Scriptural Reference:
"Watch out for false prophets. They come
to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."
Matthew 7:15 (NIV)
"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,.. At that time many will turn away from the faith... and
many false prophets will appear and deceive many people."
Mat 24:3-5,10-11 (NIV)
"I know quite well that when I have gone fierce wolves will invade you
and have no mercy on the flock. Even from your own ranks their will
be men coming forward with a travesty of the truth on their lips to
induce the disciples to follow them. So be on your guard..."
Acts 20: 29-31 (Jeremiah)
"False christs and false prophets are going to appear and produce great
signs and wonders to mislead, if it were possible, even God's own people.
Listen, I am warning you."
Mat 24:25 (Phi)
Reflection:
Picture if you will a wonderfully dramatic
scene on a chilly morning as the sun slowly breaks forth over a mountainous
horizon. The place you are is an old iron foundry with decaying buildings
and numerous mounds of what was once a mighty industrial building. Within
many of the holes and natural nooks and crannies created by time and
weather are numerous candles flickering gently in the dim fading darkness.
Then a voice booms with a message that has been spoken for well over
2,000 years "He is Risen!. The suns light grows in strength and
the crowd you are in takes in the growing light and awareness of the
moment. An awe of inspiration pervades and each person is given a chance
to embrace and reflect on the moment at hand. Truly a profound moment.
Shame though that the Minister presiding over this refutes and openly
rejects that Jesus actually rose from the grave. For him this is more
about how majestic he sounds and how well he can sell the product of
a commercially packaged theology.
Now take time to ponder the significance of a child baptism. For some
this is called a Christening while others may call it a Dedication to
the Lord. The Minister holds the child and asks the Parents to make
vows to raise the Child in a Christian Home. They then ask the Godparents
for an acknowledgement that they will be there to support the family
and they too will be Christian witnesses and Role Models. The Minister
then prepares to pours water over the Child's head and says the words
"As the Spirit of Creation hovers over the waters..." then
proceeds to pour the water over the forehead of the Child.
This too would be wonderfully profound if it were not for the case that
in the very same service the very same Minister exclaims that Creation
is a load of nonsense and that Evolution is how we all got here. They
should know as they have the Diplomas and High Academic Knowledge to
prove they know what they are saying. Shame that if they believed this,
why say the bit about the Spirit of Creation? Especially as they don't
believe it at all.
The more things change the more things stay exactly the same. The Lord
Jesus the Christ warned us that there would be false teachers and prophets
among us. Twisting the truth and perverting the message he had given.
This was later supported by the Apostle Paul who could see first hand
the way these merchants of Spin were slowly taking a hold on the Church.
Saying the words to tickle the ears of those listening.
So that in many Churches words such as Sin, Hell, Redemption and Forgiveness
are seldom spoken. These words are seen as no longer feel good or acceptable.
To recognise Sin would mean to recognise that people who are living
in homosexual relations are in trouble of Gods Judgement. To recognise
the word Hell is to be confronted by the prospect that there is a place
of judgement. A place that is set aside for those who refuse to accept
the next word, Forgiveness. So why would anyone argue about this words.
It seems reasonable enough. The word implies that we have each something
we need to be forgiven for. For many, they deny that they are guilty
of anything. They reject God judgement. and gloss over it with human
words of self gratification.
We are sadly in a time of great persecution. As these merchants of Spin
attack those who hold to the Bible as the unerring word of God. Also
attacks from Muslims who see Christians and Jews as their greatest enemies.
Then there are the three long held Post Modern enemies of Chistiandom,
the Rationalist, the Humanists and the Atheists If these three were
to ever get over their divisions and form a united front, all religions
and belief systems would be banned. In the name of Humanity of course.
What do we do? Keep returning to the Bible. Determine to know if the
Church you attend see the Bible as the perfect unerring word of God.
Fellowship with believers. Share the Gospel message bravely with everyone
you know. Prepare yourself as Paul says for the battle is ongoing and
getting more demanding every day.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
I pray for your strength;
To stand firm on your promise of Salvation.
To bravely share the Gospel message of Grace.
To pray fervently for family and friends.
To pray fervently for persecuted Christians.
To be the instrument of your peace unto all.
Amen