Cameron Cole experienced every parent’s worst nightmare: they put their son to bed one night, and in the morning they awoke to find that he had died in his sleep. However, the message of the Gospel, is that their son did indeed wake up — in a greater and more profound way: he awoke to eternal life with Jesus, his Savior.
In the wake of his son’s death, Cameron did a deep dive into the passages in the New Testament where Paul the Apostle writes about Heaven and eternal life. That study gave birth to his recent book, Heavenward: How Eternity Can Change Your Life on Earth.
In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with Cameron about what he learned through this experience, and how it made him more heavenly minded. Cameron also shares about how to the hope of eternal life ought to shape the way we live here and now.
Cameron’s ministry, Rooted, seeks to equip parents and churches to disciple children and students towards lifelong faith in Jesus Christ.
Cultivating a Heavenward Mindset in an Epicurean World – with Cameron Cole –
Theology for the People
Cameron Cole experienced every parent’s worst nightmare: they put their son to bed one night, and in the morning they awoke to find that he had died in his sleep.
However, the message of the Gospel, is that their son did indeed wake up in a greater and more profound way: he awoke to eternal life with Jesus, his Savior.
In the wake of his son’s death, Cameron did a deep dive into the passages in the New Testament where Paul the Apostle writes about Heaven and Eternal Life. That study gave birth to his recent book, Heavenward: How Eternity Can Change Your Life on Earth. In our discussion, Cameron shares what he learned through this experience, and how it made him more heavenly minded. Cameron also shares about how to the hope of eternal life ought to shape the way we live here and now.
Check out Cameron’s ministry: Rooted, which seeks to equip parents and churches to disciple children and students towards lifelong faith in Jesus Christ.
Visit the Theology for the People website at nickcady.org
Is baptism a requirement for salvation? There are some Christian groups who say that it is and others who say it isn’t.
In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I am joined by Pastor Stephen Pomeroy of White Fields Community Church, and we look at the Bible verses and arguments which are central to the debate over “baptismal regeneration,” and aim to show you why we believe that every Christian should be baptized, but that, as Christians, we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Is baptism a requirement for salvation? There are some Christian groups who say that it is, and others who say it isn’t.
In this episode of Theology for the People, I am joined by Pastor Stephen Pomeroy from White Fields Community Church, and we look at the Bible verses and arguments which are central to the debate over “baptismal regeneration.”
We aim to show you why we believe every Christian should be baptized, but that, as Christians, we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Visit the Theology for the People website at nickcady.org
Jamie’s church is only a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol building, and Jamie discusses how their church has navigated some of the difficult social issues of the past few years by determining to be a “Christ alone” type of church.
In this episode, we discuss the goal of Christian unity in the midst of a divided society, and how to pursue it. Where do you draw the lines? How do you determine which issues are primary issues? And why is it important to love those who are different from you, in the Body of Christ?
Loving the Ones Who Drive You Crazy: How and Why Christians Should Pursue Unity in the Church – with Jamie Dunlop –
Theology for the People
Jamie Dunlop is an associate pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church, in Washington D.C. and the author of the book, Love the Ones Who Drive You Crazy: Eight Truths for Pursuing Unity in Your Church.
Jamie's church is only a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol building, and Jamie discusses how their church has navigated some of the difficult social issues of the past few years by determining to be a “Christ alone” type of church.
In this episode, we discuss the goal of Christian unity in the midst of a divided society, and how to pursue it. Where do you draw the lines? How do you determine which issues are primary issues? And why is it important to love those who are different from you, in the Body of Christ?
episodeleave a written review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
People
In the Parable to the Good Samaritan, Jesus concludes the parable with this phrase: “Go and Do Likewise.” What then is the role of “acts of mercy” or providing for physical needs, in regard to the Great Commission we’ve received from Jesus: to go into the world and preach the Gospel to all people?
In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with Amy DiMarcangelo. Amy is an author, a mom, and a seminarian who cares deeply about engaging in the mission of God in a holistic way. She and her husband have adopted a child, and they are involved in caring for refugees in their community.
In this episode, Amy and I talk about the “social gospel” and evangelism, and about developing a holistic approach to meeting people’s physical and spiritual needs. We also share our stories of working with refugees, including how my father in law, who was a refugee from Hungary, came to faith in Jesus.
Go and Do Likewise: the Role of Acts of Mercy in the Mission of Jesus – with Amy DiMarcangelo –
Theology for the People
In the Parable to the Good Samaritan, Jesus concludes the parable with this phrase: “Go and Do Likewise.”
What then is the role of “acts of mercy” or providing for physical needs, in regard to the Great Commission we’ve received from Jesus: to go into the world and preach the Gospel to all people?
