Tag Archives: Deception

Who is the Antichrist? (Part 2)

27 Wednesday Apr 2016

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According to dictionary.com, the definition of the term ‘globalization’ is “the act of globalizing, or extending to other or all parts of the world.” You and I are living in a globalized system and the concentration of integrating all nations with one another continues to take place daily. It has increased at such a rapid rate over several decades. Most would argue that globalization and erasing what were once barriers will create a stable and more open society.

However, the majority who are unaware of the scheme that has been set in motion by Satan, do not realize that globalization is merely a plot to bring the Antichrist into full power. As mentioned in the last blog post, the Antichrist will be a figure who will rise to world dominance according to Revelation chapter 13 and Daniel chapter 7. If you notice, over the last decade, we have heard terms that have been touted such as, ‘unity’, ‘new world order’, ‘global economy’ and ‘global society’.

Each of these terms are not just words spoken without meaning. These words are a part of a larger plan to bring this world system under one individual, who is the Antichrist. He will perpetuate a Satanic system for a season before he and Satan are utterly destroyed by God’s wrath according to 2 Thessalonians 2:8 which says:

(NLT) “Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will kill him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming.”

So, it is clear that Jesus Christ will ultimately reign in victory and triumph over the Antichrist and Satan. However, before that period comes the question is, how will the Antichrist assume power? What has to happen and what is happening that will lead to the shift in the world as it is known? The answer lies in a few aspects that are evident in scripture and in our daily lives.

Technology and its influence – Have you ever noticed that there has been a constant barrage of smartphone ads and an encouragement to purchase the latest technological gadget? Like it or not, technology has grafted itself into our daily lives. Many have become trapped in the constant presence of technology to the point that it has become an unknown addiction. The truth is, our world has become conditioned to believe that we must have it for survival.

In fact, there will come a day in which humanity will be forced to use technology because the world system will demand it. Think of the constant push to end cash transactions. Now, almost everything can be bought with a credit card, smartphone, or in the very near future an implanted chip. This Satanic system will use technology for the purposes of buying and selling products.

The Antichrist will be at the head of this new economy which is currently in place as we speak. Revelation chapter 13, verses 4-5 says the following:

(NLT) “They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?” Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months.”

Notice that the Antichrist will be given authority. His authority will come from Satan who will empower him to do as he pleases for three and a half years. How will he be able to have this control? One major way is through technology. According to Revelation 13:17-18, at the time when the Antichrist will have power, those left behind will not be able to buy or sell without the mark of the beast. The number ‘666’ will be the world currency which means it will in some way be tied to technology. Much of how we buy things today is a subtle precursor to what will come later.

Global deception – If you look at our society today, you can see the wickedness and various changes that have occurred in the human lifestyle. Currently, there has been an open and rigorous debate over “same-sex marriage” and being “transgender”. Both of these issues seems to be the next phase that Satan is using in order to bring every person together under his world system. Anyone who goes against this latest change will be met with staunch opposition which will mean public and private ridicule. In some cases it may even mean imprisonment and or violence against those who don’t stand with the majority.

For the Christian, it should be clear that anything named as a sin in scripture is still a sin regardless of how the world tries to approve of it or make it seem harmless. Many have been deceived today into thinking that such lifestyles are not sinful but rather many believe that you are a bigot if you say otherwise. However, the Antichrist will use the same type of deception to fool the world and cause many to be destroyed.

Believe it or not, the Antichrist will make promises that will be fulfilled for a time. He will also perform miracles which according to Revelation 13:3, will create a massive following. Many will be deceived into thinking that the Antichrist is the one who can and will save a crumbling world system. However, those who worship the Antichrist will fall into destruction.

Taking advantage of political and social turmoil – If you were to turn on your television or even search the internet for your local and world news, you would find that our world is quite unstable. From Middle Eastern violence to threats of terrorism, to even constant violence existing between neighborhood citizens. The fact is, that in the last days the following things will happen according to 2 Timothy 3:2:

(NLT) “For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.”

Just looking at each generation that comes forth, it seems that life and respect for others is no longer sacred. That is because, in the last days before Christ’s return, many would become as the Apostle Paul says in this scripture. As a result, political and economic chaos will ensue. We see constant fluctuation with our collective economies while at the same time terrorism remains to be a threat to human life.

