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“Mark Alan Williams is one of the best Christian bloggers, especially on sensitive subjects”

-Jason Holland Director of Operations Joshua Nations

“Loving your biblical responses. So much counseling is a chasing after wind, yours offers such a scriptural bridge.”

-Mike Kellogg 

Former host of Music Thru the Night, Moody Radio network and National Religious Broadcasters

Hall of Fame Award winner

“I can’t tell you how much I have appreciated your posts on LinkedIn. Many of them have been quite timely and an answer to prayer. Keep up the good work!!!” 

-Dave Meyers President, ZimZam Global

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Intro
Writer: Mark Alan Williams
Mark Alan Williams
Sep 24, 2016
4 min read

"Christianity Questions and Answers" podcast CQA 058


Podcast (listen-to-this-article-here): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:50 — 25.5MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS


Is demonization real? What is it? For that matter, what are demons? How do they influence people? Can they inhabit people’s bodies, minds, spirits? On today’s podcast, my guest, Bishop Garry Bryant answers these questions as well as the central question: What is demonization and is it real?


Bishop Garry Bryant


To listen to this podcast on demonization just hit the play button above


Who is Garry?


Garry Bryant is a native Virginian and the son of a Pentecostal Holiness Minister. He has served as a Senior Pastor, as Conference Christian Education Director, and as Bishop of Redemption Ministries. His ministry goal is to raise-up the body of Christ in effective ministry to carry out the Great Commission.  Garry and his wife LaDawn have two children, Dreama and Garryt. They reside in Oklahoma City, OK, where Garry presently serves as Assistant Director for EVUSA with the International Pentecostal Holiness Church and as the National Field Director of ACTS2DAY Ministries.


Garry’s experiences and Biblcal knowledge qualify him to share authoritatively about demonization.

Garry and I recently traveled together to India. While there we sat down and chatted about this issue of demonization. I found his experiences and insights fascinating. I hope you will also.


Here are some Scripture passages related to the issue of demonization:


Matthew 8:29And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with you, Jesus, you Son of God? are you come here to torment us before the time?”


Matthew 10:1And when he had called to him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”


Matthew 12:22Then was brought to him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, so that the blind and dumb both spoke and saw.”


Mark 3:11And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, You are the Son of God.”


Mark 9:29And he said to them, ‘This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.’”


Mark 9:38And John answered him, saying, ‘Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name, and he follows not us: and we forbade him, because he follows not us.’”


Luke 8:2And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils


Luke 11:14And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spoke; and the people wondered.”


1 Corinthians 10:20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that you should have fellowship with devils.”


James 2:19You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”


1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour


They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. 2 And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. And crying out with a loud voice, he said, ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.’ For he was saying to him, ‘Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?’ He replied, ‘My name is Legion, for we are many.’ 10 And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11 Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, 12 and they begged him, saying, ‘Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.’ 13 So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.


14 The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. 15 And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 16 And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. 17 And they began to beg Jesus[d] to depart from their region.” (Mark 5:1-17 ESV)


For more help understanding what the Bible says about demonization, the devil, demons and God’s Holy Spirit see these resources on my website:

To learn more about this “Christianity Questions and Answers” podcast and how to submit your questions, click HERE.


To receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord click HERE.

To develop your relationship with God, get my free eBook “10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth” click HERE.


You can leave a comment below.


Help Spread the Word! If you found this episode helpful, we’d love for you to rate the podcast in iTunes. This will help get this podcast in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Also, please Click here to leave a review – thanks so much for your help!



 
 
Writer: Mark Alan Williams
Mark Alan Williams
Sep 19, 2016
4 min read

Does God have a wonderful plan for your life?

Podcast (listen-to-this-article-here): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 9:56 — 18.2MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS


One of the ironies of life is that the more you succeed, the more you’ll face opposition. This seems especially ironic when you succeed in serving God. As we serve the Lord, we get opposition from enemies, from friends and from the Evil One.


Recently I spent time in India with a church leader who is making wonderful advances for the Lord. Yet he’s often verbally threatened by the enemies of the Gospel. He fears for his family, for his ministry and for his personal safety. Some of his workers have indeed been physically mistreated.


Here in America, we usually have a friendlier atmosphere. Yet it seems that while opposition is often subtler, it is just as real.


Does this opposition mean we’ve gotten off track and lost our way? No, quite the opposite. Opposition often means we’re right on track.


Here are 3 reasons opposition can mean you’re right on track with God:


01. The Bible says we should expect persecution from enemies of Christ.

Scripture is clear, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12 ESV)


Some believers are surprised when they begin to live for Christ and suddenly things get tougher. But again the Bible warns, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12 ESV)


We promise that “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” That is true, but part of God’s wonderful plan is persecution and trials!


