Pilot Knob Lutheran Deception 3/8/2023
I ended last week’s message with the rhetorical question, are the natural and manmade disasters the worst that can happen, even war? As bad as they are as listed in Matthew 24, it is interesting that Jesus first says: Matthew 24:4a “Watch out that no one deceives you. Perhaps deception is worse and far more dangerous. Matthew continues with: vss. 4b-5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. Deception has to do with confusion and lies about false Christs,’ false saviors who will speak lies about life, God, eternal life and our future. Within the context of Matthew 24 Jesus is saying it will be easier to be deceived about God when facing an uncertain world and future with such things as ignoring Chinese spy balloons, the World Economic Forum led by globalists whose aim is a one world government, pandemics that are really plandemics, with more to come, and sayings like; “you will own nothing and be happy” or that climate change will end life on earth as we know it in our lifetime. Such words and activities strike fear in people.
The Bible has much to say that brings joy and happiness to the believer and we tend to think about that and push to the back of our minds the warnings scripture speaks about, because they can be disconcerting. Revelations 13:7-8 is very clear about the future. Satan will be given more freedom as the world turns its back against God. It (the dragon, Satan) was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.
It is during those times we can be tempted to listen to voices that tell us there is no God, or that He does not care, or there will be no return of our Lord and so on. Now is the time to begin focusing on scriptures that remind us of His promises, faithfulness, love, redemption, overcoming Satan and that God will rescue all who call upon His name. Jude 20-21 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
March 12, 9:00 AM Morning worship. Sermon: Yom Kippur
10:15 Sunday school for all.
12:00 LLS practice
2:00 GriefShare
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