Demonology 101

Today I would like to post an excellent video called "How To Cast Out Devils,"  which is the third video of an eight-part series.  This is an in-depth teaching on deliverance, by David Middleton, pastor, from the "Doers of the Word" ministry.


Brother Middleton's Summary of This Video
We have seen why we are going to cast out demons because it is the great commission, it's going to bring the kingdom of God into manifestation, it will spoil satan's house in you, it's going to bring freedom from captivity and bruising, it's going to perfect holiness in you. It's going to bring satan's forceful fall in your life and he is going to decrease more and more in his effects in your life. It's going to break the generational curses, it's going to bring soul realm and physical realm healing and liberty and victory in your life.

You are going to understand the workings of satan of how he works in your life in inheritance lines so you see what has been going on so you can now recognize what has been happening so you do not fall for his tricks again. We can know what demons are in us by detection of what problems are in our life by taking a good look at our inheritance line using the cast out sessions to discover the spirits as they release out. Also seeking revelation from the Holy Spirit and as you are engaging in deliverance and proceeding in it you will discover more of the demons in you coming out. Sometimes if we are in casting out sessions casting out demons in one person and they might start coming out of another person next to them cause they had the same kind of spirit and you might discover what is in you when someone else is getting them cast out. So how do we cast them out. Remember it is for all those who are born again and you are right with God.

We are going to confess our sins and forgive every person we are going to remit the sins and iniquities of our forefathers and we are going to be sure we are walking right with the Lord and be willing to do what he says and be ready to engage in the warfare. We must realize we are more than a conquer and that we have authority. The greater one is in us and God want's you to use the authority he gave to you. In the kingdom you are a king in a position of authority and he wants you to start using that authority by casting out demons. As you do that you are going to be putting the authority and power of God into operation that will release God's power and authority to drive out the demons.

How do we do it? We command them to come out casting them out and we do this in the name of Jesus. When we begin the process after having confessed our sins and the forgiveness of others and the remitting of sins we are going to bind satan first and then we are going to begin to aggressively command the demons to come out as we speak to them by their function continually commanding them to come out until they release out of us. And as we continually and aggressively command them to come out you are going to see these evil spirits release out of you with a yawn, cough, sigh, burp, some release of breath in some capacity and they will try to resist coming out but you keep on casting them out until they start releasing out of you. Until they release and come out then that means they are resisting.

One thing that will help you to get these demons out quickly and that is as your are casting out the demon and they are not coming out very quickly and you might feel pain then cough out with deep breathy coughs or throwing your breath out will help to throw the spirits out and after you do that the demons will come out with coughs or yawns. The Lord showed me this when I started casting out demons 30 years ago. Demons will try to fight and the deep breathy coughs help to release the resisting spirits to come out of a person quickly and this also stops manifestations of demons. Deliverance is really a very simple process find out what is in you by all their functions and start casting out the demons and then make a list of everything and continue to cast them out. There can be quit a network of demons in you. This is a process and once they are driven out you will be free and you will have no more problems but you got to understand deliverance is a continual process to drive them out until they are all gone.

[End of summary by brother David Middleton.]

My Comments
I have watched this video and agree with what brother Middleton teaches here, except for perhaps one thing.  I think that we can also cast demons out of non-believers.  Jesus did this with the Canaanite woman's daughter (Matt 15:21-28).  Paul also cast an evil spirit of divination out of the slave girl in Philippi (Act 16:16-18).

I highly recommend this video and suggest that all believers watch it.  The vast majority of pastors and Christians today seem to believe that demons cannot enter into the lives of believers.  This comes from a gross misunderstanding of how demons work.

Demons can and do get into the lives of believers through sin.  Even the smallest sins can open a door for the enemy to get in.  Once a demon gets into your body, they will seek to afflict it in some way.  Then they can eventually try to gain access to your soul.  Once they have access to your soul, they can wield a great deal of influence over your thoughts and control your life to the degree you allow them to remain there.  All of this can happen while at the same time your spirit is born again and inhabited by the Holy Spirit.

The devil doesn't want you to know this, because once you do, he is not going to be able to work in the lives of people unhindered any longer.  He will be finished.  His works will be destroyed.  So he uses great deception to keep you from knowing the identity of the demons that are at work in the world and in your life. It's time we blow their cover and cast them out of our lives!  Jesus Christ loves you and wants you to be completely free!

Author's Note: You may also want to see my other blogs, Demonology 201 and Demonology 301.  I invite you to visit the Home page for this blog, and you can also find my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."
                            
Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Overcoming the World

You don’t have to look very far to see the injustices happening in the world today. All you have to do is read the news or look out your window. Most thinking people realize that there are plans being carried out by wickedness in high places on our economy, our environment, and many other areas.

I don’t deny these things are happening, and I realize that it can be wearisome trying to cope with these things, when you know about them and cannot do anything to stop them. In fact, some of you reading this blog right now may be in a place where evil plans are being carried out against the disciples of Jesus Christ, and you yourself may even be a target. So I’d like to encourage you with a few insights from the Word of God on overcoming the world.

Recognize it as oppression
The first thing to do is to recognize it as oppression. After all, that’s what it is! This is the easiest thing, in my opinion, because it is so obvious. But what does a disciple of Christ do under oppression? Pray! Just look at the Psalms and you will see how a child of God prays under the weight of oppression.

Asaph, the psalmist, prayed to the Lord: “Your adversaries have roared in the midst of Your meeting place; They have set up their own standards for signs. It seems as if one had lifted up his axe in a forest of trees. And now all its carved work they smash with hatchet and hammers. They have burned Your sanctuary to the ground; They have defiled the dwelling place of Your name.” (Psa 74:4-7)

He continued, “Let not the oppressed return dishonored; Let the afflicted and needy praise Your name.” (Psa 74:21)

“Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You; According to the greatness of Your power preserve those who are doomed to die.” (Psa 79:11)

There was often a sense that God had forsaken them, as when Asaph prayed, “Will the Lord reject forever? And will He never be favorable again?” (Psa 77:7) “O LORD God of hosts, How long will You be angry with the prayer of Your people? You have fed them with the bread of tears, And You have made them to drink tears in large measure. You make us an object of contention to our neighbors, And our enemies laugh among themselves.” (Psa 80:4-6)

Look at the Israelites and how they cried out to God when they were under Egyptian bondage. And look what the Lord did in response to their cry. He said to Moses, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings.” (Exo 3:7). The Lord hears our cry in the midst of oppression. So the first thing to do is recognize it for what it is and cry out to the Lord about it.

Recognize God’s judgment
God sometimes uses oppression to bring judgment. Although oppression is not always God’s judgment, there are plenty of historical cases where it has, in fact, happened. For example, God did this when he allowed the Midianites, the Babylonians, and the Romans to oppress his people, the Israelites. We can see this in the book of Exodus, when they were under Egyptian bondage for four hundred years. We can see it in the book of Judges when the Israelites endured many repeated cycles of judgment in the form of oppression.

The Midianite oppression is an excellent example. The historical record of Scripture tells us, “Then the sons of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD gave them into the hands of Midian seven years.” (Jdg 6:1). So Israel was brought very low because of Midian, and the sons of Israel cried to the LORD. Now it came about when the sons of Israel cried to the LORD on account of Midian, that the LORD sent a prophet to the sons of Israel…” (Jdg 6:6-8). Later the Lord spoke to Gideon through an angel and called him to deliver Israel from the Midianite oppression.

Just as in this example, the same cycle was repeated all throughout the period of the judges. The cycle went like this: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. They would walk in sin, as “every man did what was right in his own eyes,” and God’s people “did evil in the sight of the Lord.” Then God, in His righteous judgment, would send their enemies to oppress them. Afterward they would cry out to God in repentance, and He would send a deliverer in the form of a judge. They would be set free from oppression, only to return once again later right back to their lifestyle of sin.

So as we see the oppression in the world today, we need to understand that this is sometimes a form of God’s judgment. We should cry out to Him in repentance. We should ask Him to deliver us from evil, as Jesus taught us to pray. (Mat 6:13).

But I want to be very clear that when disciples of Christ are persecuted, this is not usually God's judgment upon them. In fact, quite the contrary! If we are living a righteous life for Jesus Christ, then it is an honor to suffer disgrace for his name and for the sake of the gospel. Jesus said, "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Mat 5:11-12). As the apostle Paul wrote: "Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2Ti 3:12). So this should be the normal experience for a believer.

Recognize our unseen opponent
The apostle Paul lived during the age of Roman oppression. Yet he did not focus on the evils being perpetrated by the Romans. None of his letters spoke about what the disciples of Christ needed to do in the natural to overcome the Roman oppression. On the contrary, he taught that our real enemy is not the one we can see. As he wrote to the Ephesians, “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.” (Eph 6:12)

Martin Luther, who faced persecution in the sixteenth century, also saw things the same way. He saw a flood of mortal ills prevailing in the world, and our ancient foe seeking to work us woe. He saw the world filled with devils that threaten to undo us. As he wrote in his lyrics to his famous hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”:

A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo, his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

So it’s important to understand that our real enemy is not the people perpetrating the oppression or persecution. Our real enemy is the devil and his hordes of hell. And when Jesus disarmed the rulers and authorities, he made a public display of them and triumphed over them by the cross (Col 2:15). He is a Mighty Fortress, a bulwark never failing.

Set your mind on things above
The Word always teaches us to keep our focus on Him, not the enemy. Paul wrote to the Colossians, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” (Col 3:1-4). We should encourage each other to do this, and remind each other, as Paul did, of the future glory that awaits the faithful. This was Paul’s message to the Corinthians when he wrote, “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2Co 4:17-18). He taught them not to look at the things which are seen, but the things which are unseen, because those are the things that last forever. No matter how bad the oppression or affliction may seem here on earth, it’s only temporary.

Again, our focus should always be on Christ, as we keep Him central. The writer of Hebrews wrote, “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Heb 12:2-3). When your eyes are focused on something or someone, you are not distracted by anything else going on around you. If we’re focused on Jesus, we won’t be majoring in all the oppression going on in the world.

Instead, we should consider how He endured such terrible opposition against Himself from sinners. He endured it without growing weary or losing heart. In fact, throughout His entire earthly ministry, this is the way He walked. He never focused on the evil Romans, who were oppressing the Jews. Even though one of His own disciples was a zealot, focused on changing the political situation and overthrowing the Romans, Jesus did not approach life that way. He taught people to seek the kingdom of God, to enter the kingdom of God, to see the kingdom of God, and to grow in it, rather than focus on the oppressive kingdoms of this world.

And when He spoke to the authorities on earth, He did not try to bring them down or fight them in the natural with words or actions. In fact, when King Herod interrogated Jesus, the Lord didn’t say a word in response to his questions (Luke 23:9). Neither did He respond to the Roman Governor, Pilate, when asked about the many charges brought against Him by the Jews (Mt 24:14). Nor did he answer the chief priests and elders of the Jews while they were accusing him (Mt 27:12). When Jesus did speak to the authorities, He told them about His authority. He affirmed that He is the King of the Jews (Mt 27:11). And when Pilate tried to intimidate Jesus with his authority, Jesus told him that he would have no authority over Him unless it had been given to Pilate from above. So God does give authority to the rulers of the earth and there are times when He allows them to oppress His own children, just as they did to His Son Jesus. What a perfect example Jesus was for us when He was treated with hostility!

Pray for your enemies
Perhaps one of the greatest hallmarks of faith among those who have been persecuted for Christ is that they prayed for their enemies. We find this in many accounts of people persecuted for Christ in Eastern Europe and Russia, during the period of communist domination, in that they prayed for their cruel captors. This is how our Lord taught us to live: "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Mat 5:44-45).

This is how our King instructed us to cope with our oppressors – with love and prayer for them. So instead of complaining about the world leaders who are oppressing us, we should love them and pray for them.

Have endurance and patience
The Lord showed the apostle John what it would be liked in the last days under the oppression of the final world ruler, the anti-Christ. This is found in the thirteenth chapter of Revelation. It is difficult to read about this coming period when the world will be under the cruel domination of this ruthless dictator. Scripture tell us that “It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him.” (Rev 13:7) Not only will he be given worldwide authority to rule, but also he will use that authority to make war with the saints and overcome them! And remember that, just as Jesus said to Pilate, he would not have this authority unless it was given to him from above.

And the part that is so difficult to comprehend is how all those who live upon the earth will worship him, except those whose names have been written in the book of life. “All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.” (Rev 13:8)

During this period, some of the saints will be killed and others will be imprisoned. Scripture says, “If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.” (Rev 13:10). This means that some saints are destined for these things; therefore it will require that they have patience and endurance. Faithfulness will be necessary and they will need to trust in the Lord with all their hearts. Their very faith will be tried, but they should take heart, knowing that God is in control and the end will still come at the appointed time.

Take courage
Finally, Jesus warned us we would have trouble in this world. He said, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (Joh 16:33)

The Lord wants us to have peace in Him, even in the midst of the troubles we encounter. Because we know that He has overcome the world, we can be courageous and rest in Him. There’s no need to fret. This is the only way to experience the peace He intended for us. It’s a peace that’s found “in Him” – through our relationship with Him.

