A Powerful Delusion....Coming Soon!

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     "And for this cause God shall send strong delusion, that they should believe a lie that they all might be damned who believed not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12)

 I used to think reality shows defied all reason and sanity. What clear thinking person could possibly believe the going on's in those episodes? Then it was revealed that they were all scripted to provide maximum entertainment for the audience!

But what's happening in our world today is no reality show yet it does come with a script!  You just have to know where to find it...God's Word!   No more scratching your head about all the nonsense we're experiencing! No more incredulous gasps at the the things sinful men say!  No more pondering about what  happens next! It's all in there!

But before you run with the scripture introducing this post, let me put it in context! When it was written by the Apostle Paul, nearly two thousand years ago, The church was in chaos. Christians were under persecution and growing soft in their faith. False teaching about the Lord's return had permeated the church.  Hearts and minds were closed to truth. Click Here: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3  

These Saints believed a lie and ceased working the Lord's agenda  thinking Christ's return was any day and their work was done!  Paul wrote this second letter to clarify truth and address the reckless behavior of the church.  In our present spiritual and political climate, authentic preachers and teachers find it necessary to do the same! [Depending on your eschatological view you may or not agree with these next statements.]     

WE ARE NOT IN THE TRIBULATION PERIOD

I can't tell you how many times I've heard or it's been alluded to that we are in the Tribulation  time written about in Matthew's Gospel and Revelation.  We're not there yet! But we are living in the End Times!  The count down started at Christ's first advent through His death and resurrection and culminates at the rapture of the church. 

Click Here: I Thessalonians 4:13-18

This is Not the Tribulation Period but a period of tribulation (climate change, disasters, diseases, and violence)- a mere glimpse of Coming Attractions!  The Anti-Christ of Revelation has not been revealed but bad actors, even some who call themselves Christians are operating under the influence of the Real One!  The lies, wicked deception, power grabbing, lawlessness is only a preview of what will happen to usher in the Biblical Tribulation Period. Click Here: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

THE POWER OF DELUSION

So Christians are a part of this? How could this be?! Why would anyone who know Truth be so readily deceived? It could be ignorance of God's Word!  Head knowledge is not the same as heart knowledge! Perhaps fear. But it cannot be the lack of evidence or facts! Reality is playing out in startling clarity. True, 2 Corinthians 5:7 encourages Christians to walk by faith  but not blind faith! We don't ignore evidence or logic. God still gives us the capacity to critically think through issues and make right decisions.  

Yes, a time is coming when even God's Elect will be susceptible to deception but that is not what is happening now. Click Here: Matthew 24:24  God did not send this delusion! Something more insidious is going on and it emanates from the very core of man's sinful nature. THERE IS NO TRUE LOVE IN THE HEART!  This quote by theologian, John Piper takes us back to 2 Thessalonians 2:12. 

 At the root of our human condition is a strong pleasure in sin -

a strong preference, gladness, delight.

This pleasure principle, as described by Sigmund Freud is the "instinctive human tendency to seek pleasure and avoid pain, essentially motivating individuals to fulfill their needs and desires for immediate gratification, often without considering consequences."  I know that's a mouth full and comes from a pagan but it bears a biblical truth: Click Here:Ecclesiastes 2:10-11  King Solomon discovered the foolishness of grasping for riches, greed, and power!  He was not denied anything! But the emptiness and sadness of his heart cannot be missed when you read the rest of the book of Ecclesiastes.

GOD IS NOT AT FAULT HERE

GOD DID NOT SEND THIS DELUSION as He will at the Tribulation but He is permitting it for His purpose! Throughout the Bible and especially the Gospels we see Truth rejected!  So why are we surprised that the religious have joined the heathen to ensure power?! Click Here: Romans 1:21-23 .  Man is only doing what is ALREADY in His heart! He loves it! Enjoys it! Will be judged for it!

Yet, there are some who still seek to stand!  (I hope that's you!) Who will not let fear and selfish desires rule their heart of compassion and love.  Even if it compromises their finances and comfort for a season.  LET'S PRAY FOR THEM! Yes, we will feel the pain but Jesus says: Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)  We will be vindicated!

We must despair or be discouraged when it looks like evil is winning over good! When people you thought would advocate for your rights and promised before God to protect you fall in line with the unrighteousness. It will not bear well with them! Click Here:Psalm 37:1-4  To be sure,  to stand will take much courage during these difficult times so prepare now by soaking in the truth of these scriptures. We're in the fight now and should we be wounded or die we have already received our Purple Hearts: 

💜Isaiah 41:10  - So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

💜I Corinthians 16:13 - Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men/women, be strong.

💜I Corinthians  15:58 - My dear friend, stand firm and don't be shaken.  Always keep busy working for the Lord.

💜Daniel 11:32 -Stand firm on the truth of His Word, and take action toward the goals God has called us to

I PRAY THIS GIVES YOU COMFORT DEAR FRIENDS,

SEE YOU ON THE BATTLEFIELD!

 

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

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