All of these things we see daily are being used in order to create a global system that will be under Satan’s influence through the Antichrist. He will promise peace and provide answers to our world’s problems for a season. Then, for three and a half years he will cause chaos and destroy those who swear their allegiance to him. This is why organizations such as the U.N., NATO, and even world politicians are unable to solve the issues. The reason is because according to prophecy these things must happen which will lead to the Antichrist coming to power. Revelation 13:7 makes it clear that he will have power over every tribe, tongue, and nation.

After reading all of this, it sounds like bad news. Unfortunately, these things must and will happen. However, the good news is that Jesus Christ will reign supreme when all of this is over. At the end of the age, God will see to it that Satan and all of his followers will receive their due punishment. Evil will be eradicated and Satan’s system will be no more. Instead, the Kingdom of Heaven will be ruled by Jesus who will rule with an iron rod according to Revelation 19:15.

At the end of it all, Jesus will be King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s. Regardless of how things are in our world now, or how bad they will be later, God shall set up His Earthly kingdom and end the evil that Satan has put forth. The question is, do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If you take a look at our world around us, things are getting worse.

The signs are pointing to the coming of Jesus Christ. This means, that the opportunity to choose Christ in a better environment is quickly passing. Choose Jesus today, so you can avoid having to make a life or death decision at the hands of the Antichrist. Repent of your sins and turn to Jesus Christ. God will honor you for choosing Him, and He will also reward you with everlasting life. Choose Jesus Christ.

There is Only One Way to God – Jesus Christ

22 Tuesday Sep 2015

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ID-10071822The world that you and I live in is diverse in its population. There are various belief systems, cultures, religions, and ethnic groups. With such diversification, there has been an introduction of what resides within our world’s culture. In our modern day, it is nearly impossible to live in a nation that has not seen some sort of diversity in one form or another. While there are nations that are considered to be autocratic or heavily opposed to diverse thinking and living, most nations and the people within them have become exposed to some degree. Much of the reason for that is because of technology and how it has become a global means for communication.

With all of the diversity within our world, many have begun to become more open to the idea of ‘global unity.’ This means that there has been a concerted effort to unify humanity regardless of one’s background or belief system. It has even come to the point in which some have even made the statement that ‘there are many ways to God.’ This belief and false doctrine has been one of the many tools that satan has used to deceive even those who claim to be in Christ. However, God’s Word gives you and I the basis for absolute truth.

In John chapter 14, Jesus is speaking to His Disciples as He admonishes them not to be troubled but to have faith in God. It was at this point in which Jesus was explaining to His Disciples that He was soon to be crucified but that He would later return. The Disciples were in a quandary about where Jesus would be going, but He gives them comforting words throughout this chapter. In verses 1-4 of John chapter 14, Jesus says the following:

(NLT) “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.”

What Jesus is saying in these verses is that He is leaving in order to prepare a place of residence for those who follow Christ as He told His Disciples. He says to the Disciples that they already know the way and to where Jesus is going. The ‘way’ that Jesus mentions is the path to His crucifixion and ascension into Heaven with God the Father. However, Thomas did not understand this which is evident in His question in verse 5. Jesus says to Thomas in verse 6:

(NLT) “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

The answer to Thomas’s question about the way to the place where Jesus would eventually go (which was to Heaven with God the Father) was and is through Jesus Christ. Jesus makes it clear in verse 6 that He is the only way to get to God. Our world has presented a multitude of lies which come directly from satan himself.

We are living in a time in which you can believe what you desire, and it can be taken as absolute truth. Now, there is a movement in which the embrace of various religions has become more of the norm. If you are a Muslim, Buddhist, atheist, agnostic, or of any other belief outside of Christianity it is now seen as morally and socially acceptable. However, the interesting fact is that slowly but surely, those who are truly in Christ are becoming marginalized.

Jesus says in John chapter 15 in verses 18-19 the following:

(NLT) “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.”

