Humanity is being set up. Scripture tells of a strong delusion that will come upon mankind in the last days, and Satan is getting people ready to believe the lie.

“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). 

People make their own choices and God won’t interfere if you choose to believe lies. Many delusions are gripping humanity today, and it’s easy to understand how easily people can be duped.

It’s astonishing how fast false beliefs are being embraced…even by Christians. Evolution is one of those falsehoods. Satan has used that lie to chip away at many of God’s truths. Scripture is clear that God created everything. It doesn’t get any clearer than in the Gospel of John.

In speaking of Jesus, John said, “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3).

Once Satan was able to deceive people into believing we evolved from pond scum, into apes, then into humans, the next attack came upon the family. Instead of taking pride in being a wife and mother, women began to turn child-rearing over to sitters so Mom could hold a job just like Dad. The family began to deteriorate. Then marriage was no longer regarded as a sacred institution ordained by God. Marriage originated in the Garden of Eden. God created a man and a woman. These two were to be one.

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).

Marriage has always been a “picture” of the way Jesus loves His bride. Satan has managed to convince people that marriage isn’t important. Living together and/or one-night stands are the way of the world, not the way of God. The first miracle Jesus performed was at a wedding He attended. That fact should be testimony of how important marriage is. Anything less than marriage mocks God and glorifies Satan.

Satan has successfully deluded people into thumbing their noses at God over creation and marriage, and now he’s going after another very basic truth. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:27).

Fact: a person is either male or female; there’s no middle ground. I am sickened by news stories I see where people throw fits (literally) if someone uses a gender-reality pronoun. He or she are the only two options; and if you think you’re something you’re not, you’re deluded. Satan has hoodwinked people into thinking that with enough hormone injections and surgery they can become whatever they choose. Bottom line, no matter how much mutilation you’ve done, you’re still genetically what you were born.

Children have no idea about any real differences between boys and girls; but if a child innocently wants to be the opposite gender, instead of guiding that child to truth, the parents (usually the mother) start helping to change the child into a mutant. The vaccinations we “lovingly” give our kids don’t help the situation. Have you ever seen a list of ingredients in those vaccines? Formaldehyde and DNA are in most of them. Is it any wonder kids are ADHD, autistic, and totally confused? Yes, Satan is deluding the masses. It’s getting easier for him because Christians are as deluded as the secular crowd.

Then there’s the delusion that all roads lead to heaven. That just cannot be. Cults and false religions may seem interesting, but each one contains a deadly lie. Each one contradicts God’s truth, and all deny the deity of Christ.

Not long before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus had an open talk with His disciples. He told them that He was going to prepare a place and would return to get them (us). Traditional Jewish wedding practices of the day dictated that the bridegroom would return to his father’s house and prepare a home for his bride. When it was prepared, he would surprise his bride and take her to the home he prepared. The men who followed Jesus didn’t fully understand what He meant. Thomas spoke up and asked where He was going.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

The time had come for Jesus to allow Himself to be sacrificed for our sin. They couldn’t follow right then, but He promised He would return when the mansions were prepared. He conquered death and gave us the only way for eternal life in the place He has prepared. In fact, that was the reason He, being God, chose to become human. Sin had separated humans from God, and the only way to mend that separation was for God to shed His blood for us. There is no other way.

Soon after that conversation, Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane while He waited for Judas to lead the soldiers to arrest Him. Jesus gave Himself willingly even though He knew of the beating to come and nails that would be pounded into His hands and feet. He knew that only His perfect blood would take our sin away and restore what Adam had lost. That meant offering Himself as the blood sacrifice to atone for our sin. He also knew that as He hung on the cross, He would be separated from God the Father because He became sin in our stead.

So, Jesus prayed as He waited for the soldiers. “…O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39b). 

If there was any other way for humans to find reconciliation and live forever, God the Father would have stopped things right then. Don’t be deluded. There is no other road to follow for eternal life except to place your faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Peter was one who, instead of keeping watch, slept as Jesus prayed. He had been the first disciple to declare that Jesus was the Messiah, but he would also be the first to deny knowing Christ. When Jesus was arrested, Peter feared that he would also be arrested. He secretly followed the mob to see what would happen and denied Christ three times that night. After the resurrection Peter was restored and filled with the Holy Spirit. Through that power he was able to speak fearlessly.

