“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron,” (1 Timothy 4:1-2)
Originally published in May 2020
There is a prophetic word that comes to every generation giving us a glimpse into the mind, heart and will of God. It is revealed for the benefit of all who will heed (respect) the Word of God. When a prophetic word goes forth, God is saying something to produce an expected end to give the hearers hope for the future. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” —Jeremiah 29:11.
God has spoken to us in many ways. He has laid a strong foundation of truth by His word. The Book of Hebrews says, He has spoken to us by His Son in these last days. Some will not obey the word, and therefore they will encounter the consequences of their disobedience.
“In many separate revelations [each of which set forth a portion of the Truth] and in different ways God spoke of old to [our] forefathers in and by the prophets, [but] in the last of these days He has spoken to us in [the person of a] Son, Whom He appointed Heir and lawful Owner of all things, also by and through Whom He created the worlds and the reaches of space and the ages of time [He made, produced, built, operated, and arranged them in order]. He is the sole expression of the glory of God [the Light-being, the out-raying or radiance of the divine], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God’s] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power. When He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt, He sat down at the right hand of the divine Majesty on high, [taking a place and rank by which] He Himself became as much superior to angels as the glorious Name (title) which He has inherited is different from and more excellent than theirs” —Hebrews 1:1-4 AMPC.
The church (people of God) must be on the alert for the spirit of deception. Since the days of the early church, Satan has actively opposed the truth of God’s Word, especially with regard to the gospel message. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” —1 Peter 5:8 NIV
Repeatedly satan has raised up false teachers within the church in attempts to deceive God’s people. The apostle Paul warned the Ephesian elders that “from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them” —Acts 20:30. And so a major theme throughout the entire New Testament, including John’s epistles, is that God’s people need to develop discernment so that they can avoid spiritual deception.
In these last days, the Lord wants to speak to this generation in profound ways, but we must be willing to listen and obey. Any time that God speaks, it is absolute truth. God’s intention for any word that He gives is always preemptive: serving or intended to preempt or forestall something, especially to prevent attack by disabling the enemy. The Lord’s intention for the word is always looking toward the future. He delivers truth to the people in due time so they can deal with things promptly. He provides His truth so that judgment does not have to occur. God is calling this present generation back to its first love. When a generation has strayed from its first love, God uses His Word to call them back to that love.
Remember this important point: At times, a prophetic word goes forth to a people who do not yet perceive the need that they have for that particular word. So, I urge you by the mercies of God to return to your first love. Offer yourselves (bodies) as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God–this is your true and proper worship. —Romans 12:1
May the Lord’s blessing be with you. May He lay a firm foundation of the testimony of Jesus in your life!
Minister A. Francine Green
Note: All Scriptures are taken from the New International Version (NASB) unless otherwise noted.
BEYOND CHURCH WALLS 