Signs in the End Time Skies

When Jesus Christ was asked what specific signs would alert the world that His return was getting near, He said this: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven." (Luke 21:10-11)

What was Christ referring to regarding great signs from heaven? Was he referring to airplanes that have populated the skies since the 20th century? Or, was he referring to fearsome storms such as monster hurricanes and killer tornadoes that seem to have become more prevalent over the past 100 years?

He was referring to neither. Rather, He was referring to spiritual experiences that have grown exponentially since the 19th century. Specifically, what sort of spiritual experiences? Spiritual experiences such as the appearance of Marian apparitions that have been increasing, and the increase in UFO sightings that have multiplied since the 1960s.

But how can UFOs be considered spiritual experiences? Because they're demonic activity disguised as extraterrestrials that convince people that life exists elsewhere in the universe. But how can we know these beings are really demons, or fallen angels serving Satan? Because of their messages that usually contain an eastern, occult worldview.

Thomas Kulp, who writes for ufoevidence.org, stated this: Must we conclude, then, as many have, that extraterrestrial beings are visiting Earth? This is, in fact, the message that has been communicated by the aliens themselves on various occasions, a message often cloaked in New Age terminology. A common motif is that Earth is on the verge of a dire catastrophe from which the aliens, as representatives of a more highly evolved race, can save us.

Christian researchers John Ankerberg and John Weldon have studied the UFO phenomenon for many years and have come to this conclusion: In light of the messages given by the UFO entities, how credible is it to think that literally thousands of genuine extraterrestrials would fly millions or billions of light years simply to teach New Age philosophy, deny Christianity, and support the occult?

Why would they do this with the preponderance of such activity already occurring on this planet? And why would the entities actually possess and inhabit people (as in Walk-ins and channeling) just like demons do if they were really advanced extraterrestrials? Why would they consistently lie about things which we know are true, and why would they purposely deceive their contacts? But the UFO phenomenon simply does not behave like extraterrestrial visitors. 
It actually molds itself in order to fit a given culture. UFOs - Demonic Deception?

Why has UFO activity been increasing since the mid-20th century? Because, the world is moving farther away from God, and has become ignorant of His laws and commandments. As such, a world that doesn't know God nor His laws, certainly can't distinguish between spiritual good and evil.

An organization called Godandscience.org has conducted extensive research concerning the areas where UFO activity is the greatest. Here's a summary of their research: In the United States, the frequency of UFO sightings is strongly correlated with the percentage of unbelievers within a state, and negatively correlated with the percentage of believers. 

In addition, the tremendous rise in UFO sightings in recent years parallels the rapid secularization of the U.S. population. No other demographic factor is as strongly correlated with UFO sightings as religiosity. These data, coupled with biblical insights, leads us to conclude that supernatural demonic forces are responsible for at least some of those UFO sightings.

The model makes testable predictions about the future UFO sightings frequencies. The implications of the study suggest that demonic supernatural beings exist, providing further evidence that God exists and that Christianity properly describes the spiritual nature of the universe in which we live. UFOs and the Existence of Supernatural Demonic Forces

What about the increase of Marian apparitions? Though they're religious in nature, they're also demonic. But how can we be sure of that? Because the apparitions draw attention away from Jesus Christ to Mary who has become a mediatrix and co-redemptrix in the Roman Catholic liturgy. Like UFOs, the Marian apparitions manifest in areas where there's tremendous ignorance of God and His word in the Bible that condemns idolatry and the worship of created beings, including Mary.

For example, here's a message spoken by a Marian apparition in Kibeho, Rwanda on September 15, 1982: One must meditate on the Passion of Jesus, and on the deep sorrows of His Mother. One must recite the Rosary every day, and also the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, to obtain the favor of repentance. Messages of Our Lady of Sorrows in Kibeho, Rwanda

And here's a message spoken by a Marian apparition that appeared to Sister Agnes Katsuko in Akita, Japan on July 6, 1973: My daughter, my novice, you have obeyed Me well in abandoning all to follow Me. Is the infirmity of your ears painful? Your deafness will be healed, be sure. Be patient. It is the last trial. Does the wound of your hand cause you to suffer? Pray in reparation for the sins of men. Each person in this community is my irreplaceable daughter. Do you say well the prayer of the Handmaids of the Eucharist? Then, let us pray it together. Our Lady of Akita

Why are these apparitions and their messages demonic? Because they redirect faith away from Christ toward either Mary or Roman Catholic liturgical traditions. Since many of these messages sound authentic, many unsuspecting and biblically ignorant people embrace them. Thus, as the world grows further away from God, the spiritual deception will continue to increase.

