Ep 35 | The Devil Loves Suicide | Strange Encounters with Rick Burgess
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Ep 35 | The Devil Loves Suicide | Strange Encounters with Rick Burgess” inside PodZeus.
In this episode of Strange Encounters with Rick Burgess, host Rick delves into profound spiritual topics through a powerful guest story and audience questions. The centerpiece is Dr. Stephen L. Cowell, senior pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church, who recounts a near-fatal car crash at age 21 that left him with catastrophic injuries—facial fractures, leg trauma, and near-fatal blood loss. He shares how a mysterious truck driver, who stopped to shield the crash site and confidently declared he believed the young man would survive, played a pivotal role in his rescue. Though no name or record of the driver exists, Cowell believes this was a divine intervention—an angel of God in human form—fulfilling Hebrews 13:2, which states we may entertain angels unaware. This life-altering event led him to answer God’s call into full-time ministry, a path he’s walked for 34 years. The episode also addresses two pressing questions: suicide and the veneration of Mary. Rick affirms that while suicide is a sin, it is not unforgivable—Scripture never labels it as such—and emphasizes that mental health struggles, including PTSD and depression, are medical and spiritual battles that can be manipulated by demonic forces. He uses the analogy of a final moment of lust before death to illustrate that one sin does not nullify salvation. Regarding Mary, Rick warns against idolizing her or creating graven images, stressing that Jesus is the sole mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5), and that while Mary is a model of obedience, she is not sinless or divine. The episode closes with a call to remain spiritually alert for God’s mysterious workings in everyday life.
God can use even our worst mistakes and tragedies for good, as seen in Pastor Cowell’s near-fatal crash that led to his calling into ministry.
Suicide is a sin but not unforgivable; it often stems from spiritual warfare, mental illness, or deception, not a rejection of grace.
We should not deify Mary or create graven images of her—Jesus is the only mediator between God and humanity.
Angels may appear in human form without us recognizing them; God uses them to protect and guide His people.
Mental health struggles like PTSD are real and can be exploited by the enemy, but they do not negate a person’s salvation.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and Mission of The Man Church
Rick Burgess introduces the podcast and promotes his ministry, The Man Church, which supports men’s discipleship through sustainable strategies, 40-week curricula, and devotionals for local churches.
The Angelic Encounter: Pastor Steve Cowell’s Near-Death Experience
“I believe with everything about me that that was an angel that he had on that rural road late that night so that he would come along and bring about protection and provision so that God could physically save me.”
The Mystery of the Nameless Truck Driver
“There is no documentation of this person at all. And there is documentation of everybody else.”
Spiritual Warfare and the Call to Ministry
Steve reflects on how his near-death experience led to a spiritual awakening. He shares how he had been busy in ministry but spiritually deaf, and only in the hospital did he finally hear God’s voice clearly, leading him to surrender to full-time ministry.
Suicide and the Unforgivable Sin: A Biblical Perspective
“There's nowhere in Scripture that says that that is an unforgivable sin. Is it a sin? Yes. Is it unforgivable? There's nothing in Scripture that says that.”
“I believe with everything about me that that was an angel that he had on that rural road late that night so that he would come along and bring about protection and provision so that God could physically save me.”
“There is no documentation of this person at all. And there is documentation of everybody else.”
“We should look at her like we would any hero of Scripture. But you cross a line spiritually when you deify her or make claims about her like she's sinless and things like that.”
Host
Guest
Dr. Stephen L. Cowell
person
Jesus Christ
person
Rick Burgess
person
Mary
person
Highland Park Baptist Church
organization
Holy Spirit
person
The Man Church
organization
Hebrews 13:2
other
Apostle Paul
person
Exodus 20
other
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Ep 35 | The Devil Loves Suicide | Strange Encounters with Rick Burgess” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime