By Rev. Michael Bresciani ——Bio and Archives--June 22, 2014
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"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." (2 Pet 2: 3-4)Christ promised that even though prophecies would all converge in one generation that most people would ignore them and waltz headlong to the day of the great surprise. It is promised to be worldwide, sudden and catastrophic, but the most repeated warning of scripture is that it will catch virtually everyone completely off guard. By everyone we do mean--entire nations. Much like the mother who diverts the attention of her child with some attractive alternative from the forbidden or dangerous pursuit they are clamoring for, the god of this world (Satan) doesn't care if you think of yourself as intelligent or not, he plays everyone as if they were dumb. Distraction, diversion and common pursuits are all he needs and we have got plenty of them. Jesus only mentioned a few common distractions of everyday life like eating, drinking and marriage (Mt 24: 38) now we can add to that, handheld devices, HD-TV, tablets, games, interminable movies, sports, travel, and the list is almost endless. What's worse is that we love these things. You're going to love your retractable awning, you are driving a car built by love says one manufacturer. We don't just have stuff - we have to love our stuff. Little wonder that the Apostle John was urged by God to pen the following.
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 Jo 2: 15)Besides the distractions yet others are filled with what they perceive to be the higher pursuits of the contemplative life. They fancy themselves as intelligent, special, talented, different, chosen, holders of the secret keys to success. Unaware that Satan parcels out the world's attractions to whoever he likes, whether they are deserving of not.
"And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it." (Lk 4: 6)
"For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal."Revelation describes Satan as the "deceiver' seven times. The most amazing aspect of that part of revelation comes when we see exactly who he is deceiving. We would think it would be the gullible, the un-educated, those without religion or the just plain dumb. Think again. He is the master of deception not a rank amateur, thus he is called the deceiver of nations, (Rev 20: 3-8) - all nations. He is an equal opportunity deceiver and will suck in the greatest thinkers along with the greatest stinkers. He draws many lines among which are the most common or the top three which are power, fame and fortune. For the less ambitious he provides a thousand lines to step across such as petty lusts, worldliness of all kinds from raising pigs to fine art. It is the generational lines that are the most deadly because they tend to sweep in thousands and millions all at the same time. In this generation, the question of origins and destination has been hijacked by the old serpent. The idea that men evolved (origins) and that they are bound for outer space not final judgment (destinations) has rooted in our time. The principle in this deception is blaringly simple, yet, it is generally ignored by most. It is the nation crusher. Simply put, if we did not come from God and are not going to God then everything in between is a relativistic gray sea of mush and the meaning of our existence is open to anyone and everyone of the nearly eight billion inhabitants of the earth--don't look now, but that is the nations. This generational line was drawn just in time for the rise of the antichrist, that last and worst ruler on earth who is in fact, the exact opposite of Christ. Jesus Christ was God in the flesh but this generation will soon be making way for the one who is Satan in the flesh. He will accomplish his finest, final and most futile deception of all time by leading the world into an economic system that will bring every man, woman and child directly under his control. The arch deceiver doesn't care who you are. The educated, the powerful, the famous, the fools and the common man are all called to his feast of self-indulgence where nothing is greater than the mind of the individual. Although, there are not as many takers, the call out of this generational sinkhole is also made to anyone regardless of status or station. After describing the worst portents and judgments that will befall this world at the second coming of Christ, the entire book of Revelation is appendaged with, yet, one final call to the mercy of God. Nations do not need to be duped, doomed or damned. Jesus Christ not only draws a line, but he is the line.
"I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Rev 22: 16, 17)
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New American Prophet is listed as one of the 30 best Christian Magazines to follow. - Michael Bresciani is the editor of new.americanprophet.org since 2005. The website features the articles and reports of Bresciani along with some of America’s best writers and journalists. Visit us at USA.Life, Twitter and Facebook.