Don't Be A Target!

Did you know that this year the decision was made to remove the word “gullible” from the dictionary? We may laugh about having a joke pulled over on us, but there are some areas of life where being fooled is no laughing matter.

Consider the following. Michel Chasles, the famous 19th century French mathematician and Sorbonne professor was tricked into buying a total of 27,340 letters for $30,000. These letters were alleged to have been written by the resurrected Lazarus to Peter, from Mary Magdalene to a Burgundian King, and a Gallic doctor to Jesus Christ. The surprise was the letters were all written in modern French and on contemporary paper. [original source unknown]

It seems that as many people as there are out to dupe others, there are also as many open to being duped. Not only did Paul warn of such, but our Lord did as well.

In Paul’s letter to the church at Thessalonica, he wrote…
“(1) Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, (2) NOT TO BE QUICKLY SHAKEN IN MIND OR ALARMED, either BY a spirit or a spoken word, or A LETTER SEEMING TO BE FROM US, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.” ( 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 ESV)

It appears that ever since the first century there have been those who either wrongly predicted or falsely claimed the Lord’s second coming. Should it be any surprise there are such deceivers even today? Thank God the Scriptures record the truth and warnings so that we do NOT HAVE TO BECOME A VICTIM to such deception.

Jesus warned His disciples…
“(5) For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.” ( Matthew 24:5 ESV)

Then dropping down to verse 23 we continue reading…
“(23) Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ DO NOT BELIEVE IT. (24) For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. (25) See, I have told you beforehand. (26) So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ DO NOT GO OUT. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ DO NOT BELIEVE IT. (27) For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” ( Matthew 24:23-27 ESV) [Also Luke 17:22-25]

Along with Jesus’ warning He made it clear that when He comes it will be something that won’t be missed. Also, when it comes to the predicting of His return He made something about that crystal clear as well.

Again we read His warning…
“But CONCERNING THAT DAY AND HOUR NO ONE KNOWS, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” ( Matthew 24:36 ESV)

I was recently asked by an individual some questions about being in the last days. When I referred to this statement of Jesus, she asked, “Not even the angels?” That’s what Jesus said! Even so, today I hear of individuals making such claims stating they were told by an angel.

Since we do not know the when, we must ALWAYS LIVE PREPARED for when the time does come. It may be another thousand years, but let us not put off preparation because it could just as well be tomorrow or today! Each passing day is only a sign of God’s patience in offering another opportunity for repentance and acceptance. (read 2 Peter 3:9-10) Therefore, as Peter went on to state, let us be mindful of what sort of people we ought to be, living holy and godly lives ( 2 Peter 3:11), ever prepared for when God decides the time has come.

Have a great day DISTINGUISHING THE TRUTH THAT KEEPS LIFE ON TARGET!
Carl

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