Overcomers Song

Fifteen years after writing this article, I composed a song called Overcomers, which you can listen to on Youtube at this link.

Putting it All Together
Living in this world, if we have our eyes open, we cannot help but see oppression and injustice, including at the very highest levels. Some oppression and injustice occurs in the economic sector, some in the political sector, some in the healthcare sector, some in the military, and still others in the environmental and religious sectors. There’s no sense in denying that it exists.

But to live an overcoming life, we should first recognize it as oppression, just as we find throughout the records of history. Oppression is nothing new to mankind. And just as God’s people did in days of old, we should cry out to God in prayer about it.

We should also learn to recognize God’s judgment when we see it. Sometimes God allows oppression to come as a form of judgment. In that case, we should take responsibility for our own sin and repent, asking God to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. When we do so, we can be sure He will be merciful and forgive, and then we should dedicate our lives to Him to live only for Him.

Let's remember that persecution against disciples of Christ is an honor and a blessing, because a great reward in heaven awaits those who suffer for His sake and for the sake of the gospel.

As disciples of Christ, we should recognize our unseen opponent in the world, seeking to work us woe and threatening to undo us. Remember that he is doomed, because Jesus Christ has triumphed over him by the cross, and the devil already stands condemned. Focus on Jesus Christ in the midst of it, not on the oppression itself. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. Look at the things that are unseen, not on the things that are seen, since the things you can see are only temporary and the unseen things are eternal. Keep Christ central in your life. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

Love your enemies and pray for those who despitefuly use you and persecute you. This will have the affect of changing the world from the inside out, one heart at a time.

Be strong and courageous, and walk in the peace that comes from knowing Jesus.

Finally, have endurance and patience to stand in the midst of it with the help of our Mighty Fortress, Jesus Christ. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. The end will come at the appointed time. He will come soon and bring about justice. Then the righteous will shine like the stars in glory with Him. It will all be worth the wait!

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, you may also like the other posts in this blog available through the Home page for this blog, and you can also find my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Piercing the Darkness

There are so many things vying for people’s affection in today’s world. For example, there are television programs like American idol, videos, movies, clothing fashions, social networking sites like Facebook, chat rooms, discussion forums, video games, ipods, iphones, You Tube, cars, careers, houses, political power, sports, casinos and other forms of gambling, wealth, fame, popular music that does not glorify God, body building, health fanaticism, night clubs, travel, site seeing, and computers. If these do not win your affection, then there are other things to tempt you like pornography, sensuality, orgies, drugs, and alcohol. These all belong to this present world system. They may have a certain glitter, but not all that glitters is gold. It’s not as it seems to the naked eye, so if we want to understand the true nature of this world, we need to go to the Word of God. Let’s take a look and see what it says.

The Whole World Lies in the Power of the Evil One
The apostle John wrote: “We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” (1Jo 5:19). So we know the whole world lies under the power of the devil.

Satan is the Ruler of this World
Jesus said, "I will not speak much more with you, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.” (Joh 14:30)

The apostle Paul taught that satan is the god of this world: “in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2Co 4:4)

The Devil Deceives the Whole World
In the Revelation, John wrote: “And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” (Rev 12:9). So we know the devil deceives the world.

Jesus Sends His Disciples into the World
Jesus prayed to the Father in heaven for His disciples: "As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” (Joh 17:18)

Those Who Follow Jesus are Not of the world
Jesus prayed to the Father for His disciples: "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” (Joh 17:14-17).

The Disciples of Christ Struggle Against the World Forces
The apostle Paul taught that we are not struggling against mere flesh and blood. Our struggle is against the realm of darkness that rules this world. “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.” (Eph 6:12). Frank Peretti illustrates this very well in his novel called This Present Darkness and its sequel called Piercing the Darkness.

Disciples of Christ Must Not Love the World
The apostle John taught us not to love the world or the things of the world. He wrote: “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1Jo 2:15). If we love these things, then the Father’s love is not in us.

The World is Full of Lust and Pride
John taught that the world is full of lust in pride, which do not come from the Father. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” (1Jo 2:16)

The World is Passing Away
John taught that the world is passing away. He wrote: “The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” (1Jo 2:17).

The World Does Not Know God’s Children
John wrote: “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.” (1Jo 3:1). We learn from him that the world does not know God’s children.

