10-25-22 The Rise of Many

The Rise of Many :: By Charles Gray Adams Jr Published on: May 6, 2022 by RRadmin7 Category:General Articles Matthew 24:11 “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” [1] When asked what the sign of His coming and the end of the world was (Matt 24:3), Jesus said that many would come in His name and many false apostles and prophets would arise in the latter time and deceive many (Matt 24). The question posed here is, if we are already seeing the manifestation of many of the other signs of His coming, is it not reasonable that the many who rise are already on the scene, deceiving and being deceived? If so, who are they? Deceiving It is very tempting to assign this falsehood to the now twenty-four and seven news broadcasters that are on a mission to deceive. Notice their title, ‘broadcasters,’ is even indicative of what way they preach. Indeed, they preach the broad way that leads to destruction: Matthew 7:13 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (emphasis mine) The broad way is any other way than Jesus Christ. He is the gate/door (John 10:7) to the straight and narrow way that few find (Matt 7:14). Those who currently fill the airways with their nonstop propaganda are, in essence, preaching another gospel that has nothing to do with Jesus Christ. However, these are not the predicted false apostles and prophets. No, the many that Jesus warned about are, in fact, religious leaders who present themselves as ambassadors of Christ. This is proven by the fact that they are identified as ravening wolves who come in sheep’s clothing (Matt 7:15). Why would these false leaders come in sheep’s clothing? The Apostle Paul provides the answer: Acts 20:29-31 “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” Paul saw the coming deception which Jesus had warned about. He was so concerned about it that he warned the people for three years. This proves the danger of this rise of the many who would deceive. But what is their main purpose? Paul embeds the reason in the above text, “to draw away disciples after them.” Here is the crux of the matter at hand: True disciples will always point others to Christ. False disciples will always point to themselves even though they use the name of Jesus profusely. Test this the next time you listen to someone preach. When they are done, ask yourself who they leave you thinking about. If the answer is Christ, then they are on the right track. If the answer is the speaker, you know they are attempting to draw you to them. By the way, sometimes ministers will unknowingly heap praise on other ministries without realizing it is the ministry that is getting all of the praise and not the one whom they profess to minister about, Jesus Christ. The most unfortunate thing about this is no other entity in heaven or earth is the gate. Jesus alone has earned that title. Sadly, men covet the admiration of others, and they seemingly will do anything to obtain it. The danger, however, is the path they would lead others on ends in destruction: Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” As previously noted, the broad path leads to destruction and should be avoided at all costs. However, everywhere you look, many are arising. Please accept the following challenge: Examine the most popular preachers and teachers in the world by the above parameters (who do they leave you seeking) and see where they come out. You will be surprised by the results. One special note should be made here; these false leaders can also leave you seeking the preeminence of one other entity, you. After all, the root of true deception is that man can be as god. This deception was propagated by Satan himself, and it is also a tell-tale sign of false teachers. [2] Deceived Deception is perhaps the most telling sign of the last days. Jesus warned about it more than any other single issue. Incredibly, the passage being examined here speaks of two distinct players in this end-times deception, the deceiver and the deceived. Combined, these two entities provide proof positive that Jesus is coming very soon for His bride in the rapture. The aforementioned deceivers are clearly on the rise, and this is proven by the fact that they have amassed great numbers of the deceived as followers. This should not be surprising since Scripture describes the latter days as being just like this: 1 Timothy 4:1 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” The fact that a church has a very large congregation does not, in and of itself, prove the church is on the right track. Indeed, examination of these passages presents an argument that this could actually be cause for concern. Perhaps this is why Paul said, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thess 5:21). You might ask what the root of this problem is. Perhaps, the simplest answer is spelled out in the often quoted, “men shall be lovers of their own selves” (2 Tim 3:2a). This would explain the rise of both the deceivers and the deceived. Each group, by seeking their own will, has abandoned the narrow path, which is only followed by seeking and following the will of the Father in heaven. Said another way, each group strives to fulfill their dreams and passions instead of simply following the will of the one who actually knows what is best for them. Ramifications The fact that both deceivers and the deceived are on the rise is one of the greatest signs that Jesus will soon remove His bride and the Day of the Lord/Tribulation will commence. [3] This means the very unpopular task of doing the work of an evangelist is increasingly necessary at this very perilous time: 2 Timothy 4:5 “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” Yes, doing the work of an evangelist, especially at this time when many desire to be deceived (leaders and followers who desire their own will versus the will of the Father in heaven), will bring affliction. However, this affliction is light when compared to the woes the deceived will face in the coming Tribulation, should they miss the rapture. [4] By the way, if you happen upon this article after the rapture, the article “Open Letter to Those Who Miss the Rapture,” is for you. [5] Conclusion Great deception marks the time in which we live. Many are running to and fro, looking for the latest word from those whose personalities have eclipsed the message of Jesus. This indicates that time is very short indeed, for this is but one of many signs that the bride will soon rise to meet the coming bridegroom in the air. [6] With this in mind, do all things as unto the Lord (Col 3:23). Preach when it is convenient and popular and when it is inconvenient and unpopular (2 Tim 4:2). Time is short. Men are already turning away from sound doctrine toward teaching that tickles their ears (2 Tim 4:3). Lastly, the night fast approaches when no one can work (John 9:4). Therefore, strive for this blessing: Matthew 24:45-46 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” Website: In His Commission May 2nd, 2022 ——————- [1] “Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the King James Version.” [2] For greater understanding, see the article, “The Greatest Lie Ever Told: The Origin of All Lies.” [3] For greater understanding, see the article, “Watch – Warn- and Win Souls.” [4] For greater understanding, see the article, “Only the Ready are Raptured.” [5] For greater understanding, see the article, “Open Letter for Those Who Miss the Rapture.” [6] For greater understanding, see the article, “The Five W’s of the Rapture.”