Pastor Encourages Deeper Reflection on Angels and Demons
Allen Jackson, the pastor at World Outreach Church in Tennessee, is striving to inspire his followers to ponder more about angels, demons, and the supernatural.
His new book, Angel, devil, you, addresses these topics and invites fellow preachers to engage with them more courageously.
“We seem more willing to trust in the presidential election than the beings God has made available to us.”
In a recent interview with CBN News, Jackson commented, “Most of us are alright discussing angels and demons in theory.” His key point is to recognize the real spiritual influences on our lives. “Once you grasp that, the conversation shifts significantly.”
Jackson has observed that many preachers have leaned heavily into rationalism since the Enlightenment, risking a disconnect from what he calls “spiritual dynamics.” Very often, he notes, discussions skew towards the spiritual “dark side.”
“We tend to concentrate on the devil, and while that’s understandable, it was intentional for me to start with angels. I believe they provide essential spiritual support,” he remarked.
In his view, angels play a vital role in the gospel narratives, helping to clarify the unfolding events. “You can’t fully grasp the gospel without considering angelic involvement,” he said, pointing to instances like Gabriel’s visit to Zechariah and the pivotal moments involving Mary and Joseph.
Jackson highlighted that even the devil understood angels’ significance, referring to Matthew 4:5-6, where Satan tempts Jesus, suggesting that angels would protect Him if called upon.
He expressed concern over the prevalent disconnect today regarding the acknowledgment of angels among many Christians, noting a sense of suspicion or disregard. “It’s like we’re more ready to trust in political outcomes than in divine beings at our disposal,” he said.
Some individuals may shy away from discussing the supernatural due to uneasiness or uncertainty around topics like healing, which can make them hesitant to engage fully.
However, Jackson argues that Christians need to ground their faith in the Bible and act on their beliefs. “We ought to navigate this truthfully. If we can’t trust God to impact our present lives, I think it’s rather foolish expecting Him to for eternity.”
Turning to broader societal implications, he pointed out how spiritual struggles, mentioned in Ephesians 6, affect culture profoundly. “For me, the catalyst is confronting situations with no rational explanation. When things appear irrational, it makes you wonder, ‘Are there deeper elements at play here?'”
Jackson noted an unsettling trend in society regarding topics like gender identity, commenting, “It seems unreasonable to me, like they’re mishandling fundamental truths about human existence. Though I have compassion for people struggling with these issues, I still think there’s a mental element that needs to be acknowledged.”
In his closing thoughts, Jackson emphasized that Christians are called not to depend only on politics for societal change but should also engage with the supernatural and understand it in meaningful ways. “I feel we’ve stifled the gospel in many ways, particularly in educational settings. My own academic experiences, while reputable, often felt less than honest, even in theology schools.”
It’s crucial, according to Jackson, for modern believers to acknowledge that Jesus believed in both angels and demons. There’s no need for fear surrounding this aspect of faith.