The apostle Paul revealed that as the world draws closer to the advent of a world government and the eventual appearance of the dreaded Antichrist, spiritual deception will intensify. In his second epistle to the church at Thessalonica, he wrote this: "The coming of the lawless one (Antichrist) will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing." (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)

But why are these people being deceived into eternal damnation? Paul continues: "They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness." (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12)

Thus, spiritual deception is predicated upon the willful ignorance of people who have rejected the Bible as the inerrant word of God. And without the biblical knowldge to determine spiritual truth from demonic deception, people are susceptible to just about any spiritual phenomenon.

And UFO activity is one such phenomenon that has convinced multitudes that life exists elsewhere in the universe. If it does, the Bible never mentions it. In fact, if life exists elsewhere in the universe, then it's doomed because the apostle Peter revealed this concerning the return of Jesus Christ: "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare." (2 Peter 3:10)

Could that be the reason why UFOs are being seen with more regularity these days because extraterrestrials know what's coming? Not likely. However, the real reason for the increase in UFO activity is because the world has become ripe for spiritual deception.

Are UFO sightings increasing? Indeed, they are. According to NUFORC (National UFO Recording Center) statistics, UFO sightings have more than doubled since the dawn of the current century. For example, in 2000, NUFORC reported 3060 sightings across the world while the center recorded 7,986 sightings in 2012 and 7,682 in 2013. Certainly, some of those sightings were hoaxes or natural phenomena that was mistaken for UFOs. But no one can deny that UFO sightings are increasing, and that fulfills Christ's prophecy concerning the end times.

A website called educatinghumanity.com claims that the increase in UFO activity is often tied to natural or manmade catastrophes. How can we explain that? When terrible things occur, many people become spiritual and they pray. However, if they're following a false religion or the occult, they're praying to demons. In the ancient times, these demonic spirits often appeared as gods and goddesses.

Today, they're more likely to appear as space aliens or extraterrestrials. Why? Because many folks believe that life exists elsewhere in the universe. And the demons will often manifest that way to perpetuate the extraterrestrial fraud.

There's an undeniable link between UFO activity and the occult. And those who seem to be most susceptible to seeing UFOs or experiencing an encounter with space aliens are those who've been involved with the occult.

Jefferson Scott of jeffersonscott.com writes: Victims of satanic ritual abuse, child abuse, and split personalities are all prime candidates for UFO contact-as are the children of those who practice the occult. One distressed parent was told by an alien that "The children belong to us." This is an especially disturbing fact. Innocent children of adults who engage in occult practices are essentially handed over to the demonic as playthings. Their right of choosing was taken from them by their parents.

Not surprisingly, the religious messages spoken by these space aliens is nearly identical to the messages that demons promote to those who are involved in the occult. Scott writes: The aliens seem especially hostile to Christianity, except when it's seen as just another path to the divine. When it's held out as the only true way, it is bitterly opposed. Sounds more like our world's philosophy than another world's.

The aliens are especially careful to trivialize Jesus Christ. He was just an alien, they say. Or he was a hybrid offspring between a human woman and an alien. Or he was one of their agents, right alongside Buddha, Muhammad, and Confucius. "And why do you need him anyway," they wonder, "when we can do everything he could?"

Indeed, Christ's prophecy concerning signs in the heavens is being fulfilled in our time with the increase in UFO sightings and Marian apparitions. And they will continue to increase until the dreaded Antichrist appears and assumes control over a one-world government.

Hallucinogens and Demons

Hallucinogenic drugs: Doorways to the devil

Since the 1960s,  the popularity of powerful hallucinogenic drugs along with occult and eastern mystical practices has grown dramatically across the world, and particularly in the west. 

And there's also been a significant increase in crime, moral decadence and insanity during that time. That's not a coincidence because there's a common denominator between crime, depravity and insanity, and eastern mysticism, occultism and hallucinogenic drugs.

The obvious reason for the rise in crime and depravity is the world's increasing rejection of God and his transcendent moral laws. But it goes much deeper than that. Over the past 50 years, drug usage has skyrocketed among the population, particularly with the use of hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD, PCP, Peyote, Crystal Meth and "Magic Mushrooms."

What's the relationship between hallucinogens and depravity? It's this: hallucinogens open up a window to the soul to spiritual influence. That spiritual influence comes directly from demonic spirits that attempt to influence a person's worldview. In what way? To persuade a person away from the Judeo-Christian worldview toward a values-free, pantheistic, eastern worldview or into rebellion and self-destructive behavior.

