“Now as he sat on the Mount of Olives,
the disciples came to him privately, saying,
‘Tell us, when will these things be,
and what will be the sign of your coming,
and of the end of the age?’
And Jesus answered and said to them:
‘Take heed that no one deceives you…’”
Matthew 24:2-3

When asked about the signs of Christ’s second coming, the very first thing he said was a warning to be very careful that you’re not deceived.

vs 24-25
“For false christs and false prophets will rise
and show great signs and wonders
to deceive, if possible, EVEN THE ELECT.
See, I have told you beforehand.”

Deception is the mark of this age. Some deceptions are very obvious, such as the teachings of the many cults everywhere. But some are not obvious. I’m thinking of two of the largest congregations in America, led by true false prophets. The thousands of people who follow these have no idea they are being deceived, and they have no idea that these men are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Why? Because these men couch their deceptions in Scripture to make themselves appear credible, and then they tell the people what they want to hear.

As a safeguard, make it a practice to PRAY that God show you any areas you may be deceived in. Deception is insidious and the enemy who knows you so well knows what you will fall for and what you won’t. If you are not steeped in the Word of God, you will not recognize deception. If you do not pray for discernment, you’ll be fair game for the enemy.

“TAKE HEED that no one deceives you…”