Paul tells us that empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world will seek to deceive us with well-crafted arguments. However, if we continue to follow Jesus and build our lives on him then our faith will grow strong in the truth and give us victory!

The book of Jude warned us last week to beware that the grace of God would be perverted to be a license for sexual immorality and perversion. Clearly our culture has come to do just that. How can we take a stand against this tide of deception in our culture? Paul's 2nd letter to Timothy prophetically addresses these issues of our day and gives us a "solid place to stand."  

Jesus warns about deception growing in intensity and even that it will occur in His name. Is this occurring in our day? And if so, how can we be protected from this intense deception? 

Higher education around the world is dominated by a philosophy called Postmodernism. A basic premise is that there is no such thing as absolute truth. This foundational belief of Postmodernism is in and of itself "deceptive." How can we heed Jesus words and be careful to not be deceived by this pervasive philosophy?  

As the New Year of 2022 begins, we will start a new series seeking to discern deceptive philosophies of our day. Before getting into deception our focus is on Jesus who came as life itself that was the light of all mankind. His light shined in the darkness, and the darkness has never overcome it. He powerfully said of himself, "“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

Here are the signs Jesus tells us will indicate that his return is soon, that "the judge is at the door." 

Scripture declares that in the last days God will pour out His Spirit on all mankind! How has this occurred and what is its ultimate purpose? 

Jesus says many will turn away from him as his return draws near, and Paul adamantly emphasizes that a very specific sign of Jesus' return will be a rejection of truth. The prophets saw this day coming and warned us. May the Lord enable us to discern our times. 

The worldwide web has led to a tremendous explosion of knowledge. We know more, and are known more, than ever in world history. As we seek to discern our times, the prophet Daniel has amazing insight for us. 

God told Abram to follow him to the "promised land." Moses delivered the Jews from Egyptian slavery and helped them return to the promised land. As he established the covenant of the law with them, he warned that if they failed to keep the covenant they would be scattered all over the earth. This literally happened, but he and the prophets prophesied that in the "last days" God would restore them to the "promised land." Is modern Israel the fulfillment of God's promises?