Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out." – Acts 19:13

Today's Scripture Reading (March 24, 2024): Acts 19

In the days of the early church, every kind of mental illness or instability was blamed on demons. And there were charlatans who went around healing these people by casting out these demons. And sometimes, it worked. We know now that the mind is powerful, and sometimes, if you can convince it that healing is possible, the mind can heal itself. Psychologists and psychiatrists have made their livings on that fact. But sometimes, they run into the real thing. That is what happened in Ephesus; they ran into the real thing, and knowing the name of Jesus as part of the act was not enough.

The correct answers to the questions are not what life is all about. Neil Anderson says he thinks his theology is probably about 90% right. He argues that he has always told his churches that, and it shocked them. But he's right. It would be wrong to think otherwise. But guess what? It doesn't matter. There is no test you have to write to get into heaven. The only thing that matters on Judgement Day is your relationship with Jesus Christ. In Christianese, we call that our salvation moment.

Going to church won't save you. It is not that going to church isn't necessary. It is! In worshipping together, we get to encourage each other, but going to church will not get you into heaven. Taking communion won't save you either. It is likely surprising to some that Baptism won't do it either, nor does going to a mid-week prayer meeting. Not that any of these things aren't important, because they are, but if you depend on them to save you, then you are doing no better than the Sons of Sceva, invoking Jesus as a talisman or a magic wand to be used to get you out of a tight spot. 

This is not about superstition. The only thing that will save you is a relationship with Jesus Christ. I believe that all of those things we do in obedience to our relationship with Jesus but they cannot save us. Those who use Jesus and the traditions of the Christian Church as nothing more than a talisman always pay a price. Jesus is the real thing, not just a magic wand or word to get what we want. Only he has the power to shape our lives. And that is good because we already know that superstition is not enough.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1