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The Era of Slick
Arguments
MP3
In Matthew 24:11 we read, "And many false
prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." Further
down in the same chapter, verse 24, you read, "For
there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew
great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall
deceive the very elect." I can tell you now that many
of these may not come in the form of a human you see face-to-face.
Several will come in the form of a web site, a published article or even
an e-mail from a member in the church.
The deception will come in the form of a slick argument, written with
such craftiness, style and seemingly solid logical scriptural foundation
that one could be sucked in without even realizing what had taken place.
Never in my life in the church have I begun to see so many. You
will see them too. The subject matter will be subtle [so
slight as to be difficult to detect] changes to doctrine,
slander on church leaders, past and present and upon the Church of God
itself.
Just yesterday I happened on a web site, which in essence, was a massive
attack on all the churches of God. The author enumerated several
of the larger organizations by name. The site is beautiful and
included a clear style, inviting layout and soft colors. His use
of scripture throughout the many pages of the site was impressive and
compelling. As I read through the material, I knew it was a
deception and the scriptures misapplied, but I still felt myself gently
pulled along. I literally had to jerk myself away from viewing the
screen. Very slick.
The Word of God is replete with scriptures on this subject. They
show how the deception works, what's going to happen, and what steps we
can take to keep from falling into these deceptive traps and pitfalls.
HOW IT WORKS
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and
being deceived. –2 Timothy 3:13
They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek
my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
–Psalm 38:12
The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked
are deceit. –Proverbs 12:5
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own
belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the
simple. –Romans 16:18
Note: As we near the Great
Tribulation, this situation will wax worse and worse. It will be
unavoidable. They will lay snares for you with these slick
arguments in an attempt to pull you away from God's church and
ultimately your salvation. They will use good words and fair
speeches and WILL DECEIVE. These people serve their own bellies
and their own agendas.
WHAT YOU WILL SEE HAPPEN TO THE WEAK
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets,
Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy
deceits. –Isaiah 30:10
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but
after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having
itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and
shall be turned unto fables. –2 Timothy 4:3-4
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall
depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of
devils. –1 Timothy 4:1
Note: Those not immersed in the
Word of God and not close to Christ in their Salvation Process will give
heed to the slick argument and want more and more. They may even
become masters themselves of these slick arguments and seek to trap and
deceive others. They will depart from the faith, even though
continuing to attend God's church.
MANIFESTATIONS YOU MIGHT WITNESS IN THE BODY OF
CHRIST
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You will see the aforementioned web sites, papers and
articles.
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The leadership and ministry will suffer slander and people
will enumerate their sins, mistakes and faults with the idea of
destroying their position or driving their congregations from
them.
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You will see or hear of a member suddenly withholding tithes
and offerings because of an overheard slander against the church
or the ministry.
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You might see someone attempting to introduce a new spin on
a doctrine during Sabbath fellowship.
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You might hear of some speaker attempting to introduce a
"new" doctrine or a new spin on a present belief from the
pulpit.
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You may witness or hear of an uncredentialed member of a
congregation holding a private Bible study at his or her private
home with several members of the congregation. They will
have deep discussions on doctrine or church administration and
offer complaint.
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There will be congregations which will experience murmuring,
complaints, strife, debates, arguments, taking of sides,
bitterness, intrigue, and division often times on elements
having NOTHING to do with the Salvation Process.
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WHAT TO DO
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been
assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a
child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee
wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. –2
Timothy 3:14-15
But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more
ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is
Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that
the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The
Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name
of Christ depart from iniquity. –2 Timothy 2:16-19
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known
unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were
eyewitnesses of his majesty. –2 Peter 1:16
Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn
from the truth. –Titus 1:14
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather
unto godliness. –1 Timothy 4:7
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister
questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. –1
Timothy 1:4
Note: First and foremost:
Immerse yourself into the
Word of God and maintain a close relationship with God, the Father
and Jesus Christ, the head of this Church. DO
THIS DILIGENTLY. Focus FIRST on the Spiritual and
lastly on the physical elements of the church. Do as these scriptures
say and SHUN profane and vain babblings. Rely on the power of the
Holy Spirit. Jerk your eyes from the screen of profane and slick
web sites. Delete e-mails that seek to destroy you with crafty
reasoning and logic to give up or neglect sound doctrine. Avoid
strife and anything divisive.
Never allow someone the use of the Word of God to tear down the church,
its ministry or its members. The Word of God can only be used to
lift one up, not put him down
Remain steadfast and NEVER fall for anything slick.
Take heed, for the Era of Slick Arguments is
NOW!!
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