For Fair Use Discussion and Educational Purposes

http://www.raptureready.com/soap/twobears1.html

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
To Be or Not To Be Deluded

By Don Twobears


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recently, I decided to get an opinion (of sorts), which then I hoped might lead to a consensus concerning current events. Now, we all have the newspapers and the Internet, even on our phones. I have asked what people think, knowing they have such widespread access to information.

In the beginning of my seeking opinion, I asked my questions to friends and family, then I began to ask strangers whenever I was engaged with them verbally. My concern was about anything: natural disasters, the economy, political unrest across the globe, the Middle-East unrest, and terrorism.

What I heard was “nation against nation,” “race against race,” “religion against religion,” and “belief against belief.” And surprisingly, it usually began with simple statements:

“I’m just tired of all the violence.”

“Can’t they see it’s nobody’s business what someone else thinks or feels?”

“I don’t care if they’re Muslim or anything else; keep your thoughts to yourself!”

“Just because you feel this way or that doesn’t mean everyone else has to!”

Not everyone went beyond those words or the like, but a few were willing to elaborate. The latter group was always willing to say, “If that’s YOUR religion or political belief…GREAT!!! Now keep it to yourself!” And these words were stated in exasperation, by and large.

How would you know this is the correct approach to take concerning those two areas?

Some religions state that the followers should expound their wisdom to others. In some cases, for some religions, it’s a requirement. I would try and state. “Don’t ya think it would be better to ask the other person, if they are willing to listen to it first? And IF not…then drop the issue and go about your business? The same thing goes for politics—ya know what I mean?”

This is the best description of the answers I would get. It didn’t take long before I saw that I had run into a very unique situation with those whom I knew well (or thought I did) and those few that I didn’t know at all. The “Great Delusion” was well on its way. Here are the Bible verses that tell of this delusion.

2 Thessalonians 2:1–12:



1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God , shewing himself that he is God.

5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way [the Holy Spirit].

8 And 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:

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be ****ed who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.(emphasis added)



That Old Serpent, the Devil…Satan…is hard at work doing everything he can to hurt our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! The Bible’s description of Satan has great warning for all. He is the father of lies.

In times past, people believed in doing the right thing, and yet today, that has fallen by the wayside. The statement, “It’s all about me”—self-centeredness—has taken its place throughout the world. I am still able to see September 11, 2001, as people of our nation coming together against the terrorists of the world.

In the past ten years, we have seen the polarization in almost every direction and, for every idea, pull this nation apart. Usually it is according to the whims of every individual and for every reason one can think of. If you need proof, go to the news section reporting any sort of event, read the story, and then read the opinion section. I’m sure you will sense the anger, the hatred, and the blasphemy from all directions!

I know from my childhood that adults used to rally together, look for the right thing to think, say, or do, and then move forward as a unit in what they perceive as the right direction. In those times, politicians used the name of God in finding solutions to problems. Yet since the beginning of the 1960s, we have seen that way of doing things slowly being eroded away.

We NO LONGER think in terms of what is best for all concerned. Now the mindset centers on: “How will this best suit ME? What do I get out of this? I want what’s due me!”

And everybody wonders about the cause of the ills of the world. Why all these things are taking place is the question of the hour. There is never any thought that the cause lies within all who make themselves number one in all things.

I believe this stems from the fact that the Great Delusion predicted by God is at work, and that the Day of the Lord (the Rapture) is very, very close at hand!

What behavioral manifestation can anyone find that more dramatically shows the extent of the Great Delusion as it is today? Self-centeredness has come to be full blown in this generation. Yet the Bible has been around for better than 2600 years.

Consider how long a period of time this is, then notice that where this world stands presently is proof that far too many have never read the Bible. Even if people do not wish to believe what is written in God’s Word, doesn’t it seem that it would be prudent to at least wonder if there is any level of validity to the prophecies written therein?

Think in terms of evolution. Ask how long these ideas have been around. Then ask yourself: If it is still a theory, if it is so valid to many, why has no one gone on to prove or disprove it? “Great Delusion” is the likely answer.

The same thing goes with the Bible, God’s Holy Word! The scientific world has already noted that some things in the Bible are true and are verified! Having said that, why is the rest of the Bible not verified by this same, scientific-oriented group?

The answer is that the Holy Spirit convicts every individual of SIN. Conversely, Satan condemns each person of SIN. It isn’t rocket science to understand that Satan hates you with a hatred you have never imagined. If that weren’t true, the world wouldn’t be in the particular condition it is in today. The average Joe Black on the street doesn’t think about his/her SIN; that would mean that he or she is wrong in how he or she thinks or lives—and we can't have that!! It truly comes down to this: “I’m right, or correct…and…you are not! I am better than you; why can’t you see that?”

The answer is equally simple to understand, as explained in Ephesians 2:1–2:

1 And you hath he quickened [made alive], who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.

The answer is to come to Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness of YOUR SIN, and believe that HE was crucified, died, and was resurrected, and now sits at the right hand of God. The ONLY way to the Father (and heaven) is through Jesus Christ!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Disclaimer: Rapture Forum, does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the reply button.

If you are new to this site and would like to post articles, opinions, youtube videos that are appropriate for this site just e mail me at

stevensandiego@ymail.com

I will send you a PASSWORD

Ybic

Steven