made right in the 10 commandments. It would have been easy for God to have commanded us not to kill but he uses the word murder. If you end someone’s life out of jealousy or spite, this is murder. If a mother kills her child’s attacker in order to protect them this is not. I believe the same applies to war against evil or those who choose to do us harm. If God thought there would never be justification for violence then lead to death then the commandment would be not to kill
Ken says
Interesting stuff, was heavy into deliverance ministry, but now after leaving the religious churched mentality, I’m not sure there is even a person called satan…we are easily our worst enemy…questions about hell, inerrancy, etc…also too much of “us and them” mentality. Now I feel a greater sense of Union with God Now, and with life on this planet. It is easy to see the evolution of the perception of God through the OT. Interesting read, if your out of the box is Desire Found Me by Andre Rabe. Keep looking for the Light ahead on your journey…so much is already in you to become aware of…Namaste
Linda Hassen says
God is at work in my life. I just accused someone of being demon possessed yesterday and today I read this article. God wants me to understand that I am judging and condemning this person, which is not loving or understanding. My prayer now is for God to use me in leading this person to genuine faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Jeremy Myers says
Thanks for you honesty and humility. Very refreshing to see! I believe that God will work in your heart and in the heart of the other person to glorify Himself.
Peter says
I suspect when Christians talk about Satan many of them are including his henchmen the demons. So if they say, “The enemy attacked yesterday,” “enemy” could mean Satan or demons.
Although the Old Testament had little to say about Satan or demons, Jesus ran into a ton of demonized people just in the little villages around Galilee.
This brings up the question of why we don’t see demonized people everywhere. I know some argue that most or all of the people the New Testament calls demonized were actually suffering from what we recognize today as medical ailments, but then you have to explain why some demonized people had super powers and you have to explain the suicidal pigs. : )
Jeremy Myers says
Yes, I suppose that if people encounter demons, they could say they are encountering Satan, and it would not be too inaccurate.
The demon possessions in the Gospels are interesting. What’s more interesting (for me) is why the letters of Paul and Peter don’t really mention them.
Ray says
I believe more people are experiencing demonic oppression than they realize. I’ve been on both sides of this issue: I’ve been demonically oppressed and I’ve seen God drive out demons from someone’s soul and body. Now if that’s hard to believe, you just might not believe the scriptures. If we pick and choose which teachings Jesus committed to His disciples and instructed them to pass on to us, then we are not truly following HIM. We’re doing our own things. The apostle Paul told Timothy (1 Tim. 4:1) that in the last days people would depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons. I find it interesting that we don’t see demons on the streets preaching their doctrines, but we do see their doctrines on television every day, in movies, books, newspapers, in some churches and in the laws that are governing the land. The devil conceals his activity and dares anyone to confront him in the power of the Spirit. To do so makes you “weird” or “spooky.” But my question would be, what part of the Gospels applies to us as Christians today? Why would Jesus tell his disciples to drive out evil spirits if that didn’t apply to all believers until He returns? Then perhaps none of it applies to us. And who chooses what we follow and what we ignore? And Paul does address the issues of driving out demons through the examples of his ministry (he was once imprisoned for casting a devil out of a young girl) and by preaching truth where these spirits have planted deception. We “preach the word” because it is truth and the entire world is based on a lie. Nearly every apostle affirms this reality. So, while not everyone is demon possessed, nearly everyone I’ve met in this world has experienced the work of satan because that work began when he deceived Eve and built an entire world system on deception. Anyone who preaches truth must confront his work and his agents.
In Ephesians 6:12 NASB (most accurate translation in the English language), Paul sums this up:
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
We are only called to be light, because the entire world is in darkness. That darkness didn’t come from nowhere. It is the overarching work of satan that is sustained, maintained and appropriated by evil spirits working through men and women who believe his lies.
Anton van Zyl says
Thank you sir, you clearly understand the Gospel of Christ. It is the Holy Spirit that gives us the ability to correctly interpret scripture. Thank you for taking the time to understand. InChrist. Anton
Joe says
Thanks Jeremy,
However, I must disagree with at least one of your statements ( simply because I did not read the entire article, only the main points).
You said that “Christians” are imitators of Satan – (Satan is a Hebrew name by the way, and means Adversary, or withstand according Strong’s Hebrew lexicon #7854) because they accuse and judge other’s in opposition to what God would want them to do – forgive, and not accuse or pass judgement.
