Good Morning, Meetpastordan Readers…In these crazy times in which we are living, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring messages, or outrageous messages, that pique my interest. While no doubt my favorite subjects are the love of God, as manifested through the Gospel of Grace, the power of the Holy Spirit, the promises of God, and the faithfulness of God, but I have to admit that sometimes news headlines attract my attention too. I’ve always been interested in politics, so when I can combine these two subjects, it’s hard for me to pass up that opportunity. This is especially true when I can see blatant discrepancies between the headlines and the truth of God’s Word. I am drawn to write because it gives me the opportunity to expose the consequences of the lie when compared to God’s truth. Sometimes I try to do this in a humorous way, meaning “are you serious?”, and other times I want it to pack a wallop. With this one, you can be the judge.
There is a particular interest in end-times prophecy today. That should not be surprising, because at no time in history have so many warning signs lined up like we see in our world today. Let me give you some examples. Matthew 24 reveals this information: “Jesus’ disciples came to Him and asked, ‘When will all of this take place? And will there be any signs ahead of time to signal your return and the end of the world?’ Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in My name claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. Nations will go to war against nations, and kingdoms against kingdoms; there will be famines, floods, and earthquakes in many parts of the world. All of this is only the first of birth pains, with more to come. You will be arrested, persecuted and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. Many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.”
Apostle Paul shared this information with his mentee, Timothy: “The last days will be very difficult times. 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. They will be unloving, and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control; they will be cruel and have no interest in what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and will love pleasure rather than God. They will act as if they are religious, but will reject the power that could make them godly.” (2Timothy 3:1-5)
So, you might be asking yourself, “How does this relate to today’s title?” Well, I just listed 32 Scriptural warning signs designating the end of this world and the second coming of Jesus Christ. How many of these signs do you see playing out in our culture today? Now let me ask you this? Do you see climate change listed among those warning signs? I asked that because Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently stated with certainty that “unless climate change (The Green New Deal) is enacted, the world will end in 12 years.” Hmm…I wonder where she is getting her information to speak with such authority, especially when Jesus revealed to His disciples that “no one knows the day or the hour when these things will happen, not the angels in heaven nor the Son Himself. Only the Father knows.” (Mark 13:32)
In the second paragraph, Matthew 24:11 tells us, “Many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.” As Christians, we are told to be discerning, to watch and pray. That can only happen if we know the Truth found in God’s Word. The newest, latest and greatest revelations are counterfeit if they don’t line up with God’s Word! Enduring to the end requires rejecting such false teachings. Matthew 24:13 tells us that “only those who endure to the end will be saved.”
Unfortunately, there have always been false prophets, and today is certainly no exception. A.O.C. is only one of many, and she, no doubt, is an easy target. When you look deeper into the prophecy (or “the message”, whichever you want to call it) you will absolutely discover a hidden agenda. The prophets referenced in the Bible, and even those today with a gift of prophecy, were/are moved to speak by the Holy Spirit. There is a sacred purpose for their message. With false prophets, there is an agenda attached to their message that is most often self-serving, or promoting a political position, a financial position, or a power-grab. In other words, their message is designed to deceive.
Relating all of this to our culture today, who can you believe, or what can you believe? Many people will answer, “science”. Realistically, science is constantly evolving. What was the latest, greatest discovery fifty years ago has most likely been replaced by a newer “latest and greatest” discovery? What was considered the “social norm” forty years ago, has most likely fallen out of favor with today’s culture. What was “in style” thirty years ago has most likely been discarded by today’s “in crowd”. The spiritual and moral values that were still visible twenty years ago have all but been abandoned by the popular idea that “truth is relative” (Your truth is not my truth, so who are you to judge me?) Somehow the idea that there exists “THE TRUTH” is being challenged by a large percent of our population. (According to the US Barna Survey Group, 44% of Americans believe that truth is relative based on circumstances or feelings.)
With the idea of truth being so nebulous in our culture today, it is easy for deception to gain a foothold. Those who do not stand on The Truth of God’s Word are easily swayed by lies. False prophets and hidden agendas count on that very circumstance. A.O.C. is the perfect example. Her passion seems to be concern about the future of our world’s very existence. But in reality, furthering the Green New Deal is the actual agenda. “And what exactly is that agenda?”, you ask. It is a Bill in congress that was proposed by the Democrat party, and championed by the “Squad”, that will cost $93 trillion dollars to implement. (Yes, that is really a “T” and not a “B”) The deceit contained in that Bill is how the money will actually be earmarked, (ie. who gets it, and how much?) So far, that information has not been forthcoming. (Hopefully we won’t get a repeat of a previous Democrat directive: “You have to pass the Bill before you can see what’s in it!” Seriously?)
As with all new agendas, in order to further the agenda, the pillars that defined the old agenda must be destroyed. The two biggest obstacles that stand in the way of furthering the Democrat’s “Liberal Progressive Agenda” (Socialism) are our Founding Documents (the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution) AND the Holy Bible. No doubt that assault is playing out right now because that action is included in the 32 Scriptural warnings listed above.
Between the false prophets and the deception that is so prevalent, our culture is desperately seeking the confident assurance that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ…they don’t yet know that He is the answer. (Church body…THIS IS OUR TIME!) Consequently, there has been an explosion in addiction issues, depression and anxiety issues, divorce rates, and suicides as people try to fill that proverbial “hole in their soul” with drugs, alcohol, sex, bigger homes, bigger boats, etc. That may work for a brief time, but quickly they have to return to “the well” for another “fix”. The Truth is…Jesus is the ONLY one-time fix! Unfortunately, people have been duped by lies, deceptions, and hidden agendas. That is what happens when truth becomes relative.
As Christ-followers, we have many planks in our platform of faith on which we stand. 1.“God didn’t give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of love, power and a sound mind.” – some versions say “self-control.” (Timothy 1:7); 2, He will never leave us or forsake us. (Joshua 1:5); 3. “No weapon formed against Him will prosper” (Isaiah 54: 17); 4. “God will mock the proud, but will exalt the humble.” (Proverbs 3:34)
So, you might be asking yourself, “What do I have to hold on to?”, and I would direct you to God’s promise: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Word will NEVER pass away”. (my edit -Matthew 24:35) In other words, His Word IS The Truth we can all count on! Amen!!
Feel free to respond to this message, and please share with other social media friends.
May God Bless You abundantly,
Dan Presgrave (a.k.a. Pastor Dan)
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