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He was known as “the Pope’s exorcist.” Father Gabriele Amorth performed exorcisms for the Rome Diocese of the Catholic church. In fact, as he told me personally when I met him and toured his facility, several popes sent their toughest cases of demonic possession to him. Fr. Amorth was a blunt man who condemned Harry Potter, called yoga a work of Satan, and declared, “I’m not afraid of the devil. The devil is afraid of me.” He died a few weeks ago on September 16 at 91 years of age.

He was gracious with his time when I met with him, signing my collector’s edition of an actual 1733 hand-calligraphy edition of “The Rituale Romanum,” the Catholic ritual of exorcism (Our International School of Exorcism has two courses devoted to understanding this ritual and the history of exorcism in the Catholic church. To enroll CLICK HERE.) He showed Laura and me his private chamber where prayers for deliverance from demons were offered. With no one but a few nuns to help him, he showed me the gurney and nylon straps he used to tie down violent cases. After a lengthy conversation he offered to bless both of us, a deeply moving moment. When he finished he gave us a smile and said, “You have no demons, only angels.”

As a Protestant, I do exorcisms a little differently. Understandably, we diverged on some theological issues. But my conversation with Fr. Amorth left no doubt that we both serve the same Lord and fight the same devil. One has to admire and respect what this dear man of God did so faithfully for so long, even when he faced considerable opposition in his own Church. I am saddened to see him depart, but his war with demons is now over. He leaves that mission to those of us who are called to continue where he left off. May we diligently carry on the work of our Savior who declared in the Great Commission (Mark 16:15-18), “In my name you will cast out demons.”

An encouraging word: THE GOSPEL IS EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE

The Great Commission of Christ in Mark 16 contains a remarkable footnote in verse 20: “And they went out and preached everywhere.” EVERYWHERE! That’s true Christianity. Sadly, today the spreading of the gospel has often been left to well-marketed megachurches or slickly-produced Christian TV shows. But in the beginning of the church it was everyone, everywhere who told people about Jesus. You, my friend are “everyone” if you claim Christ as your Savior. And “everywhere” is your leisure, your labor, and everything in between. Today, wherever you are, tell someone about Jesus.

Bob Larson has trained healing and deliverance teams all over the world to set the captives free and Do What Jesus Did® (Luke 4:18).  You can partner with Bob and support this vision to demonstrate God’s power in action by calling 303-980-1511 or clicking here to donate online.

I was in Detroit a week ago. What a great night, with so many spiritual victories. Yet, in Detroit, as in any city in America, there lurks the potential for evil that can only be called “unspeakable.” That certainly was the case in suburban Dearborn Heights. Just four short days after I departed the city, a man called 911 with a blunt message: “I just killed my family.”

When police arrived at the crime scene they found that the suspect had asphyxiated his two youngest children in a car. He also shot and killed his two stepchildren and slashed and shot his wife. As officers approached the house, the man stood calmly on the porch and said his family inside was dead. The youngest to die were ages four and six, the killer’s biological children. At this point, all that authorities will say is that there was some sort of marital discord. The wife had filed for divorce in August.

Demonic? Of course. Would the worst person in the world, without Satan’s assistance, do anything so unspeakable? Interestingly, I found this story buried on page 6 of a national newspaper. Evil seems so rampant in our world today, that a crime of this measure didn’t even qualify for front-page coverage. Second Timothy 3:13  warns us that “evil men will grow worse and worse.” If that was true in Paul’s day, it is also true today by an exponential increase. I have to wonder if that man, even his whole family, had been to my seminar just days before, they’d likely all be still alive. With the Lord’s help, I could have discerned that man’s demons and ministered to him. If someone had made it possible for this troubled family to have a One-On-One Spiritual Encounter, those precious children would be alive. Unspeakable evil isn’t going away. Not with the way our world is headed. If you know someone in crisis, a marriage on the rocks, children being abused, get them to one of our seminars. Schedule an Encounter for them. Arrange for me to talk with them by Skype. Or at least get them to a local pastor or counselor before unspeakable evil becomes an unimaginable tragedy.

