The ministry’s email box can be found full every morning with questions from people concerning Bible prophecy. That so many people are questioning and studying Scripture is a great joy to us. But, due to the nature of what we primarily teach — the soon return of Jesus Christ — we do get that occasional email from somebody who is, well… in need of Arkham.
Some in that group are harmless, touting wild conspiracy theories and finding end time signs in their box of corn flakes. But, others are more dangerous. Not the homicidal kind of dangerous, but worse, the spiritually homicidal kind.
Take for instance this week. A gentleman failing to have previously convinced Dr. Reagan, set upon me in hopes that I would, as he put it: “Follow me; I am the Messiah that you preach about.”
I was rather surprised how I felt upon hearing this man’s pronouncement, like he had insulted my wife. Now, for those of you who have ever had their spouse insulted, know what emotions well up. That anyone could dare proclaim himself my Lord and King, well, that just irked me. In the flesh, my response would have been to respond as to anyone who had dissed my sweet wife. But, bless my children, they had been asking this week how the Bible could be a Sword, and their question reminded me that this was the chance to use the Sword of the Word in defending against falsehood.
Bible prophecy in particular teaches one how to discern falsehoods. From such study we can know that in these last days before Jesus returns the amount of false Christs will be prolific. Here was one of them. If he thinks he is Jesus, then let’s put him to the test of the sword. I parried:
“You couldn’t be Jesus. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 24:23-27 (NIV), “At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect — if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. ‘So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the desert,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” Jesus said he’d return like lightning, bringing up His Church to Him. I’m pretty sure you’ve done neither.”
I wasn’t expecting from this guy a reply of “You’re right. I better repent and become saved.” As a matter of fact, he replied by skirting the whole Rapture issue and saying how he walks on wine. Again… Arkham.
But, by knowing what the Bible has to say concerning Jesus’ nature and return, I could discern a false christ. Even better, I had a story to tell my children on how the Bible can reveal what is false and fight what is evil. Take the time to know your Bible, and then go out and wield it.
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” – Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)
People fall for false prophets because they do not read their bible!!!!!!! If they did they would have their eyes opened and not be fooled