How should we respond? The next verse tells us: “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:13 ESV)


My friend in India responds with faith and rejoicing. He also keeps a low profile and tries not to attract too much of the wrong kind of attention. That is practicing what Jesus described; “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16 ESV)


Don’t intentionally incite opposition from the enemies of Christ. But if it comes, endure in faith and remember it probably means you’re right on track.


02. Progress and success often breed jealousy and contempt from fellow believers.

This is sad but true.


The Apostle Paul experienced it. While in prison for the Gospel he wrote about opposition from envious fellow believers; “It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me.” (Philippians 1:15a, 17b NLT)


How appalling that Christians would try to add to Paul’s suffering because of their jealousy.


What was Paul’s response? He wrote in the next verse, “But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.” (Philippians 1:18 NLT)


Wow, he was only concerned that the Gospel went forward!


Similarly, David was one of the best things that ever happened to King Saul. He not only killed Goliath, but as Saul’s military general David led the troops to many great victories. Yet instead of deep gratitude, his success embittered King Saul. (1 Samuel 18:6-8) Saul became so jealous of David’s success that for years he tried to track him down and kill him!


This is the same King Saul who was God’s anointed and who prophesied fervently with the prophets. (1 Samuel 10:11-12) Saul started well, but destroyed his spiritual walk through his egocentrism and envy.

You might encounter jealousy among siblings, coworkers, teammates, and even ministry leaders. How should you respond? Just continue to serve God as best you can and “pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)


And remember, this opposition probably means you’re right on track.


03. The Evil One always opposes those making headway.

Perhaps you feel like you’re making more progress than ever in your Christian life. Yet you’re facing more opposition than ever. If so congratulations, you’ve likely become a target of the devil! Wear it as a badge of honor.


The devil isn’t worried about those who are tepid in their faith, who embarrass the name of Christ, and make people say, “If that’s a Christian, I don’t want any part of Christianity.”


No, the Evil One targets those who are making the most impact.


At a church where I play basketball, one guy likes to put his shoulder down and bully his way to the basket. It’s a challenge to me, I don’t want to give him any ground. My natural reaction is to get in his way. Then he gets mad and cries “foul.” (He might be right!)


In a similar way, when we challenge the Devil, he will take the challenge and oppose us.


What should you do? “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)


Are you facing opposition? Take heart, it might mean you are right on track. God is using you and thus you can expect opposition from enemies, “friends” and the devil.


For more help on this website with persecution, unfair treatment, and forgiveness:

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth



 
 
Writer: Mark Alan Williams
Mark Alan Williams
Sep 15, 2016
3 min read

"Christianity Questions and Answers" podcast CQA 057

Podcast (listen-to-this-article-here): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 21:59 — 20.1MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS


Some mock the virgin birth while other people who call themselves Christians question or deny it. Others misunderstand and are confused. So what is the virgin birth? In this podcast my great friend Dr. Jayakumar Ramachandran gives us the Biblical answer to this question. He also explains why the virgin birth is so important to the Christian faith.


Dr. Jayakumar Ramachandran


Recently Jay was in my home and we sat down to talk over these issues.


To listen to this podcast just hit the play button above.


Here are some Scripture passages that explain the virgin birth:

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14 ESV)


Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: …” (Matthew 1:18-25 ESV)


And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 ESV)


Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:23 ESV)


Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:18 ESV)


And the angel answered her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.’” (Luke 1:35 ESV)


To a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary.” (Luke 1:27 ESV)


In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1ESV)


Who is Jay?

Dr. Jay was born and raised in Chennai (Madras) India to a staunch Hindu father and a traditional Christian mother.

Jay was more influenced by his father’s beliefs, values, and practices of Hinduism because his father was more religious than his mother. This deprived Jay of any Christian atmosphere and nurturing during his childhood and teenage years. Consequently, Jay formed a pluralistic religious belief.


However, in 1976, through God-orchestrated events, Jay came to know the true and living God by reading the books of John and Romans. In 1989, Jay founded Bible Believing Churches & Missions (BBCM) and continued to plant churches in Bangalore, India and challenge other church leaders to do the same.

Jay has diligently pursued advanced education.  His degrees include:

  • Doctorate degree in Ministry D. Min. (Miss) from Columbia Intel University, USA

  • Masters degree in Sacred Theology (STM) from Dallas Theological Seminary, USA

  • Masters degree (M.Th) in Bible Exposition from Asian Christian Academy

  • Masters degree (M.A) from the University of Madras

For more help in understanding what the Bible says about Jesus, Mary and the importance of faith in Christ see these resources on my website:

To learn more about this “Christianity Questions and Answers” podcast and how to submit your questions, click HERE.


To receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord click HERE.


To develop your relationship with God, get my free eBook “10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth” click HERE.


NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth



 
 
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