In the Bible, hallucinogenic drugs are referred to as sorcery or "pharmakeia" which is where the word pharmacy comes from. The Bible condemns sorcery in no uncertain terms, and it condemns those who practice it. For example: 

There shall not be found among you . . . anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) 

Concerning sorcery, the apostle Paul expressively warned the early Christians to stay away from it or risk losing their salvation:

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)

Hallucinogens compromise a person's consciousness and make it difficult--if not impossible--for them to distinguish between reality and fantasy. That's where demonic spirits can come in and appear in all sorts of disguises from space aliens to religious figures to deceased relatives, parents, siblings and friends.

These spirits will promote a very anti-Christian message that encourages, selfish, nihilistic behavior. And the spirits will also persuade people to get involved in occult activity so they can further gain a foothold in their lives.

What sort of messages are spoken by these evil spirits? Here's one: Sin does not exist...sin is a grand illusion. No one is punished for sins, and you are not guilty. Here's another: God has never judged you or anyone. No, there is no Hell, and there is no devil. And here's one more: There's no such thing as evil. For 2,000 years, we have been called sinful creatures, but we are equal with God and Christ. (The Facts on Spirit Guides, Ankerberg and Weldon)

Perhaps there was no greater authority on the identity of these evil spirits than Emanuel Swedenborg, a famous medium who trafficked in demons for most of his life until he finally realized who they were toward the end of his life. Swedenborg said this:

When spirits begin to speak with a man, he ought to beware that he believes nothing whatever from them; for they say almost anything. Things are fabricated by them, and they lie. They would tell so many lies, and indeed with solemn affirmation that a man would be astonished. If a man listens and believes, they press on, and deceive, and seduce in many ways. Let men beware and therefore not believe them. (Samuel M. Warren, A Compendium of the Theological Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, 1977) 

Every false religion and spiritual deception comes from demonic spirits, and from Satan who's there authority. False religions and spiritual deception serve one specific purpose; to prevent a person's salvation by either perverting or denying the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

And what is that message? It's this:  

If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, "Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:9-13)  

 That's a message that the demonic spirits don't want folks to hear. And when people take hallucinogens, or get involved in occult or eastern mystical practices, they hear a very different message. It's a message that will ultimately condemn them to eternal damnation unless they reject it and come to Jesus Christ.

Demon Possessed Christians? Part Two

Deliverance being performed on a Christian woman

According to the Hegewisch Baptist Church (Highland, Indiana), the Bible declares that Christians can be possessed by demonic spirits. And those who claim otherwise are simply ignorant of what the scriptures say.

Here's a portion of what Hegewisch teaches concerning demon possession and Christians: Almost one hundred percent of our deliverance ministry has been among the born-again believers; most of them also baptized-in-the-spirit. Being saved, and even being baptized in the Holy Spirit, is no guarantee against the inroads of the evil spirits.

Does the Bible reveal that Christians can be possessed by unclean spirits? It doesn't. Then why do churches such as Hegewisch claim that believers can be possessed? Because such churches succumb to the temptation to interpret spiritual problems by experience rather than scripture. In other words, they ignore the scriptures in favor of religious experiences if the experiences seem genuine.

And ironically, Hegewisch initially denounces choosing experience over scripture, and then reverses course:

In his tract, “Demon Activity and the Christian,” Ernest B. Rockstad rightly concludes that: “Experience of course is not the basis for the interpretation of the Bible.  Nevertheless, if consistent experiences run counter to an interpretation, the dedicated seeker after truth will set out to find the reason.  He must be willing to re-study his interpretation under the direction of the Holy Spirit… and be prepared to make any necessary corrections in his own beliefs so as to be in full agreement with the facts as they are.” 

He further points out that understanding the Biblical doctrine of human depravity should cause one to wonder that the Holy Spirit would enter a person under any circumstances.  You cannot argue anyone into believing that the ancient fundamental stand against Christians having demons is fallacious. 

Donald Jacobs illustrates it this way: “There once lived a skeptical fisherman who heard unbelievable stories about people catching fish two feet long.  He had never caught one over twelve inches.  One day he caught one three feet long, held it by the tail, shook his head, threw it back into the water and said, 'Just another lie.' Likewise, faced with the evidence of a 'real live demon,' a western man would probably react just about this way. 'There are just no such things,' he would say.” 

Anyone who's familiar with the demonic understands that choosing to embrace religious experiences over scripture is a deadly mistake. Nearly 2,000 years ago, the apostle Paul issued this prophetic caveat concerning the end times: "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." (1 Timothy 4:1)

While Paul's prophecy speaks mainly of those who would leave the church to join cults and false religions, it also speaks of churches that cast aside the Bible in favor of religious experiences that are intended to deceive.

