all-creatures.org
ARCHIVE OF
COMMENTS AND DISCUSSIONS
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Our subjects cover: religion (Christian, Jewish and others); diet and lifestyle (vegan and vegetarian); and other miscellaneous subjects.
The Power of Hell
This discussion began with the
publishing of the sermon:
KEEPING
THE POWERS OF HELL AWAY
Comments by Stephen Kaufman - 9 Feb 2003
The reading in church this morning included Mark 1:34:
"And he healed many who were sick with various disease, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him."
To my reading and understanding, Jesus did not permit the demons to speak because he knew that they knew his weaknesses. He did not want to be tempted by the demons, and the human side of Jesus could succumb to temptation, particularly after the exhausting work of exorcism.
We are told that he prayed "lead us not into temptation" because he understood that all people, including himself, are susceptible. And, it was only after 40 days of fasting and prayer in the desert that he felt ready to resist the three great temptations.
As I see it, the Holy Spirit helps us keep our mind's eye focused on God, but does not immunize us from demonic temptation. That we are all tempted, and often find ourselves weak in the fact of temptation, is a common bond between those who abstain from animal flesh and those who do not.
Steve
Return to The Power of Hell
| Home Page | Archive | Discussion Table of Contents |
Watercolor painting by Mary T. Hoffman - God's Creation in Art
(d-5)
| Home Page | Animal Issues | Archive | Art and Photos | Articles | Bible | Books | Church and Religion | Discussions | Health | Humor | Letters | Links | Poetry and Stories | Quotations | Recipes | What's New? |
Thank you for visiting all-creatures.org.
Since