Your basis for this is to say that God is forgiving and not judgmental… Please explain how God was forgiving in regards to the transgressions of others in the Old Testament, and why you think that he has had a change of heart?
Best regards.
John Tyler says
Very well said, Jeremy, I certainly agree with you. The other posts are truly thought provoking, also. A couple of things to throw in the mix, one that came to mind is that we know anger and even violence may not always be a sin or wrong. It’s about motive…our heart condition. Jesus had anger and He cleansed the temple of the money-changers. And about the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy…we do realize that is speaking of the false religious leaders of the day and not satan, right ? though it does sound a lot like his agenda. Give God the Glory! I was blind but now I see! Thanks for this outstanding post, for it reminds me of years ago when I heard from the pulpit, “Anytime you say anything bad about another Christian, even if it’s true, you are doing the work of the devil.” Ouch! Grace & Peace
Beatriz says
I thought that God was the only one that judge, and not the devil!!!
Jeremy Myers says
In John 5:22, 27, we see that God does not judge anyone, but has given all judgment to the Son. But earlier in John 3:17f, Jesus says that He doesn’t judge or condemn anyone either, but has come to save the world.
There is, however, divine “judgment.” But we modern western people fail to understand what is meant by “judgment.” We think of it as condemning and accusing others for wrongs they have done. This type of judgment is only what satan, the accuser does. God does not engage in this type of judgment.
The divine type of judgment is the type that sees things for what they really are and calls them out. God’s “judgment” restores justice and rights what has been wrong.
Beatriz says
Thank you Jeremy for the explanations. I would love to know more about God
Shannon says
If you believe the Bible is God’s word, then how can you believe that He does not punish sin? A few examples are Sodom and Gomorrah, the plagues of Egypt and the Apocalypse of John.
Cheryl Mitchell says
We punish ourselves by our sin. God often allows the consequences of our sin to flourish in our lives. There is no greater punishment than to not have the peace of God in one’s life. Jesus comes with Grace and Truth. Jeremiah 17:9-10 Msg The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out.
“But I ,God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human, I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be.” Only God can know the heart, he alone is the judge not us.
First Mount Zion Baptist Church says
This is a very good read for every individual. You have well shared how to glorify Jesus Christ in your blog.
Leon says
That 5th point makes perfect sense, if we were to recall history. Religious wars triggered since the Roman Empire’s reign, along with Catholicism, proven by the Crusades and Inquisitions, and the atrocities of certain organizations and individuals done in the name of Christ. Such things are an insult to Jesus Christ, whose mission is to save souls from Hell, prior to the judgment of all souls and the establishment of his future kingdom. “Following” Jesus to kill is a completely misguided act, after all.
Tim F. says
Great article and helpful hermeneutics.
What is the process one should take when someone does accuse one of being possessed by Satan or a demon?
It appears that, while Matthew 18 is in play, the seriousness of the implications suggests a higher-order level of discussion and transparency, especially if the person has been granted having the “gift of prophecy” from the pastor.
What are your thoughts?
Margaret byrd says
I think the worst thing we do while professing to be Christians is not minding our p’s and q’s. Many people are actually turned away from Christ by what so called Christians do. Most of my life I did not practice my Christianity because I watched professed Christian being very cruel, judgemmental etc. instead of doing the correct thing and looking only at Christ to learn the true meaning of Christianity…..I looked at other human sinners. So I hope we all can work harder to bring others to Christ…. Not turn them away.
Stacey E. says
The most glaring omission is that evil is purely human based. I don’t know why humans want to pretend they aren’t the cause of all evil, because they are. Maybe it’s the result of some or all “sins”, but evil is completely derived and carried out by humanity. It can’t be blamed on anything but human nature. It’s sort of childish to pretend that it’s because of some (in my opinion) fictional character. It may be why some people don’t take religion seriously, because this sort of thing is absurd. Rather than blaming bad behavior on “the devil”, it should be blamed on human greed, self-interest, and sometimes, mental illness. You don’t have to be religious or an atheist to be put off by people living in a fantasy world.
Nick says
With no God then who defies evil? Your definition of evil, presuming you are from the west may vary immensely with what someone from the East sees as evil. With no God what makes human beings more righteous then animals and if we are to believe we are on the same level as animals doesn’t that imply we can act as they do? What moral authority do any of us have to call greed, lust, and vengeance evil when we are all by nature greedy, lustful and constantly seeking vengeance? To suggest that human beings have the capacity to know right from wrong without a God is foolish.
