Ask Father Paul 081308

Answers to your questions about life, religion and the Bible

Pastors get some of the most interesting questions from people they meet and people in their congregations. Here are a few questions that I’ve gotten during my years of ministry and via email for this column.

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Dear Father Paul: Can demons take on human form? — Paul

Dear Paul: According to the Bible ... Jude 6-7 ... II Peter 2: 4-5 ... Ezekiel 28: 12-15 ... Isaiah 14: 12-15 ... and Luke 10: 18 ... demons are former angels who joined Lucifer in a rebellion against God in heaven. They were cast out of heaven along with Lucifer (Satan) and now assist Satan in attempting to further his evil purposes against mankind here on earth. They are spirit beings who hate humans because we are made in the image of God and have the capacity to live with God in heaven for eternity. There are numerous accounts in the New Testament of demons possessing and harming people. In every instance they fled when confronted by Jesus. While I believe demons are real and still harass people today ... and can even enter into and possess a person, I can find nothing in the Bible that says they have the capacity to take on human form.

Dear Father Paul: What do you think about politicians and people seeking office sharing their faith in speeches and on TV? Isn’t that against the doctrine of the separation of church and state? — Roz

Dear Roz: I think it is absolutely wonderful! But just to set the record straight, the “doctrine of the separation of church and state” is not mentioned anywhere in the constitution. It is rather a creation of the media and is taken from a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to a constituant. Having said that, I believe that the separation of church and state is a good thing. I don’t want the government mucking around in religion and forcing us to all believe or pray in a certain way. Religion, on the other hand, should not control government. A strictly “hands off” policy by both is best in my view. Jesus said it best ... ”render unto Caesar (the government) the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are Gods.” Luke 20:25.

But to more fully answer your question, I think it is fine when our leaders and elected officials speak about their faith, as long as they don’t make me feel like I need to join their church and as long as they don’t do it as a cheap ploy to get votes. Personally, I want to know where candidates and other leaders stand on faith issues. I think it is especially good for our young people to hear and see successful people in all walks of life give voice to their faith.

Dear Father Paul: Why does the Bible call the Holy Spirit “the Counselor?” — Art

Dear Art:“Counselor” means one who gives direction and guidance. In John 14:26 Jesus himself said before he returned to heaven, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” The “Counselor” is the third person of the Trinity. He is God ... and when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, he, the “Counselor” comes and actually takes up residence inside of us leading and guiding us into wise and godly ways. Anyone who finds themself messing up a lot, needs the “Counselor.”

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Got a question for the column? Email me at paulmassey@earthlink.net or call me at 678-457-3050.

Do you not have anyone who can pray for a need you have? E-mail or call me and I will pray for your need. I do not need to know your name.