On today's episode of Monday Morning Coffee Study we will be discussing the Old Testament and ancient Jewish mythical development of the idea and existence of demons. The frustrating part of studies like this is that we must ground our exploration in the confession, "we don't know!" So, buckle up and let's talk!

The entire series of REDO focused on exposing the lies that we fall into when we look at our past. The TRUTH that we must come to terms with is essentially the reality of who Jesus is and is He faithful to do what He promises us in Scripture? Today, as we recap REDO we are going to see that Jesus is all that He says He is and that we can trust Him to deal with our past, not just sweep it under the rug!

Addictions are a part of our culture: technological addiction, social media addiction, work addiction, alcohol, pornography, gaming, gambling, drugs, relationships, etc.; sometimes, we feel as if it is a hopeless fight so why even bother? This week, we will see how it isn’t hopeless, and we can be set free from our addictions when we learn to fully embrace the Lordship of Jesus in our lives because He has already won the battle and has given us the victory!

Depressed? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Stressed? These are NOT feelings to ignore and are NOT demonstrations of weakness. This week we will address mental health: what the Bible says about us as psycho-somatic beings, how the Gospel addresses the issues, and how the redemptive work of Jesus gives you power to face them with strength and dignity!

Guilt is the result of unresolved actions, decisions, hurt, or pain. It stifles our growth as a person and will prevent us from embracing the freedom that Christ offers us through His redemptive work. It can create such an impenetrable darkness in our life that we push everything and everyone away, including our loved ones, our church family, and even the mercy of Jesus!

Shame for repentance is a positive part of the redemptive work of God because it forces us to the reconciliation that we have with God through the atoning work of Jesus. However, shame held on to and shame that defines us is not just an unhealthy trait that will damage us and our worldview, but it is also an anathema to the Gospel of Jesus and living at peace with God.

Building on the theme of forgiveness, we as Christians must learn how to deal with people who hurt us. Hurt doesn’t necessarily mean they have committed some egregious sin, it could be a harmful word or a breach of trust; yet, it is a hurt that has influenced the relationship and can have a profound effect on our relationship with Jesus and our evangelistic witness.

Forgive and forget do not go hand in hand; forgetting our past and the pains that go with it are not an instruction ever given to us in Scripture. We are to forgive DESPITE the past, just as Christ has forgiven us. We cannot allow the memory of the past to hold our obedience, freedom, and peace hostage!