Filter by Categories
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Two Demon-Possessed Men Healed (Part Three)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn the accounts of Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, and Luke 8:26-39, Jesus Christ commands unclean spirits to come out of two men, demonstrating His authority over demons. Though the demons resist and object, unwilling to leave their victims, Christ exercises control with wise, gentle, and cautious concern. He could have forced an immediate departure, but the men might not have endured such an abrupt exorcism. In a separate incident detailed in Mark 9:26-27, a single demon's exit causes great convulsions in a man, leaving him as if dead until Jesus lifts him up, restoring him. Addressing the two men as if possessed by one spirit, Jesus learns from the demon's response that his name is Legion, indicating a multitude of demons under one will, numbering about two thousand as they later enter a herd of swine. The horrific plight of the men under such possession is evident. Regarding the demons' request to enter the swine, Jesus does not send them into the animals or drive the pigs into the sea; He merely commands them out of the men, and the demons act by divine consent. The destruction of the swine may reflect a form of judgment on the owners for raising unclean animals. Significant changes occur in the men post-exorcism. First, they adopt a new posture of sitting and resting, contrasting their previous relentless wandering. Second, their attitude shifts from rejection to a desire to follow Christ, though He directs them to witness to others instead. Third, they transition from wearing no clothes to being clothed, indicating a return to modesty and spiritual cleanness. Fourth, they regain their sanity, their minds cleared of chaos and made orderly after the demons' departure. Fifth, the term "right mind" reflects restored self-control, a stark difference from the uncontrollable nature of their possession. Jesus instructs the healed man to share his deliverance with those closest to him, emphasizing the importance of personal witness to God's grace.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Two Demon-Possessed Men Healed (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsDuring His brief stay in Gadara, Jesus encountered two demon-possessed men, though accounts vary with some focusing on one prominent individual among them. The reality of the devil and his demons is evident in the gospels, where Jesus acknowledged their existence and their evil influence over human beings with serious intensity and authority. He openly declared the manifestations of evil in people's minds and bodies as originating from satan, the source of evil. Demonic powers are exercised in three ways: directly by the devil himself, through demons under his command, and via human beings whom he influences or possesses. Those who reject God's authority become subject to satan's supernatural power, allowing their personality and will to be overtaken by these deceiving, lawless spirits. In demon possession, a spiritual parasite intrudes upon the human body and mind, causing conflict and disharmony. Possession often requires a willing subject, as seen when satan entered Judas after the man opened a pathway through betrayal. Loss of self-control, immorality, sensual desires, hatred, and greed can set a person up for possession or strong demonic influence. There is a distinction between demon influence and possession. Most people experience some level of demonic influence through satan's broadcast of evil attitudes, enticing them to sin. This influence starts with subtle suggestions and can progress to full possession, rendering a person captive to the devil and sinking into degradation. Evil spirits can possess both minds and bodies, sometimes at the invitation of individuals who become familiar with these spirits. Once possession occurs, sensuality and violence become evident, and physical, mental, and spiritual disorders increase, often leading to insanity. Not all mental disorders result from demonic possession, though conditions like insanity, epilepsy, blindness, fevers, and various mental illnesses can be symptoms or aggravated by these dark powers. In the case of the Gadarene demoniac, his condition involved insanity compounded by an extreme demonic element, distinct from mere madness. Demon possession remains a reality in many parts of the world, with the devil regulating the present way of life and working in those who yield to his authority, enslaving them to his evil power.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Two-Demon Possessed Men Healed (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn the accounts of Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, and Luke 8:26-39, the gospels detail a significant miracle involving demon possession, where Christ delivered two men from the severe affliction caused by demons. This event is portrayed as an actual demonic possession, distinct from mere influence, with vivid descriptions of the men's tormented state, particularly in Mark and Luke, while Matthew mentions a second, less prominent individual. With a simple command, Christ freed these men from the terrible uncleanness associated with demons, demonstrating the profound power inherent in the Word of God. The uncleanness of both the men and the demons is tied to the concept of defilement, representing sin and spiritual impurity that separates humanity from God. In the gospels, those possessed by demonic spirits are described as unclean due to their constant submission to evil, a condition that contrasts with the call to holiness and righteousness for believers. The role of God's Word in this exorcism is central, showcasing its transformative power. With just a few words, Jesus commanded the demons to leave, as seen in Matthew 8:32, Mark 5:8, 13, and another instance in Luke 4:35-36, where His authority astonished onlookers. While human efforts to control such evil with physical restraints failed, Christ addressed the root of the problem internally through the unchained power of God's Word, offering a true solution to the sin and uncleanness within. This power not only liberated the possessed men but also underscores the effectiveness of divine authority over any spiritual affliction.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Exorcism in the Synagogue
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ was frequently asked to cast demons out of people. The exorcism He performed in the synagogue in Capernaum reveals both authority and mercy.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Exorcising a Young Boy (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus cast a demon out of a young boy who would have seizures and fall into fire or water. The disciples could not cast the demon out themselves — here's why.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Exorcising a Young Boy (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus faced a tragic situation in the demon possession of a young boy, an affliction with intensity, defilement, and deadliness.
Don't Let Your House Stand Empty
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)We need to guard our minds to that demonic spirits do not wrest our spiritual sword away from us, quoting scriptures to support doctrines of demons.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Exorcising a Syro-Phoenecian (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsChrist's exorcism of the daughter of a woman from Tyre was more than just another miracle. It also brings out the surprising depth of the woman's faith.

God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part Two): Tares, Mustard Seed, and Leaven
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeIn the Parables of the Wheat and the Tares, the Mustard Seed, and the Leaven, Jesus was speaking to the physical nation, which the parables clearly reflect.
Anticipating the Enemy
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe become vulnerable to Satan when we allow pride to consume us, cozy up to false doctrine, toy with the paranormal, or let down in prayer and Bible study
Islam: Dark Beginnings
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeRelatively few in the Western world know the origin of Islam and the Koran, and fewer still understand the implications. What is the source of this spring?
Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part Three): A Faithful Witness to God's Mercy
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod protected Enoch from death so he could teach Noah, providing the godly instruction that Methuselah and Lamech (Noah's grandfather and father) failed to give.
Acts (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul, by circumcising Timothy, demonstrates a reluctance to flaunt his religious liberty, preferring instead to exercise cautious conservative expediency.
Jesus on the Holy Spirit
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus taught about the Holy Spirit's function to carry out God's work, including inspiring one to speak the words of God and to resist the power of Satan.