#Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Jesus Heals a Demon Possessed Boy

14 When they came to many people, a man came up to Jesus and got on his knees. He said, 15 “Lord, have pity on my son. He is very sick and at times loses the use of his mind. Many times he falls into the fire or into the water. 16 I took him to Your followers but they were not able to heal him.”

17 Then Jesus said, “You people of this day have no faith and you are going the wrong way. How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 Jesus spoke sharp words to the demon and the demon came out of him. At once the boy was healed.

19 The followers came to Jesus when He was alone. They said, “Why were we not able to put the demon out?” 20 Jesus said to them, “Because you have so little faith. For sure, I tell you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to over there,’ and it would move over. You will be able to do anything. 21 But this kind of demon does not go out but by prayer and by going without food so you can pray better.” — Matthew 17:14-21 | New Life Version (NLV) New Life Version Holy Bible Copyright © 1969, 2003 by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Cross References: Deuteronomy 32:5; Isaiah 19:14; Matthew 4:24; Matthew 8:26; Matthew 13:31; Matthew 17:13; Matthew 17:22; Mark 9:14; Mark 9:22; Mark 9:29

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Friday, August 9, 2024

july 27_ August 9

THE GREATMARTYR AND HEALER PANTELEIMON (305)

13th century icon of Saint Panteleimon from St catherine monastery of Mt Sinaï

Under the Reign of the impious Maximian, the cruel persecutor of Christians, almost the whole world was covered with the darkness of idolatry. Everywhere there raged a great persecution against those who believed in Christ, and many confessors of the most holy name of Jesus were dying as martyrs. At that time, in the land of Bithynia in the city of Nicomedia, there suffered for Christ the holy great martyr Panteleimon.

From early childhood his mother educated him in Christian piety, beginning with the knowledge of the one true God living in the heavens, our Lord Jesus Christ, so that he might believe in Him and please Him by good deeds and turn away from heathen polytheism. The child attended to his mother’s instructions, and, as far as his age would allow, embraced them. But what a loss and privation! His mother and guide departed to the Lord while he was still a child. After her death, the child easily followed in the steps of his father’s error; and his father often took him to worship the idols, thus confirming him in pagan impiety.

Later, the child was sent to a grammar school, and when he had successfully passed the whole course of pagan studies, his father sent him to a medical school, entrusting him to a certain famous doctor, Euphrosynus, to be trained in the art of medicine. Having a receptive mind, the child easily learnt all that he was taught and soon excelled his fellow students, and could even bear comparison with his own teacher. In addition, he was courteous, eloquent and handsome, and made an excellent impression.

Having received a reply, the emperor ordered him to be put through his medical training as soon as possible, as he wished to have the youth by him always, for he was worthy to stand before the emperor and serve him. By that time, the young man had already reached full maturity.

Perceiving in his spirit that the boy would be a chosen vessel of God, Hermolaus once went out to meet the boy and asked him to come into his house for a moment. The meek and obedient boy went into the priest’s house. Seating him beside him, the elder asked him from where he had come and about his whole manner of life. The boy told everything in detail, how his mother had been a Christian and was dead, and about his father who was alive and, according to pagan laws, worshipped many gods. Saint Hermolaus asked him: “But you, good child, to what side and faith would you like to belong, to your father’s or to your mother’s?”

“My mother,” replied the boy, “while she was alive, taught me her faith, and I loved her faith. But my father, being stronger, makes me keep the pagan laws and wants to put me in the imperial palace as a servant of the emperor.” “And what does your teacher teach you?” asked Saint Hermolaus again. “The teaching of Asclepiades, and of Hippocrates and Galen. That is what my father wanted; and my teacher says that if I master their teaching I shall easily be able to cure every kind of illness.”

In these words, Saint Hermolaus found an opportunity for a profitable discourse and began to sow in the boy’s heart, as on good soil, the good seed of the word of God: “Believe me, good youth,” he said, “I will tell you one truth; the teaching and art of Asclepiades, Hippocrates and Galen are nothing and of little help to those who resort to them. Yes, and the gods which the Emperor Maximian and your father and other pagans worship are false, and nothing but a masquerade and a hoax for the feeble-minded.

“However, there is one true and almighty God—Jesus Christ. If you will believe in Him, you will heal every disease simply by the invocation of His most pure name. For He gave sight to the blind, cleansed lepers, raised the dead, and with one word, freed people from possession by the demons, whom the heathen worship. Even His clothes gave healing. For a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years, as soon as she touched the hem of His garment, was healed at once.

Pantoleon received all this teaching of Saint Hermolaus as true and took it into his heart. He joyfully meditated upon it and said to the holy elder: “I frequently heard this from my mother and often saw how she prayed and invoked that God of Whom you have been telling me.”

From that day, Pantoleon came to the old priest every day, and enjoying his inspired talks, grew strong in the knowledge of the true God. When he returned from his teacher Euphrosynus, he never went home without first visiting the elder and receiving his soul-saving instructions.

At once the child rose up alive as if from sleep. Then Pantoleon fully believed in Christ. He turned his bodily and spiritual eyes towards heaven and blessed God with joy and tears for having called him out of darkness into the light of His knowledge. Quickly, he went to Saint Hermolaus the priest, fell at his feet, and asked for baptism. He told him what had happened: how the dead child had come to life by the power of the name of Jesus Christ but that the snake had died.

After his baptism, Pantoleon stayed with the priest Hermolaus for seven days, imbibing as from a fountain of living water the divine words communicated to him by the lips of the priest and by the grace of Christ. On the eighth day he went home, and his father asked him: “Where have you been, my son, for so many days? I have been anxious about you.”

“I have been with the teacher at the emperor’s court,” the Saint replied. “We treated a sick man whom the emperor loves very much, and we did not leave him for seven days until we had restored him to health.”

So said the Saint, and he told no lie. For in the form of a parable, he spoke the truth allegorically. In his mind, he referred to Saint Hermolaus as the teacher; by the royal palace, he meant that interior peace in which the Divine Mystery is accomplished; and by the sick man, he meant his own soul, which the Heavenly King loved, and which for seven days was given spiritual treatment.

Here again he spoke allegorically of Holy Baptism which he had received, and of the other Mysteries of the Christian Faith which he had learnt and which are all of great price, exceeding all riches—for they were obtained by the Blood of Christ. When he heard this, Euphrosynus stopped his questions, and blessed Pantoleon was filled with the grace of God, bearing within him the treasure of holy faith. He was very concerned as to how to bring his father out of the darkness of idolatry and lead him to the light of the knowledge of Christ. Conversing with him wisely every day by parables and questions, he said to him:

“Father! Why do the gods who are fashioned standing remain standing just as they were at first and never sit? And why do those made sitting continue to sit till today and never stand?” “Your question is not quite clear to me,” replied his father, “and I do not know what to answer to it.”

By constantly putting questions of this kind to his father, the Saint caused him to lose faith in his gods and begin to understand the falsehood and error of idolatry. His father formerly used to offer large numbers of sacrifices to the idols every day, but now he stopped worshipping them and began to despise them.

Seeing this, Pantoleon rejoiced that at least he had aroused doubt in his father regarding the idols, even if he had not yet completely succeeded in turning him away from them. Pantoleon often wished to smash his father’s idols, of which there were many in his house, but he restrained himself, partly so as not to anger his father—whom according to the commandments of God we must honour—and partly because he was waiting for the time when his father would know the true God and would want to destroy them with his own hands.

The Saint replied: “If you have spent all your money on those doctors from whom you received no benefit, how will you remunerate me if you receive healing and are able to see?” “All the little that I have left,” cried the blind man, “I shall readily give to you.”

“The gift of sight,” said the Saint, “which reveals the light to you, will be given to you by the Father of lights, the true God, through me, His unworthy servant. And so, give what you have promised not to me, but distribute it among the poor.”

Hearing this, Eustorgius, Pantoleon’s father, said to him: “My son, do not rashly undertake a thing which you cannot do, or you will make a fool of yourself. In actual fact, what more can you do than the doctors more experienced than you who treated him but could not cure him?”

“Not one of those doctors,” retorted the Saint, “knows the means that I know, for there is a tremendous difference between them and my teacher who revealed his means to me.”

Thinking that he was speaking about his teacher Euphrosynus, his father remarked: “I have heard that your teacher also treated this blind man and could do nothing.”

“Wait a little, my father,” replied Pantoleon, “and you will see the power of my treatment.” With these words he touched the eyes of the blind man with his fingers, saying: “In the name of my Lord Jesus Christ Who enlightens the blind, receive your sight.”

At once, the eyes of the blind man were opened and he began to see. And at that moment, Pantoleon’s father Eustorgius, as well as the man who had recovered his sight, believed in Christ. Both were baptized by the holy priest Hermolaus, and they were filled with great spiritual joy at the power and grace of Christ.

Then Eustorgius began to smash all the idols in his house, and his son Pantoleon helped him. Having broken all the idols to pieces, they threw the remains into a deep ditch and covered them with earth. Eustorgius lived only a short time after this and then passed on to the Lord. Having thus become the heir to the extremely rich paternal estates, Pantoleon at once gave his men and women slaves their freedom and generously remunerated them.

He gave his property away to the needy: to beggars, to the poor, to widows and orphans. He went round to the prisons and visited all who were suffering in chains, comforting them with medical treatment and gifts of those things of which they were in need. Thus, he was a physician not only of wounds but also of human misery and poverty. All received from him generous help; the poor were enriched by his generosity, and in curing them he was helped by the grace of God.

He was given the gift of healing from on high, and he healed every kind of disease free of charge—not so much by means of medicines as by invoking the name of Jesus Christ. Then Pantoleon truly became Panteleimon, that is, all-merciful, and by name and in deed he showed mercy to all. He did not let anyone go away from him without alms or consolation. For to those who were in need he gave assistance and treated the sick without payment. The whole city brought their sick to him and left all the other doctors because they received from no one such quick and perfect healing as from Panteleimon, who successfully treated everyone and accepted payment from no one.

The name of the merciful physician became known to all, and the other doctors were condemned and mocked. As a result, there arose on the part of the doctors no little jealousy and enmity in regard to the Saint. It had already begun at the time when the blind man regained his sight, but it reached a peak in the following manner...Continue reading Holy Cross monastery

VENERABLE ANTHUSA, ABBESS OF MANTINEA IN ASIA MINOR  (759)

Venerable Anthousa the Confessor lived during the reign of Emperor Constantine Copronymos (ca. 741). She lived at Mantinea, Paphlygonia in Asia Minor during the VIII century. Her parents, Stratḗgios and Febronia, were distinguished for their piety, and raised their daughter in the same way.

Despite all the marriage proposals Anthousa received, she remained a virgin. After her parents reposed, she did not change her mind, but devoted her parental inheritance to charitable and sacred causes. Forsaking the world at a young age, Saint Anthousa lived a life of asceticism in the mountains in complete solitude. She received the monastic tonsure from Hieromonk Sisinios, and became Igoumeness of a Monastery with ninety nuns. These nuns were known for their obedience to their Igoumeness and for their spiritual discipline. Saint Anthousa built two monasteries: Mantineos, with a church dedicated to Saint Anna; and another in honor of the Holy Apostles, which was a women's monastery.

When Emperor Constantine Copronymos ordered a harsh persecution against the Holy Icons and those who venerated them. Saint Anthousa's Monastery became one of the most ardent defenders of Orthodoxy. The Emperor sent his agent to say that she would be left alone if she ceased to venerate the Icons. When she refused, she and her nuns were subjected to torture, for disobeying the Emperor’s decree. Soldiers tied them up and flogged them. Then burning icons were placed on the Saint's head, and her feet were burnt with red-hot coals. Finally, she was exiled.

But when the Holy Igoumeness predicted that the sick Empress would escape death, and would give birth to twins, then she loved Anthousa very much, and supported her Monastery in various ways. Among those who had witnessed her torture was the Emperor’s wife, to whom the Saint predicted the birth of a son and a daughter. When Saint Anthousa's prediction was fulfilled, she was allowed to return to her convent, where she reposed at an advanced age. The daughter born to the Emperor’s wife was also named Anthousa (April 12).

After living a life pleasing to God, the Holy Confessor Anthousa reposed in 759 (or 775, or 794), and now lives with Him forever. She was buried in her cell.

2 TIMOTHY 2:1-10

1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. 8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

JOHN 15:17-16:2

17 These things I command you, that you love one another. 18 If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, 'They hated Me without a cause.' 26 But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

1 These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.

[sleepy-achilles]

Maybe Papa Taker can help out Leon, give him advise when he himself was possessed by Ministry.

Leon's Nightmare Part 5- Heaven and Back

Normal warnings, violence, dead people. New warnings, drug taking.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Shawn holds Leon close to his chest, keeping himself between a sleeping John on the bed and the demon stood in the doorway.

"Now cmon Shawnie...let me in" the voice drawls. Its his boyfriends voice but at the same time it's not. Shawn takes in his new look, his new attitude. It scares him. "I just wanna talk...me and you" a shiver goes down shawns spine as he realises the demon isnt talking to him, he's infact staring at the newborn in his hands. "Stay away! You are not welcomed here!" Shawn growls holding Leon tighter. Ministry smiles widely at him. "Thats what you think"

Shawns eyes widen as the demon steps through the door.

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Drew walks into the hotel room to hear the shower going. Which immediately fills him with concern. He glances in the open bathroom to see the wheelchair empty. "Leon? Leon!" Drew snaps walking in. "Im fine" Leon mutters. Drew pulls the curtain to see Leon hunched over, his bruised legs shaking, struggling to hold him up. His arms pressed against the wall along with his forehead. Drews mind goes blank as his eyes widen at the mark taking up Leon's back.

Leon hasn't taken his shirt off since returning. Drew hasn't seen his back atleast since he came back. Now he knows why. The massive mark of the undertaker is burnt into his toned back, along with some scratch marks. "Leon..." Drew whispers reaching for him. His heart aches as Leon flinches. "Sorry" Leon whispers as he allows drew to turn the shower off and help him out.

Drew examines his face. "You lied.." Drew whispers. Leon finally looks at him. "You said you were fine...your not. Your terrified leon" drew continues. "I don't want to die" Leon blurts out. Drew watches as the blue and green eyes fill with tears. "Im so god damn scared...I do not want to die, not again. I can't take it. I can't" Leon admits. Drew cups his face gently. "We need to talk to your dad." Drew tells him. "No I can do-" "Leon you clearly can't. He's still here, isn't he?" Drew asks. Leon just nods, grabbing drews shoulders for support as his legs tremble and shake. "Tomorrow. First thing" drew states. Leon once again just nods. "Okay. Now let's get you to bed." Drew sighs running his fingers through Leon's new long locks.

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Taker examines the two men. A family meeting was called. And now his peaceful planned day has been flushed away.

He crosses his arms. "Speak or leave" he demands, getting a hit on the arm from Shawn. "Leon's not better" drew states. "I figured that. The kids in a wheelchair after a bike accident, that wasn't his own fault. He should be healed by now." Taker snarls. "Dad! Please." Leon snaps. Taker watches as drew helps Leon stand. "Its serious." Leon states pulling his shirt off. "Oh fuck" cassie gasps. "What the hell man!" John winces.

Taker moves around the boy and freezes. "Jesus" Shawn whispers as drew helps Leon sit. "You needed to come to me sooner. You said you handled it" Taker growls standing infront of him. "Dad please.." Leon sighs holding his head. "No! Not dad please! Do you know how reckless and stupid this is?!" Taker barks. "Im here now! Help me! Help me please!" Leon snaps. "I know what we have to do." Taker begins. Shawn glances at him. "But you ain't gonna like it" Taker adds. "No" Leon speaks straight away. "I don't wanna die dad. Please" Leon whispers lowering his head. "Not you, ministry. He just happens to need to die in your body" Taker corrects. "And how do we do that?" Drew asks causing Leon to look at him. "We have to put skelly to sleep. He's the only thing keeping ministry from taking Leon over" Taker admits.

Drew refuses to look at Leon as he thinks. "How do we do that?" Drew asks. "Drew?" Leon asks. Taker looks to the corner were Kane is stood. John glances at the man. "Have you been there the entire time?" He asks. Kane just smirks and taps a needle against his nose. "What is that?" Shawn asks as kane walks closer. Kane glances at his nephew as he holds the needle out to taker. "With this" Taker answers frews question as he accepts it. Drew looks at the needle. "What is it?" Drew asks. "Now I'm not answering that, because as kane will tell you, its very addictive." Taker admits as kane holds Leon's arm down.

"What?! No!" Leon barks hitting at kanes hands. Drew swallows nervously. "Say the word drew, and we do it. You don't want to? We will shut this down" Taker tells him. "Why me?" Drew asks. "Why not Leon?" He adds. "Because your the one who'll have to kill him. Because either way Leon loses himself, either way he dies. And I don't think he'll want it to be his Papa killing him" Taker explains. Shawns eyes widen as Drew looks at him. "He wouldn't." Drew whispers looking at Leon to be met with pleading eyes. "And if he does get addicted?" Drew asks. "Skelly will be awake enough to not allow that. And he won't be able to find it if he does have the addiction gene." Taker promises.

Drew takes a deep breathe. He grabs Leon's other arm and pins it to the chair. John stands behind the chair holding it steady. "Do it." Drew nods. "No! Dre-!" Leon cuts himself off with a growl and a groan as the needle is pushed into his arm. "Youll forgive us when this is all over" Taker murmurs as Leon's eyes shine purple, the pupil of his eye starting to turn red. Leon grits his teeth as the thick liquid is pushed into his veins. "How do you know this stuff is addictive?" Shawn asks. "Kane used to take it to feel human after what Paul did." Taker answers, keeping his eyes on Leon as he injects him.

"So how do we complete it?" Cassie asks quietly. Taker glances at Kane. Kane immediately smirks and nods. "A good old coffin match" Taker smiles. "We have to do it public?" Drew asks. "Its the only way you'll get close enough to ministry to do it. He's a sucker for public punishment." "Yeah tell me about it" Shawn mutters as cassie moves to him. Taker pulls back as Leon's body goes limp. He hands the needle back to kane. "Get rid of it." Taker orders. Kane nods and walks off. "Now. We all leave. And mention nothing around Leon or to him." Taker orders. Drew slowly let's Leon's arm go, watching how it falls into his lap, the way his head is limp, his chin against his collar bones.

He looks so peaceful...and that scares drew.

A hand on his shoulder brings him back. "Cmon" Shawn murmurs. Drew just nods and lets the man lead him out. He just hopes this was the right thing to do.

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Drew finishes adjusting his kneepads when the gasps and mutters start. He glances to see Leon stood in the doorway. "Thought you were injured?" Roman asks. "I got better" he smirks. Drew straightens, immediately seeing the difference in leon-no, ministry. "Hey baby, where were you this morning?" Minsitry asks moving closer to drew. Sheamus raises an eyebrow at the man. Leon hated using the nickname baby, he stuck to darling and even then it was accidental.

"I had a meeting with Hunter. He wants us to have a match" drew explains. "Oh yeah? What kind?" Ministry asks leaning against drews locker. "A coffin match" the whole lockeroom falls quiet. Drew feels sick as a smile grows on Leon's face. "A coffin match?" He has a twisted tone in his voice as he pushes off the lockers. "Yep. I think it could be fun" drew shrugs, trying to play it cool. He flinches as Leon grabs his jaw. "Oh trust me baby, it'll be a world of fun" Ministry practically growls as he leans close. Drew frowns at him as best as he can with a smushed face. "Guess I better go talk to hunter" Leon smirks dropping his hand and slaunting out.

"What the fuck is wrong with him?" Sheamus asks. "Are you alright?" He adds. "You have no idea" drew whispers rubbing his jaw. He glances over to see Roman staring at him with knowing eyes.

It wouldn't shock drew if roman also knew that wasn't Leon.

It's not like they'll talk about it.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Drew feels nervous.

His eyes burn into the coffin as Leon's music hits and the fans go nuts.

Right...they think Leon's still bound to a chair.

Drew keeps his eyes on the coffin as Leon drives around the ring.

He finally looks up as the man steps into the ring. He watches ad he strips down. Drew looks at the confused faces as the sight of Leon's back. Leon turns to drop his jacket outside and drews eyes squint at the symbol. It's outline is glowing purple.

His jaw sets tight as Leon turns to him. Leon tilts his head and smiles at him as the bell rings.

Drew knows the plan. He just can't think about it too much.

The fight begins. And if drew didn't know it as a fact, you wouldn't of thought Leon has been in a bike accident. He's quick, steady and damn good.

Drew goes to deliver a chop when Leon catches his wrist. His eyes flash purple before drews pulled in close. "Hes not here to stop me this time" Ministry whispers against his ear. Drews eyes widen as he stares at the tron. It's zoomed in on them. "I can do anything I want to you. And no one can save you" Ministry growls before throwing him to the floor.

Drew grits his teeth as he lands on his wrist awkwardly. He turns to look over his shoulder, he looks at that damn smirk. "Bring it bitch" drew growls pushing up and tackling him.

He just has to get him weak snd in that damn coffin.

And takers taught him all the tricks.

Ministry's weaknesses are takers weaknesses.

Twenty minutes pass when the coffin is opened and drew has Leon on his knees, fingers tangled in those new long locks. "Please" Leon gasps. Drew clenches his jaw. That's not Leon. No. He pushes Leon into the coffin, pulling the lid shut and planting his foot on it as the bell rings.

He ignores the cheers and chants of the fans as he listens to the ring being torn open. He just holds his hand back. Taker places the locks into his hand and drew gets to work padlocking the coffin shut. "Cmon" Taker grunts climbing out of the ring. Drew jumps down and both, to everyone's confusion, push it up the ramp.

"Now remember, we can't stay once it begins." Taker tells him as kane walks onto the stage. Drew nods as they reach kane. Kane smiles and holds up the gasoline. Drew let's out a shakey breathe as Leon starts to pound on the coffin. "LET ME OUT! DREW! PLEASE!" "Dont listen to him" Taker growls. Drew rests his forehead against the coffin lid. "Forgive me my love." He whispers before straightening himself.

He takes the can and starts to pour it over the coffin. Kane and taker back away as drew gets to work. Kane looks at taker. 'Reckon he's got it?' Kane signs. "I know he does. He'll do the right thing" Taker mutters pulling Leon's lighter out of his pocket.

Drew let's a pained sob out as he throws the can at the coffin. He stumbles back towards taker who just holds the lighter out. Drew accepts it and glances down at the flip lighter. He runs his thumb over the carving on it. "Im sorry" he whispers as he flips it open. He stares at the flame.

As he stands alone on the stage, tears pouring down his face he drops the lighter. He steps back as flames build, and quickly. He bites his lower lip and nods as the coffin burns up.

"Make it back for me." Drew whispers before turning from the coffin and walking backstage.

He ignores everyone as he walks through the arena.

His mind and body has fallen numb.

Cold.

Dead.

-----

Shawn glances at taker. "What happens now?" Shawn asks quietly. "He pulls it off. And if he doesn't ill bring him back and kill him myself." Taker mutters taking his hat off. Kane nods. "And drew?" Cassie asks. "Give him time. He's just killed his true love." Taker tells her. "But he will be okay? Ministry won't get angry and come back for him?" John asks. Taker looks at shawn. Shawns staring at the burning coffin. "No. We won't allow that." Taker mutters.

"Its all up to you now Leon."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------NoTeS

What's this? A update?

In 2023?

Woah

Go me

[dukeofriven]

You have the replies on your question post disabled, so am answering here — yes, the series probably would have been better to keep Artemis’ morals more loose — more moments like his amnesiac self in ‘The Opal Deception’ trying to sell out Holly would have been more welcome — you said you stopped there, so to summarise, we followed that Artemis essentially going to ‘Hell’, defeating a demon army, getting partially merged with Holly (they end up one of each other’s eyes) and stealing some of her magic, returning from Hell to find years to have passed and Artemis to have brothers now, followed up with a time travel story with the younger more villainous Artemis going up against the older one, also bringing back Opal again (every second book has Opal in it), who then escaped to the present, the story also exploring Hartemis a bit, Artemis telling his mother the truth about everything by the end — the next book also focused on the possibility of Hartemis, while Artemis dealt with his psyche being split by his guilt (and magic), giving us ‘Orion Fowl’ who tells Foaly about Holly’s “moment of passion with Artemis Fowl” to her embarrassment, before both have to go up against Root’s brother from that one short story, who as it turns out really just wanted to get back to his (elderly, human) wife, then in the last book, Opal returned, had her younger self killed, which caused everything her younger self otherwise would have created (including most modern technology) to explode on a nuclear level, bringing destruction to Haven and the world at large, used the paradox to turn herself into a god, then aimed to activate an ancient doomsday weapon to wipe out all humans, taking control over an army of ghosts surrounding said weapon, who possess everything from ducks to Juliet, to Artemis’ brothers, only for Artemis (healed of his magic-induced DID) to trick Opal into shutting the weapon down with that clone she used in ‘The Opal Deception’, killing all fairies within the range of the portal, only because Artemis had Holly’s eye, that counted him, and so he died too, after kissing Holly’s forehead. About half a year later, Foaly clones Artemis from that kiss, and his ghost possesses his clone, he does not initially remember who he is, before Holly begins to tell him the story of his life (the text of the first book, implying her to have been our omniscient narrator all along, telling Artemis his story), and that was where the series ended (not counting the sequel series about Artemis’ brothers). I wouldn’t say that any one book was necessarily better, but the journey was on an interesting-enough road to recommend taking.

Jesus Christ. (Okay, weird about the reply thing but I fixed that. I may have turned them off due to some weirdo being weird, we'll see how it goes. Hey potential future weirdos: cut out that out now.) With no personal animus against you, thank you for plot summary—that sounds absolutely dreadful, a book series completely and utterly losing the plot of what the hell it was even about. Why does Artemis need to go to Hell? I don't mean diagetically I mean... I mean the first book is very self-contained romp about a boy detective who uses his powers for selfish ends, fighting high-tech fairies for some gold using items that were uncommon in 2001 but which you can buy at Wal-Mart now. He is sarcastic, and kind of a dick, and everyone who read it had a crush on the elf, and it was great. Well, there was a shitting dwarf who sucked, but otherwise it was great. What I just read reads like the nadir of 1990s comics overreach, the period where comics—in a very short-term bid to make themselves all resemble the deconstructions of Alan Moore and the cryptofacist melodrama of Frank Miller—just did stupid shit for so long that it killed the Big Two industry forever as mainstream concern. That plot is so tiring to think about, because its substituting interesting character growth for ridiculous maximalist nonsense: including clones. We seemingly have multiple Artemis Ben Reillys running around-oh god. I have put my head between my legs in the hopes the room will stop spinning. "every second book has Opal in it" is the worst sentence you could have said. opal is so dreadful, so awful, so joyless a slog of a character. God. God. Oh young me, between this and Eragon you were so right to bail.

[ramrodd]

Mark -- Knowing the Unknowable

COMMENTARY:

@Katnip452 replied to t@Thomasw540  on Dennis Pennington's comme, to wit: Jesus TOLD his disciples about magical happenings then the disciples didn’t WITNESS them @Thomasw540If replied: Well, the say Him cure Leprosy with a word, drive demons out of the inflicted, heal a uterus, raise a dead girl, feed 5000 members of a lynch mob with 5 loaves and 2, fishes then organize them into a militia the size and organization of a Roman legion, walkd on water as an encore then feed 4ooo with 7 loaves and heal another boy possessed of a demon before showing up for a fish dinner in the Galilee after being officially crucified and split by the Romans, She saw all this, Now, I know that you do wind sprits across your swimming pool daily, so some of that may not impress you much, But the Disciples saw all this without being told, As id the Roman spy system, Which Pilate reported to Tiberius.

[marvelshifter111]

Luke 9 - retold version

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

Jesus called the twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority to drive out demons and heal diseases. He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

He told them, “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, bag, bread, money, or extra shirt. When you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

So the disciples went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.

Herod Is Perplexed

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening. He was confused because some people said John the Baptist had been raised from the dead, others said Elijah had appeared, and still others claimed a prophet of old had come back to life.

Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to see Jesus.

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

The apostles returned and reported to Jesus what they had done. He took them with him to a remote area near Bethsaida, but the crowds followed. Jesus welcomed them, taught them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed help.

Late in the day, the disciples said, “Send the crowd away so they can find food and lodging in the villages nearby.”

Jesus replied, “You give them something to eat.”

They said, “We only have five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go buy food for all these people.” There were about five thousand men there.

Jesus told the disciples to have the crowd sit in groups of fifty. Taking the five loaves and two fish, he looked up to heaven, blessed them, and broke them. He gave the food to the disciples to distribute to the people. Everyone ate and was satisfied, and twelve baskets of leftovers were collected.

Peter Declares Jesus Is the Messiah

Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do the crowds say I am?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.”

“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”

Jesus Predicts His Death

Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about this. He said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law, be killed, and on the third day be raised to life.”

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me. Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it to gain the whole world and lose your very self?

If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in glory with the Father and the holy angels. Truly I tell you, some standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”

The Transfiguration

About eight days later, Jesus took Peter, John, and James up a mountain to pray. As he prayed, his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared in glorious splendor and spoke with Jesus about his coming departure in Jerusalem.

Peter and the others were sleepy, but when they fully woke, they saw Jesus’ glory and the two men with him. As Moses and Elijah were leaving, Peter said, “Master, it’s good for us to be here. Let’s set up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He didn’t know what he was saying.

While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” When the voice had spoken, they found Jesus alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and didn’t tell anyone what they had seen.

Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy

The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met Jesus. A man in the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son. He’s my only child. A spirit seizes him, throws him into convulsions, and hardly ever leaves him.”

Jesus rebuked the spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. Everyone was amazed at God’s greatness.

Jesus Predicts His Death Again

While everyone was marveling, Jesus said to his disciples, “Listen carefully: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” But they didn’t understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.

Who Is the Greatest?

The disciples argued about who among them was the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and said, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. The least among you will be the greatest.”

Anyone Not Against You Is For You

John said, “Master, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he isn’t one of us.”

Jesus replied, “Do not stop him. Whoever is not against you is for you.”

The Cost of Following Jesus

As the time approached for Jesus to be taken to heaven, he set out resolutely for Jerusalem. He sent messengers to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival, but the people there didn’t welcome him because he was heading for Jerusalem.

When James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to destroy them?”

Jesus rebuked them and moved on to another village.

On the road, someone said to Jesus, “I’ll follow you wherever you go.”

Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

Another person said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”

Jesus answered, “Let the dead bury their own dead. You go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

Still another said, “I’ll follow you, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to my family.”

Jesus replied, “No one who puts their hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

[freebiblestudyhub]

Why Does Matthew 17:21 Not Exist?

For many Bible readers and scholars, the absence of certain verses or passages in various Bible translations often raises questions. One such case involves Matthew 17:21. This verse is cited in some older Bible versions, but it is conspicuously missing in many modern translations. For instance, in the King James Version (KJV), Matthew 17:21 reads:

"Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."

However, this verse does not appear in more recent translations like the New International Version (NIV), English Standard Version (ESV), or New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). Why is this verse absent in some Bible versions, and what is its significance? This article will explore the history, textual evidence, and reasons why Matthew 17:21 does not exist in many modern translations.

1. Context of Matthew 17:21

Matthew 17:21 appears in a passage where Jesus heals a boy who is possessed by a demon. The disciples are unable to cast out the demon, prompting Jesus to intervene. The disciples later ask Jesus why they couldn't perform the exorcism, and in Matthew 17:20, Jesus answers that their lack of faith was the reason.

The inclusion of "prayer and fasting" in Matthew 17:21 was considered by many earlier Bible translators as a possible explanation for why the disciples could not cast out the demon—suggesting that certain demonic powers require more spiritual preparation, specifically prayer and fasting, for them to be overcome.

In the KJV, Matthew 17:21 reads as a conclusion to this exchange:

"Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."

However, when examining modern translations, this verse is absent. What are the reasons behind this discrepancy?

2. The History of the Text of Matthew 17:21

The earliest manuscripts of the New Testament, especially those from the 2nd and 3rd centuries, do not include Matthew 17:21. The most important early manuscripts, such as the Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, both of which are significant Greek manuscripts from the 4th century, do not contain this verse. This suggests that Matthew 17:21 was not originally part of the Gospel of Matthew.

The textual evidence from earlier manuscripts raises the question of whether this verse was a later addition rather than an original part of the text. Some scholars believe that Matthew 17:21 might have been inserted into the Gospel as a marginal note or gloss by scribes who sought to clarify or expand upon the meaning of Jesus' words.

3. The Role of Early Manuscripts and Textual Variants

When it comes to the New Testament, there are over 5,000 Greek manuscripts, many of which differ slightly from each other. These differences are called textual variants. Textual criticism is the field of study that aims to reconstruct the original text of the Bible by examining these variants. In the case of Matthew 17:21, the absence of this verse in earlier manuscripts is significant.

The Textus Receptus, a Greek text used for the King James Version, includes Matthew 17:21. However, this text is based on later manuscripts that are not as old as those used in more modern translations. The inclusion of Matthew 17:21 in the Textus Receptus suggests that this verse may have been added in the later centuries, possibly to align with similar passages in other Gospels, such as Mark 9:29, which also refers to prayer and fasting in the context of casting out demons.

4. The Influence of Church Fathers and Early Christian Writings

The Church Fathers, influential Christian theologians and writers from the early centuries, played a significant role in shaping the early transmission of biblical texts. Some of these early writers, such as Jerome, who translated the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate), and Augustine, cite Matthew 17:21. However, their references to this verse were often based on versions of the text that included it.

Despite its presence in some early Christian writings, the fact that many other early church scholars and manuscripts did not include Matthew 17:21 suggests that the verse may have been a later editorial addition to the Gospel of Matthew.

5. Theological and Interpretive Implications of Matthew 17:21

Theologically, Matthew 17:21 raises important questions about the nature of spiritual warfare, prayer, and fasting. The idea that certain demonic forces require additional spiritual disciplines, such as prayer and fasting, is a theme found in other parts of the Bible. In Mark 9:29, for example, Jesus tells His disciples that certain kinds of demons can only be driven out "by nothing but prayer and fasting."

However, the absence of Matthew 17:21 in modern translations does not necessarily invalidate the theological importance of prayer and fasting in spiritual warfare. Many scholars and theologians still teach the importance of these practices based on other scriptural references, even if Matthew 17:21 is not considered an original part of the Gospel of Matthew.

6. The Role of Scribal Additions

One of the primary reasons Matthew 17:21 does not appear in many modern translations is due to the understanding that it was likely a scribal addition. Scribes were responsible for copying manuscripts by hand, and as they did so, they sometimes added marginal notes or clarifications to the text. These additions were sometimes incorporated into the main text over time.

Scribes may have inserted Matthew 17:21 to provide an explanation or further insight into the healing process described in Matthew 17:19-20. Over time, this addition was included in some manuscripts, but not all, leading to variations in the textual tradition.

7. The Influence of the King James Version

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, which was published in 1611, was based on the Textus Receptus, which included Matthew 17:21. The KJV was the most widely used English Bible for centuries and became the standard for many Protestant denominations. As a result, many English-speaking Christians became familiar with Matthew 17:21 as part of the biblical canon.

However, with the advent of modern biblical scholarship and more ancient manuscript discoveries, newer translations such as the NIV, ESV, and NASB rely on earlier manuscripts that do not include this verse. These translations aim to reflect the earliest and most reliable versions of the New Testament, which is why Matthew 17:21 is not included.

8. The Debate Between Textual Tradition and Translation Philosophy

The debate over whether or not to include Matthew 17:21 highlights the difference between textual tradition and translation philosophy. On one hand, translators of modern versions like the NIV and ESV seek to preserve the integrity of the earliest manuscripts, which do not include this verse. On the other hand, older translations like the KJV reflect the textual tradition that was passed down through later manuscripts that included Matthew 17:21.

Translators must balance their commitment to textual accuracy with the theological and historical implications of their decisions. Some modern translations opt for a footnote or an asterisk to indicate the variant reading, allowing readers to be aware of the textual discrepancy without including the verse in the main text.

9. Conclusion: Will We Ever Know the Full Story?

The question of why Matthew 17:21 does not exist in many modern translations of the Bible ultimately comes down to the complex history of the biblical manuscripts and the role of scribes in the transmission of the text. The absence of this verse in some of the earliest and most reliable manuscripts suggests that it was a later addition, possibly to provide clarity or insight into Jesus' teachings on spiritual discipline.

While Matthew 17:21 may not be found in all Bible translations, the broader principles of prayer, fasting, and spiritual warfare continue to be emphasized in Christian teaching. Understanding the historical and textual context of the Bible allows modern readers to appreciate the evolution of the scriptural text and the ongoing efforts of translators to ensure its accuracy and faithfulness to the earliest manuscripts.

In the end, the absence of Matthew 17:21 in certain translations does not diminish the value of prayer and fasting in the life of a believer, nor does it change the core teachings of Jesus found throughout the Gospels. The process of textual criticism and the study of ancient manuscripts continue to enrich our understanding of the Bible, allowing us to engage with it in deeper and more meaningful ways.

[dhowellafisheromen]

BEFORE

Every follower of Jesus has a not-so-great “before”: A rash, brash fisherman. A pious, fancy-pants religious leader. A thieving, indifferent-to-suffering tax collector. A demon-possessed woman so insignificant that her “before” isn’t even recorded, and we’re left to surmise what it might’ve been.

And yet God calls people in the “before”—when they aren’t even aware that they’re simply broken versions of themselves. God calls people before He begins His transformative work of redemption because He sees beyond the “before” to what He purposed and planned. He sees beyond the “before” to those He loves enough to call His own.

Take Israel, for example.

Isaiah prophesied over God’s chosen nation: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you” (Isaiah 43:1)—and not during a time of obedience but rebellion. A time that was filled with idol worship, wandering hearts, and intense callousness to sin, not to mention all the painful consequences they were experiencing as a result of their choices. It was spoken long before their repentance.

“I have called you by name, you are mine,” he continues in verse 1. When Isaiah spoke those words, Israel was rebelling against all God had done for them and all He wanted to do. But God didn’t turn away; He showed mercy. He spoke His love over His chosen people, claiming them as His own before they agreed to be.

He entered into the “before.”

God speaks what is true over us too; His plan of redemption is on the march because He has called us by name. Our choices don’t derail His. What we see when we look in the mirror doesn’t determine what He sees or who we’ll be by His hand, so our brokenness doesn’t alter His plans. Nor do circumstances, other people, or our own choices determine our value; our value is assigned by the One we belong to.

We don’t have to fear.

Fear not, you’re not who you’re going to be. Fear not, God can redeem your choices and use them for good. Fear not, God can heal your heart, your body, and your relationships. Fear not, you were made for more than what you’ve experienced so far. Fear not, this is only the beginning.

Every follower of Jesus has a not-so-great “before.” But every follower of Jesus also has an “after.” The rowdy fisherman became the bedrock preacher of the early church, healer of the sick and lame, and fearless unto death. The leader of impersonal religion became personal friends with Jesus and finally understood and experienced change by the Scriptures he’d devoted his life to studying. The taxman traitor became a member of the elite twelve and author of the first gospel of the New Testament. And the woman? The woman too insignificant to even have her “before” recorded was so precious to Jesus that she became the first person He appeared to after He rose from the dead—the first one to hear His tender voice and witness the culmination of all He claimed to be and do. And she got to tell the boys.

PRAYER FOCUS

Thank the Father for knowing your name and calling it—and for identifying you as His. Thank Him for redeeming you from your “before,” then ask Him to help you through any remaining challenges.

MOVING FORWARD

What parts of your “before” has God redeemed, and which are you most grateful for?

How does “I have called you by name, you are mine” impact you today?

What do you fear, and how does Isaiah 43:1, a declaration made by God to His chosen ones, affect your fear?

[riearchivistfornow]

Touching Where It Hurts

Teens Xcite 2013.08.31

Touching Where It Hurts

Mark 1:21-34 NIV

They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

1) The mind. Jesus touched the minds of the people through the teaching of God.

Hebrews 4:12 NIV

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Is the word of God alive in your life?

2) The spirit Mark 1:23-27 NIV

Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.”

Demons and spirits are real and can come anywhere. The spiritual area is very important.

Mark 9:17-27 NIV

A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

There is a spiritual realm and we are not always conscious of it. There are strongholds in your spirit and they stop you from living your life not being able to live your life well for God.

3) The body Jesus has authority over all sicknesses. Do you believe that Jesus can heal you? God does heal us.

Jesus will touch you in three areas, your mind, spirit and body.

When man was created, we were made to be with god forever. When man sinned, sin formed a barrier to seperate us from God.

[thejesusmaninred]

"The Aphros." From Mark 9: 14-19.

We continue our discussion about the Ninth Degree, the birth of the Son of Man. The Gospels illustrate the coming of the age of the Mashiach like a virgin birth, after which follows a cute Jewish boy with hair knees stealing attention in the synagogue, but this is not how mankind works. Each generation must rear up its own and chase the demons away from it, until the blood runs pure.

Jesus focuses on freedom of speech as the first sooth a young person must adopt in order to attain to a pure spirit. Freedom of speech does not mean speak one's mind. Jesus says a rebellious spirit has robbed a young man of his speech, meaning He plans to give it back to Him but in a different dialect prior to the onset of the demonic spirit. We covered this in the frame entitled the cough. Bear in mind this frame follows the one that explains Elijah.

Jesus Heals a Boy Possessed by an Impure Spirit

14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.

16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.

17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 

18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”

19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

We have touched upon the fact religion and real life exist in parallel up to a point. As maturity grows one's dependence of religous studies should senesce. A boy that cannot get his face off the ground and who foams at his mouth much in the way the blood and foam of the goddess Aphrodite were creamed off the surface of the sea to create a divine apparition.

"The noun αφρος (aphros) means foam and is applied to the same bubbly structure in Greek as in English. In the classics our noun primarily describes the foam that forms on the sea or even a river (see our article on Tigris), but also the foam on the mouth of a raging beast, and on occasion froth on wine or even blood.

Note that foam results from a mix of water and air (ανεμος, anemos, wind), whereas water (John the Baptist) mixed with light (Jesus of Nazareth) produces a rainbow, the varicolored mark of the Noahic covenant (Genesis 9:8-17, hence also Joseph's tunic; the Septuagint of Genesis 37:3 uses ποικιλος, poikilos, varicolored)."

Orthodoxy or rigidity is not the desired outcome of a religious education in young people. At some point, the discretion of a young man must be allowed to flex its muscle and this means the fruits of the actions, not the religion must be acceptable as the deciding votes for his future conduct within him. He must become responsible for himself just as we adults must be responsible for ourselves.

The Values in Gematria are:

v. 14-15: They ran to greet him. Now we must all want to make a Son of Man. That will not happen over night. The Number is 16791, י״וזטא, "that will do it."

We need to watch what Jesus does with the Law in the Gospels. He is dead, but He is also very much alive, hidden within the Gospels which are called "field exercises" by the underlying script. They worked for someone back in ancient times, and they can work for us today. ‎

v. 16: “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. Choosing the right argument against society is as important as how the argument is done. Just take a few glimpses at that home permed bitch Kristin Waggoner who is an anti-abortion activist stormning the Capitol on January 6 alongside utterly crazy persons wearing costumes, speaking in hillybilly and you will what the incorrect arguments look like. You will never see them marching or advocating in a way that resembles Christ at any time, ever.

The Number is 3725, גזבה‎‎‎, "they were arguing about garbage, wasting time."

v. 17: A spirit has robbed him. Spirits might seem to rob us of time only if they do not promote freedom of self-determination as their final objective.

The number is 7331, ז‎גגא, zagga, "the glazier."

The Torah says God wanted to see Himself in the surface of the deep, and so do we, but God knew who He was first. The whole of the Torah and the Gospel Torah are preparation for a state of mind God will find pleasing during the introduction.

What does one thing God is going to see if one is living in Russia or Ukraine or in all those flooded and diseased places? How about in America where we are all shitting shingles because Joe Biden will not kill Donald Trump like he should have long ago?

v. 18: He is in hell. But the Disciples could not help. What did Jesus do they could not? The Number is 10503, י‎ןג, "the young."

Proper citizenship brings out the Son of Man in the same way indecent wickedness brings out the evil in him.‎

"The verb ילד (yalad) means to bear or bring forth. It's used for a woman bearing a child (Exodus 1:19, 1 Kings 3:17-18) or a father bringing forth offspring (Genesis 4:18, Proverbs 23:32), but also for a city or nation bringing forth its citizens (Isaiah 23:4, Ezekiel 16:20 - compare this with the word for mother and mother city; see אם ('am)-names like Ahiam).

Our verb is also used in a wide collection of expressions: bringing forth wind (Isaiah 26:18), the day brings forth events (Proverbs 27:1), the wicked bring forth evil (Job 15:35)."

v. 19: Bring the boy to me. Study this Book of Mark again. What does Jesus tell young people- get up out of bed, act on your dreams, be good, follow the rules, be yourself. This is how the Son of Man is made.

The Number is 11071, א‎י‎זא‎ ‎, aiza, "bring this one to the House of Israel."

Ai= Eretz Israel

Za=This one

[newprophets]

#Luke9 #Miracles #Transfiguration #Faith #GospelOfLuke #Inspiration #JesusTeachings #ChristianFaith #DivineEmpowerment #Healing

Exploring Luke 9 Miracles, Teachings, and Transformations Good morning, everyone! Today, let’s dive into the incredible chapter of Luke 9, filled with profound teachings, miraculous events, and transformative moments. The chapter begins with Jesus empowering His twelve disciples, giving them authority to drive out demons and cure diseases. He sends them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick, emphasizing the importance of spreading the Gospel and serving others. One of the most remarkable miracles in Luke 9 is the feeding of the five thousand. With just five loaves and two fish, Jesus miraculously feeds a massive crowd, demonstrating His compassion and divine provision. Peter declares Jesus as the Messiah, affirming His divine identity. Immediately after, Jesus predicts His suffering, death, and resurrection, emphasizing the cost of discipleship and the path of self-denial. Another significant event is the Transfiguration, where Jesus’ appearance changes, and He is seen speaking with Moses and Elijah, revealing His divine glory. The chapter also includes Jesus healing a demon-possessed boy and various teachings about greatness, humility, and the cost of following Him. Jesus emphasizes the importance of childlike humility and warns against leading others into sin. Reflect on these key takeaways: we are called to share the Gospel, God provides abundantly, and following Jesus requires self-denial.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Jesus Heals a Demon Possessed Boy

14 And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him, 15 And saying, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is insane and suffers miserably; for he often falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to Your disciples, but they were not able to heal him." 17 Then Jesus answered and said, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you in your unbelief? Bring him here to Me." 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it departed from him; and the boy was healed from that hour.

19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why were we not able to cast it out?" 20 And Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief. For truly I say to you, if you have faith as a tiny mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, 'Remove from here,' and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you. 21 But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." — Matthew 17:14-21 | A Faithful Version (AFV) Holy Bible, A Faithful Version © 2020 A Faithful Version. All Rights Reserved. Cross References: Deuteronomy 32:5; Isaiah 19:14; Matthew 4:24; Matthew 8:26; Matthew 13:31; Matthew 17:13; Matthew 17:22; Mark 9:14; Mark 9:22; Mark 9:29

[pastorhogg]

Help My Unbelief

Out of the Text of Luke 9:37-42 Luke 9:37-42 presents a narrative rich with themes of faith, divine authority, and human frailty. The story of Jesus healing the demon-possessed boy resonates deeply within the broader biblical narrative, echoing themes found throughout both the Old and New Testaments. At its core, this passage underscores the necessity of faith and the power of Jesus to overcome…

[bernardo1969]

The faith in Jesus is one of the central issues in all the gospels. Jesus as "son of man", as the personification of the perfections of God came to give a message of mercy (compassion, kindness, gentleness) and good love (Agape) to a humanity oppressed by sin. And for this, Jesus gave important teachings such as the Sermon on the Mount and also did signs and miracles to demonstrate the power of God. And a very important miracle performed by Jesus, where he made clear the importance of faith, was the healing of a child possessed by an impure spirit that caused him convulsions, after coming down from the Mount of Transfiguration. The gospel of Luke relates that while Jesus was coming down the mountain, the father of the possessed child approached to ask the Lord to heal him because his disciples had not been able to do the miracle. And with these words, the gospel relates how a Jesus saddened by the lack of faith of his disciples, performed the miracle: "Jesus answered, "You unbelieving and corrupt generation! How long must I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here!´ While he was coming to Jesus the demon knocked the boy to the ground and threw him into convulsions. Jesus ordered the evil spirit to leave. He cured the boy and gave him back to his father. Everyone was amazed to see God's wonderful power. Everyone was amazed at all the things that Jesus was doing" Luke 9:41-43. With this fact, Jesus heals the boy to prove the love of God to mankind and make it clear to his disciples and to those who were following his message that he who doubts cannot achieve anything and that one must always ask God with determination.

[rainsmediaradio]

Rhapsody Of Realities 20th December 2023 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy) – He Wants You Well.

TOPIC: He Wants You Well. Today’s  Scripture: Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY WEDNESDAY 20TH DECEMBER 2023.

It has never been God’s will for anyone to be sick or afflicted with diseases and pains. Rather, He wants all men well. Read our opening verse again and notice those the Lord Jesus healed; they were oppressed by the devil, not God. The devil made them sick, but God wanted them well and sent Jesus to heal them. Consider for example the man who was possessed by a legion of demons in the region of Gadara. The demons caused him to exhibit violent behaviour and live among tombs, but Jesus cast the demons out of him and he was instantly restored to his right mind (Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39). In Mark 7:24-30 and Matthew 15:21-28, we read about the Syrophoenician woman who approached Jesus, seeking help for her daughter who was demon-possessed. The Bible shows us how the Lord commended her faith and declared her daughter healed of demonic oppression. Furthermore, in Mark 9:14-29, Matthew 17:14-21, and Luke 9:37-43, the Bible shows us how a father brought his son to Jesus, explaining that the boy had been suffering from seizures due to a demon. Jesus rebuked the demon and healed the boy. These and several other examples are proof that God wants people well, vibrant, strong and free. In fact, in 3 John 1:2, His desire is clearly stated. He says, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Think about that! He wants you to prosper, and that refers to material and financial prosperity, and also be in health, which is the physical prosperity or well-being of your body-your health. Then He adds, “…even as thy soul prospereth,” emphasizing that your spiritual prosperity is paramount, and your soul only prospers through the Word of God. So stay in God’s Word; meditate on it and you’ll always live in health, for God’s Word is medicine-health for the physical body: “My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body” (Proverbs 4:20-22 NIV). CONFESSION I declare that sickness, disease, infirmity, weakness and pain have no place in my body. I walk in perfect health always, for the spirit that raised up Christ from the dead vitalizes, energizes and strengthens me through and through, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. FURTHER STUDY: Isaiah 33:24; 24 And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity. Psalm 103:1-3; 1Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Romans 8:10-11 ESV 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. 1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Revelation 12 & Micah 6-7 2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 2:1-13 & 2 Chronicles 34 Read the full article

[christian-perspectives]

Casting Out Evil Spirits Comes Only By Prayer

We hear a lot about witches and ghosts around the highly celebrated day called Halloween. But there is nothing fun about evil spirits because Jesus spent a lot of time casting them out. Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, “Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?” Jesus replied, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer.”  Mark 9:28-29 Jesus took three of His disciples to the top of a mountain, where He transfigured before their eyes. You can read about that in a post about the Mount Of Transfiguration. When they reached the foot of the mountain, they heard quite a commotion. When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd surrounding them, and some teachers of religious law were arguing with them. Mark 9:14 When the crowd saw the Lord, they immediately ran to greet Him. Jesus, though, inquired about what all the arguing was about. One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. Mark 9:17 Obviously, the man had heard of the miracles Jesus performed and His ability of casting out evil spirits. So the man continued. And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it. Mark 9:18 The Lord questioned the faith of His disciples. He asked how long must He be with them and put up with them. Mark recorded nine miracles they had already witnessed.

Miracles Recorded in the Gospel of Mark

- Jesus casts out an unclean spirit (Mark 1:23–28). - He healed Peter’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:29–34). - He healed a paralyzed man (Mark 2:1–12). - And He healed a man with a withered hand (Mark 3:1–6). - Calming a storm (Mark 4:35–41). - Raising Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:21–24, 35–43). - Fed the five thousand (Mark 6:30–44). - He walked on the sea (Mark 6:45–52). - He healed a deaf-mute (Mark 7:31–37). So His disciples had seen Him do plenty. In fact, Jesus had already sent them out by twos to minister. At that time, He gave them the power for healing and casting out evil spirits. Jesus asked the boy’s father how long he had been like that. He answered the Lord. But because His disciples couldn’t help him, he may have had some doubts because of what he asked Jesus.  He replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” Mark 9:21-22 The disciples had failed in their attempt to cast the demon out. Also, some religious leaders probably exercised their authority, bringing even more doubt. But Jesus assured him. “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” Mark 9:23 That man may have approached the disciples without any doubts of them setting his son free. So, he wanted to believe. Therefore, he asked Jesus to help him get past his unbelief. The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:24

The Observation of Casting out evil Spirits

Casting out evil spirits isn’t something most of us usually practice. So what did Jesus mean when He told His disciples that this kind can be cast out only by prayer? Did He talk about the type of spirit? In the father’s description of this spirit, he indicated that it was very aggressive and violent. We can read about when the sons of Sceva faced a violent spirit. Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered. Acts 19:16 But later in Mark 9, John told Jesus he saw someone using His name to cast out demons. And John told him to stop because he wasn’t in their group. Look how Jesus responded. Don’t stop him!” Jesus said. “No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us. Mark 9:39-40 Did John observe someone casting evil spirits of a different kind? We don’t know. What we do know is the Lord doesn’t use formulas. What do I mean by that? Let me tell you!

Formula and Foundation

I only know of one formula handed down from heaven that works every time. I’ve listed three of the many ways we can find it said in the Bible. - If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 - Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. Acts 16:31 - There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 Once we get past the initial formula for salvation, everything else is built upon God’s foundation. Faith in Christ and obedience to His Word paves the foundation. Sometimes, like Jesus mentioned in our verse for today, it may be the kind that takes prayer. As we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit will guide us as we walk in faith and obey Him. Lord, thank you for giving us a firm foundation to walk on. Prepare us, Lord, for anything that comes our way, even if it involves casting out evil spirits. Check out these other posts related to evil. - Psalm 37 - The Wicked Will Soon Fade Away - God Takes No Pleasure In The Life Of The Wicked - God’s Justice Is Delivered To The Wicked - If We Confess Our Sins - Turn From Your Wicked Ways Read the full article