Do you know what to believe anymore? Matthew 24:4 says this, “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.” He was speaking of the end of the world to the disciples after they asked the question of when would be the end of the world. Take note Jesus’ answer to that question was the deceit that would happen. Many will be misled because they have not tested the word of God to what they hear from others. We need to prepare ourselves against false doctrine by spending time in the Bible. The following will show you some of the deceptive teachings that are out there now.

(This is an excerpt from the booklet Rendezvous In Space by Joe Crews. If you want to know more download for free with the link below.)

Chapter 2.  Satan Impersonates Christ

If you feel you would be insulated from deception, just imagine yourself in the presence of such a personage. Perhaps you have rushed to the scene to expose the crafty pretender, but you are not prepared for the awesome reality facing you. A majestic being, dressed in a glistening robe, towers above all the thousands who try to press in to his side. A tremendous aura of power circulates around the Christ-like figure. He speaks in the same gentle tones that you imagine Jesus used when He was upon the earth. You watch in amazement as he puts forth his hand to touch the blind, lame, and diseased who prostrate before him. Instantly they seem to be healed of every infirmity and weakness. The cry goes up from hundreds of voices, “Jesus has come!” You are strangely affected by the waves of joyful emotion that seem to immerse the adoring multitude who fill the streets.

Then, suppose that this noble benefactor proclaims that he is indeed the Messiah who has returned to resume his work of healing and preaching. How easy would it be to resist the impulse to hail him as the Son of God? The evidence of your physical senses would be overwhelming.

Why could the whole world be captured by such a dazzling demonstration? Because there is a natural response in every human being to the unusual and the spectacular, people will go anywhere at any cost to witness a promised miracle. Satan will exploit this fleshly foible to his own advantage. No wonder the very elect will be in danger of being deceived.

Now that we know how Jesus will not return, let us discover how His coming will actually take place. Our only safety is to understand the truth as it is revealed in the Bible.

Two angels came all the way from heaven to give the clearest declaration on record concerning the manner of Christ’s return. The circumstances of that dramatic moment leave no room for quibbling over what they meant: “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:9–11).

Five colorful words in these verses indicate beyond question that the ascension of Jesus was a very real event—beheld, sight, looked, gazing, and seen. This was not some mystical dream or vision. They were literally watching our Lord with their physical eyes as He disappeared into the distant sky. Said the angels, “This same Jesus … shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go.”

His return will be just as visible and literal as His going away. Since He left in a cloud, He must also come back in a cloud. Do the Scriptures confirm this? John wrote, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him” (Revelation 1:7).

In a few brief words the revelator reveals one of the most astounding facts about the advent of Christ. He will be seen by every living soul in the world as He gradually descends through the atmospheric heavens. The good and evil inhabitants of all nations on earth will look up together and behold the glory of His train filling the sky. Jesus described it this way, “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30).

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“And He said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, What manner of Man is this! for He commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey Him” (Luke 8:25)

When I give Bible studies to others, I always let them know that giving control over to Jesus will be the hardest thing to do. Why?  Because we always want to be in control ourselves. Even when things are out of our control we want to control them, that is how we are, so fully surrendering that control to Jesus is very difficult for us. I always thought I had given everything to Him, but apparently not. I recently had an experience that made me realize this question of “Where is your faith?” He asked His disciples; it was the same question He was asking me although I did not hear it until later.

My spouse and I were driving to the airport. He was driving. The drive can be upwards of 45 minutes and I was in the passenger seat. The traffic can get pretty bad, and on this particular day I was white knuckling the whole way. I was afraid. We prayed for safety before we left—his and mine. We put on the radio to a Christian station which usually calms me. And we were conversing like normal but I was so afraid the whole way to the airport. We finally get there and after unloading, I drove back from the airport. I got behind the wheel and it was an uneventful, calm trip back home. Control! I was in control and I was fine driving back. But where was my faith? Did I trust that Jesus can keep me safe? Yes. Did I know my spouse is a good driver?  Yes.  So where was the problem? Was I afraid of dying? No, because no matter what happens God has me in the palm of His hand (John 10:27-29). But let’s talk a little about the first portion of John 10:27, which reads, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”  Why could I not hear his voice? You may have read this before but there are certain things or weaknesses the devil will use to get at us. In other words, Satan knows the weakness specific to you and me, and he will use it. In my case, the fear was so prevalent that it drowned out Jesus’ voice. Let’s go to Matthew 14: 27-30, “But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” Notice that he said “if it be Thou.” Seems maybe Peter was having a bit of doubt at this time?  Continuing on, “And He said, Come.  And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.  But when he saw the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord save me.”  Peter lost sight of and stopped hearing Jesus and began to sink into the waves. And that is exactly what I had done. Fear is a very strong weapon the enemy can use. In Revelation 21:7-8 it states, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things: and I will be his God, and he shall be My son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” We need to overcome or we will not make it. I think of the world today and where we are headed. It will not be easy. Fear is already evident with the things that are happening in the world and it is going to get worse, and when fear enters our hearts it can drown out the voice of the only One who can save us. Fix not only your eyes on Jesus but your ears, too!