Revelation 13.11-18

Another beast shows up on the scene with one job…by performing great signs he is to deceive the world into worshiping the first beast and its image. And all the earth-dwellers…all those who have not trusted in Jesus…will do just that. They will show their allegiance to the beast by receiving his mark.

It’s easy to get taken in when we only look at the appearance of things without understanding their substance. When we see things from an earthly perspective instead of a heavenly one. Our problems/sufferings are one thing…we often lose sight of what God is doing in the midst of those things. But what about when things seem to be going really well? Bigger paycheck. Greater influence. More followers. That’s probably the more insidious danger…because compromise is a real possibility. Especially if we want to keep those things.

But we are to set our eyes on the things above. We are to look at our circumstances…both good and bad…through the lens of the Word…evaluating based not on our perception of right and wrong, but on what God says is right and wrong. That’s the insight/wisdom and understanding piece. That keeps us from falling prey to the deception of the enemy.

I’ve said it before, but here we are again. There are only two sides in this campaign…you are going to have to be “all in” on one of those sides. Either the side of the King or the side of the pretender, the side of the Lamb or the side of the dragon. And only one side will win…in fact has already won, and that’s Jesus’ side. So if you have not trusted in Him yet, make today the day.

It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, so that you might have forgiveness of sins and eternal life and that you might reign with Him forever.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Revelation series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.