Thank you for your post Porter. I understand that the scripture of Matt 12:22-29
is where the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by beelzeebub.
vs.28… But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God , then the Kingdom of God is
come unto you( Pharisees).
Hi Pamela, it's possible you are correct; however, I have to ask, did Jesus cast out the demons that possessed the Pharisees, or did Jesus cast out the demon that possessed the dumb and blind man that was brought to Jesus to be healed? Follow-up question: How do we determine to whom did the Kingdom of God came unto in this verse? Did the Kingdom even come unto any of them at that time? I'm not trying to be smart with you, but I am seeking confirmation or even a rebuttal of the things I've been thinking a lot about.
Part of my reasoning for making this thread was with the hope that if Christ is casting out our demons, then His Kingdom has come to us. And, of course, to encourage anyone within earshot with the good news.
I'm aware of the other translations (and other verses) that indicate that when the Kingdom does come unto the Pharisees and the
many called, they will be caught unaware by it. Below is the same verse from the Rotherham bible, while remembering the words of Jesus, "My words are spirit".
Mat 12:28 But, if, in God’s Spirit, I, am casting out the demons, then doubtless hath come upon you unawares, the kingdom of God! (Rotherham)
If you mean that when the Kingdom does come to the Pharisees and the
many called, it will be suddenly when they least expect it, then I agree. But as you know, when it comes to the few chosen, they will know because they were alert and watching.
Either way, "the beast within" must be removed, regardless of whom it possesses. The beast must also be bound because he is after all a
wild beast; whether bound now in this age for
the few or in the ages to come in the lake of fire for
the many called.
Which leads me to another question I've been pondering. Regarding Ray's paper "Two Judgments By Fire", Does Jesus deal with "the beast within" in the same manner or differently for either
the many called and
the few chosen?
It's very possible that I'm completely misunderstanding you and that you actually agree with me, or perhaps you mean something else entirely. It's also possible that I've completely misunderstood the parable in question. Either way, I do appreciate the opportunity to engage in fellowship.
Regardless of whatever the case may be, I think we can mutually agree that the Pharisees and the many called haven't a clue as to what Jesus was talking about. You know, the first time I read Ray's explanation where he said demons are "false doctrines", I still didn't understand or believe it for a number of years. No doubt, it wasn't time for that particular demon to be cast out of me, when I still believed demons were those ugly beings from "hell" that Bill Weiss described them as being. But now, I think I get it.
Speaking of Arc, I miss the fellowship with her. We exchanged numerous pm's, and she helped me a lot when I first arrived here. Boy was I a mess back then, lol. If anyone were going to endure all the way to the end, it would be her. I hope she sees this and that she is doing well.
Please do let me know what you think, Pamela.
Peace.