Deepening Faith and Guarding Against Evil

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Can even minor sins give Satan a foothold in your life? Today, broadcasting from Medellin, Colombia, I'm taking a break from our leader training series to explore this provocative question inspired by the influential work of theologian Merrill Unger. In his book, "What Demons Can Do to Saints," Unger provides powerful insights into how persistent sin can open doors to demonic influence and spiritual struggles. Through personal anecdotes and practical wisdom, I will guide you on recognizing these spiritual battles and protecting yourself from unseen forces.

This episode is a call to vigilance in our spiritual journey. You'll hear about the subtle ways Satan can gain a toehold through seemingly minor transgressions, leading to significant spiritual challenges. Reflecting on my experiences and Unger's profound teachings, we'll discuss the importance of self-awareness and constant learning. So, join me as we uncover the tools and knowledge you need to fortify your spiritual defenses and navigate the unseen spiritual realm with greater understanding. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your faith and safeguard your spiritual well-being.

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Episode Transcript

W. Austin Gardner (00:01):
Well, I'm coming to you from down in
Medellin, colombia, and I wantto interrupt today my little
series on leader training andI'll be back to that.
But in my readings that you canalways get the excerpts of I do
each day and they go out onalignmentministriescom from
Austin's pen I learn a ton ofthings.

(00:23):
I'm still constantly trying tobe a student and learn.
I'm reading a book by MerrillUnger.
I grew up hearing about him.
He comes highly recommendedamong Bible-believing circles.
He graduated from DallasTheological Seminary with one of
his degrees.
He has many degrees and hewrote a lot on demonic activity
and since you're going toMichigan, I thought this would

(00:44):
be good.
It's an excellent book to read.
If you would take the time toread it.
It's called Merrill Unger whatDemons Can Do to Saints, and you
can see that easily by going tomy gleanings, and any of those
about demons will be from him.
This is a quote and then acomment.
A believer persistently yieldsto a besetting sin and gradually

(01:08):
discovers that he is unable toconfess it and turn away from it
.
But when the sin is clearlydemonic, he also finds himself
unwilling to do so.
That's a pretty strongstatement that Mr Unger is
making, or Dr Unger is making.
He persistently yields.

(01:29):
He is unable to confess to it,but he's also unwilling to
confess to it.
A believer, he says, withtendency toward lascivious
thoughts, yields to thetemptations to indulge the old
nature by reading pornographicliterature.
He soon finds his mind pollutedby vile imaginations whenever

(01:52):
he attempts to read the Bible orpray or perform any spiritual
service for God.
Strong demonic influence on hismind stifles every effort in
Christian living and serving.
Over the years I've dealt withso many that have had that
problem and this has reallyhelped me because I can see how

(02:14):
it is Satan getting a toehold inour life, and I know I have.
During a very strong testingand trying time I got very angry
and struck back and I totallyrealized that that was not God's
will, it was the devil's willand I allowed the devil to
influence me and I came underhis influence.

(02:35):
I gave him an advantage, I gavehim a toehold in my life, and
so I wish you'd read the bookand I wish you'd think about it,
because you and I don't wantSatan getting any advantage over
us, and you may totally dismissthe book, but I really believe
you might find it veryinteresting.
Merle Unger, and the book iswhat Demons Can Do to Saints.

(03:00):
Why don't you give it a read?