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As the teachings of spiritualism are
accepted by the masses, the restraint imposed upon the carnal heart
is removed, and the profession of religion will become a cloak to
conceal the worst of sins. A belief in spiritual manifestations
opens the door to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils, and
thus the influence of evil angels will be felt in the churches.
Those who teach spiritualism will
engage in controversy with those who teach the truth. They
will quote Scripture, as did Satan to Christ. "Prove all things,"
they say. But their idea of proving is to listen to their deceptive
reasoning’s, and to attend their meetings. It is true that
spiritualism is now changing its form, and, veiling some of its more
objectionable features, and is assuming a Christian guise.
These teachings cannot be denied or
hidden. The people of God should be able to meet Satan, as did our
Savior, with the words: "It is written." Those who would stand in
this time of peril must understand for themselves the truth of the
Bible. This study will search out the Christians spiritual warfare.
1. What type of battle are we faced
with?
Ephesians 6:12
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Note:
“Spiritual hosts
of wickedness.” Notice that not everything spiritual is good. We
do not understand as we should the great conflict going on between
invisible agencies, the controversy between loyal and disloyal
angels. Over every man, good and evil angels strive. This is no
make believe conflict.
2. What will happen to many
professed Christians in the last days?
1 Timothy 4:1
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Note:
False teachers will arise among us, giving heed to deceiving
spirits whose doctrines are of satanic origin. These teachers will
draw away disciples after themselves. Creeping in unawares, they
will use flattering words, and make skilful misrepresentations with
seductive tact.
3. How does a Christian stand
against doctrines of demons?
Isaiah 8:19, 20
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Note:
In these days of
delusion, every variety of error will be brought out in the
mysterious working of Satan, which would, if it were possible,
deceive the very elect, and turn them from the truth. Everything
must be tested by the Bible.
4. What is the danger in these last
day deceptions?
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
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5. Where does the desire to heap up
false teachers come from?
2 Timothy 4:3, 4
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Note:
The time has come
when people will be guided by their own desires and feelings rather
than what God has said in His word. We must be guarded and not
follow our own desires for they may lead us astray.
6. What have some crept into the
church and done?
Jude 4
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Note:
Many who profess Christianity turn the grace of God into a license
to sin. Those who make a profession of being Christians, and still
live a life of sin cast dishonor upon the truth of God.
7. How do these teachers allure the
people?
2 Peter 2:18, 19
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8. What does the Bible call a person
who turns people from the truth?
Acts 13:6-12
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Note:
Bar-Jesus means son of Jesus in the Greek. Today it would be the
equivalent of calling yourself a Christian.
9. What do false teachers make no
difference between?
Ezekiel 22:26
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10. What will God’s servants make a
difference between?
Ezekiel 44:23
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Note:
“Therefore, come
out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch
what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you,
and you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.” 2
Corinthians 6:17, 18. “Therefore, having these promises, beloved,
let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and
spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
11. What has God called us to?
1 Thessaloninas 4:7, 8
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Note:
To make no distinction between the holy and the unholy, between the
clean and the unclean, is to reject not man but God.
12. How do we stand in the evil day?
Ephesians 6:13-17
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Note:
The deceptions will increase, and we are to call rebellion by its
right name. We are to stand with the whole armor of God. In this
conflict we do not battle against men but principalities and powers.
We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against what is
unseen. The only weapon for the Christian soldier is the sword of
the word of God.
The warnings of the word of God regarding the perils surrounding the
Christian church belong to us today. To many the Bible is as a lamp
without oil. Personal opinions and religious traditions are
destroying faith in the Bible as a divine revelation. They are
robbing God's word of power to control, uplift, and inspire human
lives. Through spiritualism, multitudes are taught to believe that
desire is the highest law, that license to sin is liberty, and that
man is accountable only to himself. |