Amy DiMarcangelo is an author, a mom, and a seminarian who cares deeply about engaging in the mission of God in a holistic way. She and her husband have adopted a child, and they are involved in caring for refugees in their community.
Amy's recent book is called, Go and Do Likewise: A Call to Follow Jesus in a Life of Mercy and Mission.
In this episode, Amy and I talk about the “social gospel” and evangelism, and about developing a holistic approach to meeting people’s physical and spiritual needs.
We also share our stories of working with refugees, including how my father in law, who was a refugee from Hungary, came to faith in Jesus.
Make sure to check out the Theology for the People website at nickcady.org
Who is the Holy Spirit, and how does an understanding of the person and work of the Holy Spirit contribute to our life and faith as believers in Jesus?
Fred has focused much of his theological work on the topic of the Trinity, so when it comes to talking about the person and work of the Holy Spirit, he has a unique and helpful perspective.
In this episode we talk about what the Bible says and doesn’t say about the Holy Spirit, whether it’s okay to pray to the Holy Spirit, and more.
Who is the Holy Spirit, and how does an understanding of the person and work of the Holy Spirit contribute to our life and faith as believers in Jesus?
Fred Sanders is professor of theology at the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. He is the author of a much sought-after series of theological comic books, as well as the recently published book, The Holy Spirit: an Introduction, which is part of the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series put out by Crossway Publishing.
Fred has focused much of his theological work on the topic of the Trinity, so when it comes to talking about the person and work of the Holy Spirit, he has a unique and helpful perspective.
In this episode we talk about what the Bible says and doesn’t say about the Holy Spirit, whether it’s okay to pray to the Holy Spirit, and more.
Make sure to visit the Theology for the People website at nickcady.org
The only autobiographical statement Jesus gave of himself was this one:
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.
Matthew 11:29 NASB
In that statement, one of adjectives that Jesus used of himself was “meek”.
Additionally, in the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared:
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5 ESV
Thus, it seems it is pretty important to understand what “meekness” is, so we can understand who Jesus is, and what He was saying in the Beatitudes, about who will inherit the Earth.
“Meek” in Greek – Language & History
The word “meek” is the English translation of the Greek word Praús.
The Greek military leader Xenophon used the word to describe war horses that were well-trained; strong and spirited, yet highly disciplined.
Socrates said that a meek person is one who can argue his case without losing his temper.
Plato used the word to describe a victorious general who was merciful to a conquered people.
Aristotle referred to a meek person as someone concerned about justice, but whose anger does not degrade into revenge or retaliation.
The common theme in all these uses of the word is: “Power under control” – which certainly describes Jesus. [1]
How was Jesus “Meek”?
The Bible tells us that Jesus, though He is the almighty creator of the universe, He humbled Himself by taking on the form of a servant and submitting Himself to the Father. Though He was all-powerful, He set “emptied” Himself, becoming like us in all ways, in order to redeem us through His sacrifice for us.
What Does it Mean for Us to be “Meek”
For us to be meek means for us to bring ourselves, our intellects, our strengths, our agency, into submission to God’s call and commands for our lives. It means for us to use our strengths to serve Him and His mission, rather than to merely fulfill our own desires.
For more on the Beatitudes, here’s a recent sermon I taught on them at White Fields Church:
How should we, as Christians think about mental health and mental illness? Are there ways in which the Bible gives us insights into treating mental illness, that go beyond what modern secular scholarship can provide?
In our discussion, David talks about his own struggles with mental illness, and about how the Bible gives us the best possible framework for dealing with issues that are often both spiritual and physical in nature.
How should we, as Christians think about mental health and mental illness? Are there ways in which the Bible gives us insights into treating mental illness, that go beyond what modern secular scholarship can provide?
In this episode, I speak with David Murray. David Murray holds a PhD from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and has pastored churches in Scotland and the USA. He is also a counselor, and the author of several books, including the latest, which he co-authored, A Christian’s Guide to Mental Illness: Answers to 30 Common Questions.
In our discussion, David talks about his own struggles with mental, and about how the Bible gives us the best possible framework for dealing with issues that are often both spiritual and physical in nature.
For many people, the study of the “End Times” can feel mysterious and disorienting. But, upon examination, what you find is that there are really only three main lenses through which people interpret the eschatological texts in the Bible.
In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, my friend Aaron Salvato from the Good Lion Podcast, interviews me about the end times passages in the Bible and I lay out the three different ways these passages have been interpreted, and why.
I outline the futurist, preterist, and idealist positions, and explain how they correspond to premillennialism, postmillennialism, and amillennialism. I also weigh the strengths and weaknesses underlying these different interpretations.
For many people, the study of the “end times” can feel mysterious and disorienting. But, upon examination, what you find is that there are really only three main lenses through which people interpret the eschatological texts in the Bible.
In this episode, my friend Aaron Salvato from the Good Lion Podcast, interviews me about the end times passages in the Bible and I lay out the three different ways these passages have been interpreted, and why.
I outline the futurist, preterist, and idealist positions, and explain how they correspond to premillennialism, postmillennialism, and amillennialism. I also weigh the strengths and weaknesses underlying these different interpretations.
Make sure to visit the Theology for the People website at nickcady.org
Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and beloved passages in the Bible. It is often read at funerals, or at times when people are in need of comfort. And yet, there is more to this Psalm than many people realize.
According to David, Psalm 23 echoes the major themes of the Bible and foreshadows God’s saving work through Jesus – in a way that is wonderful, edifying, and encouraging. Rather than being a Psalm for death – he wants to show us how this is a passage about life, for those who follow Jesus!
Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and beloved passages in the Bible. It is often read at funerals, or at times when people are in need of comfort.
And yet, there is more to this Psalm than many people realize. According to my guest, David Gibson, Psalm 23 echoes the major themes of the Bible and foreshadows God’s saving work through Jesus – in a way that is wonderful, edifying, and encouraging.
Rather than being a Psalm for death – he wants to show us how this is a passage about life, for those who follow Jesus!
David Gibson is the minister of Trinity Church in Aberdeen, Scotland, and the author of several books, including his latest: The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host.
Make sure to check out the Theology for the People website at nickcady.org
In these passages, sometimes the demonic possession caused physical ailments. In other cases, such as with Judas, it caused him to do something evil, namely betraying Jesus. In Acts 16, a demon possessed slave girl was able to tell the future. In Mark 5, demon-possession led to a man cutting himself and living naked in a cemetery.
The Bible repeatedly tells us that idol worship can be related to the worship of demons (Leviticus 17:7; Deuteronomy 32:17; Psalm 106:37; 1 Corinthians 10:20), and so it is possible that involvement with idolatry, the occult, or pagan worship could be a contributing factor for some when it comes to demon possession. Some animistic religions, including voodoo and Santeria, directly involve inviting spirits to indwell and possess the worshiper.
However, when it comes to Christians, the Bible tells us that now, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, we who believe in Jesus have been sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their salvation, as a seal that they belong to God (Ephesians 1:13-14, 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; 1 Corinthians 6:19) and are indwelt by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:9-11). For more on the three relationships with the Holy Spirit, click here.
Jesus Himself provides assurance regarding the security of His followers. In John 10:28-29, Jesus declared, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”
In Matthew 12, Jesus spoke about what happens when a demon is cast out from a person.
“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first.”
Matthew 12:43-35
What we learn from this description, is that demons can only occupy a person if that person is not already indwelt by a more powerful Spirit, namely the Spirit of the Lord. If the Spirit of the Lord is indwelling a believer, demons cannot also indwell them.
Demonic Oppression and Demonic Influence in the Life of a Believer
While Christians cannot be possessed by demons, they are not immune to spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul warns believers that they should not be ignorant of the schemes of the devil and exhorts us to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against such attacks (Ephesians 6:10-18). This implies that while demonic possession is not something that is possible for a believers, harassment or oppression by demonic forces remains a possibility.
Oftentimes, the “battlefield” on which spiritual warfare takes place, is our minds and thought life. Satan is referred to by Jesus as “the father of lies” (John 8:44), and we are instructed to fight against demonic influence over our thought life by taking every thought captive for Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Instances of demonic oppression or influence manifest as spiritual attacks and temptations, just as Jesus Himself was tempted by the devil. While these experiences can be daunting, they do not mean the surrender of one’s will or identity to demonic control. Instead, they serve as opportunities for believers to exercise their faith, relying on the power of Christ to overcome the adversary (1 Peter 5:8-9).
For example, King Saul, after rebelling against the LORD, was troubled by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:14-15; 18:10-11; 19:9-10) with the apparent effect of a depressed mood and an increased desire to kill David. Peter was influenced by Satan to try to prevent Jesus from accomplishing his mission of dying on the cross (Matthew 16:21-23).
In Ephesians 6, we are instructed to not only take precautions to protect ourselves against demonic attacks, but we are instructed to go on the offense and fight against the influence of these demonic forces using the Word of God and by praying in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17-18). For more on praying in the Spirit, see: Is Praying in the Spirit Speaking in Tongues?
Conclusion
In conclusion, Christians cannot be possessed by demons, as they are sealed and protected by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. However, believers are not exempt from spiritual warfare and may experience harassment or oppression by demonic forces. Nevertheless, our confidence rests in the assurance of Christ’s victory over the powers of darkness and His promise to never leave nor forsake His own. Let us, therefore, stand firm in the truth of God’s Word, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us, and that nothing can separate of from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39).
Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic
If you have a question or would like to suggest a topic for me to address here on the blog, click here: Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic
Theology for the People 