The Greatest Show on Earth

Websters has a compound definitions for the word "show." The second set would fit here.
2-show: demonstrative display, outward appearance, a false semblance.

Revelation 13:13 "And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men"

Revelation 16:13-14 "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

These verses describe two time frames in which demonic power will bring forth miracles for the sole purpose of causing men to follow them. In earlier posts (Confusion of Forces and Confusion of Forces II) the differecne between true and false miracles was discussed. True miracles from God will bring glory to God and will result in a deliverance or revelation. The name of Jesus Christ will be glorified in each case. For example, the blind man in John chapter 9 had a twofold purpose. First, Jesus healed him and this man could now see all that was around him. Second, God was glorified as he gave this man sight. And such is the case today when someone is healed from an illness or deliverd from an oppression of any type. Freedom is received and God is glorified. But the false signs of the wicked one will bring no deliverance or freedom. On the contrary, they will cause the world to wonder after the beast and receive his mark so that they can continue to purchase beer and pretzels.

Ours is a culture that's well accustomed to "watching things." In a few weeks, Americans will sit in their assigned recliners and watch the super bowl. Folks are mezmerized by entertainment and theater; staged events that have no bearing on realiy, but woo the spectators. Lately, there's been a form of programming called "reality shows" in which folks are placed into a staged set of circumstances and it's classified as "real" Too much of the news reporting today is an abundance of theater and shallow on content; analyzing various aspects of events but never getting to the bottom of things. (I guess that such should be expected. We really can't expect CNN to understand the implications of the eagle nation of Daniel chapter seven being engaged in a deployment along the Euphrates and Hiddekel (Tigris) Rivers. The significance of these rivers is mentioned in a post done way back in July or August called "Principalities Powers, and Angry Bablyonians. (I think that's the one)

This is a common topic on this site because the deceptions are real and the stakes are eternal. The world is set for "prime time" in which the man of sin will make his play and the final phase of the last days will be set in motion. The one thing that we must be ever so careful of is to ensure that our hearts are firmly established. This also has been mentioned before; that the illusions will be so strong as to appear to disprove the faith of Jesus through signs, miracles, science, and common sense. The devil always appeals to elements of fleshly understanding and insight.

I cannot seem to impress this one thought enough; that being enough to where I feel in my heart that I've adequately impressed it. Our faith will be tried in the coming days and months like no other time. Using common sense reasoning will no longer work and those that truly "KNOW THEIR GOD" and have that personal intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ will be the only ones who will be able to stand.

Hebrews 5:14 "But strong meat belongeth to them that are full of age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

The time to develop discernment is the present. This is a daily prayer of mine; asking the Lord to grant discernment to all that love him as the days are filled with voices and doctrines like no other time in history. I'll use a secular example to explain this. Do you remember the second Indiana Jones movie. (I think it was 1984) Near the beginning, this lady was chasing after a diamond around the floor of this night club while a brawl was in progress. A container of ice cubes hits the floor and suddenly, this diamond is lost in the midst of these ice cubes. That's a good picture of things today. This will grow even more intense at the end draws ever closer.

James 5:8 "Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

The world is filled with a host of various doctrines; many of which appear christian and many that appeal to almost any liking. They all serve the same purpose, that being to obscure the gospel. This is warned of in scripture and one must give it the utmost of attention. I ask the Lord daily to please reveal to me any place where I am proclaiming error, and the courage to admit to it when I know of it. The bible is my final authority on all matters, but I'm far from perfect and Gods word is infanitly deep. (Jeremiah 33:3 and James 1-5-8) There is one thing that I know is contrary to much of todays teaching but I believe to be the accurate deciphering of scripture. That's the timing of the rapture which I believe takes place after the tribulation. I always ask anyone to not take my word or simply follow the scriptures that I use to support this, but to check it out on their own. We all must take a Berean approach to teachings as the times are dark and men are not enduring sound doctrine. Two more passages.

Revelation 22:18-19 "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

Three things that can be learned from this.

( 1 ) God speaks through his word. He preserves his word for every generation.

( 2 ) He severely deals with anyone who adds to or takes from his word. Any who uses his word in deceptive fashion or for causes others to doubt its authenticity.

( 3 ) We are all going to be judged by the things that are written in the word of God and as such diligent study is imperative. My fervent desire is to cause any who passes by to seek the Lord and spend time searching the scriptures. One more verse; one that should cause us all to think and continuously examine ourselves.

Proverbs 16:25 "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."

A deception will appear as ironclad accuracy and yet it will be a lie. Saints of God, we all need to walk in the Spirit at all times and hide the word of God in our hearts. Everything is soon to be shaken and mens hearts will be failing them for fear as the end times prophesies come to pass. If you're born again, please don't let this get you down. The darkest hour is always before the dawn and Jesus is soon to appear. Hold fast the profession of your faith and I'll close with the following verse.

Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Please commit this verse to memory.