Monthly Archives: October 2019

The Soon Return of Jesus

SECOND COMING PREDICTIONS-THE BASIS FOR THE ANTI-CHRIST’S STRONG DELUSION-PART 6

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“and all the world wondered after the beast..” 

Revelation 13:3

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie

2 Thessalonians 2: 10-11

How can the beast of Revelation 13 (aka the Antichrist) convince an entire world to follow?  In the coming studies, the Antichrist will be revealed through God’s word.  Please understand it is not something I discovered.  It has been known for thousands of years.  Great men and women of God proclaimed it long before our generation. But, there is a counterfeit to this information as there is with all of God’s truth.  The enemy uses deception because he is the father of lies and there is no truth in him.

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Proverbs 14:12 and Proverbs 16:25

So how can we know the truth about the Antichrist?  Only one way. From our Creator through His written and inspired word.

“Thy word is truth.”

John 17:17

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When we begin our study on the Antichrist, we must understand the foundation from which this work of delusion operates.  This delusion is so strong that if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” The elect, are not deceived.  Why?    The answer lies (in part) in our opening passage 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11.

They received the love of the truth.

Over the years since my conversion to Christ from atheism (43 years), I have seen people come to Christ and receive Him.  And, just as Jesus warns in the parable of the seed, there are many who receive the truth with joy, but for various reasons (e.g., cares of this life, riches, and tribulation), they fail to grow roots in the soil of Christ to produce fruit into salvation See Matthew 13.

But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

Matthew 13: 20-21

Our passage in 2 Thessalonians 2, says, that because the truth is not loved, they are open to strong delusion and they will believe a lie.

 Last week we studied how the religious people of Christ’s day did not accept Jesus  because they were comfortable in their religious experience.  They were self-deceived and felt no need of Jesus nor His words.  Their world revolved around tradition.  Change was not an option for them.

The religious people of the time of Jesus had the Tanakh (aka Old Testament) which was overflowing with prophecies about their Messiah Jesus, but Jesus didn’t fulfill the image they had formed in their imaginations.  To this day, they continue to look for Him based on tradition and not the Tanakh (scripture). It was because of their traditions, the power of their peers, and false beliefs about the scripture that caused them to be in a state of delusion.

This will happen again before the Lord returns, or should I say , it is happening!

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One of the first works of Jesus after His resurrection was to explain to His disciples about Himself as revealed in scripture (Tanakh). It was because of Jesus’ “Bible study” and the reality His resurrection that His followers built a stronger faith in Him.  We are told in scripture that faith comes by hearing God’s word.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

Romans 10:17 NIV

If we desire more faith in Christ, then when need more of the word of God.  Wouldn’t you agree? Revival in our hearts will come when we hear more of the word of God and less of our own word.

When talking with the Jews, Jesus said,

For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”

John 5:46-47

Indeed, Jesus gave a “Bible study” to His disciples when he talked with them on the first day of the week after His resurrection.  It was not a New Testament Bible study because this portion of scripture was yet to be written,  Don’t misunderstand, the New Testament is just as much of scripture as the Old Testament because holy men spoke (and wrote) as they were moved by the Holy Spirit through the followers of Jesus.

“These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.

Luke 24:44-45

Peter compared the letters of Paul with scripture. Notice that the untaught and unstable “twisted” the meaning of his writings as they do with all scripture:

…and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.

2 Peter 3:16

We miss the entire story of Jesus if we say, “Well, that is in the Old Testament. It has been done away with. I don’t have to listen to it.“  It is true that there is an old covenant that passed away, but it does not mean that the words of the Law of Moses (First five books of the Bible), the Prophets (Major and Minor prophets, Jeremiah, Daniel, Amos, etc), and the Psalms (poetic books) have no meaning for us today. To reason in such a manner as to minimize or reject the old testament is to reject the love of the truth and the teaching/encouragement that comes with God’s entire word.  But, just as important It also means missing more about Jesus and having more faith and hope in Him!

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Romans 15:4 NIV

When Jesus prayed for His disciples and all believers in John 17, he prayed to the Father these words:

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

John 17:17

At the time Jesus prayed this prayer, the New Testament had not been created. Paul had not been converted.  Jesus was referring to the Tanakh which contains all the books of what we call the Old Testament.  Jesus used the Tanakh to help His disciples understand the scripture which spoke of Him.

The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.

Psalm 119: 160

As the writers of the New Testament began to write about Jesus (the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and write letters to believers (writings of Paul, Peter, James, etc) they expounded on the Tanakh and their experience with Jesus.  They encouraged the believers to trust in the entire word of God.

Notice that when Paul wrote an encouraging letter to young Timothy, there was no New Testament.  He is referring primarily to the scripture or Tanakh:

“…and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:15-17

Did you notice that ALL SCRIPTURE makes the man of God complete?  If we ignore any portion of our Bibles, we are in danger of being incomplete.  For sure, we will miss learning more about Jesus.

It is unfortunate that we (Non-Jews) call the books of the Tanakh the “Old” Testament.  It insinuates that it is not only ancient but irrelevant to those living after the cross.

Soon, I hope to write on the Old Covenant VS the New Covenant.  This is, perhaps, where people become confused and throw out good doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. It is true there are things that are old and things that are new, but some things never pass away.

The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”

Isaiah 40:8

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If the Antichrist is going to be effective in the work of strong delusion so that the whole world follows (even some Christians), the word of God must be minimized and ignored.  Tradition, pomp, and display should dazzle the eyes and ears so that God’s word becomes old and outdated.  Public opinion (Unbelievers) and the professional preachers (Believers) must reign supreme.  It must be in the hands of religious people who have an agenda of power and hide parts of God’s word that reveal their work of deception.  All this must come together for the enemy to succeed in deceiving the whole world, so that the Antichrist may flourish.  Sadly, it has already happened and continues to this very day.

“And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. ”

Matthew 15:9

We are instructed to beware of teachers, leaders, and false prophets both in and out of the church who teach something contradictory to the entire word of God.

The children of Israel were warned to stay away from mediums (where the dead would talk), and fortune tellers.  Why? Because they placed themselves in a place where they could be deceived:

“And when they say to you, “Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,” should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?”

Isaiah 8:19

It was not the dead that talked, but satanic agencies appearing as a dead person.  God appeals to them to seek Him and not things and places that would open them up to deception.

The next verse gives us a basis to avoid delusion in all situations, including those who speak without using God’s word:

To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Isaiah 8:20

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be where there is darkness and not light to direct me. Rather, I desire the light of God’s word to direct my path.  Don’t you?

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

Psalm 119: 105

We can conclude from God’s word that the work of the Antichrist will use strong delusion on those who do not love God’s truth.   The tools of the Antichrist are sights, sounds, and yes even miracles. The choice, in the end, is to acknowledge one or the other.  God’s truth or the sights, sounds, and false teachings of the Antichrist.

The work of the Antichrist looks to take away the one thing that can unmask the work of the enemy. It is God’s word and the work of the Holy Spirit who guides people into truth.

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth

John 16:13

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In times past, we have seen God’s word burned by the Nazi’s. During the Dark Ages, the reformation began when a single Bible written in a little known language (Latin)  was found by Martin Luther chained to a monastery wall.

Today, in the 21st Century, there are countless paper Bibles in multiple languages. In the last few years, the Bible has been digitized so that the work of finding verses and understanding it even in it’s early languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic has become very easy.  I use Bible Gateway and Strong’s Lexicon often in writing these studies.

Despite the availability of the Bible, many do not read it or study it.  We are told an interesting prophecy related to the word of God and the end times:

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord”

Amos 8:11

This was fulfilled in the Dark Ages, but because we have the Bible so abundantly, we might be tempted to think this prophecy only applies to those in old times. But, read carefully.  It is a famine of HEARING the words of the Lord.

This appears to make reference that the preachers and teachers of our time using less and less of the word of God, so the people don’t “hear” the words of the Lord.

If you have teachers and pastors who not only teach the word of God but also handle it correctly, you are blessed especially if they encourage you to read for yourself. Never forget,  reading and understanding God’s word is not just for those who have a Ph.D. in religion. It is for you.  If you are willing to follow God’s word, he will reveal more and more of His truth.