The World Hates God's Children
John also taught that the world hates us, and it shouldn’t surprise is. “Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you.” (1Jo 3:13)

The Spirit of Antichrist is in the World
John taught that the spirit of antichrist is already in the world. “And every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.” (1Jo 4:3).

John also wrote: “For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.” (2Jo 1:7). One of the characteristics of this antichrist spirit is that it does not confess Jesus Christ.

Conversely, “every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.” (1Jo 4:2). We know that a spirit is from God if it confesses that Jesus Christ came in bodily form, in the flesh.

The Spirit of God in the Disciples of Christ is Greater
The fact is that even though the spirit of antichrist is in the world, it should not frighten God’s people. If you are from God, then Jesus Christ lives in you by the Holy Spirit. And He is greater than anyone in this world. John wrote: “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1Jo 4:4)

Disciples of Christ Overcome the World
As disciples of Christ, we overcome the world through our faith in Jesus. John wrote: “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1Jo 5:4-5). If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, you overcome the world.

Gaining the Whole World and Losing Your Soul
Jesus said: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mat 16:26). It’s not much good if you gain the whole world and lose your own soul. It results in a total net loss, not a gain.

The Kingdom of the World will Become the Kingdom of our God
In the end, we know that the kingdom of this world will become the kingdom of our God. And He shall reign forever and ever. “Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.’” (Rev 11:15)

The Gospel Shall Be Preached in the Whole World
Jesus said: "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Mat 24:14). “And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mar 16:15)

So if you are a disciple of Christ, you ought to be proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to others in any way you can and helping others who are doing so also.

Disciples of Christ are the Light of the World
Jesus said to His disciples: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Mat 5:14-16)

God's Children Separate from the World
The apostle Paul spoke to the church in Corinth, which was a worldly church. Here is what he wrote to them:

“Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.’ Therefore, ‘come out from their midst and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,’ says the Lord Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2Co 6:14- 7:1)

So the same message Paul wrote to the Corinthian church 2,000 years ago is still valid today. God's people should be piercing the darkness, not having fellowship with it! God desires to dwell in His people and walk among us. But He requires that you come out from their midst and be separate. He requires that you touch nothing unclean. If you will do this, He will be a Father to you. This is His promise. So we should cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates the body and spirit. In a healthy and proper fear of God, we should seek perfect holiness in our lives.

Technology, Entertainment, & Worldly Pursuits
At the opening of this blog, I mentioned numerous things of the world like technology, entertainment, and worldly pursuits. I'll just say a word about that. That which may be permissible for you may not necessarily be beneficial to you. If you use the things of this world, be careful that you don't become engrossed by them. Those who buy something should live as though they did not possess; and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away. (1Co 7:30-31)

Don't become a slave to the things of this world through addiction. Whatever you are overcome by, you actually become enslaved by it. (2Pe 2:19)

As for immorality or any impurity or greed, we should not even have to say anything. These things must not even be named among God's people. No immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead expose them. Be careful how you live your life, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.

The words of the apostle Paul to the Ephesian church are still appropriate today:

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you." Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father." (Eph 5:1-20)

Putting it All Together
This world is full of pride and lust. There are many things to entice and seduce people. These are all part of the devil’s work. He’s a sinner and the ruler of the world right now. It all lies under his power. So the world is a very dark place under his leadership. He has deceived the whole world for thousands of years and used his deception to oppress people.

But disciples of Christ must not be fooled by his deception. Don’t love the world or anything in the world. It’s all passing away and does not come from the Father. If you love those things, the love of the Father is not in you. Even if you gain all those things, even the whole world, what would you profit from it if you lose your soul? It would profit you nothing, because you can’t take any of it with you when you die.

Don't become a slave to the things of this world through any kind of addiction. Those who use the world should do so as though they did not make full use of it, because the form of this world is passing away.

Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead expose them. Be careful how you live your life. Through Christ within you, you need to overcome the world. He’s greater than the one who is in the world. You overcome through your faith in Jesus.

And just as the world did not recognize Christ but hated Him, they don’t recognize His disciples either, but hate us, too. That shouldn’t surprise us. It shouldn’t stop us from doing what we’re here for either. We should not seek to please men but God.

Jesus has sent His disciples into the world to be a light for God’s glory. If you are a disciple of Christ, you are Light in the Lord; live as children of Light.

He has commanded us to proclaim the good news in all the world until He returns. One day soon, He will return and the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our God.

Let me encourage you to separate yourself from every unclean thing today, while there is still time.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, you may also like the other posts in this blog available through the Home page for this blog, and you can also find my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

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Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.