Then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders. 2 Thessalonians 2:8, 9.
Paul, in his second letter to the Thessalonians, points to the special working of Satan in spiritualism as an event to take place immediately before the second advent of Christ. Speaking of Christ’s second coming, he declares that it is “after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9.
Before the final visitation of God’s judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children. At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time to prepare a people for the Lord’s second coming. The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power he will make it appear that God’s special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world.
Young men and women will be lifted up, and will regard themselves as wonderfully favored, called to do some great thing. There will be conversions many, after a peculiar order, but they will not bear the divine signature. Immorality will come in, and extravagance, and many will make shipwreck of faith.
Maranatha p. 168
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Prayer Requests
—–I have a job interview this afternoon. Please pray that if it would be a good fit that I will get it. R
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Dear Friends,
When it was time for the children’s story some years ago, children from ages one to ten or eleven began walking to the front of the church, collecting an offering for the church school. Most walked down the center aisle, but several walked down the side aisle. One little boy, about two and a half, was one of those children. As he climbed up the step to the platform, he happened to notice the organ pedals. He stopped walking toward the gathering group of children and faced the organ. It was plain to see that he was tempted to explore those well-lit pedals. Deciding that he would resist the temptation, he joined the rest of the children.
The story held no interest to him. All he could think about was the organ. Soon, the temptation was too great. The little boy tiptoed away from the group and headed toward that large, musical instrument. Standing by the pedals, he hesitated a moment as though wondering if he should go through with his plan. Finally, he reached out one chubby hand and pressed down on the lowest pedal. A deep rumbling tone was his reward. This was fun. He tried another pedal. A different tone filled the church. Delighted, he stepped up onto those noisy pedals and began stepping from one to another. Discordant tones filled our ears.
At this, I jumped out of my front row seat and rushed to the little boy and began to guide him out from between the organ and its bench. He looked up startled. At the same time an older sister reached the toddler. Taking him from his position, she led him to the group of children. Before long, thoughts of that organ filled him mind. Creeping away from the group, he headed toward the object of his temptation. Big sister followed and swooped him up in her arms. Wriggling free, the boy ran toward his embarrassed parents yelling “NO!” at the top of his lungs.
It is not a sin to be tempted. It becomes sin when, instead of putting it out of our mind the enemy’s first suggestion, we toy with it as did that little boy. We know that we shouldn’t listen to the evil one, but soon we begin thinking of its possibilities. The more we think about it, the stronger the temptation becomes until we finally yield. Soon, our yielding become evident to all around.
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Cor 10:13 “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Rom 6:11-16
*Yield not to temptation, For yielding is sin. Each victory will help you some other to win. Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue, look ever to Jesus. He’ll carry you through.
Shun evil companions, bad language disdain, God’s name hold in reverence, nor take it in vain. Be thoughtful and earnest, kind-hearted and true, look ever to Jesus. He’ll carry you through.
To him that o’ercometh, God giveth a crown. Through faith we shall conquer, though often cast down. He Who is our Saviour our strength will renew. Look ever to Jesus. He’ll carry you through.
Ask the Saviour to help you, comfort, strengthen, and keep you. He is willing to aid you. He will carry you through.
May we heed our Dear Saviour’s words, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” Matt 26:41 May we flee from the enemy’s first whispered suggestion to do evil. May we “fight the good fight of faith” is my prayer. 1 Tim 6:12
Rose
*Yield Not to Temptation by Horatio R. Palmer