Thrive: Perspectives

Practical application as we consider all the issues, policy and idealogy, when it comes to making a decision on not only how to vote, but how to engage in conversation around these difficult issues.. It's complex, but we must engage.

The church must set the example of unity, respect, and love. Our witness to the gospel depends on it.

Demons represent the forces of evil that oppose God’s goodness and seek to lead people astray. They are often seen as fallen angels who rebelled against God. The Bible portrays a spectrum of demonic influence, from subtle temptations (footholds that can then become strongholds) to overt possession. Jesus' approach to demons was marked by authority and compassion. He consistently confronted and expelled them, demonstrating His power over evil and His commitment to liberating individuals from spiritual bondage. His interactions emphasized the importance of faith, prayer, and the recognition of God's ultimate authority over all forms of evil. This narrative underscores the Christian belief in the ongoing spiritual battle and the hope of deliverance through Jesus Christ. Therefore put on the full armour of God.

Welcome to this secound episode in a series, where we continue to delve into the enigmatic realm of demons and the demonic as seen in the Bible. We review the numerous accounts of Jesus confronting and casting out demons, shedding light on the spiritual battles detailed in the New Testament and also how these originated and are seen in the Old Testament. In this episode we begin to look at the spectrum of demonic activity and influence - from foothold to stronghold - from oppression to possession.

Welcome to this first episode in a series, where we will delve into the enigmatic realm of demons and the demonic as seen in the Bible. We'll explore the numerous accounts of Jesus confronting and casting out demons, shedding light on the spiritual battles detailed in the New Testament and also how these originated and are seen in the Old Testament. Join us as we seek to understand the historical and theological context of these encounters and what they reveal about the power and authority of Jesus and our faith in Him.

The desire to safeguard what one holds dear is a natural human instinct.

Christians will encounter ridicule and persecution; Jesus told us as much. While it's valid to feel offended by mockery, it's important to be cautious before claiming to represent divine offence. The Gospels do not depict Jesus as angry or offended towards sinners for their sins; instead, his offence and anger is reserved for those who failed to live up to their professed righteousness.

We see through the Gospels that the things that upset Jesus the most were:

Before we take umbrage on behalf of God, it's wise to reflect on the numerous ways we each fall short of God's optimal plan for our lives. This introspection will help us understand and align our actions more closely with the values and teachings of Jesus, the very thing we hold sacred.

The question of the purpose of life on earth in light of Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) is indeed profound and thought-provoking. From a Christian perspective, NDEs are seen as affirming several key theological concepts, such as the survival of consciousness after physical death, the existence of a supernatural realm, and the presence of a supreme being of unfathomable love. However, the purpose of life on earth remains significant.

For both Christianity and atheism, with the growing verifiable data gathered from millions of 'near death experiences' (NDE) something fundamental and non-negotiable appears to be at stake. Yet only atheism need fear NDEs. The more evidence that accumulates and the more it is corroborated, the stronger the case that human consciousness survives bodily death, permanently weakening the atheistic position.

Near-death experiences (NDEs) are profound experiences that occur to people who are on the brink of death or who have suffered a severe trauma where death is imminent. In many cases, these people are pronounced dead. These experiences often involve a variety of sensory and emotional elements, such as seeing a bright light, feeling a sense of peace and detachment from the body, moving through a tunnel, or having a life review. Some individuals report encounters with deceased loved ones or spiritual beings. Research into NDEs seeks to understand the patterns and themes of these experiences, as well as their long-lasting effects on individuals' attitudes towards life and death. How do these verifiable experiences align with what the Bible teaches and, as a Christian, how and why should we engage with this topic?

Books Referenced

Though Christian faith and doctrine often transcend our finite human comprehension, they are not irrational or void of any ‘reason’. Faith provides the foundation for belief, while reason offers a tool for understanding and articulating that belief. Faith is foundational to reason and reason can serve to confirm faith – but faith can not be gained through 'reason'. The tension between faith and reason is not a simple dichotomy but a complex interplay.