isn't it awesome?

We can just let GOD handle tings instead of running around like chickens with their heads cut off when a hurricane comes our way.

The best illustration of the words "Semper FI" I have EVER seen, is God. Even marines can't top HIS faithfulness.

Good Word Brother Matt! Isn't my daughter beautiful? Just dropped by to respond to your comment and really liked your post on 1 Corinthians !

Here's my reply young friend!

Praise God Brother!

Keep seekin' HIS WORD. I am impressed and delighted by your dilligence. Don't let your concern be "agreeing with me", that's not why You are Here. We are to agree with GOD's WORD. Please know, it doesn't matter what I say (or anyone else), it ONLY matters WHAT GOD SAYS! That being said however, we are called to reason together and to use the Word of GOD to reprove, correct, and instruct in righteousness. In             1 Corinthians 11:18-19b Paul writes: I hear that there be divisions (#4978 split or gap) among you; and I partly believe it. FOR THERE MUSTY BE also herecies (#139 a choice, (spec.) a party, disunion) among you, THAT THEY WHICH ARE APPROVED (see 2 Timothy2:15) MAY BE MADE MANIFEST (#5318 - [from 5316-to lighten, shine, i.e.show]. Shining, i.e. apparent, publicly). People will be able to see GOD's Truth by the presentation of GOD's WORD. If we will stick with debate, GOD's Truth will Prevail!!! HE Will see to it!

I will reply to your question with a question, and then a comment (both intended to provoke thought and study) as opposed to dismissing your questions. By that I mean, we don't KNOW everything. If you can present Biblical proof of a point (or counterpoint in this case) that will cause us to look into it more as well. Debates are often seen as harmful or bad within the body of Christ (and I'm sure they can be) BUT they should be very productive for us, causing us to search the scriptures and present GOD's WORD. HIS Truth will prevail!!! Amen!

But I digress. *turns quickly to his original question and comment*

Can you cite an occasion IN SCRIPTURE where a demon / spirit was "bound" by one of GOD's kids? (Do not be deterred from searching but thus far, in all our debates, nobody has. That says something.)

Oops, I guess it'll be 2 questions instead of a comment. A far as your question of our imitating GOD (by binding them), would that not also mean that we should "loose" them also as HE will after the 1,000 year reign and whenever HE looses those under the River Euphrates?

We are indeed to be imitators of Christ (GOD), but there are some things we are NOT empowered to do - That HE alone can do. A quick look at the closing chapters of Job and Revelation being the primary examples. Genesis 1 would be pretty tough to imitate too! As John Hagee says, “I don’t bat in that league!” A clear distinction arises to me (although not studied out yet) that it is an entirely different thing to “imitate” GOD in all HIS Glory and Power as evidenced in Creation and the passages above; as opposed to imitating Christ (GOD in The flesh), emptied of HIS GLORY (see Phillipians 2:5-8), but filled with The Spirit, doing whatsoever The Father told HIM to say and do.

It is interesting that GOD binds them in very specific and real places for HIS purposes. Where does the christian "bind" them “to” when he does it? It struck me this morning it must be like a childhood game I used to play called "Frozen Tag". The guy that was it (the christian) would chase after the others (demons) and when he (the christian) touched them, they would have to stand there frozen (bound). And they could not move until another person (demon) came and touched them. It's just an illustration, but seriously, to what or to where does the christian "bind" the enemy and why didn't Paul (et al) do that in their dealings with them? The command (and instruction) from Christ is to cast him out. While HE was here, HE didn’t bind them, HE commanded (let) them go into swine or wherever.

It’s not a pretty thought, but in the Bible, the enemy(ies) serve GOD’s purposes too. HE used them (Egypt, Medo Persia, and others) to discipline Israel and REVEAL HIS GLORY. HE used satan to bring US SALVATION, and HE will use him to unfold HIS plan (as we see in Revelation). The Christian is instructed to resist him (satan) steadfast in the faith (1 Peter 5:9) when he comes against you, and cast him out of those who are bound by him. That’s all we see.

Blessings of Peace, Joy, Wisdom, and Health unto you and yours. In the Name f The LORD Jesus Christ.

Mr. P.