Is It Possible?

We tackled the difficult subject of demonic activity at our last meeting, watching Jennifer Carpenter's compelling turn in THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE. Part courtroom drama, part horror film, the story stays grounded in reality with believable performances from a credible cast. All leading up to the inevitable question: What really happened to Emily?

While the film owes a great deal to its 1973 predecessor, director Scott Derrickson doesn't need foul language or gruesome effects to engage his audience. With the help of Paul Boardman, his producer/co-writer, he portrays the scary moments with both eyes open, allowing the viewer to determine if Emily is truly possessed, or merely suffering from medically explainable conditions.

We discussed how focusing on the demonic can lead down a confusing path. Some see a demon around every corner, while others rule out demonic influence in the life of a believer. And then there are those who see spiritual warfare as some kind of power struggle, ranging from deliverance ministries to outright exorcism.

Rather than go down any number of rabbit holes, we zeroed in on scripture, where the emphasis is on who we are in Christ. Here is where true freedom can be found! There are so many blessings for the believer in Jesus that we could have spent all night praising God for them. Here are just a few:

I am God's child.
JOHN 1:12

As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
JOHN 15:15

I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
COLOSSIANS 1:13-14

I am a citizen of heaven.
PHILIPPIANS 3:20

I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
EPHESIANS 3:12

I can do all things through Christ,
who strengthens me.
PHILIPPIANS 4:13

These eternal promises are true for the believer right now! None can be taken away by our adversary.

Precept after precept, the Bible builds the case that God loves us and "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 TIM 2:4). While we are not to be unaware of the devil's schemes (2 COR 2:11), our focus should be on the Lord Jesus Christ, who has already overcome the world (JOHN 16:33)!

As always, we ended our time in prayer for the cast and crew of the film, asking God to redeem their gifts to glorify himself.

If you're still curious about our ministry, please email me, find me on Facebook, Twitter, or go old school and talk to me in person at church!

See you next time at THE DECODER RING.