Once, on a trip to the Temple, Peter and John met a lame man who asked for money. Instead, Peter told him in the name of Jesus, get up and walk. Through the power of Jesus’ name, the man was healed. Peter spoke boldly to the onlookers about Jesus, and many came to faith. Because of that, he and John were arrested. Peter and John were then brought before the same leaders whom Peter had hid from when Jesus was arrested. Nevertheless, Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and told them in no uncertain terms who Jesus was. Peter was bold as he explained the only way of salvation to some very deluded people.

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Peter had come a long way. He knew there was no way to salvation except through Jesus Christ. He would never be deluded.

Paul also followed Jesus. He had ruthlessly persecuted Christians until he learned the truth. Then his eyes were opened, and he was no longer deluded by satanic lies. Paul became a bold missionary and evangelist for Christ. In order to be sure that the various congregations he established stayed on the right path, Paul wrote letters. In a letter to a young pastor named Timothy, Paul encouraged him to stay grounded, preach God’s truth, and also pray for kings and those in authority.

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time” (1 Timothy 2:3-6).

There is no way to find eternal life other than to place your faith in Jesus. So, if you think you’re good enough, or you think you have to die for the god you follow (as the Muslims do), or that Jesus was just a nice guy, then you are deluded. It’s not too late to repent and come to the truth.

Even the elect can be deceived. News flash: the elect are being deceived. How many Christians go along with the transgender and homosexual agenda because they don’t want to judge, or they think God really meant it was OK? How many pastors choose to water down sermons in order to tickle the ears of their congregation and keep the collection plates full? Never mind that sin in the pews is rampant.

Brothers and sisters, we are in the last days. Recently a once strong Christian author and pastor renounced his faith and openly embraced sins that God despises. He’s very deluded. Many Christians mock God by living lifestyles that Scripture warns against. The delusion of Satan grows stronger every day. Very soon, Christians will be Raptured and the deluded masses will be left to face an even stronger delusion put forth by the “son of perdition,” who is ruled by Satan. He will lead his followers straight to Hell.

How can you avoid being deceived? Study Scripture. That’s where God’s truth is found.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

A Christian must turn from the lies of the world and the delusion that Satan spews. God’s truth is revealed by the Holy Spirit through Scripture, and it never changes. There are no “updates” or revisions on what God views as sin. All Scripture, Old Testament and New Testament, is inspired by God for our learning. We use it to understand what is true doctrine so we won’t be deluded by a false teacher.

Scripture reveals what’s wrong in our life and how to correct it. We will never be perfect while living on this side of Heaven, but we are righteous only through the righteousness of Christ. When someone presents you with a new take on Scripture, don’t believe them but search the Scriptures for yourself.

When Paul presented the Gospel to Jewish men in Berea, they did the right thing. They searched the Scriptures. “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few” (Acts 17:11-12).

They searched Old Testament Scripture and found that the Gospel fulfilled those Scriptures. They didn’t outright reject what Paul said, but went to God’s word to learn the truth. The Bereans were not deluded.

There’s a strong delusion on the near horizon, and its shadow is upon us now. If you don’t pattern your life by God’s truth and stand firm on Scripture, you will be deluded.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Ron and Nathele Graham’s previous commentaries archived at https://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html

All original scripture is “theopneustos” – God breathed.

If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

 

The songs we sing reflect our heart. Lately my heart has been filled with my need for my Lord, and this song has been running through my mind. Events reported in the news can bring a sense of dread to our hearts. There are so many violent acts, war, hatred, and much more that it’s easy to be afraid and worried. When things get dark, we need to draw close to Jesus. He is the Light of the world, and we need that Light. We need Him every hour of every day.

I need Thee every hour,

Most gracious Lord;

No tender voice like Thine

Can peace afford.

I think of Mary Magdalene. She had been a follower of Christ ever since He drove seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2, Mark 16:9). She felt safe when near Him and followed Him faithfully. She stood at the cross when He was crucified. The pain of watching Him die was heart-wrenching. As soon as possible on the first day of the week, she went to the tomb and found it empty. Her grief was great and her tears wouldn’t stop flowing.

Most of us have felt the utter grief that comes from the death of a loved one and can understand Mary’s grief over the loss of the friend who had changed her life. When she saw the tomb empty, she could only think that the body of Jesus had been stolen. As she wept, a man approached, and she thought he was the gardener. He asked why she was crying. There was no reason for her to think this man was Jesus. She had seen Him crucified and placed in a tomb. Through her tears she answered,

“…Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master” (John 20:15b-16).

His tender voice cut through her grief. Her grief gave way to joy when she heard His voice. Whenever I read this passage, I can feel the tenderness in His voice as He spoke her name. She needed Him and He was there. How I long to hear Him speak my name. He brings perfect peace.