But in what way? If Satan can persuade people to believe that their problems are rooted in demonic possession rather than in sin and bad moral choices, then he can convince them that they aren't responsible for their behavior. Something else is, such as demonic spirits. Thus, they can get fixed via deliverance or exorcism.

Here's what Paul wrote concerning sin and unacceptable moral conduct:

"So I say, walk by the (Holy) Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." (Galatians 5:16-26)

As one who's ministered to demon possessed and oppressed people, I can tell you that possession isn't pretty. It's often ugly and menacing. And it can be frightening. If you don't have strong faith in Christ, you shouldn't get involved in it.

Nevertheless, true born again Christians can't--I repeat--can't be possessed by evil spirits. Yes, they can be harassed by them, especially by people who aren't saved and are under the influence and control of evil spirits. Therefore, it's vital that Christians avoid sin like the plague so they don't give Satan a legal right to oppress them. Because true Christians are his worst enemies.

And it's important for everyone to understand that demon possession and oppression are very real and probably more prevalent today than at any other time in human history. With the advent of hallucinogenic drugs and the rising interest in the occult and eastern mysticism, millions of people have exposed themselves to the demonic. And exposure to the demonic invariably leads to possession, oppression and spiritual deception. Every time.

The antidote is confession of sin and repentance from practices that invited Satan into your life, and dedicating your life to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. He cannot be your savior only. He must also be your Lord. That means that you must live the rest of your life for Him rather than for yourself.

And if you truly dedicate your life to Christ, you won't have to worry about demon possession. Because you'll be possessed by the Spirit of God who'll live in your heart.

Antichrist Obsession?

Antichrist: The ultimate wolf in masquerade

Some folks believe that people such as yours truly spend too much time talking about the Antichrist and not enough time talking about Jesus Christ.

They're folks such as Dr. Michael Brown, a Jewish believer and a biblical scholar who's brought many of his people to the Lord. Brown's a brilliant guy who holds a Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Literatures from New York University. 

But even brilliant folks can be wrong. And while Brown's right that some people are obsessed with the Antichrist, he's wrong to suggest that everyone who talks about the man of perdition doesn't spend enough time talking about Christ.

Here's what Brown said recently in a column published by World Net Daily: I do not object in the least to believers discussing the identity of the Antichrist and to studying what appear to be the relevant scriptures. If it’s in the Word, it’s for us to explore and study and investigate and understand.

Let the debate continue. 

But every previous generation that has focused on the Antichrist has died without seeing him, and so, to be practical, I want to devote my energies to doing whatever I can to please God and make a difference in people’s lives today, living in readiness for whatever may come my way tomorrow, Antichrist or no.

That's great. However, we're living in a time unlike any other time in history. We're living in the end times and we're getting close to the appearance of the Antichrist. We're getting close to a world government, and the Bible warns us that at some point after this government is functioning, the Antichrist will appear and assume control.

But so what? We know that's going to happen. Dr. Brown knows that's going to happen. So, why bother discussing it? Why? Because the Antichrist isn't merely going to be a tyrannical global dictator, he's going to be an elaborate counterfeit of Jesus Christ.

And he's going to deceive millions into following him. How? The apostle Paul explained it: "The coming of the lawless one (Antichrist) will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing." (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)

Christ Himself warned: "At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Messiah!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time." (Matthew 24:23-25)

Millions of people who have absolutely no biblical knowledge or spiritual discernment are going to embrace this man when he appears. And when he arrives, he will claim to be--guess who?--Jesus Christ who's returned to end wars, heal the planet and bring peace and prosperity to the world. 

That's why it's important to discuss the Antichrist. He's going to destroy millions--if not billions--of lives. And he's going to send them to hell with his deception. He will do this through his incredible supernatural powers that science will not be able to explain away. And those powers will come from Satan.

That's why many of us have been warning about the counterfeit Signs and Wonders Movement that has grown exponentially within the church over the past 50 years. That movement is based upon an erroneous interpretation of Joel 2:28-32, and claims that a great wave of miracles is going to break out across the world leading to a global revival that will culminate with the return of Jesus Christ.

The Signs and Wonders Movement has its "prophets" who claim that God has revealed to them that the "Great Revival" is getting near. Here's what a "prophet" named Ryan Lestrange claims God told him: I am calling this generation forth to move in the supernatural. Even as the church in the book of Acts went from place to place with power and demonstration, so am I calling this generation to move in power and demonstration. No longer shall the hand of man prevail; no longer shall the wisdom of man stand. 

I have invested the power and authority of My kingdom inside of My family, My sons and daughters. There is an awakening unto fullness, fullness of sonship, fullness of covenant, fullness of position and grace in Me, there is an awakening to the fullness of My power, My kingdom that I have called you to carry. There is a banner of fire being cast over this generation, and I am raising up voices who will release My wind and My breath upon the embers in order to fan the flame. 

This generation is called and marked to burn for Me. This generation is called unto the supernatural. I am raising up and establishing healing ministries in the earth as a sign and a wonder. I am sending forth prophetic ministries in the earth to awaken My people from their slumber and call them back to My heart. The spirit of slumber has blinded the eyes of many and they have been asleep at the wheel while destined journeys and planned exploits have crashed in the spirit and not been fulfilled because they were driving with their eyes closed!   

The Bible reveals no great spiritual awakening preceding the return of Christ. Rather, it speaks of a great apostasy supported by demonic miracles that will deceive many. And that deception will fool multitudes into following a counterfeit messiah who'll destroy their souls.

This is why we warn people about the Antichrist. Not because we're obsessed with him. But rather because we don't want people to be deceived by him. Because he will claim to be Jesus Christ when he appears. And he will sell that con through miracles.

There's only one true Jesus Christ. He came into the world 2,000 years ago and died for the sins of the world on the cross. And everyone who puts their faith and trust in Him will be saved. (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-12) There's no greater message than that. That's the alpha and the omega of the Gospel.

But there are counterfeits who claim to be Christ who can't save anyone. And the ultimate counterfeit is coming. It's important to point that out so people won't get fooled by him when he appears. Because he won't be your ordinary false messiah. 

Is that an obsession? I think not.

The Return of Christ: Part I

After a year of turbulence and upheaval across the world, what does 2016 promise? If nothing else, it will likely remind us how close we're getting to the return of Jesus Christ.

How can we possibly know when He's coming back? We don't know the exact date, but we do know that the time is near based upon several specific signs Christ revealed. 

Concerning those signs, Christ said this: "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." (Matthew 24:32-35)

What are the specific signs of the end times? The first sign is spiritual deception: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many." (Matthew 24:4-5) 

That sign warns Christians to watch out for false messiahs that would begin appearing in the end times. Certainly, false messiahs have existed since the beginning of the church age. But Christ warned that clever messiahs backed by demonic power will appear and deceive many: "At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Messiah!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time." (Matthew 24:23-25)

That sign began to manifest in the early 20th century with William Seymour's Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, Cal. Seymour was a charismatic preacher and a false prophet who predicted that the world would begin to experience an explosion of miracles in the 21st century directly preceding the return of Christ. 

Where does the Bible predict that? It doesn't. Rather, it reveals that a counterfeit revival will take place that will deceive millions and lead them to the Antichrist. The apostle Paul explained: "The coming of the lawless one (Antichrist) will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing." (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)

Asuza Street spawned the Latter Rain, Vineyard and Third Wave Movements, and offshoots such as the Word of Faith, Laughing Revival, and Signs and Wonders Movements. Key teachings of the Third Wave Movement include what is known as "power evangelism." The basic premise of power evangelism is that the preaching of the gospel must be accompanied with signs and wonders in order for people to respond in faith. Proponents of this view have an unbalanced focus on miracles, speaking in tongues, healing, and prophecy.

Some of the big names who are promoting the counterfeit revival include Mike Bickle, Benny Hinn, Sid Roth, Perry Stone, Roberts Liardon, C. Peter Wagner and Rodney Howard Browne. These are just some of the false prophets that Christ warned us would appear in the last days. And these pseudo-prophets have convinced many people that a great revival is about to break out across the world.

Paul revealed that the popularity of false prophets in the end times will be directly related to those who reject the truth for so-called "new revelations" not found in the Bible: "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

Another sign that Christ revealed would alert us that His return is near is this one: "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom." (Matthew 24:6-7)

Wars and disputes between nations have been going on since the beginning of time. However, the world has experienced more wars and conflagrations between nations over the past 100 years than in all of the previous centuries combined. According to warsintheworld.com, there are currently 66 nations involved in wars and 680 militias and separatist groups fighting to overthrow governments across the world. 

Approximately 160 million people died in the wars fought during the 20th century, making the previous century the bloodiest in recorded history. And with the proliferation of nuclear weapons, the current century could see even more casualties. 

What are the other signs that Christ revealed concerning the last days? There are several others. In Part II; the increase of earthquakes, famines and pestilences.  

