Don't be deceived!

Our world is in turmoil and needs the peace of Christ more than ever before. Our enemy, the devil, is deceiving many people into believing that evil is good and even Christians are falling for his lies.

I read a survey conducted by George Barna recently and it stated that only 27% of Americans are convinced that Satan is a real force. Only 40% of born again believers believe that Satan is real. 

It is unthinkable that Christian people wouldn't see Satan as a threat. Just listen to these words from scripture:

Mark 4:15 - Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that is sown in them.

Matthew 13:36-39 - Then he (Jesus) left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field." He answered, "The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age and the harvesters are angels."

1 Peter 5:8 - Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Not only is Satan a real threat, but he is succeeding in his plans to deceive Christians into believing only part of God's Word. Today there are men and women in pulpits around the world who are leading parishioners astray. They do not teach sound doctrine, they do not preach the whole counsel of God. Either all of God's Word is truth or it isn't. We can't pick and choose which parts of scripture we like and discount scripture that doesn't fit into our way of life. 

The Apostle Peter warned us that this would happen. "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them - bringing swift destruction on themselves." 2 Peter 2:1

Jesus warned us about false prophets in Matthew 7:15-16 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them."

He also told his disciples what to expect at the end of the age. He said that many false prophets would appear and deceive many people. He said, because of the increase in wickedness the love of most would grow cold, but those who stand firm to the end will be saved.

My heart is burdened for those who consider themselves Christians, but are being fed lies by their pastors. If more people read the Bible and questioned their pastors about their teachings, maybe those men and women would be forced to leave the pulpit. 

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we need to shine the light of Christ on those who are teaching false doctrine revealing them for who they are and who they are really serving. 

"Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he (Jesus) is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." 1 John 3:7-8 

The Apostle Paul gave this advice to Timothy; "The time will come when people will not listen to sound doctrine, but will follow their own desires and will collect for themselves more and more teachers who will tell them what they are itching to hear. They will turn away from listening to the truth and give their attention to legends. But you must keep control of yourself in all circumstances; endure suffering, do the work of a preacher of the Good News, and perform your whole duty as a servant of God." 2 Timothy 4:3-5.

We have a spiritual enemy and his name is Satan. He will lie to and deceive people until he the day is cast into the lake of fire. Jesus defeated Satan when he rose up from the grave and Satan hates all those who believe in Christ because we are inheritors of eternal life. We are victors and he is the big loser. He wants to lure as many folks as possible away from God and will stop at nothing to get the job done. 

The Apostle Peter said, "First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, 'Where is this coming he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.' But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgement and destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:3-9

Be encouraged my friend, and stand firm in your faith because we are the victors!