World Evangelism Podcast

Deepening Faith and Guarding Against Evil

W. Austin Gardner Season 1 Episode 57

Send us a text

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.

Thanks for listening. Find us on YouTube, Substack, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

W. Austin Gardner:

Well, I'm coming to you from down in Medellin, colombia, and I want to interrupt today my little series on leader training and I'll be back to that. But in my readings that you can always get the excerpts of I do each day and they go out on alignmentministriescom from Austin's pen I learn a ton of things. I'm still constantly trying to be a student and learn. I'm reading a book by Merrill Unger. I grew up hearing about him. He comes highly recommended among Bible-believing circles. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with one of his degrees. He has many degrees and he wrote a lot on demonic activity and since you're going to Michigan, I thought this would be good. It's an excellent book to read. If you would take the time to read it. It's called Merrill Unger what Demons Can Do to Saints, and you can see that easily by going to my gleanings, and any of those about demons will be from him.

W. Austin Gardner:

This is a quote and then a comment. A believer persistently yields to a besetting sin and gradually discovers that he is unable to confess it and turn away from it. But when the sin is clearly demonic, he also finds himself unwilling to do so. That's a pretty strong statement that Mr Unger is making, or Dr Unger is making. He persistently yields. He is unable to confess to it, but he's also unwilling to confess to it. A believer, he says, with tendency toward lascivious thoughts, yields to the temptations to indulge the old nature by reading pornographic literature. He soon finds his mind polluted by vile imaginations whenever he attempts to read the Bible or pray or perform any spiritual service for God. Strong demonic influence on his mind stifles every effort in Christian living and serving.

W. Austin Gardner:

Over the years I've dealt with so many that have had that problem and this has really helped me because I can see how it is Satan getting a toehold in our life, and I know I have. During a very strong testing and trying time I got very angry and struck back and I totally realized that that was not God's will, it was the devil's will and I allowed the devil to influence me and I came under his influence. I gave him an advantage, I gave him a toehold in my life, and so I wish you'd read the book and I wish you'd think about it, because you and I don't want Satan getting any advantage over us, and you may totally dismiss the book, but I really believe you might find it very interesting. Merle Unger, and the book is what Demons Can Do to Saints. Why don't you give it a read?