I need Thee every hour,

Stay Thou nearby.

Temptations lose their power

When Thou art nigh.

When you least expect it, temptation crosses your path. When you came to Jesus for salvation, you repented of your sin and turned away from it. You recognized that you are a sinner and changed your mind about continuing in sin. Then it happens. Satan whispers in your ear, trying to draw you back into sin. It becomes hard to resist. You know your sin has been forgiven, but the temptation tugs at you and tries to draw you away from Jesus. That’s why we always need to stay close to Him.

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12).

It’s not easy to turn away from temptation, but prayer and Bible study will keep you strong. Our best defense against falling back into the sin that separated us from God is to draw closer to Jesus.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (James 4:7-8).

When you submit to Jesus, you give yourself over to Him. The more you resist temptation, the less hold it has upon you. Temptation loses its power when we stay close to Jesus.

I need Thee every hour,

In joy or pain,

Come quickly and abide,

Or life is vain.

Too often we think that when we come to Jesus our life will suddenly be easy. That would be nice, but it just doesn’t work that way. No matter what comes our way, we need to turn to Jesus for strength.

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall to unto me” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

The word “conversation” comes from a Greek word “tropos” which means the way you conduct your life. The trials we face help us to grow into steadfast Christians. We can always look to Scripture to see that those who had the strongest faith underwent the toughest trials. Paul suffered much physical trouble, but he also had friends turn away from him. Things haven’t changed over the centuries, and his letters encourage us in our walk.

“Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

Our need for Jesus seems greater when things go wrong, but don’t take Him for granted when things run smoothly. Whether there’s joy in your life or pain, He will never leave you.

I need Thee every hour

Teach me Thy will;

And Thy rich promises

In me fulfill.

We aren’t born knowing how to submit to His will and serve Him, but as we apply Scripture to our lives, we learn His way.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).

Peter went through many learning experiences before he finally submitted to Christ and learned to willingly serve Him. Peter had followed Jesus for three years and witnessed many miracles which Jesus had done. It was Peter who had sworn to defend Christ even if it meant his own death. When his boasting words were tested, Peter denied knowing Christ. Are we any different? We determine to follow Christ until a friend challenges our faith.

After the Resurrection, Jesus led Peter to repentance and restoration. Peter learned the lessons well. Because he was willing to lay aside his pride and was broken over his denial, Jesus was able to use him in a great way. Peter boldly spoke to crowds of non-believers, and many of them came to salvation. Jesus taught Peter that even Gentiles are worthy of salvation. Peter was sent to share the Gospel with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, who became a believer (Acts chapter 10). Most of us can relate to Peter and see his failures in us. Peter was flawed, but his faith was unshakable. He served Jesus and was eventually crucified for his faith. He truly understood the promise of eternal life.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Allow Jesus to teach you, and rest in His promise of eternal life.

I need Thee every hour,

Most Holy One.

Oh, make me Thine indeed,

Thou blessed Son.

Jesus Christ is the most Holy One. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:1-3).

Jesus is the Word…Jesus is God. His love for us is perfect. He willingly set aside His deity to walk among sinners and gave us the only way to salvation. He shed His own blood as the only sacrifice to take our sin away. Salvation is a free gift, but it has to be accepted.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13).

If you accept His sacrifice, then you are a son of God. Walk in His ways, not in the ways of the world.

I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;

Every hour I need Thee;

Oh, bless me now, my Saviour

I come to Thee.

Oh, how I need Him. Not just when life hits some bumps, but every hour of every day.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

The way of the world is wicked; and if we follow Satan, we make our own trouble. One lie will lead to more lies, hate leads to more hate, and one sin leads to another. Sin leads to sickness and death. When we follow Jesus, we don’t get destroyed by Satan’s hatred. We learn to love our neighbor as ourselves. We learn to humble ourselves before God and let Him lift us up instead of fighting and scratching our way to false glory. Glorify Jesus with your life and receive His blessings.

This song was written in 1872 by Annie Sherwood Hawks, with the chorus and music written by Robert Lowry. It’s a song that stands the test of time because of the truth it holds. Sing it as a prayer.

Have you come to the end of yourself and know that you need Jesus? Tell Him. Pray and ask Him into your life. Turn from the wicked lusts of the flesh and turn to the One who loves you and gave His life for you.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Ron and Nathele Graham’s previous commentaries archived at https://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html

All original scripture is “theopneustos” – God breathed.

If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.