Phunktional Johnkey says
Hi Jeremy. Really good post bro!
Henry Cichopat says
Time aright for Satan’s Bliss
Is there for all
Our Lord and Savior
Let’s US Miss
If We do not Answer the call.
The torrid ways of him who fell
Go silently by through age
How can WE even tell
If WE do not turn the Page
Goodness comes through HIM
that left the Fathers side
To test US to the Brim
Hell or Heaven to decide
Every Living Thing has Light
A Burning chance at Bliss
When WE intone the night
A Loving Mothers (Fathers)Kiss
To You My friend
It is Your right to decide
Please Do Not Depend
The TRUTH to so much hide
Henry Cichopat says
Deitical Law has always existed,
So WE need an opposition in ALL things to outscore Evil.
So what would You rather do:
Take that Pen off the counter
Or ask the assistant if We could use it and then give it back?
Do we step in to a Dangerous situation without thinking:
How will this affect Our Family; then in the Name of Christ rebuke the offender if this situation does arrive.
That in effect is the Pragmatism Behind Jesus Teachings against the vile and pernicious effect of Satan….and let’s face it, which side do the Vast Majority choose?
Vaskar says
Yes I agree to your points but there’s some faults.
Satan is sometimes to blame for bad things. He is not omnipresent but have you forgot about demons and his satanic human agents. They are everywhere. Even church leaders are secretly satanist. A former satanist even informed me of them imposing curses on us for which we are clearly not responsible. Demons can make you think thoughts and let you think they are from yourself. They are well organized than you think. And by the way these things rarely happen to true Christians. They are immune to it.
Kay Gwynne says
What is a “true Christian”? Either you have accepted and believe what Christ did or you do not. Either you have been redeemed or not. Strange term. It seems to imply the judgement of another person’s heart.
Vaskar says
And the bad things that you say Christians of here are done by hypocritical Christians. They are not real Christians. They are Christians for name only. True Christians do not do what you mentioned above.
Lewis says
Thank you Jeremy.. at this moment have began to examine myself…what a life have been living.
Kay Gwynne says
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful blog. I couldn’t agree with you more. Well done and bless your little cotton socks. xxx
Elizabeth Dallaire says
i do not agree that there is much in Christianity that is Satanic. That there are a lot of Christians, who attribute things wrongly to being of God that they do a disservice to the title they bear is very sad and true and it is falling into the trap of Satan so that God may be ridiculed by such behavior instead of glorified but that does not mean that Christianity itself has anything Satanic. The proclamation is misleading and offensive even though it attracts attention to a lot of truths that need to be addressed and shared but not under such a title and especially not that of “5 Ways Christians Worship and Glorify Satan” Such phrasing is contradictory to who we are in Christ and cannot co-exist in the heart of a genuine believer. But, hey it grabs the attention but is is sinning against God to even suggest that Christians worship and glorify Satan. You need to rephrase things because you are falling into the trap of thinking that it is okay to use such strong words.
Momma says
Thank you for your article. This really confirms what I have felt for a long time. Humans try to create God in their own image as they do with Lucifer. It is true that Satan wishes to destroy God’s perfect work and distort God’s Word. For it was Lucifer who wanted to be God and sit on His Throne. How much are we influenced by Satan’s evil? From TV, Music, Video Games, Corporate Greed even corrupt Pastor’s spread evil like cancer around the world. Like the 100th Monkey Theory it is not difficult to for a spark to burn down an entire forest. May Jesus Christ give us the ability to see and know evil and truth. Amen
Jeremy Myers says
Glad you learned and benefitted from it!
Jesse says
This is so true. Religion said I was a dammed gay. But God showed me I’m his loved child.
There is certainly alot of modern day pharacees .
Bless
Anthony says
Good stuff Jeremy. One comment re Satan not being omnipresent: I believe your’e slight off track here. Satan does have his minions. There is nothing in the scripture to suggest all demons bow to his leadership, however, it would be reasonable to assume that they share common goals for their own benefit. The ‘powers and principalities’ exist. Who is to say there are not enough of them to ‘patrol’ groups of people if not every individual?