An encouraging word: AVOID AN EVIL HEART

“Beware,” Hebrews 3:12 warns, “lest there be in any of you an evil heart.” The biblical writer issues a very sobering statement, and he’s writing to Christians. Is it possible to know the Lord, and yet have an evil heart? This reminds me of those who oppose the suggestion that a Christian can’t have a demon. Even if one holds to that position, the truth of Hebrews 3:12 must be faced. We each need to examine ourselves daily lest the Enemy do something which inclines our hearts toward evil. The key to avoiding that is explained in the next verse which cautions to beware the “deceitfulness of sin.” Seek the Lord today, and ask him to help you avoid any act of spiritual disobedience which would lead to an “evil heart.”

Bob Larson has trained healing and deliverance teams all over the world to set the captives free and Do What Jesus Did® (Luke 4:18).  You can partner with Bob and support this vision to demonstrate God’s power in action by calling 303-980-1511 or clicking here to donate online.

It’s the new buzz-word of spiritually minded millennials – MINDFULNESS. It can mean most anything to anyone. The concept was borrowed from yoga, TM, and, of course, Buddhism. Some psychologist have gotten into the act, thinking it’s a drug-free way to reduce stress and become more focused. Spiritually, it’s supposed to be the ultimate path to avoiding suffering and gaining intuitive insight. It also may induce altered states of consciousness. Proponents tout its ability to get us “into the moment,” unconditionally accepting what “is.” There’s no effort to change the way things are, just be “wakeful,” “mindful” and be present with the self. The result is, whether twisted into a yoga position or seated in a Zen posture, transcendence to a place of implicit knowledge and wisdom, of “being alive” to universal consciousness.

If all that sounds to you like New Age psycho-babble, you’re right. It is ultimately based on the lie of Buddhism, that the source of suffering is desire and therefore one needs to escape desire through direct experience of the inner-divine. So much is wrong with this assumption, I hardly know where to start. (For a detailed explanation of the dangers of Eastern Meditation read LARSON’S BOOK OF WORLD RELIGIONS, the section on “meditation.” To order CLICK HERE.) Mindfulness is based on explicit anti-biblical premises. First, to the mindful meditator there is no such thing as objective, immoral conduct known as sin; second there is no devil; third, there is no transcendent moral code; no Decalogue. Even the respected journal “Psychology Today” recommends meditating before an alter with “sacred objects” of one’s own religious tradition. If that’s not idolatry, what is?

Mindfulness usually involves breathing techniques, akin to cultivating chi in Taoism or prana in Hinduism. Stilling one’s thoughts is also crucial, shutting down the mind, and thus the cognitive will. It is in this state of acute awareness of the “now” that Christian precepts are discarded in favor of the energy of the present. In contrast, God has given us our minds and intellects that we might rationally know that He is God. In contrast to the emptiness of mindfulness, Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” That requires concentrative, directive thought, not a mind adrift in the senses of the moment. As Psalm 25:4 says, “Show me Your ways, O Lord, Teach me Your paths.” Don’t discard the intelligent pursuit of truth and exchange it for the awareness of inner self. That self may be demonized by generational curses, or possessed by spirits that entered through personal iniquities. Don’t mindfully feed your inner demons. Expel them in the name of Jesus!

An encouraging word: DON’T SIT WITH WICKED PEOPLE

Want some good advice? Try the words of the Psalmist, 26:5: “I will not sit with the wicked.” In modern parlance, we’d say, “I’m not going to hang out with wicked people.” Following this rule is the way to place yourself in a position to be used of God. It also prepares you for blessings. And it helps you avoid a whole lot of problems. Of course this verse doesn’t mean to literally “sit,” although it could include that. It means to avoid evil people. Don’t go near them. When we sit with someone, we signal that we are relaxed and taking them into our circle. When it comes to the wicked, better to run than to sit, and thereby set yourself apart from all that God wants to do for you.

Bob Larson has trained healing and deliverance teams all over the world to set the captives free and Do What Jesus Did® (Luke 4:18).  You can partner with Bob and support this vision to demonstrate God’s power in action by calling 303-980-1511 or clicking here to donate online.

My wife recently emailed me a unique advertisement she came across on the web. The headline was grabbing, “Cures for a Broken Heart.” Well, whose heart hasn’t been broken, at least once? And who wouldn’t be open to a solution that cured the emotional pain? The byline implored, “A holistic guide to ease the heartbreak and get you back on the path to love.” It sounded good, but that word “holistic” bothered me. Nothing per se wrong with something being “holistic,” as in being comprehensive and interconnected, like medicine treating the whole person, physically and psychologically. But it’s usually a New Age buzz-word, and a little more investigation of this “cure” confirmed my worst suspicions.

For the lovelorn and pining, the web site offered a variety of solutions to recover and get back on the love boat of life. Naturally, yoga was on the menu to achieve one’s “core purpose” of “well-being, consciousness, and spirituality.” If that didn’t do the job there were reiki sessions, to soothe the wounded soul with the “energy life force that flows within and around all of us.” Still not over that jerk who dumped you? Well, try “astrology immersion,” to “learn your astrological signature and how it influences your life,” held in the Zodiac Lounge. If you still aren’t over that formerly-special someone, you can “dive deeper” into “celestial alignment” or the “mystic tarot” workshop. Oh, did I forget to mention there is also “shamanistic cleansing” and “past life regression therapy?” (My book LARSON’S BOOK OF WORLD RELIGIONS has teaching on every one of these demonic dangers. To order CLICK HERE. Don’t be fooled by Reiki energy work or so-called “Holy Yoga.”)

This potpourri of occult evil is cleverly packaged, without the warning that any one of these pastimes, intended to heal the broken heart, comes with guaranteed demonic possession as an add-on. In Luke 4:18 the Lord declared that He came to heal the brokenhearted. Don’t be fooled by the devil’s offer to soothe the pain of your wounded feelings at the eternal price of your soul in bondage to Satan.

An encouraging word: DON’T BE BEWITCHED

“O foolish Galatians. Who has bewitched you,” the apostle Paul implored (Galatians 3:1). Today, it’s not only the Galatians who have been bewitched, but far too many Americans. Popular culture has been bewitched by abortionist who defend their “right to choose,” never mind that the unborn baby has no rights at all; by proponents of “equality,” who keep pushing the moral barriers to places unheard of even in Caligula’s Rome; by New Agers who resurrect ancient witchcraft remarketed under the guise of harmony with the universe to soothe the soul. Look around at your own life and see if there are ways you’ve been bewitched from following biblical standards of behavior.

Bob Larson has trained healing and deliverance teams all over the world to set the captives free and Do What Jesus Did® (Luke 4:18).  You can partner with Bob and support this vision to demonstrate God’s power in action by calling 303-980-1511 or clicking here to donate online.

Mary. John. Patricia. James. Common names. In fact, they rank as the most common of all names for babies born in the U. S. Sometimes baby names are a bit out of the box, like Twinkle and Tergel (actual names of real babies). It’s easy to go through life telling people your name is Sam or Suzie, but think of the challenges you face if your parents christened you Frooti or Krithik (also real names)? Feeling a bit uncomfortable at having to constantly spell out your handle is one thing, but what if your parents named you after a demon, perhaps without realizing it?

I checked out of a hotel a few weeks ago, and as I was leaving for the airport I glanced again at the bill and discovered that the desk clerk serving me was actually named Leviathan! That’s the name of a powerful demon, a snake spirit, sometimes depicted as a sea monster (Job 41:1, Psalm 74:14, 104:26). In Satanism, Leviathan is supposedly one of the four Crown Princes of Hell. In spite of this demon’s foreboding and fearful appearance, God’s word promises in Isaiah 27:1, “In that day the Lord with His severe sword, great and strong, will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent, Leviathan that twisted serpent, and He will slay the reptile that is in the sea.”)

I have cast demons out of children whose parents named them Kali, Venus, Ashtoreth, and yes, even Jezebel. A name is a powerful thing. In the Old Testament, the Hebrews placed much significance upon a name. An appellation could be an expression of prophecy, geography, or anticipated character traits. Abraham is “the father of multitudes.” Joshua means “deliverer.” And, of course, most know that Peter means “rock” (Matthew 16:16). Matthew means “gift of God.”

If you’ve inadvertently named your child after a demon, pray to break curses attached to that name. (My book CURSE BREAKING is an excellent guide to do this. To order CLICK HERE.) Don’t put guilt on your child, but take steps to legally change the name to something neutral or biblical. You don’t have to be an expert at onomatology to pick a good name for your next child, but a little common sense and some research might prevent the potential need for an exorcism of your offspring.

An encouraging word: DON’T FEAR THE NIGHT

I often hear from people that they are attacked spiritually in the night, in all sorts of ways. Through terrible nightmares. With sleeplessness and fear. And with outright demonic assaults. Psalm 91:5 gives the promise, “You will not fear the terror of the night.” If you are tormented during the night, here are some tips. Pray earnestly before you lay down. In extreme cases, anoint your bed with oil. Keep a Bible and cross on your nightstand. (Some have told me they sleep with a Bible under their pillow as a spiritual deterrent to the devil.) Read all of Psalm 91 before going to sleep, and call upon angels to stand guard over you. Above all don’t fear the night.

Bob Larson has trained healing and deliverance teams all over the world to set the captives free and Do What Jesus Did® (Luke 4:18).  You can partner with Bob and support this vision to demonstrate God’s power in action by calling 303-980-1511 or clicking here to donate online.

I’m not a fan of Billy Ray Cyrus. And I definitely don’t consider his early 90s song “Achy Breaky Heart” on my best-listening list. But I’ve wondered why such a relatively talented guy with multiple abilities has always seemed on the edge of disaster. Rumored infidelities regarding his wife. The moral abominations of his daughter Miley. How could such a good-looking family with numerous opportunities for stardom, always be on the verge of implosion? This week, sitting in an airport, reading “USA Today” I found my answer in an inside cover story about Cyrus. His bloodline is Cherokee Indian.

From my experience as an exorcist, out of all the native American tribes, the worst curses of witchcraft come from the Cherokee.Now, before anyone cries, “Racist,” a bit of history. In 1830, the American government, acting on behalf of powerful interests who wanted to mine gold on Cherokee land, passed the Indian Removal Act. Several tribes, notably the Cherokee, were moved from the southeastern part of the U. S, where they lived, to designated areas west of the Mississippi. They were forced to march, on foot, hundreds of miles. Of approximately 16,000+ who were relocated, as many as 6,000 or more died on the way under brutal conditions. (Other so-called “civilized” tribes were also removed, including Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muskogee, and Seminole.) Dispossessed of their lands, the Cherokee set the stage for other tribes who were forced into similar “death marches.” Violence, disease, weather, and starvation took a genocidal toll.

So what has this to do with Billy Ray? I have ministered to many hundreds of people who have Cherokee generational blood. Such an identity almost always leads to serious spiritual oppression, even demonic possession. Why? Here is what I’ve discovered in countless exorcisms. Many Cherokee were so angered by their treatment that they put powerful witchcraft curses on their white overlords. Those curses, in turn, boomeranged right back on the Cherokee in a vicious cycles of evil on their descendants. If you or anyone you know has Cherokee heritage, they are badly in need of serious curse breaking. (To get my book CURSE BREAKING, CLICK HERE.) Don’t allow any Cherokee curse in your past to become a spiritual “wrecking ball” (inside pop-music reference) to achy break your spiritual heart.

An encouraging word: LET CHRIST PRUNE YOU

In that wonderful account of Christ’s words in John 15, where He speaks of our relationship to Him as that of a vine and branches, the Lord makes a stunning statement. Jesus speaks of His Father and warns, “Every branch that bears fruit He prunes” (John 15:2). Christ is referring to good Christians. Dedicated Christians. Those who are actually bearing spiritual fruit. And the Lord declares that these are the ones whom God in Heaven “prunes.” If today you are feeling a little “pruned,” as if the Lord is testing you in some way, rejoice. God is preparing you for great things and even more fruit for His glory.

Bob Larson has trained healing and deliverance teams all over the world to set the captives free and Do What Jesus Did® (Luke 4:18).  You can partner with Bob and support this vision to demonstrate God’s power in action by calling 303-980-1511 or clicking here to donate online.

I have a dream that, in my lifetime, exorcism and inner healing will finally come out of the shadows of the evangelical church and receive mainstream acceptance. I realize this is a lot to hope for, but with God it’s possible. The current article about our ministry in “People” magazine (50 million readers!) is a huge step in that direction. If you haven’t seen the issue, it’s still on the stands in many cities. Check for the August 22 edition with Jon Benet on the cover. You can also get the “People” app and read the story on a mobile device.

When you get your copy of “People” you’ll find articles about gold-medal Olympians and Hollywood stars like Johnny Depp and the late Elvis Presley. But right in the middle of the magazine, you’ll see a two-page foldout photo of me, my oldest daughter Brynne, and her two friends-the three of them known as the All-American Exorcists. You can’t get more mainstream than that! There I am, holding my cross, and intently, looking straight ahead at millions and millions of eyeballs.

No longer can churches who oppose exorcism argue that deliverance is just an ancient ritual or unnecessary in our time. Critics of deliverance can’t hide behind poor biblical exegesis to disrespect those who cast out demons by Christ’s power. This fair, well-written story in “People” demonstrates the huge interest of the secular world in things regarding demons and the devil. The reporters, photographers, and videographers of “People” followed us for days, asking tough questions. They looked for facts to report this story. How sad that too many born-again Christians want to stay stuck in their religious prejudices.

Read the story. It speaks for itself. Go to the web site and watch the video documentary that “People” produced. (To view CLICK HERE.) Decide for yourself if casting out demons was just for the apostles or whether it is a viable ministry for our spiritually desperate times. The miracles of Christ are still available today. Deliverance and exorcism are going mainstream. To our evangelical citics I say, “You can’t kick us to the back of the bus anymore.” “People” has put us front and center, by God’s grace. This article is the Lord’s doing and He is making a point. Wake up church, Jesus still sets the captives free!

An encouraging word: JESUS STILL DOES MIRACLES

I heard a disturbing sermon Sunday. The preacher meant well, and the rest of what he said was great. His emphasis was evangelism. In the midst of his appeal to witness to the lost, he commented that the disciples weren’t truly born again until after the resurrection. You can guess his theological bent. He left out an important fact. The followers of Jesus were casting out demons before the crucifixion. Of course, the idea of exorcism is far beyond the theological consideration of this pastor. But the fact that the disciples performed miracles in the name of Jesus shows that they were abiding in him, pre-Resurrection and pre-Pentecost. If your pastor or church has left out the signs and wonders of Jesus, just read the Bible. What the preacher overlooked you can read for yourself.

Bob Larson has trained healing and deliverance teams all over the world to set the captives free and Do What Jesus Did® (Luke 4:18).  You can partner with Bob and support this vision to demonstrate God’s power in action by calling 303-980-1511 or clicking here to donate online.

Some call it “territorial spiritual warfare.” It’s the idea that God has called us to wage warfare in the heavens and pull down demonic, geographical strongholds. On the surface it sounds good. Wouldn’t it be great to demolish whatever demon is charge over Hollywood? Washington D. C.? Groups that believe in this get together to shout, pray, sing, and declare that the evil spirits over their city, or state, or whatever are coming down, in Jesus’ name. I find the whole movement a bit disturbing. In theory it’s possible, in selected situations, and may be effective on occasion. But as an overall strategy of spiritual warfare it’s effect is overblown and may even play into the devil’s hands. Here’s why.

First, it’s just not biblical. At least not with the scale, frequency, and seriousness advocated by some. We are repeatedly commanded by Christ to cast out demons from human beings, and to set the captives free by liberating individuals from demonic invasion; however not once did Christ tell us to cast demons out of the heavens. Here is what he did tell us:

Matt 10:1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, NKJV

Mark 6:7 And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. NKJV

Luke 9:1 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, NKJV

If territorial spiritual warfare were a legitimate strategy worthy of serious activity, you’d think the Lord himself would have done it a time or two, just to bring the godlessness of Rome to its knees. But the Savior never mentioned it and neither did the apostles. Yes, I know there are ruling spirts over territories. The Book of Daniel (10:13) points that out. But there are no indications it’s our job as believers to take them on with any sort of regularity. Such actions are definitely not included in the Great Commission of Mark 16:15. I am aware that there are “thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers” (Colossians 1:16) of evil entrenchment. Our International School of Exorcism has several Courses focused on this (To enroll CLICK HERE.); but to attack them with any periodicity is, in my opinion, questionable theological logic.

Second, most of the people who promote this kind of spiritual warfare indulge in lengthy prophesying and prayer-fests to accomplish their goal of unseating demons on high. But few of these advocates ever actually engage in real deliverance, and seldom, if at all, do aggressive exorcisms on manifesting demons. I’m talking about the kind of demons you see on our YouTube channel every week. Franky, It’s a lot tougher job to take on a real demon in a real person and battle Satan face-to-face than project prayers into the ether with indiscriminate, subjective hopes that something will happen.

I’m okay with so-called prayer-walks and binding hindering sprits in the atmosphere which interfere, from time to time. But for me, the main emphasis has always been focused on the pain of suffering individuals and taking time to expel the demonic hindrances in their lives. To neglect actual hands-on confrontations with authentic demons, in favor of contesting indefinable evil floating somewhere out there, isn’t spiritually expedient. Shout at the heavens if you will, but when your prayers come back down to earth, direct them toward real demons in tormented people, not existential spiritual forces.

An encouraging word: DON’T NEGLECT CHRIST’S SALVATION

“How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation” (Hebrews 2:3). The biblical writer is emphasizing the important of salvation by pointing out that every sin, and all disobedience, will be judged at the end of time. A “just reward” will be rendered the those who are ungodly and sinners. The admonition is that, if those who disregard the offer of God’s grace are to be punished, how can any of us escape judgment if we neglect the importance of eternity. Today is the day to be certain that each of us has entered into a covenant relationship with Christ by receiving in our hearts His finished work at the cross. Beware thinking you will escape the consequences of your sin if you neglect the salvation Christ offers.

Bob Larson has trained healing and deliverance teams all over the world to set the captives free and Do What Jesus Did® (Luke 4:18).  You can partner with Bob and support this vision to demonstrate God’s power in action by calling 303-980-1511 or clicking here to donate online

. Not many people know that Tim Lahaye was my friend. A personal friend. When he died on July 25 it brought great sadness to me and Laura. He as a spiritual giant, best known for his “Left Behind” books, which sold 65 million copies. I remember about a year before he wrote the first “Left Behind” book that Tim asked my opinion about writing a series of fictional novels based on the rapture. It was right after we’d spent a long day of Colorado skiing together. Since I had just published a couple of ground-breaking, best-selling fictional novels, Tim valued my opinion. He wondered if I knew a fiction writer I could recommend to work with him. I was too cautious to suggest myself, so Jerry Jenkins got the job and they both became millionaires. Jenkins is certainly a better fictional writer than me, but I have to wonder, “What if . . . “That was one of many times that we schussed the slopes together. I’ll never forget a cold February week that Tim stayed in our home. One morning we bundled up and skied in 15-degree BELOW zero weather. We were so busy on the lift talking about our mutual interest in politics and the Bible that we forgot the cold. We were glad to finally get back to the house where Laura had hot chocolate waiting for us. I also remember the three-hour drive to the Denver airport when he left, precious hours of having one of the greatest men of God of our generation all to myself to pick his brain. And I’ll never forget that as a fledgling young writer he introduced me to my first major publisher. Thirty-five books later, I have Tim LaHaye to thank for my own writing career which has touched millions of lives.

Mostly I remember the times after skiing together when we’d gather by the fireplace to pray. On one particular occasion I shared with him some difficult challenges I was facing. He and I and Laura knelt together and poured our hearts out to God. It was turning point in my life. But I most of all appreciated his friendship when so many evangelicals persecuted me (and still do) for my stand on spiritual warfare. That’s not to say that Tim agreed with all my theology, but he did respect God’s hand upon my life and encouraged me in my walk with the Lord. I focused on battling spiritual oppression, and he was a fundamentalist pastor. But we weren’t really that much of an odd couple when it came to loving souls and wanting people to have more of Jesus. In later years, his heart gave out and my knees were replaced, ending our sweet time of fellowship on the ski slopes. Now, two of my daughters, students at Liberty University, have enjoyed the $4.5 million student center he built for that great school.

To many, he’s the man whose books affected millions and whose theology gave an entire generation the eschatological hope of Christ’s Return. But to me, he was a ski-buddy, a humble man without pretense, and one of the dearest friends I’ve had. I’m just sorry that he missed the Rapture that he longed for.

An encouraging word: JESUS CAME TO SAVE SINNERS

It is popular in some theologically milquetoast circles to speak admirably of the example Jesus set or his ethic of love FOR everyone. But respect for His words or the life He lived means nothing when we consider eternity. Such platitudes miss the point of His life and death. Paul stated it this way in 1 Timothy 1:15: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinner.” There can be no negation of this declaration of mission. Think what you will of Christ, but never mistake why He came to earth and why He died on the cross. He was more than an ethicist or a prophet. He was the Son of God and He came to die for our sins.

Bob Larson has trained healing and deliverance teams all over the world to set the captives free and Do What Jesus Did® (Luke 4:18).  You can partner with Bob and support this vision to demonstrate God’s power in action by calling 303-980-1511 or clicking here to donate online

In recent years it has become increasingly fashionable for Christians to drink alcohol. In some “emerging” churches (cool, hip, “evangelical”) men’s Bible study groups meet at bars. The mere suggestion that tee-totaling is a valid lifestyle is mocked. Along with piercings, tattoos, yoga, off-color language, and ego-centric worship lyrics, the idea is that reaching millennials requires avoiding making them feel uncomfortable. And imbibing booze is one more way to let the bros know it’s cool to be a Christian with Bud Lite.

New research suggests that approach may have deadly physical consequences. According to a recent study published in the scientific journal “Addiction,” nearly six percent of cancer deaths worldwide are linked to alcohol. This includes people who drink in moderate amounts, which some suds-soaked Christians might like to think is their kind of drinking. The stats in “Addiction” suggest that even slight social drinking leads annually to half a million deaths from cancer alone, to say nothing of automobile accidents and other health risks. The carcinogenic compound acetaldehyde found in alcohol can cause cancer in the liver, colon, esophagus, the prostate, throat, mouth, pancreas, skin, and female breasts. AND GET THIS: all drinkers of any amount have the same risk of cancer of the mouth, esophagus, breast, and pharynx! An author of the report, Jennie Connor, professor of epidemiology at the University of Otago in New Zealand, writes, “Promotion of health benefits from drinking at moderate levels is seen increasingly as disingenuous or irrelevant in comparison to the increase in risk of a range of cancers.”

Our entire family has always been abstainers. My wife’s father died of alcoholism. My grandfather on my dad’s side died of alcoholism. How foolish would it be with those genetics to drink even casually? Spare me any lectures on the wedding feast at Cana and a “little wine for thy stomach’s sake.” (Get real, they didn’t have the purified water standards we do today.) Be as avant-garde as you wish. Have that social sip of wine or that cold beer on a hot summer’s afternoon. As for me and my household, I remember the words of the ER doctor the night I was rushed to the hospital after knee surgery three years ago. I lay there dying of pulmonary embolisms, my lungs filled with blood clots. As they rushed me into surgery, the doctor asked, “Do you drink?” When I replied in the negative, he said, “Good, you have a chance to survive.” That and the findings of “Addiction” are good enough for me to avoid “heading to the mountains” for what made “Milwaukee famous.” “This Bud’s” not for me or my family. And neither is an unacceptable risk of cancer, alcoholism, and premature death.

An encouraging word: WASH YOUR HANDS IN INNOCENCE

In Psalm 26:6 David declares something remarkable: “I will wash my hands in innocence.” He was declaring himself “not guilty” of his enemies’ accusations. He didn’t say this because he had never sinned. All Bible readers know of King David’s transgressions. But he found forgiveness and moved beyond his shame. How unlike Pilate who declared of Christ, “I am innocent of this man’s blood.” He wasn’t, of course. David’s witness is an example to which we all can aspire, innocence before God because of His grace and our honest confession of sin.

Bob Larson has trained healing and deliverance teams all over the world to set the captives free and Do What Jesus Did® (Luke 4:18).  You can partner with Bob and support this vision to demonstrate God’s power in action by calling 303-980-1511 or clicking here to donate online.