Doctrines of Devils

In his first of two letters to fellow apostle Timothy, the apostle Paul warned that in the end times directly preceding the return of Jesus Christ, "some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron." (1 Timothy 4:1-2)

Most biblical scholars believe that Paul was referring to heretical doctrines that would invade the church under the banner of "new revelations." And certainly, that's part of what Paul was referring to. However, he was also referring to other aberrant teachings that would affect the church and the entire world as well.

Such as? Such as Charles Darwin's theory of evolution that lent scientific credibility to atheism. Until he published his dubious theory in 1859 (On the Origin of Species) that attempted to explain the existence of life in purely natural terms sans God, atheism was the belief system of experientialists who refused to believe in God because (1) they couldn't see Him and (2) because of the prevalence of evil in the world.

Certainly, atheism isn't a recent phenomenon. It's existed since the dawn of human history. Nearly 3,000 years ago, King David wrote this: "The fool says in his heart, 'there is no God.'" (Psalm 14:1)

Nearly 2,000 years ago, Paul wrote this concerning those who rejected God: "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles." (Romans 1:18-23)

Both David and Paul lived long before the advent of modern science and microbiology that was made possible by the invention of the microscope that allowed the human eye to study the complex mechanisms that make up the cells in every living organism. Certainly, Darwin's atheistic theory came just before the invention of the microscope. And that's why evolution prevailed, because there was no scientific answer at that time to rebut it.

However, microbiology has allowed science to prove rather than disprove God's existence. But how? Because it's revealed the vast network of DNA the contains the digital blueprint for every living being from simple amoebas to complex human beings. Not only does each cell contain enough information to fill thousands of books, but that information is arranged in a specific order that enables the cell to function along with billions of other cells that make up living creatures.

If evolution is true, then life came from nothing and the information (DNA) that determines the unique characteristics (size, shape, color, species etc.) for each organism arranged itself without a designer. The odds of that occurring are mathematically impossible.

Even the brilliant scientist Albert Einstein, who was an agnostic, called evolution a terrible and impractical theory. Einstein explained that if the universe originated from a primordial explosion (Big Bang), then the heat from such an explosion would've sterilized all organic matter making life impossible.

Furthermore, Einstein reasoned that the physical universe displayed remarkable organization with the rotation of the galaxies and the planets around stars. Einstein stated that a primordial explosion would've scattered material haphazardly across the universe.

But the discovery of DNA and its complex design proves Darwin's theory as bogus. World renowned microbiologist Michael Behe explained it best: DNA, the most famous of nucleic acids, is made up of four kinds of nucleotides; A,C,G and T. The first building block, A, can be in several forms, designated AMP, ADP or ATP. The form that is first synthesized in the cell is AMP.

It is comprised of 10 carbons, 11 hydrogens, seven oxygens, four nitrogens, and one phosphorous. The formation of biological molecules requires specific, highly sophisticated molecular robots. To make AMP, we also need very high tech equipment: the enzymes. In the absence of enzymes, AMP is simply not made. AMP is required for life on earth: it is used to make DNA and RNA, as well as a number of other critical molecules. The problem for Darwinian evolution is this: AMP is required for life. Either it immediately has a way to produce AMP, or the cell is dead.

No one has a clue how the AMP pathway is developed. And no one has written about the obstacle posed by the need to regulate a cell's metabolic pathway immediately at its inception. AMP is not the only metabolic dilemma for Darwin. The biosynthesis of the larger amino acids, lipids, vitamins, heme, and more run into the same problems, and there are difficulties beyond metabolism; mountains and chasms that block a Darwinian explanation of life. (Behe, Darwin's Black Box)

Behe best summed up his analysis of evolution with this statement: The cumulative evidence shows with piercing clarity that life is based on machines--machines made of molecules which are enormously complex. The complexity of life's foundation has paralyzed science's attempt to account for it. Faced with such complexity beneath even simple phenomenon, Darwinian theory falls silent.

But even beyond the complexity of life that Darwin knew nothing about is this question that science can't answer: What makes organisms live? When an organism dies, all the necessary ingredients for life are still prevalent. And yet the organism no longer lives.

Why? A good analogy is an appliance or machine that runs on electricity. Although all the components are installed to operate the machine (computer, television, refrigerator etc.), it can't run without electricity.

Thus, a living organism can't live without the spirit or soul that gives it life. (James 2:26) Science has no explanation for that and never will because to admit that life contains a spiritual dimension is to admit that something exists beyond the physical realm.

If evolution is true, then how do we explain death? Why do organisms grow old and die? Thus, death provides the ultimate rebuke and contradiction of evolution's theory of Natural Selection. If random evolutionary forces are driving life toward perfection, then organisms shouldn't be aging and dying off. But they are. There can be no such thing as survival of the fittest as long as death exists. Why would Natural Selection program aging, sickness and death into the DNA of every living organism? Science has no answer for that either.