If anyone decides to follow God’s will, they will know the teachings, whether it is from God or not.  If someone decides they don’t want to do God’s will, the opposite must be true.  They will be confused and, perhaps, on the path to strong delusion.

“If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God…”

John 7:17

Who will God teach knowledge? What makes it easier to understand?

“Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine?”

Isaiah 28:9 (first part)

The answer is simple:

“…them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.”

Isaiah 28:9 (last part)

Is this not a description of little children (infants)?

This is why Jesus said,

“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 18:3

The context of this verse is when the disciples asked Jesus who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Verse 1). Jesus put a child in their midst to help them understand the great truth that we must have the faith of a little child.  Jesus went on to say in the next verse:

“Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.”

Matthew 18:4

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The work of the Antichrist was at work at the time of the disciples as well as at the time we are now living.  This work was a perversion of God’s word (lawlessness) and even leading people away to different teaching:

“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.”

2 Thessalonians 2:7

This verse takes us back to our opening verse concerning strong delusion.  Let’s read again:

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

And for this cause, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie

2 Thessalonians 2: 10-11

“…though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”

Galatians 1:8

There is another gospel preached in these last days from a messenger who appears as an Angel of Light. The deceptive work of the Antichrist will first be upon those who choose sights, sounds, public opinion and the words of a professional preacher’s doctrines that they personally prefer instead of God’s word.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;”

2 Timothy 4:3

Have you noticed that the council and warnings from God’s word is not to unbelievers, but to believers who have become like the Scribes and Pharisees of old…Religions and comfortable in their traditions.

If we feel we are in need of nothing and we can never learn any more truth. If we feel our denomination has all the truth, we are setting ourselves up for strong delusion.  It is God’s word that has all the truth!

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But, there is another work of the Anti-Christ that is perhaps even more important to understand  the objective of the Anti-Christ is to come between you and Christ.  It is not only what you know, but who you know. It is less about information and more about revelation and obedience to his will.  If salvation was dependent only on knowing the scripture (head knowledge), then only those with a Ph.D. in religion would be saved.

Joyce Meyer said something that is very relevant here,

“You see, there is a difference between information and revelation. No matter how much information you get, if it never turns into revelation it’s not going to do you a whole lot of good.”

That revelation must be about Jesus and His will. It is when we have a revelation of God and Jesus Christ that we make our election sure and we will never fall:

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble” 

2 Peter 1:10

What are “these things” that we should do to make sure we never stumble? The answer is found in its context which are the words preceding Verse 10:

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

2 Peter 1:5-9

Is this not a pattern of growth?  But, notice the part I underlined.  It is telling us that we will be “fruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We actually begin to know more about Jesus by doing those things described through the power Jesus gives us.

This idea is expressed in the Old Testament when Jeremiah disclosed that Joaish (The last good king of Judah) knew Him because of what he did for others:

He defended the cause of the poor and needy,
    and so all went well.
Is that not what it means to know me?”
    declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 22:15-17 (NIV)

Jesus said the same thing in different words:

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent…We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

John 17:3, 1 John 2:3-6 (NIV)

Eternal life is dependent on who you know (Jesus).  But to know him must come through both God’s word and a revelation about Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit. This will give you the heart to help others.  If we are not willing to follow, the truth is not in us and we are deceitful to others and of little value in the work of God’s kingdom.

We may be like the Anti-Christ and have,

 “…. a form of godliness but deny its power”

2 Timothy 3:5

That power comes from God’s word and following it so that it affects your neighbor for his/her good.

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.

2 Corinthians 13:5

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I hope you have seen the need to base your faith on the word of God and not on sights, sounds, large crowds, and the influence of the world.

Also, knowing Jesus through practical experience with Him day by day.

These two things will provide the basis for avoiding the strong delusion that is upon the earth now.  Next time, we will move further into our study of the Antichrist and the plans to take away the one thing that will unmask the work of Satan behind the scenes….the word of God.

Blessings to you and your family until next time…Eddie

The Soon Return of Jesus

SECOND COMING PREDICTIONS-STRONG DELUSION-PART 5

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“And Jesus answered and said to them: ‘Take heed that no one deceives you.’ For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.”

Matthew 24:4-5

Many who read this passage think on simple terms and convince themselves they could never be deceived by someone who said they were Jesus. But, there are many around the world claiming to be Christ or a Prophet that has built a cult of followers around them.

A quick look at Wikipedia shows many in the world claiming “I am the Christ.”

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If you have 25 minutes to watch a documentary on a person who claims he is Christ, click here.  I must warn you that this can be disturbing if you are a follower of the only name under heaven “whereby we are saved.”  Notice, as you watch (if you do), how the beauty of the true Creator is used by the false Christ to seduce the followers into a lie and away from the true God.  The ramblings of the false Messiah is seductive to people who love not the truth as found in God’s word.

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Before you can understand the false, you must know the true.  Herein lies the problem, many are confused about the nature of God because of minimization or outright ignoring of the words of God Himself-The Holy Scripture.

Also, many are looking for answers and expect them to come from a leader other than the proven word of scripture.

Often delusion is self-made. The scripture warns us ahead of time:

“Let no one deceive himself….”

1 Corinthians 3:18

“Do not be deceived….”

1 Corinthians 6:9

For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

Romans  16:18

The subject of delusion is often avoided by many because:

1.) It is not politically correct to think or say that other people are being deceived.  It is asked by those who don’t know God’s word, “Who can judge something like that?”

2.) The possibility of deception in the religious world forces the fact that there is an enemy who works hard to deceive people.

3.) Deception is possible even in Christian churches!

4.) Most everyone who belongs to a church and a denomination believe they are not deceived nor can they possibly be deceived.  They think their denomination has all the truth and everyone else is confused.  Sounds like the religious people of Jesus day…the scribes and pharisees!

But let’s start with this question:  How can anyone know they are deceived or not?  Can we go by appearances?  No!

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”

Matthew 7:15

Deception does not come in a red suit and a pitchfork.  It comes looking nice and easy on the eyes. This is why delusion can be so powerful! It mimics truth and appeals to the sense of sight and sound.  It can come in a nice blue suit, with a white shirt and tie, white teeth, and carefully combed hair!  It can come in a massive church that inspires the senses!

Satan has used deception since he appeared as a serpent to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Since his fall from the heavenly courts, his desire has been to mar the image of God in people and destroy as many as possible.  Today, as his time comes to an end, he is compared to a hungry lion:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because  your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

1 Peter 5:8 

 He is called a murderer and  the father of lies:

“He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”

John 8:44

“Even Satan can disguise himself to look like an angel of light! So it is no great thing if his servants disguise themselves to look like servants of righteousness. In the end they will get exactly what their actions deserve.”

2 Corinthians 11: 14-15

With our ancient enemy seeking to personally deceive us, the most pressing question is, “How can I keep myself from delusion?” It is all about knowing the true Jesus as described in  the entire Bible

What God has said2

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Delusion-For Religious People Only

Jesus reserved His most critical words and most urgent warnings for religious people.  Those who were not religious, or were considered “sinners” by the religious community, received a softer exchange of words, encouragement, and personal interaction.  The religious people of Jesus’ day asked the disciples,

“How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” Mark 2:16 

These words came from the scribes and Pharisees (Religious leaders and scholars)

Jesus heard them and said,

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Mark 2:17

His biggest enemies were the Bible scholars and religious people of the day.  His friends were not particularly gifted Bible students, nor did they look and act like  “church” members.

Goal for church

His true followers were average people, perhaps less educated, at least in the religious schools. They were not content with their lives and felt a need for the presence of the Lord. They were often meek and unassuming.  Jesus said it was these who would inherit the earth:

“Blessed are the meek,

For they shall inherit the earth.”

Matthew 5:5

Their spiritual neediness made them more open to the words of Jesus and salvation, but also open to deceivers in sheep’s clothing.  If Jesus is not introduced properly to a spiritual needy person, they are subject to being fed by the deceiver.

