DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR
The Ghost of Darwin Stewart
When Lucy encounters a spirit at the flea market, she thinks it is trickery. After all, she doesn’t believe in spirits and ghosts. Later, Lucy meets a shaping-shifting entity, a ghost, and eventually an evil dark force. She soon realizes the spirit realm does exist regardless of whether she believes in it or not.
Author’s Reflections
Our Holy Bible teaches us the spirits are real created beings (Colossians 1:16). The angels (spirits) were made to serve and worship God long before the heavens or the universe came into existence. God gave them powers to be of service to him and to be ministering spirits to the believer (Hebrews 1:14). As we study scripture, we learn God is a spirit (John 4:24).
Author’s Reflections
God is seen in his word (the Holy Bible), in creation (nature and the universe; Psalm 19:1), and in his son Christ Jesus. Since the beginning, God’s invisible qualities are seen, like his eternal power and divine nature, and are understood by what he has created (you and me) so that people are without excuse. The invisible is seen through the visible. (Romans 1:20)
When angels appeared in the Biblical accounts, they announced, “Do not be afraid.” Their outward form was startling, but they were on a mission or bringing urgent messages from God. On several occasions, they looked like humans. Angels have charge over us (Psalm 91:11), so we might see angelic beings God has sent, but we probably won’t realize who they are (Hebrews 13:2).
The fallen angels (demons) rebelled against God and now desire to destroy and deceive all who believe in God and Christ Jesus. Satan can present himself as good and loving, truthful and powerful like God because he wants to be God. (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). His demons can do the same. We must rely on scripture to discern the difference (Psalm 119:105).
Author’s Reflections
It is first necessary to believe in God and to acknowledge him and put your trust in him. Here is where your journey begins. God wants you to become His child (John 1:12). Jesus is his son, and only through Jesus can you begin to know and understand who God is. The Bible is God’s word to us, and it teaches us about him.
Disclaimer: These reflections are gleanings from my personal studies and are offered only for the benefit of helping the reader better understand scripture. I want to encourage you to study the scriptures to discern the meaning of God’s word for yourself.
*Scripture References:
Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible.
Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.
Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Romans 1:20. For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Psalm 91:11. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
Hebrews 13:2. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing, some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15. And no wonder, Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
Psalm 119:105. Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.
John 1:12 Yet to all who did receive him, those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
*Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright© 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Resources:
Through the Bible Commentary; © 1981 by J. Vernon McGee
MacArthur Study Bible App
GotQuestions.org
CS Lewis NRSV Bible © 2010 by Harper Collins
CSLewisInstitute.org, Dawn Treader, Archives
Angels: God’s Secret Agents, ©1995 by Billy Graham