And how does science explain human behavior? If human beings are evolving toward perfection, then moral and crime statistics betray that belief. The human race is becoming much more wicked and immoral, and the evidence proves that. Natural Selection should be eliminating the morally unfit from society. However, only a fool would argue that the world is becoming a safer, friendlier, more benign place to live.

The apostle Paul explained the real reason why human beings become violent, and it has absolutely nothing to do with science. Paul wrote: "Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." (Romans 1:28-32)

Indeed, evolution is one of those doctrines of demons that Paul warned of nearly 2,000 years ago. But why? Because it denies the existence of God. And if God doesn't exist, then the 10 Commandments and God's transcendent moral laws recorded in the Bible are nothing but human constructs than can be changed or eliminated.

Even worse, if evolution is true, then no one is morally accountable for their actions, and no judgment awaits anyone at death. Certainly, heaven and hell can't exist and death becomes the ultimate escape for even the most wicked people. If God doesn't exist, then such evil monsters as Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin fare no worse in death than Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa.

Indeed, evolution has been perhaps the most demonic doctrine that has encouraged depravity and evil across the world since it was introduced in 1859.

Concerning the increase of evil in the last days, Paul prophesied this: "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people." (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

That describes a world that no longer believes in God. And that's a terrifying world where fascism eventually takes over after the world has fallen into complete depravity. Paul's prophecy in his second letter to Timothy is directly related to the world's embrace of Darwin's terrible theory.

Ironically, Darwin himself admitted that if it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down. (Darwin, Origin of Species, p. 154)

Science has indeed proven that life was designed and created by God and did not come about by accident in some primordial pond millions of years ago. Indeed, Darwin's theory has broken down and can't be fixed. Tragically, for atheists, a broken theory that dismisses God--no matter how bad it is--is better than the evidence for God.

Satan's Ageless "Secrets"

The Tarot card Wheel

Throughout history, many folks have believed that a secret, hidden wisdom exists that can be accessed to make their lives healthier, wealthier and happier. Though the Bible declares that such "knowledge" is nothing but demonic deception, many people are convinced that such a body of wisdom indeed exists.

What would we call this "wisdom?" We'd call it occultism. In the ancient times, it was known as Gnosticism. Gnosticism entails utilizing specific methods, rituals, incantations, chants, prayers etc. to make contact with spiritual forces in order to tap into an alleged body of knowledge that's otherwise inaccessible through the normal senses.

A website titled gnosis.org explains what Gnosticism is: Gnosticism is the teaching based on Gnosis, the knowledge of transcendence arrived at by way of interior, intuitive means. Although Gnosticism thus rests on personal religious experience, it is a mistake to assume all such experience results in Gnostic recognitions. It is nearer the truth to say that Gnosticism expresses a specific religious experience, an experience that does not lend itself to the language of theology or philosophy, but which is instead closely affinitized to, and expresses itself through, the medium of myth. Indeed, one finds that most Gnostic scriptures take the forms of myths. The term “myth” should not here be taken to mean “stories that are not true”, but rather, that the truths embodied in these myths are of a different order from the dogmas of theology or the statements of philosophy.

In other words, myths are really truths cloaked in symbols and metaphors. And in order to decipher these myths, we must go beyond the physical realm to tap into a hidden knowledge or gnosis to find higher truth. Thus, Gnosticism is the ideological foundation of Jungian psychology, Roman Catholic Mystagogy, Islamic Sufism, Judaism's Kabbalah and Free Masonry's 33 degrees.

Where does the lie of Gnosticism-occultism originate? It's found in the Book of Genesis where the serpent (Satan) enticed Eve to violate God's command by eating fruit from a tree in the Garden of Eden that she and husband Adam were ordered to avoid.

When the serpent asked Eve why she refused to eat the fruit from that particular tree, she responded: "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" (Genesis 3:2-3) Here's how the serpent responded: "You will not certainly die. For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:4-5)

Satan enticed Eve to rebel against God by stating that the forbidden fruit would make her as wise as God. He claimed that God declared that particular tree off limits for that specific reason. But if that was true--and it wasn't--then why did God put the tree there? Certainly, as a test of loyalty and devotion to Him. But the tree's fruit contained no secret knowledge.

Rather, that fruit introduced the sin nature into the DNA of Adam and Eve. And all human beings have inherited that sin nature from the first couple. That evil nature has encouraged all the multiplied murders, crime, violence and moral depravity throughout history.