Si says
What about sunday, some of what you said is true, but worshipping on Sunday is the greatest deception, SUNday is not the seventh, it’s the first, it’s false, it’s pagan, it’s satanic, like many other pagan satanic things, worship of the saints, naming churches after saints, calling Mary queen of heaven, or hailing to mary, superstitions, and holidays like Christmas and easter, both being pagan holidays, you sort of left those deceptions out
kasozi samuel says
thanks am sharing this with my friends tomorrow night.
Kevin says
“we are not worshipping the God who told us to love our enemies, but are worshipping the demonic being who loves nothing more than to get us to do his bidding while blaming it on God.”
I really like a lot of what you have to say here, but is this part not attributing too much to Satan (the first section in your post)?
Allison says
I want my comment to be based off the word of God and the Bible. Every comment that is arguing back and forth.. or negative to this article is clearly because this is controversial. It’s a great read and perspective but I want anyone who reads this article to pray for yourself pray for the writer of this article and give a prayer to anyone who’s read this. God says to live by the Gospel & only the Gospel. This is a controversial article because is faith based and about how we are giving Satan credit… The writer is telling Christians they are wrong. Maybe it’s out of her own thoughts, and her opinions and they are okay… but Christianity is not doing as well as it should be. God says the devil will tempt us. I think the person who published this main intention was to remind us God is greater. God is the Almighty. But as Christians we shouldn’t judge each other. or speak our own wisdom… But follow God’s Word and preach His Word!
with lots of love to all!
Xoxo allie
nicole says
Its refreshing to read truth and learn perspectives not yet thought of. Thank you
nicole says
You know God. You have told the truth that many know but the physical worlds greed pride and envy has convinced them that this is real living so to make the most of this world and sacrifice the real life world that this place calls death. Some go so far as to claim to believe in nothing. They may have traveled so far from the creator that they are convinced theres nothing but they subconsciously all know this isnt all there is. They forget. Pride wont let them admit that. The dying world is what i call this. Its where your soul comes to learn appreciation of others and nice gestures from others. In the eternal world its hard to teach the soul this truth of living. Everything is eternal and therefore not lost but here in a physical setting. Everything crumbles away to vanish from it. From the beginning of manufactured completions to the beginning of a newborns life cycle here. Right from your arrival here. You physically begin to deteriorate. Even in the growth process. Its merely a stage 1 of deterioration. You get older and more physically worn. You appreciate that first stage. You learn value of what you had but dont have now. Hopefully teaching your soul to really appreciate your stage of deterioration now because tomorrow is even more tiresome. Heres you must feed and rest and shelter the human suit just to sustain it from doing what it does naturally without that and thats konking out. This makes us apprectiate our real lives when we wake up and comeback to life or what is called “die” here. I guess thats appropriate because you cant die in life. We arent being tested by god to prove our loyalty because god hasnt a ego nor need of validation to feel love. This isnt a test as much as it is an identifyer and mostly lesson to absorb so we can go up or down a rung on the ladder. We all eventually end up in the same place when we all have learned what we need to. Some of us just repeat a grade or level. Thats whats called “reincarnation” but sometimes a advanced soul can be sent to help tutor and those are the Ghandi or Princes Diana’s etc…those are ones on missions. Many here prove to have alot more to learn and not only get held back as the rest graduate but get pulled back a grade or step down a rung because heaven is when we are so intune with gods creation and god that we are one and you cant be one with someone whos not at your level. These arent punishments but lessons in love for all souls as you love yourself and thats how god loves us. As god loves gods own self. God loves us all so much more because we bring God joy in whats been created and other reasons i cant possibly begin yet to comprehend. In thr bible Lucifer was Gods favoritemost owerful angel and right hand one. Lucifer hurt God by not liking what god created because lucifer was jealous. Instead of lucifercreating his own thing and being a friend. Lucifer basically turned on god from the spoil andfrom growing arrogance. Instead of arguing or fighting lucifer. Gods best angel or you could say “friend”. God let lucifer havethis physical realm that dies. Lucifer only owns this dying world but doesnt own the real living world. Lucifer became so obssessed with this world that he lost sight of the bigger picture. Theres more to life then this because this isnt life but a lesson and you are asleep but will wake and you will laugh at what you thought was real life and youll remember the real life and you will be shocked at how a lifetime here is but a 5 min nap when you wake up in real life. You will feel relief and those who have to redo this grade might feel bummed out but arent punished. Gods not sadistic and arrogant. Those who learn appreciation of everything in its way of gods creating it and leaves it free to be what god made it freely capable of being. Theymoveup and on to the next soul lesson necessary. You must reach perfection before entering heaven. What you are telling people in your blog sir. Is 100%TRUTH. Those who forgot this truth should thank and appreciate you for reminding them of this. Religions arent important. You need not believe in something you know to be true and real. I dont belive in god. I know god. I dont have to have faith in what im certain of. You know God. Thank you for tutoring this world sir:·)
Nathan says
I really like this article, you’re so right and I’m glad to see someone that’s written about it, especially in what you said about Satan not being omnipresent and how we’re not likely to actually come across him 🙂
We do come across demons almost all the time however, there are spirits for all sorts of things so we do still encounter demonic things all the time, we just diagnose it wrong, it’s so wrong though because it causes us to use tactics to defeat the devil, when really we’re dealing with demons and evil spirits that are oppressing us
SovereignAnonymous says
Eating “god’s blood” and “body” on Sundays in churches all around the world is definitely a satanic / canibal act !
