NOTE: CORRECTION- There is another correction that I need
to point out in yesterday's message "Cry Out". The scripture should read, "But
when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to (sink), he
cried, saying, Lord, save me." Matthew 14:30. And in the closing- "Have a great
day. Why keep (drowning)?"
"Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have
heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby
we know that it is the last time." 1 John 2:18
When we hear or think about the word "antichrist", it
immediately conjures up pictures of the man who is to come and set himself up as
the one world leader. But there is also the "spirit of antichrist" which
according to the scriptures is already at work in the world. It was there in
the early church age and is here in these present days.
What is this spirit and what does it look like? While you
can't "see" a spirit, you can certainly recognize its presence. The word "anti"
means to be against. Thus "antichrist" is whatever is against Christ. The
spirit of antichrist is not only against Christ but works in opposition to
Christ- that is what it is and what it looks like.
The primary characteristic of this spirit is that it
denies that Jesus is God who came in the flesh. It portrays Him as just a good
man, a teacher, a prophet, etc., but not God. This spirit, because it is in
opposition to God, calls unclean what God has called clean. It calls evil what
God has called good and calls good what God has called evil. It stands against
everything that God stands for. It opposes God's rule, His laws and His
commands. We see it more evident in our culture today than in past
generations. It legalizes and promotes abortion and homosexual marriage- those
things that God calls an abomination. It applauds rebellion, slander, laziness,
irresponsibility, adultery and fornication. It convinces mankind to "do what is
right in your own eyes" instead of what is right in God's eyes. It persuades
people to live by their own preferences instead of by Kingdom/God's
preference-- even in the church.
The "spirit of antichrist" has its origin and roots in
satan - the one who is a liar, deceiver and in total opposition to God, Christ,
the Holy Spirit, His Word and His Kingdom. If we accept the things that are in
opposition to what God says, then we have fallen prey to this spirit and
must get free immediately lest we be uprooted in our faith and find ourselves
drifting further and further away from the truth. This is the goal of the
"spirit of antichrist"- to get you away from the truth of God's Word and
eventually away from Christ.
Have you believed this spirit? Are you falling for its
lies? Are you in agreement with it- through your lifestyle, actions and
beliefs- because its teachings have become acceptable in society? Then you must
repent and start standing upon the truth of God's Word instead of against
(anti) it.
Have a great day. The "spirit of antichrist" is alive and
well today and it is trying to pull you away from Christ.
For further reading:
1 John 2:22; 4:3
2 John 1:7
Judges 17:6
Proverbs 21:2
Revelation 12:9
John 8:44
Isaiah 5:20
Philippians 3:17-19
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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by
Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking
from
About the Master's Business Ministry,
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