Deception

When Jesus was walking through Jerusalem with His disciples, they asked Him, "What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” - Matthew 24:3

Jesus gave them a really strange answer.

“Watch out that no one deceives you." - Matthew 24:4

Huh?

Jesus could not have been more right. 

The world we live in is absolutely filled with deception. Even in the church! But you know where the most deception exists? In our own hearts and minds. This is an exceedingly dangerous time. For everyone. 

Here's what I mean. How do we know that what we believe is actually true? Where do our beliefs come from? Some pastor? The news? A YouTube video? Our friends and family?

Jesus said, "I am the way, THE TRUTH, and the life." - John 14:6. But who is this Jesus? There are many versions of him out there. Which one is THEE Jesus? Mormons have a Jesus. So do Jehovah's Witnesses. Even the Quran of Islam mentions Jesus. So many versions to choose from. Which one is right?

"For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many." - Matthew 24:5

That's for sure! Can we agree that there can be only ONE truth? I mean, either something is true or it is not, right?

I go back to my encounter with Jesus of the Bible. Not a face-to-face meeting by any means. But when Jesus, THEE Jesus, became real to me, January 15, 2006, I changed.

And that is the key. Jesus, the Truth, changes us. Our eyes become opened and we can see clearly for the first time. And by 'see' I mean understand. It's like the man born blind.

"One thing I do know. I was blind, but now I see." - John 9:25

Only our 'sight' is an understanding of the Word of God, the THINGS of God.

When we meet Jesus, we become changed. No change = No Jesus = no Holy Spirit.

In the Book of 1st John there is a checklist of sorts for the Christian. Here's an example:

"⁶If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. ⁷But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." - 1 John 1:6-7

This is a check for us. Are we "walking in the light?" In other words, are we obeying God's comnands? Are we seeking after His will? If we are not, why would we then be referred to as Christians?

There are many other proofs such as this in 1st John. How many can YOU find? There is a link below. Check it out. There are only five chapters, but the book is FILLED with eye-opening truths.

1 John