Daily Bread – July 24, 2024 (The Fourth Day – Genesis 1:14-19) 2 Timothy 3:12-13 – And also, all who live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But wicked men and imposters will continue to become worse, deceiving and being deceived. Deception Through Demonic Influence One of the fundamental things we must recognize is that there is a demonic influence in the world. These demonic powers are very effective at deceptions. They present thoughts in the minds of men that seem to be logical and practical, but in reality are nothing but deception. Ultimately these seducing spirits will turn many of God’s people from the faith, who will even deny the Lord who bought them. However, the demonic lies don’t start by attacking the Salvation that is only in the Name of Jesus. They begin in more subtle ways, slowly eroding the truth so that those who are influenced by them have no foundation to stand on in the end. Their primary mode of operation is to entangle God’s people in sin. They desire to turn the grace of God into lasciviousness, convincing believers that grace allows and even accommodates sin (Jude 1:4). There are even those today who believe the only way to stay safe within the arms of grace is to continue in sin (Romans 6:1-2, 3:8). If these spirits can deceive a child of God into believing that sin is somehow okay, then this is the first step towards ultimate deception. Therefore, be aware! For those teachers who preach any form of sin is somehow justifiable are operating under the influence of a spirit of deception. The only safe ground is the truth. We must be willing to walk in the Spirit and live by the Word. If the Bible even suggests there is something wrong with a behavior or action, then we must be resolute in having nothing to do with it. We must remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and no matter what anyone says, if we are convicted over something, then we must not participate with that thing. Otherwise, we will go from one compromise to another, and ultimately agree with every doctrine that the spirit of deception teaches. Blessings, Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread 7/24/2024
