Oops of the Day 

Demon possession has always existed and is as common today as it was during Bible times.

Matthew 4:24  –  Matthew 9:32  –   Matthew 10:1  –  Matthew 12:22  –  Matthew 17:18  –  Mark 5:1-20  –  Luke 4:33-36  –  Luke 10:17  –  Acts 6:16-18

Fact of the Day

No! Examine the Bible.  God allowed demons to reveal themselves only during the lifetime of Jesus and his apostles.  Jesus ordered them out to show his power over Satan. 

Notice, he did not do exorcisms and beg them to come out.  They were afraid of him.  He ordered them.  He commanded them.  He never begged them.

There is no mention of demon possession in any writings after the time of the apostles including the “Apostolic Fathers” or “Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History.”  Demons having access to our world ceased by the end of the New Testament.

Surprise of the Day

Why were James and John, two of Jesus’ apostles, his closest friends?

Matthew 4:21-22  –  Matthew 27:56  –  Mark 16:40  –  John 19:25

Fact of the Day

James and John were sons of Zebedee.  At the cross later was the mother of the sons of Zebedee. Her name was Salome, and she was “the sister of Mary”.  James and John had known Jesus all their life.  They were cousins! Mary and Joseph were their aunt and uncle.

Oops of the Day

Everyone has to walk through the valley of the shadow of death when they die.

Matthew 4:16  –  Psalm 23:4

Fact of the Day

No!  For the Christian, light has come to the shadow of death.  Zechariah, John the Baptist’s father, said so when he prophesied the soon-coming Messiah – Jesus.

Oops of the Day

Jesus just happened to be walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, saw these two strangers – Peter and Andrew – and told them to follow him.  So they dropped everything and did.  Such faith!

Matthew 4:13 & 18-20  –  John 1:44  –   Luke 5:10

Fact of the Day

No! Peter and Andrew lived in Bethsaida.  By then, Jesus had moved from Nazareth to Capernaum, a fishing town just a little way up the coast from Bethsaida.  James and John (who were related to Jesus) were their fishing partners.