by aginetha josephat | 16 July 2018 08:46 pm07
Matthew 24:23–26 and Luke 17:23 warn us that a time is coming when many people will claim that Christ is here or there. Jesus clearly tells us not to believe them. He explains that false Christs and false prophets will appear, performing impressive miracles and signs—so convincing that even true believers (the “elect”) could be misled if they’re not careful.
These warnings from Jesus show us that we’re living in a dangerous spiritual time, especially in these last days. True Christians will need to stay firmly grounded where God has placed them for the safety of their souls. This means holding fast to the truth of God’s Word and refusing to be swayed by the many spiritual distractions and false teachings out there.
Jesus told His disciples that the last days would be similar to the days of Noah. So let’s briefly look at what happened in Noah’s time.
Before the flood, God instructed Noah and his family to enter the ark. When they were safely inside, God Himself shut the door behind them. This act showed that once God places you in a safe spiritual place, you should not leave until He says it’s time.
Later, as the floodwaters started to recede, Noah became curious and opened a window to check if it was safe to leave. He released two birds:
A raven, which flew back and forth and never returned.
A dove, which returned because it couldn’t find a place to land.
These birds represent two different kinds of spiritual influences:
The raven symbolizes deceptive spirits. It seemed like everything was fine outside, but it was not. If Noah had trusted the raven’s signal, he might have led his family into danger.
The dove represents the Holy Spirit. It didn’t land because there was still no life outside. When Noah sent it again seven days later, it came back with a fresh olive leaf, a sign that new life had begun. Only then did Noah know it was truly safe to leave the ark.
Just like Noah, God has placed true believers in a “spiritual ark”—that is, His Word. When you are born again, God expects you to remain grounded in the truth of the Bible, not to follow emotional feelings, strange doctrines, or popular teachings that sound good but contradict Scripture.
If you step outside God’s Word, you open yourself up to deceiving spirits—represented by the raven. These spirits try to convince you that everything is okay, that God is no longer judging the world, and that you can live however you like. They tell you:
“There is peace and prosperity outside.”
“God understands—you don’t need to change.”
“The old ways are outdated; God is doing something new.”
But these are lies meant to pull you away from the safety of God’s truth.
On the other hand, the dove (the Holy Spirit) leads gently and truthfully. He doesn’t shout or push, but He brings evidence of life—just like the olive leaf. When it’s truly God’s time to move, the Holy Spirit will show you clearly. He will never lead you to rebel against God’s Word.
Today, many preachers are preaching another Jesus—a Jesus who doesn’t care about sin or obedience. They say:
“It doesn’t matter how you dress or behave—God only looks at your heart.”
“You can be saved even if you live like the world.”
“There are many ways to get to God; Jesus is just one of them.”
But the Bible teaches differently. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). The apostles preached repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and receiving the Holy Spirit(Acts 2:38). But today, many churches focus only on material success and personal comfort—not on holiness, judgment, or heaven and hell.
These modern teachings are like the raven—they mislead people and give them false hope.
The Holy Spirit, symbolized by the dove, is not loud or forceful. He won’t tell you to run to one preacher or another. Instead, He confirms truth quietly within you. He brings peace and assurance at the right time.
Luke 17:21 says: “The kingdom of God is not here or there, but it is within you.”
Before the Rapture (the taking away of the true Church), God will send a final, powerful revival of the Holy Spiritaround the world. It will be like the dove bringing the olive branch—a clear sign to God’s people that the time has come.
This final move will bring a special revelation (Revelation 10:4 speaks of seven thunders yet to be revealed). This truth will prepare the Bride of Christ with the faith needed for the Rapture. Remember, Jesus asked in Luke 18:8: “When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
Are you truly saved?
Are you being led by the Holy Spirit (the dove) or by deceiving spirits (the raven)?
Romans 8:9 says: “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.”
Now is the time to repent, give your life to Jesus, and stay grounded in His Word. Don’t follow man-made religion, or emotional teachings, or every preacher who claims to speak for God.
Instead, stay inside the ark of God’s Word, and wait for the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth.
May God bless you richly.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2018/07/16/be-careful-of-deceiving-spirits/
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