What Jesus says here should be the way that we who are in Christ approach the subject of ‘global unity.’ The emphasis of such unity is for satan to get everyone who will, to agree with his agenda as long as it does not include the truth of Jesus Christ. Basically, it is satan’s goal to get the world to embrace every sort of sin and belief outside of God’s Word. We who are in Christ should keep in mind that we are not to be accepted or embraced by this world. We should also understand that we who are in Christ are not to accept or believe in the false doctrine of those who are apart of this world system.

If we are hated or scorned by the world, then we are in such a position because Jesus Christ was hated first. Our world is now pushing forth the lie that there are many ways to God or to salvation. However, Jesus Christ is the only way. Satan has used the media to indoctrinate both today’s youth and even adults into believing that you can and should accept the various ways that exist in this life.

The truth of the matter is that you and I are free to choose what path we shall take and what we will believe. However, with such choices there are either positive or negative consequences. Choosing to abide by the false doctrine of believing that there are many ways to God will lead to destruction. Jesus Christ is the only way to God and the only way to salvation.

Many have now said that America is a pluralistic society which in many respects is absolutely true. As a nation, America has embraced just about any sort of sinful lifestyle and belief system that you can think of. However, with such a pluralism, there is a degradation and moral decay that exists. Many cannot understand how it is that crime continues to increase, and why we see tragedies that occur daily.

It is because America as a nation and even the world around us has embraced moral relativism and even more so our world has embraced sin in its very embodiment. However, the answer to our world’s problems is Jesus Christ. Christ is the way to receive eternal salvation. Hell is a place that is reserved for those who choose not to follow Christ but to accept sinful living. However, the gift of Jesus Christ is everlasting life.

There are many choices that you and I can make in this life. The world continues to offer the perceived way to happiness and to salvation. However, the way of a world that is in darkness is the way that leads to spiritual and moral decadence. What the media has said and continues to suggest is nothing more than false doctrine. The truth of Jesus Christ and God’s Word is what will last and it is the only truth to stand on.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior? If you are not in Christ, then you are on a path that leads to a life of uncertainty and a destiny that leads to destruction. However, Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again so that you would have life and have it abundantly. Confess your sins and believe in your heart that He is Lord. For those of us who are in Christ, we must ensure that we are not deceived and that we know God’s Word and that we have the Holy Spirit to teach us how to navigate through the world’s deceptions. Jesus Christ is the only way to God.

Rejecting the ‘Truth’ of Today’s World – Accepting God’s Truth

11 Tuesday Aug 2015

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If you are old enough to remember you can recount the education or principles that you received at a young age.  For example, simple mathematical principles such as 2+2 = 4, or reciting historical facts were a part of the development that you and I encountered. There were many educational tools that perhaps you were exposed to as a way to create an environment of learning so that you would grow older to use what you learned later in your life.  The point of many of the principles is that many of them remained true in their context.

No one can suggest to you that 2+2 = 16 because mathematically the answer is incorrect. If someone were to suggest to you that George Washington was the 15th President of the United States, they wouldn’t be able to do so with a valid argument because historically George Washington was the 1st President of the United States.  The point is that there are certain aspects of our lives that are not open for discussion and cannot be changed because they are immutable and factual.

Unfortunately, we are living in a time that the word ‘truth’ has taken on a different connotation.  Basically, there are various aspects of our global society which now lends itself to creating one’s own truth. Essentially, our world has now instituted the aspect of relativism.  This means that one can have a version of their truth while someone else can believe what they wish and it is true.  The problem with this belief is that only one side can be correct.  In the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 3, the Apostle Paul actually warns against accepting worldly wisdom or the wisdom of this world.

In chapter 3, the Apostle Paul is addressing the church of Corinth.  It was a church that was known to have issues with spiritual immaturity in addition to various sins that were present among many in the church.  In verses 1-4 of chapter 3, Paul addresses the spiritual immaturity and division that was apparent among the congregants. He even gives them instruction regarding their role in the body of Christ in verses 5-9. In verses 10-15, Paul even mentions the aspect of building the appropriate foundation of one’s life which is Jesus Christ.

In verses 16-17, Paul then addresses the principle of remaining Holy unto God since our body is the temple that the Holy Spirit resides in. Based on this chapter it is apparent that the church of Corinth needed words of truth and encouragement as it related to growing in spiritual maturity. However, in verses 18-20, the Apostle Paul warns against embracing worldly wisdom.