Christopher says
umm… no.
Scott says
If you see true followers of the way as such, then you do not know a true follower. I am not rich, famous, or violent, I have nothing but my family, and small amounts of possessions. I don’t judge, or throw accusations. The problem with people is they think they are better than the next person, the fail to see, we where all made in the image of the Word. In the bible it says the Word is God. These new offshoots of Judaism and Babylonian Talmud ism, or Zoharism are all satanic in thier worship of power, riches, and fake outward purity. It’s time we start treating everyone as a image of our Creator, just as we are. Treat everyone as if you were standing before messiah.
Tommy says
Great read. God isn’t real so it doesn’t matter.
RememberJesusChrist says
He’s real
Eric Spence says
There are many things in this post that are very accurate and thought provoking, but I have an important question. What Christians are murdering , in the name of Jesus?
RememberJesusChrist says
Most likely False Professors who aren’t Christs but self-righteous reprobates.
Kris ward says
The part where u said christians glorify satan by labeling others as possesed i totally agree with . Recently i read something that if it is true is very scary not only is it wrong but trying to cast demons out of christians could be a serious sin with the possibility of the loss of your eternal soul wow thats heavy.
Peter Bates says
In points 2, 4 and 5 what your saying is basically; christian’s sin. Yeah thanks, we know that, so does everyone. You’re just saying that Christians glorify satan by doing wrong things (sinning) which is frankly pretty obvious, but it’s not like we’re doing something to glorify God and in the process glorying Satan as well we’re just plain doing the wrong thing. I feel like your title unhelpfully implies the latter to be true.
Also there is such a thing as the flesh which is our own sinful nature that makes us sin.
I do agree with your first point, but to call it glorifying satan is sort of missing the point. They’re accusing him of doing bad things not good things. And yes Satan is not omnipresent but he does have rather a large army behind him doing his bidding and he has been around a while so I’m pretty sure most people one way or another are tempted by him or his bidders. He may fallen but he’s not stupid (well… not at doing all the evil stuff he does). Also in your argument you imply that you know Satan better than anyone else and use this superior outlook to back your argument which has no validity. ‘He has (in his mind) better things to do than give you bad dreams or tempt you to look at porn’. Are you his mind? Also I’m pretty sure he’ll do anything to stop you having a proper relationship with God. But you’re right people do need to chill on the whole ‘Satan is working against me when they can’t find their favourite chocolate bar in the supermarket or whatever it might be…
Finally on the topic of the whole demon possessed thing. you say; ‘to accuse someone of having a demon or of being possessed by a demon is to remove a person from the sphere of God’s grace and love, and lock them in a prison of shame, fear, and darkness, which is demonic.’ There is no way we have the power to do this. And I thought the whole point of what you were saying is that being demon possessed doesn’t mean that you are locked out of under God’s grace so I mean how can saying that someone is demon-possessed lock them outside of it??
But yes, don’t go around calling people demon possessed.
I just feel you’ve over hyped what you’re saying but giving it a provocative title but your arguments are pretty weak and some don’t make any sense at all. Maybe just read what you’ve said again…
Just my opinion of course.
RememberJesusChrist says
Try not to over speculate the writers word usage but rather the over all meaning of what the writer intended and that is, “Don’t be Self-righteous.”
Livurlife27 says
I think all he’s trying to get at is that we should focus on being positive and worship our GOD.
I do believe if we worship GOD whole heartedly and learn HIS word by heart, we wouldn’t double thoughts on what is right or wrong. Just get to know your and your GOD.
RememberJesusChrist says
I thought this was a very deep and loving way to approach professing Christians and their behavior towards God’s creation.
Mukwa says
Seek the Kingdom of God and all will be added to, even the wisdom to know what is true and false will be given to you. God through the HolySpirit will direct us and we will be able to descern what He is saying in each season.
Paul Fishman says
Even though satan is known as the evil sexy righteous one who lies, many times its our own fault we sin, make mistakes and give into temptation. We have to take responsiblity for our actions without accepting condemnation so we can walk correctly and healthy with the Lord.
Scot says
“While God only loves, forgives, and accepts,…” I’m hoping you do not think that list is complete as God also disciplines and insists on obedience. I’m wondering how you process Romans 9:13/Malachi 1:1-3? “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
Melissa says
Yes, Good article. I enjoyed it.
Charlotte says
very good and very needed but you did forget one important point-FEAR! God is Love and in Love is no fear. so every time we fear; are scared or worried we bow to Satan and give him glory having succeeded to make us step out from under God’s protection and into Satans realm of fear.
I couldn’t read all the comments, maybe somebody pointed this out already, but if not here it is.
Samuel says
It is indeed wrong to call people demon-possessed, but friend, be not demonic possessions are real. I surmise most people here are probably from first-world countries and asides the knowledge of the bible that we all have, our individual experiences based on the kind of environment we live in will certainly influence our take on such a subject as this. I am an African and I live in Africa. Yes, I am born again and spirit-filled, yet I have witnessed situations and circumstances that would completely dismiss some of the points you have made here. The devil is a spirit and so is not confined to the law of space and time that governs us humans (of course, we are primarily spirits too but our human flesh subjects to the governance of the law of space and time). In essence, I am saying as the devil operates in Europe right now, he also operates in Africa. Remember, the bible lets us know that the devil is the god of this world. So, to think the devil does not have any power or is unaware about every operation that serves to advance the Kingdom of God on earth and plan to sabotage them is self-delusion. The devil has all the power in the natural realm, a Christian will only be able to truly withstand the wiles of the devil when he takes the battle to the spiritual realm because in there lies every reality written about the believer in the bible (including the fact that we are more than conquerors).
pmoss says
Resist the devil in the Name of Jesus Christ, and the devil must flee.
You cannot make the devil flee! Not the entire world together can make the devil flee!
Jesus Christ defeated satan at the cross!! It is finished, so is death!!
However, remember friend, it is Jesus’ Name that is making the devil flee, NEVER you or I alone!
Jimmy says
I agree with all points except for the demonic possession one. Jesus said “in my name you will cast out demons.” A diagnosis of demonic possession isn’t the same thing as a condemnation of that person beyond redeemability. It’s simply addressing what is a sad but actual reality that many people face for a myriad of reasons.
But overall it’s a good though provoking article, and I truly appreciate it.
Donar says
That doesn’t change the fact that slavery to a thoughtform (“God”) doesn’t help anyone. It’s a good way to have your current life’s memories erased and your energy sapped long after you’re dead. Both God and Satan are created entities.
Take control of your own higher self and forget the lies of going to Heaven or Hell. You have the choice to decide what happens. You will learn this, in this life or another.
Trust in the teachings of Enki (he requires no worshippers or slaves, only your willingness to advance your spiritual development)… or keep preaching slavery and mindless worship.
Peace.
Prince says
Yes
It is true all
What said ….
But, they this thing
Which is warfare
The says (Ephi..)
6 we are not fighting
Against flesh and blood
But, against forces ..power of
Darkness…..
A (man) who
Created by God is not my enemy
But , my enemy is the Devil Satan
Me .. Im 1 enemy of Satan ….
We must know or understand the powers of Satan… So that we may fight a good fight
Purusha says
Well to me the main thing is God is seen in Christianity as the opposite of evil and the devil. This kind of duality is unhealthy. We all know that if you focus on one thing long enough you’re going to embody it and the same goes for its opposite, because opposites are actually one thing. So yes Christians do actually worship Satan because most of them don’t realize that the opposite of God is actually the physical world and humans because we are an extension of God. that is what Jesus taught and that is completely separate from what the Christian religion has become.
antonio santiago says
I agree with most of it, except the part of engaging in satanic accusations and judging and accusing.
