Millions of Christians wonder if we are now living in the end times. They watch in shock as morale in North America deteriorates. Churches are becoming increasingly marginalized. More and more, theologians and false teachers manipulate and dilute Scripture. It is no secret that false teachers abounded in the New Testament church. During His time on earth, Jesus repeatedly warned about their coming, as did several New Testament writers. The apostle John wrote:

1 John 2:18 – Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. (ESV)

"In times like these, it's helpful to remember that there have always been times like these." – Paul Harvey

While we live in this world seemingly dominated by Satan, we, the children of God, need to be alert and ready for spiritual battle! It is essential to understand that the devil is a liar who "disguises himself as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14 ESV).

Ephesians 6:12 – We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (ESV)

Often it is clear when evil is at work, like when Putin, Russia's President, ordered the recent bombing of Ukraine.

But on the flip side, Bible commentator John Phillips describes the antichrist in a very different way:

The Antichrist will be an attractive and charismatic figure, a genius, a demon-controlled, devil-taught charmer of men. He will have answers to the horrendous problems of mankind. He will be all things to all men: a political statesman, a social lion, a financial wizard, an intellectual giant, a religious deceiver, a masterful orator, a gifted organizer. He will be Satan's masterpiece of deception, the world's false messiah. With boundless enthusiasm, the masses will follow him and readily enthrone him in their hearts as the world's savior and God.

Dear friends, if you wonder how to know for sure who our fight is with, study God's Word, which describes the antichrist.

1 John 4:3 – Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. (ESV)

Prepare for battle:

1. Put on God's armour as described in Ephesians 6:10-18.
2. Ask for God's Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide you. As the indwelling Spirit confirms the truth of Christ to us, believers will learn to reject the teaching of the deceiver.
3. Confess. With such inhumane actions filling our daily news, let us be careful not to lose sight of our own sins. Confess them to one another and pray for one another.
4. Pray. The prayer of a righteous person has great power. Pray with me:

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank You that You have already won the victory. Satan's fate was sealed due to Your death on the cross. Thank You for empowering me with Your Holy Spirit so that I can withstand the devil's attacks. Thank You for Your Word, which guides me daily. Thank You, God, for Your grace and amazing love. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lois Macdonald <loismacs5@gmail.com>
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
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