Thus, the belief that a hidden body of esoteric knowledge exists that can be accessed to acquire vast wealth, power, good health and even immortality is a lie that traces back to the dawn of history. If such wisdom existed, God would've revealed it to mankind. No one would have to search for it. In fact, no secret body of wisdom has ever existed.

Rather, those who embrace Satan's lies that a secret wisdom exists often end up making contact with a dark spiritual realm that frequently results in demonic oppression and even possession. How? Through occult techniques such as necromancy, spiritism, shamanism, sorcery and witchcraft. And through hallucinogenic drugs and eastern religious techniques such as transcendental meditation and visualization.

The myth that secret, gnostic wisdom exists that can be acquired to gain wealth and power is a canard that will always fail to deliver on its promises. It will leave its adherents bitter, cynical and depressed about life. In some cases, it will lead to destructive behavior and even suicide.

For those who are seeking a better life, why not heed God's word in the scriptures? For example: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and health to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." (Proverbs 3:5-10)

And here's another example: "Because they love me," says the Lord, "I will rescue them; I will protect them, for they acknowledge my name. They will call on me, and I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, and I will deliver them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them and show them my salvation." (Psalm 91:14-16)

You can take that to the bank. Trust in God with all of your heart, soul and mind, and serve Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Then you'll find true happiness, contentment and prosperity. That's a promise that will always deliver.

Satan's End Time Deception

Is this what happens after death?

During his travels throughout the ancient gentile world, the apostle Paul continually warned the early churches to be wary of the devil because they were his favorite targets.

Targets for what? For deception. Paul revealed that Satan loves to deceive God's people by presenting them with counterfeits. Here's what he wrote: "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve." (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

How does Satan convince God's people that he's an angel of light? Through ignorance. The less God's people know and understand His word in the Bible, the easier it is for the devil to fool them.

For example? By religious experiences where Satan and his fallen angels are able to invade the natural realm and perform supernatural feats that defy explanation. If you're unable to determine the spiritual source of the miracle, you can be duped into embracing a deadly lie that can lead you into eternal damnation.

One Jewish man, who I won't identify, claims that he met Jesus Christ many years ago after he died from a drug overdose. The man claims that he traveled down a long tunnel toward a brilliant light where he met a spirit being who then took him into a room with a group of people sitting around a large table.

The man claims that he recognized his deceased grandfather--an Orthodox rabbi--sitting at the table, and his grandfather proceeded to introduce him to "Jesus Christ." According to this man, Christ asked him why he believed he deserved a second chance after doing himself in with drugs. After some back and forth conversation, "Christ" gave the man another chance and he was returned to his body that had been taken to a morgue. The man claims he woke up on a gurney and scared the daylights out of the attendants. 

Did this man really see Jesus Christ? That's unlikely because the Christ he claims he encountered is a nonjudgmental, universal Christ who's not the Son of God. That's not the Jesus Christ revealed in the Bible. The real Jesus Christ said this: "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the (Heavenly) Father except through me." (John 14:6) 

With that statement, Christ invalidated all other religious paths that claim to lead to God. This man promotes a false Christ who can be found in Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Santeria, Voodoo etc. The biblical Christ can never be found in the pagan religions of the world.

And so, who or what did this man really see? He saw demonic spirits that impersonated Christ and his grandfather. This man's experience wasn't unlike the experiences of those who claim to have been kidnapped by space aliens and taken aboard UFOs. While that sounds ridiculous, there are a number of people throughout the world who've described those experiences. And their testimonies are eerily similar.

Why would Satan choose to deceive an unbelieving Jewish man with a religious experience? Because he wants to promote a false view of the spiritual realm where no judgment exists after death. If the devil can lead people to a false Christ who's nonjudgmental, then he can convince them that they don't have to repent of their sins and be born again into eternal life by faith in the real Jesus Christ. If there's no judgment after death and no fiery hell awaiting the ungodly, then what's there to worry about?

Well, there's plenty to worry about. If you die in your sins, no universal, New Age Christ is going to save you. You'll end up in hell where you'll remain until Judgment Day. And then, you'll face the proverbial music.

The Bible reveals that spiritual deception such as the Jewish man's experience is going to increase in the end times. While spiritual deception has always existed, it's indeed becoming more prevalent as we get closer to Christ's return. Paul issued this caveat: "The (Holy) Spirit says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." (1 Timothy 4:1) 

How can we avoid being deceived by Satan? By knowing God's word in the Bible and applying that word by faith. To that, Paul wrote this: "Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in doing so have wandered from the faith." (1 Timothy 6:20-21) That's how you avoid spiritual deception.