(NKJV) “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”

If you read further until verse 23 of this chapter you will see that the context of this portion of scripture admonishes those in the church of Corinth not to brag or think more highly of themselves as they ought to.  However, the focus of this post is to highlight what Paul says in verses 18-20.

Looking at those verses Paul says that the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. What does Paul mean when he makes that statement? If you look at those who think that they are wise in their own merit, they are under the deception that they themselves have all of the answers. In our world today, there is an abundance of those who are deceived.  It has been decided that you can invent your own truth and believe as you see fit. However, there is a consequence that comes with perverting God’s truth and creating a falsehood or a lie.

Paul says at the end of verse 19 and in verse 20, For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” In other words, Paul is saying that God ensures that those who believe themselves to be wise by worldly standards are the very individuals that meet an unpleasant end. Paul says that the thoughts of the wise are futile. This means that those who have embraced worldly wisdom are unable to accomplish what they have set out to do in their own thoughts. 

The way of this world is to invoke pride in oneself and to change absolute truth into relative truth.  The deception is that there are absolutes that cannot be changed, yet we live in a world where many have embraced the wisdom of this world. If you look at homosexuality and even the lifestyle of changing your gender, there are certain truths both morally and spiritually that cannot be changed. When such behaviors or lifestyles are embraced by the masses it comes at a high price which is always negative.

However, satan who is our enemy has deceived the minds of many to believe that you can redefine what was never yours to define in the first place.  The reason why we must guard against accepting ‘the truth’ of this world is because it is based out of human wisdom. A person’s life that is based out of human or secular wisdom is a life that is destined for failure.  The only wisdom and truth that will create stability is that of God’s Word.

The Bible or God’s Word was written via the inspiration of God unto the men who wrote it. As much as our world changes, the fact is that God’s Word will always be true. There is so much confusion and chaos in our world today because many have adopted the wisdom of this age. ‘The Truth’ is now what you choose to believe rather than what is fact. You can invent what you wish as long as you are not hurting anyone else.

As a result, many of the behaviors that were once thought detestable have now become accepted and common as a part of the world’s culture.  Isaiah 5:21 says,

(NLT) “What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.” In this chapter, the Prophet Isaiah is speaking to the Kingdom of Judah.  At that time, the people of Judah were sinful individuals who had rejected God. However, this verse only shows to serve as a reminder that those who think of themselves as wise in their own eyes will meet an unfortunate demise just as those in Judah did. 

The overall point is that you and I must embrace God’s truth instead of what the world proclaims to be ‘the truth.’ Even if our society continues to decay morally and spiritually, God’s word will stand forever. You can see the confusion and instability of a world that believes in the creation of ‘your own truth.’ The only foundations that are concrete are upon Jesus Christ and the Word of God.

Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior? The truth of God can only be known and fully accepted when you are living a life that is surrendered unto Christ. Confess your sins before Him and believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord. As for those of us who are in Christ our basis for truth should be none other than God’s Word.  The media and those of the world can change various facts to be ‘true’ but in reality it is only false. However, God’s Word will always be true regardless of what is said. Don’t be deceived by accepting worldly wisdom.  Only God’s truth will stand.

The Illusion – Disguised as the Truth

03 Monday Aug 2015

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If you have ever watched television or have seen what are known as ‘Magic tricks’ much of the routines on display are deceptive in their nature.  Many of the tricks and performances are based out of illusions in order to deceive audiences into believing that what they just saw actually happened.  Magicians hide under the guise of mysterious occurrences in order to portray that something supernatural has occurred.  Of course, it is true that trickery and those who delve into magic can tap into satanic influences which can indeed elevate the portrayal of magic to another level.

However, the bulk of what magicians do is based within deception or illusions. For example, some magicians use mirrors and other tools in order to create an illusion that may be hidden to the naked eye. As a result, the viewer finds him or herself in amazement as to how such an act could be possible when, in essence, the simple root to the act was illusory from the very beginning.

As it relates to the spiritual sense, satan also uses many illusions and deceptive measures to bamboozle those who are unaware.  Not only are his deceptions used against those who are not in Christ, but even those of us who are in Christ can be deceived if we are not discerning of the various tactics and illusions that satan uses. In the book of 1 John Chapter 4, the Apostle John makes reference to those who are false prophets or who engage in false doctrine.  He encourages Christians to be discerning of those who claim to tell the truth, but are truly deceptive. John says in verse 1 the following:

(NLT) “Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.”

The first thing to take note of is that the Apostle John warns us not to believe everyone who claims to speak to us “by the Spirit.” What does he mean when he uses that phrase?  In this context, John is suggesting that there will be those who claim to be speaking by the Holy Spirit or by God’s truth. In reality, not everyone who claims to be a Christian or claims to be speaking under the influence of the Holy Spirit is credible in what they say. It is in this particular context that John is admonishing us to guard against those who may be perceived as inherently spiritual or in Christ because they are being used by satan to confuse those who are truly in Christ.

The Apostle John says that we must test the spirit that is on display before us to discover whether or not it is indeed one from God or one from satan.  Both those who are in Christ and those who are not in Christ are subject to be attacked and led astray by false teachers.  Anyone who is not rooted and grounded in God’s Word, and under the influence of the Holy Spirit can be deceived. However, in order to avoid deception you must do as John says which is to “test the spirit.” How do you test a spirit to ensure that it is from God?

The very first way is to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  In the book of Acts Chapter 1, Jesus teaches His Disciples about the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is one of the 3 as it relates to the God-Head or the Trinity.  The Holy Spirit is a person within the Trinity who was given the express purpose of leading and guiding all of His people into the truth. John 16:13 says:

(NLT) “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” 

The Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us into all truth.  That means when we have the Holy Spirit in our lives, He helps us to avoid deceptions and illusions. In order to be free from deception, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit.  In Acts chapter 2, there is of course what is known as ‘The Day of Pentecost.’ It was an event in which believers were gathered in one place (also known as The Upper Room) and the Holy Spirit descended upon everyone who was there.

Acts 2: 1-4

(NLT) “On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.” 

To be filled with the Holy Spirit, it involves actively seeking God for the in-filling.  Those who were gathered in the Upper Room, they sought God in order to be filled.  We who are in Christ have the same opportunity to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  In doing so, we then have power and discernment which comes from God.

Secondly, to test or discern the spirits as John says, we must know God’s Word.  Having His Word in our hearts will illuminate our eyes to God’s truth. Much of what the world feeds us is false because it is based on the lies that satan concocts.  Daily, the media, and other sources attempt to cloud the judgment and the eyes of the masses. However, only in Christ and in God’s Word is there safety and truth.

There will be many who will pervert the truth of God and suggest that everything that goes on in society is acceptable.  Sins such as homosexuality and even abortion have now become accepted by mainstream society.  So much so, that even some who claim Christianity have accepted these sins among others as harmless.  However, God’s Word unveils what is righteousness and what is sin.  To test every spirit and false doctrine you and I must use God’s Word as a filter.

John continues in 1 John Chapter 4:

Verses 2-3:

(NLT) “This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.” 

The final way that John provides to us is to look at the person’s behaviors and the words that they speak. Those who are teaching falsely will not acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord.  They will also say and do things that do not line up with God’s Word. This scripture says that such a person is of ‘the Antichrist’ which means to be against Christ. There are various deceptions both in our society and even within many churches.

Satan is crafty and subtle as it relates to using anyone to deceive.  Those of you who are not in Christ, you are operating under a deception.  The illusion that satan uses is one of pleasure and equating happiness to materialism. Such things are disguised as the truth only to hide the lies underneath. Jesus Christ wants to open your eyes to His truth.  If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior, you can be redeemed and set free from the illusions of this world.

For those of us who are in Christ, we must guard ourselves in prayer and we must seek the Lord.  The enemy wants to deceive even the very elect, but it is our responsibility to guard our hearts and our minds through the Holy Spirit and through God’s Word.  The illusion is a reality and many have bought into satan’s deceptions.  However, only God can rescue us from the deceptive tools of the enemy.  Accept Jesus Christ and the truth will be revealed unto you.