While I can't admit to 'seeing things' (and I hope I never do), I am in constant argument with myself, and for some time now, as to why at one point in life I was ravishing in the 'solidness' of my belief in God/Christ and scripture, only now to find myself doubting EVERYTHING. I don't want to get centered on me, (not the reason for the post) but the doubting is undeniably strong and gets stronger every single day and I wonder where this could be coming from. I've known nothing like it. It's relentless, tiring, and (whoever/whatever it is)...is devouring every strand of 'belief' and I wonder 'where is my God who does not abandon..??, (or at least I always believed he wouldn't.)
So back to my post, is it possible that 'evil spirit's are indeed 'roaming the earth' looking for any weakness to devour, and if they "do not have free will any more that we do"---Rick...then why would this creator need to 'send forth' in such a manner? If that is 'truth' then the conquering is a silly point as 'we all' have no ability to fight those battles. We are not, and will not be 'warriors' in an un-seen battle where we have not the armor to defend ourselves in the fight. If there are 'evil spirit's that wage these battles (in the human mind) they know we are armor-less. They must laugh at our attempts to fight by 're-call' of scripture verses. Where is the truth?...where is our 'defense' mechanism and how do we, as mere 'weak' humans, trigger our defense to gain a foot-hold in what seems a losing battle in the front?
Hi gk, I believe that it is very important, even critical to our faith, to have some way to feel secure in truth, for me it is the Scripture. I totally believe that God inspired the Apostles in their writings and what is now our NT. Now I also recognize that translations have corrupted that to a degree, so God sent Ray Smith and now I have confidence in studying, that I can overcome the error and see the absolute truth that were in the original writings.
So I rely heavily on God's Word to teach me and I firmly believe God uses it to reveal everything that He desires for us to know concerning His truth and that in turn gives us confidence and assurance. Yes there are unseen forces/powers that we war against in this world...
Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
But God has given us a sure defense that will not fail us.
Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
v. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
v. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
v. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
v. 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
v. 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
v. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
v. 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
All of this is revealed in God Word (the 'Bread' of life) if we study and believe what it says. Of course praying is our way of showing we seek contact with God, by taking that time and making the effect to talk to Him... He wants us to show we desire Him!
John 7:37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.
v. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."
John 4:13 Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again,
v. 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life."
John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.
mercy, peace and love
Kat