Because the simple truth is, if someone rapes or murders your family and children, that person needs to be judged and accused. You CAN forgive, but the person still needs to be judged and accused, unless you want such person to do that again to someone else and victimize more people.
Leah says
I think you are saying “God Can’t” unless He has help from us or the environment we create around us.
Mark Johnson says
This was an excellent, accurate (in my humble opinion) article that expresses a truth that most of us don’t see. Although I know what God does and wants from us, I did not entirely understand that our failure to live out God’s will, in fact, is living out the will of the enemy. This puts a better edge on the sword than I have heard or contemplated before. I am thankful for this post.
I would add that demon possession is rare and usually requires the possessed to have been in contact with the occult in a significant way. It can also be brought into the house “as for me and my house”, by the spiritual leader of the house and is then visited upon the family and children “through the second and third generation”.
A Christian can be “demonized” or tormented but cannot be possessed. This is an important nuance. In the case of unforgiveness, the parable speaks about being turned over to “the jailers” or “tormentors”. Demons.
One last thing is in regards to referring to “the fallen” or fallen angels which the ruler of this planet is angel “1”. I believe it was Gabriel who said “the Father rebuke you Satan”. This is in recognition that Satan is not to be slandered, nor is any other fallen angel. I know deliverance ministers who have encountered a fallen angel. After calling out literally every sin ever committed by the minister, he reminded him to “be careful how you speak to me and you better pray”. They have tremendous power and are not to be trifled with. Not all the fallen are chained up. They are referred to as “territorial spirits or demons” but the territorial spirts are not demon, they are fallen.
The Bible states that Christ said “this kind requires prayer and fasting” to get them out. That’s not just another demon.
A person’s natural inclination is to think they have “authority” over Satan, but they dont. We have authority over demons, to cast them out. But only God can judge the fallen. During corporate deliverance when 50 people get delivered at the same time, I am told this is judgment upon the fallen who oversees that territory. But that judgment occurs when that particular fallen loses their legal authority over that area or a persons bloodline. This comes a lot from practitioners. My takeaway is, much like this article, people mostly dont know what is really happening or how to really conduct themselves.
I asked God to give me his heart and he did. I learned something very simple; just show love. All times, all situations. To do this you must have your mind renewed, which God does while you read the word and pray for him to remove anger, pride and offense from you. He will do this by the way. He removes it when you admit to your sin of pride, offense, anger etc, you ask for forgiveness and then you repent. Each time you fail, you come back and you repeat the same thing and you ask “beg” the Holy Spirit to search your heart, show you what you did or said and then ask him ( he is a person) to convict you and to change your heart.
This process is ongoing but God honors it. You fail, you get better, you fail less. But you will fail for the rest of your life on occasion. God wants us to show up each day and grab his hand, and march forward with him.
The Holy Spirit will then show you what this article is telling you. That your speech, your thoughts (capture every thought) is glorifying the enemy and giving the darkness credit. The enemy has studied us for thousands of years. The enemy knows our weaknesses and one of them is to think we control or have power over Satan. We have authority over demons, not the Devil.
Pray for wisdom, knowledge and discernment each day. Pray that God will show you the power of defeating pride and offense and anger. There will NOT BE ONE single person in heaven with pride. It is not a trait of someone who knows God.
And keep in mind that the devil needs you to focus on him, what you think he is doing, how you think he is doing it, what power you think you have over him etc. Every second he can get you to do this is one less second you have to do what God is looking for each of us to do. God has one agenda and one agenda only, he wants as many people to have salvation as possible. He does not care about religion, he cares about souls ending up with him when this age ends. The enemy wants to confuse you with lies, steal everything you have, make you believe God does not love you, that you cant be a good witness and to neutralize you.
Remember, anything that you think about yourself, your walk with God, any voice you hear that is not encouraging is not from God. Think of how much you love your children, how much you want them to live with you in eternity. What you are willing to sacrifice for them, willing to die for them. Multiply that feeling you have by 1000. That is how much God loves you and wants you be with him throughout all eternity. If you want to please God, them just show love and stop thinking about the devil. When you give him space in your mind, when you devote time to him and what you think he is up to, that “relationship” can become your idol. God does not allow idols, certainly not from a being he made that was trusted and betrayed him and was cast down and defeated by the BLOOD of Jesus Christ at Cavalry.
God Bless
Mark Thomas says
Move beyond your sunday school understanding and you may actually help people
Wess says
Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent