Lawrence DeMetrius

Lyrics

Letter of Apostle Luke – The Gospel
An Intimate Review
Pt 4
By Lawrence DeMetrius

The Lighted Candle

In [Lk 8:16, 17] Christ explains why candles are lit and why one must come into the boundaries its illumination, to see what can be seen therein. [Mt 11:27-30] He teaches that no one puts a lighted candle where it cannot be seen, can be snuffed out or potentially cause a hazard. Doing so is counterproductive. Christ also decrees that hidden things will be made manifest, known and come abroad. The greatest of these mysteries is Himself as the Word and Son of Yahweh, Who is sent to become The Way Of Salvation for all souls. [St Jn 3:16-20, 36; I Jn 2:1-3; 5:20]

Beware How You Hear

In [Lk 8:18] Jesus Christ warns His disciples to take HEED of HOW they HEAR.

*heed Gk #991 blepo (blep-o) it means to look at, behold, look on or to, regard, and perceive

*hear Gk #191 akouo (ak-oo-o) it means to hear in various senses and understand

It is imperative for born-again believers to HEED how they HEAR because the rewards of eternal life or death are predicated thereby. Christ said,

Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
[Lk 8:18]

All Are Not Yahweh’s Children

In [Lk 8:19-21] Apostle Luke notes an incident that took place while Christ was conducting ministry, in which his biological relatives sought Him out.
Upon being advised of their inquiry Christ said,

My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.
[Lk 8:21]

While biological relation is thick, spiritual relation is thicker. While it is true that Yahweh is the FATHER meaning CREATOR of all, only those who are born-again of Christ and Holy Ghost are considered familial members of HIS household. Only these have the desire and ability to HEAR and OBEY divine directives, by which they are empowered to carry of HIS will. [Exo 20:3; Eccl 12:13, 14; Isa 1:18-20; Eze 18:4; 19-23, 31, 32]

Where is Your Faith?

In [Lk 8:22-25] Christ gives His disciples the command to launch out into deep waters. Apostle Luke notes that Christ was with them but asleep in the bottom of the boat. When the storm became fierce to the point that it might destroy the boat, the disciples became fearful and woke Christ from His sleep. When He arose, He simply rebuked the storm, which caused the sea to be at ease. He then asked His disciples, “Where is your faith?” This experience teaches born-again believers that no matter how fierce situations may become in their lives, Christ the Word is always with them, especially when they are doing what He has commanded them to do. They must always keep in mind that He has authority over all forces that create stormy situations in their lives naturally, spiritually and supernaturally. They must remain aware that He is present within them and that by His strength they are able to whether any stormy situation. He said,

All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. I am with thee always, even unto the end of the world.
[Mt 28:18, 20]

The Ministry of Deliverance

In [Lk 8:26-34] Apostle Luke addresses the authority of Jesus Christ over satanic powers. It was vital for First Century Christians to know this, in that the persecutions they would endure, would come by the hands of mortals who were under demonic influence.
Victims of demonic possession do realize when they are being exercised by demons and evil spirits. This was evident per the dialogue between Christ and the demoniac in this passage. Demonic beings attribute their nature and character to those they possess. Demonic powers want to be worshiped and receive credit for the alter ego they display through their victims. They do whatever they can to destroy any relations that can deliver victims from their possession. The passage notes that demons can also possess animals. Their request to be released into the swine is evidence of this ability. Christ empowers and instructs His brethren to arrest and send these forces back into seas they are appointed to. He said per Apostle Mark’s letter,

Have faith in God.
For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
[Mk 11:22, 23]

Christ’s authority over demons caused terror to those who witnessed it. The glorious contrast to the destruction of a herd of swine in the sea was a man’s deliverance from demonic powers. While this was something that should have been celebrated, the Gadarenes seemed more at ease with the man being possessed by evil spirits then being delivered from them. When Christ delivered the man, he regained his own identity, was properly clothed and had regained his right mind. His experience was greatly publicized and generated much glory unto Yahweh. When one receives healing from demonic possession, they are given ability to present themselves before GOD and man with great dignity and honor. Per Apostle Paul, Yahweh grants one the ability to deliver themselves from devilish snares when they reverently acknowledge Christ the Word. [II Tim 2:26]

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