“Walking in the Light: Rejecting Antichrists”
August 8, 2009
Larry R Evans
Reflective Introduction
Religion can be bad for your health, your spiritual health and sometimes even your physical health. A wrong approach to Scripture can negatively impact the lives of many. In the mid-nineties I was subpoenaed to testify in a bizarre murder case in which former Christians murdered other Christians and they did so claiming God had instructed them. These individuals had never had any previous run-in with the law but their intense desire to be modern day prophets led them to do the unspeakable! (See Beware of Angels by Roger J. Morneau). They became pawns in the hand of the Master Deceiver. Jesus warned that false Christs and false prophets (Mt 24:24) were coming, John later referred to this very phenomena in the book of Revelation which was meant to reveal Jesus and things soon to take place. (Rev.1:1) The book of Revelation discloses the well-designed strategic plan by Satanic powers meant to deceive the whole world with false teachings about Jesus. These false prophets (Rev.13 and 19:20) so confuse the teachings about Jesus as to lead others to murder those who do not comply with their forms of worship and in so doing thinking that they are but carrying out God’s will! (Jn. 16:2; Rev. 13:15) However, John also saw the spirit of these false prophets and antichrists in his own day! (1Jn 2:18,19) as did Paul (2 Thess. 2:1-12). An antichrist is not just someone who is opposed to Christ, they may assume the place of Christ and by doing so the deceptions presented can be serious and life-threatening. This week’s lesson is not about the future only but encompasses insights for today’s living! Beware, false teachings about Jesus and His plans for you can be dangerous.
Reflective Quiz
1. According to John “the last hour” occurred uring New Testament times. [1Jn. 2:18; Acts 2:3-7] True or False?
2. It is important to determine the precise time when the antichrists and the time of trouble will come [1Jn. 2:18-26; 4:1] True or False?
3. The term “antichrist” is used throughout the book of Revelation. [1Jn. 2:18, 19, 22; Rev. 13:1-10] True or False?
4. Everyone who has a false understanding about the nature of Christ is an antichrist. True or False?
5. It is possible for well intentioned Christians to be deceived and to even promote the spirit of an antichrist. [1Jn. 2:18-27; 4:1-6] True or False?
6. False prophets may be convincing but we are not left alone to discern the truth. [1Jn. 4:6; 5:13,14; 1Cor. 12:7-13] True or False?
7. As devoted followers of Christ all have been anointed by receiving both the Holy Spirit and the Word of truth. [1Jn. 2:20,24,27] True or False?
8. It’s not where you start but where you finish that really matters. [1Jn. 2:28; 2Jn. 9; Rev. 14:12] True or False?
9. Once saved always saved as long as we stay saved. [Jn. 15:1-10] True or False?
[Due to other responsibilities there will be no additional notes this week.]
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