The Joshua Victor Theory

  Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen. God’s and the devil’s kingdom are at war in this world. We pray in the Lord’s Prayer: “ Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” God, send your kingdom here on earth! God’s Kingdom has intense opposition. The devil is deeply entrenched and fights his losing battle to the bitter end. The devil’s kingdom and God’s are as different as darkness and light, evil and good, death and life. But the devil is a powerful Liar and Deceiver, ever since the beginning. The devil lies so well, that in Isaiah, God rebuked His people for getting things totally backwards. He says: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20) . It’s deep trouble when we can’t tell right from wrong or good from evil. The devil is expert at keeping us confused! The devil is an ex...

Sermon Outline: 1.       C.S. Lewis: two equal and opposite errors that can occur with regard to demons (fallen angels)--  1) disbelieving in their existence or 2) to believe, but have an unhealthy fascination. They are happy with either error--the first allows them to do their work unnoticed--the second because our focus lands on them, instead of God. Lewis referred to demons, but I think we could easily borrow his point to talk about the good angels as well. Same two easy errors: 1) disbelieve or 2) excessive fascination. On the one hand we would be ignorant of their protection or duty. But especially with the 2nd, how do we teach about them, but not lose focus of God, who is of greatest importance? Angels too are conscious of this problem--infrequent appearances in Bible--have the effect of frightening humans because of their brilliant shining appearance--quick to add in many cases “do not fear!” or “Don’t be afraid!” When humans fall down to worship ...