How to Avoid Deception - Part 4: Connect with Like-Minded believers

Three weeks ago, I started a 5-part series on how to avoid deception in these last days.  This has been a personal quest for me because I truly believe many many Christians will be deceived by the anti-christ and events that will take place toward the end of the age.  The Bible, both Old Testament and New are FULL of warnings against deception. If you think you're immune, you are in grave danger.

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. Matt 24:4
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matt 24:24

The first thing three things we must do to arm ourselves against deception are the following. If you missed them, you can click on them and read them at your leisure.
Know God 
Know His Word. 
Know Prophecy 

And now the forth thing you must do to avoid deception is to make close friends with like-minded believers.  I'm NOT talking about casual acquaintances at church with people you see every Sunday and spend a few minutes in idle chit-chat.  I'm talking about real close intimate friendships. I'm talking about the kind of people you can call on a dime and they will drop everything to pray with you, for you, over you, or run to help you in time of need.  I'm talking about people who know your weaknesses and appreciate your strengths in the Lord, friends who will not be afraid to tell you when you are drifting off the path.

They must be like-minded believers as well. A few years ago, I wouldn't have thought that was important, but now with all the false doctrines and apostasy in the church, it is vitally important to be selective in the type of believers you hang out with.  Someone who has bought into a deception theology could potentially manipulate you and drag you away from the truth.  So, discernment is required when you choose your Christian friends.

That may sound cruel but remember the Apostle Paul told the Corinthian church to not even associate with a believer who was not living in the light.

I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one.  1 Corinthians 5:11

Having these close friendships with believers is vitally important for the following reasons. A close Christian brother or sister can

• Notice when you are drifting from God and pull you back!
• Discuss questions you may have from the Scripture and give you a different perspective
• Pray with you and for you, even lay hands on you for healing
• Encourage you in your walk when you're down and frustrated
• Hold you up when you're too tired to go on
• Demonstrate God's unconditional love when you need it the most
• Keep you from deception by discussing questions, sermons, and ideas you've heard
• Help you evangelize better
• Help you find your calling
• Display the gifts of the Spirit to benefit you and others in the grouup

This is what the early church did in homes and why it is vitally important to add to your church-going a small home group or Bible Study. The Apostle Paul goes into great lengths to discuss in 1 Corinthians 12  how we are all a part of the Body of Christ and how each of us has been given gifts that are to be used to help each other. That is very hard to do in an auditorium style church, but much easier in a small group setting.

Lastly, Scripture admonishes us to not forsake the fellowship of other believers. We can no more run this Christian race alone than a soldier can fight a battle alone. We desperately need each other.  And especially in these last days.

and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,  not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near  Hebrews 10:24-25

Thoughts?


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