On the other hand, those who feel that no need of a physician and are comfortable in their “religious” experience are, perhaps, in danger of being self-deceived.  It seems that there are much more warnings for the “comfortable” than for the needy.

Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—Revelation 3:17

Notice being wealthy is not about physical wealth, but spiritual wealth as demonstrated in its context. Perhaps when Jesus was talking more about perceived spiritual wealth than actual riches when He said,

 “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:25

True, these words of Jesus came after speaking to the rich young ruler when “he went away sorrowful because he had great riches” Mark 10:25. But notice that he felt rich spiritually because he said,

“Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Mark 10:20

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To illustrate the types of  people Jesus sought and who became his friends and followers, I have made a shortlist:

  1. A woman with multiple marriages and living with someone (John 4)
  2. A group of men and women who were not of the same “faith” but were moved by the testimony of the woman with multiple marriages (John 4)
  3. Someone with mental problems that had 7 demons (Luke 8:2)
  4. Someone caught in adultery (John 8)
  5. A hated tax collector (Matthew 9:9)
  6. Simple Fishermen with violent tempers so great, Jesus gave them the name “Sons of Thunder.” (Mark 3:17). They wanted to kill the Samaritans because they did not accept Jesus (Luke 9:54)
  7. Someone with a socially unacceptable disease (Matthew 8:1)
  8. A hated soldier of an occupying country (Mathew 8:5)
  9. Two people demon-possessed, but would be considered mentally sick in today’s society. (Matthew 8:28)
  10. Someone with a blood disease of 12 years (Mark 5:25)
  11. Someone who was blind (Mark 8:23)
  12. Someone who could not speak (Mark 9:17)
  13. A doubting follower in jail for political reasons and for preaching Christ (Matthew 11: 1-6)

“I will make the lame a remnant,
And the outcast a strong nation;
So the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion
From now on, even forever.” Micah 4:7

Again, the words of Jesus brings warning:

Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Mark 2:17

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In contrast, there were controlling religious leaders of Jesus’ day who were part of the big church, who constantly followed Jesus, but for the wrong reasons.  They show up on the scene early,  just before Jesus is baptized and makes his ministry public.  They came to John to be baptized.  John’s response seemed judgmental and harsh:

“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.” Matthew 3:7-9

The Pharisees and Sadducees were proud and content with their lives, tradition, and “denomination.”  Their character was marked by a “holier-than-thou” attitude who knew the truth and the Tanakh (The Old Testament)…at least that is what they thought.  But even more, they believed their lineage made them superior to everyone else.  This pride sought to destroy Jesus and anybody else who went against their beliefs:

They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.”

Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. You do the deeds of your father.” John 8: 39-41

As Paul and James would later concur, it is the fruit of works that determine the identity of the tree. The Scribes and Pharisees responded to Jesus in a very accusatory way making reference to the events surrounding His birth.  In effect, they called him a bastard (Illegitimate child born to unmarried parents).

Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.” John 8: 41, last part

Again, their smug holier-than-thou attitude shines through.  But Jesus says something that is powerful underneath the stern language. He starts with the idea that if they loved the God of Abraham they would love Him if they understood His words, but they are incapable of doing so.

Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word” John 8:42

Their preconceived ideas about God and a misunderstanding of scripture led them to “not (being) able to listen to the words of Jesus.”

Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God…You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”

Matthew 22:29, John 5:39

Their knowledge of scripture and how to interpret it was all wrong because they missed seeing Jesus in it! They were self-deceived by twisting things to fit how they felt and not letting God’s word interpret itself.

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star (Jesus) rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God[ spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1: 19-21

These words tell us that the prophetic word is confirmed.  How is it confirmed?  By its fulfillment!  Because of this, we should listen and follow it until the light of Jesus rises up in our hearts.  The prophecy cannot be interpreted by one person, it is done so by the men moved by the Holy Spirit to write Scripture.  As we compare scripture with scripture, we will see the light and understand.  How many people are willing to do this?

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Continuing with the argument by the religious leaders, Jesus says a truth that reveals their religion is a sham and they are something other than what they appear to the people:

“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44

What a powerful scene to behold!  Here Jesus is telling the religious leaders and religious people who followed them that their father was the devil!  Why? It is the truth they are missing.  They have their own resources for “truth.”

Jesus is telling the truth, but they don’t want to hear it!

But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me?He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” John 8:45-47

It is sobering to know; even the scholars and religious people in the church who refuse to hear and follow the word of God are,simply not of God!  Is this possible?  Yes!.  If a person is not willing to obey God’s word, it jeopardizes their entrance into the kingdom of heaven!

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord,Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?”

Luke 6:46

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Matthew 7:21-23

How important it is to know Jesus not just with lip service, but with obedience to the will of the Father in heaven.  Many of the church leaders today, take the extreme opposite view of the Scribes and the Pharisees who taught a strict legalistic form of religion. The teachers of today teach a cheap grace whereby obedience is minimized, eliminated, or spiritualized away!  But how can you be a follower of Jesus and refuse to obey His word?

Notice that it is the ones who know Jesus that obey the commandments of God who are His friends.  Those who have a dramatic experience of doing many wonders in His name are not safe.  It is the ones who do the will of the Father in heaven.  Jesus’ will and the will of the Father are not against each other.

For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”

Matthew 12:50

We must beware of those who would minimize or eliminate obedience to the will of God as found in scripture.  Wouldn’t you agree?

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The religious leaders  have called Jesus a bastard and now they say He is demon-possessed.  Why would they say that?

“Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” John 8:48

Jesus defended himself and answered,

“I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me.” And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges. Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.”

John 8:49-51

By dishonoring Jesus, they are dishonoring God the Father! Keeping the word of God results in never seeing death!  Conversely to not obey the word results in eternal death.

But notice how they react:

“Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say,‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?”

John 8:52-53

Follow their reasoning.  Jesus says if they keep His word they will never see death. But, they reason that since Abraham is dead and the prophets are dead, Jesus is claiming to be greater than Abraham! Just what are you saying, Jesus?  Then Jesus delivers the bombshell, he calls them a liar.  Abraham saw the coming of Jesus and was glad. But, what really threw them over the edge was when he claims the title Moses gave to the children of Israel as the One who was their God i.e., “I AM.”

“If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word. 

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad. Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” 

Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

John 8:54-58

Those who practiced “lawlessness” like the religious leaders of the day had missed Jesus in their studies and were self-deceived because they wanted scripture to say something that it did not.  They wanted a Christ that was like them and would free them from the bondage of their enemies.

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So, as we study the topic of delusion, we must be willing to do the will of God or we will be subject to strong delusion.

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

John 7:17

If we are not doing the will of God as shown clearly in the scripture, our worship is useless because we are following the philosophy of man:

And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7:7

Let us not become so religious that we miss Jesus.  It is all about Him.  If we come into a relationship and know Him, we will be assured of eternal life

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.

1 John 2:3

If we say that we know Him and disobey Him or lead a life of lawlessness, we deceive ourselves:

He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

1 John 2:4

Again, strong words from Jesus to religious people who claim to know Him.

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There are millions today that are deceived because they love not the truth.  But those who love the truth, but not willing to follow are in the same boat!

As we will see next time, the biggest deception of all time is upon us today.  It is in our newspapers and on our news.  It is cleaver, powerful, and some of it may appear to be from God.  We will consider this portion of scripture and how it relates to religion.  Please notice carefully the things that set up “strong delusion.”

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. “

2 Thessalonians 2: 8-12

We will study the Anti-Christ next time and how obedience and truth are part of the final test before the Lord returns to end our sin-sick world..

There is hope for you today if you simply ask the Lord to take charge of your life and direct your path through His word.  Begin to read and follow the words of our Creator.  Let it become your spiritual food and drink.  Let  it speak to you and you will find Jesus in its pages from Genesis to Revelation.

Jesus is real.  It is not about becoming religious.  It is about knowing Jesus and following Him.  Won’t you do that today?  Your life will be fuller and you will find peace with Jesus in mind and thought.  This experience is a Jesus journey that does not end at baptism.