Question:  Dear Greg,

            I heard a sermon about prayer.  Several things confused me and I was wondering what your opinion was.  One thing the minister stated was the only way anyone can be saved is if someone else prays for them.  Then he said that God is not interested in building the church but in building the kingdom.  He also said that a passive Christian is under demonic powers while an aggressive Christian is free from demonic powers.

            Gail

Answer:  Dear Gail,

            From what you report, I have to disagree with the sermon. 

1.      The only way that someone may be saved is if they accept God’s free gift of salvation.  Whether someone prays for us or not is not the criteria.

2.      I am not certain how the person you quote defines “church” and “kingdom”— I believe God is building them both and that at times they are one and the same, and at other times they are not.  Big subject, and that is not your question.

3.      Demonic powers.  Jesus Christ has won the victory over Satan and his demons.  He led captivity captive (Ephesians 4).  We, if we accept Christ, are now seated with him in heaven (Ephesians 2).  If we accept Christ we participate in the victory he has won, because of him (not because of us).  We do not need to fight the same battle over and over again—it has been won.  We need not fear demons—Jesus has defeated them.

            Hope this helps, Gail.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht