Over the last few weeks we've been reviewing the coming world government and its ruler that's soon to come upon us. -- While I was researching this subject matter, I was struck by the passage in 1 John 4:1-3 which speaks of deceiving spirits, or the Spirit of the Antichrist. - Then dropping down to verse 5 of the same chapter, we see John continuing by saying that, "They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them."
When I read the passages in 1 John, they immediately make me think of the 7th church in Revelation 3:14-22, the Laodicean Church. - Many of us who study prophecy agree that the condition of this church represents today's church, the church that will exist in the end of days.
What is this condition? Verse 15 of Revelation 3 says that, "You are neither hot nor cold". Verse 17 continues by saying, "You say, I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing." But then Jesus goes on to say that "You are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked". Then He concluded by saying, "I am about to spit you out of my mouth" (verse 16).
Jesus warns us in Matthew 24:3-5 about the coming deceiving spirits in these last times. His apostles asked Him specifically what the signs would be just prior to His return. He told them this;
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"
Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, and will deceive many.
Specifically, Jesus, as well as His apostles and prophets, warned us of the coming signs of the end of the age which included many deceivers which would come in His name. Jesus spoke directly of the coming deception through false teachings and false prophecies. - These are the spirits of the Antichrist.
Let's for a moment look around us and see what is taking place in Christ's Bride, the Church. With few exceptions, most have become complacent and lukewarm, just like Christ said they would.
What are some examples of these prevailing conditions? -- To start, false religionists have emerged with a compromising message that appeals more to today's culture. The acceptance of sinful behavior such as homosexuality and abortion has all but handed out a "social license" for the approval of moral decay.
In addition, the message from the majority of America's pulpits today has wandered from Biblical truth. - "abundant life - wealth teaching" as well as "be a better you - feel good” messages are empty of real scriptural value. In fact, we no longer hear of any consequences for sinful behavior. Instead, we are told that "God loves us and would never send us to Hell -- there is no Hell." - This is unbelievable! While God does love us, and because He does, He's very specific on the results of a sinful, careless lifestyle. Matthew 5:29 says,
If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
Simply stated, these types of messages appear to approve of a wayward, less than godly way of life. -- How irresponsible and dangerous!!
Another trend that we see in today's churches is the "entertainment" factor. We build plush and fancy palaces and then put on a show each week. -- Humor and glitz seem to take the forefront over Biblical substance and truth.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 says,
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
How tragic! We know what the results will be if we put up with this kind of misguided leadership. Matthew 7:21-23 states,
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
Having said all this, and as confusing as it all may seem, I think the one thing that astounds me the most is the ignorance of church leaders as to the teachings of Bible prophecy. - Here's a list of just a few of the prevailing "prophetic" conditions:
◆ Israel being put in the position of Zechariah 12:1-3 - That the Jewish state is being forced toward a peace from which will come the Antichrist and the Tribulation.
◆ The emergence of the European Union/revived Roman Empire as the vehicle of power for the coming world ruler
◆ Russia, Iran, Libya and Turkey's political alignment which is the set-up for the Gog-Magog war (Ezekiel 38-39)
◆ Economic forces/dynamics forcing America and the world into a global mold that will eventuate the 10-kingdom re-alignment of Revelation 17:12-13
◆ Perilous times spoken of by Paul in
2 Timothy 3:1-5
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
Let's face the facts! Our nation and the world is filled with the spirit of the Antichrist.
God's judgement is so near -- but the pulpits, for the most part, are silent to this fact.
To sum up, our church leaders are not telling their flocks that God's judgement and wrath is very near.
As they go through their routines of life, today's Christians are doing anything and everything except heeding the words of forewarning of our Lord. Mark 13:37 says,
What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "
He also said in Luke 21:28
“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Then Jesus added one thing more. He forewarned that a great many people will be caught by surprise at the time of His return. --
Matthew 24:44 states,
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Don't be unprepared! - Share the truth and tell your friends and family, for the time of our Lord's return is upon us! Hallelujah!!
Until next time,
Red